It is over, almost, and I will never understand it. I am not going to Canada and I will not cry but I am slightly overwrought! Maybe some of the Halloween spirits stayed around.
We gathered cattle and weighed and, sure enough, it was a pretty good summer after all. I guess the grass did sustain and the sun provided the needed vitamin D! The year is about gone, none too soon, and yet we all need to thank the Lord for the good days we had in the rotten circumstances.
I like the days we work at the lot with cattle. Wears me out, makes my body ache when I hit the sack, but I like those days! Grands like to hang around when they can on working day and that is a special time for me and my close relative.
We will hope but not plan on the grands wanting to live on the land and continue in our chosen occupation. They are all growing in such a strange world full of buttons and cyber gadgets that I can't imagine wanting to do what we do will entice any of them. They like or, I should say, love to ride and do the things they are privileged to do because of the parents and grandparents owning land. But working it may be way off their track.
I sold the last two bulls we raised so the bullpen is empty and needs to be cleaned out. We have an old, ancient and rusty, bobcat that still works if you hold your mouth just right. I like to scrape the ground and leave the pen limed and hopefully disease-free for the sun to bleach the rocks. I don't know that it makes a profit to raise bulls considering the length of time they are fed. I don't want to sell them until they are about 16 to 18 months old and ready for service. Takes lots of time, wear and tear on fences, feed, vet bills and wear and tear on me.
The only thing that makes me want to continue is my pride!
Saw Shorty Givens at the coffee emporium this morning and he said he was looking for a job. I was surprised because he owns a big spread about 70 miles east of here and he is my age. He said he is tired of working seven days a week and thought a day job would be just the thing! Shorty has always been lots of laughs and a feller to look up to, he is 6-foot, 4-inches and big as a small mountain. He was just driving through on his way to pick up parts from a Massey warehouse.
It is my opinion, and we all have one, our regular world and activities are changing again. You might have thought you were becoming adept at living in a mask and staying distant but that is probably not the last uncomfortable thing we are going to learn to do. Be wise and pray often, mind your manners and keep your guns and ammo hidden so they will be there when you need them. Keep the faith and enjoy the life you have because He is still in control!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.