As my wife’s biggest fan, I thought it might be time to introduce you to her hillbilly. I call myself the Missouri, Ozarkian, Redneck, Hillbilly. Born in Missouri, in the Ozark Mountains. Apparently a redneck, because according to my children, (when they were young and thought they knew everything), the whole town was redneck. And yeah, I am a hillbilly!
Hey, it is the Ozarks! And though a girl I once dated was less than impressed by my title and thought by using it, I must have low self-esteem, she was wrong! Let’s be honest, my title has a nice ring to it!
Sometime back, Cynthia claimed I was outdoorsy and rugged. And I guess that is true. I was born in a house with no bathroom. That was not that unusual in rural Missouri in 1951. One-hole outhouses were common and even two-holers for those who were up and coming. Now, though you might think that was what made me tough, it isn’t. However, if in the winter, you can go out side in 0 degree weather and sit down in one of those, you are tough! It makes you not mess around and you just get the job done! On the opposite side of that, in the summer, if you happen to sit down and put your hand on a snake, (I have done that), it does take care of problems such as constipation!
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| The old Meents family home |
However, though I have used outdoor toilets many times, I do not remember ever having one. My parents had a bathroom built when I was two which also meant that they needed an 8 foot deep hole for a septic tank. And I had a tricycle! That’s it kid, go ride your tricycle around that hole. That’s it, headfirst into the hole. It will get you ready for motocross and such!
Or go play around Dad and your sisters while they unload rocks from the trailer! Yeah, not a good idea either. I still have an extra part in my hair over that one. For some reason, I don’t remember much of that year! But you can see why I became tough and hey, from three on, I have a fairly good recall.
So, I grew up surrounded by a loving family, cows, dogs, cats, chickens, and sometimes pigs and horses! I was able to roam over hundreds of acres. (ours and the neighbors). Our parents didn’t start worrying about us until chore or supper time and most people didn’t lock their doors. I don’t reckon that we’ll see those times again. It was a good life with lots of fun and experiences that most children will never have again.
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| Inside the Old Barn |
At any rate, before I get all maudlin, if you would like to occasionally hear about some of those times or current thoughts, or just hillbilly wisdom, let Cynthia know.
From the Hillbilly’s Corner!
That's my Hillbilly!! Do you love him as much as I do? Would you like to hear from him again? Let me know!
