Earlier this month, I had one of those unexpected workouts, in my Crocs no less. I was still in my pajama tank top and shorts when I decided to go out and check on the calves during a late morning break from work. It was about 11:30am and if you know anything about the summer heat in the South, you know that it is brutal from 9:00am to about 6:00pm. I hopped on the bike to make my journey quick. Oh, so I thought.
The cows and calves were over by the wood line in the shade behind the house. It wasn't too far and I just wanted to check to make sure the calves were doing okay in the heat. I drove along the wood line in gear 2 and they all looked fine. I shut off the bike for a bit, to sit in the shade with them and sing them Moon River, something I do all the time. I kicked my feet up and sat back, admiring the cows. I had a moment where I was so grateful for being able to live on this beautiful farm and relax in my PJs and Crocs slippers with the cows. After about 15 minutes, I went to turn the bike back on and it wouldn't shift into gear. I double checked that I was in neutral, gave her a little nudge but nothing. She is a 21 year old bike so I knew right away that she was going to not help me out. She wanted me to workout. Darn bike... the physical trainer I didn't ask for. After waiting a bit, trying over and over again, and making a call to Drew and then to Pop, I realized she wasn't going to do anything for me anytime soon.
It was scorching out and only getting hotter. I was sweating just sitting there, IN THE SHADE. But, I needed to get back to work and I was thirsty. What was only probably a few hundred yards felt like 3 miles in the heat. My feet were so sweaty, they were slipping in my rubber Crocs and I kept feeling the sting of sweat in my eyes. Living on a farm is fun sometimes, sigh. Every time I wanted to take a break, I put my hand on the seat and it was so hot from the sun, my hand instinctively reflexed back. Horseflies were eager to try and bite my legs, thinking I was one big heifer out on the pasture. Nope, keep pushing. Not today, Satan flies. More than once, I stepped in a cow pile and nearly slipped into it. Gross. Finally, I made it to the gate and there was no way I was going to be able to push her up the slope and into the yard. I found a bit of shade along the back gate and left her there. Good enough, I thought to myself. I need a shower more than anything.
When Drew got home, I told him all about it and he laughed, saying, "Why didn't you just leave it there? I could have just pulled it with the truck when I got home." Sigh... if only I had thought of that.
