All year, when we remembered, we saved the burlap bags the horse feed came in so we would have them for pickin up walnuts. Grandpa and Grandma had a lot of walnut trees at their place. I think it was like a hundred or something, but it may have been less.
One tree, the one that was in the yard instead of the pasture, had a metal pole Grandpa had planted next to it. I think it was so the lightening wouldn’t hit it. Next to that same tree was a square of concrete that had a vice bolted into it. It may have been for something else, but we used it to get to some of the nuts if we got hungry. The concrete square was big enough for us to sit on to take a break in the shade, too.
When the truck was full of bagged walnuts, Grandma would drive us up the road a ways to Peachers. Mr. Peacher had the only gas station between us and town. He also had a machine that we could pour the walnuts into to clean off the hull and then spit the nuts back out into a trough that weighed them. Mr. Peacher paid us for the walnuts so we could get a soda and some candy. I put the rest of my money in a jar under my bed. On Sundays I took out a quarter to take to Jesus.
@squinney,
We used to use a corn sheller for walnut husks.
Welcome back.
So, how's it going?
Now that you're at where you're at, did you think your life would be what it is now?
Good to see Squinney again!
So glad you have picked this up again, Squin.
@ossobuco,
Me too! I am so glad to read more stories of your childhood, squinney.
Thanks, All.
Reyn, no way did I think it would turn out like this.
Actually, that might be why I'm putting it here. Hadn't considered it until now.
@squinney,
I was the third child born to a cowboy and very young woman that had been lasso'd in by his quick wit, charm and sly smile. The cowboy promised to take her places. He had a smooth voice and played guitar.
Today, he he took off his boots for the last time.
@squinney,
True? May he rest in peace.
@ossobuco,
Yes, true.
He 'cowboyed up' and made it to the buzzer, which surprised no one. I guess, eventually, the bull always wins.
