Life is tough, but I am too!

Snip and I are both out of shape and, even at that, we make a pretty impressive team! I rode all morning to check and count cattle because the ground is slightly muddy. Snip fussed around some. I can't blame him; the mud makes it difficult to move around and he is getting older, but he finally got in line and did his job. We hauled hay with tractors yesterday and, hopefully, won't have to put any out today or maybe even tomorrow.

I am not complaining about the moisture. This rain is so important to this old country and it could have been snow and ice, brrr! I just wonder what happens to all the dad-gummed rocks when it gets muddy. You would think we could get a foot of rain and not have any problems as many rocks as there are around this whole outfit.

That feller came with the motor for the hay truck, proceeded to tear into his work and did not stop for food or drink until he had the purchased motor in place. I stood back and watched him, amazing speed and agility at every turn. It was early when he arrived and it was late when he finished, but he did it all and alone. The offspring were totally fascinated and finally set out chairs to watch.

The proof is in the pudding, of course, so I held my breath as the key was turned and parts were shocked into life, black smoke was belched out in great wads and finally it kicked into a humming, running truck. It was almost midnight and I was needing my rest, so I paid him and went to the house.

The offspring stayed to test drive the truck, it did move forward and backward and all was well. The next morning, I asked the offspring how a feller might learn how to do such an amazing job and if they knew his history. They did not, but he did speak broken English and they suspect he was a refugee from a miserable life, working hard to better himself and his kin. God bless those who suffer the atrocities of evil!

I loaded the close relative and we made a trip to the feedlot to admire the steers. Let me tell you, that was a pleasure. They are getting there, about ready to put on the show list and I am tickled with their gains. We stood and looked, talked and reminisced for a while. It was a nice trip.

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, lights on vehicles are sure important even in the daylight. I have gotten so used to seeing lights that a dark car can almost slip up on me. I wonder how many years it will be before all the vehicles will be factory made with constant headlights. We think of many ways for safe travel and we need to be aware of how easy some of the tricks are. Turn on your lights and wipers and live to see another day!

My rubber boots leaked, so I am pitiful and will be forced to shop. My left boot is damp and hurts my little toe. Life is tough but I am too!

Stay in the middle!

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

Editorial on 01/30/2019