Once upon a time, there was a very rich farmer who became rich by selling bulls. The farmer's name was Slick Rove and, he was very well known in the area. One day, Uncle Sam, who was looking for a bull, came to Slick Rove's place. It was the largest in the area and just smelled like bull. Uncle Sam was one of those trusting people who believed everyone had some good in 'em. He had heard some tales about Slick, but there was no question he had bulls. Slick Rove greeted Uncle Sam with a big pat on the back and said, "I reckon you would be looking for a bull."

"You're right there." said Uncle Sam "But I want something that won't cause me any trouble."

"Gotcha," said Slick, "Here's one we call Little Bush. He used to be a rounder, but I think he is well broke now."

"I reckon I can take your word for that," said Uncle Sam. So, they loaded up Little Bush and went off down the road.

Some time later - four years actually - Uncle Sam came callin' on Slick Rove. Slick said, "Uncle Sam, you remember Little Bush, that bull you sold me?

"Sure do," said Slick. "Best bull I ever had."

"Well," said Uncle Sam, "He sure has caused a lot of trouble for me. He ran off with some other rogue bulls and danged if he didn't start a war."

"How could that be?" said Slick. "Little Bush is calm as long as you whisper in his ear once a day. He likes to hear: "Mission Accomplished" and, "Bring it on."

"Now Slick, you never told me that before," said Uncle Sam. "That's why I brought him back to you."

"Well, I must of plum forgot, said Slick Rove." You just trust me and take him back home and whisper in his ear. He'll be fine."

Some time later - four years actually - Uncle Sam brought Little Bush back to Slick Rove's place.

"Well," said Sam, "that dang bull is worthless. He gored some Arab prince, made 'em mad and we wound up having to pay more than $4 a gallon. We can't afford to drive the car, buy food and see the doctor. Beats me how a bull could mess up so much.

Slick Rove, patting Uncle Sam on the back, said, "I reckon I owe you, Sam. I'm gonna give you, at half price, Little Bush's best pal, Flip Flop McCain. Why he would follow Little Bush to the gates of hell?"

Uncle Sam, a trusting soul if ever there was one, looked Slick Rove right in the eye and said, "Them two bulls remind me of the "Palin" on my barn - fadin' and warping every which way. You dang well can keep the lot of 'em."

Moral of the story: This ain't no bull. It happened, don't let it happen again.

Clyde Mowery

Lucasville

Local nursing facility closes doors after 30 years

Another 140 jobs have been lost in Scioto County. Most Daily Times readers do not know as of Sept. 12, Liberty Nursing Center of Wheelersburg - aka Greenbriar - closed its doors.

This facility has been taking care of the elderly and sick for 30 years. This will be a sad day for all who have worked there. I know I am very sad to be leaving.

The worst part of all of this is to see the residents' faces as they are leaving the building for the last time. Most of them are scared to death, and are crying, asking why they have to leave.

All I can do is hope and pray the facility will reopen one day soon.

Donna Porter

Wheelersburg