Mama Carr Gets Mad

I’m told Mama Carr had a bit of a temper, but I only recall really seeing it a couple times. The primary time being when Rudy Woodard decided he was going to be a “bull rider”.

The old house that Mama Carr lived in off of 69 Highway had a pasture attached to it.   There was a pear tree in the middle of the pasture that I remember being exceptional good for climbing, and may have even produced pears. It is the climbing part I remember best. This was the same pasture where Mama Carr’s milk cow grazed. I seem to remember the cow’s name being Ole Heart, but someone can correct me on that one if I am wrong.

Rudy was a teenager, certainly old enough to know better, but he decided he wanted to ride Old Heart. I’m not sure, he did not try to talk me into riding her, but either I was smart enough, or more likely scared enough, to not do it.

He climbed that pear tree and lured her underneath. Or maybe she was already there sheltering from the Oklahoma summer sun. Anyway, he dropped down on Ole Heart. I don’t remember him staying on very long. I don’t know if he was bucked off or slide off, but he was scrambled back up the tree and tried it again. I really cannot imagine that cow staying close to the tree, but I seem to remember Rudy getting on her a few times.

Someone from the house saw what was going on, it may have been Mama Carr, and put an end to the festivities.   What stands out vividly in my mind is Mama Carr trying to milk that cow that evening, all Ole Heart had to give was blood.   I don’t remember the exact words, just the tone, and at least for that day, she was not holding Rudy in very high regard.