Some days are just made for taking a ride across the place and I can't seem to ignore the urge. I feed more than Snip every morning and the grands' horses need exercise, so maybe a good trek through the place would do one of them good, like me!
I had been wanting to ride a gelding the oldest kid has been roping off of and bragging about the way he handles. This looked like a perfect combination, me and a good horse. I saddled him and we had a long lope to the first pasture and the ride was just dandy. That horse does respond instantly, no lazy trot before hitting the lope and seems eager to satisfy. We hit the heifer pasture and counted, looked at all of them and went on to the steers. The horse was gate wise and made opening and closing an easy job.
We checked the steers and found all accounted for and healthy. The cows bred to calve in February were next and they all ignored us completely and grazed on. The grass is still growing and tender. I am amazed at the summer we have witnessed and sure have praised the Lord for His blessings.
I wanted to go on over to the rented place so we went down the highway and made it without a hitch. I had not ridden that many miles in a while but that horse was like a rocking chair and I sure was happy. The rent place is empty right now, but the new automatic waterers are ready for the next bunch. We will get the fence built around the pond and then use this pasture for the fall calves and cows. The grass is good and I am sure proud of the way the ditches have covered over in grass.
I rode on home, thinking I wish I had waited to check the bull pasture after I saddled up but I had already counted and looked at all of them square in the eye. These cool mornings make them feel like bowing up at anything bigger than a grasshopper and, considering my ability to outrun and outdo bulls, I am better off in the pickup!
I rode by the headquarters on the way in and showed off to my close relative. She sorta scolded me for riding the horse belonging to firstborn grand, but then she smiled and I waved and went on to the barn. The other horses were all grazing except Snip who was running the fence and squealing like a little girl! He was glad to see his buddy and so they visited vocally as I led him into the barn.
Yes sir, days like this are soon over and we are gonna start shivering again. But that is life and we just gotta get ready. I think I might as well try to think of something good about winter rather than lamenting its loss. I can remember the comfort of the fireplace, the sweetness of the cocoa and the chili I do love! The thick coats the cattle put on and the horses with so much hair on their heads they look silly. I know there are other great things, but I am stretched to the breaking point now so I will stop for this time. Remind me later to name more!
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, the time for doing is now. I want to be ahead on the chores, on the speaking of fondness to family and the paying of bills. I like to be there when the bell rings at church, ready to answer when someone asks me a question or with a smile when needed. I don't want to be late to the table, to the task or late to giving a well done when it is deserved. I don't accept excuses very easily for those who are always late, never ready and always down in the mouth!
I don't have patience but won't pray for it either because I am afraid He would make me suffer much! Be early, never hurts!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 10/16/2019