Remembering Grass Burss, Chicken Dab, and Bitter Weeds

It’s interesting that as time passes, you remember certain things that stand out from your growing-up years.

One of the things that has popped into my mind recently is grass burrs. It’s been years since these dastardly rascals entered my mind. Have they all been eradicated? I can’t remember the last time I saw one, and that last one was probably embedded on the bottom of my bare foot.

These little burrs grew on long green stems and were no doubt created by the Devil himself. Sharp little spikes grew out from all over each of the burrs, and for barefoot boys, they not only slowed you down from playing but also hurt like the dickens when you got into a patch of them.

Here’s how Google describes them… “grass burrs are spiky, barbed seed pods that stick to skin, clothing, and pet fur, causing pain and spreading seeds.” Enough said.

I wonder if they have somehow been nearly eradicated because I no longer see them. Maybe if I walked around barefoot, I might find they’re still around.

My mama always had chickens that provided fresh eggs and Sunday dinners. They spent their time out in the yard pecking and clucking, and at night, would all head for the “chicken house” where they roosted.

The fact that they spent all their time over the same ground that barefoot boys played meant there were obstacles we had to look out for. Chickens eat; they don’t have bathrooms, but when the urge hits, they leave their droppings scattered around the yard.

We had a name for these little “gifts” chickens left wherever the urge hit them. We called these little droppings “chicken dabs”. Barefoot boys were often too busy trying to avoid grass burrs that we would feel something squishy between our toes. You had inadvertently stepped in a chicken dab.

Here’s where bitter weeds came into play. These plants with the pretty yellow flowers had the ability to render the fresh milk we collected daily from our milk cow unfit to drink. It was necessary to be sure the cow was in a pasture where bitter weeds didn’t grow. Many times, Mama had to pour out all of a day’s milking because old Bossy had ventured into a patch of bitter weeds.

These weeds had at least one redeeming quality, however. When you stepped in a chicken dab, all you had to do was find a bitter weed, slide it between the toes where the chicken had left her offering, move your foot from the stem to the flower, and leave the dab for the bitter weed to worry about.

Interesting, isn’t it, how as you get older, such things as grass burrs, chicken dabs, and bitter weeds creep back into your mind. I’m just glad they are only memories; I’m relieved that today I only have to worry about what hurts, when is my next doctor’s appointment, and what we’re having for supper.

FISHING REPORT

CANEY LAKE – Bass are in the deeper holes with soft plastics and crank baits picking up some nice fish. Crappie are in the deeper holes with just out from the spillway. They are best on shiners and jigs. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BUSSEY BRAKE –Crappie are hanging out just off the bottom. Fishing has been good fishing jigs or shiners near the bottom. Bass fishing has been best flipping jigs and soft plastics around brush.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water is still quite low because of lock and dam problems down stream. Bass are best fishing shad imitation in the run-outs; crappie fishing has been good around the tops in the river in 12-14 foot water using shiners and jigs. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass are best over deeper water in the channels. Jigs and crank baits are picking up some. Crappie are near the bottom in 20 foot water on jigs and shiners. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie are best just out from the spillway in deep water on jigs and shiners. Bass are hitting crank baits and soft plastics in deeper water. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfish are good while crappie have improved fishing with jigs and shiners around the south end of the lake. For information, call the marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The lake level is on a slight fall. Catfishing is good, buffalo are being caught in nets while bass and crappie are slow. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.