Crazy TimesLeave a comment

My Mother In Law Has Been A Bad Influence On Me A Couple Of Times

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I have professed that I have chosen to drink very little alcohol in my “adult life”. I think I’ve even said that it’s doubtful that any of my son’s have ever even seen me embarrass myself, at least from being drunk. Back in the early 80s when we were building the Guadalupe State Park there was a special occasion, maybe our anniversary, where Madeline and I were going to rendezvous out at the German American Restaurant at Buchanan Dam. I think she dropped the boys off at Smithwick before she got there. Maxine was managing the bar there at the … Continue reading My Mother In Law Has Been A Bad Influence On Me A Couple Of Times

Crazy Times, In and Around Austin, The Early DaysLeave a comment

The Motorcycle Cop

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I was just a kid, maybe 17 years old. Nelson Lewis had a big Cadillac Sedan and wanted me to take it and drop it off in downtown Austin for him. I was barreling up Trinity Street, a few blocks east of Congress Avenue. Just as I approached 3rd street, there was a motorcycle cop turning from 3rd and was going to head north on Trinity, the same way I was going. I saw him keep edging out in the intersection, like he expected me to stop and let him go ahead of me. I didn’t see any flashing lights, … Continue reading The Motorcycle Cop

GrandchildrenLeave a comment

My Christmas Story – 2010

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My youngest Grandson Will is a very funny kid. I’m not sure he means to be funny but he is. While we were opening Christmas presents I could see he wasn’t pleased. When I asked his Mother what was wrong, she told me that he didn’t like it that everyone was getting new iPads. The whole iPad thing started with Will several months ago. When his Dad upgraded his iPhone earlier this year, Will received the old one. It didn’t actually have phone service, but he could play games and listen to music. He was very satisfied with that, since … Continue reading My Christmas Story – 2010

The History of TexasLeave a comment

Some very nice water storage tanks/cisterns in Mason, Texas

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In the first photo, the rock portion is a tapered octagon. Very nice. A couple of blocks off of the square. In fact, all of these are within a block or two of the square. The one that is incorporated into the windmill tower is really unique. Seaquist Mansion Mason, Texas Water Storage Tower More on the mansion, click below: Welcome to the Seaquist House All are nice examples of elevated water storage tanks in Mason. A town with many elevated storage tanks. Continue reading Some very nice water storage tanks/cisterns in Mason, Texas

Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

Old Time Wrestling (written in December 2014)

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I spent a way too much time thinking about this last night. Actually, I didn’t lose sleep but I did research for a while trying to find the name of the opening music that was used when Houston Championship Wrestling would come on in the 70’s (mostly when I’d tune in). I found a great YouTube clip of a History of Houston Wrestling and Paul Boesch. Brought back a lot of memories. I never went to a live match, but enjoyed watching the characters. They were real showmen. The theme music – does it have a name? Madeline was listening … Continue reading Old Time Wrestling (written in December 2014)

Crazy Times, My FriendsLeave a comment

Watch Out What You Ask A Friend To Do

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My friend John, of “Rosalinda” fame (a prior story), was married to an extremely nice gal. Much too nice for his shenanigans. She was small, attractive with long blonde hair. She had been a school teacher but had recently become a real estate agent. John, knew that I had the ability to find out vehicle ownership with the tap of a few computer keys, just by knowing a license plate number. From that within just a few seconds I could see if that person has a criminal record, and other valuable information as well. He asked me if I’d mind … Continue reading Watch Out What You Ask A Friend To Do

Another Daily Happening, Crazy Times, On The Job, The Construction BizLeave a comment

Rosalinda

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John has been good friend of mine for a very long time. After the following story we have remained friends, which is surprising. This took place back in the late 1980s. We were working on a big project in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas. It was a really tough job in one of the roughest areas of one the most crime ridden cities at that time. Everything was a disaster. We had to keep a sense of humor about it, keep the mood light or we couldn’t have endured. We both lived back in Austin so frequently flew on … Continue reading Rosalinda

Smithwick, The Early DaysLeave a comment

Charlie and Minnie Campbell – A Love Story

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This is a story about an old couple that showed up in Smithwick when I was just a kid. This story doesn’t involve actual family members. It does include the Smithwick Cemetery and a couple that were a part of the community for a few years. One day Minnie and Charlie arrived in an old Studebaker car. When people said their name, they always left off the p and b. It was Charlie and Minnie Camel. They never had children. They claimed they had no other close family. They just had each other. Minnie was from Oklahoma. She always said … Continue reading Charlie and Minnie Campbell – A Love Story

Crazy Times, In and Around Austin, On The Job, The Construction Biz, The Early DaysLeave a comment

Then and Now

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I graduated from high school in May 1970. By the fall of 70 I went to work in the underground utility industry. I believe I was earning around $3.00 per hour. Considering the minimum wage back then was $1.60, I was doing pretty well. A top operator was paid $3.75 per hour. By late spring of 1972, I had learned enough about the business, plus what I had picked up being around trucks and machinery my whole life, I subcontracted my first water line installation project in Burnet, Texas. I had a crew of 4 or 5 people including myself. … Continue reading Then and Now

Another Daily Happening, Crazy Times, Smithwick, The Early DaysLeave a comment

Opening Day Of Deer Season

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I was probably no older than 13, but maybe 14. At least old enough to drive myself down in the pasture to kill a deer. We had company in from California. My mother’s youngest sister and her husband. Knowing I’d have better luck if I went across the fence that bordered us to the west. That was LCRA Property. There was no hunting allowed on the LCRA. To young boys, especially sons of Cecil Lewis, there were certain rules that we didn’t abide by. Especially that one. Either those same deer had just left our property or would be crossing … Continue reading Opening Day Of Deer Season