Few
events were as important to my mother as when the neighbors came over to help
with branding or shipping of our cattle. Once the date was set, us boys stayed
out of the house or we were put to work cleaning or ran aground in the hustle
and bustle. Preparations were endless as both Mother and Dad tried to get everything
in shape to host the important workday.
Since this was before horse trailers,
most of the neighbors rode across country horseback, arriving long before daylight.
I remember one man who had a homemade stock rack on his pickup to haul his mount.
At the time, he was much more modern than most. The men sat around the breakfast
table sipping black coffee, laughing and joking. Nearly all wore chaps and spurs;
the back porch was filled with Stetsons. I thought this was as western as it got.
Dad never sat down, going from window to window sipping coffee and waiting
for daylight. Finally, he reached for his hat and the crew mounted up for the
day's work ahead.
Mother washed the breakfast dishes while us boys dried
and placed them back on the table for dinner. When the clock struck 11, the bread
was rising, coffee heating up and skillets made ready to fry chicken or chicken-fried
steaks. When the potatoes were done, the old tater masher went to work, with lots
of butter included. Milk stood by, waiting its turn to add to the gravy. Homemade
pies were cut into generous slices.
The men arrived with huge appetites
and the food disappeared like magic. It sure was hard for us boys to wait for
the second table, but the stories being told helped pass the time. After the pie
was served and more coffee poured, the men discussed market prices, feed costs
and whether it was going to rain in time for pasture.
Usually, the deaths
of other neighbors came up or they spoke of someone who needed a little help to
overcome an accident or tragedy. Arrangements were agreed on to provide whatever
was needed. As I look back now, no committees were needed, no fundraising projects
started and no government help was mentioned. Just caring neighbors.
Last,
but most important, the calendar was carefully marked for the dates help would
be needed for the men's own shipping and branding schedules. Returning the favor
was a must in our community, no matter the weather or prior commitments. Neighboring
was what seemed to make our community continue with success, no matter the financial
times or lack of rains.
Finally, the day ended, and all left to return
home. Dad was relieved this most important day was over and the work finished.
Though tired and weary, Mother was all smiles as her most important day had gone
well. Nothing seemed to excite her quite like feeding the men at shipping and
branding time.
© Delbert Trew
"It's
All Trew" November
10, 2009 Column
E-mail: trewblue@centramedia.net. |
