My mother and father, number one.

Mama was Scotch Irish, all business, very strict. Not much  she could not do. Dad was a Newspaper man, books, papers,  magazines, anything in print and his church were his life.  When Dad passed away, several said to me, if possible for  anything to be passed on, they wished for his vocabulary.  Fifteen years difference in their age. I was their third child, two babies, Fay and Loraine died less than a year old. 

Dr. Rogers decided Mama should have some help. Two  weeks before I was born. Dolly was sent to her for that  time. Dolly stayed with Mama for 22 years. When they were  first married Mama said she made the mistake of learning to set type. Let Dad have a rush job, she was the extra hand.  I was left in Dolly's care with instruction if I got out of  hand to give a little spanking. Which I always did to merit one. So happened I could out run Dolly to the barn and climb  up the lattice work to the loft to safety. A sorrel mare, a  wedding present from an uncle came with her. This horse  could open any regular lock. Dad made some of his Rube  Goldberg's and put them too high for short Dolly. Ideal place until one hot day when Dinah, cow with the crumpled horns, decided to come stand in the driveway through the barn where  it was cool. Too hot for me up there, so I had to beg Dolly  to get her out where I could come down, anything to get out  of that hot box.

In our backyard was a large grape arbor,  bodies of the vines I could climb up to a coverage of heavy  wire that would carry my weight. Going up, nothing, but when  up there, it was getting a bit warm I started down. I had  come by the biggest wasp nest, nobody at home, when I started  down a "family gathering". Again I had to beg for Dolly to get  a ladder.

Dolly would have been a walking advertisement of a  starch. Her dress and bonnet done to perfection. A big  apron with pockets, one had the making of her smoke. A very  small clay pipe, bag of her special tobacco. Can see her  now, kneeling on the hearth, some how she managed to get that  small coal on that pipe to light it. If she and Webb were not  on their quite often "outs" they would sit by the fireplace.  Warmer weather she would sit on the back steps in peace.  Webb would today be called a polio victim. He came with the  drummer hack and the sorrel mare, Winnie, named after  Jefferson Davis's daughter.

Mamma taught school not too far  from her home. Webb went with her in the buggy every day.  Made the fires, kept the wood box stocked and swept out the  school room. During the day he sat in the back of the room.  Mama had taught him to read the printed word. Going home he  would tell what he had learned that day. She taught him to  sign his name, it was a slow job but it came a good facsimile  of Mama's writing. He wanted to be paid by check so he could  sign his name and not an X. In later years when he would  find a newly printed word, he would come in and say, " Miss  Ginger what does that say?" "Sarsaparilla" gave him a hard  time, two days to get that one right. SSS, that tonic was  even worse. One day there was a new sign being painted on a  barn roof. "Wine of Cardui"(woman's tonic) that must be a  powerfully good wine. 

Mama and her greenhouse. She could root anything. Her  special was geraniums. Let a new little red come into bloom  Webb would come in with his request, "Miss Pansy would  surely like that little ‘Jim Rum’". More reasons for him to  want to go was miss Pansy would talk to him about "The Old  Country" across the river in Louisiana. Miss Pansy and the Judge  had the home that most of the VIP's visit when in town. She  was a writer of note for that part of the State. 

Some one gave Webb some flower seeds, "something  special". He asked if he might have a place to plant them.  Mama said pick the place, take care of it and keep it  watered. As soon as the second pair of leaves showed Mama  knew what he had. What a disgusted Webb when it bloomed.  "They are all over this place."

Webb and Winnie had a  running dislike for each other. To put hay in the manger, he  had to go up in the loft and drop it in. To put grain in her  box in the next stall when she was in hers. There was a new  barn built. Stalls large enough for horses and cows. Winnie  did not approve of size allotted to her. The divider was  kicked out. Dad repaired a couple of times, waste of his  time. 

Harness was made for other horses not Winnie. Mama had a  one horse surrey with fringe on top, nice to take her  friends for rides. On Sunday we went on our foraging expeditions. If it  grew in Shelby county within our part and was good to eat, or  something she liked, she knew where to go. Dad went with his  supply of reading matter. Some of my friends came along if they were  brave enough to go. Winnie always put one good performance  from barn out the drive way to the street and some. Auntie  Redditt used to say, "Eughis, that horse is going to scatter  Padons all up and down Shelbyville Street. Mama was not  afraid of horses, could drive a team as well as most men.  She offered to ride side saddle in a county parade when she  was in her late fifties, shocking to her sister. On these  afternoon expeditions, after we had satisfied our selves on  the things we had come to find. We would gather bark, leaves  and take them to Dad to identify and he did. Did not fail  often in next morning, a piece of harness had to go Burnett's  saddlery. Then Dad decided to get heavy duty harness, that  did not lessen Winnie’s vengeance to do damage to anything put on  her back. She was a past master at expanding her firth when  you were putting on a saddle. Just right, "tight". Put your  foot in the stirrup, down you would go! I know that horse  laughed when she looked back at you. 

Before the day of our enamel bath tubs, my father drew  a large size tin tub that sat on a bench at the well house,  warmed for his shower bath. Another of his Rube Goldberg's  that worked . That well house was covered with climbing  roses, mostly yellow, one a pink, in the shade a dark pink on  same bush stem in the sun very pale. They all smelled like  roses. Rather stickery for garlands but we were wearing  braids, that helped. 

In my collection of papers I have a copy of a nice long  articles written for the paper by John McClendon. Mama  referred to it as her obituary.

If anything would grow it  seem to do well for Mama. She always had the earliest spring garden,  I remember the coverage of the English pea row. Seeds planted,  then a nice thick covering of cotton seed hulls. 

One year, where the seeds came from, was a mystery. Out  in the front of the garden, two of the nicest big melons.  Mama evidently knew what they were, they were left. A  temptation to a group of boys, the fence was climbable, one  got over and hoisted the melon to another. The next morning  there was a run on the hardware stores for pocket knives.  The melon was left intact down at the gin yard pond. One  thing my mother grew she didn't work up. Citron; 

The three acres, from Main street to the next street was  always in patches, each one grew certain things the best. Garden  stayed in front. One year Mama planted cotton, the yield not  a bale, it was ginned, the family benefited, mattresses were  made. 

That front garden today would have been outlawed. The  biggest red poppies there every were. Huge pods, Opium kind. 

In the neighborhood were boys of my age, cousins too. One  girl who chose to sit and listen to grown folk talk. One day she used her information at the wrong time. Out on the  school yard she said my Dad had to borrow money to build our  new home. Too much for me, I gave her one of my choice  slaps. At home for lunch here came her mother to report the  damage done to her daughter. "My hands were just too  limber". Don't know if that added to my cousins and my  running war with the Harris’, it became our "Hass kids." At  their place, there was an opening between their living  quarters and dining room, kitchen, might be called a breeze  way today. A high board fence was our dividing line. Ideal  for our stock for ammunition, mud balls kept on the ready.  Let a Hass kid venture through that opening, a few balls flew.  What the boys could do and did, I could do and did. An Uncle  bought a new buggy whip, just the thing for smoking. it was  cut into right lengths. What sore mouths we had. Old grape  vine, porous like they ought to be were much better. This  same uncle was John's father. He made a business trip to N.O  and sent some nice new furniture for their parlor, fringe on  the upholstered chairs. John and I did not like fringe, so  we were cutting off the fringe when we were caught. Nice  punishment to fit the crime. 

Being the editor of the paper, Dad was asked to cover  meetings. Political, religious, name it, he went and I went  along for the ride. Always invited to someone's home for  dinner, good food. In the summer melons were always cut, you  were well filled by the time the dinner was ready. Another  good thing, let a circus come to town, there were passes to  every show. There was a regular that came to our town, Barnum and Bailey's World Famous. On one of their times there, they had  a fire and the men of the town helped put it out. In  appreciation every time the show was to be coming our way, invitations to the ladies of the town were received.

As soon  as her private tent was set up, her home away from home.  Carpet and her organ were there. She had on her latest and  her jewelry in abundance, ring on every finger. There, I got my  introduction to what I was later to know as Cambric or Sissy  tea. Ladies had their coffee or tea, nice lot of cakes and  cookies, sure there were Nabisco’s. Not for me, my Mama  called in her groceries. I had pestered her to the point she  decided to satisfy my liking for them. She ordered one of  the big tins that they came in. Had me sit down and eat all  I wanted. It turned out, that they were not on my list of edible things for  years. Years later, I found out the mother of a very good  friend of hers had an open account at one of the biggest dry good  stores in Houston and Dallas to buy materials for Molly and  her girl’s costumes. 

Mama, Mammy Fleshman, and Judge Willis, the active  Fairview cemetery association walked those blocks of lots  over, checking work that had been done and planning more that  would have to be done. Matthew Cartwright, care taker,  plodding along with us. I tagged along. Anything "Miss " Padon said, he would agree. No big tree for shade for  Winnie, Mama found the most protection. After I had gone my  limit I would curl in the surrey and go to sleep or cut out  paper dolls if I had thought to bring some along. 

Butchering time

In early spring Mama always bought five shoats. Come the  first cold spell, Webb went to the quarters to tell the  regular two who always were in on the job that it was hog killing day.  They came bundled up like they were heading for the North  Pole. Everything was in readiness for the big day. Wide  cypress boards and other ones kept for certain things. After  each time they were scalded and stored for the next time to  be used . Big black pots were filled with water, enough for  the scalding and scraping job Webb would do have after the  killing. A barrel was set in the ground at an angle, some of   those boards in right place for hog to be put on to scrape.  When cleaned, and Mama said "OK", the hog was hoisted spread eagle,  head down. Mama with her razor sharp knives did the first  cut. The women with the large containers were there to get  the parts that were their jobs. Then the carcass was put on  the table of cypress boards on saw horses and Mama did the  cutting up. Piece by piece. Could have been Mama learned this  from hunting with her brothers, she could take care of her kill.  She always said, "Get that musk sack off of that deer's leg first thing you do".  Nothing went to waste, this went to the salt box to cure,  hams, sausage to be smoked, side of bacon to be cured. Head  for hogs head cheese, pigs feet to their rightful end.  News got about, phone calls, "call me the day you are having  my favorite," Doctors, judges, dentist bankers all had a  must. 

The Galveston Storm

Going back to September, 1900, when I was two and a half, Mama and I were down at  Uncle Rats (Erastus) F. Sayers and his wife Aunt "Can"  Canzadao’s home on the bay at LaPorte. Nice afternoon before  the storm, we had gone for a ride in the family surrey,  pulled by matched greys. Late that evening, I was told,  weather went bad by bed time. Uncle was sitting on a cot on  the second floor, with Nemel ????, blocking double front  doors to the porch, an umbrella over him for the night. It  was sleepy time for me. I was taken from up front to the  second parlor. Lucky there was a step up to that part of the  house. The front part of the house the next morning was a foot deep in mud. Day  before, one big barn, huge live oaks, next morn, trunk of  those tree, no more. Where were those beautiful greys? Dad  came for us as soon as he could get transportation.

Adventure in the Big City

In  Houston, one of the newspapers had gotten a linotype machine.  Dad had to see that in operation. To keep me satisfied I was  given a balloon, child like, I made it go up and down. Down one time too  many, hit the hot slag, no balloon. To quiet me, a Mr.  Harper went out and bought me a new one. Oh yes another freebie,  newspapermen rode on trains on script. Not me I had to have  something that looked like a ticket or I did not get on. 

Tired as Dad was on Wednesday night he walked down to  the old Christian Church, down a small road that went by the  school house yard. I went with him as a rule four men, three  I remember their names, Grandpa Jones, Mr. Downer and Dad.  No sidewalks and dark, how did they get around in those days. 

When the buyers were going to market, Mama sent in her  order, things for me, such as hats, once a pretty spring  straw with beautiful spring flowers. I wasn't going to have  those country flowers. Also, my panties had to have "chimming"  (trimming of lace) not mine, no trim. Dr. Rogers used to  tell Mama she kept me too clean. One day he was passing and  I was plenty dirty. "Is she dirty enough?" 

For my kindergarten days, first day I went, in the old  Masonic building behind the Methodist church, first day I  found a "lucky" penny, a gold dollar. After that I did not  know it but I was playing cupid, a young lawyer was much  interested in my teacher. He walked me to class each  morning. He became Judge Nowlin of Oklahoma City, Mrs. my teacher.  

Miss Jim Rushing had nieces who came from Houston to visit  her each summer. Lois was a pet collector, a red hen that  followed us wherever we went, a raccoon that we took to a  pond for it to fish. Never looking where that paw would be  working, he caught a crawfish. What a wash job he would do  before eating it. This pond was made where clay had been dug  out for bricks that were made at Pappy Fleeshman's brick  yards. When a kiln was burned, you needed no lights in your  house on side of that when it was burning. 

One summer Mama and I went visiting to an old school  chum of hers. My first big tub for a bath, tin with seams.  No running water, the depth of water in the tub depended on  trips with buckets. Baths at home were in a big tin wash tub, in  cool water by the kitchen stove. 

Cora, a niece of Mama’s, lived with us and went to school.  Later, she was teaching there. She was my second grade teacher, not a good year at school or at home. Before braided hair, it  was long curls that were always tangled. I would ask to go  to town with her Saturday afternoon. I could go if I would  let her comb my hair. Up on a chair in front of a mirror. It  was always, "can't I say ouch?" 

When Mama and Dad were celebrating their 25th wedding.  I sat up in my bed and said 25 years is a long time to live  with one man, I was all of 7 or 8. 

When I was four years old a friend of Mama and Cora was  bringing her little girl over to play with me. I gathered up  every doll, toy, book and hid them and then hid out myself. 

Kinfolk

Each summer we all went over to Louisiana to visit the kin. At  times Uncle Billie met us in Longstreet. To get there we had  to go by hack over to Tenaha, 12 long miles, one of those  across a mile long bridge through Flat Fork bottom. That  bridge creaked and groaned, I knew it was going to go any  minute. Tenaha to Longstreet for the train ride. To Uncle  Billie's just three miles not bad. When Uncle Mike and Aunt  Georgia met us in their wagon, those miles never ended. That  red headed aunt was stricter than Mama. When their daughter  and her little boy arrived. I was a angel compared to him  but I got all of the blame for what he did. 

The wedding cake

Mama was the "Cake" maker. Any wedding she was asked by  the mother to make several cakes. One time there was the  most scrumptious cake, fresh coconut, all finished, I sampled  the frosting, good, as far as my finger would go, went the  coconut. When Mama found her work of art, she asked, " Why?"

I wanted  some coconut. 

Snipers

Again what the boys had, I had, a length of bamboo was turned into a great weapon. I  whittled out the plunger, just right. Trees were made for  climbing. In our front was the big china berry. Time of  year for green berries, plenty ammunition. Alva and I had  favorite targets. One, a distinguished old judge who would  come down the side walk trying his latest case, arms  talking. When he passed his back to us, my time, or Alva's,  that time. Another, a very rotund man who had taken on a mite  too much "Jack Daniel", or whatever the brand. He would  come staggering down the walk, past us, no argument, both of  us had a target. Two pops and he would reach back and rub  his back end. Stop and lean against the fence, look around.  We were well hidden in that tree. My partner in crime when  grown, went to Yale. When he came home I was Miss Wyllma to  him. How that school effected that young man's head!

The Novel

Chapter 1

When Tommy took the Red head under his charge, he have him to understand you also work with me. Right now I'm feeding the animals in the fattening pens, two of the, two big troughs to fill every morning, a bale for each pen comes down the loft first, then four bags of special food comes down the chute that has been emptied by two boys up there. The troughs are under shelter , we are too. We check the water, a wind mill keeps pumping, what runs over goes into a big tank out side there pens. Two beeves are put in each pen for two week, they are not at the same week. A black man comes with his helpers. The pens are cleaned, he makes his money selling what he gets out of the pens as fertilizer. Two boys and Miss Fields ride back through the cattle picking out two to go in the pen just emptied. That how she makes some of the money that keeps us fed clothed and in school. She has standing orders for cattle of so much weight. that is what we are trying to do. That’s our part. Understand? This is my last year in school here. Between Miss Field's Uncle. Judge and a senator friend she manages to get scholarships for us. Remember that, keep up your grades if you want to be somebody. She is paid so much for each of us, surely not enough for all the things she does for us. Its not all work. You come home from school change into work clothes, check out your clothes to see they are OK for next day at school. I have about an hour of chores, free until we was up for supper. After that you can do what you please, games, make something, read. Not a bad life if you ask me. I want to me a teacher and help kids like you and me. Pick some thing and shoot for it. some one else will take you, next thing you sill be taking some one to train. 

Chapter 2

Last Friday, Bud was smoking some chickens and something else brushing the meat, saw a buck come ambling down for a drink and then up to the tree. Bud stopped to watch him, his first try didn't get the apple, He reared up again on his hind legs, that apple was his. Bud daughter was having two of her class mates out and our teacher was due out. Her name I do not dare to try to say. The story does, her first day with a new class, she will introduce herself I'm Miss Clare. I do not want you to have to stumble over my name. You will see it on the tour cards. She now has tow week ends in the months that she is out to visit to "Our Honey" Those two could make plenty as comedians. Never a dull moment when they get started. In class they say she is strict Megan said she just managed to get in he class of geography she taught last period of school. She says if you don't know where countries are, not her fault. She even has a Geography Bee. She says I just boil when I run across a woman or man who can't read maps and there are plenty. 

Beaulah remembered all of those apples too high for the deer. Those children over at Miss Fields would enjoy deep dish apple pies. When Paul came in, she suggested that he go see if two of the boys would come over after the carp ------- ------- left, they would use a couple of their short ladders, Apple trees do not grow too tall, these had done pretty good. Being two nice size trees about 3 or 4 ft apart gave them a nice spread. when the limbs were loaded with fruit, plenty was in reach of the deer. Paul gets on his bide and goes over two of the boys were glad to get the apples. they came with some feed snacks, gave Paul one, so he could carry his in the basket on the bike. Two up in the trees. kept one busy picking up the apples, putting them in piles. In not time they had what each could handle, plus three big noes the birds had pecked. One of the boys was taking them back to two rabbits and a burro, one pest, biggest beggar, if you are eating anything he keeps nudging you until you give up an give it to him. Beaulah has put about as much as that freezer can hold, she calls her "just in case". They do have friends from in town out on Sunday evenings. Nearly all play some instrument, those they bring along and then Paul hauls out his harmonica. They have more guitar pickers in the bunch, They have sing alongs. If Honey sees any one drive up a Beulah's she will call her and You and Paul go home, my husband will have a chance to make one of his famous omelets for us. If the children do come, they all can cook. When we were living in town, bad weather and we were house bound, what ever I was doing they had a hand in it. cooking, sewing, painting, if I do say so, they have used it all to their advantage. Maybe not Bud. The family has been watching one big red apple left on a limb, with the weight of fruit gone its too high for most of the deer. 

Chapter 3

It was county fair time, Megan had entries in the art dept. She had been watching people as they looked at her things. It was lunch time, she went out and had herself a bite to eat. Her change was 25 cents. As she started out she heard two boys talking about a quarter horse raffle. That horse she must see, so to the barns she headed. There was this horse she had been looking for She walked up to him, he reached over and nudged her, "Love me" he was saying. then turned and walked around in his stall to say "I'm not bad looking." This horse had to be hers. She had not seen one person she could recognize. I was standing there with tears in my eyes. When this nice looking motherly woman came over and said Baby, why are you crying? I've got only 25 cents and those tickets cost _____. My dad isn't to be here until after the drawing, that is 4 o'clock, Not one chance for me. Well lets see what I can do. She opened her purse, pulled out a dollar bill. a fifty cent piece, two quarters, with my twenty five cents still short twenty five. Wait a minute I was given some change when I had my lunch, in her coat pocket, there was three nickels and one dime. That will do it, lets get you a ticket. He number was dropped into the barrel with hundred more that looked like hers. They were watching the line of late buyers when Uncle Henri walked up. With no greeting, please give this lady $2.25 for me. He said I got in a bit earlier, call the office, my wife said you will find Hank out at the quarter horse raffle, he has two tickets. Henri at once introduces himself to a relative O. W. R. Halston. Yes, I'm his son. I've done business with him ever since we came here to live. This young lady here is his granddaughter her Dad we call Bud, She spike up in the insurance business? He has all of my insurance. Henri said if we talk longer we may be in some way relatives. The lady had told them she was Mrs. John Newman. my husband and Mr. Walt had found that their parents had come from same small town in England. You will have to meet our mother. You mean Miss Honey. Your Dad brought her to see my garden when it took first prize year before last. She is a treasure as you well know. Time for the drawing, every one was quiet. Mrs. Newman squeezed Megan's hand, we are going to win" She turned to Mrs. N. Win or lose I'll love you all my life" then the next two came out Megan's. She let out a big whoop. Look here those are my numbers. I won" Henri what a coincidence, Hard to believe. Megan was gone. Bud arrived to hear the numbers read, never believing they would mean so much to any one so close to him. He saw Henri and heard the commotion around him, His voice told so much, Megan just won. Thanks to this kind lady. How do you do Mrs. Newman haven't seen you since the first. How are you? Bud she is the one who let Megan have the "."% to finish getting the amount of the tickets cost. Hold on I've paid her. Most rake up a relationship. Bud had taken off to find his daughter. Next thing getting the horse to Henri's, for we re hipine two weeks and we will be moving to our new home, Horses to their pasture. The family asked Megan what she was naming her horse, I can't think of a better one than Two Bits. The best two bits I ever invested. 

Chapter 4

Everything was falling in order just like Walt wanted, Help for Honey was the only thing not settled. Then one of his customers was in the office closing out business as he was being transferred to Scotland. He said I have the best couple working for me. I would like to get them placed before I leave, they have been with us for ten years. Reliable in every way and there isn't much he can't do, she is a fabulous cook and general housekeeper. I would give them top reference, Know anybody interested. Me? The only thing maybe Beaulah would not be interested in living in the country. Tell them to come in and let me talk to them. Within the week they had come in. Walston told them all about the place and that he would build them a house, deer proof the yard and garden space. Beaulah looked at Paul. sounds like what you have been wanting. For me, give me a little time to think it over. When she saw the place and saw what he had planned to do for them, She agreed. Walt said I'm ordering fruit trees for our place, you make your selection of what you want. That easy Mr. Walston peach trees like we had back home. When our garden will be plowed yours will be at the same time. I have the man come to do ours and a Miss Fields across the river. She is the lady who takes the unwanted boys and girls the court is finding homes for them, Ten is her limit, all have to be five years of age. You could not ask for nice kids after they have been there a few months with her. Paul would drive Honey where ever she needed to go. A stones throw between the houses. In no time every one was settled in. like they had been there for years. Even "Rascal" their dog was sure this was heaven. The family had eve meal with Honey and Walt. Had gone into family room and found their choice spots to sit and talk and those readers found that light that suited their needs when here comes Doc and Nll g inning, so proud of themselves, they had a secret that the family had not gotten on to, maybe a suspicion. He had stayed longer this trip. Doc said I've news for you Nell has agree to put up with me for life. We are to be married the last of this month and we are taking off on one of those vagabond cruises, By plane, boat or what ever it takes to get us where we want to go. We have made reservations for two trips on Scandinavian freighters for two trips. We are going back to places we have been, fly to some place we would like to see. We have found out with her knowledge of three languages and me with my smattering of four we can make ourselves understood.

There are places we would like to be on certain dates, we have those settled. We have had our regular arguments in all of the planning. knowing the two of us that is par for the course. We are going to visit Marie, her room mate in France, If the van her father had fitted out for the two to travel in one week ends we hope to borrow it for a spell, That was when Nell was honing up on her French and Marie was working on her English, the next would be French. His growl said a plenty to discourage any unwanted visitors. Anyone taking a chance there did not know two crack shots were in that van, one would shoot over the head, the other with pepper shot would needle their legs or derrière. Nell used to say I've too many black marks "Upstairs" to add murder to it. Bugs, the dog knew he had done his job when he saw the two girls with guns, To his corner to watch how they handle things. When Doc slowed down, questions from every corner, Please go to this place for me. Or have your been? This was the night Big Daddy could have a cup of coffee, well after five. Too much food for eve meal, no place for that peach cobbler only Honey could make, So to the kitchen for their helpings. Then it was Good night, all to their homes. Doc's farewell you will see us a year from our leaving. We may have to wire home for money, be ready. 

Chapter 5

Nell joined the boys in all of their activities, what they made she did hers, some time a better product. One big trouble Nell's beautiful skin and that long auburn hair. So Honey braided it and coiled it around her head and sewed a bonnet on so when Nell came home that bonnet came with her. It was not long until Bud came up with them building a blind, where they could hunt it would be theirs. Henri had a friend at school whose father was clearing acreage with a lot of field pine, Not long enough for lumber but the short logs would be find for this blind. He made a deal for the number they could pay for to be delivered to their home. Then they were to each gets his or her share to the site. Nell bare back on the l----- Spanish mule that had come with the place. Wrong site was chosen they found out after a gift of a sheet of corrugated tin. Acorn season came, the falling nuts on that tin would spoof any deer, did not have to be too close, it was noise. 

Mr. Walt, if you want to hear the story of this par of the country ask Ray with the Fields to bring you up to date. He came out with the two sisters and their husbands. Worth an evening of your time. They like most on the boats traveling down the river had read about this part of the country being homesteaded. It was like a fever. Ray had worked for the girl’s father, had hunted with him. The father did not think too much of the boy's ability to build a home for his girls. So Ray was to come along as carpenter and a man who knew the woods. Everything went fine on the boat and them we landed. They bought three yoke of oxen covered wagons and a heavy duty wagon to take all the things the women thought they would have to have in their new home. The men took Ray on their buying trips. The wives had made up their minds to have two large rooms with fireplaces with dog trot between that one day be hall to the family room they would build later on. Going up the river to the land they were to share, one side of the river. I was driving the heavy wagon with one yoke pair of oxen. I was to go ahead and cut out the path. Luckily the river had changed its course, not much old growth to cut out. We made good time, camp the first night. Owls were too noisy. Third night was where we would be calling home. All so tired, early to bed for all. Some where not too far away a coyote decided he wanted company. The women came straggling in for their breakfast, they were busy talking off and on that day. We had a visitor arrive just as we were ready to start putting the brush on the arbor, he looked quite able to lend a hand. We were sure he had gotten a whiff of food. I had killed a young buck. Had dressed it and cut into strips that I could put over some steel we had bought for the fireplaces we were to build. Big pot of venison stew did smell good. Women like seasonings for the cooking they would be doing helped the cooking of the meat to give it a real good odor. Hard to tell what age this man was with all the decoration on his face. Found he was strong and did a good job of picking the right things for the roof. It was a sizable shade and shelter we had planned. The first evening after that days work, called for a bath for me. I asked him if he would like to join me for a cool one in river. He picked up his roll and came along with me. When he opened up I had the shock of my life, a clean shirt and a bar of lye soap. I asked him where in the world did you get lye soap out here. Seems he was going by to my place and a woman with a bonnet on was stirring something in an iron opt, being curious to say nothing of needing a bite of food. He walked up and apologized for his intrusion. She was making a pot of lye hominy. From having helped in making it back home I knew the number of buckets of water that would have to be drawn. So I volunteered my help, husking the corn was in itself a but of a tiresome job. I asked where did she get her lye. Oh I made a hopper like my Pa used to make. Put my ashes in and did what he did and I caught the drippings. I make my soap too. From the looks of your clothes you might use some. It turned out some one had given her two small apple trees and there was no one to dig the holes. I being my mother's son I said I would be glad to dig the holes.

The trees would have to be dug up and brought down, not too far off. It was late she said. Don't think Bossy, cow, and the mule would mind sharing the barn for a night. Next morning I had breakfast, salt pork fried (source of her grease). Said her husband always killed 4 wild hogs or two before he got where he could not do such things. When I was leaving she handed me something in white cloth, said goodbye, reached in her apron pocket and gave me a bar of her lye soap when you can't stand yourself any more come by again, I'll always have a job for you. Two corn pones in the cloth. 

I have several spots I make in my rounds. Clothes do have a way of needing replacement even with the patches. I have a friend I've made who has a little store at the cross roads, I managed to get to his place in need of a warmer undershirt and drawer. Last time there I lacked ninety cents having enough to pay for my purchase, "You can pay me on your next trip this way, I'm on my way there now." These folk picked the right place. U p the river about three miles maybe a little further is a man running a small saw mill, he found this grove of pine, plenty of field pines but not long enough for lumber. About four, maybe little more to the north is an other one of these small saw mills, the sons make shingles. That should be good news for you. "Can you tell boys how to get there." Sure, give me a pencil and I'll tell you the best route to go. One of the girls brought out a tablet. He make a very workable drawing and asked if he might have a sheet of the paper. He needed to make himself a calendar. Several dates he wanted to remember. His mother's birthday. He tried to be near the settlement where he could mail it. Before we got back to camp I knew quite a bit about this young man. He would be 32 his next birthday. Wanted to ask him just why he was out like this, decided maybe none of my business. He stayed on until the night the panther screamed across the river. They were up packing before good day light, they had the money and they were going home. Get back to the settlement, take the first boat going either way. By midmorning everything was packed, ready to move. Down the road I remembered we had left the iron we had used in our cooking. Little did I think I would see them again. At the settlement everything was sold back to the merchants, never had they make much in such short time on sales. I had met Mr. Fields and a Mr. Dutton they were heading for an area near where we had been. I told Mr. Field bout the place. He goes to the land office and trades his acreage he head chosen, as did Mr. Dutton. Mr. Fields bought two yoke of the oxen covered wagons and the heavy one. Asked me would I like to work for him. We agree on what he would pay me. To tell you the truth I liked that spot. Going up, the Duttons with there three boys bought one wagon and to the team of oxen. The next morning every body was up and ready to start the arbor. More good materials needed were to be had on that side, with the work force it was done in half time. I had told Mr. Fields what the tramp had told me about the two saw mills. The new of the shingle makes was most welcome. Mr. F. and his oldest some took off up the river to check out the saw mill. It was there. Plans were made to go up and build rafts and float down what they needed, giving the mill man time to cut. The Dutton men all carpenters had a large room with a fire place built. brush covered until they could get shingles. They had yet to check source for them. went to work on the first floats they floated down, The two Dutton boys followed instruction to the other ill and the shingle makers, Papa Dutton went with the boys, later driving the oxen over. He found he had a talent he did not know he had. Good horse trader. He found a man who wanted oxen in the place of a pair of little Spanish mules he had not heavy enough to do his work. The deal cleaned him out of his supply of cash to get the harness needed, He drove home with one bundle of shingles on that trip. With two working for Mr. Field they soon had enough for their big room. By then the trail had been traveled enough to make time. Ready to haul shingles that Mr. Fields had ordered as they were ready. The Field boys were to return to their grandmother's to go to school. Their sister was there for this term and she would be coming out. She had a school promised down the River Rd. four miles, at settlement. Twelve children to teach First to fifth grade.

Chapter 6

W. H. Walston was locking his door when a car pulled up to the curb. "Walt." his lawyer called out. I've found that piece of land you have been looking for, It was just listed today". Walt said come on let me get that cup of coffee. Honey's rule no coffee for me after five o'clock. You two can tell me all about this find over coffee next door in the cafe there was movement. That table in the corner had to be cleared of menus, pitchers that were put there so no one used that table for an hour of that time. That table meant good tips, lots of business deals were closed there. Coffee orders given, Walt said to "start talking". It was half hearted on his part until "big stand of hardwoods". Then he was all ears. The lawyer had told him as they were walking in if you don't buy it I am, that is, if you will make me a loan" Then the questions started, where, how man acres, title, Price asked? The old Dutton place this side of the river from the Field's ranch. You remember Mr. Field I am sure He was one of my first customers. His daughter comes in ever so often. She is one business woman." You will have to see it". I'm in a little rush right now. Honey is having her uncle the Senator and his new wife out for dinner. Hope our four rip snorters are on good behavior.

The three men took off at the appointed time. Driving up to the most forlorn looking place. "This can't be it". They get out of the car. Lawyer said, "Start walking toward the back". The two huge apple trees and the brick wall made one good point. You can see the tops of the trees from here, go look for ourselves. What he saw he could not believe. Those gorgeous trees could be his. Slowly going back, plans in his mind what he could do with this place. Clear out the mess of sheds and first of fall that house would have to go. Build that big barn for coverage for the materials and Beauty, Honey horse, Nell's Henri's and Bud's horses would have a pasture again, boarder too long. Tom saw what he was interested in a hop on the side. Honey would be so glad to get his collection out of his room Just the place to have all these tools he would buy. Every penny of his allowance went for something he wanted to work with. Walt did not want to show his hand, the deal could have been closed with there. He said casually let me think it over, have to find out if Honey would want to come out here in the country. He know she had wanted to get her pride and joys out of town where they could grow up as she had , I'll give you my answer in the morning. How much did the young man say he wanted down? Knowing he was going to buy it outright. He know master craftsmen, Honey could have what she wanted. He thought back to conversations with the children, Get what you can pay for. He thought to himself I think I can handle this. with a smile.

Walt kept watching this young man, the seller Jay Dutton. He was sharp. He wrote a beautiful hand made notes of everything the lawyer said. If the cost of anything was mentioned. He had his figures down for record, Times figures were said, he had his answer ahead of the others. When everything was over, Walt said, " Young man sit down, I would like to talk to you. Where did you go to school" I didn't. My mother taught me as she had my father and brothers than taught us boys the same way only tow of us left, me and the brother in Oregon, Our Dad divided the land into two parcels before he died. We had lost two brothers. My brother had his choice. He took the cleared part. He planned to cultivate, grow things he could sell down at the River settlement. Weather and soiled did not work together. He and Dad had built him a dam house, it burned. He sold out and went away. We did not hear from him for two years. Then a letter from Oregon, he had worked for a man with a large orchard. This man helped get a small acreage, start and orchard of his own. He wanted Mama to sell out an come out there. She wouldn't. Said she had three buried here and she was staying. Together we learned book keeping. After Dad died we had Day hunting. She wanted a treadle machine. She handmade our clothes by hand. We kept a couple of sets of books. I tried to get her to move into town. I good have had a job. She said with her sewing and the small sets of books we kept and then in hunting season she was staying there. My brother came after she died, he tried to get me to sell then. I told him after this hunting season I might come out there to see him. With her gone and I was the only one left in these parts is when I decided to sell. Walt said keep in tough with me, one of these days you could have visitors. 

About four years after we were out there. We boys liked to fish, The fishing had been good. Our cousins in town would come out over the weekend. Honey's kitchen smelled fishy, not to her liking. We decided among ourselves we had to have fish shack down on the river. Honey was for it. Dad had let her redo the kitchen when he added that porch over the utility room in basement. He came home for lunch and he had his hammock out there, good over hang wind from three directions. Honey's spot in her chair watching for squirrel in fruiting season back then not the big planting of roasting ears they had.

Chapter 7 

Since I've been crippled up ? and have stayed in my new found home. I'm hearing folk talk, getting where I know the one they call Henri his voice you won't forget. A lady's they call Nell and Sis. Bud the one I think I like most. The one I call little Girl belongs to him, her name I think is Megan. Late yesterday afternoon Henri and Nell brought in loads of things. Tom was with them but had stopped to see the man who has to be talked to laud and it must be his wife they call Honey. Have not heard her talk. When the man Tom came with a load too, heard him say I think we have enough of paper things to last us a spell, Honey said she would be glad to come down tomorrow night. She knew most of the bunch of boys and their mamas and Papas. From what they were saying this is something for Tom's twins. Something about Scouts and there being four birthdays in the bunch for this moth. I think I'm getting food. I'm not a too dumb deer. Nell is to make something they call Hush Puppies and Henri to do the cooking. Tom said the boys had requested that. ? I'm coming out early and will bring enough food for an army. If they all eat like my two, it will go, they asked for barbecued ribs and I'll come out in time to fix them, Heard Henri say "good thing now , as I will be leaving Tuesday for two weeks. " Don't ask me just now and where I am going. I depend on my wife for reservations. She can talk to lots of them I can't. One day I made her a bit angry with me. She told me right she could open herself a travel agency and I have thought of naming it." See the world", not in this town, not big enough. Then Hank and I could go places you come home telling us all about. I've got to go said the one they call Nell. I've some calls coming in I don't want to miss. That's the way I make most of my money. Big Daddy and Megan had made another try and getting his shag bark nuts, he had not had his cake for this year. The wood shutters had found two more trees and they had gathered some nut not enough for that cup he always picks out for Honey. He was tired, said let us get a drink and rest a spell. While we rest you can bring me up to date on the "cousins' I don't see the boys as often as I used to. Have you ever been in Tom's shop? Do you think the twins are interested at all in what he did? Oh yes, the big one is always bringing out something he has made. I have to ask him what it is. That's turn about fair play. He asked me what I was going to do with that hunk of clay? That was when I was starting on that first head I did of Honey, the one you have on your desk. I'm proud of that one. When you are that well known sculptress I can brag that I have your first piece. By the way I had a letter from Hank he liked the military school better, for a while I was afraid he was coming home and go to the Jr. college in town. He had two messages for his parents. I called the office, His mother answered the phone. Uncle Henri was gone as usual. She must run that business. I went by to take some papers to her that Honey wanted her sign. She had two phones, so help me she was talking one language on one and some thing else on the other. And me I can't do a good job with one. I wish I had chosen French instead of the Spanish, two to one it will be France I will be going. Your Dad says you all will be moving in so your new home in no time. You will be glad and I will be so happy to get you close especially for Honey's sake. I be those horse will be glad to get back to that big pasture, so they get those good runs they use to have. When we were getting a change of weather they told us a day early to get out your sweaters or coats. You have not men oaned that boy friend. That "drip, he is history, to be truthful our two teachers are really keeping us Busy. I must meet myself going to the library. 

Chapter 8

One night after all had been across the branch to one of the Walston's feed "as they called it, a group of the Henri's, I knew him because he had the deepest voice that carried. Came over and one by one slid down with their backs to the logs, Immediately each had a pipe to fill. Don't think any had been here before. Henri started telling them the story I had heard others tell. This place was settled by a German immigrant. He had a big bunch of boys to keep them busy he had them building rock fences you see going every where and no where. Only one enclosure. That is behind the house where Dad plants the oats, with the oats and those two big old apple trees he has plenty bait to keep plenty of deer here. In the two big clearances we think he tried to farm a little. He had both cleared of stone, Bud managed to get a road cut back to the one you can see from up here. A man said he could build to in three days. Bud ???? lets make it five. You don't cut down a hard wood tree of my Dad's, you go around. so it was a winding road when it was finished in a good week's time. Bud could get back there with the tractor and scratch it so he could plant some oats. Dad is a stickler for no hunting in warm weather. Too much good venison is wasted. Most hunters are out there for trophies instead of meat. Two of you were talking bout our set up for cook outs. Several years back, we three boys than got our heads together to build a cooking set up to meet our needs. OK with Dad so long as we can pay for what you three come up with. We had our plans, estimated our needs for a stove, cast iron cooking surface, a barbecue pit and a smoker. When finished we had three sawed stones. ????????????????????????? Sis Nell and her sorority throw a big quilting parties. Some one of their husbands furnished a big tent that meets their needs. That quilt brings in a nice sum for their scholarship fund. There is a drawing for two after each cook out, they are to clean up the next day. The cast iron stove top, metal dome for the smoker is put in storage room at the barn. It must be ship shape.

At the end of a hunting season I caught a bullet that grazed my fleshy part of my foreleg. I had myself for the next day. Only two guns and then none the following day. Walked looking for a place I could stay until the leg healed, One afternoon I had left the under brush, had a drink in a spring branch. I kept near the thicket or under brush for quite a ways. Heard voices coming my way, eased into a break in thicket, found it was an opening into what looked like a place that other animals ?????? deer had used a ?????? for a home, Out of sight I could hear what the men were saying, They were talking loud. The older one said to one he called Grady. "next week I want you to cut our house wood, enough for Nell's an my place. My son will be having back logs cut for his new home fire place. I have marked the tree that are to be cut. When you have enough for ours and he gets those straight logs he wants where will be a good load for heaters, you can get that for yourself. They want down to the what I was to know as a big spring, had a drink and come up to sit on ???? long log. They talked about things that had happened in town, and the successes of all the hunters had had on this place. "I do not encourage hunting early the weather isn't cold enough". Most of the hunters out that early area after trophies. and the meat goes to waste. As a family of hunters we eat very little of our dill. It goes to the orphanage of the boy's home. Not wasted. I have another hunter coming on, my granddaughter, She and her cousins are counting off the months before they can have their own guns and hunt. Missed a beauty of a buck the first day, To console him his Dad took off the next day, last of the season and he was lucky to young bucks, the venison went to friends in town. We better get moving or wives will be wondering what has happened to us. 

Big Daddy and "little girl, to me but to her family Megan, He'd just come from a no luck gathering of shag+- bark hickories nearby. He said the wood cutters tell me there are plenty over where they are getting his years fire wood. How about us going over there one evening after school . I'm sue one of my cakes Honey makes for me every year. The deal, I get the nuts and crack and pick her out a big cup and she will make me the best cake. they had been down to the spring and had come back to every body's favorite resting place. Those two old slick logs. They were either good seats or back rest for the talkers. Grown ups and children. The cousins had made a deal with Big Daddy that they might have a place for five there. It was ringed with big rocks. heard him say " you build your fire but one thing be sure it is out before you leave it. Once some one failed I heard his raking them over. Big Daddy can make it clear /??????????????????? ever let him down.

Chapter 9

W. H. Walston was locking his door when a car pulled up to the curb. "Walt." his lawyer called out. I've found that piece of land you have been looking for, It was just listed today". Walt said come on let me get that cup of coffee. Honey's rule no coffee for me after five o'clock. You two can tell me all about this find over coffee next door in the cafe there was movement. That table in the corner had to be cleared of menus, pitchers that were put there so no one used that table for an hour of that time. That table meant good tips, lots of business deals were closed there. Coffee orders given, Walt said to "start talking". It was half hearted on his part until "big stand of hardwoods". Then he was all ears. The lawyer had told him as they were walking in if you don't buy it I am, that is, if you will make me a loan" Then the questions started, where, how man acres, title, Price asked? The old Dutton place this side of the river from the Field's ranch. You remember Mr. Field I am sure He was one of my first customers. His daughter comes in ever so often. She is one business woman." You will have to see it". I'm in a little rush right now. Honey is having her uncle the Senator and his new wife out for dinner. Hope our four rip snorters are on good behavior. 

The three men took off at the appointed time. Driving up to the most forlorn looking place. "This can't be it". They get out of the car. Lawyer said, "Start walking toward the back". The two huge apple trees and the brick wall made one good point. You can see the tops of the trees from here, go look for ourselves. What he saw he could not believe. Those gorgeous trees could be his. Slowly going back, plans in his mind what he could do with this place. Clear out the mess of sheds and first of fall that house would have to go. Build that big barn for coverage for the materials and Beauty, Honey horse, Nell's Henri's and Bud's horses would have a pasture again, boarder too long. Tom saw what he was interested in a hop on the side. Honey would be so glad to get his collection out of his room Just the place to have all these tools he would buy. Every penny of his allowance went for something he wanted to work with. Walt did not want to show his hand, the deal could have been closed with there. He said casually let me think it over, have to find out if Honey would want to come out here in the country. He know she had wanted to get her pride and joys out of town where they could grow up as she had , I'll give you my answer in the morning. How much did the young man say he wanted down? Knowing he was going to buy it outright. He know master craftsmen, Honey could have what she wanted. He thought back to conversations with the children, Get what you can pay for. He thought to himself I think I can handle this. with a smile. 

Walt kept watching this young man, the seller Jay Dutton. He was sharp. He wrote a beautiful hand made notes of everything the lawyer said. If the cost of anything was mentioned. He had his figures down for record, Times figures were said, he had his answer ahead of the others. When everything was over, Walt said, " Young man sit down, I would like to talk to you. Where did you go to school" I didn't. My mother taught me as she had my father and brothers than taught us boys the same way only tow of us left, me and the brother in Oregon, Our Dad divided the land into two parcels before he died. We had lost two brothers. My brother had his choice. He took the cleared part. He planned to cultivate, grow things he could sell down at the River settlement. Weather and soiled did not work together. He and Dad had built him a damll house, it burned. He sold out and went away. We did not hear from him for two years. Then a letter from Oregon, he had worked for a man with a large orchard. This man helped get a small acreage, start and orchard of his own. He wanted Mama to sell out an come out there. She wouldn't. Said she had three buried here and she was staying. Together we learned book keeping. After Dad died we had Day hunting. She wanted a treadle machine. She handmade our clothes by hand. We kept a couple of sets of books. I tried to get her to move into town. I good have had a job. She said with her sewing and the small sets of books we kept and then in hunting season she was staying there. My brother came after she died, he tried to get me to sell then. I told him after this hunting season I might come out there to see him. With her gone and I was the only one left in these parts is when I decided to sell. Walt said keep in tough with me, one of these days you could have visitors. 

About four years after we were out there. We boys liked to fish, The fishing had been good. Our cousins in town would come out over the weekend. Honey's kitchen smelled fishy, not to her liking. We decided among ourselves we had to have fish shack down on the river. Honey was for it. Dad had let her redo the kitchen when he added that porch over the utility room in basement. He came home for lunch and he had his hammock out there, good over hang wind from three directions. Honey's spot in her chair watching for squirrel in fruiting season back then not the big planting of roasting ears they had.