You can’t ever predict the weather in Texas
Our weather forecast, whether it be from groundhog, meteorologists, or a game knee will usually be suspect! And like my ol’ Daddy always said, “Even a blind hog can sometimes find an acorn!”
Often, one or more of these methods will be correct, though not 100 percent.
The old-timers had many tried and true plans for determining what kind of weather was in their future, and just as many sayings about the weather.
But probably the most well known in Texas is, “If you try to predict the weather, you are either a newcomer or a fool!”
In my opinion, we had best let the Good Lord bring whatever He has in mind. So I have picked a few notable quotes about springtime to compliment my spring poem.
Henry Van Dyke: The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.
An old cowboy in New York City: Oh I can see the cattle grazing o’er the hills of early morn. An’ I can smell the coffee boilin’ at the breakin’ of the dawn. I can hear the ponies neighin’ an’ I can hear the cowboys sing. So Lord, please take me back to Texas when they round-up in the spring!
Sitting Bull: Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!
Bernard Williams: The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring.
Lady Bird Johnson “Where flowers bloom so does hope.”
LATE SPRING
Daybreak is near, an’ it’s shore cold,
as Cooky stokes the fire.
But the smell of boilin’ coffee
will each cowboy inspire.
The weather’s bad this time of year,
not fit fer man ner beast.
But punchers face it without fear.
Not caring in the least
that morning chill bites to the bone…
it’s tough… this cowboy way…
So Cooky puts the coffee on
to greet the coming day.
The Jingler brings the ponies in,
..you know they’re gonna buck…
‘til they get all the kinks worked out…
that’s jest a punchers luck.
But most will take it all in stride,
they each one know their fate.
This scene works out day after day,
it’s jest a cowboy trait.
Young sprouts hired on in early Spring
No smarter than a dude
They’ll face the task, make a hand
With no-quit attitude
Then the cow boss lays out the jobs,
no one gets in a stew.
The stage is set as day unfolds.
Each hand his job will do.
The calving was mostly finished
in the very early spring.
So get ready fer the round-up
by restin’ up yore string.
Spring round-up is tough on the ponies
an’ several we will need.
‘Cuz workin’ on all them dogies
is shore hard on yore steed.
Springtime mornings means sometimes frost,
by noon you find it warm.
Afternoon heat builds up quickly
to cause a thunder storm.
Many times you’ll need that slicker,
most any time of day.
Never know when a shower will start
then quickly go away.
We face it all as days go by,
the good as well as bad,
an’ simply take it all in stride.
No choice it seems we had.
Down deep inside, each one knows
The Good Lord plans their way.
An’ so they pause with hat in hand
To say thanks for the day
As day is done, so goes the spring.
An’ round-up nears its end.
With calves all worked an’ sorted out,
on summer range to mend.
With grass so good in meadows high,
their job is but to gain
and wait for shippin’ time to come
then head out for the train.
A Western spring will come an’ go,
it happens every year.
It can be early or can be late,
but soon it’s out of here.
© Ol’ Jim Cathey
Get your garden planted! God bless each of you and God Bless America!