Just north of our old homeplace, pappy planted 4 small pin oak trees alongside the mud road just inside the fence line. Each tree was to represent the first four boys of the Gibson family. John, the oldest, Jim, Joe and then Bert. As the years passed those trees grew tall and straight. When REA came to our neck of the woods, it came in from the South and deadended at the house. The trees were safe --at least for the time being. In 1956 two trees died---the ones representing Joe and Bert. Joe and Bert died in April of 57! The trees for John and Jim still remained and grew even taller. In 1971 my next older brother built a house just north of the creek on the north part of the farm. The power company had to cut the two remaining trees down. Then as before, the trees were used for firewood by pappy. Although the trees were all gone--only those two that died were representing the two brothers that died. John and Jim are very much alive. Both retired, neither can set still long enough to rest. They both are always on the go. John, now almost 70 and Jim at 67 are still movin around and not letting any grass grow under their feet. I worked for Jim for over 20 years as his head serviceman on heating and air conditioning products. He owned a large propane company until 3 years ago when he sold out. He's now working harder and getting involved with another business regarding the L.P. Gas industry. Joe and Bert are long ago forgotten by people other than the family. We will NEVER forget them. They were/are a very important part of our extremely close knit family. In 72, Frank, the youngest died in a construction accident. Pap died in 83 and mom still is alive at 87. Some would say the trees had something to do with the death or at least foretold the coming death of both Joe and Bert. I don't think so, I just think it's a " fluke" and had nothing to do with their deaths at all. Home made cake donuts, deep fried in LARD, on the old Home Comfort wood cookstove. After a day of cuttin firewood in the winter and then go in the house for some hot choc or coffee and then have all the hot donuts you wanted--talk about heaven!!! If anybody is interested, I'll post moms "donut buildin" receipe. I still have her "buildin" instruction for lye soap and curing of cast iron cookware---if any are interested in those too. Matt. 24:44

-- hoot gibson (hoot@otbnet.com), July 11, 2000

Answers

Hoot, please continue to post. Your writing is most enjoyable. Thank you......

-- Reader (of@Foxfirebook.com), July 11, 2000.

I'm interested! Please post 'em! Bless you!

-- Jean (schiszik@tbcnet.com), July 11, 2000.

You're right "Reader", Hoot sure has a way with words! I'd like to read a short story by this fella. Ya got a natural gift!! Don't let it die.

-- Pat (pmikul@pcpros.net), July 11, 2000.

Hoot -- I'm interested in your cast iron curing recipe -- and my boys (4 and 6) are VERY interested in "Hoot's donuts"....please post!!!

-- Tracy (trimmer@westzone.com), July 11, 2000.

Yes, I would be interested in the donuts and the cast iron curing. I have some to cure an d haven't gotten around to it yet. Definitely keep writing as you get the inspiration.

-- Denise (jphammock@msn.com), July 12, 2000.

Hoot , have you ever thought of writing a book of your tales or some short stories ? If for nothing else you should for the younger members of your family.

-- Patty Gamble (fodfarms@slic.com), July 12, 2000.

Hoot, please post these and anything else you care to. I have really enjoyed reading your posts since I began to follow this forum. You really should really consider writing for publication. Thanks.John

-- John in S. Indiana (jsmengel@freewwweb.com), July 12, 2000.

Yes, yes! And what about rescuing a rusted cast iron pan? Is there any hope?

-- snoozy (allen@oz.net), July 12, 2000.

Hoot

Please continue with these stories. I agree with the others you should consider writing these down. It's a priceless gift to give and thank you for sharing it with us.

Jim

-- Jim Tanner (tanner_jim@hotmail.com), July 12, 2000.

Yes, Hoot, I agree with everyone else. You definitely have a talent for writing and I think you should consider writing books. I think you should write an article for Countryside Magazine too. I always enjoy your posts. Keep it up!!!!!!

-- barbara (barbaraj@mis.net), July 13, 2000.

hoot, me again, I just was reminded of another monthly magazine which seeks stories like yours. The magazine is "Reminisce". Their web site is www.reimanpub.com . I think it is out of Wisconsin. They publish old family photos and stories. Beautiful magazine. I had never heard of this magazine until someone gave me a gift subscription one Christmas. This kind person died two years ago, but I have kept the subscription. Good luck to you, I hope to see your handle in a future issue. :)

-- Reader (of@Foxfirebook.com), July 13, 2000.

writing for the internet on forums like this and writing for some magazines that don't pay are fine to get you some exposure...but you have a natural talent that you need to get PAID for!

I am a newspaper reporter and I usually don't write (except on these forums!) unless I get PAID!

And just about everybody can use some extra money! Why don't you check on writing a regular column for your county's weekly paper? how about writing for a Sunday-magazine type paper....there's all kinds of places that would welcome your talent! Believe me, you're not likely to get rich, because only a few get rich with writing, but like I said, everybody could use a little extra money! You could use it to plant more trees!!!!!!

-- Suzy in 'Bama (slgt@yahoo.com), July 15, 2000.