Page 45 - LIfesOuttakes3

That was where I featured in the story. I was the son. On a Saturday morning in early spring, my father picked out a one week old bull calf and told me to take it to Jed’s house. He handed me a bag of milk replacer and a calf bottle to take along as well. Dad also told me that I needed to help Jed get his pasture in shape. Since I had no idea what I was getting in to, I loaded up lots of fencing tools and materials. When I arrived at Jed’s small acreage, I found a pasture overgrown with grass and weeds, and a fence that was almost nonexistent. I started by burning the pasture so new grass could grow. That took most of the morning, because I didn’t dare let the fire get too big. I then worked all afternoon putting the fence together. Jed tried to help me, but, when he said he didn’t know anything about fencing, he was telling the truth. He may have been a good mechanic, but he didn’t know one end of a fencing hammer from the other. By milking time in the evening, the fence was ready. The calf, who had to spend most of the day tied up, was excited to regain his freedom. He tore around the pasture bucking, kicking, and snorting his pleasure. Jed named him Spunky. I taught Jed how to mix the milk, and he and his children were delighted when 40