From Tyler, Texas to Texarkana to Camden and Locust Bayou, we saw lots of "melons ahead" signs. Mostly from Hope, but we bought a tasty sweet seedless one from Harmony Grove (where Becky went to grade school). Across Cypress Creek, thru pine thickets, past flattened armadillos and foam deer targets guarding metal towers, thru Ouachita County (where Becky was born) and big trucks carrying long pine logs near Poison Springs. We enjoyed our visit with Becky's family, and a pork chop dinner with Devine, Texas pork tamales, fresh peas, yellow squash, cornbread, and Chicago beer. Afterwards, we fished Doyle Jrs' new pond, and Conner (our 4 yr old nephew) caught a catfish with stinkbait. Guinness went for a swim while Nemo visited Jason's howling Walker Hound. Some photos were taken, and I never could find JT's false teeth, presumed hiding within his Lazy Boy. I spent some time walking with Nemo in their deceased neighbor Floyd's deserted shop, looking for relics. He was a nice old man whose company I really enjoyed when I was in Locust. I never saw him wearing anything but overalls; he always asked me about my life, and he loved his Brittany Spaniels—Tuffy and Detective. He would tell me: "There aren't any quail around here any more, but I enjoy taking the dogs out anyways...they like to run." I enjoyed visiting with Floyd. He seemed to me a talented man (a carpenter) who had raised a family he was proud of, knew how to prepare a fine garden, and really enjoyed life. It's sad to see his garden overgrown and unattended, and his house for sale. His shop looks odd with a john boat leaning against it.
