Mules, Mud, Morels and Mental Health
March/April 2007
K.C. Compton
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K.C. Compton, Editor in Chief
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Television and movie writers would have us believe that it was six-guns and rifles that won the West, but I have a different idea. Being an aficionado of histories and diaries of women on the Western trails, I’m convinced that the mule, not side arms, enabled and sustained our nation’s western frontier. Whether or not you agree with the underlying principle behind America’s western movement, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more essential element of this country’s growth than the hard-working, noble mule.
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If I was already predisposed to respecting mules when I began this issue of Grit, after editing two stories (“Cheers for the Long Ears” and “Sweet Pet Gives a Mean Kick”) and sifting through dozens of photos of these handsome creatures, I’m now completely enamored. They’re strong, they’re smart, they’re sure-footed, and they also have the best faces. Don’t you love how nature puts eyeliner on some animals, just so we’ll be sure to notice how soulful they are?
We had a great time with this issue, particularly editing Kristin Davenport’s article on mud. Having lived miles out in the country during many a mud season, I know firsthand the degree of absolute muck this season brings. As Kristin says in her article, you can work around it, deal with it and prevent it as much as possible, but eventually you can only try not to let it make you crazy. We hope our article helps promote at least a little mental health in the mud department.
Every country person I know, whether a small farmer, large food producer or someone who just likes living out where the pavement ends, occasionally confronts the conundrum of how to find someone to watch the place. One of our favorite farmers, Hank Will, shares his experiences and provides tips that should give you the confidence to spend a few days away if you want or need to. Everyone needs a break from time to time, and Hank tells us practical ways to make sure our vacations are truly relaxing, not worrisome.