life is simple
We are pleased to offer Jerry Crownover’s
“Life is Simple” column. Jerry is a graduate
of the University of Missouri. He and his
wife, Judy, own and operate a ranch west of
Springfield and are FCS Financial members.
We hope you enjoy Jerry’s Ozark humor
and wisdom.
“Life is Simple” Copyright 2015, Jerry Crownover
was until I was left with nothing
it, “Really, Jerry, have you just given
else to do but watch a few days and
up?”
nights of that drivel. And, as much
as I love football, I found myself not
two-week, post-surgery, follow-up.
caring who won the games by the
“I’ve got great news for you,” the
end of the second full day. I wanted
doctor proudly announced after
to get out of the house and piddle
examining his handiwork. “You’re
around the farm, but most of my
getting along so well, I’m going to
gates weigh considerably more than
increase your weight restriction to
five pounds, so I couldn’t even drive
ten pounds for the next month!”
around and check cows without
assistance. Tractor activities were out
replied, “My wife will appreciate the
of the question as well since I have to
fact that I’ll be able to pour my own
grab onto the handle beside the steps
milk again.”
to help lift me up and, believe me,
that effort is about fifty times my
Since the surgery was not an
emergency situation, I tried my best
to find a date that would coincide
oil in the lawnmower, power washer,
with the slowest time on my farm.
generator, and UTV, but the simple
I decided that a date after the spring
effort of removing the drain plug
calves were sold would, hopefully,
exceeds my ‘limited activity’ so it
allow me to take it relatively easy
was back to reruns of Bonanza and
until I would have to start feeding
Gunsmoke. Even my daily trips to
hay in late November. The date
the coffee shop and feed store were
was set and surgery was successful,
nixed, after the first visit to each
but I’m beginning to think I might
were met with ridicule and derision,
die…of boredom.
as my neighbors, who have never
I
22
lifting restriction.
knew
that
TV
seen me wear anything but jeans and
programing was less than desirable,
boots, saw me in sweat pants and
but I had no idea how truly bad it
tennis shoes. As one good friend put
HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2015
today’s
I thought about changing the
Last Monday, I went in for my
“Well, that is good news,” I