I would like to change some things in our little world, like setting time changes and so forth. I'd never go back to the real one because I would always like a few more daylight hours. I would bring up to the lawmakers the fact that it is sure hard to find black cattle in the dark at 6 p.m., even if the day is not over.
We could get used to the darker mornings, and you realize that almost all barns have lights in them now. We don't need daylight to feed animals. Of course, I may be slightly one-sided here, not taking into consideration the city folk or the school children. But, you know me, I think in a circle and that circle is full of beef production! Anyhow, this time is the best for me and mine and I have great ideas of getting more things accomplished.
There are two cows left to calve in the spring bunch. I suspect they aborted and rebred without any fanfare and will be so late they may get a trip to town. The offspring have been discussing culling the nonproductive and slow producing cows. I sometimes sorta step back and let them carry on; they need to make decisions on the place. I don't want them to be too severe but I have been known to be too soft-hearted on some old hides! Maybe they will hit a happy medium.
I had to buy myself a brand new pair of rubber boots. I have lived here for a long time and never have been so blessed with rain as we have this few past weeks. Sure will help the country to get "watered up," and grass is beginning to show some green. My old boots got a hole in the heel on one and in the toe on the other. I try to not wear them very often but don't hesitate when the mud is deep.
I missed a stop at the coffee emporium this morning. I was checking and counting and got involved with fence mending and it was dinnertime before I realized it. After we ate lunch, the offspring decided to weigh the heifers we kept for replacements. I am always ready to see what the actual result of growing is and, therefore, we gathered and weighed them.
I guess it never hurts to run them through the chute because we did find some ticks and a couple of them coughing. I will get some tick dope pretty soon and we will spray and drench with pour-on as we do spring work. It is getting close and I am not prepared with the meds.
That brings up another thought. All the new medications for the same old things, and me without a degree! I have to study and then ask our veterinarian a million questions. The offspring are pretty up on the new stuff, but they know less than they think they do!
My close relative is stockpiling for a trip to the south to see some of her ne'er-do-well family. I am always ashamed of my attitude when I see the children and the women who are so thankful to receive the bounty. It is the lazy ones that just rankle me to no end! I am grateful forever for my close relative's desire to help others, and maybe it will rub off on me sometime!
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, I will be walking in tall cotton when the weather finally knows it is spring! We can dig some worms and go to the river for a few crappies and enjoy some morels and fried eggs and wild onions along with the fish. I have seen some little onions already, and am always looking for mushrooms -- none yet! The changing of the seasons always brings on expectations of pleasures we remember from the past. We will bring up the chicken coop when I mention the green onions and eggs, and I will surprise the whole bunch when I pull out the plans I have ordered! Surprises are fun.
Ticks are moving so spray yourselves!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 03/20/2019