I was new to the area, unaware of the locals and their reputations. I had begun lawn care services for the grumpy man the previous week, a wealthy rancher with a rather large residence and once a week, lots of work. The man had a face that only his mother might love, and she could be lying too. That didn’t make any difference though because he had lots of money. He was going to do all he could to keep most of it too.

"Have you ever drove a tractor," the rancher questioned?

"Yes," I answered, "I grew up on a farm."

"Well if you’re looking for more work be at the ranch tomorrow morning at 7:00," he said, then told me directions.

"I’ll be there," I said.

That next morning I wanted to get there early. First impressions, you know. It was amazingly easy to find and I arrived at 6:30. The ugly mugged stockman was having a discussion with his foreman, who seemed obviously displeased about something. I walked up to them and they ceased their conversation and introductions were made. Meanwhile a pickup with an employee inside was pulling into the driveway.

"It’s already past 6:00..., where has he been," the rancher questioned with a scowl on his face? "I thought a man was supposed to ride for the brand."

"Those days are long gone mister," the foreman said with a snarl, looking his disgruntled boss square in the eyes.

Grumbling instructions for the foreman to show me the ropes, the rancher departed, chewing out the late arriving employee.

"The cigar chewing SOB," the foreman said, "he’ll have to hire people to cry at his funeral."

I laughed at the absurdity of the remark and didn’t think much more about it. A couple of weeks later my neighbor asked me to help him drive a car he had purchased back from an adjoining town. We were enjoying a casual conversation and getting to know each other better on the way there.

"Where have you been working," the inquisitive neighbor asked?

"I’ve been working for old Will Rocksill," I said.

"Oh the cigar chewing SOB," he said.

"You’re the second person I’ve heard call him that," I said.

"Yea..., that’s what everybody calls him," he chuckled, "that’s how he’s known around town."