New Mexico CowBelles Jingle Jangle

JINGLE JANGLE

Neighbors,

The only way most ranches and I’m sure farms as well, truly survive is because of a good neighbor. Now, I fully understand a neighbor by definition is fairly simple: they share a boundary fence on your north side or south, etc. However, I have found in the last several years, they don’t have to actually border your property line in order to be a neighbor.

They’re the one who grabs your kid’s pony after it spooked and threw her off, puts the little bratty animal in an alley and tries to make him have a fit again to see what kind of attitude he wants to have in life. Takes that naughty pony back to your daughter and asks if she wants to have a set to with him or if she thinks it’s time to forgive him and get back on?

They’re the one who drives 30 miles one way on their Saturday off to help you brand because they knew you were going to be shorthanded without him. Or the one who has known you for 30 years but they like your husband better so they come help him any time he calls.

They’re the one who takes their equipment over to drill holes for a fence line because you were in solid rock and desperate. In turn you were treated to a good meal and a good visit.

They’re the couple who has lived on their place for 40 plus years, who haul every one of your pairs home when they manage to find a hole in the fence you keep trying to patch on and maintain until you can afford to build with new material. They insist on bringing something for your kids every time they come… but the stories they tell about their life long ago are worth more than the cow standing in the trailer at that point.

They’re the one who finishes the banana pudding you were making for lunch on the second day of works, when your husband calls and says he needs more medicine. You realize you had abandoned ship, convinced you weren’t going to finish lunch on time until you walk back through the door to see that everything was set out and ready.

They’re the couple who show up the Sunday after you get your husband home from the hospital, from that wreck you never thought he’d be in, and fill your barn with hay. That same couple keeps your kids for a night so you can catch up on some sleep. The community of friends, family and strangers who come together to feed you, support you, pray for you and lift you up.

If you forget something, they usually have it in their pickup. “No trouble at all, just borrow some and replace it next time I see you”. If that something is at their house, they drive to get it or they’ll run all over town to find it for you because they happen to be there getting groceries, “I’ll meet you at the end of the road”. They never cease to help, in any way they can. The spirit of assisting your fellow man is nowhere better defined than in that of a neighbor. More than a neighbor, they are your friend, at times more like family. When tragedy strikes they are the first to show up, with food, with supplies, with a shoulder to cry on. The call is never too great; they never say no, they never question what they might have needed to do instead. Their value in your life is immeasurable. You couldn’t get through branding season, fall works, times of drought, or random weekends without them. You couldn’t get through life without them.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than this”. Mark 12:31. So many of you reading this are the extraordinary example of what it is to be a neighbor. You may never know your true impact on someone else’s life but aren’t we all so lucky to have you as a neighbor? May it rain all over and the grass grow belly deep! – Sandra Lacy

New Mexico Cowbelle President cowbellringing@yahoo.com

The 2021 NM State Cowbelle Officers:

Pres-Elect: Jacinda Price

Vice-president: Vonda Frost

Treasure: Stephanie Avent

Secretary: Michelle Greeman.

Chaplin:Corrina Casler

The July meeting of the Chamiza CowBelles was called to order at 12:10 in Johnny B’s Restaurant by Vice President Sherry Ibarra with nine members present. Cathy read the Prayer and Creed and all recited the pledge, including other restaurant patrons. Both the minutes from the previous meeting and the treasurer’s report were approved in motions made, seconded and passed. A new member, Destiny Sanders, was registered at this meeting. Nancy gave a brief run-down of the mid-year meeting in Ruidoso. One area of great concern is the government’s 30 x 30 plan. The silent auction raised approximately $2100, with the brand throw contributing $75. Food was excellent this year. Annual meeting will be held in December after the NFR at an Albuquerque hotel. The majority of beef tickets have been disbursed and sales are going very well. There was some discussion of possibly printing more tickets, but this was tabled until the August meeting as some people aren’t able to sell all their tickets which makes for some extra to sell at the county fair. Petersens will again hold their Dutch Oven Cookoff but the rodeo this year will be a youth rodeo, rather than a ranch rodeo. A request was received from them asking the CowBelles to donate toward the purchase of beef for the cookoff. In previous years, the donation has been $500. It was agreed to donate that same amount this year. Nancy proposed a change in the payout of vocational scholarships. Because many of the vocational programs last only a few months, paying them like a college semester won’t always work. Vocational scholarships will be paid to the school in full at the beginning of a student’s term. Discussion was held regarding additional fundraisers for our local but tabled until our August meeting. Nancy will order more Beef license plates. Jeni sent word with Nancy that she will fill out the application for county fair booth. Liza Greer won the door prize of free lunch. Meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m. Submitted by Cathy Pierce

Powderhorn Cattlewomen met at the home of Mary McClain on July 8 with Sondra Jack, cohosting. Ladies in attendance were all smiles after having rain with the countryside greening up considerably. Thank God! Brenda led the group with the invocation, pledge and creed. Minutes and treasurers’ reports were given and courtesy cards to several members were passed for signatures. Old business included the final plans for the BBQ and quilt raffle at the Old Fort Days on Saturday Sept 4 in Ft. Sumner. Prep day will be at First Baptist Church in Ft. Sumner, Thursday, Sept 2 beginning at 9 a.m. The group will be at the J and L building just west of Dallas Park for Saturday Sept 4 festivities and group’s famous BBQ will be available for $10 which includes BBQ sandwich, chips, cookies and a drink. The two beautiful quilts made by Sandy McKenna and Kelsey McCollum will be on display and tickets will be available for purchase. Hope to see everyone there! Joan Key, Secretary

New Mexico CowBelles: Thank you to all who submitted news to Jingle Jangle. Please send minutes and/or newsletters to Jingle Jangle, Janet Witte, 1860 Foxboro Ct., Las Cruces, NM 88007 or janetwitte@ msn.com by the 14th of the month. ▫