Little storm clouds came along and made big noises. I believe I counted 39 drops hitting the roof but was tickled to have any. The thunder was pleasing to a poor old dry-land beef producer even if it was all blow and no show! I have known some folks like that, too.
We have pinkeye in some of the steers. The fly problem is terrible, and we are doing our best to control it but to little avail. We gathered the steers and sprayed them pretty good and then doctored the pinkeye ones. All the cattle are fighting the bloodsuckers and we are trying to get them all sprayed. We did the heifers late yesterday and will do cows and calves this morning. If nothing breaks or falls apart, we can do the dry cows this afternoon and then the bulls if it doesn't get dark on us.
We always try to keep plenty of dope on the fly rubs and, at one time I even tried to use a mineral that would kill the fly eggs in the manure. That did not help us at all! My money was wasted. I don't know if it worked on our place, but I know a fence does not keep flies penned!
I am up early and my close relative has started the bacon and coffee. Sure makes me glad I am alive and doing what we do around here. We work hard and we are well versed in ways to lose money, but we are more blessed than pitiful. The sunrise has painted the sky a bright pink and it is a free show for all!
Old Dog is pretty tired this morning. He spent most of the night threatening coyotes. We are overrun with the mangy critters since most men have stopped carrying rifles in their trucks. The bounty needs to be opened again so we could get rid of some of the problem. The pack killed a yard dog at the edge of town last week, and they will get braver as they age. I kill all I can hit.
No, I do not want to build a hen coop, and I do not think I am going to. It has been mentioned a few times, and talk about fresh eggs has been scattered into the evening conversations lately. Why would a perfectly sane woman want to spend her time trying to keep a bunch of hens when eggs cost less than a dollar for a dozen? I have nothing against store eggs, they taste good and seem to work pretty good for cakes and pies. Time will tell who wins this battle, the one that I fear is coming on.
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, the celebration of our independence was sure wonderful. We watched the firework show and enjoyed the big outdoor meal like thousands of Americans. I just hope we continue to think about our freedom and the price that is constantly paid for it. Brave Americans die daily, some accidentally but some are killed by enemies of our country so we can continue to be free. Think about it!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 07/18/2018