24 December 2011
We are quickly coming down to the end of a long trail for 2011. The horse is worn and a few saddle sores pain us both. Off in the horizon, ahead of the cattle grazing along westward, I can see the smoke of chimneys and the dust from the bustle of a small Texas town. The cattle are thirsty and will do well when we have them in a corral, grained and watered. The cowpokes along on this drive will do equally well with some feed and liquid refreshment. All along this adventure are tired. Just as it happens, we happen into this small cattle depot at Christmas time. I am hoping for a high price at auction for the cattle so the boys and I may celebrate a good Christmas, with a little bonus money for each.
I shift slowly in the saddle and allow my mind to reflect back through 2011 and all that have shared the drive this year. There have been so many events that bring pure joy and a few that brought some distress. I have always trusted that if you’re in a good position in the saddle and the breeze is blowing just right, you can overcome any adversity the trail may bring. I have been well blessed with a great horse and good breezes. My proudest moment was to marry a woman from California who keeps the homestead in good order, while I am on the trail. She is truly a blessin’. As with any other union in the west, she brought with her some critters that I also have become very fond of. Andy, Kona, Ben and Vinny are all pretty loyal sidekicks and I make sure they are well kept. They keep the homestead warm and cozy, like only pets can.
As the herd closes in on the cattle pens on the far side of town, I am very thankful to my band of brothers who have contributed to another successful trail ride. Thinking of them makes me appreciate and value their part they played in this drive. Up and down the coast of California, our adventures took us from town to town and place to place. We shared success and failure together, always looking forward to the next job or adventure. Before I had hopped a train back to Texas, there were many miles of trail and many good friends left behind, so this drive maybe possible. My deepest gratitude to each of them.
While me and the boys enjoy some whiskey and a game of poker in the saloon, why don’t each of you think about those along your trail this year? Do you really appreciate the part they played? Each one of them was there for a reason. Our maker has a plan and it ain’t ours to question him. You can’t seem to forget about them rattlesnakes that caused you distress, but do you remember them good hearted folks who made a little bit of pleasure along the way? I surely hope so and you say a little prayer for them, cause they done you a good deed. Forget the rattlesnakes, cause they always seem to deal with themselves. Think fondly of the cowpokes who helped keep your heard straight in line and along the trail.
Just as we were settling in for a good bed rest, there was the most awful racket on the roof. All of a sudden, we saw this rather large cowpoke make his way down the chimney into the parlor fireplace. He was the funniest looking guy I every laid eyes on: red fancy fur suit, two six guns and a bog old white beard hanging off his face. The boys were still sufferin’ the effects of that whiskey, but I am sure I saw what I saw. That old cowboy opened his saddle bags and pulled out the dandiest looking presents I ever did see. Just as quick as he appeared, he was gone, up the chimney and out of sight. With a loud holler and a heck of a noise, he flew a carriage off the roof of my hotel with a herd a deer leading the way. For each cowboy on the drive found a special present with their names branded on the covers. Inside those dandy packages were gifts that all dreamed of during our adventure. I have never seen a cowboy heart smile so warm as that Christmas night.
Live right and be thankful. Keep your heard down the trail and appreciate those around you who do their part on the drive.
Happy Merry Christmas
Happy Merry Christmas Y'all • Opuss № I