That is a common question I get asked. My first thought is always, ‘It depends if anyone pooped in their water trough.’
Surely there is a western by that title?
I try to do extra chores on Wednesday mornings because I have a standing date on Wednesday evenings with my sister (and whoever is free to join us) for dinner. For example, I filled up the cows’ water trough yesterday morning so I wouldn’t have to do that in the evening. While doing evening chores, I gave the cows’ trough a glance to make sure all was fine … and I noticed how murky the water was. Then, I noticed the tell-tale trail of cow poo on the edge of the trough. I am not sure how many gallons their trough holds, but I would estimate it at ….
a lot.
It is a heavy trough when not very full, so I have to use a bucket to remove the water until I finally get the water low enough that I can tip the trough over to dump it on its side to be washed out. I was busy filling the bucket and flinging the water out of the pen … and didn’t notice that I was slowly sinking deeper into the muck. Then, as if in slow motion, I felt myself drifting backwards, but my feet were in quicksand! Softly, I plopped onto my derriere. I knew immediately what was up. This is what I posted on Facebook as a tribute of sorts to my late husband:
This is going to seem like a really strange post …. but if you knew Gary very well and if you knew our relationship very well (always playing jokes, laughing and telling stories … on each other!) you will understand: I have been thinking about the fact that today is the 9th anniversary of the day he died. It makes me grumpy. Then, for no great reason, while I was doing chores, I went down, backwards, into mud and poo!! I knew immediately that it was Gary and he wanted me to lighten up. So, here it is folks, my “tribute” to Gary today: Lighten up. Live your life fully. Have fun. Laugh at yourself. Don’t take yourself, or this crazy world, too seriously. It’s a short ride and we better enjoy it.
Also, which I do not believe was just coincidence, these were delivered from my best friend … during chores:
Sometimes, I am pretty sure there are NO coincidences. They are more like God moments.
Of course, chore-length can depend upon how long I stop to smell the roses and play:
Or how many mouths there are to feed … and are they on pasture? What are the weather conditions? Etc… Surprises happen. Chores get done.
I actually got to see or hear from many of my family and friends yesterday. The boys and I are blessed in so many ways.
Life moves on. Ya just gotta hop on and hold on.
And make the coffee!
Just Make the Coffee 
You took a photo of your own bottom! I did not know Gary but the way you describe him i think he would be impressed., At the moment chores take me about two – two and a half hours, when i start milking – well it is longer. No-one pooped in my troughs this morning but I found a dead rat in one yesterday! Does that count?
Ugh, dead rats definitely count!!
Yes, I know … the picture. I thought about not, of course, but it added to the story. Not the normal “selfie!!”
Oh….if I had those sweet little goats to look at and play with, my chores would take FOREVER!
I love your tribute to your late husband…and Yes I do believe they are close to us.
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
https://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/sherlock-boomer
Thank you, Linda.
Those anniversaries are hard to deal with. We’re quickly approaching the anniversary of our son’s death. I find myself being more easily distracted this time of the year. It certainly sounds like you have some wonderful memories of your time together.
Of course had that happened to me, I would have needed a wide-angle lens for the photo 🙂 LOL!!!!
Distracted is a good way to describe it!
I’m glad you took a moment to share with us your thoughts on the anniversary of your first husband’s passing. It makes life real. Laughed out loud at ‘It depends if anyone pooped in their water trough.’ You just have to wonder WHY they do that!
I think we all need reminders to not take ourselves too seriously and to enjoy life as we can. I’m glad you laughed out loud! That is good for the soul. 🙂
I loved the picture of your jeans and the tribute to your first husband, and I love your openness! Reading your blog is like spending the day with a good friend and just living life together. Thank you!
Cindy
http://www.southernperks.org
This may be one of the nicest comments I’ve received. 🙂 I truly have hoped to write like you described – open and like time with a good friend! Thank you!!