Rain, home show, wild cows, birthdays, burglary

Saturday was one of those unusual Soring days in that it rained all day. That does not happen in these parts often. Normally we get thunderstorms that dump rain on us and quickly move on. Saturday, it did not happen that way. There were actually very few breaks in the rain. Some of the stronger downpours brought us small hail, but most of the day there was a steady cold rain. The winds also went unabated throughout the day making the temperature seem much colder than it actually was. The ambient temperature was right at 50°. With the thirty mile an hour winds, it felt very much like freezing. It laid most of our newly planted vegetables over to the south. Hopefully those will perk up today as the temperatures rise over the very soaked garden. No complaints. We needed the rain.

The weather being what it was, Mama and I went to the local home show. It was put on by the Rotary Club. It was a small event featuring local businesses. Mama and I did not know what to expect, but it was a fun way to spend a couple hours and it introduced us to a lot of small business entrepreneurs. Mostly the displays were set up by banks and insurance companies, but there were jewelry displays, home repair companies, Tupperware displays, plumbing companies, etc. we signed up for a couple giveaways, but we did not win anything. Mama discovered a new nail applique that she was thrilled about, and she got her rings cleaned. We probably should have bought that kit. But I did not feel like we had the money to spend on it. We did not leave emptyhanded. We got pens, letter openers, calendars, rain gauges, pencil sharpeners, fly swatters, etc. And we visited with some of our church friends who had displays set up. One for jewelry (Mama bought one item) and one for Laser Tag (which we will use in the future). The rest of the day was spent cleaning the house and staying dry.

Our neighbor called just after we got home from church yesterday afternoon. He has tried twice to load our two cows so that they could be brought home but has been unsuccessful both times. He remarked that the two of them upset his herd every time he tries to corral them. He was clearly upset even though he masked it as he related how the cows, which were within four feet of the trailer, jumped over a five-foot barrier to escape. He was impressed – after a fashion – that they had managed that particular feat. They had each gotten hung up on the top of the barrier but eventually kicked and squirmed enough to fall to the other side and scurry away. He told me that they were headed my direction and that I should go out and see if I could coax them onto our property. I went out immediately but did not catch sight either of them. At this point I am not sure what I can do to help, but I would like to maintain a good relationship with my neighbor. The fact that the two are both that wild now is not encouraging for me and Mama. If they have now realized that they can clear a five-foot corral, I will have a hard time keeping them on the property and an even harder time getting them loaded in our stock trailer when the time comes to do so. I’s sure there is an answer, but I do not know it right now.

Joshua’s birthday was yesterday. Alicia’s birthday is today. Felix’s birthday (Alicia’s son) was on the 2^nd. So, we had some long birthday conversations with Joshua. All that new birthday information is being added to my Google calendar. That is the only way Mama and I will be able to keep up through the coming years. We are still looking forward to Joshua and Alicia’s wedding in July.

Grandma called Mama on our way home from church last night to update her on the progress of Gabriella’s delivery. At that time Gabriella was almost fully dilated and contractions were getting stronger. They wanted to stay but Grandma was hurting pretty badly. They were also on their way home we she called. Grandma called in crying and upset less than an hour later. When they got home, they found the door kicked in and the house ransacked. Everything of value had been taken; tools, guns and all of Grandma’s medications. Grandma was devastated. As would be expected. The police were on their way to their house as she was talking to Mama. By that time, it was 10:30 pm and I had to get to bed.

I am sure more details will come out today, but it made for a sad end to an otherwise great weekend.