For some strange reason, the kids actually slept past seven on Easter morning. After putting together breakfast and starting a Disney movie, I got a cup of coffee and headed out to feed the dogs and cats. As the sun rose a bit more, I noticed two new longhorns grazing across the creek. My appreciation of their peaceful serenity was jarred when I realized that those were our two longhorns and that our fence is well short of the creek.

Forty‐five minutes later, a bucket of cubes, two muddy boots, and some extra t‐posts had things back in order. The cows were no worse for wear and the fence was repaired. It all made for a comedic sunrise service, at least for the cows and kids.

In the Hill Country, we are surrounded by folks who make their wage off of animals. Ranchers, horse trainers, deer breeders, and ropers all seem to make a fair living off of their stock. Their secrets and wisdom are beyond me, as we’ve never had a single animal that earned its keep, much less actually made us any money.

We have three cats, all named Jesse. The way I figure it, when one disappears, we can go to the shelter and get another Jesse. Problem is, these cats act more like dogs and want to lounge around in
our laps all day. Once a month, they might contribute and bring in a varmint or two, but that is rare. I suspect they actually just get together and find a road kill so they don’t actually have to expend the energy required to hunt.

We have two horses. One is an easy keeper, but he enjoys a good belly rub much more than a saddle or work. The other horse seems to require more care than an actress before Oscar night, but at
least the kids can rein him around the pasture.

Did I mention that one of the horses came as a package deal…with a goat? Let’s just say we were new to horse trading. Actually, that goat is a charmer compared to the other goat we rescued from our hunting lease. She’s cost us more money in chewed tractor seats than she’d ever fetch at market.

And dogs…a homestead wouldn’t be complete without dogs. We have a deaf puppy, sweet as can be. Not much at guarding the house when asleep, though. Her brother is so squatty that he looks more badger than heeler. Maybe he’ll keep snakes away. Plus, we’ve got a retriever that refuses to retrieve. Go figure.

Until next week, keep smiling.

‐Please send comments to Drs. Parrish through www.ParrishDental.com.