Category: Thoughts and Musings

The History of Texas, Thoughts and Musings2 Comments

The Origins of a Ring and Auctioneers at Livestock Auctions

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When researching livestock auctions and the actual concept of a ring with auctioneers started. While there were some used in the 50s (maybe as early as the 40s) it appears that it mostly became a widespread way of selling cattle and other stock in the early 60s. Prior to that, the Livestock Commissions were mostly a place to bring sellers and buyers together, where they could meet up and strike a deal, then the house would weigh and facilitate the transaction and collect their fee. If anyone has knowledge about or when you actually remember your first cattle auction in … Continue reading The Origins of a Ring and Auctioneers at Livestock Auctions

Aging, Amazing Things, The History of Texas, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

San Antonio’s Union Stockyards

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Below is about the best article I’ve found on the history of the SA Union Stockyards that has now been closed for more than 25 years. From The Houston Chronicle “Union Stock Yards says goodbye after 112 years in San Antonio” John W. Gonzalez | April 22, 2001 SAN ANTONIO — After 112 years as a landmark of the South Texas cattle industry, the Union Stock Yards held its final auction last week, giving workers and well-wishers one last chance to savor its colorful yet faded traditions. In an auction barn that used to witness thousands of transactions a day, … Continue reading San Antonio’s Union Stockyards

Amazing Things, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

The Sound of the Cicada

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For me haunting sound they make ranks up there with the howl of a coyote. Only these things are right next to you instead of across a field or on a distant hillside. I always remember calling them Katydids as a kid. Cicadas and Katydids are not the same thing. They are two different types of insects. Cicadas are known for their loud buzzing or singing sound, while katydids are known for their distinctive “katydid” mating call. Additionally, cicadas have large, transparent wings and are often green or brown in color, while katydids have long, slender bodies and green or … Continue reading The Sound of the Cicada

Amazing Things, Crazy Times, The Construction Biz, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

It Popped Up Like A Cork !!!!

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We were laying 96” CSC waterline up in the south part of Dallas several years ago. We came up out of the Trinity River Bottoms with the line, across an old dump area. Not a trash dump, but low lands that had soils dump there) We were making several hundred feet a day. While going through that bad stretch of ground, it called for the rubber o-ring joints to also be welded on the inside and outside. We used a special neoprene gasket that didn’t burn like regular rubber gaskets would allowing for three protections against leaking. That forced us … Continue reading It Popped Up Like A Cork !!!!

Aging, Amazing Things, Crazy Times, Thoughts and Musings, TravelsLeave a comment

A Fast Trip South

lewisotr

I find myself in an awkward situation this morning. I’m writing a book currently that is based on friendships and what friends mean to us in life. I haven’t mentioned this to anyone except those within my tight family circle. I just came up with the idea a few days ago. It will be wrapped around several stories I’ve previously had on The Angora Chronicles and a few other thought’s that I have on the subject. Enough of this. Now on to my dilemma. I have a friend that would be very much a part of the book, because he … Continue reading A Fast Trip South

Another Daily Happening, Crazy Times, My Family, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

Let’s But A New Roomy Car For These 5 Boys

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Not too long after we had a whole house full of kids I went and bought Madeline a new suburban. It was a GMC and it was actually demonstrator. When I got home we started looking for the backseat. I figured it was folded down and you just couldn’t see it. Come to figure out it didn’t come with a third seat. It would’ve been bolted in. So I went back and told them to order me one and they said that they couldn’t because it wasn’t equipped with the mounts for the seat or the seatbelts. So trying to … Continue reading Let’s But A New Roomy Car For These 5 Boys

Amazing Things, Crazy Times, My Friends, Past Angora Chronicles Stories, Thoughts and Musings2 Comments

My Tribute To Steve Latta

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You Just Never Know How And Friendship May Get Started. This Story Is About A Feller That I Learn To Like, Against All Odds. You Ever Had A Feller Wanting Argue, And He Really Didn’t Have A Clue About The Subject At Hand? I’m not trying to pick on Steve Latta, but using this as an opportunity to show that you can actually have a bruh-haha on Facebook on live to see another day. My post about staking out a dog by cattle guards brought the crazies out. I wasn’t giving my opinion about the practice. I simply stated what … Continue reading My Tribute To Steve Latta

Past Angora Chronicles Stories, The History of Texas, Thoughts and Musings2 Comments

The Many Names Of A Plain Ol “Cattle Guard”

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A cattle grid (by British standards) – also known as a stock grid or krud knocker in Australia; or a cattle stop in New Zealand. A cattle guard, a vehicle pass, a Texas gate, or stock gap as they know all around the United States. I think I like Krud Knocker the best. Highways aren’t the only place that you’ll see a cattle guard. Sure didn’t need to stop a train to open the gate! Most cattle guards are made from pipe but if railroad rail is available, it makes a good sturdy cattle guard. Continue reading The Many Names Of A Plain Ol “Cattle Guard”

Amazing Things, My Friends, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

The Need To Reconnect

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Original writing of this was on May 22, 2019 Once again we face the reality of life and what comes afterwards. The life of our friend Larry Jackson ended this afternoon as he battled a number of serious health issues. I stood by his bedside as he took his last breath. I had a Columbarium plaque made for him that I thought fitting. A LITTLE HISTORY ABOUT OUR RELATIONSHIP. I guess I probably first met Larry some 50 or so years ago, lost touch for several decades and then reconnected here on Facebook about 10 years ago. It wasn’t always … Continue reading The Need To Reconnect

Amazing Things, My Family, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

A Story of New Life, of Love and Happiness – The Welcoming of Our First Great Granddaughter

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Nathan and Jordan we are all so happy for you both. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ In a time long ago, a family was blessed,With a precious son, our hearts truly impressed.Madeline and Ronnie, filled with love and delight,Welcomed Michael, a joy that shone so bright 1977 marked the year of his birth,Bringing happiness and laughter to this Earth And after 22 years had passed,Nathan, the first son, arrived at last Nathan, the firstborn, with a heart so pure,Embarked on a journey, his love secure. Then with Jordan by his side, soulmates they became,And last night, a blessing, a child to proclaim. On May … Continue reading A Story of New Life, of Love and Happiness – The Welcoming of Our First Great Granddaughter