The Early DaysLeave a comment

Building Campfires

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When we were kids we played outside all year round. Weather didn’t seem to be that big of a deal. When it was real cold we just carried more wood and built our campfires bigger. In the summertime a small fire was built so it wouldn’t give off much heat. But on those cold days we’d take Tar Baby the donkey and pull up cedar stumps and drag fallen trees to the clearing out from the house where we had our fires. I don’t guess we were ever told we couldn’t build a fire. It kept us busy. Out away … Continue reading Building Campfires

Crazy Times, The Early DaysLeave a comment

Excuse Me Officer, But You Are Wrong

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In 1977 I was on my way to Houston from Austin. I was headed to an important meeting in downtown Houston. When I got the Brenham, several cars flashed their lights indicating an officer was up ahead. I slowed and maintained the speed limit. My radar detector went off indicating there was a cop up ahead. We met around on the east side of town and he immediately he whipped around and stopped me. He informed me that he clocked me 15 mph over the limit. I explained to him that he was as full of it as a Christmas … Continue reading Excuse Me Officer, But You Are Wrong

Cecil Lewis, Smithwick, The Early Days2 Comments

My Dad And Melvin Had Been Life Long Friends

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Melvin Heine and my dad, Cecil Lewis were just about as close as friends get. They were at one or the other’s house for coffee almost every morning. Whatever Melvin owned, my Dad was welcome to use and the same the other way. That also went for Cecil’s two sons. Melvin and his wife never had children. When Melvin needed help hauling hay, building fence or whatever, Cecil was more than happy to volunteer my bother and me. That’s the way friends were. It didn’t set right with me that hot summer day that Melvin thought we weren’t working hard … Continue reading My Dad And Melvin Had Been Life Long Friends

UncategorizedLeave a comment

My Food Phobia

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The mind works in mysterious ways. At least I know mine does. I claim to have an eating disorder. No it’s not anorexia. I have a difficult time eating if I don’t know the cleanliness practices that were used while preparing food. I didn’t grow up worrying about such things, but for my adult life I’ve had this fear. I know it’s irrational to go into a fast food place where 12 teenagers, without a care in the world past body piercings and heavy metal music are preparing food that has been handled by who knows what. Those places are … Continue reading My Food Phobia

Kenny Lewis, The Early DaysLeave a comment

The Bank Depositor

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One day in the 1980’s Kenny was driving and I was the passenger. That’s generally the way we have always traveled. Who needs to listen to a bunch of belly-aching about my driving. Not me. So I didn’t have to watch the road and see what he was about the crash into, I decided to read the newspaper. There was a story that I found intriguing. It was about this new bank they were opening in Austin and they were only going to have women customers. Relating the story to Kenny got him all stirred up. “This Women’s Lib crap, … Continue reading The Bank Depositor

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Hiring Chief

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Back in the days when blasting was necessary on almost every project, we would have to hire outside “blasting contractors” to supplement our forces. We had done this on a big subdivision we were building and this guy was well into a project and he didn’t show up for several days. I would stop by and it was evident his crew was without leadership and therefore without direction. The guy’s name was Ron. So I ask where Ron was. No one knew but they were beginning to get concerned because payday was coming up and he hadn’t been seen for … Continue reading Hiring Chief

Crazy TimesLeave a comment

Going For Acupuncture

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In between surgeries on the cervical portion of my spine, to which there have been three now, I went to an Acupuncturist in San Antonio hoping to get relief. Kenny had been to him several times and it hadn’t killed him, so I figured I was as tough as he is. I’m not sure if this feller was Chinese or Korean or something else from that part of the world. His name is Hou Chi Dung. As side note, he has a son that is in practice with him. The son goes by the name Dunn. Maybe a pretty good … Continue reading Going For Acupuncture

Crazy TimesLeave a comment

Watch Out What You Ask A Friend To Do

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My friend John had recently married a small attractive lady 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 if his wife called me if she was headed out with a client and was nervous … Continue reading Watch Out What You Ask A Friend To Do

Amazing ThingsLeave a comment

MORTON SALT MINE – Grand Saline, Texas

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The following is an article that was published in the Tyler Morning Telegraph Newspaper. GRAND SALINE — The Morton’s Salt Mine here is a large-scale operation, generating 450,000 pounds of salt for a wide assortment of products each year. (PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE PRODUCTION RATE APPEARS TO AN ERROR – my best guess is they produce that amount per day – 450,000 pounds is equal to eighteen 18 wheeler loads. It’s possible the real amount is 450,000 tons per year) Aside from the 207 employees working at the five-day-a-week plant, the inner workings of the mine are rarely seen … Continue reading MORTON SALT MINE – Grand Saline, Texas

Meeting New People, On The Job, The Early DaysLeave a comment

John Charles Savignac Hall

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Charlie Was Always Welcome In Our Office When you are in the construction business, having visits from salesmen are part of the deal. Most salesmen find a way to show up when you are the busiest and then overstay their welcome. Not all, but many. When Charlie showed up, I was more than happy to shove things to the side and set and visit. He was that kind of guy. He worked for Waukesha Pearce Industries, out of their San Antonio office, but stationed in Austin. We first met in the early 1970’s. He sold about the best brand of … Continue reading John Charles Savignac Hall