Join the discussion on this column by using the Facebook app to the right.
When I was growing up on the south side of Corsicana, a great many people were concerned with what they called “signs.” Some were related to animals and some were pertaining to the weather, crops and such. With Groundhog Day coming upon Thursday, Feb. 2, I am reminded of just how often signs were part of our daily lives.
My parents had grown up in farming communities, and whether the groundhog saw his shadow or not was of great concern to them because if he did, it meant to them that there would be more bad weather. I can remember worrying about this sign from a very young age. As an adult, I realized that only one groundhog counted and this one wasn’t in Corsicana. Still, I secretly hoped that the groundhog didn’t see his shadow wherever he was.
A more usual, in fact daily, concern was that of black cats. My daddy did not like cats. It’s strange that I never did ask him why. Mother thought cats were okay to have around, but not in the house.
I think she was hoping a feline would keep down the rat population.
I liked cats okay but I desperately was aware of a black cat crossing my path because that was supposed to be back luck. I would walk a good deal out of my way to avoid a path that a black cat had crossed. I still feel a twinge when I’m driving and one crosses in front of my car. I don’t turn the car around but mainly because it would be very difficult to do so.
I have always loved birds, especially robins. They are considered a sign of spring. I think that part of my pleasure in spotting one is the cheerful song they sing, but I am also happy that maybe spring is coming soon. I am particularly elated at the sight of a robin in the snow.
My late husband loved birds of all kinds. He raised racing pigeons, but he loved to see the geese when they landed in huge flocks on the pastures near our farm south of Dawson. This year we have really had some wonderful scenes of geese, so many that the fields were white almost like snow.
When the doves are lining up on the light wires along the road, I have to get ready for dove season. I admit that I don’t enjoy hearing the report of guns. I know it is a fact of life, but just the same I can’t help wishing that I didn’t have to hear them. To me doves are a sign of mourning; maybe this is part of my sympathetic response.
Coyotes were not a part of my life when I lived in towns, but they are very close at hand here at the farm. In fact, when my husband was alive, he had to get up a good many nights to scare them away from the goat barn by firing a shot or two. In the early evening they begin to yelp and howl. The song tells that the “coyotes howl and the wind blows free.” I don’t like a lot of wind either, much preferring a nice, gentle breeze; but I for sure am uncomfortable when that racket starts approaching my whereabouts. I think the neighbor’s dog feels the same way I do, judging by his or her response.
Cows are supposed to be gentle creatures, and usually most probably are. But just let an intruder in the form of a barking dog or someone intent on rounding them up, and they can become about as ornery as any other creature I know. If they have horns, they are even more obstinate. If a mama cow keeps calling and calling, she is trying to attract her calf to come for dinner.
Bulls are notorious for bellowing and stomping around to show off for their rivals in the next pasture. There must be a cow they are both eyeing.
One interesting sound that I had never heard before I moved to the farm was that of a donkey or a burro braying. For some strange reason, I learned to enjoy it when the burro we called “Mr. Jack” came to be a part of our animal kingdom. “Haw-hee! Haw-hee!” was his greeting when we would drive in the front gate, coming home from the grocery store. In case you need a translation, that meant, “Bring me an apple core quick!”
Maybe the most important animal sign is that of the warning barks of a faithful guard dog. Always answer promptly. It may mean his or her life and maybe even yours.
—————
Gelene Simpson is a Daily Sun columnist. Want to “Soundoff” on this column? Email: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com
Police: Gunman Has Hostages in Realty Office
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
Raw Video: Passed Out Man Robbed
