In my 86 years I’ve come into the possession of an assortment of firearms: a Colt .32-caliber semiautomatic pistol that my grandfather bought at a hardware store in Cuero; a Remington Model 870 pump, 20-gauge shotgun that my Aggie uncle-by-marriage used to shoot birds; the Winchester Model 06 pump .22
Photographer Keith Carter’s latest pet project reminds me of big Texas dogs I’ve owned—some clownish, some serious, but every one of them great.
I've become a sort of pessimistic accepter of the changes that have beset the Hill Country in recent years, unacceptable though many of them may be. But I'm grateful for having experienced the hills earlier, when change was slightand grateful too for corners and stretches still untouched.
Country Notes
This one has been a humdinger, but every Texas summer is broiling hot—and that’s nothing to get all steamed up about.
Country Notes
As more and more city dwellers tread on the landscape, farmers and ranchers are less inclined to forgive those who trespass against them.
Country Notes
Don’t both with séances or clairvoyants. There is a much better way to contact the shades of the past.
Trash collectors are not necessarily garbage men.
Country Notes
The best thing about the weather is complaining about it.
Country Notes
Cows are dumb, they eat a lot, and they cost more to raise than they’re worth. Still, you can’t help loving ’em.
When another farmer goes broke his neighbors thank God it wasn’t them; then they wonder when their turn is coming.
Country Notes
It’s a chicken coop. I built it myself.
Country Notes
Varmints: we can’t live with ‘em and we can’t live without ‘em.
Country Notes
There are two ways to raise chickens: the right way and this way.
Try the house wine; I made it with my own feet.
Country Notes
Oh bee, where is thy sting?
Country Notes
For most treasure hunters, the hunt is more important than the treasure.
A good country dog is loyal, obedient, and knows the difference between a chicken and a possum.
Country Notes
Harmony begins at home.