September 8, 2021 Issue, Page 8 of 8

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Western Day September 8, 2021 Friday. Courtesy photos. a Coffeetine Colamn Sew With Andy & Renie Bowman _— ane “No lawyers or courts needed” “C’mon, Daisy, you ain't sick, owner. ‘bout th’ time we're done sit- and ya shore ‘nuff ain’t old, so Earl drawled a cheer- tin’ down to supper!” jest keep movin’” ful “Mawnin’ there, Mistah But finally, the last abu- Dan Durbin urged his be- Durbin” and broke the peace- sive remark was flung and the loved dappled gray mare up the ful silence as he pulled his own search boundaries were set gently sloping land and halted horse up to stand beside Dan’s. and understood. Then the di- near a huge sycamore. Waited “Waal, look who decided ta’ rect and unflinching gaze of in the cold gray dawn for his sleep until plumb middle of th’ both men met, as strong hands neighbor to show up for their day, like a little lady of leisure,” simultaneously reached out for prearranged meeting, This ear- was the reply. a firm handshake. ly-morning ‘springtime cow- “Huh! I sho’ ‘nuff may be a boy conference’ had been go- little late for this heah meetin’, ‘Their successful sharing of ing on for six years, ever since but my horse stalls done been grazing land and returning Earl Jackson bought the small mucked out. How ‘bout at yore mommas and babies to the ranch on the west side of Dan’s place? Betcha that ol’ rooster rightful owner relied solely modest spread. of yer’s don’t even bother wa- upon trust and integrity. Trust Years ago, the two owners kin’ up til’ ‘bout noon.” that each would be honest. had agreed to share the grazing The good-natured insults And both would have the in- land that lay between them. continued for a few minutes, tegrity to keep only what be- Now it was time once again then Dan brought up the rea- longed to his ranch. to make plans for the annual son they were meeting. No lawyers haggling over round up. But there was no “So. Which part of th’ range written contracts. No court need for the same ground to be ya’ want yore little pansey- needed to force a neighbor to covered by both ranches. They boys to ride this year, Earl?” obey the law. Just two men would simply divide the land Earl spit out the ever-pres- with integrity before God. between their men, who would ent toothpick he had in his A solid handshake and a di- bring in all the cattle they mouth, “Pansies?!” Tell ya’ found. Then the cattle would what, my ‘pansies’ will take rect stare into the eyes of his be separated, according to the th’ north half, with all those neighbor, Both men believing brand found on their hips. An canyons to search thru. Let the other would do just what unbranded baby calf born that you and yo’ tenderfoots have he said he would do. winter would stick close to its th’ south, where it’s smooth ‘n ‘That handshake was a bind- momma, and both would then simple ridin’ thru those trees. ing contract. Oh, for the old be delivered to their rightful Ya’ jest mite git halfway done days. SUMMER'S END SPECIAL" ‘$500 off each month for three months (Assisted iving) 55+ Senior Living Apartments Assisted Living & Memory Support B Binet » No add-ons or hidden fees. Not a Baptist? Not a problem! Fe » Maintenance and repairs provided. » Three nutritious meals provided Baptist daily, Village » Amenities include salon, wellness center/storm gathering room and of Elk City walking areas, 1500 W. Country Club Blvd. » Enjoy new friends, cooking classes, concerts, Bible studies and more. (580) 225-5555 “Through September 30, 2021. New residents only. baptistvillage.org