The Quack, issue 334
The squeaky computer and missing cows edition
Good morning! It’s very nice to see you. I hope you had a great week.
This issue is going to be a bit of a shorty, as my computer is making some funny sounds this morning. To be honest, I’m not used to my computer making any sounds, so I’m taking this as a bit of a cry for help.
Quick! Grab a mug for tea! Quick!
Computers, cows, and sesame crops
These days, if any of my things are causing me strife (*cough* computer *cough*) I think of a story I learned in the last year about the Buddha. I’m going to paraphrase a bit.
One day, Buddha and the boys were out for a walk. As they were walking and enjoying the lovely day, they came across a man who was in clear distress. His face was red from the exertion of running. He was out of breath.
“Whoa, calm down, friend,” said Buddha. “What’s wrong?”
“You guys haven’t seen any cows around here have you?” asked the man.
Buddha looked at the boys. The boys shrugged.
“Sorry, friend,” said Buddha. “We haven’t seen any cows.”
“Dang,” said the man. “I have twelve cows, and this morning they escaped my farm. I’ve been looking everywhere for them.”
“Oh wow, sorry,” said Buddha. “We’ve been walking in this direction for quite a while and haven’t seen them. Maybe try that direction?”
“OK, thanks,” said the man, on the edge of tears. “This is the worst day ever. My cows ran away, and my entire two-acre crop of sesame has been eaten by bugs. I just don’t know what I’m going to do! I’m ruined!”
The man ran away in a panic, searching for his cows.
Buddha watched the man as he ran away. There was a quiet moment as no one spoke. They heard the wind in the grass and the birds in the trees. Finally, Buddha turned to the boys.
“Aren’t we lucky to not have any cows or sesame crops to worry about?” he said.
Pick up every spike. (Not that one.)
My eyes are always on the lookout for spikes to pick up off the road, be they nails, screws, or any other chunk of metal that could end up in someone’s tire.
I had already stooped to pick up this particular bolt before I realized it wasn’t much of a threat. I put it on the front step of the house it looked like it belonged to.
Wow, listen to that computer squeak. I’m going to shut it down and let it rest from its misery before I give it some first aid. Fingers crossed.
I hope you have a great week. Try not to fret about your cows.