Fellers in our line of work are not envious or jealous of each other

I suspect there is trouble brewing for some squirrels this morning. I saw my close relative load the BB gun, sight it in and proceed to an area where she could take aim and damage a marauding squirrel!

The varmints have discovered the new bird feeder post and she is not in the sharing mood! The seeds are for birds, no furry critters are allowed. She growled something about squirrel and dumplings as she slipped out the back door.

I expected rain and storms yesterday but it was one of the nicest days so far this year. I rode Snip over most of the place and enjoyed the afternoon. The grands had loaded horses and headed off to a roping. It sure is hard for me to realize how quickly they have grown up. Well, the trip around the place was good, and I suppose Snip and I both need some time out of the earshot of everyone. I like being by myself so I can put together in my mind, without interruptions, thoughts or plans.

I got the chicken coop put together as I rode along, it is here and I now have to do the actual nailing and sawing stuff. I am not a natural carpenter and, so, I have been sorta putting off the actual building. I have the material, delivered a couple weeks ago, but the weather has prevented me from getting serious about doing it. I went over the plans as I rode two pasture fences and I will start on it this week. Didn't find any fence problems anywhere, so I suspect all of the hides are where they are supposed to be today.

We are getting ready for haying and it is apparently going to be a good one. We are usually in the field by mid-May and maybe this year a little earlier. The shortage we all experienced is still fresh in our minds, and we will be diligent in filling all the barns this year. The offspring have the equipment ready, having spent many of the rainy hours in the shop. A few days of good sunshine and things will pop!

Vern Metcalf called to say he bought a new baler and wanted to show me the way it works. I told him it was too early to demo a baler, and he said he just wanted to show the thing and talk about it. I guess I will go by there later today to see and touch the new toy. I know what it feels like to sink a washtub full of hard earned cash into a machine. Wish we had a new one, but the banker would be owner this year. Vern has a right to show it off!

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, fellers in our line of work are not envious or jealous of each other because we all understand the way things occur. We suspect some extras were sacrificed, or some cattle sold that he wanted to keep, or just the dire need of the new item even if it meant borrowed money. We know paydays are usually once a year and, so, counting every cent is the way of life of a beef producer. We enjoy any and all progress our neighbors are able to make, all the little things and once in a while they might add a big thing like Vern did. I am sure I won't be the only look and touch visitor of the day. We may have enough there to have a good visit!

If you have a desire to swing a hammer at a nail, come tomorrow! I will furnish dinner!

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