Every adult needs a skill set that elevates them above the masses, that makes them valuable and employable. Even though I’ve chosen to stay home raising kids, when the need arises I’m confident that I can contribute to the family budget by falling back on my training….
…to weigh pigs.
This is my dad. My whole life he’s been a livestock order-buyer. He’s not a farmer or a butcher. He’s the one who brings them together.
You see, packing houses specialize in certain cuts of meat, but a farmer has pigs of every size, gender and condition. Order buyers get orders from the packing house for a precise number of animals of a preferred size. Then they have to find those animals to fill their order. If farmers are in a selling mood (and bring a lot of stock to the stockyards) the order-buyer might have to scramble to find businesses that will buy them. Supply and demand – the literal “Stock Market”.
Pigs (as well as most livestock) are bought and sold by the pound, so we must know what they weigh.
This is my station when I’m helping Dad. I am the Weighmaster. Although that sounds like an exercise device sold by Suzanne Somers, the weighmaster is responsible for paying the farmers a fair amount. The scale must be kept balanced and the weight tickets must be filled out correctly so the farmers are paid for their hogs – and no one else’s.
So I ask my dad to take a picture of me at work and do you know what he says. “Don’t you think you should’ve put on some make-up and done your hair?”
Excuse me? To work at the Stockyards?
This is my keyboard…
I’m afraid if I used this keyboard to write I’d end up with a dirty book. (Zoom in to see what I mean!)
This is my walkway to the office…
That’s not confetti on the catwalk. It’s pigeon decorations.
So forgive me if I didn’t dress up enough for this post. At least the pictures aren’t scratch and sniff.
Thanks for letting me share this part of my glamorous life with you.
One final picture. Can you think of a good caption for this?
You are a woman of many talents. 🙂
You make me laugh so hard in your blogs, Regina. I Love your sense of humor and your reality. Our realities make us better writers. We live in the real world; we write from our hearts. And, your right! Cows do sound slightly more impressive than pigs. HA HA HA My book is on the way (preordered). Cannot wait to read it!
Ew! I’m not sitting with them, look at them- they’re brown and dirty!
or…
“Racism, happens to everybody”
or…
“C’mon, cheer up. I’m gunna break us out of here. Oh, you don’t believe me. Weeeell, I rang a very influential pig, no, still don’t believe me…. His name’s Babe”.
My friend, Regina. A woman of many talents!!
I can’t wait for your book. I love your sense of humor!
The pigs on the left are saying: “Those other guys are soooo antisocial. Is there a Pig Whisperer?”
Loved the post. Sounds to me like you have a part in ultimately bringing bacon to my table. For that, I thank you! 😎
Hi Regina, Loved the post. My dad was a pig farmer, so I can appreciate this post with all my senses. LOL – I used to bake pies for our local auction cafe every week. That was an interesting job. But kinda fun. Many blessings to you!
Nice to learn something “different” about you Regina.
For the picture: No, it’s not my turn. Take him.
Well, I just wandered over to your website as I was contemplating whether to request your debut novel for review or not. And with a post like this, I was laughing within seconds, and I’ve decided that I’m sold on your blog…and on giving your book a try! Can’t wait to read it! 🙂
Jeremy
Hi Regina! I’m waiting for your book to arrive! Hope it’s SOON! I love your writing style from your blog, as well as reading the first pages of your book online. I know I’m going to love it! Come visit us again in Muskogee!
Thanks for your comments! I’m happy if I can make someone else happy.
Deborah – My grandparents owned a couple of auction houses. I loved those cafes with the homemade pies and the cold Coca-cola in the glass bottles. Thanks for the memory.
Jeremy – I’m glad you enjoyed your visit. Come back when you’re able.
Sandra – I know Hastings ordered a dozen copies if you have friends looking for them. They should have them out soon. I’ll definitely stop by if I’m in Muskogee!