It's Monday, the start of the first week after Christmas. The weather outside is a nasty mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow, but inside the house it's a comfortable 72 degrees. I usually take a few days of vacation at this time of the year, and this year is no exception. It's a dead week as far as work goes anyway, so why not take advantage of the time.
Unfortunately I'm not a very good idler, and after a few hours of doing nothing, I'm ready to find something productive to do. Right now I've just returned from pacing through the house, sat down to check emails, browse the Facebook activity, and find something that will keep me out of harm's way in the kitchen where Miss Elizabeth is busy preparing a big pot of chili for the evening meal.
I've already checked the livestock, filled the birdfeeders. walked to the mailbox, and fiddled around with the TV remote, searching for anything "remotely" interesting on the 150+ channels of High Definition programming.....reminder to self, why do we subscribe to this junk??
The house seems to echo whenever either of the current occupants makes a sound. Somehow. after a few days of kids and grandkids celebrating a grand Christmas here at the ranch, the silence is almost as unsettling as was the near constant buzz of activity and laughter. The whirlwind of activity created by seven grandkids (ages 10 and below) is breathtaking.....especially for a grumpy old man like me. But, oh, how I miss each and every one of them when the depart. Like all Grandpas, I guess my bark is worse than my bite, and the grandkids see right through the gruff façade.
Well, it's nearly 3:00pm.....almost through the first day of my week long vacation. Time for another pass around the house.....stir the chili.....maybe even sneak a taste when her head is turned.....
Geez, what's that old adage about "idle hands....."
Oh well, tomorrow's another day, followed by another, and another, and another......but what do I know!
Monday, December 28, 2015
Monday, August 31, 2015
How's that salad......really!
I raise beef cattle, and I eat beef steak. There, I've stated it about as plainly as possible, and I apologize to no one for being a part of the life cycle of beef. From field to fork, and enjoying it every step of the way.
Periodically, I post to Facebook a picture of a nice looking calf, or a very pregnant cow, or a massive bull whose sole job is to provide the seeds for future generations of prime beef cattle. Even though it's a hobby more than a business, I love the work. There's something very satisfying about caring for the herd and watching over the baby calves from birth to weaning.
Invariably, after posting a beef related photo, I hear from those who absolutely abhor the thought of cutting into a big, juicy T-Bone. It must literally make them sick, for they go on and on about the evils of killing animals for food, and my goodness, the health aspects of ingesting red meat, it appears that I may die tomorrow! I've even had people tell me that I'm trying to poison my fellow man by creating this demand for my very fine beef. I guess that vegan fare you're stuffing in your mouth must leave a lot to be desired.
How is it that by simply posting a photograph of a nice, sizzling steak on the grill, I can generate such animosity?
Methinks the lack of red meat in their diet has created a chemical imbalance that has driven them to the point that reasonable conversation can no longer take place. Instead, I'm pelted (pun intended)with every lame-brained, ideologically based, and vegetable only dietary study that's ever existed.
Well, excuse me while I go eat my dinner......wait, we're having what?
It appears that tonight's menu is.......fajitas, a combination of vegetables and BEEF!
Maybe the vegetable part of this dinner will satisfy my vegan friends, but then again, What Do I Know....
Periodically, I post to Facebook a picture of a nice looking calf, or a very pregnant cow, or a massive bull whose sole job is to provide the seeds for future generations of prime beef cattle. Even though it's a hobby more than a business, I love the work. There's something very satisfying about caring for the herd and watching over the baby calves from birth to weaning.
Invariably, after posting a beef related photo, I hear from those who absolutely abhor the thought of cutting into a big, juicy T-Bone. It must literally make them sick, for they go on and on about the evils of killing animals for food, and my goodness, the health aspects of ingesting red meat, it appears that I may die tomorrow! I've even had people tell me that I'm trying to poison my fellow man by creating this demand for my very fine beef. I guess that vegan fare you're stuffing in your mouth must leave a lot to be desired.
How is it that by simply posting a photograph of a nice, sizzling steak on the grill, I can generate such animosity?
Methinks the lack of red meat in their diet has created a chemical imbalance that has driven them to the point that reasonable conversation can no longer take place. Instead, I'm pelted (pun intended)with every lame-brained, ideologically based, and vegetable only dietary study that's ever existed.
Well, excuse me while I go eat my dinner......wait, we're having what?
It appears that tonight's menu is.......fajitas, a combination of vegetables and BEEF!
Maybe the vegetable part of this dinner will satisfy my vegan friends, but then again, What Do I Know....
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Rainy day mornings...
I woke up late this morning. At least it was late according to the bedside clock. A glance outside revealed an ominous sky, scattered raindrops, and a pre-storm atmosphere.....perfect for catching a few more minutes of sleep, but alas, it was too late. I was already awake for the day.
There was a time when days like this would entice me to stay abed until mid-morning. Now, it's just a pleasant break from the typical August day, and the enticement is to grab a cup of coffee, sit on the back porch, and enjoy the serenity of the cows grazing on the still green grass of summer. I think as I get older, the pleasures are more about the time I spend awake than the hours lolling in bed.
Rainy mornings, and they have been plentiful this summer, are times to be savored. Some of the typical chores can be put on hold until the weather is more cooperative, and like most, I enjoy the respite from the drudgery.
So, why is it that, today, I find myself wandering through the house, waiting not so patiently for the skies to clear so I can get back to what needs to be done?
Sometimes, I find it difficult to figure myself out......again, giving support to why this blog is named What do I know!
There was a time when days like this would entice me to stay abed until mid-morning. Now, it's just a pleasant break from the typical August day, and the enticement is to grab a cup of coffee, sit on the back porch, and enjoy the serenity of the cows grazing on the still green grass of summer. I think as I get older, the pleasures are more about the time I spend awake than the hours lolling in bed.
Rainy mornings, and they have been plentiful this summer, are times to be savored. Some of the typical chores can be put on hold until the weather is more cooperative, and like most, I enjoy the respite from the drudgery.
So, why is it that, today, I find myself wandering through the house, waiting not so patiently for the skies to clear so I can get back to what needs to be done?
Sometimes, I find it difficult to figure myself out......again, giving support to why this blog is named What do I know!
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