Articles written by Gary Hodgson
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Under the Wire
She was willing and available. She was my best friend’s wife, but I needed her. Heck, at that point, I needed anybody! We were going to pour cement for a new pasture stock tank and help wasn’t...
Under the Wire
Every cowman who has ever calved out a bunch of cows knows the stages an old mama cow goes through leading up to the big day. Signs begin early with “looking calvy” to “springing up," “making...
Under the Wire
There is an old saying, “You can take the boy out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the boy.” Well, a recent experience I just barely lived through has proven those words to b...
Under the Wire
I hardly ever watch baseball on TV but like millions of people around the world I plan to watch the World Series whenever it rolls around. I hardly know enough about the games to comment on them. They...
Under the Wire
“Hello. You have reached the offices of Never There Dot Com. If you wish to order our service, once we decide what it will be, push one. If you want to know the status of a previous order press...
Under the Wire
Some folks have observed I write about cowboy type people and places. Out of respect for those whom that might offend, today I’m writing about an honest-to-goodness sailor and his adventures with...
Under the Wire
My vet mentioned recently that I had never written about him. That does put him in a rather exclusive group. Over the years when I have needed a break from reporting on my own embarrassing moments, I...
Under the Wire
A few years ago, a friend of mine retired and moved to town. He had spent his entire life to that point on a ranch. I was curious how he would handle the change in life style. After several months...
Under the Wire
I often say cows and horses are some of the best people I know. They’re smart and nearly always make sense. As a result, I like spending time around them some than most folks I bump into. It’s...
Under the Wire
“Thar’s gold in them thar hills!” I’m not sure who this quote should be credited to, but he sure knew his geography. In the old days, that meant you could apply shovel to hillside, add a...
Under the Wire
I’ve noticed some columnists display a cartoon-like caricature of themselves at the top of their work. They jump right off the page at you, big head, little body with a goofy cartoon smile to greet...
Under the Wire
OK, so what do you do when you can’t write about anything you think is funny because it might offend someone? It’s particularly hard to do if your goal is to entertain, not offend anyone. I must...
Under the Wire
“Why is it there never is enough time to do it right but always time to do it over?” As a small boy my mother began drilling that thought into my brain. As do most children, I listened to the...
Under the Wire
What’s in a name? Well, for some a lot more than was intended. Among the hundred or so emails my office computer attracts each day came a prime example of perhaps too much or too little thought...
Under the Wire
Dear Gary, In a typical year my elves answer most of our letters to Santa Claus. Unfortunately, the pandemic that hit most countries across the globe has made it’s way here to the North Pole as well...
Under the Wire
If you are involved with agriculture in any way you probably have heard of the National Agricultural Statistics Service or NASS for short. An offshoot of the USDA, their job is to conduct surveys...
Under the Wire
Everything I know about people, I have learned from cows. This may be the 100th time I have begun an “Under The Wire” with that statement. It’s accuracy continues to astound and amaze me....
Under the Wire
The best explanation I’ve ever heard regarding the relationship of a man to his horse is, “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.” In the spirit of being socially and...
Under the Wire
Well, here comes another holiday. That means an “Under The Wire” dedicated to the event. Not every holiday warrants a column as loyal readers have probably figured out now after 30 some years of...
Under the Wire
Sooner or later everybody gets one. A little card arrives in the mail informing you your pickup or car is the subject of a manufacturer’s recall. I used to be very concerned when they arrived. Not...
Under the Wire
I have spent most of my free time since 14 years old in the pursuit of a gold buckle. Along with many of my friends, this pursuit of rodeo greatness consumed much of my thoughts and actions. When coup...
Under the Wire
If you are lucky you will have a “Bob” in your life. If you are very lucky, having a “Bob” in your life won’t get you killed or seriously injured. I met Bob many years ago. This means we...
Under the Wire
A lot of my days have been spent either with a rope in my hand or thinking about having a rope in my hand. During countless hours in the practice pen and on the rodeo road, I have acquired a...
Under the Wire
I have discovered one of life’s best kept secrets. When it hit me like a ton of bricks, I felt the need to share it with you. My discovery? If you really, really enjoy what you are working at, don...
Under the Wire
It’s called reading between the lines. You know what I’m referring to. Someone says one thing, but means another. I don’t know about you but it bugs the heck out of me. If you’ve got...
