Impersonating My Brother

For years Kenny and I sounded amazingly alike on the phone. We both have what I guess is a distinct Smithwick accent. I’m doubtful that Kenny ever took advantage of that. My wife admits to getting us confused a few times. Maybe she or Kenny can tell us if any of those conversations ever went hay-wire. If they did, I never heard about it. On the other hand, I can’t tell you how much confusion I caused by letting different ones think they were talking to Kenny when I was the one they were actually talking to. Our Grannie Ruby … Continue reading Impersonating My Brother

The Special Connection Between Brothers (this was written and shared almost 3 years ago – but it still applies)

Nothing else is like the love of a brother. A brother that can make you so mad that for a moment you will write him off, thinking it’ll be alright if you never speak again. But within minutes all is forgiven, if not forgotten. The sibling that will do battle for you at the drop of a hat is the same person you have fought and argued with more than everyone else in the world combined. Early in their lives, Matthew, the oldest and Mike the second in birth order had a close relationship. Somewhere along the way, as they … Continue reading The Special Connection Between Brothers (this was written and shared almost 3 years ago – but it still applies)

I Just Want To Turn Y’all On To Something Else

Sometime back I became concerned that something may happen to Facebook or mine and Facebook’s relationship and all of my stories would go up in smoke. I was made aware of a program or perhaps it’s a platform called WordPress. That is what I’m typing this narrative into now. It is more of a blog format. Besides the security that all my words are just being entrusted to Facebook, I found that by using WordPress I could dress up my stories with better graphics, insert photos and go back and edit articles much easier than going directly to FB. You … Continue reading I Just Want To Turn Y’all On To Something Else

Dynamite Headaches

I have talked extensively about blasting rock and handling explosives (or mishandling as the case may have been). As I’ve said before, my days in the blasting game came early in my life, mostly before I was 30 years old which was up until the early 1980’s. Most of what I learned about blasting rock was from Cecil Lewis or Burnet, Texas blasting legend LJ Henderson. Of course trial and error and being self taught was where I learned the most I suppose. Since there wasn’t a school to actually go to learn the trade, you start out loading a … Continue reading Dynamite Headaches

Let me give you a little insight into my dad, Cecil Lewis.

I hope I don’t give the impression that Cecil Lewis was an outlaw or something. He was, what can I say, he was Cecil Lewis. Truly a one of a kind. If he liked you he’d do anything for you, if he didn’t like you, he’d still do anything for you. He was liked by most people, respected by many but people knew to give him a wide berth.I owe much of my success to him. Not only in the things he taught me to do, but in the things I learned not to do. He was the nicest yet … Continue reading Let me give you a little insight into my dad, Cecil Lewis.

The Salt Cedar Switch

I scarcely ever see a salt cedar tree anymore. As a small child there was one growing off the edge of the sleeping porch at my grandparents house. In fact that’s about the only one I ever remember. I saw one a while back down along the river by the lower end of The Santa Elena Canyon at Big Bend. It made me remember why I was so well behaved as a youngun. Just the threat of “Ronnie Gene do I need to go cut a switch off that salt cedar” would get me in line. I’m doubtful that there … Continue reading The Salt Cedar Switch

Meeting Up With A Legend

A funny yet strange encounter happened at a Roadside Rest Stop today. In my travels today I had to go up to a job we are doing out west of Waco. It’s up where SpaceX tests its rocket engines. After seeing everything I needed to, I left there and the same thing happened that always happens when I go up there. I had to make a pit stop when I got south of Salado at the very nice Highway Rest Stop. When I came out I noticed an older gentleman sitting in his pickup. He motioned for me to come … Continue reading Meeting Up With A Legend

I Have A New Friend

(This is a story written back in 2015) She is not really a new friend, I’ve known this lady for most of my life. But what was just a causal meeting from time to time has develop into a great fondness and friendship during the past few weeks. We were brought together by me calling her to invite her to our MFHS 45th class reunion. One thing lead to another, with me sending her a copy The Angora Chronicles book. You see, Mrs. Doris Phillips taught many Marble Falls students as well as others in places such as Mason, Bertram … Continue reading I Have A New Friend

So Here’s The Deal

It’s time I shoot straight with all you kind folks. I posted on my personal wall earlier tonight about a problem I’m having with carpal tunnel in both hands from typing on my iPhone too much. This is that other post: https://www.facebook.com/1525699623/posts/10225073004522025/?d=n Well here’s the deal. I’ve been working with my oldest Granddaughter, Holly Lewis to do a bunch of my stories digitally. Holly has a degree from Baylor in digital communications, so we are pretty sure that part could be accomplished. What I’m not so sure about is how this country bumpkin hick voice of mine would sound. I … Continue reading So Here’s The Deal