Eyes of the Hawk

Walk of the Hawk
A walk through time, in time and beyond time.

Preface

Many have asked for a more detailed profile of my life than what is found on the website. These requests have increased over the last six or seven years. So I have decided to honor the requests

Introduction

To reconstruct all the nuances and variants of one's past history is indeed a daunting task. Especially since I have lived and I underline the word lived with the broadest of strokes. It is one thing to just exist and quite another to live "Life" to it's fullest. Experiencing the "All and Everything" which has been given in such an abundance, so it might be experienced.

My glass has never been empty; the more I drink the more I have. Along the same line as; the more I learn, the more there is to be learned. The more I give the more I receive. Well, you get the point.

My journey through life has led me into the wildernesses; through the veil of tears and sorrows. Out of the lowlands to walk in the mountains, high above the clouds of hopelessness and meaninglessness. So I might inhale and feel the sheer excitement and wonderment of being allowed to live in the midst of this ongoing unfathomable Cosmos that nullifies all description of the how and why? What a privilege to be a part of, whatever the purpose may be.

The spring and summer winds of yesteryear have come and gone. While the days left of my autumn are but a precious few. As the winter of my life is waiting to embrace me. As to the length of its' days and nights I do not know? But my Eighty years has taught me that each new day is a gift for which a daily thanksgiving should be offered. The expression of words that follow will be an attempt to define my life which is but a nano-flicker of "The Flame of Creation." And because this is so, any sequence of mere words, regardless of their arrangement would be inadequate in capturing the height, width and depth of even a blade of grass let alone a definitive description as to "who and what I am or why I am?"

The words: a "daunting task" is indeed just that. For this exercise to remember; asks of me to walk back into the past and unearth many of the memories which I have either buried or detached myself from. The difficulty lies in my preference to treat the past as there is no past, the future as there is no future. This is why I so often refer to the words:" Let the dead bury the dead". And adding a relative word, 'Life is for the living', the living of the 'Now'. The past and the future are within the 'Now'. We might even say; that each of us holds in our hands the "Eternal and the "Infinite." Would you agree? Yes!

Those who 'see and hear' are aware that whatever has a beginning has an ending. Because of this awareness; their earthly life is a momentary reflection, a relative reference point to "That" which "Just is". And those that have eyes to see and ears to hear; have always been and always will be. One and the Same with "All and Everything" and with "That which Just Is" Is there a word for this "already, already unconditional condition", not really. But if you need one, let's call it; the "One for All and All for One, unconditional condition."

My, my, how I do carry on!

I ask of the reader to appreciate my dilemma which is somewhere between the "rock and the hard place". Because under lying this quandary is the ever haunting question; "What is Truth?" And Truth is part and parcel of this remembering exercise.

Would you agree that our seeing and hearing is filtered, is partial at best? Do we not create the separate worlds we live in? And write the scripts of our belief systems, lifestyles, preferences, attitudes, wants and desires? And yes, do we not have a hand in creating our woes, worries and fears? We are probably one of the most diversified and complex species roaming this planet.

The thoughts and words which I have written up to now have been as much for my eyes as for the eyes of the reader to remind me to be as factual and as transparent as possible. And to use the necessary discretion as needed, when it comes to the other players that will surface from time to time on this stage. I will not try to justify any of the actions of those who will appear between these pages. Nor will I justify my own.

Please allow a personal note, if you will. I was asked about an experience I had mentioned during a "Hawk Talk" at a University; "Were you telling us the truth. Did that really happen to you? My reply "Yes, give or take a fact here or there".

Come let's take a serendipity stroll; in,through and beyond time. We will walk some of the paths and by-ways of past memories and reflections. Hesitating now and then to listen for some of the fainter echoes; the long forgotten and those which were buried very deep.

Let's start with the words: "It's a boy, he's a survivor and so is his Mother". These words announced a new arrival on this spinning planet called Earth; a seven month preemie that could be held in one hand, weighing in at three pounds. My auspicious appearance was commemorated by two endearing comments. One by my Grandfather (whom later I called " Ga Ga ") who said upon seeing me for the first time, "he looks like a fresh red skinned squirrel". And he spoke out of experience; he had shot and cleaned his share. Luckily after his words, I didn't acquire the nickname, "Here comes Squirrelly." The second accolade came from one of the nurses who helped in the delivery. "He's (referring to me) no bigger than a cricket" No one asked at the time but surely she was from Texas , where everything is 'bigger than big'. Hoosier crickets don't get that big. Least ways, I have never seen one.

Caesarean births in the early 20th.Century were not that common in the rural areas. The odds for living were on the downside. But odds or no odds, the "Will of Life" had been imprinted on a very tiny new born that magic day of days.The "Breath of Life" was not to be denied.

Much later I learned that my Father and Grandparents to be were told by the attending Physician that my lungs and respiratory system had not reached their full development. And that this might cause respiratory problems later in my life. He went on to say, that due to the lack of development, my lungs could collapse which would be fatal.

At this point my Grandmother said; "if there is a chance that he could die, it will not be in the Hospital, but at home." Words were exchanged between the Doctor and Grandmother both arguing from their respective corners. And the winner was, the little white-haired Grandmother from Putnam County . I was covered with a sea of cotton and then wrapped up "like a piggy in a blanket". And away we went via an ambulance from Indianapolis to to the farm. My mother had complications and was put in the Intensive Care Ward.

Upon arrival it was decided that part of the kitchen would be turned into a nursery. The kitchen was the largest square footage in the farmhouse and the warmest. My Grandfather and my two Uncles quickly went about constructing my own tanning salon. A little incubator similar to the ones used for hatching little baby chicks. The heat was supplied by a series of reflectors and incandescent lamps. (A bit of Yankee know how"). Upon completion, I was slicked down with olive oil like a leaf of Romaine lettuce, then swaddled in cotton and placed inside my new home for the next several months.

Routine feedings were prepared from an old milk formula that had been handed down from a lineage of Mothers and Grandmothers. Its ingredients were as 'hush', 'hush' as 'Colonel Sanders' Kentucky Fried Chicken' recipe. I was fed with an eye dropper (you see I had a "wee" mouth, a little bit bigger than a cricket's mouth). The fresh formula of cows' milk with its' added ingredients was a direct feed from the "udder" to my waiting mouth. No pasteurizing or homogenizing. And it was delivered with "tender loving care" To borrow a phrase from the story of "Goldilocks and The Three Bears". "It was just right" (there was no udder) Just having a little fun folks! Spoiled? Pampered? I was probably one of the most pampered, watched over and asked about baby in the farm community. My Grandmother and two Aunts monitored me for the first two months of my young life on a twenty-four hour schedule. After my Mother recovered, she joined the trio of my Florence Nightingale staff. I had a lot of sideline cheerleaders.

Allow me a detour, but only momentarily. During my early formative years and even before conception, I was read to; first by my Mother while I was comfortably resting in my private sleeping bag prior to my being lifted out and put on display for all to see. Afterwards my Grandmother and Aunts continued to read to me up through the first year. My Mother after she was released from the hospital joined the Reading Club. What was read; I'm not exactly sure but an educated guess would be that my Mother and Aunts read the current Children's stories (Aesop's' Fables, Hans Christian Anderson's Collection of Nursery Rhymes and Grime's Fairy Tales) while my Grandmother tutored me, with a Biblical Baptist running commentary about the co-habituating of Adam and Eve, Noah and his Floating Circus of two by two and the parting of the Red Sea without the help of Cecil B. and Mr. Charles Heston.

My Mother and Grandmother seldom agreed on anything. If the moon was discussed as to its' color, one would say red and the other would say green. But oddly enough they did agree and believed that reading to a child before his/her birth and after, was beneficial in the nurturing and education of the child. Both were ahead of their time. For the experts of today agree to the validity of this practice. (But as they do say; "there is nothing new under the sun"). The Spartan mothers used to talk to their baby sons while they slept, about the great Spartan Warriors and their heroics. This reading to me continued on to three years of age. After that I did the reading with a little help from the giants, when it came to those big words. I would read to anyone wither they listened or not. The cats, dog, moo, moos, the 'quacks, quacks', the 'clucks, clucks' and even the horses, they all got an earful. If there was no one to read too, I would read out loud to myself.

Because of my reading and asking about the big words, "why" became my favorite word. My Uncle Harrison gave me a new nickname the "Why Boy". I was a regular walking 'Question Box'. If I got to persistent asking my Grandmother "why", she would say: young man, curiosity is what killed the cat". I never knew 'what in Sam hill' that meant for a long time. I knew what curiosity meant. But why it killed the cat was beyond me. All the farm cats' nine lives were intact.

The foresight of my elders caused me to be an accomplished reader. By five years of age, I was reading my Grandfather's National Geographic, my favorite all time magazine. My Grandfather never tired of me asking how to pronounce a certain word and its' meaning. One of my show business tricks that got a chuckle was to pick-up the newspaper and act like I was giving the news on Radio. If I didn't know a certain word I would just make one up and go right on 'lickity split.' What came out got the laugh. When friends of the family would visit, my Grandfather would say; "do the News Harry Lee" I would get a spoon and use it for a microphone and go into my "Lowell Thomas" act. I should have charged admission.

Even before I could read the N.G., I loved looking at the beautiful pictures of all those far away places with their strange sounding names. But there were certain rules that were to be followed if I wanted to look at or read this Special Magazine. I was to make sure my hands were clean. It was to be read in the parlour in a chair not on the floor. And I was to be very careful in turning the pages, so as not to damage them.

One day while reading the N.G., I decided I wanted a peanut butter and jam sandwich. So I took the magazine with me into the kitchen and laid it down on the kitchen table and proceeded to fix myself a sandwich. While I was eating and reading, a big glob of blueberry jam fell smack dab in the middle of the page covering the face of somebody who suddenly became a nobody. I tried to clean it but it only made it worse. What to do? Well, I buried that copy among some back issues. And I didn't say a word about it.

Three or four days passed, my Grandfather said nothing. Saturday came around, the day we were going into Greencastle. A day I always looked forward too. We piled into the Ford Truck and drove to Greencastle, I was elated. Grandfather and Grandmother had their things to do. And I had my thing to do which was going to the Movies. When we arrived, we all got out. Grandfather told Grandmother to go on ahead, he would catch up. He turned to me and said;"and what are you going to do?" I said: "go to the Movie." Do you have any money?" "No", I replied. He looked me straight in the eye and said; "when were you going to tell me about the National Geographic"? I hemmed and hawed, breaking eye contact which was a "no" "no" when speaking to him. He continued; "only a coward when he does something wrong will lie about it or try to hide it. Do I have a grandson that's a coward?" "No Sir" I started to cry and he said; crying will not do any good. What do you have to say"? I finally got the words out of my mouth. "I am sorry: I will not do that again, I promise." He smiled, here's two dimes go to the movies.

I haven't thought of that incident for a long, long time but it is, as if it were yesterday. Ga Ga ' was a man that told it like it was, he could be as tough as nails and as unyielding but he was always fair.

There I go again, getting ahead of myself. Let's backup;

Long before, but not to long before I was so abruptly removed from my warm watery sleeping cocoon which was attached to someone I would later call "Mother. A full June, Moon, Love affair burst upon the scene that involved my soon to be parents, a 'mummy and daddy and baby makes three "twiddle dum, twiddle dee". The boy was twenty and the girl eighteen going on twenty three if, you know what I mean ("ooh! la, la.") Neither her parents nor his parents were dancing a jig or singing; "Get to me the Church on time" over this whirlwind romance. Well the stars fell out of the sky and a lot of those little hormones' started to do the "bunny-hop", up, down and all around reaching 'Mach' speed. The Sound Barrier was broken. And guess what? You guessed it, Martha was with child. And Lloyd, well he became an instant Father, faster than instant soup becomes instant. And little old me was on my way to "Old Broadway", no the wrong words. It's my computer just trying to have a little fun, folks! Where was I? I was on my way to becoming a 'Special Delivery' surprise package,increasing the population count of Putnam County .

Lloyd was the youngest of the three sons of the McGinnis Clan. Martha was the younger of the two daughters of the Glidewell family, the apple of her Father's eye. Faster than you can say: "Peter Piper picked a ..." The love birds were quickly married because the Bun (that's me) in the oven was about ready to be taken out and I do mean out! I was already, knocking at the door so to speak. If there had been a zipper I could have been at the Wedding Reception.

Both parents somehow weathered the storm of the "Whispering Campaign" and the five and six party lines of the 'Ring-a-ding-ding Marathon ' that was melting the telephone lines between Fillmore and Greencastle were ringing off the wall. (Have you heard.... did you know?). Into this Cauldron of wagging tongues; a little 'Spice' was added to this "brew ha, ha!" by my Grandmother. She was convinced that this red-headed vixen, that was one of her nicer words for my Mother, had laid a "tender trap" and snared her favorite son by getting pregnant. To thicken the pot, it was rumored, so she said; that this siren had had other torrid love affairs and possibly an abortion. This all pre-dated the age of "Soap Operas" even before "Stella Dallas" and "One Man's Family made their debut on Radio. The whopper topper to all this; my Mother and Father ended up moving in to live with his parents. Which was not the most conducive of circumstances under the circumstances, if you know what I mean? In fact it was an act of sheer insanity.

After the delivery my Mother remained in the hospital because of complications. One being, she had an ovarian infection that precipitated the need for the Caesarean delivery. During her stay they decided that she needed a hysterectomy sans I became an only child. Her recovery was slow and tedious. Between her recovery and my situation it was a trying time for all concerned. Except for me, I was pampered all over the place. Before continuing on, let's take a breather and go to something a little bit lighter. Like 'Mac Arthur', I promise " I shall return" to the shores of despair, mal-contentment and resentment. All the trials and tribulations of a summer re-run of "How Are You Going to Keep Them down On the Farm".........After the divorce.

I had mentioned earlier about being an early talker and walker. It was said; that my early steps were not really steps. I ran everywhere, when I was not running I was skipping, jumping and hopping. Strange words began to surface about my manner of movement; words such as; a jumping jack, a Mexican jumping bean, a wiggle-worm and a jack-in-the-box. One day, someone asked Grandfather: "where does your grandson get all that energy? He never sits still for one minute". "Well" said my Grandfather, "every morning I scoop up a hand full of ants and slip them in to his pants' pocket".

There were those days as a toddler when I just couldn't resist being the "Masked Menace" of the barnyard. My very favourite 'Chase' was with my arms out stretched like an airplane. I would zero in on an unsuspecting chicken pretending I was a pilot on a 'search and destroy' mission. After I had circled the field several times and scared the feathers of off four or five of the fleeing enemy. It was time to come in for a landing and have a couple of shots at the Bar. The table, I mean, of my Grandmother's 'Extra Special' Lemonade and a large side order of freshly baked Chocolate Chip cookies, the Houses' Specialty.

But one day, just as the fog was lifting the "Masked Menace" took to the sky, unaware of his fate that day. The famous "Herr von Cock-a-doodle doo", the 'Scourge' of the airways, known by his friends and admirers as the "The Big Red Baron" had circled the field twice unnoticed and was hiding behind the drifting fog. The stage was set; the "Chase" was on. But that day M.M. became the chas-ee. The "Red Baron" had dropped out from behind the fog and was hot on the tail of the "Masked Menace" and closing fast, closer and closer. M.M. was out gunned and out ran, losing ground fast. The "Red Baron" was lined up for the kill. It was "certain curtains" for M.M. But suddenly like a lighting bolt out of the blue came the "Flying Grandma" with her Blazing Broom sweeping the air as she swooped down on "Big Red". He was no match for the swinging Veteran. Big Red lost the battle and limped away, battered and bowed. He had tried his best moves but his best was not good enough that day.

Several days after my harrowing escape, I believe it was on a Sunday, yes, Sunday. The Preacher, that's what they do say "Preacher", came to dinner. Big Red appeared again but it was "Taps" for him. He was served up on a big white platter. He was resting on a mound of fresh roasted yellow corn, his favourite food. As the prayer was offered by the Preacher, I thought to myself, he was a tough old bird. "No" not the Preacher, Big Red. It was "bye, bye birdie" time. The young chicks would surely miss him. But when the new 'Cock of the Walk' arrived, he strutted across the barnyard so the young and the old could see what a fine fellow he was. The widows of the roost mourned no more. He was a real flapper-dapper, so much so; that it wasn't to long before the lady chicks were looking for a bushel basket to hide under.

The rest of the farm animals (the pigs, cows, horses, ducks and cats) became my friends. I talked to them and always wondered if they understood anything I ever said. But there was one animal, I was sure he understood. His name was Shep, we were the best of friends, all though it took a little time. Shep's pedigree was questionable; he was part Collie, a little more German shepherd, a bit of this and a more of that. Shep had been on the scene a few years prior to my arrival. He was Grandfather's dog. Wherever " Ga , Ga " went ( I never got the word Grandfather untwisted from around my tongue) Shep was sure to follow. At first Shep ignored me, he tolerated me when I would tug on him or try to ride him. Otherwise he stayed his distance

One day, I was around five; I wandered into the woods to pick some blue berries that my Grandmother and I had found. I had just started to pick some and from out of "no where"; an ugly big black, burly dog suddenly appeared. He was unfamiliar to me, most of the neighboring dogs I knew. But this one didn't look like, if you said; "roll over and play dead" that your wish would be his command. Rather his look was more like, "I've gotcha, your mine, yum, yum". I turned and took two steps and a leap. I was perched in the bough of a tree and five feet below me was a snarling, snapping dog, which I was dead sure, was going to eat me alive. I started yelling, yelling and some more yelling. And quicker than you can say; "Holy Molley" there was Shep in mid-air. The fight was on and I had a ringside ticket. Two masses of "fur and fury" whirled beneath me. I was still screaming, then suddenly the sounds of "fang and fury" ceased. The big black dog laid lifeless on the ground and Shep was down, bleeding badly. I climbed down out of the tree and ran as fast as my little legs could motor, back towards the farm house to get help. As I cleared the edge of the woods my Grandfather was running towards me. He had his twelve gauge shotgun in his hands. I blurted out " that Shep was down and hurt bad." He told me to go back to the house.

A little later he returned carrying Shep in his arms like a little baby. Shep weighed a little over 100 lbs . He took Shep into the barn to patch-up his wounds. I watched as the wounds were washed and treated, listening to Grandfather talking to Shep. The rest of that month I slept in the barn with Shep on a pallet my Grandmother had fixed for me. Everyday I brought food and water until he recovered. Before falling to sleep, Shep and I would talk, I pretended that he answered me, because I knew he understood.

During Shep's' convalescence the Veterinarian paid a visit to the farm to give Shep a Rabies shot and pick up the head of the vanquished big black dog which my Grandfather had severed earlier after the battle. So the Vet. could test it for Rabies. As Shep was recovering, we became the best of friends. Soon he was back to being his old self again. He was my partner in all I did in my make believe world. We would walk in the jungle, sail ships to far away places, and fight the pirates on the high seas and the bad guys of the Wild, Wild West. And take on the Martians with Flash Gordon (Buster Crabbe). Making camp; building some make shift tents in all the fantasy places. Our two favourite stomping grounds was the Barn and a little Creek where we would go on a pretended "sea voyage" and explore an uncharted Island where hostile natives lived.

The Barn was our Fort, our Castle and our Tree House in the Jungle. I had tied (well I had one of the giants to ...) two big ropes to the roof rafters: one was for swinging from one hay loft across a wide space to the hay loft on the other side of the barn. The other rope was an escape rope for when Shep and I were under attack from the Pirates or the Natives. It was attached to a large wooden beam outside the loft window that was used during the haying season to bring the hay up into the loft from the Hay Wagon. Under attack, I would jump out the window and catch hold of the rope and slid down to the ground. Shep would have to use the steps. We spent hours and hours in the barn. I loved to swing "a la Tarzan " back and forth between the lofts. Shep would watch for a while as I sailed back and forth but finally he would give up and lay down. Only now and then would he raise his head to see if I was still there.

When the ropes were put up, my Grandfather never told Grandmother and he told me when I was through to make sure the ropes were secured so Grandmother could not see them which I always did. But one day I had just leaped out of the loft window. Shep and I had just been under attack by the pirates. My Grandmother rounded the corner about to enter the barn. Shep bounded out of the entrance at full speed barking his head off almost knocking Grandmother off her feet. She saw Shep standing near the end of the barn still barking, she had yet to see me. She yelled at Shep, he paid no attention, he was looking up at me. She didn't have her glasses on (praise be). Grandfather came out the back porch door to see what all the commotion was about, he saw me dangling in mid-air on the rope, he had helped me to secure for my jump-off. He saw Grandmother walking towards Shep. He called Shep, Shep stop barking and ran towards him. Grandmother turned and went into the barn. I dropped to the ground. Shep came running and we both took off for the woods.

The Barn also had our secret hiding place. No one knew about it expect Shep and I. Most of the time it was Grandmother looking for us; a piece of pie was missing. If we were in our secret room and she entered the Barn, I would tell Shep to be real quiet. She never discovered us. About the pie; sometimes we would sneak into the kitchen and discover a lonely piece of pie just sitting there begging to be taken.So Shep and I would honor the request and take it back to our hiding place and have a snack. Shep really developed an apple pie weakness. Although come to think of it, he never turned down a piece of any of the other kinds of pies. It was days like this and all the other days of playing with Shep that fueled my active imagination and wonder about all and everything.

Saturdays on the farm was usually a traveling day. Sometimes to Fillmore to visit or to Greencastle to shop and pick up needed supplies. But before we get to the particulars of Saturday, we need to back up one day to Friday. Friday night was one of my least favourite nights. Between one and ten, it rated a zero. It was "rub a dub, dub night, one boy in the tub night" with the Warden (Grandmother) standing watch as she delivered the lye soap, brush and towel. Now, I don't know if you have ever been scrubbed with"a real to goodness" thick bristled brush and lye soap. Well it's not a picnic or a stroll in the park. After the "rub a dub in the tub", the warden with her Magnifying Glass held inspection time. The ears and toes were the prime suspects. After I passed inspection it was off to beddy-bye because the next day was Saturday, my favorite day of days.

The Fillmore Saturdays was a day for visiting my Uncles and Aunts, Nephew and Niece. My Uncle Ray and his wife had a son and daughter. Charlie was three years my senior (eight)and his sister was my age (five). On one of the visits, Charlie told me he was interested in girls and that he had a girlfriend. I couldn't understand how anyone could be interested in girls. They didn't hunt or fish or play ball. And they liked taking baths. How could you like taking a bath? And their hands were always clean. And they smelled like a rose bush, "aaagh!" They were indeed strange. I remembered telling Charlie that when I got older I wouldn't be interested in girls, never. But as they do say, "never say never".

Because I remember as I got older, about six. I enjoyed playing doctor and patient. One day my curiosity "peeked", no, I didn't spell it wrong and "yes" I know it can be spelled "peaked". But I did peek and I did touch and the patient ran out of my office and told her Mother and my Grandmother. Later I received my first sex lecture. And was told and I do mean told by my Grandmother (who could quote the Bible, Chapter and Verse) that my behavior was not acceptable, 'no sir-ree Bob'. It was a "no, no". No look-ee, look-ee and certainly no touch-ee, touch-ee. She made me promise that I would not transgress again. And that God was watching me. I didn't quite understand how He could watch everybody. A little later I overheard my Father and Grandfather talking about my exploratory adventure. I only got bits and pieces of the conversation but it seemed that they were not as adamant about the incident as Grandmother. In fact there was a chuckle or two here and there which meant I was not going to be put on a 'bread and water' diet or sleep on a 'bed of nails'.

Back to the Fillmore Saturday outings:

Usually we switched back and forth: one Saturday we would have the noon meal at Uncle Ray's home, the next Saturday at Uncle Harrison's. Speaking of Uncle Harrison: I inherited the name 'Harry' from him. Harry comes from Harrison My middle name 'Lee' came from a Great Grandfather on my Mother's side of the family. Lee comes from Leonard (Leo). Where was I? Oh, yes! The noon meals were special at both of my Uncles' homes. Each of their wives were excellent makers of pies and cakes. And both Uncles made special kinds of ice cream. Sometimes with different kinds of fruit mixed in or chunks of chocolate. It was yummy, yum time! And the ice cream was made with a new fangled ice cream maker that you didn't have to wear your arm in a sling the next day. You just plugged it in, no cranking necessary.

Now our Saturday outings to Greencastle were "a horse of a different colour". Fillmore was a 'hoot and a holler' away from the farm, whereas Greencastle was three or four 'hoot and hollers 'away. Not only was Greencastle the County Seat of Putnam County, it was bigger and busier than Fillmore. There were Larger Feed Stores, Livery Stables, a bigger Post Office, a University (Depew). But my favourite building was the Movie House, a real to goodness Movie Theatre. Each Saturday the Movie started at 12:45 PM. And when we visited Greencastle, I was in the second row waiting for the curtain to open. My Grandfather always gave me two dimes, one for the ticket and the other for candy and popcorn. Twenty cents was a lot of money in the early 1900's, you could buy a loaf of bread and a bottle of milk or two gallons of gasoline. I mentioned that I always sat in the second row in the Movie Theatre. For a long time, many years later I learned that the people in Hollywood weren't as odd looking as I thought they were with their big noses, big mouths, big heads and bodies all out of shape at times. Also, they didn't talk as loud.

When the Curtain opened, the first thing to appear on the Screen was the 'Movie Tone News' or the 'Pathe News' Followed by the 'March of Time' Narrated by 'Lowell Thomas'. Then came a Short Comedy: with"Joe Doaks, Behind the Eight Ball" or some other Comedy Skit with (Leon Errol or Edgar Kennedy). Maybe the 'Three Stooges" or "Our Gang" Then the Curtain would close and when it opened again , the Main Feature came on. Sometimes Cowboy Movies with (Tom Mix, Buck Jones, Lash La Rue , Hop A Long Cassidy, Bill Elliot, or the Cisco Kid.) maybe a Pirate movie or A Mystery movie. And let's not forget the Tarzan Movies, my favourite. After the main feature was through then came the Cartoon ( Felix The Cat, Popeye or Mickey Mouse and Pluto) Then, what every kid had been waiting for all week, the ongoing Saturday Afternoon Serial with its' 'cliff hanging' endings which brought you back each Saturday to see if the hero escape his almost certain doom the week before. Like, 'Flash Gordon ( Buster Crabbe) And The Martians'. Each week, Flash Gordon escaped the most impossible impending disasters that were certain to spell his doom. But like all the Heroes of the Saturday Afternoon Serials, he was saved just in the nick of time. To live and fight, yet another day against the Evil forces of the World. Such was the life of the Hero, who ever he might be or where ever he might be.

Sorry for the aside:

As long as we are on the subject of Saturday trips; I need to talk about a Special Surprise Trip. One Friday night while I was "rub-a-dub" scrubbing, my Grandmother told me that we would be leaving a little bit earlier come Saturday morning. We were going on a special visit. I ask; where? Her reply was" You will have to wait and see". I couldn't fall asleep that night from thinking about where we might be going. Maybe to Indianapolis or Terra Haute, but why were we going? When morning came I was up and dressed waiting to hear; "Harry Lee, it is time to get up". Shep and I were down the stairs, bounding into the kitchen. "Land of goshens!" did you sleep in you clothes last night, son." "No!" just excited and made sure I would be ready on time". After breakfast, we piled into the Ford and away we went. The road was not familiar. I tried to find out where we were going but both Grandparents acted as though they had a banana in each ear. In fact my Grandfather said; turning to grandmother, "did you hear an echo?" I am sure I heard a voice". "Did you hear a voice Harry Lee?" "Sure did, it was me". "Sally, did you hear Harry Lee?" "No, is he here?" "Come on, both of you are fool'in with me." "Okay! said Grandfather, we are going to Evansville ". ( Evansville was the second largest City in Indiana ), I had never been there before.) Not too far outside the City the traffic was increasing. Small Stores started showing up along the way. Grandfather said in another ten minutes or so, we would be in the centre of town. Then a big overhead arch came in view; "Welcome to Evansville ".

Well, it was big, big compared with Fillmore and Greencastle and with so many cars and stores. We pulled up in front of a big Church that had some statues out in front. One of the statues looked like it had a person stuck to it. I asked Grandfather, and he said that it was a Catholic Statue and that the Church was a Catholic Church. I didn't have a clue as to what he was talking about. Grandmother was silent all this time. Suddenly, she said; "the people who go this Church are Idol Worshipers; they have Statues all over, outside, and inside the Church. They're heathens!" Again, I didn't know what all the words meant. Finally Grandfather said; "now Sally, that's enough the boy doesn't understand. Let's drop it." Well, we got out of the Truck and started heading towards a huge store. The Store was the "Sears and Roebuck Catalogue Store", over the entrance to the Store there was a sign that read; "Welcome to Evansville's' "Wishing Well Store" (It was the sixth Sears and Roebuck Store in America, built in 1925) It was that and much, much more. Most of the time my mouth was "open", I had that farm boy look and the words to go with it. Like "golly" and fifty or more "golly's". And when we got to the "Toy World" floor, I was out of "gollies". The new word was "gee whiz". I had never seen so many toys gathered together in one place. If I could have I would have stay there; as they do say on the farm, "Until the cows come home". The sign was right it was indeed a "Wishing Store" What a day! What a day! My first visit to a "Sears and Roebuck Store"

Wishes do come true on those special days; Birthdays, Anniversaries, Graduations, Valentine Days Easter and Christmas. And even those plain old days when someone just decides to give a Gift to that special person.

For me 'Sears and Roebuck' (which is now called just 'Sears') was the biggest, the grandest Store in the whole wide World. I could have spent all day just wandering around like a lost lamb. It truly was a 'Wonderland', so many things to see. On each floor I would see, what I had never seen before, much of what I saw, I didn't even know the' name or what it was for.

The icing on the cake was when my Grandfather stood in a long line to get the new "Wish book", the "Sears and Roebuck Catalogue". The Catalogue had pictures of everything under the roof of the Wonder Store. And if they didn't have it in stock, you could order it and it would be mailed or shipped to you. It was an A to Z Store. You could even order a Model T Ford car or truck (cost about $600.00 to $800.00) the year of my birth, the Ford Automobile Company production of the Model T reached 15 million. Mr Ford surely didn't have to worry about the price of his next cup of coffee, that's if he drank coffee.

No one will ever know; how many families across America spent their time thumbing through the pages of this 'Wish Book' for that special something. In the early years of the 20th.Century the "Sears and Roebuck Catalogue" was in more Farmland homes than the 'Farmers' Almanac', second only to the 'Bible' to be found on a table in the Parlor or on a table in the kitchen. And last years' edition could be found in the two seaters about fifty steps out back, past the corn shed.

Well, as I promised let's return to the 'Shores of Heartaches' and those trying times that reached Number one on the 'Misery Charts'. To resurrect the unpleasant that has been buried and dead for such a long, long time which is not my favourite pastime. Nor am I overjoyed with the prospect of remembering the needless negative sides and the frailty of 'Human Nature'.

Nevertheless, here goes!

One day my Mother came up to my room to wake me up and said that we were going to Greencastle as soon as I got dressed. She picked out the clothes I was to wear. They were my 'Sunday go to meeting clothes' but it wasn't Sunday. She helped me get ready and finished with combing my hair. Then we went downstairs. Her Father was outside, waiting for us in the car. On the way to Greencastle, my Mother's Father asked: "If I would like to stay at his house for awhile. I asked Mother if that would be alright. When I would visit him, he would let me play the 'Player Piano'. in the parlor.There were so many tunes to pick from; sometimes I would play for a couple of hours.

We got into Greencastle and pulled up in front of a big building with a lot of steps. As we got out another car pulled up and a man, I had never seen before got out and started walking towards us. My Mother and her Father talked to him as we walked up the steps of the big building. When we entered, I saw my two Uncles and their wives. I started to run over and talk to them but my Mother held on to me and said, "No". And I didn't know why? Shortly afterwards, my Grandfather, Grandmother and my Father entered with another man. I asked if I could go over and say "hello" again another "no".

Just then a big door opened and everybody filed in to a very large room with a lot of seats. Everybody got seated and three new people entered the room from a door towards the front of the room beside a big desk. One was a man wearing a black robe like the Preacher sometimes wore. Following him was a lady who took a seat at a small table in front of the big desk. The third person looks like he had on some sort of a uniform. After the man in the black robe was seated, the uniformed man said "will all rise. The Honourable Judge "Somebody" will preside. "Please be seated now!" The man in black banged what looked like a hammer on the big desk and said:" This Court is now in session"

My Mother's victory in winning the Divorce Settlement and my Custody was a bittersweet victory. The aftershock of the loss and separation caused a fallout of despair and disappointment for my Grandparents and my Father. But for my Grandmother the Courts' decision was especially devastating. Out of the hurt and pain, the contempt and scorn she had for my Mother increased tenfold that day. She fervently believed her ex-daughter-in-law had stolen her Grandson away, as she had stolen the heart of her son. What do they say about a woman's' scorn? Something to the effect; "never underestimate it".

Well it had been underestimated, Eight months from the date that my Mother was awarded Custody of me. It was back to Court again. The players were the same, the setting was the same but the results were to be different. The Lawyer for my Grandfather had been a "busy little bee"; charges for child neglect had been filed. In effect that my Mother was living with a man which she was not married too. And that her life style was detrimental and inappropriate for my well being. During the trial; witnesses came forth to testify about the wild drinking parties, where the Police had to be called. Also photographs taken by a Detective Agency which my Grandfather had hired were introduced as evidence to collaborate some of the witnesses' testimonies.

The conclusion of it all; the Court ruled in favour of my Grandparents and the "ping pong" ball (that's me) returned to the farm.

The Court had awarded my Mother visiting privileges and a two weeks stay during the summers. At first my Mother visited monthly and the first summer I spent two weeks in Indianapolis and it was great. I did so many new and different things but there were complications. The monthly visits to the farm to pick me up usually ended up in a verbal battle between my Grandmother and my Mother. Words were said that should have never been said in my presence. Some of the words I had heard before and after the Courts' hearing. Also I had overheard my Grandmothers' wrath directed at my Mother, when she was on the phone or in conversations with some of her friends. They do say; (little pitchers have big ears). I guess mine were exceptionally big.

Let me backtrack in time for a moment to my first summer visit to Indianapolis . As I mentioned, there were so many new things to see and do. I saw my first "Barnum and Bailey Ringling Bro's" Circus. My very first trip to the Riverside Amusement Park " with all the rides; the Merry-Go-Round, the Ferris wheel and the "Roller Coaster", the boat ride through the "Tunnel of Horrors", The "Crazy Mirror House". And let's not forget, the Cotton Candy and the Hot Dogs. Also the 'Big (stuffed) Mickey Mouse' the man with my Mother won for me.

I visited the Zoo, went to the Movies in a big, big Theatre and saw a Stage Show with dancers, jugglers, trained dogs and even a Magician. We had lunch and sometimes dinner in big Restaurants. Afterwards shopping with My Mother to buy some new clothes. Everything was great! Then the "roof fell in".

My Father and Grandmother showed up at my Mother's apartment without any notice one day. I had just gotten up from a nap. My Mother had gone out to do some shopping. The man, my Mother was living with and another lady was in the apartment alone when the door bell rang. The young lady opened the door and guess who? Father and my Grandmother. The young lady didn't know who they were and they didn't know who she was. Grandmother asked if this was where Martha Glidewell lived and the young lady said "yes" but she wasn't home at the moment. My Mother's boyfriend went to the door and asked who they were and what they wanted? My Grandmother asked "who he"? and where was Martha? "You were told she is not here". The tone of his reply was not acceptable to my Grandmother.

Let's run the clock back just a little. When the door bell rang, I jump out of bed and started running down the hall towards the door to see who it was. The young lady came out of the other bedroom, stopped me and said; "go back to your room and shut the door" which I did. I heard muffled voices but I could not understand what was being said or by who. Then shortly, I heard my name called then I knew it was Grandmother. I came out of the bedroom and ran into the living room. There was Grandmother, Father, the young lady and the boyfriend. The young lady was in her bra and panties. And the man was standing there in his underwear. Grandmother was slowly turning red from the neck up. Like a rising thermometer ready to explode which it did. She was telling the man and the lady a "what for" in no uncertain terms. A real live "Here comes the Judge with the judgement" with a rapier tongue delivery.

The door bell rang. Round one was over but round two was about to begin. In walks my Mother with an arm full of groceries. Words, many words flew back and forth. The voice levels ranged from loud to loud. Sparks were flying and eyes were flashing, accusations and counter accusations. Every once an awhile, the words Jezebel, Hussy, Harlot and Slut surfaced. I was there but not there, I had become invisible during the fray. Suddenly, I yelled at the top of my lungs. I became visible, I ran to my Mother, crying as I ran. A hush fell along with the words. There was only silence.

That day died slowly and painfully but it was finally buried down deep, very deep. Others were to follow. Nor did I know that this "Black Day" would rise from its burial place in the future.

After that first tragic summer visit my Mother's monthly visitations stopped as did any summer visits. I never knew the reasons why, until several years later. But my Mother's decision was all that my Grandmother needed to strengthen her constant barrage of remarks about my mother's lifestyle and her character. Later, I will return and write about my Mother and our relationship down through the years, the good and the not so good.

Let's return to the days between my fourth and seventh birthday. Around the age of four was the beginning of my helping around the farm. I had specific daily chores to do. Like feeding the chickens and the ducks, making sure that they had plenty of water. After the the collecting of their eggs, I brought in the wood from the wood pile. for the big iron kitchen stove, the potbelly stove in the parlor and the fireplace

Now and then, I would tend to the big compost pile used for fertilizing Grandmother's prize rose bushes. Feeding the chickens and the ducks was an easy task. But the collecting of the eggs from the hen house started out with a few problems. The hens had their nests higher than my reach which meant I had to get a little stool to stand on to get the eggs. Now if the hens had left their nests in the morning and the eggs were just laying there waiting for me to put them in my basket, no problem. But the problem came when a sitting hen didn't want to be disturbed. Now we have a situation. Especially when you are only knee-high to a grasshopper (cricket that is) and the mamma hen has gotten up on the wrong side of the nest. You are in deep, deep trouble, yes, you are

My first bout with a stubborn 'cluck, cluck' ended in an embrassing disaster. Early one morning my Grandmother needed some fresh eggs. Foolishly I said; I'll go get some. With my little yellow basket in hand, I entered the hen house and started collecting some eggs. I had collected about ten or so and was on my way out the door when I noticed a very large nest occupied by a very large pile of feathers that was clucking away. I got my stool and placed it in front of the nest. I climbed up and was 'eyeball to eyeball' with a big squawking mamma hen. The minute I put my hand into the nest grabbing for an egg, she took off like a 747 and circled the roost. The stool was wobbling, I was wobbling and then she landed on top of my head with her clawed landing gear. I let out a "whoop and a hollar" that would have raised the dead. As I fell backwards, the collected eggs were launched and orbiting just above me as I landed on my backsides. Just then my Grandfather rushed into the hen house, the orbiting eggs came in for a soft landing, all over me. My Grandfather burst into a chorus of booming laughter. The audience increased as my Grandmother appeared and the laughter became a duet. And then Shep appeared, if he had made it a trio. I would have thrown the one remaining egg that had not broken at him. To say the least I was not a "happy camper". From that day on as I collected the eggs, I carried a little stick. If a hen was stubborn, I would give it a slight nudge and a tap on the beck after that no problem.

My Grandfather told that story about the "Egg Caper", at least a hundred times or more always ending up by clapping his hands. I never knew if he was applauding his skill of story telling or my performance as an egg collector. His quaint final line was; the "yolk was on Harry Lee". 'Henny Youngman' would have no doubt enjoyed that one liner. For the uninitiated, Mr. Youngman was the King of the one liners' comedy. One of his favorite one liner was; "Who was that woman I saw you with last night. And he would reply; "that was no woman that was my wife".

After feeding all the feathered friends in the early part of the morning and I do mean early; the farm day started at five in the morning. The first one to stir, was my Grandmother. She would be in the kitchen firing up the big iron stove and starting breakfast preparations. Next one up was Grandfather then my Father with myself bringing up the rear around 6:30 am. But before I arrived on the scene, my two Uncles had arrived and joined my Grandfather and Father in the milking shed. My bedroom was up a stair step ladder into the attic which had a finished floor and plenty of room. My bed and shif-robe that held all my clothes had a partitioned off space to the front of the farmhouse with a big window looking out across the farm. My buddy "Shep" shared the bedroom with me; he slept at the foot of the bed. Each morning I heard the morning crew getting up and when my Uncles arrived for the morning milking. On a cold winter morning it was difficult climbing out from under a big feathered comforter to scurry down to the kitchen that was nice and warm. But awaiting me was a big cup of hot chocolate with a marshmallow floating on top. After I had finished drinking the chocolate I would go and feed the chickens and the ducks. Sometimes I would go into the milking shed where the cows were being relieved of their bounty. Grandfather would say; "open your mouth Harry Lee", he would then squirt some warm milk into my mouth straight from the udder, his aim was 'right on the money'.

After the earlier chores were finished it was breakfast time (about 7:30 am.). Now breakfast time on the farm was the most important meal of the day. You haven't had a breakfast until you have sat down to a home cooked morning spread on the farm. And I do mean a spread; sausages, ham and bacon, eggs, (fried, scrambled or boiled), hot biscuits with milk gravy with bits of sausage sprinkled in, buttered pancakes with syrup or honey, fried potatoes, cottage cheese mixed with sweet molasses. A meal fit for "Old King Cole". After all the "merry old souls" had finished the morning breakfast and the table cleared. Morning chores resumed, my next chore was the 'wood detail'

The wood shed was located along side of the barn where the chords of wood were all stacked. The sawing and the splitting of the wood into smaller sizes to fit the two stoves and the fireplace was done by the giants (Grandfather and sons). The saw, axe and hatchet was off limits for me. Of course when no one was looking I would sneak in a couple private whacks with the hatchet, now and then, hardly denting the wood log. When I saw the giants do it, the axe or the hatchet would sink deep into the wood and the chips would fly. When I did it , the hatchet would keep bouncing out. I wouldn't have been mistaken for Paul Bunyan or any other woodsman. I used the Stagecoach to haul the wood up to the back porch. It really wasn't a Stagecoach it was my wagon. When Shep and I would play cowboy and outlaws, the wagon became a Stagecoach. You know like the pumpkin in the Cinderella Story became the Coach. Shep and I bypassed the Fairy-godmother. Well anyway I would pile a half dozen small chunks of wood into the wagon. Then Shep and I would haul the wood to the back door. Then Shep would lay down and wait for me to unload the wagon. I think it was against the doggie union to go beyond the hauling. After the three wood boxes were filled which took a trillion steps or so it seemed. As they do say: " I was plum tuckered out" come noon.

In the Summer there was but one wood box to fill, the wood for the huge iron cast stove in the kitchen, my Grandmother's pride and joy. But come Winter when all three wood boxes had to be filled. I got some help from the giants I lived among. My Grandfather, Father and two Uncles were all over six feet tall, when they chipped in and helped it was "chop, chop", they filled the model T truck, drove it up to back porch door and filled up all the wood boxes in record time. Since I mentioned the four giants; my grandfather was the larger of all three sons and could work all three of them into the ground. Seldom would Grandfather take off his shirt during the day, except in the summer when he would take a trip to the well-pump to cool off. It was then you could see his well structured muscular definition. He was a man in his late eighties but his physical appearance said he was in his forties. No one could ever guess his age, his hair was only slightly grey and no sign of loss of hair. His strength could match any of his sons and more. Even Uncle Harrison who could pick up a hundred pound bail of hay and toss it into the back of the truck with little or no effort.

A story was told about an incident where a friend of Grandfather's got into an argument at a Feed store. He and his friend were talking to the owner. And in walks another man that started yelling obscenities at Grandfather's friend, falsely accusing him. The owner and my Grandfather tried to quiet the enraged man to no avail. Suddenly everything got out of hand and the man pulled out a pistol and at the same time "yelled: "you are all against me." He leveled the gun, my Grand father grabbed his wrist and broke every bone in the wrist. The gun never fired. One of the feats Grandfather would do if ever you could get him to do it. He would take a silver dollar and bend it into a u-shape, His fingers were like steel chords.

I have mentioned the big cast iron stove in the kitchen several times. So let's talk about this Modern Marvel of the early 20th. Century. It took up a good part of one wall in the kitchen with its' chimney vent and wood box. It had a famous brand name ( which has momentarily left my mind) and it was the biggest Stove they made. You could load it with wood from both sides and also clean out the grating from both sides. The top was large enough to boil eight pots of water at one time. The oven was two tiered with removable shelves. With the shelves out it was big enough to roast a good size pig. Out of the mouth of that oven with the help of my Grandmother's culinary expertise came all the mouth watering yummy, yums. Delicious pies; (apple, cherry, peach, blueberry, rhubarb, pecan, walnut, pumpkin and mince meat). Apple Strudel, candied cover apples on a stick, doughnuts. Then all the cakes; (pound cake, angel food cakes, dark chocolate, white marble cake and cup cakes). And then this 'Great Horn of Plenty' Oven would offer up The Christmas and Thanksgiving Turkeys and Honeyed Hams with all the Seasons trimmings. The Wizard of the Kitchen was my Grandmother. She planned and cooked for all occasions and events. Every season had its' special foods.

The occasions were many and varied; there was the canning season that came in the Fall, along with the Spring slaughtering time of several annual pigs and a cow. There was the Wheat Harvesting Times, the Corn Shucking Bee's, The Barn Raisings, the Church Socials and the cooking preparation when the Annual County Fair happened. Let's say a few words about several of these events before we get to talking about Thanksgivings and Christmas, okay!

The 'Canning Season' after the Fall harvest was always a big event. As in the earlier history of the human species, the gathers and the hunters came together. Only now in the early 20th. century, the farmers, their wives and children replaced the 'gathers and the hunters'. The farming community came together in a co-op spirit moving from field to field, farmhouse to farmhouse in the harvesting and the preparation of storing food for the long winter ahead. Most every farm had their "root cellars" and their "smoke houses" that had to be filled to last out the winter months. Most root cellars were attached to the main farm house via an underground passage way to the underground cellar. Although some were situated apart from the farmhouse. This below the ground cellar, along with the freezing winter weather helped in the preserving of all the fruits and vegetables sealed in the hundreds of glass jars that lined the walls of this primitive " Refrigerator". (a note to be added) Since potatoes are as important to the native North American, as rice is to the Chinese. The American farmer would bury the harvested potatoes in huge mounds of dirt for the coming winter freezes, another primitive but an effective way of preserving food until needed.

The ladies of the community would come together during the harvesting of the wheat, the fruit and the vegetables. Moving from farm to farm to help in the gathering and the preparation of the food for the canning process. The famous brand of glass preserving jars were called; "Ball Jars". I would grab a couple to store my marbles in along with my "Jacks,"and "Tidily-Winks" also one to keep the fireflies in.

Grandmother's kitchen would become a food processing plant; large pots to make the paraffin to seal in the contents of the jars, The sterilizing of the jars, the preparation of the veggies, the fruits. It was "chop, chop", "boil, boil " "cook, cook" time. Now, during all this 'busy bee' stuff in the kitchen. The hunters, excuse me!, the husbands were as about as useless, as the "Wooden Indian" that stood outside the Feed Store. This season and the get togethers was a fun time for the children. We would play tag, blind mans' bluff, hide-in-seek, ring around the rosy, cowboys and Indians, have tug-a-wars, pitch washers or horse-shoes, dodge-ball, chase the girls and go down to the small creek and catch tadpoles and frogs. Some of these would somehow find there way in the girls blouses. But our favorite of favourites was when dinner came (mid-day meal) along with the deserts brought in by all the wives.

After the dinner was cleared; there would be different contests and games; Burlap bag races, where two people would step into a large bag together and race another couple by hopping together to the finish line. Usually it was with one adult and a young person together in the bag. And then there was the egg toss; two people would stand three feet apart and then toss an uncooked egg back and forth. After both had caught the egg at that distance, the distance was increased another three feet and the eggs were tossed again. The increasing and the catching went on until the eggs were broken or missed. The last couple who were the furthest apart without breaking their egg won. There were also Horseshoe pitching contests, Arm Wrestling, Hay Bail tossing, the Cow Chip tossing and Wood Chopping Contests.

I mentioned earlier about Uncle Harrison throwing bails of hay into the back end of the farm truck. Well during the Hay Bail throwing Contest for distance. Three men were still in the running, Uncle Harrison, a neighbouring farm hand and the man who had won it last year and the year before. Uncle Harrison threw first, the throw measured an extra two an a half inches. The farm hand made his throw, it landed a half of an inch shy of Uncle Harrison's throw. Last years' Champion stepped up to make his throw. He reached down and shouldered the bail behind his neck and hurled it into the air, you could have heard a pin drop as the bail dropped. The Judges ran out to measure. It was a tie. Both men just stared at each other. Each knowing a tiring of the muscles. They had been lifting and throwing a hundred pound bail of hay for thirty minutes. After a little rest and some water the next toss was up. The Champion would go first, he looked at my Uncle Harrison as he stood there ready to reach down for the bail of hay. A slight smile broke as he grabbed and took hold and threw the bail of hay into the air, not a whisper could be heard, only the thud of the bail as it landed. The gathering applauded the throw it was longer than his last throw. The 'moment of truth' had arrived for my Uncle Harrison. He had been in this spot before, history was repeating itself. The last two years, he had faced the Champion and lost. He had watched the throw of the Champion, it was seemingly an impossible throw. It was four inches longer than his last throw. Where did this man get this flow of strength this late in the game. Then he remember the first time he saw that slight smile. It was when he won the High School State Regional Wrestling Championship. Now as then. it was do or defeat. He reached down in one motion, the bail was up, up and away. It landed two inches beyond the Champions' throw. The crowd was speechless for only a moment then it burst forth in congratulations.

The Champion walked over, pause a moment then put out his hand and said; "well done son! You done good!" Again that slight smile. Uncle Harrison never tired in the telling of that day. The day when he finally took down the Champion. And I never tired in the hearing of it. The last time I heard him mention, what he used to refer to as his most 'Memorable Day' was when he spoke; at Grandfather's Funeral.

One of the virtues of the rural farm life in the early 1900,s was the supportive community spirit. When things were not going so well for one of the neighbours what ever the problem might be the neighbours were there to help. Come what may, the helping hand was always extended. Out of this neighbourly concern came the Barn raisings or the Shucking Bees to get the corn in before the Winter approached. Then there was the shared labor and machinery to help in the Wheat Harvesting.

The Steel Wheeled Tractor, the Wheat Thrashing Machines and the Combines appeared in the late 1800's. They were expensive sometimes to expensive for an individual but they were great labor and time savers. They could do the work of ten horses and ten men in half the time or less. So Communities all over America would form 'Co-Op' ventures; coming together to buy the needed machinery and move from one farm to another during the ploughing, planting and gathering. It allowed more acreage to be prepared, seeded and harvested. About the same time the American Urban Culture decided that Toast for breakfast was the going thing after the Electric Toaster became a landslide sales item in all the Stores across a America . More Toasters, more wheat needed (supply and demand). The name of the Game!

Well during all this " Ploughing, Planting, Shucking, Thrashing and Gathering; the Community 'Get-togethers' increased tenfold, as did the "After the Event Spreads' of Food, Along with the Games, the Fiddle, Banjo and Square Dancing, where you "held and touch". And "walked your baby back home" that's what they do say. With all this "touchee, touchee" and "dozee doe-ing." And the 'now and then' sound of the shuffling of cards, accompanied with a sip and a swallow 'here and there' of the lemonade that someone had conveniently spiked. Then added to all the above; that strange custom of smoking a crushed tobacco leaf. This was the last leaf (straw I mean.) for my Grandmother since she was a card carrying "Hard-shelled Baptist". all these kinds of going on's was a "No, No." and I do mean a "No, No".

Roughly translated, a "hard-shelled Baptist" means from time to time, hard-headed or persistently stubborn, a no-nonsense Bible pounding, slain in the Spirit, literalist. There were some "Shells" who believed that St. Peter took dictation and type set the 'Holy Writ'. Later it was printed and published in the "Holy Roller Print Shop owned by King James, located just outside the "Pearly Gates". In between the Shop that re-feathered tattered and broken wings and the "Golden Harp Shop" where they sold New and Used Harps. And much, much later the Bibles were distributed by "Preachers", there's that word again. The Bibles were called the "King James" Bible to give free advertisement to the Print Shoppe. How about that!, a business minded King.

Now the "Preacher", that's what they do call them. Because someone would shout "Hey, Preacher!" Or the Preacher is coming; you better put out that cigar and hid the booze. Or here comes the Preacher go put the Bible on the table in the parlor and make sure that it is open. The story goes that when the first male Baptist was born in America . The Baptist mid-wife told the Mother and Father, your son the Preacher weighed in at ten pounds. And the wife turned to the husband and said; "dear, did you hear what she said; we have baby Preacher, isn't that divine? But what is a Preacher?

Well a Preacher, the Rev., a Jesus Cowboy of the Holy Ghost Corral, a member of the God Squad, has been called by many names and also called a few other names from time to time. Some say that they are just "called". A Famous One by the name of Pauly received a long, a very long distance call and he fell off of his horse or was that a jackass? Anyway upon awaking a Voice said; "you're a Preacher." And he do say; "not me!" And then Pauly asks; what is a "Preacher?" I told you some of those Baptists are literalist, every dot and tittle.

Of course all this is obviously hearsay. Not worth a "wooden nickel". Any one believing any of this needs to be careful because there are some men wearing white coats, carrying a tailored straight-jacket that says on it : Property of the "Funny Farm". And they just might be looking for you. (Just having a little fun, folks!)

Well enough levity for the moment. Let's resume this memory romp of yesteryear. And speak about Christmas time down on the farm in the late twenties. As most know Christmas is a healing time. The wounds of the year seemingly disappear during this festive season. All the hurts, the misgivings take flight as the "Spirit of Christmas" soothes and forgives many of our human frailties that surface from time to time. The less human become more humane, the unforgiving more forgiving, the less compassionate more compassionate, the selfish more selfless, the unloving the more loving. "Peace and goodwill" are on the lips of most, even on some of those harbingers of doom and gloom.

Christmas is that wonderful magical time for the very young and the young at heart. In their eyes and heart, the World becomes a Winter Wonderland as anticipation fills the air. T'is the time when dreams and wishes are wrapped around about with thoughts of sugar plums, peppermint canes and candied apples, hard rock candy, candle lights, tinsel and mistletoe. And let's not forget the red suited man's "Ho Ho! and a Merry Christmas to one and all"

And yes, this was even so in those years when America was brought to her knees. The 'Christmas Spirit' was alive and kicking in the stark face of scarcity and adversity. For you see, in the eyes of a child. Christmas is always Christmas. Come what may!

My Christmas's on the farm hold great memories for me. And I have often wondered, why? Why I remember them over much later ones. Possibly it was because I felt they were pure and simple, no excessive frills or superficiality. They were more personal in the sense that all the preparation was a do-it-yourself Christmas, every body creating and doing. a giving of themselves. It was not an "out of the can" Christmas. The days leading up to Christmas and Christmas itself was surrounded by lots of affectionate caring. You could not go to the store and buy this kind of Christmas. It was truly home-grown.

Right after Thanksgiving,Grandmother was preparing for the coming Christmas season. Actually she had been preparing all year. She saved and collected everything imaginable; bits and pieces of string, ribbons and bows, tinfoil all sizes and shapes of containers scrape of cloth and fabric, wrapping paper and cotton. You name it she save it. And she knew where all of it was. There were two of the items out of her collection of "this and that" that fascinated me; one was a ball of twine and string about the size of a fat balloon. And the second object was about the same size. It was made up of tinfoil that she had gathered from the tinfoil wrappers of gum. And from the inside of cigarette packs that were lined with tinfoil. Grandfather did not smoke but my two Uncles and my Father smoked like chimneys. Much to the chagrin of my Grandmother! String, ribbon, bows, cotton and tinfoil were indispensable for trimming the the family Christmas tree.

The day for the Christmas tree selection was a fun day for me. Before I was six years old, Grandfather and one of my Uncles would tramp through the woods and chop down a suitable tree for the front parlor. But the year I turned six, I was part of the Christmas tree Brigade. On that day, my Grandfather and Uncle Harrison and a new member of the team (me) piled into the Ford truck and headed out on the Christmas tree quest. I was bursting at the seams with pride, here I was with the giants. "A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go. Hi, ho the Merry-O, a hunting we will go." (just a little ditty folks). We reached the spot; Grandfather parked the "tin lizzy" just inside the gate of the woods we were going to enter. He said that the snow drifts further in were too bad. Grandfather had spotted the perfect tree during the autumn months and he had kept his eye on it during his squirrel hunting time. Of course a walk in the woods anytime was always a good time to put meat on the table. And this time was no exception. As they do say; "if you can get two birds with one stone" (you've done good). Two twenty-two rifles laid side by side along with the axe, hatchet and a cross-cut saw in the back of the truck.

Prior to entering the woods Grandfather told me to try to walk in his footsteps through the deep snow and that Uncle Harrison would follow behind in case I fell. Guess what? I did just that, along with some stumbling, slipping and sliding. But when I did fall Uncle Harrison would reach down with one hand and set me upright like a bowling pin. And then I would try the next big step. It seems I was more horizontal than vertical. We stopped and Grandfather pointed, there it was; what a beautiful tree. Like Goldilocks said; "it was just right" for the front parlor. Uncle Harrison and Grandfather made quick work in falling the tree. They tied up the branches and wrapped it up in a burlap sheet. Then they shouldered the tree and headed back to the truck. Oh! I almost forgot Grandfather let me take the first whack at the base of the tree with the hatchet.

After the tree was secured in the back of the pick-up it was time for Bugs Bunny "to head for the hills" because Grandfather and Uncle Harrison were no 'Elmer Fudds'. What they shot at, they hit. The rifles were loaded and off we went, except this time I was above the snow drifts riding high on the shoulders of my Uncle. Grandfather and Uncle Harrison took turns carrying me and shooting. One rabbit that Grand father had hit refused to stay down and started to leap. Grandfather had to reload. Uncle Harrison in one movement put me on the ground and shot the rabbit in mid-air. What a shot! Tom Mix could not have done it better. I forgot to mention the reason my Grandfather and my Uncle were using rifles instead of shotguns. After the game is shot with a shotgun, you have a lot of buckshot to clean out of your kill. A bullet in the head saves a lot of meat and a lot of work. I never knew who was the better shot. It would be a toss up between Grandfather and Uncle Harrison.

After about an hour an a half, fifteen rabbits were in the burlap bag and we were homeward bound. The Christmas tree was unloaded; the burlap bag with the rabbits was put on the back porch. And we washed up for the noon-day meal that Grandmother had been preparing. We sat down, the prayer was offered. And I was just about to tell Grandmother about how I took the first whack to fall the Christmas tree.When she asked me to pass the butter dish, she said; young man your hands are still dirty. You need to go out on the backporch and wash them again. Well, they looked clean to me but you did not quibble with Grandmother.

While I was rewashing my hands, there was a thumping and a thrashing sound behind me. Suddenly, one of the rabbits decided he was not dead. He popped out of the burlap bag, wild eyed and bushy-tailed heading straight for me. It seemed he was growing bigger and bigger by the second. I let out a "hoop and a hollar". Grandfather was already out the kitchen door. He grabbed a mop and clubbed the rabbit knocking it against the wall. (Bye, Bye Rabbit) For several nights after that ordeal, I had rabbit nightmares. A very big and I DO mean BIG rabbit was standing at the foot of my bed. And his name wasn't "Harvey ".The problem was Shep never saw him.

That afternoon a tree stand was made for the Christmas tree, later it was brought into the parlor to be trimmed. The rest of the afternoon and in the evening after supper, the trimming began. Popcorn was being strung, along with the cranberries and marshmallows. When they were finished, we added them to the tree. Then there was the tying on of the many shaped Christmas cookies (toy soldiers, Santa Clauses, reindeer, angels, stars and gingerman) . Grandfather had made some thin tin cut outs (snow men,soldiers, sheep, toy drums, bugles, Christmas balls and angels). Some of these were covered with Grandmother's saved tinfoil and the others painted various colors. These also were tied and hung on the branches. There were Special candle holders for the tree which held the candles that we would light at night. The cotton that had been saved was stuck around the branches to simulate snow It was also used to trim the round oval red felt cloth that hid the base of the tree. One of Grandmother Favorites, a cardboard "Nativity" scene was placed at the bottom of the tree. When the trimming was finished, the last piece was added. Then Grandmother would say, "this is what Christmas is all about", as the Star was placed on top of the Tree. And we sang;" Oh! Little Town Of Bethlehem ." What a beautiful Christmas tree it was.

During the seven days that the tree was up, Grandfather would say to Grand-mother; you know it looks like we missed a spot. An ornament or a Christmas' cookie needs to be added there. Finally after the third day it was evident that the 'Cookie Monster' was afoot. Grandmother would ask me if I had seen the 'Cookie Monster'. I would of course deny any knowledge of it's existence. In the seven days leading up to Christmas. I ate enough cookies, candy and pieces of pie and cake to last me for the next twelve months. And so did Shep.

Come Christmas Eve. We would drive into Fillmore to attend the Christmas Eve Service at the Methodist Church where both of my Uncles' families attended. After the Service was over, all the Clan would go back to the farm and wait for Christmas Day to dawn. My Aunts brought all the food which they had prepared for the 'Big Feast' the following day.

That night I wore my eyes out, opening and shutting them as I look at the clock every five minutes. To see if it was time to get up and sneak downstairs before everybody else got up. Shep just ignored my impatience. I don't recall when I finally fell asleep. But whenever it was I missed sneaking downstairs. When I awoke, Shep was licking my face. I knew that I had over slept. I bounced out of bed and hurried down the steps. As I entered the pallor, everybody was dressed and waiting, just standing there looking at the Christmas tree. Suddenly it hit me; all the Christmas presents under the tree were missing.

I thought maybe I was having a bad dream. Everybody was so quiet. Grandfather was the first to speak; "sorry, Harry Lee the 'Cookie Monster' came during the night and stole all the presents while we were sleeping". It had to be a dream because I was the 'Cookie Monster'. Then everybody burst into laughter as Uncle Ray and Uncle Harrison started bringing in the missing presents. My heart resumed its' rhythm. This had all been planned by Uncle Harrison when it was evident that I had somehow over slept. Uncle Harrison had sent Shep up to awaken me.

Before the handing out and the opening of the presents, Grandmother made her annual pre-opening speech about being real careful in opening the presents so as to preserve the bows, ribbons and wrapping paper. Of course all knew if we violated Grandmother's edict. The penalty would be twenty lashes with a wet noodle (just kidding, folks). Most of my presents were clothes; Grandmother had knitted two sweaters for me with matching scarfs. I received even more clothes from my Uncles and Aunts. The three surprise gifts were held for last. The first one was from Uncle Ray and family. It was a large bag of marbles of many colors. Uncle Ray knew how much I enjoyed shooting marbles. The second gift was from Uncle Harrison and Aunt Mildred, it was five new Flash Gordan comic books and a Flash Gordon Space Gun that fired sparks. The third surprise gift was from Grandfather and Father, a Red Rider Air pellet Rifle. It got two "Wows!" on the "Wow Meter Scale". I had circled the Pellet Rifle many months before in the Sears and Roebuck Catalog, and asked Grandfather a million questions about it. How far would it shoot? Was it very heavy? How big were the pellets? How many did the rifle hold? Could you shoot a bear with it? And here I was holding my wish in my hands. I could hardly wait to shoot it. What a wonderful, wonderful Christmas! And still to come, the Christmas Dinner! Oh! I almost forgot; Shep got a new fancy collar. Which he was not too overjoyed about.

After all the presents had been opened and Grandmother had reclaimed all the ribbons, bows and wrapping paper, we had a small breakfast, anticipating the Christmas Feast, yet to come. Later that morning we dressed for Church. The Christmas Day Service at Grandmother`s Church. I wore one of my new sweaters and scarf. After the Church Service ended, we returned to the farm around 12:30 pm. Grandmother and my two Aunts, busied themselves with the final preparation of all the coming mouth watering "Yum, Yum's." Extra leaves were put in the dining room and extra chairs were added. The table from the kitchen was brought into the dining room. to hold some of the prepared dishes. Grandmother's special Christmas table cloth was spread over the extended banquet table. Then the table was set with the best Chinaware. All the food was transferred in from the kitchen. It was about that time to hold hands and gather around. After everyone was seated, Uncle Harrison offered the Christmas Prayer. His words reminded us of the less fortunate across the land that was still suffering from the aftermath of "Black Friday" that had paralyzed the Country.

Little did we know at the time, that this Christmas of 1933 would be the last Christmas that some of us would share together? Thank Goodness! we didn't know.

The setting, the gathering, the taste, smell and the abundance of all the food was beyond description. It was a regular food 'Whose Who' starting with the ABC of the food chain and ending with the XYZ of it. The ladies out did themselves and we all responded by out doing ourselves as we waddled away from the table 'penguin style', mumbling; "I ate to much, I ate to much, Why, Why?" After the table was cleared and the left-overs were wrapped and the kitchen was returned to normal. A short nap was in order; my nephew, Shep and I climbed the attic stairs to my room and caught a few winks. Maybe an hour had past, I nudged my nephew and whispered that I was going to go outside and try out my new Pellet rifle. Shep followed us as we went down the stairs. As we entered the parlor to get the rifle and some pellets, Grandfather came in and said, "I was wondering how long it would be before you decided to try out your new Rifle. Come on, we will go out behind the barn and set up some targets to shoot at. But before there was any shooting to be done, Grandfather gave us some words of advice. First: never, never point the Rifle at anyone. Secondly, do not shoot near or close to the house, always shoot away from the house. Thirdly, do not shoot at any of the farm animals or at any of the birds, squirrels or rabbits. Because unless the shot is perfect it may only cripple and they will escape. When you get a little older and learn how to shoot a 22 Rifle, then you can hunt. Now with the Pellet Rifle, you can learn how to shoot and gain accuracy. Always make sure when you finish shooting that the Rifle is unloaded and then clean it. After Grandfather had finished speaking he gave us both our first lesson on how to hold, breathe and aim the rifle. What a present!

The day after Christmas, my Mother and her boyfriend drove in from Indianapolis . After the last Divorce and Custody hearing; I only saw my Mother during Christmas and on my birthdays. As I have said before her visits were bittersweet. Grandmother and Mother were hostel antagonists. There was a deep resentment on both sides of the fence (a very high fence). Which made the visits, a mixed bag.

Mother was a strikingly beautiful, 24 year old woman. And a true portrait of the "Flapper Age" in both style and demeanor. A one, two, three strikes and your out as far as my Granmother was concerned. She had taken on the appearance and the mannerisms' of a Movie Actress by the name of Jean Harlow, a Howard Hughes, protegee. Also, there was a little bit of Greta Garbo thrown in. She never entered a room, a restaurant or walked down the street that heads didn't turn; male and female alike. There was something in way she walked, looked and moved. As they do say; "she stirred the air and the thoughts." Her liberated ways was a 'thorn' in my Grandmother's side, setting the stage for an on-going battle.

My Mother's presents that particular year were the; "The Hardy Boys'" series of books and a set of lead toy soldiers; along with some clothes. Her visit ended as usual with a flurry of words between her and Grandmother. Finally Grandfather would have to step in as he often did, to halt the verbiage.

Since we are remembering about things when I was six years old, probably something should be said about my first day at Fillmore Elementary School a School which my Father and my two Uncles had attended. Some of their Teachers were still teaching. One could say; that my first day was different, unusual even humorous after the fact. It all happened during what was then called a recess period. A a time out when you would go outside and play in the school yard. The recess period had come to an end and I was being escorted to the Principal's office. By, guess who? The Principal himself, But what I did know, this person was trying to separate my ear lobe from the rest of my head. My trouble started when I refused to give the kickball to another boy after the bell rang, ending the play period. After being reprimanded by a very large person, I said in a very loud voice; "horsefeathers" and this giant said; "what did you say?" I repeated; "horse feathers, are you hard of hearing or something?" That's when the giant showed a great interest in my ear lobe.

Let's back-up several days before this present incident, when I had unfortunately allowed two words to escape my lips which were overheard by a certain pair of ears which belonged to the long arm of the law (only kidding), they belonged to Grandmother. The two words in question were "darn it", it seems there was a close resemblance to "d-- it". After the 'talk, talk', Uncle Harrison asked my why grandmother was upset. I told him about the slip of the lip. He told me that the next time I felt the urge to mention the unmentionable. Just say "horse feathers" real loud! Grandfather showed up at the Principal's office within the hour and asked; what the problem was? The Principal related the events. Grandfather turned to me and asked; "did you say that?" I replied, "Yes sir". My Grandfather said to the principal; "it will not happen again, I assure you".

On the way home Grandfather asked; "Where did you learn the word "horse-feathers?"? I told him the story about the 'slip of the lip' and the little talk with Grandmother. And about Uncle Harrison's suggestion, Grandfather chuckled and said; He did, did he? Well the "horsefeathers" was not that bad, there are some words that would have been worse. The real reason for your introduction to the Principal's office was because you said; "are you hard of hearing?" That did it! You see the Principal is hard of hearing. "Oops!"

A lot could be said about my first year in school but let me mention something I believe was pivotal and influential in setting the stage for my adjustment to the Learning environment,then and later. After my dance "around the Maypole" with the over sized 'Ear Puller". The "good old golden School Days" took on the unexpected because of my incessant curiosity of asking, why? The answers given by the teacher were either to simplistic or they were evading the question. The questions were asking for more information which was not forth-coming. Inquiry and discussion was not encouraged but rather curtailed. I thought at the time; I wished the Giants on the farm were there to field the questions and give some plausible answers for they never tired in answering my why's and wherefores? And if need be, explaining the answers given. I learned a very valuable lesson long before entering the first grade at the bidding of the giants; to question and to keep on questioning until I felt I had an understanding or an inkling of what was being said. My Grandfather was insistent that I ask questions if I didn't know the meaning or understand what was being said. His comment was; "You will never learn if you don't ask questions", he would say over and over. His other constant reminder; "look it up Harry Lee, you were given a pair of eyes and a mind. Find the answer and bring it to me and we will talk about it "God helps those who help themselves". Sometimes he would add; "A good question demands a good answer". "Think about what you are going to say before opening your mouth."

In the first year of my Primary education, the 'status quo became a matter of accepting the shop-worn prepared answers with no maybes, whys or wherefores. My mind instinctively rebelled to this simplistic approach; it was against the teachings of the Giants. Consequently, School became boring and vapid. I retreated into self-inquiry. Earlier on the Giants helped me to check-out everything from the Library that was even remotely connected to what was being taught. I was a thorny problem. One might even say; I was an entire "bramble bush" seated behind a desk. A qualified disturbance because I was not being challenged therefore I was bored stiffer than stiff. My error was being too inquisitive; I needed some answers which were not on the agenda. This was not the end of my rebellion. It would take on a different direction later on. As this 'Narrative' unfolds, it will be evident that these early beginnings were the start of something that would affect how I adapted to life issues. There are many threads in one's 'Tapestry of Life'. And each thread is important for the overall tone, texture and theme of the finished design. as is our own personal method of weaving.

There are many things that are doubled edged, remembering is one of those things. One minute you are in the throes of joy and the very next moment you are in the grasp of despair and sadness. Come the early spring of 1934, I lost my Grandfather, a real live hero in my young life. I felt the lost, suffered the lost and knew the lost. The suddenness of it; realizing I would never see him again or hear him call my name left me numb, speechless and lost. I would cry myself to sleep. And during the days that followed his death: there were those times I thought maybe he would be coming out of the Barn or off the back porch any minute. But it never happened and finally I had to believe it wasn't going to happen. I also knew that part of him would live again through me. And that thought, I have carried with me all the years of my life.

No one in the family was prepared for his death. He was a man full of life; his eyes, voice, his manner,the way he walked, everything about him spoke of this aliveness, this energy, both were infectious. What is that saying; "he was truly a man for all seasons". If Grandfather ever had any pain or an ache, no one ever knew about it. He could out work any two men on any given day up until he died. There was no warning, he just went to sleep and never woke up. Everybody, family, community, all who knew him was in a state of shock. As was the custom of the day, before the burial, a sort of Wake was held. After the embalming, Grandfathers' casket was brought to the farm house. Friends, relatives and neighbours came by to offer the usual condolences. Two days later the funeral was held and the internment followed. Grandmother was devastated, she aged overnight. Grandfather was not only her husband; he was her pillar of strength. In the ensuing days Grandmother grew weaker and frailer. The lost and sorrow was taking its' toll. The light in her eyes was fading; her hands were beginning to tremble. The grief was killing her softly.

Other unknown events were simultaneously happening in Indianapolis . My Mother had become engaged and married to a man of substantial means and influence in Indianapolis . Mother was not aware that Grandfather had passed away. Just after her marriage, she and her new Lawyer filed for a new Custody Hearing. This Lawyer was reputed to be one of the best legal minds in Indianapolis . Surprisingly what a little money can do? Did I say a little, I meant a lot of money. The case was to be held in Indianapolis . Almost a month following Grandfather's death,.Uncle Harrison intercepted a subpoena without Grandmother's knowledge that gave the date of the hearing. He managed to find out the new Lawyer's name and address. From there he acquired Mothers' new address. He made a quick trip to Indianapolis to visit and speak to my Mother about the untimely death of my Grandfather and the physical condition of Grandmother's health. He ask her to visit me and to make no mention of his visit. He want her to see Grandmother's decline. For he believed that if the Custody case was held as scheduled.That a second loss so soon after losing her husband would cause her immediate death. Mother arrived at the farm two days after Uncle Harrison's visit. I was out in the Barn playing with Shep when he started barking as he bolted out the door, as I brought up the rear. There was a brand new shiny black car pulling into the driveway. Uncle Harrison and Uncle Ray were walking towards the car. The door on the driver's side opened an a man got out, he walked around to the other side and opened the door on the passenger's side. It was then I saw mother step from the car, I ran full tilt to get a big hug and a kiss. When I reached her we both had tears in our eyes. Introductions were made, along with Uncle Harrison telling my Mother about Grandfather's death, as though it was the first time she had heard about it. No one knew about about the secret meeting. All of us went into the farmhouse to visit with Grandmother, E.W staid in the parlor. Very few words were spoken in the bedroom it was questionable wither Grandmother even recognized Mother. It was evident that Grandmother was fading and in no way resembled her usual self. After we had left the room Mother said to Uncle Harrison," I am so sorry, it is hard to believe how much she has aged. I will do as you said and wait for your call."

Mother and I walked back to the car and climbed into the backseat and talked. She never mentioned the real reason for her surprised trip to the farm. I learned much later the whys and wherefores. She spoke about her marriage to E.W. and the new home they bought. She mentioned that maybe in the summer I could come and visit. I was not aware of the new Custody Case. After about an hour she said that that they had to be leaving. We got out of the backseat. E.W. and my two Uncles were approaching the car. They were asking about the Automobile and E.W. proudly explained that it was a new design that Chrysler had just put on the market. It sure was a big one, the biggest one that I had ever seen. "Goodbyes" were said along with another big hug and a kiss and they drove away.

Not even a month had past since my Mother's surprise visit. When Uncle Harrison called her and told her that Grandmother had passed away. And that the Funeral would be in two days. He asked if she would please attend if possible and she said she would come. The day of the Funeral she arrived, she drove down by herself. She knew instinctively the grief I was floundering in. I couldn't understand how Grandfather and Grandmother were no longer with me, that I would never, see them again. It wasn't fair, I was so empty. There were even thoughts about my disappearing forever or my Mother, Father or Uncles. I had seen death on the farm, as animals died but this was different, the sadness and the hurt was not the same. And I was not the same. I lost sleep, I lost weigh, I was blah! I was not a Happy Camper!

Grandmother was laid side by side next to Grandfather. I didn't realize the full impact of both their deaths until much later. There were times when I believed that they were just on a long trip and would return home, any time now. It is indeed strange that in our grief we come to realize how much we loved the departed and somehow feel guilty. Wondering why? We did not express our love, our appreciation more often while they were with us. And even now in this remembering; the hurt and sadness has resurfaced. Both of my Grandparents gave so much of themselves to me. Much of who and what I am, was influenced by both. Their ceaseless love and concern far out weighed the strife. Because all who were involved were much more than the perceived negativity, that would come and go. They held one thing in common, their affectionate caring for me.

The Custody Hearing was held in Indianapolis in the early summer. The decision of the Court gave Mother full Custody and visiting rights to my Father and Uncles. Also there was a provision providing that on the agreement of both concerned parties; summer vacation visits to the farm could be arranged.

On recalling my departure from the Farm it made me 'sicken unto death'. A part of me was everywhere, inside and outside the Homestead . I am sure that that part of me is still hanging around. If this is not true, I am certain, I know that all I experienced, felt, saw and heard in those early formative years is still with me. But little did I know that my life was going to be turned upside down. A new page was to be written. 'The Farmboy becomes a City boy.'

Allow me to rearrange my remembering and put several memories ahead of those which were time wise first; to illustrate my transformation. Move over "Pygmalion!" There is a saying; "that you can take the boy out of the country. But you can't take the country out of the boy." I am quite sure Mother was aware of that quote. She just did not agree with the conclusion. Little did I know that in 'La,la Land', a place called Hollywood , there was another young boy named Freddie Bartholomew who had been born in Dublin , Ireland 1926 and abandoned, raise by an Aunt Cissy. Who became a very successful Child Actor. In some convoluted way, Mother imagined a resemblance between the Child Actor and myself which became the genesis of my make-over. There were Movie posters and photos of young Freddie, enough to stir the imagination of my Mother. Out of which she fashioned an "Image" as to how I was to be dressed.

One morning shortly after my arrival in the big City, we drove into town. The clothes I was wearing at the time were clothes which she had given me at Christmas Time, when she had made her annual visit to the Farm. Our first shopping store was L. S. Ayres Department Store. I put on and took off more clothes than a 'Cat-walk model'. Every time I looked into the mirror I wondered who that was staring back at me. If Shep had been watching this 'Clothes Changing Marathon', he would have been the first dog who died laughing. Speaking of Shep, I was really missing him. One of the hardest things about my leaving the farm was leaving behind my good old reliable Shep, who made so many of my days on the farm, happy days. They do say; 'That a dog is mans' best friend'. Well Shep was that and more to me. Well back to "Clothes Caper". During our eternity march through the isles of cloth, buttons and zippers searching for the right outfit to be worn by the alter-ego conjured up in my Mother's mind. I stepped out between the curtains of the dressing room and my Mother said as if she had just seen a vision. "Yes! Yes! that's the one" , that's the one. He will wear it, wrap up his old clothes." As I looked in the mirror, I thought to myself; "no! no!, not me, I can't walk out of the store looking like this."Please!, bare with me while I try to remember the items I was wearing. Let's start with the shoes; they were shiny black patents with little bows. Then came the white knee length silk stockings just below the pleated velvet short pants and the tucked in white silk shirt that had ruffled cuffs that slightly extended beyond the velvet cuff. At the waist of the velvet pants was a red silk sash tied in the middle hanging at my side. We are not through yet, last came the 'piece de resistance' a wide brim hat with 'a gold hat band and a feather plume sticking out of the band. All I needed was a fencing foil. Mr. Dumas would have been proud. I am not to sure about the remaining Musketeers. Well sure as the Sun rises in the East, my Mother and I exited the store. I was wearing a ridiculous outfit (that's a gross understatement)and my Mother was wearing a proud smile. As we walked into one of the finest Restaurants in Indianapolis . I could feel the eyes following us to a table as we were seated. I was hoping that the staring was because my Mother as usual looked as if she had just stepped out of the Vogue Fashion Magazine. As always, she was a show stopper. I suffered through the meal and my self-consciousness. I thought it would never end. Finally the check was called for and we walked through the gauntlet of curious eyes once again before reaching the front door. As the Maitre d' opened the door and handed me my hat, he said; "Nice feather!" On the way home I asked if I could change clothes in the car before we got home? My Mother said, "No", I want your Father to see your new outfit. We arrived home; Mother got out and asked if I would bring the rest of the packages into the house.

She went on into the house.I grabbed the rest of the packages. And was backing out of the car with the packages. As I turned around, there were two boys and a girl standing in front of me. The bigger of the boys said; "you must be the new kid from the farm". I acknowledged and answered "yes". Then he said "your dressed a little early for Holloween aren't you". I grinned as they laughed. He continued; "you look like a Momma's sissy-boy to me, I don't like Momma sissy-boys." I didn't know what he was talking about; I started toward the house with the packages. He knocked them out of my hands and pushed me against the car. "You aren't listening to me sissy-boy." I tried to pick-up the boxes but he knocked them out of my hands again. "I'm going to teach you a lesson. He took a swing at me and it landed in the middle of my face, blood was coming out of my nose. I pushed him away and he tripped over the fallen boxes. I started to run towards the house but his side-kick tripped me and the ground came up and met me. They both were seated on top of me taking turns in a punching marathon. I remembered very little after that, but my Mother told me that the Postman yelled at them and they disappeared. E.W arrived shortly after the melee and asked jokingly, "if I got the license plate of the truck that ran over me." I managed a smile.

In the midst of all the excitement, Mother wanted to call the Police. But E.W. intervened and said it would be a waste of time. No one knew who the trio was. It would be my word against theirs. The black eye, the cut lip and the bleeding nose was evident that a fight had taken place, that's all. Positive identification would have been "iffy". E.W. said he would call Swifty, there was another alternative. That call changed my life and the consequences multiplied down through the years. Most of which were positive.

(Please allow a side note)

Shortly after my arrival in the big City, E.W., had invited a few business associates and their families over for a barbecue one evening. A man by the name of Swifty and his son Jimmy were on the Guest list. Jimmy and I were the only young people among the adults. During the evening Jimmy and I became acquainted. He asked about my life on the farm and I asked about his life in the Big City . I learned that he was three years my senior and that he was the only child, his Mother had died during his birth. It was just he and his Father. And that his Father and E.W. were business associates as well as friends, they had know each other for a long time. I also learned that I would be going to the same School as he went too, come fall.

The rest of the story, where were we?

The next day Swifty and Jimmy came to the house. His first remark after seeing my face; "I see you forgot to duck." During the conversation that followed I learned that Swifty Peterson had been a professional boxer and at one time had been a sparing partner for Jim Braddock the former Heavyweight Champion. In 1929, Braddock was preparing to fight against Tommy Longhran, a Light- heavyweight. It was during his preparation for the match, that Swifty became one of Braddock's sparing partners. Braddock was defeated in that fight. The Depression hit and boxing bouts were few and far in between. But in 1935 Braddock won some notable fights over a couple of highly ranked Heavyweights and was then matched against Max Baer, the then Heavy-weight Champion of the World. The fight was held on Long Island , New York (1935). Braddock was a 10 to 1 underdog and the unthinkable happened, he beat the World Champion that night and came to be known as the 'Cinderella Man'. He held the title for two years, then in 1937 the "Brown Bomber-Joe Louis defeated Braddock. After that he had one more fight defeating Tommy Farr after which he retired. (Sorry, for the detour) Swifty now owned a Gym where aspiring young boxers trained. He also mentioned that Jimmy his son had won the 'Junior Golden Glove Tournament' the previous year. And then he turned to me and asked; "would you like to learn how to defend yourself son?" Of course my answer was "Yes." Mother started to say something but E.W. put his finger to his lips. She never finished the sentence.

A week later; Jimmy was teaching and training with me. This was done early in the mornings before the Gym was officially open. Swifty, Jimmy and I opened the doors of the Gym at seven each morning. I learned how to skip rope, work the heavy bag and the speed bag on a raised platform for me to stand on.Jimmy worked along side of me, teaching me all that his dad had taught him as far as the basics. I didn't put on the boxing gloves, the head gear or the Kidney belt till after six weeks had past. I was taught stance, footwork, how to punch and the shifting of the weight for each type of punch. We did defensive and offensive drills, shadow and mirror boxing. Not to mention all the running, sit-ups and push-ups. After six weeks of six days a week; E.W., myself, Jimmy and Swifty arrived at the Gym one morning for my first sparring session inside the Ring with Jimmy, with all the gear. E.W. had brought me a present that morning, a pair of 12 oz . Boxing gloves that had Jack Demsey's name printed on them. Jimmy was about three inches taller than me, 15 lbs. heavier and faster. After we had our gear on Jimmy, I and Swifty stepped between the ropes. Swifty called out all the routines, defensive and offensive, all the different punches to be thrown. He corrected my footwork and the shifting of the weight as I threw my punches.There were three, three minute rounds. I could hardly raise my arms after the first round which meant I got tagged by Jimmy more than I should have and also yelled at by Swifty. I tried to remember all the things I had been taught in the last six weeks while I was becoming a punching bag. In the entire first session I don't believe I landed a head shot. After my first sparing lesson was over; Swifty said; "you did fine son", if he hadn't been looking at me when he said it. I would have thought he was speaking to Jimmy. He went on to say to me; you will spar three rounds each training session from now on. And your running will increase to one mile each day and you will shadow box with the boxing gloves on. Jimmy will train with you all the way. By the second week in August, I knew what I was doing right and what I was doing wrong in the Ring. The three rounds were getting easier; I was countering more punches, my footwork and shifting was coming together with my punches. I was beginning to understand how all the training was fitting together. Why all the constant repetitiveness.. Jimmy and I were becoming like brothers even though he was out pounding me everyday. One day I asked him if he was pulling his punches, he said; he was at one time but no more. I was getting the best he had. Thank God! for the head gear and the Kidney belt.

During the first six weeks, every bone, muscle and fibre of my body ached. When I started sparring all the aches were gone. I acquired new ones from all the pounding on my arms and the punches to the body and head. Mother was worried that it was to much but Swifty reassured her that my body and mind were adapting. To prove his point Swifty had arranged a three round bout with another boy who was eight years old and who had been boxing for a little over a year. He had had three fights and won them all. Swifty believed I could stay with him in the ring. In weight and height we were equal. There was a full week to train before the Fight. Jimmy had seen the other boy fight and he was confident I could take him. The one thing that Jimmy had noticed, my opponent had a difficult time when he was in the corners of the ring or on the ropes and trapped. So all my training that week was to stay out of the center of the ring and force my opponent into the corner or on the ropes and work on a solid body attack to bring his arms down for a head shot.

The night of the fight arrived, I needed a butterfly net, my stomach was churning, Swifty and Jimmy were taping my hands and massaging my arms and shoulders talking away with their separate 'pep' talks. I was there but not there. I was trying to remember everything I was taught, it was coming and going. Then someone said; "It's time, let's go." We walked out of the dressing room into the Gym. It was then I saw Mother, E.W. and a couple of other people seated with my parents.. The rest of the Ringside was filled with many of the other boxers and trainers that used the Gym. That didn't help my butterflys, I ducked under the ropes, Jimmy joined me. Swifty joined my parents. It was decided that Jimmy would be in my corner giving instructions as the Fight progressed. Also a friend of Swiftys was to be my cut man if I suffered any bleeding. I thought to myself that it was nice to know that I wouldn't bleed to death. I looked over to the opposite corner at my opponent, he seemed calmer than I was. Introductions were made in the center of the Ring. My opponent looked a little heavier than me. Back to my corner, the bell rang and Jimmy said; "go get'em Irish". His first jab snapped my head back; I felt the sting of the leather, as another jab reached my face. I heard Jimmy yelling, "get out of the center." I moved forward ducking under the next jab, shifting my weight as I hooked my left into his mid-section just below his rib-cage. He back up towards the ropes. I followed shifting my weight again, this time my right caught him on the right side of his rib-cage. He was hurting, I had him trapped against the ropes, and I pounded his mid-section with all my strength, his hands dropped just like Jimmy had predicted. At that point I saw the image of the Bully that had beaten me, standing in front of me. I shifted my stance and brought my right hand up catching him as he was sinking to the canvas. The fight was over. Jimmy jumped into the Ring and raised my hand in Victory. Again I was there but I wasn't, I heard very little of the cheering. I went to the ropes and saw my cheering section clapping their hands and waving. Then I went over to the opposite corner and shook my opponent's hand. By that time Swifty had climbed into the ring. He threw his arms around me and said; I knew it, I knew you could take him." "How's it feel son? I said; "great!" but I really couldn't say; "how I felt or what I was feeling at that moment." When we returned to the dressing room, there were people outside the door waiting to congratulate and shake my hand. Inside waiting was mother and E.W.; E.W. said; "You did good, real good." Mother hugged me and I blushed. The last to congratulate me, was my best friend, trainer and adopted brother. I thanked both him and his Father.

After I had showered and dressed, we all piled into the Chrysler to go put on the fed bag. That was my first and last Ring fight during my early formative years.I now knew how to defend myself but much more than that. Swifty and son not only taught me how to box, they taught me about discipline and persistence. But I learned something even greater, the 'will to win' and a lesson about friendship. Jimmy and his Father both gave of themselves to me (There is no greater gift than the giving of oneself to another) that was their legacy to me.

Since I skipped over a few memories that should have come first, we will now rectify that and talk about pulling up in front of my Mother's new home. My first words were those old standbys; Golly gee! And Wow! Make that a double "Wow!" It was a large brown brick structure, two storied house, sitting back off the street with a large front lawn with landscaping, including hedges and flowers around a large front porch. E.W. opened the front door and I stepped inside, I didn't know what to say, my favorite words escaped me. I just stood there and stared. I was in the parlor, later I was corrected, and it was called the living room. There were pieces of furniture of which I had never seen nor had I ever seen a room that big. It went on forever Then we walked into what was called a Foyer where there was a writing desk with a fancy telephone sitting on it. There were two doors, one led to the dining-room and the other to the Kitchen. Also there was a stairway that led to the upstairs. The dining room had a large table with a lot of chairs around it. On one wall was a large painting that took up half the wall, a Landscape scene with a Castle peeking out from behind some trees against a background of mountains. Over and against another wall was a large glassed China Cabinet filled with beautiful China and Crystal Glassware. And oh, yes!, in the middle of the dining room table a large Silver Tea Serving Set. Next we went through a swinging door into the Kitchen and there was a lady cooking up something and whatever it was, it smelled delicious. I was introduced to Hilda, she was the cook and the housekeeper, and she lived on the premises. The kitchen itself was a lot bigger than the kitchen on the farm. But some of the things in the kitchen were things I had never seen. Such as a refrigerator that kept food cold. Two stoves that were called gas stoves and a large stainless steel sink with counters and running water. Then Hilda opened a door to what was called a Pantry, I thought I was standing in a Grocery Store, it was shelved from top to bottom with all sorts of canned foods, etc... We left the kitchen by another door and we were standing in the Foyer again. Mother then said; would you like to see your room? After we reached the top of the stairs, she opened the door of my room. It was something else, the room was huge.There was a double size bed with two tables one on each side of the bed with lamps on each. Book shelves with books on the wall over the headboard of the bed. Across from the bed there was a desk with a lamp on it. And guess what was lying on the desk, a copy of National Geographic. On another wall that had a door were some more shelves also with books on them. Across from the wall that had a door there was a large two paneled sliding door that was called a closet, it was like another room. There were sliding drawers built into the walls of the closet for clothes. Mother said; it's empty now but we will do some shopping. E.W. remarked; "When your Mother uses the word "shopping", it's more like a Marathon ."

Finally I asked where does that door lead?

E.W. said; why don't you open it and see for yourself. When I opened it, it was a screened in balcony that looked down on the landscaped backyard. It also had a steel ladder below a trap door that went to the ground. I thought to myself an escape hatch for when the Pirates come. Shep would have like that, even though he couldn't use it. There were just no words to describe how great everything was. We stepped out into the hallway and Mother showed me my bathroom. Again, I had never seen anything like it, except for some pictures in Magazines. It had a big bathtub with a shower and running water /hot/cold and a one seater that flushed. No more going out side and a sink with a mirror. Then she showed me the Master bedroom that faced the front of the house. It was fancy, fancy, it looked like a bedroom you would see in the Movies. It had a fireplace with a sitting area.Then a small alcove that led into a very large Bathroom with a sunken tub and a separate sink with a separate Shower and another one seater.The last 'show and tell' was a spacious Guest room further down the hall with its own bathroom, End of the Tour. Hilda appeared from out of nowhere and told Mother that Lunch was ready.

Mother asked if I wanted to wash my hands before eating. When I had finished, I joined Mother and E.W. in the Living Room. Then we went into the Dining Room. The table was all set. E.W. took a seat at one end of the table and Mother took her place at the other end. I was seated in the middle facing the both of them. As I sat there I began to notice there were things on the table of which I had never seen before. In front of me; there were two forks of different sizes to the left of my plate and on the other side of my plate there were two different kinds of knives, two different types of spoons to the right of the knives. Also there was a rolled up white piece of cloth with a silver band around it to the right of the silverware.Then I heard a bell being rung. I looked up; it was Mother who was holding a small bell in her hand. Hilda appeared with a tray of bowls (Mushroom soup), serving my Mother first, then E.W. and then me. I was watching Mother she took the cloth with the silver band, removed the band and placed the cloth in her lap. Then she took the funny looking spoon and dipped it into the bowl. I followed suit and did exactly as she did. She then asks Hilda who was standing behind E.W. if she would please pass the butter. Hilda brought the butter to her, Mother thanked her and then she took the small knife by her plate and buttered a bread roll. She told Hilda to bring the butter to me. Hilda handed me the butter. Mother looked at me and I said "thank you". Then I buttered my bread roll with the small knife and ate my soup. I noticed that when Mother was dipping her soup spoon into the bowl, she did not move it towards her; she moved it away from her and then lifted it to her mouth. So I copied her motion, I caught her smiling at me. All through the meal I waited, watched and did what Mother did. During the meal there were some questions and some small conversation. When I had finished eating, I pushed my chair back a little and started to get up. I was half way up, when Mother cleared her throat, I looked at her and her eyes and head motioned for me to sit myself back down, which I did. She asked if I was finished. I said "yes maam" that I was finished. Would you like to go up to your room for a while or would you like to stay and have some ice cream and then go up to your room. Her idea sounded a lot better than mine. After I had, had my ice cream, she said you may go up to your room now. I will be up to see you in a little later. I excused myself; I had learned that from my Grandmother.

After I was in my room, I began looking at the books that Mother had placed on all the bookshelves. There were books by Mark Twain, "Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer",Edgar Rice Burroughs, "The Tarzan Series", Victor Hugo's, "The Man Who Laughs" and "the Hunchback of Notre Dame', Arthur Conan Doyle's "Sherlock Holmes Collection", Jules Verne's, "Around The World In Eighty Days" and "Twenty Leagues Beneath The Sea," Alexander Dumas's, "The Three Musketeers." and " The Man In The Iron Mask". Some books of Poetry by Wordsworth, Longfellow, Keats and Shelly, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. A book 'Of the Religions of the World' and a complete set of 'Children' s Encyclopaedias. And twenty 'Big Little Books.' Also ten Comic Books and let's not forget that National Geographic. Just amazing, just simply amazing!

Later that afternoon Mother came to my room and we talked. She asked how I was and if there was anything I wished to ask or talk about? I told her that I wanted to thank her and E.W. for all the things they had done for me. But that I was having a difficult time absorbing all the past events and all the new ones that were happening so fast around me. It was not that I was not happy being with her, which I was but the sudden lost of my Grandparents. Plus the leaving of the farm was very much with me. Not to ever see, speak or hear Grandfather and Grandmother again was very hard for me to understand why? Possibly when I was older I will better understand. Mother quickly added that she was aware of my hurt and my feelings. And that she was there and would always be there for me. Then she said: I am going to tell you something; when I was about your age my Mother passed away and my Father told me a story about a great King. Would you like to hear the story? "Yes!"

Long, long ago there was a King in search of the right words that could be engraved on a Golden ring he wore. Words that would guide him, in the best of times and in the worse of times. Words that would give a peace of mind and a steady heart come what may! A King's ransom of Gold would be given to anyone who could think of the right words to be engraved on the Golden ring. One day a messenger delivered a single page scroll tied with a Golden ribbon to be given to the King. When the King received the scroll, he opened it and there were four words imprinted in Gold.

"This too shall pass ."

At the bottom of the page, the Giver of the five words had written. Give the reward of Gold to the poor. There are no monies for either Wisdom or Truth for they are both gifts that Gold cannot buy. Wear these words in good faith. May your life be blessed? What ever may come your way 'good or bad' remember,

"This too shall pass."

Peace unto you!

Did you like the Story? "I sure did" Can you say: "This too shall pass" "Yes""This too shall pass ." Grandfather used to say; "what ever happened yesterday leave it to yesterday, "Live today for today." Your Grandfather was a very wise man.

The things you are feeling now, the difficulty you are experiencing, they will go away. Every beginning has an ending and every ending a beginning. I promise you that in the days to come. These hurts you are feeling now will lessen with every passing day. And you will be left with loving memories of both your Grandfather and your Grandmother who loved you very much. And they will always be a part of your life. Please believe me, this will be so.

Then she said, would you like for me to read something from your new collection of books? Yes, I would like that; I'll go and pick one out. I went and took, "The Man in the Iron Mask" from the shelve. We fluffed up a couple of pillows on the bed and she began to read. It was like old times. I fell asleep while she was reading to me. When I awoke, it was getting dark outside. Mother had left me a note saying that when I had awakened, to come and knock on her door and we would have something to eat. She called Hilda on the intercom and asked her to fix some Chicken noodle soup and two grilled cheese sandwiches and two large chocolate milk shakes. Please bring them up to the room. After the snacks, we listened to the "Eddie Cantor Show" on the Radio which I had never heard. Mother explained that Mr. Cantor was a very famous entertainer, his nick name was 'Banjo eyes', because he could roll his eyes in many directions as he was singing and dancing. Also he was a very funny man and made everybody laugh. There was also a singer on the program called Kenny Baker; he was one of Mother's favourites. After the Radio Program was finished,I got ready for bed. It was going to be my first night in my new room. Sleep came quickly it had been a good day! Mother came in to kiss me "good night", all was well.

The next morning, I was awakened by a family of birds. It sounded as if they had built their nest some where near the balcony. I stumbled out of bed, grabbed my robe and opened the door to the balcony to see if I could see them. Their notes sounded like the red robins back on the farm. I took a seat in a wicker chair and waited for their song again. Sure enough their nest was just above the drain pipe coming from the roof.I had a new family. I went back inside and checked the clock on the night stand. It was 6 Am., I opened the door to my bedroom quietly and I heard a sound coming from the kitchen. I tippy-toed down the back stairs that led to the kitchen and peeked around the corner, it was Hilda busying herself in the kitchen. She had heard me, and said; "Good morning, Master Lee, breakfast well be at seven, would you like to have something to drink now, "No, I'll wait for breakfast. I'll go back upstairs and get ready. A little later there was a knock on my door, it was Mother. She came in and noticed that I was completely dressed, hair combed and all. She said my, my, aren't you the early bird" You know the early bird always gets the worm". Let's go down for breakfast. (I said to myself; I hope Hilda doesn't serve any worms). E.W. will be eating later, he worked late last night. We entered the dining room and sat down. Hilda popped up from around the corner and Mother said;"you can tell Hilda what you want for breakfast besides your orange juice. Can I have some Wheaties and some pancakes with honey and a glass of milk?" Mother went on to say; I'll have, two, two minute eggs and two slices of toast with butter and some tea, thank you Hilda. Our breakfast arrived chop, chop. After breakfast, I went upstairs to brush my teeth. Mother said she was going to get dressed and that later in the morning, we would take the car into town and buy a few things at the City Market for the weekend.

You can check out the backyard and the Garage while I am getting dressed. I'll have Hilda call you when I am about ready to leave. I had only seen the backyard from my balcony. So I went through the kitchen and out the back door to the backyard. I was curious about a fairly large structure back away from the house. There was an inlayed stone path leading out to a rectangle building that was covered with a see through material. But just before reaching the building there was pretty big water fountain with a statue of young maiden (someone had stoÃƒÂ±en her clothes) pouring water from a large jar. Inside the structure were about six tables and chairs around each table, plus a long countertop with a sink. Outside, surrounding the building were large candle holders with oversized candles. I still had no idea of what I was looking at. Then I spotted what looked like a large fireplace. And in front of this fireplace were a number of tables and benches. Also there was a wood box full of wood. Surrounding this large backyard was a high wall and in front of the wall were high hedges, You couldn't see what was on the other side. Further back on the property was an open are a with some tables and chairs. Later, I found out that Badminton was played there and sometimes Croquet. Just then I heard Hilda calling me! When I reached her she said; "your mother wants you to change into the clothes she laid out on your bed. She is about ready to go. You better double-time getting dressed". I was standing in the living room when Mother came down the stairs. Hilda had already opened the Garage doors. We went into the Garage then bye, bye to downtown.

Mother was good driver, but in the early years of cars there were not that many women drivers, Cars were a mans' domain. It was a rarity to see a Platinum blonde wheeling a large Chrysler Car through the downtown traffic in the early nineteen hundreds. During the drive to Town, Mother asked about my exploration of the 'back forty' and wondered if I had a chance to take a peek into the Garage. I told her that I had only time to walk around the backyard, before Hilda called me. Then I asked about the small structure and the fireplace? Then about the two poles and the strange looking fish net. She said that the small building by the Water Fountain was called a 'Cabana' and that the fireplace was called a Barbecue pit where you could cook steaks, chicken and hamburgers outside. And that the Cabana was like an out door dining room. And the other area you asked about is for playing badmitton and croquet. E.W. can show you all that. "Well, we are here!" All we have to do now is to find a parking place close by. As luck would have it, somebody was pulling out of a parking place. And Mother wheeled in front of another car that was heading for the same place. The man in the other car yelled at Mother and she honked the horn at him. He parked his car in the middle of the street and headed towards our car. Mother had already parked the car and was opening her door and standing outside. Before the man could open his mouth, Mother said "Now if you are going to yell at me again, I am going to ask all these people who heard you yell at me." "Who got here first"? Four men said; you did ma'am. Then a women who just joined the little crowd, spoke up "you ought to be ashamed of yourself yelling at this fine lady. You are no gentleman, no siree!" "Yeah, someone else yelled, "why don't you apologize to the young lady?" "Sorry ma'am", the gathered crowd clapped and as we walked away, Mother waved, wave son, to those nice people. She was indeed 'a piece of cake'.

After the short delay we walked into the City Market. When ever we stopped and purchased something, Mother attracted the attention. I learned a little after several outings with my Mother that she played to her audience. She looked like a "somebody" to those who stopped to look. And if she was not somebody who was famous, she should have been. Most thought she was an actress, or someone they had seen in the newspaper. Her manner, her clothes everything about her seem to say, look at me! After we had finished shopping, Mother said that we were going to meet E.W. at a Restaurant not to far from the Market. Everything Mother had bought was going to be delivered to the house. How nice!

When we arrived at the Restaurant E.W. was already seated at a table, the Maitre D' showed us to the table. Well Lee, how was your shopping tour with your Mother. Eventful I bet! I told him about the parking incident and he just laughed. Then he said you better get use to it. Your Mother is full of surprises, never a dull moment. That's why she is my Gal! We better order before they start charging us rent for this table. Mother ordered for me and her. E.W had ordered before we arrived, his food was waiting. Mother ordered my favorite, a big juicy hamburger, potato salad and a big milk shake. Mother told E.W. the questions I had asked about the recreation area in the back yard. And he said when we get home, we will go out into the backyard and I will explain it.

He said to Mother, after we are finished eating. Why don't you leave your keys with the Maitre D, I will call somebody and they will pick-up the car and take it to the house. We will go back home in my car. I have somewhere to stop on the way, it will be but a minute.I have a surprise for Lee. I asked Mother if she knew what the surprise was. She shook her head, no, whatever it is will be a surprise to me also. E.W. paid the check, Mother gave the keys to the Maitre D'. There was Car, what a Car waiting at the curb, the Valet opened the door for my mother, then opened the back door for me. E.W. was already behind the steering wheel. I said to Mother whose Car is this and Mother said this is E.W.'s pride and joy, his baby! He won't even let me drive it. I had never seen a car like it.The Car we drove downtown was nice, but this Car was something else! Mother went on to say; this is called a Pierce Arrow(Phaeton.) There are not too many of these on the road. Maybe someday, E.W. will tell you about how he happens to be driving a Pierce Arrow? E.W. said; yes, someday. How is the ride back there Lee? Great, just great! We got home and E.W. parked the Car out in front of the house.

Fooled you, you thought I forgot about the surprise.

Emily, bring in the surprise. She rounded the corner, I almost jumped out of my skin and yelled; it's a dog, look Mother it is a dog! Mother was as surprised as I was. E.W. said how do you like your surprise? I ran over and gave him a real big hug, "thank you! Thank you! Can I pick him up? When I picked him up and held him, he wiggled and squirmed and tried to lick my face. After Mother recovered from the surprise, she asked; what kind of dog is he. Mr. Wells said, it is called a Boxer. If you have noticed his paws, they are large for a young puppy. He will grow to be about two feet plus high and about three feet an a half long. His weight will be some where around Sixty pounds. This breed is great around children and very protective.They are a gentle dog but they also are an excellent watch dog. And very trainable, in fact I would highly recommend for the dog and Master Lee to go to a ' Dog Obedience School .' It will be a good experience for both the dog and your son. Lee will learn how to give the commands both verbally and by hand signals. You will have a well trained and obedient dog.You well not have to worry about him chewing up everything. Which puppies do? As I told your husband, all the pedigree papers are in order.You can check with the National Breeder's Association, both his Mother and Father were prime Show dogs and won many Gold Ribbons against strong competition. You can also have him checked out by any Veterinarian of your choice.I will hold the check for ten days. If you haven't contacted me by then, I will cash the check and the deal is closed. Does that sound fair enough to you? E.W. said, "Yes". Well Lee it looks like you have a new dog. Let's take him home to his new home. E.W. thanked Mr.Wells and gave him a check. After giving him the check, he asked, if it would be alright to bring the puppy back in two weeks to board over the weekend. Because of a Party that will be held at the house. Mr. Wells said; "that would be fine."I never knew how much my surprise cost. I only heard Mother say; that was an awful lot of money, E.W. He just shook his head and said; a boy needs a dog, especially your son. And you know why?

The first couple of nights the puppy slept in the Utility room just off of the kitchen. And he whined all night. In the morning when I opened the door to the Utility room, it was a mess! Hilda was not a 'Happy camper'. E.W. said; we are going to have to fix him a place in the Garage. E.W. went about making a make-shift pen with a little door. The puppy bed, the food bowl and his water bowl were transferred to the Garage. For the next two nights, the whining continued. I don't know what the word might be or was but whatever it was Hilda said it. E.W. went out and bought a ticking Alarm clock and a stuff toydog. That night there was not a whimper.All the circles under our eyes left. The next morning Hilda was smiling once again. E.W. asked me if I had a name in mind for the new puppy, I said well yes and no, I can't make up my mind wither to call him 'Thor' or 'Nemo'. I think I will go out and see which name he likes the best. While we were having breakfast, Mother said your father told me that you had picked two names for the dog and that you were going to see which name the dog liked the best. So what's it going to be Thor or Nemo? Well, he seemed to like both of them, so I picked Nemo". Mother said; Mr. Jules Verne would have liked that.

That afternoon E.W called and told Mother,that there would be a couple of workman who were going to fix a place for Nemo out to the back of the house, out next to the back wall. It would go the whole length of the back wall and that he had already bought a large dog house for Nemo to sleep in at night. He also said that he registered Nemo at the Dog Obedience School and that after he had been there for four weeks,I could attend the classes with Nemo. After putting the phone down; Mother said; your father has been a busy little bee this morning, she went on to tell me all that had been said. Nemo would be starting School before I did.

It took the workman three days to finish Nemo's playground. Nemo's house arrived the afternoon the workman were putting the finishing touches to the enclosure. E.W. called to see if the workman were still there, Mother said, "Yes". "I'll be home shortly." I came in from watching the workman, Mother said; your Father is on his way home. When he got home, we all went out to see if Nemos' Folly' was finished. That's what Mother called it. The workman had just finished. It was a "big", and I mean a big area, E.W. said it measured almost fifty yards in length, running the length of the back wall and thirty-five yards deep, the dog house sat at one end. How do you like it, as he looked at the both of us? Mother was not dancing an Irish Jig. But I said; it's great, lets` go get Nemo and see how he likes it. "Good idea" said E.W. Martha, I'll go get you a chair, and you can wait for us to bring the little fella out. He got the chair, and then we went to the Garage to fetch Nemo.I carried Nemo. E.W. brought the food bowl, the water bowl, the stuffed toy dog and the Alarm clock. After a short distance, I put Nemo down and started running, he ran after me. We got to his new home,I opened the gate and walked in, and he followed. E.W. followed with Nemo's furnishings; the Alarm Clock and the stuffed toy dog were placed inside the dog house. The flooring of the dog house had a thick carpet on the floor and on all the sides. E.W. went and got some water from the fountain for the water bowl and said we will feed him later. We walked out and closed the gate and headed back towards the house.

On the way back, E.W. said, we will go up to your Balcony and watch with a pair of binoculars and see what he does without us standing there. Mother asked Hilda to bring up some lemonade and some coffee to my Balcony; we are going to watch Nemo in 'Nemos' Folly.' E.W went and got this binoculars. We took our grandstand seats. E.W. handed me the binoculars and said tell us what is he doing now? "He's just standing at the fence looking out. Wait a minute, a bird just landed inside the fence. He's barking and chasing it. The bird went bye, bye. Now, it looks like he hears something, there he goes all the way down to the far end, What ever it was, he is no longer interested in it. He's coming back to his house, he getting a drink of water. Now he is going inside the Doghouse. It looks like he's not coming out. Maybe he laid down. E.W. said; well it looks like he's satisfied, he hasn't barked since we left him, that's a good sign. You keep the binoculars and take good care of them. You can check on him now and them. When you can go out to feed him later, make sure his gate is locked when you leave.

Where were we?

Oh, yes! The "Garden Party" where I was to be the "Guest of Honour". Sunday was to be the festive occasion. Two weeks prior to the event Mother had sent out Twenty-five (R.S.V.P.) Invitations which in effect said; "You all come! You are invited to a "Western Hoe-down" Dress code, Western.(Place, Time and Date) A Professional Catering Service had been hired to handle most of the details which included the food, beverages, extra chairs, tables with red chequered table cloths. All the eating utensils (paper plates, cups and glasses). All the chefs, waiters, waitresses and the bartenders were to be dressed in Western attire.

The main venue for the "Shin-dig" was to be held out in the 'back forty' (the back-yard). Sunday evening was the scheduled time. Come early Saturday morning a large moving van pulled into the driveway just after breakfast. Mother said; that must be the Moving Company, they have come to take all the furniture and rugs out of the Living-room, so that later in the morning we can start transforming the Living-room into a 'Western Saloon'. E.W. and I looked at each other and shook our heads. E.W. said; I think I will make myself scarce and go downtown. After the Moving Company was through clearing out the living-room and had left. Another large van pulled into the driveway. This time it was the Catering Service. They unloaded all their ice chests with the perishable food and all the other required equipment (tables, chairs, Kegs of beer along with the other beverages) All this was put in the Garage.

Let's run the clock back just a tad. Mother had a friend whose husband owned a Production Design Company, where they constructed scenery sets for the many stage shows that came to town. Also on the same property was a large warehouse that housed hundreds of different kinds of props. You name it they had it from A to Z. Mother met her friend and her husband one day and toured the Warehouse. She told them what she was looking for and why? Neither E.W. nor I was aware of this visit. Come Saturday afternoon, a very large Truck followed by a smaller van pulled into the driveway. Mother said; that must be my friend and her husband. Let's go out and meet them before they start unloading. The man said; so this is Master Lee. How are you son? How do you like Indianapolis ? "Fine Sir!, "I would like for you to meet my wife." "Welcome to Indianapolis ! Your Mother and I were classmates at a Beautician College a few years back. I heard a lot about you."

"Well, Martha all that you picked out is on the truck plus a surprise, our gift to you and Master Lee. If you will tell my men where you want certain things to go, we will start unloading and get things ship-shape. Mother pinned on her "four stars" and assumed command and started asking the men to take this and that, here and there. The transformation of the living-room into a Saloon took first priority. Chairs and tables with red chequered table cloths were placed along the walls, eight manikins were dress in cowboy outfits and dance hall costumes and seated at the tables. The backdrop scenery panels were put in place one at the far end where the bar was to be. It showed rows of whiskey bottles on painted shelves, a Pendulum Clock and pegs to hold the gun belts plus an old menu and drink price list sign. The bar was about eight feet long with a foot rail. Two brass spittoons were on each side of the bar.Two large wagon wheels were added to the decor. Then a couple dozen red lanterns that had been wired for light bulbs were placed on some of the tables. Then the bandstand was put in place. The last five things to be unloaded to complete the Saloon transformation was the large wooden Indian Chief to be put at the Entrance of the Saloon and a Sign that read; "The Dirty Dog Saloon" and a smaller sign that said; all guns must be checked in at the Bar." Then three bags of sawdust were scattered on the hardwood floor. Martha, we have saved the best for last. All the workers disappeared into the large Van; I couldn't believe my Eyes, rolling down the ramp was a "Wells Fargo Stagecoach", just like I had seen in all the Cowboy Movies. It was placed on the front lawn and wired for lights, inside and out. Of course I immediately asked if I could climb inside. "Sure, Master Lee go right ahead and climb in. "Wow" a real live Stagecoach!" Mother was still in a state of shock! "What a lovely surprise." How can I ever thank you? How thoughtful!

After the Saloon make-over, the workers moved to the back yard and began to place all the other things as Mother directed, there were about fifteen self-standing plywood cut-outs of some mean looking gun slingers. Mother had some of them placed along the walk-way to the Cabana and the Barbecue Pit. Two were placed out by the Stagecoach and one by the entrance to the Saloon. The two plywood mock-ups, one a standing store front building and the other a simulated Jail house were placed, one on each side of the Cabana. Bails of Hay were put here and there, as were some of the large wagon wheels. The rest of the wired red lanterns were distributed around the Barbecue area and the Cabana area. Mother asked one of the workers to put some Western clothes on the nude Lady of the Fountain. He kindly hesitated, one of his buddies told Mother; he's still a virgin. Better let a man do it. The rest of the chairs and tables were equally divided between the Cabana and the Barbecue areas. The three Western saddles that were mounted on wooden horses and the wine barrels were placed a short distance from the Barbecue area. After Mother had changed her mind several times about where something was to be placed( a woman's' prerogative) The backyard was finish.

A horn was honking, out front. Hilda came running out, waving her hands like she was trying to stop an on coming train. "What's all the commotion about Hilda? Well ma'am there is a crazy man out front who says he has a "Shooting Gallery" to be put up in the Backyard. Did you hear that Mother a "Shooting Gallery" Yes I heard it. But I didn't order a "Shooting Gallery." Just then one of the workers yelled; Ma'am your husband is on the phone.

The man out front started honking his horn again. Mother appeared and told Hilda to let the man unload and bring everything into the backyard. The man's helpers started bringing in the "Shooting Gallery" piece by piece. The man told Mother that he had been instructed that the "Shooting Gallery" was to be placed against the back wall of the property. Then Mother turned to me and said; that was E.W. on the phone telling me that he had rented a "Shooting Gallery" as a surprise. "Wow!, a real Shooting Gallery." I still couldn't believe, as I watched the owner and his helpers put up the Shooting booth. The owner asked me, if there was and electrical outlet close by. I showed him where it was. Then I ask him about the guns, what kind were they? He said; they were all "Red Rider" pellet guns" that had been modified to shoot only three pellets. I told him that my Grandfather had given me Red Rider pellet rifle, last Christmas and taught me how to shoot. Then I saw E.W. coming towards us. "Well, Lee what do you think about the "Shooting Gallery" "Great!" He turned to the owner and asked how things were going? "We'll, we will be through in about fifteen minutes."Then I asked if I could do some shooting. Let's check it out with your Mother first and ask the owner if it would be alright The owner had been listening and said it would be alright with him and that I could use my own gun since it was the same make as his guns. I ran to the house to ask Mother, she said okay but that she would like to watch. I ran upstairs and got my rifle. Mother and I walked out to the shooting booth. E.W. asked if he could shoot with me. I said, sure. The owner gave E.W. a loaded rifle, I had already loaded mine. The moving targets were turn on. It was decided that we would take turns. The owner would call the targets to be shot. It would either be a moving or a stationary one. E. W.said I could go first and he would follow. The owner called the target, I fired, it was a tiny moving metal duck that fell over if you hit it (duck down.) Then E.W shot(duck down) this went on for about five minutes neither one of us missing the called targets. Finally the owner said that he would call out three targets in succession and then we would rapid fire three shots at the moving targets before they disappeared. I asked if I could go last. E.W. raised his rifle and said to the owner start the targets. E.W. reloaded his rifle. The owner flipped the switch, they were moving faster than when we were taking single shots. E.W. missed one out of the three.I was up next. I told the owner; "now" I fired three rapid shots all three were direct hits. Mother clapped; the owner said, I have never seen anything like it, and I have been doing this for twenty-five years. "Who taught you to shoot like that son." "Both my Grandfather and my Uncle Harrison taught me." "I want you to do me a favour" "You have a pump action loader; I am going to turn on all the moving targets. I want you to rapid fire and see how many targets you can take down. Tell me when you are ready. Okay! Now! I took out ten with no misses and then ran out of ammo. "Son, you could work the Carnival circuit."

Mother said; you haven't had any lunch. Come on, I'll have Hilda fix you something to eat, Mother had to tell Hilda all about my out shooting E.W. and what the Carney had to say. Hilda fixed me a bacon, tomato and lettuce sandwich and a big milk shake. Just as Hilda brought me my sandwich, E.W. came in and sat down. Hilda asked E.W. if he wanted anything. "Thank you, just a cup of coffee". Lee, I want you to do something for me. Come tomorrow night, I am going to get a couple of my business associates to go with me to the Shooting Gallery. When we get there I want you to come by and do some shooting. Hit some of the targets but also miss a few. I will introduce you and then I will say; I bet Lee could out shoot each of you. In fact I will bet $1000 against your$100. "Sure; I'll do it." Just then Mother walked in. "Do what?" Oh! Check to see if Bill is through cleaning up around the Gallery. As I left, I heard her say to E.W., You are such a sweetie! Surprising me like that. A whole Shooting Gallery, I am not going to asked you how much it cost you? Well since you are not going ask me how much it cost. I'm not going to ask you how much you have spent turning the Living room into a Saloon and putting a Stagecoach on the front lawn, plus all the other do-dads? I didn't hear a figure.

Well, Mother's long anticipated evening was here at last. I know she must have dreamed about this moment many times in the past three and half years that we were separated. It was eight- o- clock in the evening and the Guests were arriving. Most arrived by taxi which helped solve the parking problem. And also later in the evening when someone got a little tipsy and needed a ride home.There were three official Greeters all dressed in White Western attire wearing Gun belts and six shooters. There was E.W., Mother and a little cowpoke, me. Mother's outfit was tailored skin tight. Her cowgirl pants had a strip of Rhinestones going down on the outside of each pant leg. Her blouse and string tie was studded with rhinestones as was the hat band on her Cowboy hat and her Gun belt.

After a half an hour all the Guests were accounted for, there were no, no shows. I had said; "hello, so nice of you to come!" All the handshaking and the Darling this and the Darling that I was all 'shook out' I needed a stiff drink, I retreated to the Kitchen for a large glass of lemonade. Hilda was riding"Shotgun" over the Caterers to make sure everything was going as planned. Then the Head Wrangler (Mother) came through the Kitchen door and said; "where have you been. I've been looking all over for you. I need you to come with me." Out the kitchen door we went into the back-yard where all the Guests were gathered. E.W. was speaking, when he saw us, he said; "here he is now, the Guest of Honour Master Lee and my lovely wife, isn't she lovely? He went on to say; how happy he and Mother were that I was home with them to stay. And that he and Mother both hoped that I felt at home and would share in their happiness." He paused; I knew at that moment he was going to ask me to say a few words. Then it became a reality, "Lee would you like to say something." I thought, oh well! I stood up straight and as tall as I could get and said the word "something" and paused. Well, he did say, to say "something" Seriously though, "Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to say; "Thank you, thank you for coming and I am not just saying that to be nice. If you hadn't showed up this evening I would have probably been eating barbecue for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the rest of the month or maybe longer. So I really do thank you. Please be my Guest for the rest of the evening. And have a swell time!" E.W. smiled and winked and Mother's eyes were becoming moist. From that moment on I became a ham, what am. What is that they say; "The acorn does not fall far from the tree" I came by it naturally.I had been watching Mother weave her charm; some of it had rubbed off on me. I should have passed the hat. The applause was music to my ears.

A few strange musical notes were coming from the Saloon. The Band had arrived and the musicians were seeing if there instruments were awake. After the warm-up, the first song they played was made famous by Gene Autry, "Back in the Saddle Again" Some of the Guests headed towards the Saloon. Others got a whiff of the Ribs grilling at the Barbeque pit and 'moseyed' over towards the grub. And others were enjoying their liquid diet. Food was the furthest thing from their minds. I saw E.W. talking to his business partner, Steve Hardy. As I was walking towards them a Young lady stopped me and put her arm around me and said;"you are a precious little boy. I just wanted to give you a hug and a kiss." Then she was gone. E.W. said; "one of your admirers?" He turned to Steve and said;" how come you and I never have a pretty young lady come over and kiss us"? By the way Lee, take my handkerchief; you are wearing some lipstick on your right cheek. I was just telling Steve about how good you are with a rifle. I told him about our little plan. He said; "when he sees me heading towards the Shooting booth, he's going to tell everybody he can about the challenge. So Lee, there will be a crowd, will that bother you? "I don't think so? While my Grandfather and my Uncle Harrison was teaching me how to shoot. They would try and distract me on purpose. They said a good shooter must have only one thing on his mind, the target, only the target." "Okay, then I am going to go and find your challengers. We will meet you at the Gallery".

About ten minutes later I saw E.W. and three other men heading for the Shooters' booth. I slipped behind some people and then headed towards the Gallery a different way. Bill saw me coming; he knew what was going on E.W. had told him. There were three people shooting. None were hitting any of the targets. They finish just as E.W. and his friends rounded the corner. Bill handed me a loaded Rifle. I started shooting, one target went down. The second one was still standing after my second shot missed, the third shot found it's target. E.W. said; Lee when you are finished I would like for you to meet some friends of mine. I shook hands with each of them, as E.W. spoke their names. I ask if they were enjoying themselves, they answered "yes" in unison. E.W. said I told them the story about your Grandfather teaching you how to shoot and that he could shoot the eyes out of a rabbit or a squirrel. And that you were pretty good. In fact I said; that I would put up a $1000 against their $100, that you could beat each of them. One of the men said; you have to be kidding E.W. I'll take that bet all night. Bill put down four Guns on the shooting line, two for each of us. E.W. pulled out a wad of bills that would have choked a horse. He peeled off ten $100 dollar bills and handed it to one of the other men. My opponent did likewise and handed over$100 dollars to cover the bet.

Bill said to each of us; when I throw the switch you can pick up the rifle and start firing. There are three bullets in each rifle which means you have six shots. The winner will be the one who is the fastest and knocks down the most targets. We will toss a coin to see who goes first. Master Lee what do you want? I'll take heads" It's tails, Sir, do you want to shoot first or last? I'll shoot first. The man moved to the counter where the two rifles laid waiting for the switch to be thrown. The switch was thrown, the stop watch was started. The man fired and kept firing until both rifles were empty. Out of the six shots he knocked down four moving targets in eight seconds. I heard the clapping; I had been so intent in watching that I had not noticed the growing crowd that was increasing each minute. Then Bill said; Master Lee your turn. I took a deep breath and stepped up to the counter. Bill was watching me as I closed my eyes. He knew I did this before shooting. When I opened them he threw the switch. The rifle was in my hands, three rapid shots were fired, and then three more followed. The clock said five seconds, six targets had fallen. The crowd was silent and then it burst forth. I turned and smiled. How good it felt! Mother had heard the clapping and the shouting. She arrived just as I had finished shooting. She didn't see E.W. collecting his winnings. There were no other challenges. E.W. later said when Mother was not around. That I should have knocked down only five targets and taken seven seconds. Then more than likely, I would have had other challenges. Here this one hundred and fifty dollars is yours, nice shooting! The other two men bet against you.

I walked over to the Barbecue area to get something to eat. One of the Chefs said; I heard about your shooting. Where did you learn to shoot like that? I told him, on my Grandfather's farm. He taught me how to shoot. Well everybody is talking about it, good job! Can I get you something to eat? Let's have a chicken leg and a small piece of steak with some beans and potato salad. On my way to a table I picked up a coke. And hoped that Mother didn't suddenly pop up out of the bushes, she didn't want me to drink coke. She said that it was not good for me. To make her point one day, she got a piece of raw meat and poured a coke on it. And it started to shrink. Her final remark;"that's what it does to your stomach. I looked down at my stomach. I had already taken a couple of swallows.

After I had finished eating I walked back towards the house. People were still nodding and waving. A few stopped and said;" a great party!" As I reached the backdoor to the kitchen, I heard a voice say; "you are sure a hard one to find." I knew that voice. Nah! it couldn't be, I turned around, it was Jimmy's voice. Surprise! How? When? I called to talk with you, Hilda answered the phone, then your Mother got on the phone and said; that you were around somewhere but she didn't know exactly where. Then she said; I want you and your Father to come to the house. I'll have E.W. come and pick you up. I will not take "No" for an answer.I told her that Dad was out of town. Okay, you come by yourself. E.W. will be there in twenty minutes. I will not tell Lee that you are coming. It will be a surprise! Then she hung up before I could answer. And so here I am! E.W. walked up and said; were you surprised. "I sure was." Jimmy, I called your Father in Chicago and told him that you were staying with us until his returned. He said that was great! He will call tomorrow. "Have you had anything to eat this evening? Only sandwich a couple hours ago" Lee, why don't you take Jimmy out to the Barbecue pit. When he finishes, you can take himover to the Shooting Gallery. I'll join you later." We walked over to the Barbecue, Jimmy loaded up. I ordered some French fries. After we had finished, we headed for the Shooting Gallery. "You weren't kidding it's a real live Shooting Gallery. There were three people shooting, not having much luck hitting anything. Bill said; there is someone here that wants to talk with Master Lee. His name is William Bradley." You must be Master Lee, I heard about your shooting ability from someone who just lost one hundred dollars in a shooting match. When he said that you were only six years old, I just had to meet you. Are you really that good? Well, I know how to shoot. This is my friend Jimmy, Jimmy, Mr. Bradley, I thought maybe you would allow me to shoot with you? Jimmy would you mind? We can shoot afterwards. No, that's fine, I would like to watch. I didn't know that you could shoot a rifle. Just then E.W. turned up, I introduced him to Mr. Bradley. "Hello, E.W., I haven't seen you for awhile, thanks for inviting me to your son's Party." "Well, you will have to thank Martha, she sent out the invitations. I didn't know who was coming. It's good seeing again." "Lee, do you know who this gentleman is? "No", he gave me his Business card, but I haven't had a chance to look at it. Mr Bradley is the owner of the "Gun and Skeet Club" here in Indianapolis . And at one time he was the Number One Skeet Shooter "in these parts" as they would say in Texas . Mr. Bradley asked me, do you know what 'Skeet Shooting' is son? "No sir." "I will let you Father explain it to you later." "Lee, I think you have met your match. E.W. said, this I have to watch." Again a crowd had gathered and it was growing. Someone had become the "Town Crier" and was spreading the word. That Master Lee and Mr. Bradley were going to have a Shooting Match. Many knew who Mr. Bradley was, I whispered to E.W. somebody should be selling tickets. This is better than tickets there will be a lot of betting going on , he said. He turned to Jimmy, "here is a thousand dollars go cover some of the bets. Jimmy joined the betting Guests, The thousands dollars was covered before you could say; "Holley Molley". Betting was fast and furious. Bill used the microphone and said; "Let the Match begin, all bets down and closed. Each Shooter will be using four separate rifles, three rounds in each rifle. Each will have a total of twelve shots. The winner will be the one who knocks down the most moving targets in the least time. Who wants to be first?" Mr. Bradley asked me, "Which do you prefer?"I said, "Last"."Okay! I will give you something to shoot at Master Lee." He went to the Shooting Counter, The bell rang the targets were on fast track. All twelve shots sounded like one. The large Stopwatch read twelve seconds and Bill announced. "Twelve targets down". I started clapping and the crowd joined in. "Master Lee, it is your turn, the four rifles are ready". I stepped to the Counter, paused, closed my eyes and said to myself, I hope you are watching Grandfather. I didn't hear the bell, the rifle was already firing. Twelve shots rang out. I knew I had the edge. I knew when my eyes opened the bell would ring, in that split second the first rifle was in my hand with three more following. The stopwatch read eleven seconds. Bill added his touch, he hesitated, and Mr. Bradley was walking towards me with his hand out. "Master Lee, twelve targets down in eleven seconds. The winner is Master Lee." The crowd went bananas, Jimmy was collecting, E.W. had me on his shoulders, Mother was crying and I was hilarious. If I had been of age I would have toasted my Grandfather. Mr. Bradley's comment; "I would not have believed it without seeing it. You have a Lifetime Membership at my Club, When ever you come, you will always be my Guest". He said to E.W. "I would love to teach him Sheet Shooting but I truly believe he would end up teaching me." Jimmy was beside himself, he handed E.W. the winnings. Mother shook her head and said to E.W. you didn't.""Think of all the Hamburgers and Chocolate Milkshakes that will buy" Right Lee, Right E.W.!

Well, there was a lot of hand shaking and all that there stuff. E.W. said; I have run out of words to tell you how proud I am of you. Jimmy said; "I didn't know that you could shoot like that." "You want to know something I didn't know that I could shoot like that either, we both laughed. Mother came up to congratulate me. And then said; "I have told Hilda to fix up the spare bedroom for Jimmy. Don't stay up to late, okay. Jimmy and I went over to where the three Western saddles were and climbed up into the saddles and grabbed the lariats and tried to lasso the barrels. If the barrels had been cows, the cows would have been safe. After the lasso fiasco, we went into the Saloon and watched the dancing and listened to the music for a little while. Then we went up to my room. Boy that is some Party! Where did all those people come from? Mother sent out twenty five Invitations weeks ago. Did you know anyone that was here tonight? Only five, no make that six counting you. There was Steve Hardy, E.W.s business partner which you have met. Then E.W. sisters, Irma and Freda, Mother's Aunt Roxie, Mother's Lawyer and you. You mentioned your Mother's Lawyer, actually he represents E.W. He has one of the biggest Law Firms in The City. And his Firm handles some of the wealthiest and the most influential people not only in the City but in the State. The Firm also has one of the best staffs of C.P.A. (accountants) in the City. When I came in tonight with E.W., I saw the Major and his wife talking with the Congressman from our State. I am sure there were other dignitaries attending your "getting to know you Party". My Father says; that E.W. is connected, that he is behind many business deals not only in the City but also in the State. He also does business in Chicago , Detroit and New York . Originally his money came from Stock options. He owns a considerable amount of original stock in the Plymouth and Chrysler Car Companies. He also owns twenty-five percent of a number of businesses here in Indianapolis and elsewhere. He is the sole owner behind the scenes of two Downtown Restaurants and a Night Club. Two of the largest Car Dealerships ( Plymouth and Chrysler) are partly owned by E.W. He is the money behind Steve Hardy's Gaming Emporium. My Dad and your Stepfather have been business partners for a long time, long time. He owns twenty-five percent of Dad's Downtown Gym. My Dad is in Chicago right now trying to close a deal in buying a large downtown Gym. Your Stepfather is putting up the front money. As my Dad said; E.W. is connected, really connected. One last thing, if you were a poker player, it would be to your benefit not to get in a Poker game with E.W. He is one of the best there is. It is reputed that he stood down 'Nick the Greek' in a four day session of Poker in New York . That $83,000 Pierce Arrow, he drives was won one night in a Poker Game, with a Royal Flush. I probably have said more than I should have said. You have to promise me that you will not tell any one what we talked about tonight. Or I will be in deep, deep trouble. Promise! Yes, I promise.

I forgot to ask you where is Nemo I didn't hear him barking as usual. He was boarded out. Glad you asked or I would have forgotten to tell you that Nemo is starting school tomorrow at the Obedience School . Do you want to come and watch? Sure! Hilda knocked and said that the spare room was ready. Okay! Jimmy thank you, for being my friend. Our secret is our secret. See you tomorrow morning!

I looked at the clock it was six-thirty in the morning, It seemed as though I had just gone to sleep. I grabbed my robe and went down the hall and knocked on Jimmy's door and said; breakfast in thirty-minutes. I heard a muffled sound, "okay!" When Jimmy and I entered the dining-room, Mother asked; if we slept well. We both agreed that it was a short night. Jimmy asked about the party and while Mother was answering E.W. joined us. Mother commented that it seem like everyone enjoyed themselves. And that only one guest over enjoyed by falling off of one of the Western saddles while he was trying to lasso one of the cocktail waitresses and yelling, "Oh lay!" and Steve drove the gentleman home. E.W. said that it was a shame that we didn't stay up to see and hear the Finale, Mother did her Charleston Dance routine and sang; "When my Baby Smiles at Me" And as usual brought the house down. Jimmy said to Mother my Father says; you have a great voice and should be singing professionally. You tell your Father, thanks for the compliment. E.W. said, I have offered to get her an Agent but she says, "No I can sing at the Nightclubs when I feel like it, Mother replied, that's enough for me. E.W. said, all of you need to get a move on it or you are going to have to write a tardy note for Nemo's first day at the Obedience School . I'll get the car out of the garage for you. Jimmy and I went out got in the car and waited for Mother. Jimmy asked about Nemo's training classes, I told him that for the first four weeks Nemo was on his own and that I would be joining him after the four weeks were over. So I might learn what he had been taught, so I could give the proper commands and hand signals that he had learned.

We arrived at the boarding Kennels where Nemo had spent the last two nights because of the House Party, It took about ten minutes to get Nemo to settle down, he was prancing, barking and wagging his tail off. Finally he calmed down after I rolled down the window so he could hang his head out. We were a little late getting to the Obedience School and Nemo hadn't written his excuse note. The attendant said that's alright we have a lot of dogs that can't spell! Jimmy and I looked at each other! Nemo was taken inside, barking his head off. I couldn't tell if his barking was a happy bark or a "why"barking? It kind of reminded me of my going to go to School my first day, because as I remember I was asking, why?

As we drove away Mother said; I am sure Nemo will be alright after he gets use to his surroundings. I have to make a short visit to take care of some business I will not be long. You can stay in the car or come inside, it is your choice". Jimmy and I said in unison; "we will stay in the car". We pulled up in front of this fancy looking building that was landscaped with a lawn and flower beds with two fairly large water fountains with marble statues of young maidens whose clothes were missing. A doorman opened my Mother's door and asked; "how are you today?" Mother said; Fine, just fine." I promise I won't be long and then she disappeared inside. I asked Jimmy if he knew what this place was. He said it was a "Beauty Spa", Women come and stay for a month or two, hoping they can lose weight. Special nutritional meals and exercise routines are followed daily. There are also saunas and steam rooms and other different kinds of machines that help to reduce the weight. It also has a large swimming pool. The program is very expensive. The women are taught proper make-up techniques and hair styling. Your Mother owns this one and another one in the Downtown area of the City. Remember last night I told you that E.W. owns pieces of businesses. This is one of them. Your Mother also owns a Millinery and Dress Boutique Downtown. But as I said last night, this is between you and me, Mums the word! "I know I do not know anything!"

After Mother's visit to the Beauty Spa, we took off to buy some things at the Market before meeting E.W. at the restaurant for lunch. When we arrived at the restaurant, E.W. was already seated. He asked about Nemo as to wither we got him to the School on time. We said; almost and then I told him what the attendant said about most of the dogs couldn't spell. Well, I thought it was funny. While we were ordering E.W. said that he had been thinking about having some remodeling done to the house. He asked me if I would like to have a place upstairs in the Garage for some gym equipment, a few weights, a heavy bag and a speed bag. Maybe a Ping Pong Table and a Pool Table. We could also put in a snack bar with some tables and chairs. How does that sound? It sounds okay! to me, but what is a Pool Table and a Ping Pong Table? E.W., asked Jimmy if he knew how to play Ping Pong and shoot Pool? Yes, I can play both of them, I am better at pool than Ping Pong. Great! Would like to teach Lee how to play? Sure, that would be fun. Mother finally got a word in edge wise. She said to E.W. you didn't tell me about this. Well I just thought about it this morning. Do you like the idea? Well, yes I am just surprised. Okay, it's settled, I'll call someone today and we will get started. E.W. then said to Jimmy and me, I am going to call a friend of mine, he owns the Jimmy Mc Clure's 'Ping Pong School' downtown and sign you both up for a membership. And see if he will give you both lessons. Mother kidding said: don't I get to have lessons too.

The remaining of the rest of the week and the rest of the month, there were trades people (carpenters, plumbers, electricians and painters) moving in and out of the house like busy bees. Not only were they redoing the upper floor of the Garage area. E.W. had decided to redo the attic and make half of it into a gaming room with a Billiard table, a snack bar, a private office with a bedroom off of it, with an attached bath and shower. It really worked out perfectly with Nemo being gone for four weeks. During that remodeling period E.W. took Jimmy and I to go with him to look at the needed equipment for the upper room of the Garage and some of the furniture for the Attic remodeling. Mother was getting anxious about the noise and the disruption but E.W. assured her that it would all be over shortly. The day arrived when it was all finished.

Mother was out, attending to some business at one of the Spa's the day that three large Moving Vans pulled up in the driveway, E.W. said; well all the equipment and furniture has arrived for the Attic and the Garage. He told the man in charge to unload the Van that had the equipment and furniture for the Attic first. First out was the bedroom furniture for the new bedroom in the Attic. Then the Office Furniture for E.W. new home Office.

Finally the last to be moved up to the Attic was the furnishings for the Game room. The Billiard Table was in three sections, it was the heaviest of all the furnishings. Then the bar equipment (refrigerator, stove. et centra. Just as they were finishing with the Game room, a smaller van pulled into the driveway. Three people got out, E.W. said: these people are the Interior Decorators. They started taking some wall hangings, pictures, curtains, lamps, draperies and other accessories up to the Attic.

Then the other workers were starting to unload everything for the new remodeled area in the Garage. Out came the Pool Table and the Ping Pong Table, then the furniture and finally all the Gym equipment. Last was the refrigerator for the Snack bar. Jimmy supervised the placement of the heavy bag and the speed bag. One of the Interior decorators came down and started hanging some pictures on the walls. They were Pictures of some of the famous fighters of the past; Dempsey, Braddock, Corbett and Sullivan. He also put up the Dart Board and mounted the rack for the pool sticks. Jimmy and I went upstairs to see how the Attic was shaping up. E.W. was in his new office, "well, how do you like it?" Great! "How is the Garage make over coming along?" They are about finished, just then a horn honked, E.W. said that must be the surprise! Come on let's go down and see it. Glad to see you could bring them today said E.W. The man opened up the Van and there were two Pin Ball machines. He said to the driver one goes upstairs in the Attic and the other goes in the Garage. The two men started unloading. Like the surprise! "Wow! sure do!"

When Mother arrived home later in the afternoon, all the people had finished and had left. We had told Hilda that when Mother got home and asked where everybody was to tell her that we were upstairs in the Garage and for her to come up and join us. We heard the car drive up and knew she would be coming up the stairs. We hid in the Bathroom and left the door cracked just enough to see her enter the room as she came up the stairs. As she topped the stairs, she said: Oh! My God!! And let out a little shriek, we opened the door and yelled "Surprise!" Hilda was right behind to catch her if she fainted. "E.W., I am never going to forgive you, I could have had a heart attack." Then she pointed to Jimmy and me, you two and Hilda were in on this, I should have known that something was going on when Hilda said that you were upstairs in the Garage. "Well, E.W said how do you like it?" Let me sit down and catch my breath, after the pause Mother said: it is really something else! I am speechless! It is hard to believe all this was done while I was gone. Even a Pinball machine, E.W. you think of everything. Well boys, should we tell her the rest of the Story, you better sit down Martha. The Attic is also finished would you like to see it now or later? "I don't believe you; you couldn't have done both in one afternoon, could you?" Well seeing is believing, shall we go see?

As we entered the Attic area, Mother said; E.W. you never cease to amaze me in how you get things done. She turned to Jimmy and me and asked; how many people were here this afternoon helping to do all this? Jimmy and I looked at each other: Jimmy said, twenty-five and I said, thirty; E.W said thirty-five counting the Interior Decorators. Mother walked in and out of E.W. office, the bedroom and walked around the Gaming area. All she could say was; Unbelievable! Unbelievable!

Later in the week, a little Party was arranged; Swifty and Jimmy, Steve, E.W. Sisters and the Wilkinson's, Mother's friends that owned the Design and Production Company (where all the props for the earlier Garden Party came from.) During the evening Jimmy and I challenged E.W. and Swifty to a game of Pool and Ping Pong and were beaten badly. We demanded a rematch after one month. I told Jimmy afterwards, maybe I should have said after two months. Jimmy said; that means you and I are going to have to play a lot of Pool and Ping Pong between now and then. I have the solution; I'll ask Mother if you can stay here for the next month. Then we can practice and go to the Table Tennis Club together. I'll go ask Mother right now. She said that it would be just fine, if your Father agreed. Jimmy asked Swifty and he agreed, so it was all settled. Practice starts tomorrow partner.

Among all the various activities; Nemo's lessons and the Ping Pong lessons, along came my Birthday and a Birthday Party. Somewhere in all this Uncle Harrison had called my Mother and asked if I could spend a couple of days at the Farm prior to my birthday, she agreed. He drove down and picked me up. What an early birthday present! As we pulled into the gate of the farmhouse, Shep was jumping up and down, barking his head off. When I opened the gate; I thought he was going lick my face off. Standing in the yard was Uncle Ray and his wife, my niece and nephew, my Father and his new wife and Uncle Harrison's wife. Needless to say; my eyes were getting misty along with the others. Shep was still jumping up and down like a jack-rabbit.

As we entered the house, the words "Happy Birthday" came from the Dinning room. Some of my first grade classmates and their Parents had been invited. I was lost for words which was unusual for me. There were balloons, streamers and Party hats and all the trimmings. During the eating of the ice cream and the cake, it seemed like I answered a couple hundred questions or more about my life in the City. Uncle Harrison helped in answering some of the questions because Mother took him on a tour of the house when he came to pick me up. His exclamation as we were heading towards the farm. Boy! That's some house you live in, I have never seen a House that big before and your room. That Game Room you have in the Garage that is something else also. You are very lucky Harry Lee. Well back to the Party, after the refreshments we gathered in the Parlor. It was present opening time. Some of the presents were clothes; there were a few books, a pen and pencil set. And then the last three presents were from someone who I missed so very much, my beloved Grandfather. Uncle Harrison as he gave the presents to me said; Grandfather left these for you; the first present was Grandfather's Gold Pocket watch and chain, the second and third were two of his favorite guns, a 22 Remington Pump rifle and his 20 gauge shotgun. It was too much, I had to leave the room for a moment, tears were forming. My Father and Uncle Harrison came out afterwards and asked if I was alright, I said, "yes" but I wasn't, I returned and apologized. It was getting late and the guests had to be getting home. Hands were shook and words spoken, I thanked all for their coming. During all of this, Shep followed me and lay down beside me the whole time. Such a mixture of joy and sorrow but isn't that just like life?

That night we talked and I answered many, many questions. During the talking, Uncle Harrison asked if I would like to go hunting with my new 22 rifle the next day, "yes indeed." Uncle Ray and Father said they would like to join us. So come the next morning we were off to the woods. Father never hunted, when he was a teen-ager, he went hunting with a friend of his and his friend's Father. There was a hunting accident, as his friend was climbing through a barbed wire fence, his gun went off and he was killed instantly. Uncle Ray was carrying my other present the 20 gauge shotgun, Uncle Harrison had his 22 rifle. Uncle Ray shot the first squirrel; Uncle Harrison got the next two. I changed the quarry, I shot two rabbits. The kill for the morning was six squirrels and four rabbits. I never did get a squirrel. (I wondered if Grandfather was watching, I remembered my Grandmother's words: "God is always watching.")

After we got back, I told my Uncles that I was going to spend the afternoon with Shep; they agreed that was a good idea. My Father said; that Shep wasn't the same dog after Grandfather and you left. That afternoon Shep and I played in the barn, he watched as I did my Tarzan thing. Then we went fishing down by the creek and tramped through the woods the rest of the afternoon.That evening I spent with Uncle Harrison and his wife because the next morning. I would be heading back to Indianapolis .

When we arrived at the house in Indianapolis , Uncle Harrison honked the horn, Mother and E.W. came down the steps, Mother asked Uncle Harrison if he wouldn't come in for awhile but he said that he had to be getting back. We said goodbye and Uncle Harrison thanked Mother for allowing me to visit. Don't forget your presents Harry Lee, we waved goodbye! I couldn't wait to show Mother and E.W. my Birthday presents. I learned much later that E.W. had purchased 22 Rifle for my Birthday and returned it, he never mentioned it.

Well the day of days arrived, on August 28, 1934 I turned seven years of age and had my first Birthday party in the City, What a Party! There were parents and children, some of which I had never seen, some only briefly. Of course there was Swifty and Jimmy, Steve Hardy, Irma and Freda, Mother's Aunt Roxie and my Great Aunt. Let's not forget the two Clowns that E.W. hired that put on a Magic Show and afterwards made Animal Balloons. The Party was at 12 noon. We played the usual Birthday party games; Pin the tail on the donkey, divided teams did the chin and orange passing and the passing of the egg perched on a spoon held between the teeth. And then came the Birthday Cake and the Ice Cream, accompanied with blowing out the candles and the Happy Birthday song, followed by the opening of all the presents and I do mean all. I had never seen so many presents. I will list but a few; a large Erector set, a Crystal Radio Kit, Comic and Big Little Books, Zane Grey's Cowboy Stories. Other books; The Last of the Mohicans, Mutiny on the Bounty, The Hunch back of Notra Dame along with a renewed Subscription to The National Geographic and many, many Clothes, (no feathered hat), for the up and coming School year that was just around the corner. And the icing on the Cake" that evening, going to the Lyric Theatre to see W.C.Fields and Mae West in "My Little Chickadee" and a Stage Show featuring Ted Lewis and his Band (see, www.hawkwalk.com/ppp/p-happy.html ) As I was getting ready for bed , I knew that my dreams just had to be happy that night on my seventh Birthday.

Three days later, Jimmy and I were walking to the opening day of the School year. Jimmy had spent the night before over at my house. We had breakfast around seven. The final School bell rang at eight. We were approaching the front entrance at about seven forty- five. It was then I saw the two boys that had beaten me into the ground, standing at the entrance. I told Jimmy the situation. His remark; I will take care of the other boy if he makes a move, it's your call. "Well, well, if it isn't sissy boy. I've been waiting for you. You and I have some unfinished business". He took one step but my step was quicker, I was in close, I ducked the punch and went for the rib cage with a right and left to his mid-section, he gasped. I shifted my weigh to my left side and brought my right hand up underneath his chin, his knees buckled then I caught him with a left hook to the middle of his face. I heard the bone crack. He was going to have trouble breathing for a while. Meanwhile Jimmy had put the other boy on the ground. The whole incident was over in less than two minutes. Jimmy and I walked towards the steps leading into the School and never looked back. Later, when we arrived home from School; E.W., Swifty and Mother were all in the Living-room. E.W. asked; "how was your first day at School, anything interesting happen?" Almost in unison we both said; no"! Ummh! Swifty said;" we had heard a rumour that two boys were taken to the School Nurse's office. One had a broken nose and the other a cut lip and a black-eye. I turned to Jimmy and said you only told me you gave him a black-eye. "Not bad a cut lip also."

E.W. said to me; I understand the circumstances and the action taken. I have no quarrel with that. I would only add that if a similar situation occurs, you need to take it outside the School's property. Also in the future if at all possible try to settle the dispute without shedding blood, okay! By the way, how are you and Jimmy coming along with your Ping Pong lessons? Are you getting any better? I haven't had a chance to call the owner and ask. Well, I am still getting beat under the table; I really could use longer arms but I am learning. Jimmy and I need an extension of that one month for a rematch. Swifty said; I think E.W. and I can give you a two month lee-way, right E.W. Okay E.W. said laughingly since there is no money riding on the rematch. Mother chimed in; I don't want to hear that you and Swifty are taking advantage by betting against the boys. Both of you should be ashamed of yourselves. Whoa! Martha, we were just kidding! E.W., I will see you early tomorrow morning. Come on Jimmy we have to go. As they were leaving Jimmy yelled back, see you tomorrow, I'll meet you in front of the Drugstore at 7:30 before school starts.

After dinner Mother came up to my room before bedtime and asked about my classes and my teachers at school? They are okay, I guess, it's really too early to say. One of the teachers said that she had met you when you came to register me for School and gave them my first grade records from the Fillmore School . Some of the classes are quite different than at the Fillmore School , one of them is called 'Music Appreciation' and the other was an Art Class. Well, Mother said I hope you do not get bored like you did in the First grade. How is your Crystal Radio working that you received for your Birthday? Fine, Jimmy helped me to assemble it, would you like to listen to it? After listening Mother said that's great! How far away are some of the stations? I picked up Chicago one night. Don't stay up to late listening. See you at breakfast, get a good nights' sleep. Sleep came easy it had been a busy day.

September became a busy month along with school and spending some time with Nemo practicing the signals and the commands he had learned at the Obedience School . And then there were the Ping Pong lessons that Jimmy and I were taking. Along with the practicing of pool, so Jimmy and I could beat Jimmy's Father and E.W. Near the end of September, Mother was called to come to my School. After her visit to the School she told me the reason. She had met with the Superintendent and several of my Teachers, it was suggested that I be placed in the fourth grade, skipping the second and third. Mother said she understood the reason for such a move but that she felt that even though I could do the work of a fourth grader. I would lose two years of needed emotional growth plus physically I would be behind in eye /hand coordination and size when it came to sports. She then asked if it would be possible if I could attend various fourth Grade classes and still retain my second grade home room with children of my own age. And that she would employ a tutor for me so I could take some subjects that were more advanced. Along the line of my interests. This was agreed upon. One of the teachers; the music teacher told my Mother that I had a perfect pitched soprano voice and an ear for music. And that she had a friend who was the Choirmaster for the downtown Christ Episcopal Church that had a 100 Men/boys membership Choir. And that he was always on the look out for good voices. She went on to say that she would be happy to call her friend and set up an appointment.

The following Monday afternoon an appointment was set to meet with Mr. Heath, the Choirmaster of the big Episcopal Church located near to the Columbia Club on the Circle in Downtown Indianapolis. We were ushered into his office. After introductions were made, he said; a good friend of mine told me that you have an exceptional voice and range plus a good ear for music, shall we see? Would you do me a favour and come with me over to the piano. Do you know the scale? Yes, Sir. I will play it once and then you sing it back to me. We did it two or three times then he said I am going to raise it an octave higher. I will play it once then you repeat it back to me. We did the new notes the same amount of times. Good he said; now I want you to take this little xylophone, I will play a note on the piano and then you will play the note I played. Okay! "Okay!" But first I want you to hit all the notes on the Xylophone and remember them. He played random notes and I repeated them. Then he played a half of dozen notes all at once. After several times of this. He turned to my Mother and said; has he ever had any training in music or voice? Mother said "No" Then he asked my Mother if she sang. She replied, yes, I do, but not professionally. Do you read music? No I sing by ear. Would you sing something for me without a piano? I will try but it is not a Church song? That's quite alright. Mother sang, "When My Baby Smiles at Me." He said; you should sing professionally. You and your son have perfectly pitched voices. A rarity indeed.

I need your son's voice for the Choir. I would ask for yours but it's and all male Choir, sorry! We practice two evenings a week and we have two Sunday Morning Services. Occasionally we present special Sunday evening Music. Come Easter time and Christmas time the music program increases as you might well understand. There are also those times when the Choir gives Special concerts. Your son will be paid as a Choir member and will also be paid as a soloist. I will not only be his Choirmaster, I will be his teacher. I have listened to many voices over the years; your son has a gift. It would be a shame to waste it.

On the way home, Mother asked if I thought I was going to enjoy singing in the Choir. " I think it will be fun." When we got home E.W. asked; how did it go? Mother filled him in. And I added; they are going to pay me some money for singing. How about that? E.W., Mother said, maybe we can even get you to come to Church and hear Lee sing. We'll see, but as I have told you many times. If I do go to Church, it is liable to fall flat to the ground. The phone rang, it was Jimmy reminding me it was 'Ping Pong' lesson time.

October came fast, maybe because September was so busy? I had sung my first solo during a Communion Service at the Church, the song was "The Lord's Prayer" and E.W. came to the Church that Sunday and I didn't notice a crack in the ceiling. I was not aware at the time that I would receive a telephone call the following Monday morning from the Producer of A Radio Show called the "Library Hour". After Mother hung up, she said that we had an appointment at the Radio Station (WIRE) at four in the afternoon. Mother picked me up after School. When we arrived at the Radio Station, we were met by the Producer of the Show and his assistant. During the conversation he mentioned the fact that he and his wife were in attendance at one the Church services on Sunday.and after he and his wife had returned home. He told his wife I want that young man to be part of the Library Hour each Saturday afternoon (two songs each program). At this point Mother asked if to start with, could it be but one song and increase it to two songs the following month, This was agreeable to the Producer. He went on to explained the format of the program, it was basically two book reviews. I would sing in between the book reviews and after the first month, I would close the Show with a song. I was to receive Twenty-five dollars per. song. The Producer asked Mother if that sounded fair? She agreed! Later when I told Mr.Heath about it. He told me that the producer had come to him after the Sunday service and ask about me. He told him he thought I would be just fine..

to be continued.......