TEN SLEEP, WY—Gus and Bessie up past the creek bought themselves a new sow the other day. It's a big one, too. Probably 200 pounds or so, I reckon.
They told Carl a few weeks ago that they had been thinking it might be time to get a younger sow to keep up their pigs, but Carl wasn't sure just how serious they were. Well now we know.
It sounds like Myrtle, the sow they've had for a few years already, has been getting up there in age, and may not have much longer left in her. For now, they just want to keep her happy, so she's mostly just lying around and enjoying what sunshine she can get.
Gus told Sue Anne's boy that they were thinking of naming the new sow something like "Henrietta," on account of a brown patch she's got on the tip of her ear. That patch reminds Gus of a friend he had years back who had part of his ear cut off in a plowing accident. But that particular individual was named "Henry." Still, Gus figures that it wouldn't be right to name a sow "Henry," seeing as how all sows are girls. So, "Henrietta" being the female style name is alright by him. Seem like Bessie likes it, too.
Rumor has it that Gus drove all the way outside of Laramie to get Henrietta, but he won't say what he paid for her. Folks think he's just being modest and won't say so that nobody thinks he's trying to show off about money. Still, if you just look at Henrietta and see that fine skin and plump figure, she didn't come cheap.
Gus and Bessie are always happy to have visitors if you're thinking of taking a gander at the new sow. Just don't go by after 5, because you all remember what happened last September when the Meeks showed up around dinner time...