OPINION: We should never complain about the moisture falling from the sky!

My close relative was pretty stern when answering my plea for a trip to the Pendleton rodeo. I did not beg, wanted to but didn't! I would have been glad to buy us tickets to fly there, stay in a nice hotel and buy all the hamburgers. I offered all that and she still just raised her eyebrows and huffed at me. I figure it is a lost cause for another year now since this has been a slam dunk solid "no way, Jose" answer!

Had to start wearing the old boots this morning. My newer everyday ones are wet after a couple of weeks of rain. That is not right; it has not really rained on our rock pile, but it has drizzled just over an inch. The hay is still standing and growing but that is a dare to the wind. I am holding my breath every time I pass and look at it.

Cattle are separated and the AI bulls have been selected and semen is in the tank. We don't AI all the spring fresheners but about a dozen of the cows are worthy of spending for a real classy bull. I refuse to allow the offspring to try to split a straw. I know some do it successfully but it is iffy and I just can't stand the thought! I am always about an hour behind new and better ways to produce beef.

I also am having a hard time with the calving period dates. I would prefer none born until the middle of February or a week later, but the thoughts of adding another few pounds continue to push the offspring. I am still the senior here but you know they are pretty smart and I realize their positions.

Too many family enterprises are ripped open and sold because the senior can't relax the hold on the decisions. This outfit has already weathered the returning educated offspring knowing way too much, and we made it through that without a major wreck, so I know to ease off occasionally.

I encourage everyone I talk with to get in line for the covid-19 vaccination. We don't know what will happen next, but we sure don't need to bury more fine folks because of the nasty covid. I realize the angst some have over the what-if of the medicine. What if it makes me sick for a couple of days or what if it causes my hair to curl? I'd bet that is better than trying to overcome a severe case of the covid-19!

Our preacher came out for dinner on Sunday. He said he sure appreciated the fine spread and that it did not contain chicken. Made me happy that he enjoyed the beef and ate his share. The pie was not refused, either!

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, we should never complain about the moisture falling from the sky! I allow that you can get tired of wet boots, wet spots in the truck seat where you sit, and the smell of mildewed everything! I also get tired of dust and dried-up grass, so just be over it and do not gripe! Pray for sunshine, ample rain and long days! The days are growing longer now and we appreciate the extra hours to get another chore done before dark.

These older old boots are making my heel sore, so I guess I'd better wear the rubber boots instead. Can't let folks think I milk cows so won't be hanging out in town the rest of the day! Keep the door locked to the arsenal and Remember the Alamo!

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