The Trail Begins in
Once a Texan,
always a Texan, most Texans live and die by that. In this little corner of cyber space, I
hope to bring a little of the world I grew up in. There are many misconceptions of Texans,
so I take this opportunity to add to or clarify at least a few.
Growing up in Central Texas
was, in my time, grueling during the summer months. There was cotton to chop (chop weeds,
that is, lest they choke the cotton), to pick, that the beginning of school was something
to look forward to. Mention school starting now and watch the students' reactions. It was
a pleasure in my time, it meant no more days working in the hot sun, least not the whole
day, maybe after school. It also meant, if you were a girl, it was time for a Tonette, the
perm of the times. Have you seen a Tonette girl?
But winter, ahh, what
winter, the cool spell? Oh yes winter, did I mention the corn crop? Well, there was that
to chop weeds to and harvest. Have you ever picked corn, by hand? Keep in mind, machinery
was expensive. It's an experience, then there was cattle feeding, fun to drive that ton
truck while dad kicks off bales, just stay away from river bank, that's a long drop. Oh, I
am leaving out the pleasurable part of my life here. I haven't told you about our fishing.
You may have heard the expression 'everything grows big in Texas', well, believe it, that
is one true statement. 
The farm my father operated
was located along the big Brazos River in central Texas, where it meets with the Little
Brazos. You will find fishing at this fork of the rivers an experience. Many a time, I
nearly fell out of the boat just trying to help dad get the fish in the boat. And hunting?
Well, for a little kid, I learned how to walk softly in the woods, keeping my dad in
sight, the last thing you want to do is get lost, worst is scare dinner. You never do
that, it's a moral issue and unforgivable.
Oh, I seem to be leaving
out my mom. She did the home front. It was always a great feeling to come home after a
long day. I knew there would be a cold lemonade waiting, and supper to eat. That made all
day seem short after all. But going to bed with the thought that tomorrow I would do it
all over again, was short lived, your body would put you to sleep in no time. No sleeping
pills then, it was natures way to sleep tight.
Oops, my siblings, there
are five, three older and two younger. I am the lower portion of the totem pole, the
dividing line, so to speak. I did the all in between. Too young to join the older bunch,
too old not to work. Does that make sense? Brother #2 broke our horses, and I kept
the gate for him, that was exciting and fun, seems the young buck didn't like the idea of
someone on him. I sat on the fence, and helped him up when he couldn't stay on the
bronc. He liked showing off, like when he was determine to show dad what a job he
had done with the newly bought bronc after a few days of work, he went flying over the
gate the bronc refuse to jump, his only injury was his pride. Oh well, so it went.
We grew up and went our
separate ways, met new people, made our lives and raised our families, and continued to
make trails, which brings me to the present. Now our children are continuing in our
tracks, different, but in our tracks just the same, different time, different
environments, different world, ever changing, in a safe way is my wish.
GENEALOGY, don't forget this page. This is a work of enjoyment and love. In Texas I am searching for: RODRIQUEZ, TORRES, CABALLERO, FONSECA, REYES, and several other names. I will share any info I have with anyone.
Check out the Tennessee surnames (presently under construction)
Let's check out the hills in Tennessee
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