Let there be no mistaking that winter is officially here. I can do nothing about it, can’t stop it, send it back or hurry it out; we just have to live through it — if we can. I intend to do just that but, golly, once again I lament for the livestock. I know cattle do well in the north country and are able to stay warm because of their design — thank you, Lord. But the calves are little and it bothers me.
My close relative is relaxed and has the music going on at headquarters. She recruited an army of helpers to put the holiday fixings away, eat all the food, restructure the house and sweep the floor! I escaped by leaving quick like to put out hay. The tracks of 2017 Christmas are marked in the annals of history and on our hearts. We did the New Year watch thing at our church and were home in bed by the time the ball dropped!
We had one frozen tank this morning and it was supposed to have a heat ring in it and it did, but the dang thing was frozen, too! I realize you gotta replace the things after 10 to 12 years, but it should have a warning light or something! The problem with so many frozen jobs is the wet gloves afterward. I got some new leather gloves and I do not wear them to work on frozen tanks! I think the big old rubber ones are somewhere in the shop and probably chewed on by muskrats. Sure as heck aren’t in my truck!
And that is another thing. My truck was on its last legs. It wheezed and sputtered and rattled like a tin can full of marbles. I proceeded to take advantage of the last possible day of the year to spend money and bought myself a new one. It is pretty basic, has A/C and a few other nice things, but I don’t need one that costs more than the farm! Even the poorest made and least desirable models are outrageous in price. Who cares, it is just money and I saved some tax dollars by getting it in time to go on last year’s costs!
I had time to stop at the coffee emporium this morning. The fellers were in fine spirits and telling tall tales about their holidays. I am always astounded by the brilliance of some two-year-old grandkids that arrive at homes of grandparents. The children are so smart they could run the government single-handed. George and Lloyd had a heated conversation going about whose was most brilliant.
It is my opinion, and everybody has one, we were once again afforded the joy of celebrating the birth of Jesus. We worshipped, ate, played and loved every member of the human race for a few hours. We gave toys, food and attention to the homeless and unfortunate, allowed ourselves to smile at some we don’t even see on a usual day. Then, with the hours speeding by, we reverted to our normal selves. Make that a thought for your coming year. I believe love is the most important of all.
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.