Tuesday, October 28, 2008

A Mule Story - Post 96

Whodathunk that a sweet, gentle blog such as mine would receive an award such as the one above? My erudite and clever blogging buddy rhymeswithplague received this award back in August, and per instructions, he passed it to others, among them myself, a most unworthy recipient. But, thanks, anyway, rhymeswithplague. I've taken a long time to acknowledge my award publicly, and I apologize.

As I thought about the award's title, it called to mind an experience of my days on the farm. Our next door neighbors (if you can call almost a mile away "next door") had a huge gray mule which was used to pull whatever farming equipment needed to be pulled. Occasionally, J.D., one of the younger teenaged boys of that family, would put a bridle on the beast and ride over for a visit. As I recall, we were the only kids of their ages for about 5 miles, at least.

I once had an opportunity (I use the word jestingly) to ride this behemoth. He stood about 17 hands at the shoulder, which was about the same height I was at the time. I had to stand on a barrel in the yard to get up on his back. And, "back" it was... no saddle. Although I was tall, I was skinny. I weighed only about 90 pounds, soaking wet. The mule probably didn't even realize I was there... until I kicked him in the ribs to get him to "go."

To my remembrance, that's the only time I ever "kicked ass."

Post Script: Yes, I realize that technically this mule was not a true ass, but its donkey daddy was an ass. I suppose this mule was only half-ass.

17 comments:

Rose said...

Ha-ha! I loved this...if everyone wasn't asleep I would be laughing out loud. One of the best funny awards I have seen.

Hilary said...

Who knew that one could be inspired to write a post which reflects the name of your award. As always, I'm so impressed. Funny, funny post.

Marvin said...

Cute and funny story, Pat. Congratulations on your award -- I think.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I laughed out loud at this one...I wonder how many other recipients would have literally 'kicked ass'. None I'll wager.

rhymeswithplague said...

I knew I was doing the right thing when I named you as one of the recipients of this award! A little demon on my shoulder kept whispering, "She's just an old lady who sits around with other old ladies making stamped greeting cards," but my choice has been fully vindicated, I think, by this very funny post!

Sandi McBride said...

LOL ROTFL...I remember riding my granddad's tobacco sled mule, Rhoda...how I loved that old mule! Your memories are so wonderful because they bring on mine!Wonderful post!
hugs
Sandi

Richard Lawry said...

You are the last person I would have thought would post a half-ass blog. :)

An Arkie's Musings

Dr.John said...

Ah but you only kicked half-ass. You deserve only half an award.
All that story for a half-ass punch line.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Thanks to all for the nice comments.

Rose: I'm glad it tickled your funny bone.

Hilary: The mule episode came into my mind immediately upon receiving the "award" and I drafted the story that same day but did not post it. Glad you enjoyed it.

Marvin: I have mixed feelings, myself.

Moannie: So glad you enjoyed it. It's a true story that's been waiting 58 years to be told. The time was right.

Rhymeswithplague: I *am* a little old lady, now, but I wasn't always! This episode occurred when I was 16.

Sandi: I'm glad the story triggered some happy memories for you.

Richies: LOL. So true! Who would ever thought it?

Dr. John: Yes, that is correct. Would you like me cut this one in half and send you part of it? You've got a KA blog, yourself! Don't knock my punch line! I thought it was pretty good. :)

Patty said...

I would have loved to have seen a video of you getting on that mule/ass. You are just too funny.

EG CameraGirl said...

Great story! I like your sense of humour.

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

Cute story. And I do think you deserve the award, even if it is a bit of a salty name.

abb said...

What a good tale, Pat! Congrats on your award - well deserved I might add,

Pat - Arkansas said...

Old Lady Lincoln, EG Tour Guide, Ruth, TSAnnie: Thanks. Glad you enjoyed my story.

David: !!!!

Rambling Woods said...

LOL..I love this story..

Ranch wife said...

Too cute!

~M~

Rottlady of the Ozarks said...

I just love to read stories that "Kick Ass". (I was compelled to write that) I enjoyed it. Congratulations on your honor.