Daddy Gene always said, "poor people have poor ways". Mostly, he meant that when facing a need, Wright City folk had to figger out a solution that did not involve money.
Gene called them solutions "managing". Takin' what you had and forging a resolution that got the job done. In truth, he was a master at this "art" as he was something of an inventor and as handy as a pocket on a shirt when it came to "fixin" stuff.
The old ranch hand inherited that ethic and has tried to emulate Daddy's ways. Often a quicker, easier solution would be to pay someone else to fix something, but the image of Daddy "watchin" always loomed in the background.
A case in point involves the ranch riding mower. That puppy has been a trojan of a workhouse performing hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of service without complaint.
Course, like your humble scribe, Rojito (as I call the red machine) has started to wear out one piece at a time.
The routine has become to mow a time or two....and then tear it all apart to replace broken/worn parts....mow a time or two...repeat above (over and over)????
The book of Romans (12:12) tells us, "Be joyful in hope; patient in affliction, faithful in prayer".
Lord, I know you have noted my "faithful prayer" to give me more "patience", but after today that damn mower is wearing my butt out with its breaking down "affliction".
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
The Lakota Prophecy
A white buffalo is considered sacred in several Native American Indian religions.
A Lakota prophecy goes that the birth of a white buffalo would be a sign that the time had come for the world to be purified – harmony, balance, respect among people and respect for the earth. (whitebuffaloprophecy.com)
The ole ranch hand has ultimate respect for the Creator and the beliefs of the ancients....while simultaneously sharing the belief of my friend "T" that the Almighty has a sense of humor that includes "jus' playin'" with us at times?
This last sunrise dawned clear with the promise of the fall to come and its hint of autumnal treasures. Not to be false in seasonal intentions, the ironic nature of our humble ranch land once again "smirked".
Looking out the bunkhouse to the back pasture, the fat boy spied eight Rio Grande turkeys sauntering about with their heads down bobbing and tails in the air in a clucking foraging choreography.
Lo and behold, a lone ubiquitous avian soul sported traditional foliage from mid-section to crown....while brilliantly displaying bright white plummage on the entire lower half?
Surely our Savior had a "belly" laugh on that one while musing as to the potential interpretations of us mere mortals?
Ya gotta love it!
A Lakota prophecy goes that the birth of a white buffalo would be a sign that the time had come for the world to be purified – harmony, balance, respect among people and respect for the earth. (whitebuffaloprophecy.com)
The ole ranch hand has ultimate respect for the Creator and the beliefs of the ancients....while simultaneously sharing the belief of my friend "T" that the Almighty has a sense of humor that includes "jus' playin'" with us at times?
This last sunrise dawned clear with the promise of the fall to come and its hint of autumnal treasures. Not to be false in seasonal intentions, the ironic nature of our humble ranch land once again "smirked".
Looking out the bunkhouse to the back pasture, the fat boy spied eight Rio Grande turkeys sauntering about with their heads down bobbing and tails in the air in a clucking foraging choreography.
Lo and behold, a lone ubiquitous avian soul sported traditional foliage from mid-section to crown....while brilliantly displaying bright white plummage on the entire lower half?
Surely our Savior had a "belly" laugh on that one while musing as to the potential interpretations of us mere mortals?
Ya gotta love it!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
The Good Life and Other Magic
In Romans, Chapter 14, we are told, "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgement on disputable matters. One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables"
Be it abruzo, andouille, banger, bowerwurst, boudin, or the ranch hand's venerable Tin Star venison jalapeno/cheese smoked goodness....sausage would likely meet the biblical definition of "One man's faith allows him to eat anything...."?
The word sausage is derived from the Latin word salsus which means something salted. As a historical reference, sausages are mentioned in The Odyssey which was written by Homer more than 2,700 years ago (integratednutrition.com).
Regardless of history, nomenclature, preference, or prejudice, sausage would be one of the ole fat boy's weaknesses.
Tomorrow next, the bride and I will journey to the nearby burg of Thorndale to the meat market to drool over their casing enclosed ground meat goodies.
Right now we be thinking bout ten pounds of lean beef links and a similar pile of pork and jalapeno/cheese hot gut mouth candy.
Fire up the ranch smoker pit early with live oak seasoned for three years, lovingly lay them puppies on the grill with gentle tenderness......and wait for the magic to happen.
Now that is the GOOD LIFE!
Be it abruzo, andouille, banger, bowerwurst, boudin, or the ranch hand's venerable Tin Star venison jalapeno/cheese smoked goodness....sausage would likely meet the biblical definition of "One man's faith allows him to eat anything...."?
The word sausage is derived from the Latin word salsus which means something salted. As a historical reference, sausages are mentioned in The Odyssey which was written by Homer more than 2,700 years ago (integratednutrition.com).
Regardless of history, nomenclature, preference, or prejudice, sausage would be one of the ole fat boy's weaknesses.
Tomorrow next, the bride and I will journey to the nearby burg of Thorndale to the meat market to drool over their casing enclosed ground meat goodies.
Right now we be thinking bout ten pounds of lean beef links and a similar pile of pork and jalapeno/cheese hot gut mouth candy.
Fire up the ranch smoker pit early with live oak seasoned for three years, lovingly lay them puppies on the grill with gentle tenderness......and wait for the magic to happen.
Now that is the GOOD LIFE!
Sunday, September 2, 2012
The Topper
When the ranch hand was near 15 year old, he purchased a .12 gauge single shot shotgun from Papuh (grandfather) for the magnanimous price of $15.
Yeah, it had a metal screw for a front sight...and there was black electrician's tape around the forearm to keep it on the gun...and there were wooden match sticks driven between the tang and the stock to keep the stock from "wigglin", but it was heaven to a Wright City boy wanting to hunt "birds"!
Course, shells was hard to come by. Lester Sala who owned the drug store in Turnertown would sell boys shells in amounts less than a box. Ya had the money for only three bullits...Mr. Sala would cut a deal. (Now imagine how carefully your neophyte "bird" hunter would choose them shots knowing he only had 2 or 3 chances for the day???)
On occasion, an adult would "gift" some shells to a poor country boy. Only thing, ya never knew what the "load" was....the ammo bag would have a mix of bird shot, squirrel shot, buckshot, rifled slugs, or whatever...they was bullits..that's all that mattered to a rural young'un....even if ya splattered a poor hapless varmit with a heavy load while bruising a shoulder?
Many was the time the ole fat boy hoofed it down Rusk County Road 4151 in search of winged quarry with that venerable H&R Topper one hole scatter gun. Dove, quail, and the unfortunate meadowlark (mistaken for a dove/quail) succumbed to the wanna-be Daniel Boones' marksmanship.
Time passed...and now there resides in the ranch gun safe (in addition to the "Topper") guns of considerably greater cost and craftsmanship. This opening weekend of the 2012 dove season opened with yours truly "blastin" down at the pond with one them high dollar twice-hole models...but been thinkin'....
Wouldn't it be cool to dust off Papuh's ole popper and down a dove like the old days...now that would bring back good memories.
Yeah, it had a metal screw for a front sight...and there was black electrician's tape around the forearm to keep it on the gun...and there were wooden match sticks driven between the tang and the stock to keep the stock from "wigglin", but it was heaven to a Wright City boy wanting to hunt "birds"!
Course, shells was hard to come by. Lester Sala who owned the drug store in Turnertown would sell boys shells in amounts less than a box. Ya had the money for only three bullits...Mr. Sala would cut a deal. (Now imagine how carefully your neophyte "bird" hunter would choose them shots knowing he only had 2 or 3 chances for the day???)
On occasion, an adult would "gift" some shells to a poor country boy. Only thing, ya never knew what the "load" was....the ammo bag would have a mix of bird shot, squirrel shot, buckshot, rifled slugs, or whatever...they was bullits..that's all that mattered to a rural young'un....even if ya splattered a poor hapless varmit with a heavy load while bruising a shoulder?
Many was the time the ole fat boy hoofed it down Rusk County Road 4151 in search of winged quarry with that venerable H&R Topper one hole scatter gun. Dove, quail, and the unfortunate meadowlark (mistaken for a dove/quail) succumbed to the wanna-be Daniel Boones' marksmanship.
Time passed...and now there resides in the ranch gun safe (in addition to the "Topper") guns of considerably greater cost and craftsmanship. This opening weekend of the 2012 dove season opened with yours truly "blastin" down at the pond with one them high dollar twice-hole models...but been thinkin'....
Wouldn't it be cool to dust off Papuh's ole popper and down a dove like the old days...now that would bring back good memories.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
GOLDIE OLDIES
Musically, the ole ranch hand is a willing slave to the lyrics of the 60's (high school days).
Never can get enuff of the Rolling Stones, Steppenwolf, Bob Seger, Glen Burt and The Travelers....and the list is long and glorious!
Back in the day, Austin boasted an "oldies" station that "rocked around the clock". Sad was the day when the cretins of the airways pulled the plug on that puppy????
A few years back the fat boy was lamenting the sad state of harmonic affairs to his youngest daughter. Said young'un condescendingly explained that "everyone" knew that station K??? played nuthin but "oldies"!
Joy reigned thruout (until a "test run" revealed that my offspring's "oldies" were from the 80's and 90's)?????
In recent history, your humble scribe "bit the bullit" and got a "smart" phone (easily another embarassing self-deprecating blog in and of itself). Today, your neophyte smart phone dumass downloaded an "app" that will tune in any radio station in the world.
Glory Hallelujah and praise on the highest order!!!!!!
Been bouncing back and forth on OLDIE GOLD nation-wide all afternoon.....life is good!
Never can get enuff of the Rolling Stones, Steppenwolf, Bob Seger, Glen Burt and The Travelers....and the list is long and glorious!
Back in the day, Austin boasted an "oldies" station that "rocked around the clock". Sad was the day when the cretins of the airways pulled the plug on that puppy????
A few years back the fat boy was lamenting the sad state of harmonic affairs to his youngest daughter. Said young'un condescendingly explained that "everyone" knew that station K??? played nuthin but "oldies"!
Joy reigned thruout (until a "test run" revealed that my offspring's "oldies" were from the 80's and 90's)?????
In recent history, your humble scribe "bit the bullit" and got a "smart" phone (easily another embarassing self-deprecating blog in and of itself). Today, your neophyte smart phone dumass downloaded an "app" that will tune in any radio station in the world.
Glory Hallelujah and praise on the highest order!!!!!!
Been bouncing back and forth on OLDIE GOLD nation-wide all afternoon.....life is good!
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Holdin' the Pole
Early spring the ranch hand planted catfish, bream, and bass seedlings in the Tin Star pond and has nursed them puppies since to raise a "crop".
This morn dawned with coolish weather and overcast and just seemed to whisper "fishin" in the fat boy's metaphorical ear.
Weren't nuthin to do but gather up the requisite acquisition devices, harvest a dozen night crawlers, and saunter with the beautiful bride down the path to our angling destiny.
Tasks were quickly assigned:
A. Bride catches all fish while squealing in girlish delight.
B. Ranch hand baits hook, takes fish off, makes appropriate admiring comments about the aforementioned bass pro's prowess (and otherwise stays the hell out of the way?)
The "mission" was launched and in short order our neophyte piscatorialist had landed 20 lively flip floppers of various lineage on the dock.
Don't tell her, but your humble scribe had much more fun watchin' the "show" than he ever could have holding the "pole"!
This morn dawned with coolish weather and overcast and just seemed to whisper "fishin" in the fat boy's metaphorical ear.
Weren't nuthin to do but gather up the requisite acquisition devices, harvest a dozen night crawlers, and saunter with the beautiful bride down the path to our angling destiny.
Tasks were quickly assigned:
A. Bride catches all fish while squealing in girlish delight.
B. Ranch hand baits hook, takes fish off, makes appropriate admiring comments about the aforementioned bass pro's prowess (and otherwise stays the hell out of the way?)
The "mission" was launched and in short order our neophyte piscatorialist had landed 20 lively flip floppers of various lineage on the dock.
Don't tell her, but your humble scribe had much more fun watchin' the "show" than he ever could have holding the "pole"!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Jesus and BBQ
Age teaches some of us that the simple pleasures in life are the best.
The ole ranch hand rose from his bunk bout 5-ish this morn to coax the fragrant aphrodisiac of well seasoned wood to its destiny in the Chuck Wagon meat smoker.
Got the ebony steel puppy's temperature jus' right in the comforting blanket of predawn softness and gentle cool from the eve's righteous rain.....and then laid the hawg ribs with reverence on the "altar" of BBQ worship with appropriate respect and sublimity.
The fat boy has since been sneakin' peeks at the "que" while inhaling the intoxicating aroma of the Tin Star Ranch Live Oak fuel fulfilling its promise of good things to come.
Read a biblical passage recently which stated, "The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
(Psalm 145:15,16)
Ya'll reckon our Lord and Savior was a fan of fancy meat burnin'???
Regardless, your humble scribe is eternally grateful for the privilege of His blessings in the Tin Star Chuck Wagon department!
The ole ranch hand rose from his bunk bout 5-ish this morn to coax the fragrant aphrodisiac of well seasoned wood to its destiny in the Chuck Wagon meat smoker.
Got the ebony steel puppy's temperature jus' right in the comforting blanket of predawn softness and gentle cool from the eve's righteous rain.....and then laid the hawg ribs with reverence on the "altar" of BBQ worship with appropriate respect and sublimity.
The fat boy has since been sneakin' peeks at the "que" while inhaling the intoxicating aroma of the Tin Star Ranch Live Oak fuel fulfilling its promise of good things to come.
Read a biblical passage recently which stated, "The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
(Psalm 145:15,16)
Ya'll reckon our Lord and Savior was a fan of fancy meat burnin'???
Regardless, your humble scribe is eternally grateful for the privilege of His blessings in the Tin Star Chuck Wagon department!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Junkin' Gypsies
The ranch hand and his beautiful child bride are bona fide junkin' addicts.
Searching for that sweet nirvana provided by the roadside carnies of retail has long been a quest for that "best junk just down the road".
Ok, to be fair...most of our treasure emporiums have signs advertising "antiques", but they be junk purveyors to the ranch clan?
Palaces of the nature we seek are most often of the late 1800 to early 1900 variety with saggin porches, dirty windows....with a few old folks sittin' out front considered a plus (throw in a hound dawg and hmmmmmm!)
Today's adventure included a sojourn up US 183 to Lampasas where the local Kuntry Kitchen served yard eggs, home made grits, and smoky sausage patties that would make a hawg hug a hound.
Mopped up that feast with buttery biscuits and sashayed on North to Goldthwaite to walk roun' the county courthouse square while eyeballin' the dusty interiors of the empty buildings with cornerstones denoting dates around the turn of the century.
Turned East to Evant and grinned while inspecting all three business establishments in that booming metropolis. All of the antique/junk stores had their doors wide open (no A/C) and one of them even had a person in the store to "wait" on folks (One has to reckon that crime ain't much of an issue in Evant...and the "honor system" is alive and well?)
Continued East to Gatesville where the local hat dealer had a huge selection of manly head gear (western only) to the tune of maybe four styles in a couple of sizes. Felt like a junkin' pro to find and purchase a prize that fit the ole fat boy!!
Motored to Waco and turned North to Elm Mott to visit the Homestead Heritage to shop "stuff" made by local artisans with hand tools the "Amish" way. Glommed onto the ultimate "find" there with the acquisition of a blacksmith hand forged triangle and striker for the ranch chuck wagon.
Finally headed the ranch pony South toward the bunkhouse, but stopped just short in Florence when we noticed the 100 year old hardward store had become a western wear shop. Hoo-ee-doggie....roped up a red bandana near two foot on a side for the eye-poppin' price of one U.S. dollar (icing on the cake).
Now back at the ranch suckin' on a col' adult beverage while basking in the self assured glory of a great day on the road "junkin" and the blessing of our "finds"
Damn, retired life is good!
Searching for that sweet nirvana provided by the roadside carnies of retail has long been a quest for that "best junk just down the road".
Ok, to be fair...most of our treasure emporiums have signs advertising "antiques", but they be junk purveyors to the ranch clan?
Palaces of the nature we seek are most often of the late 1800 to early 1900 variety with saggin porches, dirty windows....with a few old folks sittin' out front considered a plus (throw in a hound dawg and hmmmmmm!)
Today's adventure included a sojourn up US 183 to Lampasas where the local Kuntry Kitchen served yard eggs, home made grits, and smoky sausage patties that would make a hawg hug a hound.
Mopped up that feast with buttery biscuits and sashayed on North to Goldthwaite to walk roun' the county courthouse square while eyeballin' the dusty interiors of the empty buildings with cornerstones denoting dates around the turn of the century.
Turned East to Evant and grinned while inspecting all three business establishments in that booming metropolis. All of the antique/junk stores had their doors wide open (no A/C) and one of them even had a person in the store to "wait" on folks (One has to reckon that crime ain't much of an issue in Evant...and the "honor system" is alive and well?)
Continued East to Gatesville where the local hat dealer had a huge selection of manly head gear (western only) to the tune of maybe four styles in a couple of sizes. Felt like a junkin' pro to find and purchase a prize that fit the ole fat boy!!
Motored to Waco and turned North to Elm Mott to visit the Homestead Heritage to shop "stuff" made by local artisans with hand tools the "Amish" way. Glommed onto the ultimate "find" there with the acquisition of a blacksmith hand forged triangle and striker for the ranch chuck wagon.
Finally headed the ranch pony South toward the bunkhouse, but stopped just short in Florence when we noticed the 100 year old hardward store had become a western wear shop. Hoo-ee-doggie....roped up a red bandana near two foot on a side for the eye-poppin' price of one U.S. dollar (icing on the cake).
Now back at the ranch suckin' on a col' adult beverage while basking in the self assured glory of a great day on the road "junkin" and the blessing of our "finds"
Damn, retired life is good!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Saint Mathew
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." (Mathew 6:7)
The ranch hand's near 80 year old mom-law has repeatedly stated without equivocation that when the ole fat boy "prays" aloud to his Lord in a public manner... he be MUCH too l-o-n-g winded.
The would-be messenger of his Savior, begs to "differ" as his highly biased opinion is leanin' towards the praise side on all occasions of devotional benediction?
Today was an epiphany of "praise" as the bride's Mom said, "When you pray, I start to feel GANGRENE settin' in from the "wait"?"
Surely God is sending a message...Just not sure if it is, "Good one, keep raggin' her butt", or "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Mathew 25:21)
The ranch hand's near 80 year old mom-law has repeatedly stated without equivocation that when the ole fat boy "prays" aloud to his Lord in a public manner... he be MUCH too l-o-n-g winded.
The would-be messenger of his Savior, begs to "differ" as his highly biased opinion is leanin' towards the praise side on all occasions of devotional benediction?
Today was an epiphany of "praise" as the bride's Mom said, "When you pray, I start to feel GANGRENE settin' in from the "wait"?"
Surely God is sending a message...Just not sure if it is, "Good one, keep raggin' her butt", or "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Mathew 25:21)
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
REVELATION
The ole ranch hand recently acquired the loan of a valued piece of history in the form of a buddy's ancient Marlin .22 single shot rifle.
The Book of Revelation (Rev 12:9; 20:2) makes use of a serpeant to identify Satan. Bein' plagued with "satans" down at the pond, your humble scribe sauntered that way with the bride and the little Marlin in tow.
Three shots later, they be three less fish eating reptiles slitherin' therein.
The triumphant mighty hunter then proceded his victory march back to the bunkhouse with the jubilant admiring bride in tow.
Said bride then entered the garage and promptly began furiously running in place and SCREAMING obscenities while pointing to a corner of the garage.
Being of normal curiousity, the accomplished woodsman "investigated" and observed a harmless four foot long rat snake. Relying upon a vast knowledge of the world of scaled sliders, the revered husband announced (FIRST MISTAKE) that it was a beneficial creature and should "live".
Bad move...the frantic foot stomper very efficiently redirected her rant toward her embecile mate and cut a blue streak toward the back pasture and assumed safety from the now six foot "killer".
Being never "rattled", the brave fat man picked up a nearby boat paddle and commenced to "shoo" the elongated one from the premises.....SECOND BAD MISTAKE....that eight foot instrument of Lucifer CHARGED at its tormentor with its jaws-a-snappin' like popcorn on a fiery griddle.
ALL machismo evaporated, yours truly started "running in place", and the ever larger predator repeatedly ATTACKED causing visions of fewer social security checks to loom equally as large???
Finally after a battle to the death of epic proportions, brother (ten foot?) snake cooperated and moved to an adjacent flower bed where his obvious appetite for "lead" was satisfied by Mr. Marlin.
Now if I can just get the kid's Mom to climb down out of that dang tree in the pasture?
The Book of Revelation (Rev 12:9; 20:2) makes use of a serpeant to identify Satan. Bein' plagued with "satans" down at the pond, your humble scribe sauntered that way with the bride and the little Marlin in tow.
Three shots later, they be three less fish eating reptiles slitherin' therein.
The triumphant mighty hunter then proceded his victory march back to the bunkhouse with the jubilant admiring bride in tow.
Said bride then entered the garage and promptly began furiously running in place and SCREAMING obscenities while pointing to a corner of the garage.
Being of normal curiousity, the accomplished woodsman "investigated" and observed a harmless four foot long rat snake. Relying upon a vast knowledge of the world of scaled sliders, the revered husband announced (FIRST MISTAKE) that it was a beneficial creature and should "live".
Bad move...the frantic foot stomper very efficiently redirected her rant toward her embecile mate and cut a blue streak toward the back pasture and assumed safety from the now six foot "killer".
Being never "rattled", the brave fat man picked up a nearby boat paddle and commenced to "shoo" the elongated one from the premises.....SECOND BAD MISTAKE....that eight foot instrument of Lucifer CHARGED at its tormentor with its jaws-a-snappin' like popcorn on a fiery griddle.
ALL machismo evaporated, yours truly started "running in place", and the ever larger predator repeatedly ATTACKED causing visions of fewer social security checks to loom equally as large???
Finally after a battle to the death of epic proportions, brother (ten foot?) snake cooperated and moved to an adjacent flower bed where his obvious appetite for "lead" was satisfied by Mr. Marlin.
Now if I can just get the kid's Mom to climb down out of that dang tree in the pasture?
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