When it really matters

Today started off on a bad note. Got up early knowing that I had to get to work early so that we could make our annual voyage to the dairy farm. I always approach this visit with much dread but I do enjoy the visit with the farm family. I will get into that more later.

I had done chores last night while Byron was out chasing geese with his "friends" as Lena loving refers to them. I guess that is what they are but she takes such joy if imagining her dad with "hunting buddies" or any kind of "buddy" as that goes. I finished up chores in the usual manner with a "goodnight" and a "see you later" the dogs quietly settled in for the evening. Byron got up early to meet "Sammy" who was arriving at 7:00 am the next morning. As I hustled around the house trying to stay on schedule and not be distracted by the TV and the news coming out of Haiti, I was interrupted by "where is the poop scraper that I left on Kooie's kennel?" Not really and angry voice but a matter of fact voice, a father type voice one that sent me through the roof. I proclaimed that I had hung it on her gate so that it could be used in the morning, (Kooie always poos in her kennel overnight then stomps about like BIGFOOT). Kooie is a 5 pound poodle! Anyway, long story made longer, Byron could not find the scraper. I marched to the kennel, growling the whole way out there that I really didn't have time to be doing this walked straight to Kooie and there IT was, hanging on the gate, just as I had said. The fatal error of my ways was that I hung it on the gate on the outside and did not put it back where I found it. Even a blind man could have seen it on the gate but I was corrected by Byron telling me that a blind man would have found it if it were put back where it was originally. Touche' ! I guess he got me there! I left for work without another word said and with no morning kiss. As I drove to town that really bothered me. I should have known better but it was too late to turn around. I had to get to the office.

The trip to the farm was a pleasant drive. I am able to talk with Gary about many different topics~life, football, work, college kids and more! We arrived promptly at 9:00 am and began our annual review with the "Dairy Men". Our review went well and as usual each of the farmers had their "assigned seats" in and around the kitchen. Lydia, the matriarch, floated around pretending to be busy but was locked on every word that was spoken. I admire Lydia, such a quiet yet strong woman. After the review of the farm ground, equipment, and livestock we started home. The drive was pretty quiet as I think Gar was just worn out. I started thinking about each farmer and why they always sit in the same place every year, like it is some sort of pecking order. They all know there place, Scotty by the stove, Ernie by the sink, Donnie just out of the kitchen in a chair and Rich right across the table from me. This is Ray and Lydia's house, a house that undoubtly holds many happy memories for their 3 sons and grandson. It made me take inventory of myself and for a moment I wondered if I had given my family the memories and family togetherness that they have. I can only hope. I think it is important for all of us to know where our place is. It is also important for us to know where the Lord's place is in our lives. I, for one, am guilty of calling on him when things are bad and I am trying daily to make him first and formost in my life. Praising him daily instead of calling on him only when I am in need. I want to be more vigilant about thanking him for every day that I am given and praising him for the little miracles that occur everyday like the sun coming up and me knowing that I have been given one more day on this beautiful earth.

I ended up back at the office around 3:00 pm to tie up the loose ends that come when you are out of the office for the day. The afternoon went by quickly and I was soon home, playing hyperdog with the Noop dog. Glad to be home I took a moment and flipped through the mail. The newspaper, a magazine, some bills and a reminder from the eye Dr. that it is time for Byron to have a check up! I had to smile and think in some sort of way that the Lord has a funny sense of humor!