Greetings!
After more than a year, I have returned to my computer for more articles about various parts of Greenville, Hunt County, and North Texas. It feels so good to be back in the saddle, to use a turn of phrase. You probably wonder why I took such a long vacation. It wasn’t a vacation but a series of three surgeries dealing with my spine. It had become so painful to sit at a computer and write – or to do much of anything, to tell the truth. I am so happy to be feeling more like myself and eager to return to writing and sharing stories and history with you.
My spine is not normal. I figured that out when I tried to really ride a horse as a child. None of that having an adult walk along holding the bridal but turned loose on the horse and look down at that ground we were running over. The worst part was that I bounced all over the saddle. Every time, I landed on the saddle, my back ached more. I managed to get out of riding a horse even though I wanted to so much.
Finally, as an adult, I quit trying. Yet, I love horses. I think they are some of the most beautiful animals in the world. They move so smoothly, letting the rider control the ride. If only I could be on that horse. But it’s not in my fate.
This year I plan to expand my “territory” to include life along the Red River, or the South Side to be specific. Much of our history relates to life in the Territory as southeastern Oklahoma was called for a long time. And a lot of times, the river was low enough to ride a horse across. Very interesting stories here, especially about Uncle Oscar, which I will share in a future post. Was he an outlaw, or was he a witness to stolen goods? Whatever, he ended up in front of the Judge in Arkansas. My cousin and I are still trying to determine which one.
I promise to visit with you online again very soon. It feels great to be writing again!