Home Country

Slim Randles

October 29, 2004

When Florencio Ortiz sent off for that new slicker, everyone in town and out at the ranch knew about it. He described in detail how waterproof it was and how a cowboy just couldn't possibly get wet with this slicker on.

Then it came, and Florencio tied it behind the cantle of his saddle each day. And Florencio looked to the sky for any sign of a cloud, and then patted that slicker affectionately.

"If it rains today," he'd say, "I'm ready. Did you know this slicker keeps the saddle dry, too?"

Finally, during the gather, Florencio and the other hands were horseback about 10 miles from the truck, driving cows back to the home pasture. And the clouds came, thick and black and fast, and the rain poured.

With a joyous whoop, Florencio donned the new slicker and climbed back aboard his horse. But his buddies just sat their horses and watched. Their slickers were back in the truck.

They were amazed when Florencio dismounted, took off the slicker, tied it behind the saddle, and mounted again in the rain.

"Why?" they asked him.

"When my friends get wet," he said, "I get wet."

Brought to you by Pearson Ranch oranges. Visit them at www.pearsonranch.com.