I suspect paying taxes is not such raw a deal

I went to see the CPA, armed with my checkbook and a pen I hoped was out of ink! Actually, I knew it would be expensive and I had already grieved considerably, so I was sorta prepared for the worst of the news. Now don't misunderstand that, I am never ready to just shell out cash and I am always afraid our Uncle will be holding out his hand. The tax rules are so complicated a regular feller can't do his own, and so a CPA earns every penny he charges to keep our skins out of jail.

I sure do like the fact that we are way down in the spring of the year. I love spring, and I really like it when it happens in the spring of the year! Next year when that aforementioned CPA starts figuring how much it costs to feed the old hides, I wonder if he will believe we were still putting out hay and cubes this late in the season. I am keeping a good log of what is going on so I can prove the temperatures by the date, confirmed by the U.S. Weather Station.

My close relative is wringing her hands and walking the floor, wanting to buy flowers and get to turning dirt in the garden. I like the fresh tomatoes and stuff, but I am not just crazy about the times I am required to assist in the yard. I have informed her offspring that they will be assigned to her for such duty this year. The younger offspring sorta likes to dig in the dirt and is good at keeping a garden weeded, so he has opted for the position. Once again, I praise the good Lord for children!

The calves seem to do real good in cool weather. The little buggers just buck and play, always returning to get more milk. The grass is trying to grow and the calves are grazing a little, the old cows are licking up every blade they can find. I cube the cows a small amount, keep out mineral and mix some iodine in just for good measure. Seems to work well against foot rot. I am still not sure the vitamin A in the mineral is there after we pour it into the feeder. I was at a mineral meeting and the feller who should know said vitamin A is released out of the mix as soon as it hits the air. Now, I don't know that for sure, gonna do some research, so don't quote me. Just could have been the salesman's way to sell more of his solid minerals.

We are ready to mow some hay. The equipment is oiled, greased and every bolt tightened. New rake teeth have been installed, plenty of twine is on hand and all we need now is the fields to grow some hay! Tons of commercial fertilizer has been spread, some chicken litter, and the moisture is adequate for a good crop. Just waiting for the weather to change.

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, I suspect paying taxes is not such raw a deal. I like for the Army to protect me and mine, and we also need other things the government does for us. I sometimes feel like we are paying through the nose, so to speak, but maybe if you don't make it you won't have to pay. I like to make it! Hope you do, too!

I heard spring was spotted about a hundred miles north, traveling south at a pretty good clip. Keep on grinning, she is coming!

Bill is the pen name of the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.