BJ IS SHARING SOME OF HIS WRITINGS ACCUMULATED OVER THE PAST 14 YEARS. HIS 5 BOOKS ARE NOW OUT OF PRINT THOUGHT YOU COULD USE HIS PROVEN SUCCESS PRINCIPLES TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS AND DREAMS AS BJ HAS.
MISSION: TO HELP EDUCATE, ENTERTAIN, MOTIVATE, AND HELP YOU AND YOURS ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS AND DREAMS.

(Special Notice: all information on this website has been pre-published or it is Billy Joe Cate's personal opinion
Be it Audio video or in Print)

All 5 Of My Books Are On Amazon.Com, Enter Billy Joe Cate Author

B J's 90th Birthday Party Dance

https://youtu.be/vU1wXd88gLU?si=T8y4Vkq7J4G4GZML




INDEX 10
B J’s Web Index 12/3
Page 1
Book #1 Self-Image Poem
BJ's Book 1, Page 4 Self Empower Your Self Image Skills Poem,
Book 2 Page 4 Self Empower Your Motivational Skills Poem
Page # 2
Book #3 Page 4, Self Power Your Setting Goal Skills Poem.
Book #4 Leadership Page 4, Self Empower Your Leadership Skills Poem.
Book # 5 Friends Forever, chapter 4, Dusty River Road Poem
PAGE #4
Saving America
B J's Poems And Writings About
Saving America, B J's Poems, Writings And View On How To Help Save America.
The Cost Of Freedom Poem
Happy Memorial Day Weekend Poem
A Salute To Our Veterans Poem
Fourth of July Poem
1947 The Crash Of The Spaceship In Roswell, New Mexico Poem
I Am Proud To Be An American, Poem
Freedom In The USA Today Poem
That Committee Called They Poem.
Many Americans Need To Learn How To Listen, Poem
How Do We Know What To Believe Poem?
We Don't Know What We Don't Know Poem
Truth Poem
Fairtax Poem
The Authors of Blockchain Economy, And What It Does For America
The Blockchain, economy poem.
Can we Americans have barrel actions using electronic devices?
Criptocosm Using Blockchain Economy?
Future Internet, Criptocosm Blockchain Economy Poem
BJ's Virtual Intelligence (VI) Poem
Page 5
Classic Christmas Poem
Mother's Day Poem
Father's Day Poem
The 3 Praises B J Used To Be Successful Are, Fundamentals, Consistency, And
The Comparison Method And The Comparison Method Poem.
B J’s Delayed Intelligent Poem.
BJ's Poem On Time
Page 6
Bj's Poems On Personnel, Special And Current Vents
From A Shoeshine Paperboy To An Auctioneer
BJ's Most Unforgettable Auction
Page #7
Even More Of Bj's On Special And Current Events.
The Mean Greedy Neighbor Story
Page #8 The Cate And Davis Family Reunion And The
Water Mellon Mystery:
Page 9
Jimmy's Stories, He Liked To Do Exciting Things
Page #10
Bj Saw His Sister Being Born
Page #11
Santa Plays Host To A Ghost
Page #12
Jimmy Gets To Spend Christmas With His Grandparents
Page #13
Poems Of Romance
Looking For An Upscale Love
He Sees A Chance For Romance
Page #14
Bj's Mother Saved His Dad's Life When Bj Was A Baby.
Page #15
Bj's Mother Saved His Dad's Life For The 2Nd Time.
Page # 16
Bj's Mother Saves His Dad's Life For The 3Rd Time.
PGE #17
BJ Was A Sharecropper's Son, Short Story
From A Shoeshine Paperboy To An Auctioneer Story.
Bj''s Proven Success Formula Book Poems.
This Comes From Bj's Book #1, "Self Empower Your Self-Image Skills.
Do You Know How Special We Are?
Billy Joe (BJ) Cate, bjcatewrites.com

Book # 5 Friends Forever, chapter 4, Dusty River Road Poem
Page 5
Mother's Day Poem
How Do We Know What To Believe Poem
B J Is Living A Dream Poem
BJ's Poem On Time
Page 6
Bj's Poems On Personnel, Special And Current Vents
From A Shoeshine Paperboy To An Auctioneer
BJ's 21 Day Rule Poem
Page #7
Even More Of Bj's On Special And Current Events.
The Mean Greedy Neighbor Story
The Cate And Davis Family Reunion And The
Water Mellon Mystery
Page #8
Jimmy's Stories, He Liked To Do Exciting Things
Page #10
Bj Saw His Sister Being Born
Page #11
Santa Plays Host To A Ghost
Page #12
Jimmy Gets To Spend Christmas With His Grandparents
Page #13
Poems Of Romance
Looking For An Upscale Love
He Sees A Chance For Romance
Page #14
Bj's Mother Saved His Dad's Life When Bj Was A Baby.
Page #15
Bj's Mother Saved His Dad's Life For The 2Nd Time.
Page # 16
Bj's Mother Saves His Dad's Life For The 3Rd Time.
Page #17
BJ Was A Sharecropper's Son, Short Story


Even More Of Bj's On Special And Current Events.
The Mean Greedy Neighbor Story
Page #8 The Cate And Davis Family Reunion And The
Water Mellon Mystery:
Page #8
Jimmy's Stories, He Liked To Do Exciting Things
Page #10
Bj Saw His Sister Being Born
Page #11
Santa Plays Host To A Ghost
Page #12
Jimmy Gets To Spend Christmas With His Grandparents
Page #13
Poems Of Romance
Looking For An Upscale Love
He Sees A Chance For Romance
Page #14
Bj's Mother Saved His Dad's Life When Bj Was A Baby.
Page #15
Bj's Mother Saved His Dad's Life For The 2Nd Time.
Page # 16
Bj's Mother Saves His Dad's Life For The 3Rd Time.
PGE #17
BJ Was A Sharecropper's Son, Short Story
From A Shoeshine Paperboy To An Auctioneer Story.
Bj''s Proven Success Formula Book Poems.
This Comes From Bj's Book #1, "Self Empower Your Self-Image Skills.
Do You Know How Special We Are?
Billy Joe (BJ) Cate, bjcatewrites.com

Book # 5 Friends Forever, chapter 4, Dusty River Road Poem
Page 5
Christmas Of OIe Poem
Happy Memorial Day Poem
Honoring Our Veterans On Veterans Day Weekend Poem
Fourth of July Poem
Mother's Day Poem
How Do We Know What To Believe Poem
B J Is Living A Dream Poem
BJ's Poem On Time

Page 6
Bj's Poems On Personnel, Special And Current Vents
From A Shoeshine Paperboy To An Auctioneer
BJ's 21 Day Rule Poem
Page #7
Even More Of Bj's On Special And Current Events.
The Mean Greedy Neighbor Story
The Cate And Davis Family Reunion And The
Water Mellon Mystery

Page #8
Jimmy's Stories, He Liked To Do Exciting Things
Page #10
Bj Saw His Sister Being Born
Page #11
Santa Plays Host To A Ghost
Page #12
Jimmy Gets To Spend Christmas With His Grandparents
Page #13
Poems Of Romance
Looking For An Upscale Love
He Sees A Chance For Romance
Page #14
Bj's Mother Saved His Dad's Life When Bj Was A Baby.
Page #15
Bj's Mother Saved His Dad's Life For The 2Nd Time.
Page # 16
Bj's Mother Saves His Dad's Life For The 3Rd Time.
Page #17
BJ Was A Sharecropper's Son, Short Story
From A Shoeshine Paperboy To An Auctioneer Story.
Bj''s Proven Success Formula Book Poems.
This Comes From Bj's Book #1, "Self Empower Your Self-Image Skills.
Do You Know How Special We Are?
Billy Joe (BJ) Cate, bjcatewrites.com

Did you know hundreds of families were part of our history?
They were involved in creating us, the mystery.
We were all given a special name.
That we can use in life’s game.

No two persons have the same DNA.
That makes us all special, in a way.
Our different personalities make us special too.
All during our lives, they will show through.

By focusing on our dreams we can start to win the fight.
Over time through trial and error, we can get it right.
All through our lives, we may have dreams of success.
When we believe we are special this easy for us to confess.

Our minds are programmed by what we choose to let in.
Too often a lot of negativity can cause us to give up the idea we can win.
It is wise for us to feed our minds with positive thoughts that we can build on.
When we overwhelm our minds with positives, the negative will soon be gone.

Positive words are seeds we plant in our minds that can continue to grow.
A secret to success is this special seed field we need to get to know.
This is a seed field in our creative mind, which we will need to protect.
When we do this, we can succeed while gaining others respect.

We can all see our future through our visions.
This allows us to empower ourselves in our decisions. others’
Do you believe you are special and someone who is unique?
Do you show this to others in the words you speak?

Keep in mind all others have this power too.
By helping them to gain their self-respect, helps you.
I made it a habit of showing others a full measure of respect.
The respect they returned did have a very positive effect.

Fear of success can cause self-imposed defeat.
Faith in self can help cause our fears to retreat.
A powerful self-image can be a mighty force.
Could what you believe about yourself be your source?

SELF EMPOWER YOUR MOTIVATIONAL SKILLS BOOK #2 POEM
BY, BILLY JOE (BJ) CATE SEE BJCATEWRITES.COM

In your dream of success, what motivates you?
Are you always excited about what you say and do?
Do you have a goal or dream you have focused on achieve?
Could this be the kind of, motivation that you can believe?

These are questions I needed to answer for me.
My dream always motivated me to be financially free.
By using proven success principles I was the way.
Saying aloud my daily goals helped me focus on every day.

Always remember nothing moves without motivation
Even if it be an individual, group, business, or nation.
Being a fast starter can be a critical part of personal motivation.
Too many slow starters, it is easy to get caught up in procrastination.

Starting to achieve a big dream we know it is time to learn how to run.
After getting off to a good start we may feel we have already won.
Winners with this kind of dream motivation can lead the way.
By following proven success principles in all they do and say.

There are so many things and events that we can be motivated by.
Self-motivation is a powerful tool that winners cannot deny.
Any time we are motivated by fear we need to sleep on it overnight.
Using our strong faith and creative mind can help us get it right.

Leaders with winning attitudes are fast starters and ready to go.
Non-winners often refuse to learn from winners so they can grow.
Those who are motivated by a big dream are never slow.
Using proven success principles is a great way for us to go.

Page #2
BJ's Poem For Goal Setting Book #3

Any time we set a goal we need to set a date.

A goal without a completion date will be the second rate.
Winners often learn through their struggles by doing.

This is a way to achieve the goals they are pursuing.

Seeing an opportunity it may take courage to grab it.

Setting a goal to achieve needs to become a habit.

When we have a goal or vision we decide to achieve.

PAGE #2

BJ’s Poem For Goal Setting Book #3
We will need a well-thought-out plan that we can believe.


When our mind is focused on a goal with a strong belief.

Having strong faith, any thought of fear will be brief.

When we are starting to lose focus from carrying a heavy load.

Using proven success principles gets us back on the main road.


An exciting and effective goal is a seed we plant in the mind.

When it comes harvest time what we reap will be the same kind.

Daily focusing on our goals, and achieving them is a safe bet.

By using proven success principles that goal can be met.


Having an exciting goal others may try to pull you down.
Goals are a dream investment leading us to higher ground
.

We never want to let non-winners tell us what we are not.
When we have a dream they have no idea the power we’ve got.
PAGE #2
BJ’S POEM FOR GOAL SETTING BOOK #3
BJ LEADERSHIP POEM FOR BOOK #4
BY,. BILL;Y JOE (BJ) CATE SEE, bjcatewrites.com

When we decide to be a powerful leader.
We need to be a positive word feeder.
Focusing on our goal we choose the right words to say.
Leaders learn how to say those positive words every day.

Are those things you say and do?
Will they hold true all the way through?
As a leader, there are goals we will need to instill.
To achieve them we need to develop a team that has the will.

Leaders need to commit to the goals that they believe.
When leaders are always focused on what they need to achieve.
Motivated by their dream and the rewards they will see through.
Often what’s new short-term distractions can change our focus too.

It is wise to follow leaders that have done what you want to achieve.
Knowing they are following proven success principles that they believe.
In a minefield, we follow in the footsteps of the ones who have been.
Being successful in their minefield walk, we can follow a plan to win.

Great leaders may achieve goals along the way to enjoy a big dream.
If it appears to be hard, I can assure you it is not as hard as it may seem.
Once you are committed to achieving a big dream you will find a way.
This is why good leaders and winners stand behind what they say.

BJ has written, 1700 Motivational Power Phrases which 250 are in each of his books on success.

Page #3,
Sample Of BJ's Self-Image Motivational Power Phrases Used In The Proven
Success Formulas In His Book On Self-Image.

When it comes to my dreams I have the courage to confess.
As I have verbalized they helping pave my road to success.

When I repeated positive words I will confess.
It helped me overcome almost all of my stress.

When my dream is crystal clear.
This helps destroy my fear.

As my dream grew bigger.
I became a faster goal digger.

Takers think they can take what they crave.
Winners know their success comes from what they gave.

That bowl of success nuggets may come to us in little bits.
The real challenge is learning how to sort out the pits.

If there are times when you get down on you.
Building a good self-image may be long overdue.

Others may think they are special too.
Over time you will see this when they talk to you.

The more important you make others feel.
Your thoughts and ideas had much greater appeal.


Winners have learned a fact that is true.
The will to win always shows through.

We need to develop a habit of winning.
We need not wait until the ninth inning.

Technology can accomplish so much.
Yet it will never replace the human touch.

Anytime a leaders hits a negative field.
They protect their dream someone is trying to steal.

How can we keep our dream on track with a full head of steam?
Being a winner means we have to continuously reinforce our dream.

Having a strong self-image may not be easy to do.
As we build on it the positive will come through.

Can you feel the power while being able to soar?
Or are you to busy watching others score?

When winners climb to the top they have a banquet meal.
The reason was they had a dream that was too big to ever steel.

Words are mind seeds we sow.

They will be the same ones we grow.

There is great power in positive focus and thought.

This is a proven goal setters example I have bought.



In my life, I have been knocked to my knees.

I focused back on my dream and got up with ease.



When we decide to start loving and sharing.

It helps to start to do much more caring 


Self Empower Your Motivational Skills Book #2
A Few Of Bj's Motivational Power Phrases


With a big dream, motivation is a critical part.
Understanding self-motivation can become an art.

If life is a bowl of cherries, why are so many quick to call it quits?
Could it be in life’s struggles they never learned how to enjoy the pits?

Does emotion motivate you?
Or you are cool in all that you do?

It was hard for me to believe how hard I fought.
Until I was motivated by the big dream I bought.

The question is “Do you know what motivates you?”
Without motivation what drives you in what you do?

When focusing on your goals and dreams is there a lack of passion?
No passion for your dreams can be a prelude to crashing.

Leaders know without proper motivation in their business it will slow.
As a human beings without the proper motivation, how can we grow?

I think this you will confess.
Success motivates more success.

Self-motivation is a great self-empowerment tool.
Many high achievers often refer to. this as a shining jewel.

BJ's # 3 Book That Is On Goal-Setting

A Few Of Bj's Motivational Power Phrases
On Goal Setting

BJ's prayers came in many ways before I begin the win.

Once I learn how to set effective goals I did it again and again.

 



All need to learn any serious goal must have a completion date.
Any winner knows a goal without a date is second-rate.

All winners love to run
Even when they fall it’s fun.



There is one thing I have to confess.

My past failures led me to my success.



I set my goals as steps to achieve my dream of financial success.

I had the plan to repeat positive words which I would daily address


Below Are A Few Of Motivational Phrases From Book #4 On Leadership.

You need to decide to be a strong leader,

then practice being a positive word feeder. 



Focusing on our goal we choose the right words to say.

Leaders learn how to say those positive words every day.



Successful leaders know how and when to praise.

Through this, it is the spirits of their team they raise.



It is wise to follow leaders that have done what you want to achieve.

When they are following proven success principles that you believe.



In a minefield, we follow in the footsteps of the ones who have been. 

Being successful in their minefield walk, while following a plan to win.



Leaders know they must focus on others to lead.

Their joy is helping those people meet any need.



Leaders always work to develop a clear vision.

Before they decide to make any critical decision.



Leaders know how to focus on a goal.

By a leader’s action, you will know if they are sold.



There is great power in positive focus and thought.

This is a proven leader’s principle I have bought.



When I take my eyes off myself this is what I would see.

My plan was to help others see where they could be.







BJ’s Stories Poems Of Family And Special Events
This Is In BJ's Book, "Friends Forever"
This Book Is About BJ's Childhood.
Chapter #4
BJ's "Dusty River Road Poem"


Jimmy remembers his life as a country boy.

He had a simple lifestyle that was a joy.

Since he was a sharecropper’s son.

Jimmy tried to make his work more fun. 



His dog Ted was his best friend always at his side. 

When together his face showed a joy he could not hide.

Jimmy loved that dusty river road it was their favorite place to be.

Walking down that dusty river road with his dog Ted, he felt so free.



Anyone could tell being on that farm with his dog Ted loved, fit him to a tee.

At an earlier time his dog Ted had saved him from a rattlesnake he couldn’t see.

He and his dog Ted loved to run through the woods hunting without a gun.

He knew his dog Ted could catch the squirrels that were too fat to run.



His family was struggling, broke, and in debt.

Having enough food to eat was what he helped them get.

Life was simple yet he and his family knew where they were going.

Farming was hard work no matter what they were growing.



To round up the livestock, there was a horse Jimmy always rode. 

Always saw himself on its back galloping down that dusty river road.

Remembering the maple trees, hearing the sound of the river as it flowed.

The smell of that river breeze, that takes Jimmy back to that dusty river road.

Page 4
SAVING AMERICA
B J's Poems And Writings, He Tries To Reflect His Views On What would Help Save America

The Cost Of Freedom Poem.
By Billy Joe (BJ) Cate See bjcatewrites.com

To every American in the military serving, served, or willing to fight.
Helped us Americans keep America’s light shining bright.
I am so proud of the military volunteers willing to go in harm’s way,
you are protecting our freedom no matter what the critics say.

We as Americans should know freedom is never free,
without the military our freedom could never be.
Some spend their time in destructive talk,
about our troops who dare to do the walk.

Would those critics ever have the courage to fight?
Could it be they just want to dim our hero’s brightest light?
In our leaders, Americans look for a hint of common sense,
If lost I believe we could lose a critical part of our defense.

My praise goes out to our troops, who are putting their lives on the line,
not to a large group of critics getting paid to carry a sign.
I look for those standing for America while holding their head high,
when their loved ones have fallen they still honor others as they cry.

A Salute To Our Veterans Poem
Would those critics ever have the courage to fight?
Could it be they just want to dim our hero’s brightest light?
In our leaders, Americans look for a hint of common sense.
If lost I believe we could lose a critical part of our defense.

My uncle was a wounded veteran in World War II.
Fighting off the enemy trying to save himself and his B29 crew.
My heart goes out to all those who volunteered to serve keeping us free.
Our veterans were willing to put their lives on the line for you and me.

How can we ever repay those heroes in the past who’ve given their all?
They are the ones who stepped forward to answer America’s call.
They went to war to fight for the freedom they were committed to save.
Yet there is no way we can ever thank them enough for all they gave.

When I meet veterans I want to thank them for the sacrifice they made.
If today's veterans need health care, will the USA come to their aid?
We need to support our American troops while we hold our heads high.
We all have our loved ones who have fallen, we honor them as we cry..

Note; I can best express my feelings in a poem. This is what I tried to
do as a salute to honor our service men and women.
Thanks for Your Service.

Freedom In The USA Today Poem
By, Billy Joe (BJ) Cate See, bjcatewrites.com

Can you believe what is happening today?
Are some trying to destroy the American way?
We as Americans should know the solution.
Our government must follow our Constitution.

Through all the wars Americans have fought.
Is it the war within that we have bought?
Freedom of speech is under attack.
Will fair and true elections help us get it back?

Proverbs tells us the importance of free speech.
It says 41 times this is what America should preach.
Without our free, speech, USA freedom will be no more.
Those to destroy the USA, this is the way they score.

American patriots who love the good old USA.
Knowing the cost of freedom is always in play.
All my life, I relied on my good common sense.
It has always been my greatest defense.

We are hard-working Americans who need a solution.
There is an easy solution when we follow our constitution.
To be free in America is the only life we have known.
It should be the law matter how fast we have grown.

The Committee Called They Poem
By, Billy Joe (BJ) Cate, bjcatewrites.com

Have you heard of that committee called they?
Never responsible for what they do or say.
Politicians often use them to turn on the heat.
Keeping it up makes their opponent easier to beat.

Americans often have something missing.
With negative talk, many don’t know how to listen.
The committee they are looking for others to pay.
Politicians are like magicians when they make a play.

They know any distraction can put us in traction.
This comes from what they expect to be our reaction.
Are most politicians looking for any lie we will buy?
Hoping it is too late when we find out the reason why.

Those politicians running are trained on what to say.
Too many of them, rely on a Committee Called They.
Americans are listening to all the promises they made.
After the election why do their promises begin to fade?

Americans Need To Learn How To Listen, Poem
By, Billy Joe (BJ) Cate. bjcatewrites.com

When it comes to politics a lot is missing.
Some Americans have not learned how to listen.
Politicians have become specialists as work technicians.
This is used as a way to change Americans’ positions.

We Americans need to look for keywords in any phrase.
If we do this, we will know what to avoid and what to praise.
Too often in America, money becomes the bottom line.
Since we have run out of others’ money is this a bad sign?

The way they spend our tax dollars may be hard to find.
Some of the reasons they gave blew my mind.
If America keeps spending we are into an unbelievable debt.
For America and the interest, bankruptcy may be a safe bet.

In today's world, the use of the word never is not too clever.
Thinking back about all that has happened I never say never.
We may not realize it, but politics controls, almost all we do.
If, our elections are stolen, how can our values hold true?

1947 Spaceship Crash in Roswell, New Mexico, Poem.
BY: Billy Joe (BJ) Cate See bjcatewrites.com

B. J. being only fourteen years old remembers it like yesterday.
Listening to Gabriel Heater not believing what he had to say.
A reporter was saying broadcasting from the UFO crash site.
He reported two aliens were killed in the crash of this UFO flight.

Reporting one alien was alive, emotionally making sounds like human cries.
Gabriel Heater was saying they are two to three feet tall with large slanted eyes.
While listening B. J. could not believe how this would be important in our history.
Him being cut off the air, B. J. thinks this history is evolving into a mystery.

He was cut off the air saying there would be no further reports at this time.
B. J wondered why this reporting on the UFO was not allowed, was it a crime?
US Air Force Officer later in a news report said it was only a weather balloon.
He could not believe it, hoping he would hear the real truth soon.

He recently watched a documentary on Netflix called Unsealed.
Now the Roswell UFO crash had been unsealed and the truth revealed.
The UFO to an Air Force Base informed us all three aliens were dead.
The reporter said, one was alive, how did the last one die, they never said?

In Unsealed our Government research and technology appeared to start to grow.
Is it true our research engineers were using what they found in that UFO?
Many have been astounded at how fast our technology has been able to grow.
Did that Roswell crash give us technology that we would not otherwise know?

BJ used fundamentals in everything he planned to do. 
Yet, he was not afraid to try something new.
He would always follow fundamentals that ring true.
When he reached the top, He didn’t want it to stop.

It’s being consistent in what you say and do.
You need to use fundamentals all the way through.
When facing a challenge, this could work as a great rule.
B J used the comparison method as the anti-challenge tool.

In business, B J always looked for people he could trust.
To protect his business this was a must.
When you are always consistent, others will trust you.
Fundamentals are what we need to use in what we do.

How Do We Americans Know What To Believe Poem
By, Billy Joe (BJ) Cate. bjcatewrite.com

When I start to hear any negative talk.
I make an excuse to take a walk.
Too many politicians are good at making a talk.
We can't find them when it's time to do the walk.

We Americans are all waiting for the day.
When politicians stand behind what they say.
By coming to know the truth that we can all see.
We Americans will know what it feels like to be free.

My Bible says coming to know to truth, will set us free.
My wisdom tells me I should always listen to this and agree.
Knowing that the 21-day rule can be used as a game.
Many know stating the truth, or a lie, the result is the same.

Politicians know how to steal our beliefs overnight.
They can do it so easily without even a fight.
We all should come to know this about any distraction.
That can be used as a weapon to put us in traction.

Why in today's world has the truth become so hard to find?
Are those after our freedoms found a way to control the mind?
Will we as human beings discover a way to control AI?
Or is it something over time? we as Americans will want to buy.

We Don't Know What We Don't Know Poem
By Billy Joe (BJ) Cate bjcatewrites.com


“We don't know why we don't know,”
so I go slow until I know then I will know where to go.
So many so-called experts we listen to today.

Have no way to back up what they do or say.

All of my beliefs are built on solid ground.
Sharing your beliefs, do others pull you down?
Living a positive life I found true success.
Which helped me relieve almost all my stress

I thought failure was an ugly creature.
Yet throughout my life, it became a great teacher,
Over time we need to keep mentally growing.
It helps us figure out the best way to be going.

Anytime others throw roadblocks in your way,
being successful, is a price we may have to pay.
This is one thing we all need to know about a distraction.
Any distraction can be used by others to put us in traction.

Believing in yourself could be long overdue.
When we believe in ourselves, others will, too.
By always focusing on supporting our team.
We will be helping our team achieve their dream.

Truth Poem
BY, Billy Joe (BJ) Cate.bjcatewrites.com

Hearing today's news boggles my mind.
Knowing the truth is so hard to find.
Truth in my Bible so much to me.
Coming to know, the truth will set us free.

So many in power go around what is really true.
This causes a chilling effect on me seeing what they do.
We are exposed to so many who tell us lies.
After several years this comes as no surprise.

Many in the USA in power don't follow our constitution.
We who are wise know following the Constitution is our solution.
When we have people in power that makeup laws as they go.
Forcing unconstitutional laws on us before we know.

Thank God for those who have dared to stand up today.
Asking others to join our team so we can go back to the American way.
Our original constitution should be followed as our founding fathers say.
Since 1776 our constitution has guided us to our freedom today.

Since America’s foundation uses freedom as its base.
We need to know this is something we can never replace.
This is an American truth we all need to protect.
Having courage and doing this, we're gaining other’s respect.

FairTax Poem
Ref, The FairTax Book By, Neil Boortz John Linder & The Fairtax Act
By, Billy Joe (BJ) Cate, bjcatewrites.com

We Americans need a Federal System tax that we can depend on.
After FAIRtax becomes law the Federal Income Tax and the IRS will be gone.
In 1913 our Government passed the 16th Amendment Bill as a tax solution.
Effectively repealing the 4th Amendment in our constitution.

FAIRtax Act is a retail sales consumption tax we only pay once on goods and services we buy.
The present Federal Income Tax System punishes our achievements no one can deny.
Sense our present tax system in effect protect is designed for the well-connected.
FAIRtax treats all Americans the same, this way all Americans are well protected.

A Flat Tax is an income tax that keeps the 16 Amendment in force,
FAIRtax is Retail Level Consumption Tax we can control to set a new course.
The 1st day of the following year after the FAIRtax Act is law, this is what we will get.
The 16 Amendment has no effect over the seven years while the repeal is being met.

Under the FAIRtax all Federal Taxes will be collected at the point of a retail sale,
NO INCOME TAX, NO IRS, the FAIRtax allows us to keep all our income without fail.
After the FAIRtax Act is passed how, when, and how much taxes we pay, we choose.
As long as we have any form of Federal Income Tax we will continue to lose.

FAIRtax secures our Social Security and Medicare with no FICA Tax,
The U. S. Treasure’s General Fund pays it through the FAIRtax Act.
Under the FAIRtax Act employer's advantage of hiring non-document workers
is gone, employers being able to keep the FICA Tax was what they counted on.

The Trillions of Dollars In Business now operating off-shore can return.
FAIRtax allows them to return to the USA tax-free which should quiet our jobs concern.
This will spur the United States Economy so Americans can achieve their dream.
When Americans join together to make it happen, it is never as hard as it may seem.

Our Federal Government’s IRS in 2019 had 600 billion in taxes not collected.
Under the FAIRtax new way of collecting taxes, taxpayers will be protected.
The FAIRtax Act taxes gives all Americans a permanent solution.
It gives us back our 4th Amendment and is in line with our U. S. Constitution.

When the FAIRtax Act becomes law the drug dealers and all who avoided paying will pay.
Under the FAIRtax Act we will no longer have to file so April 15th will be just another spring day.
No Government interference with our incomes, meaning we have no financial ceiling.
Free to achieve our dreams without being punished, Oh what a great feeling.

Criptocosm Using Blockchain Economy
Based On: “Life After Google” Book, By George Gilder Ph.D. & The Mark Levin
TV Show, When George Gilder Was His Guest. (“Blockchain Economy”)

Did you finish the book on Block Chain of Economy by George Gilder? Yes Jim I finished it and I wanted to talk to you about it. John, I think it is amazing research they have done on this new technology. Jim, it was all created by human intelligence. John if I understand this Block Chain Economy Technology there will be no way information on our computers is at risk. Therefore we can store inventions On our computers as they will be totally safe. John, is this still waiting for you will understand it?
Jim, I see it as you see it we have no idea how long it will be before it is commercially available. It is great that we know about it and we can follow its development. What we need to concentrate on Is what tools are available for us to do our research. (John and I couldn't resist it so I wrote a poem about it.) I would like for you to read it and give me your opinion on it. Okay, Jim let me see and read it. Here it is John.


Future Internet Criptocopsm Blockchain Economy” Poem
By Billy Joe (BJ) Cate bjcatewrites.com
\Based On: “Life After Google” Book, By George Gilder PHD. & The Mark Levin TV Show,
When George Gilder Was His Guest. (“Blockchain Economy”)

This system would give the world total security on the internet.
To hack it, one would need to control 51% of the computers on the net.
It has always been the Individual and the human brain that rules.
From this, we created all the computers which we use as our tools.

All those passwords, pins, and security questions will be gone.
On the internet with total security, we will no longer be a pawn.
Our technology world will become a vast network for us to use.
With a security protocol system, I can’t wait for future news.

Mathematical compressed nodes that communicate with one another.
Nodes that number in the trillions make up blocks, a system like no other.
it is our creative minds that are bringing us this unbelievable dream.
Even fifteen years ago could we imagine how impossible to us this would seem?

Unlike socialism “capitalism’s foundation is the creative mind.”
Socialism is based on a plan, and creative learning is hard to find.
If we go according to the plan how can we learn new things and grow?
When does the plan say we already know all we ever need to know?

Google software has a top-down system that they control.
The Block Chain Economy has a bottom-up system for individual control.
Its private keys enforce property rights and Identities that will be secure.
The Block Chain Economy will give us as individuals a private digital signature.

Capitalism is always a surprise because the future comes from the mind.
In our dreams, we develop through our creative minds a plan for a big find.
Socialism with the plan prohibits learning and our abilities to mentally grow.
I was a sharecropper’s son, I focused on learning because I had a need to know.
Note:
Criptocosm Corporations could very well replace today’s big tech corporations.
They are Companies that develop a system that uses “blockchain” creations.

As Reported AI Could Change The Algorithm On Any Voting Machine
Without Stopping The Ballot Counting. Therefore All Electronic Devices And Electronic Voting Machines Must Be Eliminated In All U.S. Elections.

Now, in the United States, we need to go to paper ballots, hand
counting, IDs, and same-day voting. Otherwise, those elected may be in 

controlled by AI. this could very well mean they would be in control of all
of us the people. AI could be far-reaching, and how it could damage human
intelligence in an attempt to make us human beings irrelevant. Creating
elections is a way to destroy the American Constitution and our way of life.

Virtual Intelligence (Ai) Poem
By, Billy Joe (BJ) Cate bjcatewrites.com

Were the secrets found at the spaceship crash in Roswell still unknown?
Since that crash, it is amazing how fast U.S. technology has grown.
Has our government been using AI much longer than we know?
Our elections will become extremely critical as AI continues to grow.

AI is new to many Americans who are in fear of what to expect.
As reported in an event it got out of control, which we can't neglect.
Our adventure into AI could turn out to be a minefield.
Yet AI’s potential could give us a very positive yield.

Reported that ai does tasks at nearly the speed of light.
I heard it said, that recent tests are up to 98% right?
I believe it is from human intelligence and secrets from Roswell.
We are often kept in the dark, can we believe what they want to sell?

How can we believe so-called leaders who are in the know?
Too often we are miss-led not knowing which way to go.
Are those trying to steal our country creating confusion?
This can create distrust where we are fearful of a solution.

Many Americans may think it is a great thing.
Thinking about our future and the great lifestyle it can bring.
Researchers are working fast on technology for AI.
Do you believe thousands of us will want to give it a try?

As Reported AI Could Change The Algorithm On Any Voting Machine
Without Stopping The Ballot Counting. Therefore All Electronic Devices And Electronic Voting Machines Must Be Eliminated In All U.S. Elections.
Now, in the United States, we need to go to paper ballots, hand
counting, IDs, and same-day voting. Otherwise, those elected will be in 
control of AI. this could very well mean they would be in control of all
of us the people. AI could be far-reaching, and how it could damage human
intelligence in an attempt to make us human beings irrelevant. Creating
elections is a way to destroy the American Constitution and our way of life.

Virtual Intelligence (Ai) Poem
By, Billy Joe (BJ) Cate bjcatewrites.com

Were the secrets found at the spaceship crash in Roswell still unknown?
Since that crash, it is amazing how fast U.S. technology has grown.
Has our government been using AI much longer than we know?
Our elections will become extremely critical as AI continues to grow.

AI is new to many Americans who are in fear of what to expect.
As reported in an event it got out of control, which we can't neglect.
Our adventure into AI could turn out to be a minefield.
Yet AI’s potential could give us a very positive yield.

Reported that ai does tasks at nearly the speed of light.
I heard it said, that recent tests are up to 98% right?
I believe it is from human intelligence and secrets from Roswell.
We are often kept in the dark, can we believe what they want to sell?

How can we believe so-called leaders who are in the know?
Too often we are miss-led not knowing which way to go.
Are those trying to steal our country creating confusion?
This can create distrust where we are fearful of a solution.

Many Americans may think it is a great thing.
Thinking about our future and the great lifestyle it can bring.
Researchers are working fast on technology for AI.
Do you believe thousands of us will want to give it a try?



As Reported Ai Could Change The Algorithm On Any Voting Machine
Without Stopping The Ballot Counting. Therefore All Electronic Devices And Electronic Voting Machines Must Be Eliminated In All U.S. Elections.

Now, in the United States, we need to go to paper ballots, hand
counting, IDs, and same-day voting. Otherwise, those elected will be in 
control of AI. this could very well mean they would be in control of all
of us the people. AI could be far-reaching, and how it could damage human
intelligence in an attempt to make us human beings irrelevant. Creating
elections is a way to destroy the American Constitution and our way of life.

Page # 5
Special Holidays And Other Events.
By: Billy Joe (Bj) Cate See, bjcatewrites.com


THE CHRISTMAS OF OLE
By: Billy Joe (BJ) Cate

When I look back to the Christmas of Ole.
I find it is so inspiring and good for my soul.
Has the true meaning of Christmas drifted away?
Could we in our hearts have that same feeling today?

I remember in our church and all the Christmas songs we use to sing.
Then we all listened on Christmas Eve to hear those sleigh bells ring.
Those sounds of Christmas from years ago still ring true today.
Has some in America changed so much they have lost their way?

We all know we can never turn back that clock.
Yet my parents gave me values that were built on solid rock.
When I had someone I could count on to guide me.
My future goals in life were much easier to see.

After counting my blessing I found tomorrow was a brighter day.
The many lessons I learned through all my failures helped me to see it this way.
Having a positive vision enabled me to focus on the goals I wanted to achieve.
By passing on the true Spirit of Christmas it will be hard to believe what we receive.

Americans have such big hearts and are so generous when it comes to giving.
This is one of the reasons we Americans are thankful for the life we are living.
Our families travel to many parts of the country to be together on Christmas Day.
We honor Him on His day which has become a special part of the American way.

Wishing You And Yours A Merry Christmas Filled With Happiness And Good Cheer
Our Wish Is That All This Happiness Continues For You Through Your The New Year.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Poem
(Honoring The Fallen)
By: Billy Joe (BJ) bjcatewrites.com

The cost of American veterans has paid for us to be free.
It is a price that should be precious to you and me.
When I see a sailor, Marine, Army, Air Force, or Coast Guard gal or guy.
I get a tear in my eye because defending our freedom is their big why.

When we count the wars that our American veterans have fought.
Can todayʼs Americans ever measure the freedom they have bought?
The sacrifices they gave brought us the unbelievable lifestyle we enjoy today.
Our veterans were there to serve no matter the price they had to pay.

As we have visited our fallen on Memorial Day Weekends.
Being where they have been laid to rest all those memories come back again.
We are honoring those who sacrificed and died so all we Americans could be free.
We as Americans must never forget the ultimate price they paid for you and me.

When I meet a veteran I thanked them for the sacrifice they gave.
For fighting for the American's freedom they were committed to save.
They talked about their buddies who had fallen, saying those memories and never go away.
Like all of their buddies and the troops who never returned, we honor them on this day.

Honoring Our Veterans On Veterans Day Weekend
By Billy Joe (BJ) Cate, Korea Vet Retired
www.bjcatewrites.com

Honoring our veterans who have fought to save our American way.
On this day we honor all of our vets for the heavy price they had to pay.
Don’t you think we could give them the honor they never sought?
We should all say thanks, while we enjoy the freedom they bought.

Since America’s foundation uses freedom as its base.
We need to know this is something we can never replace.
As Americans, we need to honor the service men and women who fight.
Who protects our freedom and keeps America’s light shining bright.

Have you heard of antiwar critics serving on the front line?
Not if they are protesting, while getting paid to carry a sign.
The cost American veterans have paid to keep us free.
This is the price they all paid to protect you and me.

My uncle was a wounded veteran of World War II.
Fighting off the enemy trying to save himself and his B29 crew.
My heart goes out to all those who volunteered to serve keeping us free.
Knowing that our vets were willing to put their life on the line for you and me.

How can we ever repay those heroes in the past who’ve given their all?
They are the ones who stepped forward to answer America’s call.
They went to war to fight for the freedom they were committed to save.
Yet there is no way we can ever thank them enough for all they gave.

As an American, I will never forget the price we have paid.
When their loved ones have fallen they honor others as they cry.
How can we ever thank the servicemen and women who fought?
Thanking them for the price they paid for the freedom they bought.

Do we always show how grateful we are for the freedom they bought?
When I meet a veteran I want to thank them for the sacrifice they gave.
Today we Americans live a lifestyle of freedom our vets were able to save.
I salute those supporting our American troops while holding their head high.

Happy Fourth Of July
BY: Billy Joe (BJ) Cate bjcatewrites.com

This Is The Day We Celebrate America’s Birthday.
Since 1788 We Have Lived The American Way.
Our Constitution Gave Us Freedom We Had To Fight To Save.
We All Need To Thank All Those Who Fought For What They Gave.

The Cost Of American Veterans Has Paid For Us To Be Free.
This Is A Reason It Should Be Precious To You And Me.
When We Count Wars That Our American Veterans Have Fought.
Can today’s Americans Ever Measure The Freedom They Have Bought?

We As Americans Need To All Come Together On This Day.
To Stand Up Together And Support Our Great American Way.
Knowing American Leaders Have Made Mistakes In The Past.
These Were Stepping Stone To Achieve A Freedom That Would Last.

Because Of All The Challenges We Have Been Through,
Just Look At The Life Style We Have And The Things We Can Do.
As A Sharecropper’s Son, I Remember All Those Days.
Seeing How We Live Today I Feel Grateful In So Many Ways.

We As Americans Need to Count Our Blessings On This Day.
Thanks To Our Founding Fathers For All The Freedoms We Enjoy Today.
Even Though We May Feel We Are Living In The Darkest Night.
As long as we Are Free As Individuals, I Believe Our Future Is Very Bright.

Happy Mother’s Day To All Mothers
By Billy Joe (BJ) Cate (bjcatewrites.com

Today we all need to stand up and cheer.
Without our mothers, none of us would be here.
In our hearts, mothers will always have a special place.
There are so many great memories we never want to erase.

If we think back growing up our mother was always there.
Through the challenges, our mothers were there with loving care.
Remembering our mothers over the years as we grew.
Today we need to return our love and respect anew.

We all know there is nothing like our mothers cooking.
Being away we can't find our mothers cooking but we keep looking.
Because of our children's mother, we have five generations now living.
It was their mother's unselfish love and dedication and her who kept giving.

Happy Father’s Day
By, Billy Joe Cate bjcatewrites.com

When I was a teenager my Dad did things to me.
It was later I saw what he helping me to see.
After being a dad I can say it, is great being a dad.
It is the best experience I've ever had.

I am sure on this Father’s Day it is great to have a dad.
For some, this may be the first Father’s Day you have had
Fathers like yours always protect their family and you.
Storms your family may face, your dad will see them through.

Looking back over the years and the price we had to pay.
We all get a wonderful feeling for our fathers on this day.
My dad was a sharecropper working daily until sundown.
To be raising a large family to earn a living he was duty-bound.

All Fathers and grandfathers should enjoy this day.
They can be proud of their children come what may.
It is a day to be around those we love to be near.
We can celebrate this day with those we hold dear.

B J's
Used These 3 Principles Rules To Be Successful. Shown In His Poem,
They Are The Comparison Method, Fundamentals And Consistently


BJ used fundamentals in everything he planed to do. 

Yet, he was not afraid to try something new.
He would always follow fundamentals that ring true.
When he reached the top, He didn’t want it to stop.

It’s being consistent in what you say and do.
You need to use fundamentals all the way through.
When facing a challenge, this could work as a great rule.
B J used the comparison method as the anti-challenge tool.

In business, B J always looked for people he could trust.
To protect his business this was a must.
When you are always consistent, others will trust you.
Fundamentals are what we need to use in what we do.

When you're building a dream always think big.
Thinking long-term is was B J's gig.
B J believes any decision made without
vision is usually made with a blind mind.


B J’s LIVING A DREAM POEM
By, Billy Joe (BJ) Cate bjcatewrites.com 
Part 1
B J remembers back when he was only three.
From a litter, he chose a puppy that fit him to a tee.
B J at his young age was a sharecropper”s son.
He always looks for anything to have more fun.

When B J was with his puppy, he was happy all day.
After dark B J always wants to stay out and play.
In B J's world it was all around this puppy he had.
He wants to name his puppy so he asks his dad.

Our neighbor who brings all those gifts for you
B J says I love Ted and his wife is really great too.
Thanks, Dad for our best friend Ted, I love that name.
Will be calling him by name while playing any game.

B J living his dream when his Dad’s uncle came by.
B J's dad calls for B and he does not know why.
Your uncle wanted me to give this nickel to you.
Son that nickel is for Ted, B J yelled this is not true.

Crying very loud B J through the nickel into the wall.
B J still crying ran to answer his mother’s call.
On his mother’s lap B J continues to weep.
Crying a while, shaking he cried himself to sleep.

“WE DON’T KNOW WHAT WE DON’T KNOW” POEM.
BY BILLY JOE (BJ) Cate bjcatewrites.com

“We don't know why we don't know,”
so I go slow until I know then I will know where to go.
So many so-called experts we listen to today.

Have no way to back up what they do or say.

All of my beliefs are built on solid ground.
Sharing your beliefs, do others pull you down?
Living a positive life I found true success.
Which helped me relieve almost all my stress

I thought failure was an ugly creature.
Yet throughout my life, it became a great teacher,
Over time we need to keep mentally growing.
It helps us figure out the best way to be going.

Anytime others throw roadblocks in your way,
being successful, is a price we may have to pay.
This is one thing we all need to know about a distraction.
Any distraction can be used by others to put us in traction.

Believing in yourself could be long overdue.
When we believe in ourselves, others will, too.
By always focusing on supporting our team.
We will be helping our team achieve their dream.

TRUTH POEM
BY, Billy Joe (BJ) Cate.bjcatewrites.com
Hearing today's news boggles my mind.
Knowing the truth is so hard to find.
Truth in my Bible so much to me.
Coming to know, the truth will set us free.

So many in power go around what is really true.
This causes a chilling effect on me seeing what they do.
We are exposed to so many who tell us lies.
After several years this comes as no surprise.

Many in the USA in power don't follow our constitution.
We who are wise know following the Constitution is our solution.
When we have people in power that make up laws as they go.
Forcing unconstitutional laws on us before we know.

Thank God for those who have had the courage to stand up today.
Asking others to join our team so we can go back to the American way.
Our original constitution should be followed as our founding fathers say.
Since 1776 our constitution has guided us to our freedom today.

Since America’s foundation uses freedom as its base.
We need to know this is something we can never replace.
This is an American truth we all need to protect.
Having courage and doing this, we're gaining other’s respect.

B J’s POEM ON TIME
BY, BILLY JOE (BJ) CATE, bjcatewrites.com

I didn’t think time meant a lot,
but suddenly I realized time is all we have got.
I went to work and I was not on time.
They looked at me like I had committed a crime.

They even threatened to, dock my pay,
no matter what I had to say.
Following the timeline is a good sign.
Anything critical has a timeline.

Any Coach in sports will never lose.
But to run out of time is not good news.
We should not set a goal without a completion date.
Setting a goal without a completion date is second-rate.

A warranty on things we buy is based on the timeline.
If we're honest with ourselves over time, this is what we find.
Over my life, I have found that wisdom comes with age.
As we begin to age, will we find time is an important page?

In the military, time was something we always went by.
If we showed up late, we had to give a good reason why.
Even, prisoners, serving in prison, have to do their time.
When they started in prison, their time needed to fit the crime.

I think it's good we don't know how much time we will live.
Knowing “what we give is what we get” is why l love to give.
Setting a deadline is using time as a motivating sign.
Using time has helped me instill principles of success in my mind.

THE COST OF FREEDOM
By Billy Joe (BJ) Cate See bjcatewrites.com

To every American in the military serving, served, or willing to fight.
Helped us Americans keep America’s light shining bright.
I am so proud of the military volunteers willing to go in harm’s way,
you are protecting our freedom no matter what the critics say.

We as Americans should know freedom is never free,
without the military our freedom could never be.
There are those who spend their time in destructive talk,
about our troops who have the courage to do the walk.

Would those critics ever have the courage to fight?
Could it be they just want to dim our hero’s brightest light?
In our leaders, Americans look for a hint of common sense,
If lost I believe we could lose a critical part of our defense.

My praise goes out to our troops, who are putting their lives on the line,
not to a large group of critics getting paid to carry a sign.
I look for those standing for America while holding their head high,
when their loved ones have fallen they still honor others as they cry.

Note; I can best express my feelings in a poem. This is what I tried to
do as a salute to honor our service men and women.
Thanks for Your Service
Page #5
BJ’S POEM: FROM A SHOESHINE PAPERBOY TO AN AUCTIONEER

B. J. and his family had just moved to this small Arkansas town.
They were sharecroppers this being the best farm they had ever found.
After breakfast, his dad said, Son would you like to go for a ride?
B. J. liked the idea of being able to go for a ride sitting by his dad’s side.

We will go to the auction barn where they sell livestock.
They run them into an arena and sell them on the auction block.
It is only five miles away and I thought you would like the show.
That sounds good dad, when will we be ready to go,

Son if you will get in our truck now we can leave right away.
This was rare for B. J. so he was enjoying that ride all the way.
His dad pulled into the auction barn parking lot B. J. couldn’t believe his ear.
B. J. got excited about the fast-talking auctioneer he could hear.

They had no more than walk in and they could smell hamburgers cooking.
Dad could have a hamburger pointing in the direction he was looking.
His dad said, Son, I will buy you one when we are ready to leave.
He was hoping what his dad said, was something he could believe.

They walked in the hallway noticing the sawdust under their feet.
As they climbed up the half-moon-shaped bleachers to find a seat.
All the time B. J. was listening to that fast-talking auctioneer selling a pig.
Learning to talk fast like that, for him this is something he could really dig.

He lost all time focused on what that fast-talking auctioneer was said.
Believing he may want to be an auctioneer kept spinning in his head.
His dad broke his thought pattern when he said, so it is time for us to go.
Wondering how much practice he would need and what he needed to know.

As they were leaving B. J. said, how about my hamburger and a soda pop.
Okay, but you will have to eat it on the way, this has to be a shortstop.
As they are heading for home B. J. asks if can auctioneers become rich.
Wealthy, yes some of the best do, it appears this has become their hitch.

Home B. J. was out truck running for the barn to start practicing right away.
He learned from that auctioneer what he wanted to do to pave his way.
Just over the fence was a school he and his sisters attended every school day.

THE 21 DAY RULE POEM.
By Billy Joe (BJ) Cate
See bjcatewrites.com

Say aloud, 21 days what you plan to achieve.
When It worked for me, It was something I had to believe.
Our subconscious mind never sleeps, this is a big why.
it does not know the difference between the truth and a lie.

We should know all politicians know this too.
For 21 days they lie and we tend to think it’s true.
Many need to learn how to use the 21-day rule.
Once we learn to use it, it is a very important tool.

Popular Sesame Street taught us how to learn their way.
Repetition is a big part of the 21-day rule that helps us today.
Repeating aloud every day for 21 days in a row is our goal,
This is a great tool, to increase our courage, and be bold

Saying aloud, 21 days without missing a day is a great exercise.
If we miss a day then starting over is where the secret lies.
When all the proper steps are taken, success is there.
The critical part is something with our team we can share.


US ELECTIONS CAN NOT BE FAIR USING ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICES.
As Reported AI Could Change The Algorithm On Any Voting Machine
Without Stopping The Ballot Counting. Therefore All Electronic Devices
And Electronic Voting Machines Must Be Eliminated In All U.S. Elections.
Now, in the united states, we need to go to paper ballots, hand counting,
IDs, and same-day voting. Otherwise, those elected will be in 
control of AI.
this could very well mean they would be in control of all of us the American
people. AI could be far-reaching, and how it could damage human intelligence
in an attempt to make us human beings irrelevant. Creating elections is a way
to destroy the American Constitution and our way of life.


BJ's VIRTUAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) POEM
Were the secrets found at the spaceship crash in Roswell still unknown?
Since that crash, it is amazing how fast U.S. technology has grown.
Has our government been using AI much longer than we know?
Our elections will become extremely critical as AI continues to grow.

AI is new to many Americans who are in fear of what to expect.
As reported in an event it got out of control, which we can't neglect.
Our adventure into AI could turn out to be a minefield.
Yet AI’s potential could give us a very positive yield.

Reported that AI does tasks at nearly the speed of light.
I heard it said, that recent tests are up to 98% right?
I believe it is from human intelligence and secrets from Roswell.
We are often kept in the dark, can we believe what they want to sell?

How can we believe so-called leaders who are in the know?
Too often we are miss-led not knowing which way to go.
Are those trying to steal our country creating confusion?
This can create distrust where we are fearful of a solution.

Many Americans may think it is a great thing.
Thinking about our future and the great lifestyle it can bring.
Researchers are working fast on technology for AI.
Many of us may believe in AI not knowing the reason why.

THREE RULES BJ ALWAYS USED, FUNDAMENTALS, CONSISTENCY,
AND THE COMPARISON METHOD

I use fundamentals in everything I do.
Yet, I am not afraid to try something new.
I always follow fundamentals that ring true.
When I reached the top, I didn’t want it to stop.

It’s being consistent in what you say and do.
You need to use fundamentals all the way through.
When facing a challenge, this could work as renewal.
B J used the comparison method is the anti-challenge rule.

In business, I always look for people I can trust.
To protect my business this was a must.
When you are always consistent, others will trust you.
Fundamentals are what we need to use in what we do.

When you're building a dream always think big.
Thinking long-term is whatever I dig.
B J believed a decision made without
vision is usually made to with a blind mind.

PAGE #6
EVEN MORE OF BJ's POEMS ON SPECIAL AND CURRENT EVENTS.

FAIRTAX POEM
Ref, The FairTax Book By, Neil Boortz John Linder & The Fairtax Act
By, Billy Joe (BJ) Cate, bjcatewrites.com

We Americans need a Federal System tax that we can depend on.
After FAIRtax becomes law the Federal Income Tax and the IRS will be gone.
In 1913 our Government passed the 16th Amendment Bill as a tax solution.
Effectively repealing the 4th Amendment in our constitution.

FAIRtax Act is a retail sales consumption tax we only pay once on goods and services we buy.
The present Federal Income Tax System punishes our achievements no one can deny.
Sense our present tax system in effect protect is designed for the well-connected.
FAIRtax treats all Americans the same, this way all Americans are well protected.

A Flat Tax is an income tax that keeps the 16 Amendment in force,
FAIRtax is Retail Level Consumption Tax we can control to set a new course.
The 1st day of the following year after the FAIRtax Act is law, this is what we will get.
The 16 Amendment has no effect over the seven years while the repeal is being met.

Under the FAIRtax all Federal Taxes will be collected at the point of a retail sale,
NO INCOME TAX, NO IRS, the FAIRtax allows us to keep all our income without fail.
After the FAIRtax Act is passed how, when, and how much taxes we pay, we choose.
As long as we have any form of Federal Income Tax we will continue to lose.

FAIRtax secures our Social Security and Medicare with no FICA Tax,
The U. S. Treasure’s General Fund pays it through the FAIRtax Act.
Under the FAIRtax Act employer's advantage of hiring non-document workers
is gone, employers being able to keep the FICA Tax was what they counted on.

The Trillions of Dollars In Business now operating off-shore can return.
FAIRtax allows them to return to the USA tax-free which should quiet our jobs concern.
This will spur the United States Economy so Americans can achieve their dream.
When Americans join together to make it happen, it is never as hard as it may seem.

Our Federal Government’s IRS in 2019 had 600 billion in taxes not collected.
Under the FAIRtax new way of collecting taxes, taxpayers will be protected.
The FAIRtax Act taxes gives all Americans a permanent solution.
It gives us back our 4th Amendment and is in line with our U. S. Constitution.

When the FAIRtax Act becomes law the drug dealers and all who avoided paying will pay.
Under the FAIRtax Act we will no longer have to file so April 15th will be just another spring day.
No Government interference with our incomes, meaning we have no financial ceiling.
Free to achieve our dreams without being punished, Oh what a great feeling.

CRIPTOCOSM USING BLOCKCHAIN ECONOMY
Based On: “Life After Google” Book, By George Gilder Ph.D. & The Mark Levin
TV Show, When George Gilder Was His Guest. (“Blockchain Economy”)

Did you finish the book on Block Chain of Economy by George Gilder? Yes Jim I finished it and I wanted to talk to you about it. John, I think it is amazing research they have done on this new technology. Jim, it was all created by human intelligence. John if I understand this Block Chain Economy Technology there will be no way information on our computers is at risk. Therefore we can store inventions On our computers as they will be totally safe. John, is this still waiting for you will understand it?
Jim, I see it as you see it we have no idea how long it will be before it is commercially available. It is great that we know about it and we can follow its development. What we need to concentrate on Is what tools are available for us to do our research. (John and I couldn't resist it so I wrote a poem about it.) I would like for you to read it and give me your opinion on it. Okay, Jim let me see and read it. Here it is John.


FUTURE INTERNET CRIPTOCOSM BLOCKCHAIN ECONOMY” POEM
By Billy Joe (BJ) Cate

Based On: “Life After Google” Book, By George Gilder Ph.D. & The Mark Levin TV Show, When George Gilder Was His Guest. (“Blockchain Economy”)

This system would give the world total security on the internet.
To hack it, one would need to control 51% of the computers on the net.
It has always been the Individual and the human brain that rules.
From this, we created all the computers which we use as our tools.

All those passwords, pins, and security questions will be gone.
On the internet with total security, we will longer be a pawn.
Our technology world will become a vast network for us to use.
With a security protocol system, I can’t wait for future news.

Mathematical compressed nodes that communicate with one another.
Nodes that number in the trillions make up blocks, a system like no other.
it is our individual creative minds that is bringing us this unbelievable dream.
Even fifteen years ago could we imagine how impossible to us this would seem?

Unlike socialism “capitalism’s foundation is the creative mind.”
Socialism is based on a plan, and creative learning is hard to find.
If we go according to the plan how can we learn new things and grow?
When does the plan say we already know all we ever need to know?

Google software has a top-down system that they control.
The Block Chain Economy has a bottom-up system for individual control.
Its private keys enforce property rights and Identities that will be secure.
The Block Chain Economy will gives us as individuals a private digital signature.

Capitalism is always a surprise because the future comes from the mind.
In our dreams, we develop through our creative minds a plan for a big find.
Socialism with the plan prohibits learning and our abilities to mentally grow.
I was a sharecropper’s son, I focused on learning because I had a need to know.
Note:
Criptocosm Corporations could very well replace today’s big tech corporations.
They are Companies that develop a system that uses “blockchain” creations.

PAGE #7
SOME OF BJ's SHORT STORIES ABOUT FAMILY EVENTS.

BILL WAS A MEAN GREEDY NEIGHBOR:
by, Billy Joe (BJ) Cate See bjcatewritescom_
The year was 1941 B. J’S family were sharecroppers for his granddad.
It was World War two, they could grow their own food, this was not bad.
They were brook and in debt but doing all they could just to get by.
He and his younger sister’s clothes made the kids laugh and his sister cry.

Most of their clothes their mother made out of feed sacks, which they were too poor to buy. This old twenty-nine Chrysler touring car, turning it into a truck was worth a try. His dad had the local blacksmith shop cut the body off right behind the front seat and cut the back of the body off, with the back window, B. J. thought this was neat.

The owner of the blacksmith shop fitted it and welded it right behind the front seat. The body was scrapped, and the strong frame would support a truck bed making it complete. His dad had a carpenter construct a high bed to fit on the frame and be ready to go. Now B. J’S dad could do hauling on the farm and was able to do it for very little dough.

For BJ’s family to get to their home they had only one dirt road they could use.
This dirt road ran through this mean neighbor’s farm, for him this was bad news.
He started using to use different tactics as part of his road-blocking plot.
With all the threats and road-blocking tactics the longer it went on the worse it got.
Returning from church there were several boulders in the road blocking their way. They got out of the truck and then back onto his farm, come what may. In a couple of days, they found he dug a small ditch across their family's roadway. After about three weeks the rains had washed it out. I know it was the neighbor who agreed to help B J's dad build in the ditch. I that was great the road was open again. B J family I don't doubt that their needed domain neighbor had another plan. Well, B J’s family was coming back from church. There were four posts about 2 1/2 the park blocking the road. They were well set in the ground about 2 feet down. B J's dad shopped their truck, he and B J's mother got out and he and B J's mother moved the post back and forth to loosen them. After this, it was easy to pull them out and throw them in the ditch, which they did,
I BJ probably thought that was the end of it, but that meant the neighbor would not let it go. BJ’s dad was drilling oats along the road leading to the house and here comes me and the neighbor riding up on a horse he told BJ”s Dad he was going to close that road so his family could leave or get to their house. B J's dad tried to reason with him, but he wouldn't listen. His dad carried a pipe wrench and a pipe to extend its leverage for tough jobs. He raised the lid to the drill and pulled out that pipe. and after his neighbor told him three times he was going to close that road so they couldn't get to or leave their house, at that point, BJ's dad clubbed him over the head with a pipe. With blood streaming down his face he turned mounted his horse and rode away. BJ’s mother told BJ your dad is quitting and coming toward the barn. There must be something wrong. There must be something wrong. Once he arrived at the barn He unhitched the team and turned them out to pasture. As he entered the back door, he told his wife to get dressed. We have to go see the justice of the peace. This meant that B J and his little sister would have to get dressed, too. After everyone was dressed and seated in the truck, B J knew he always had to ride in the back. They were off on a 12-mile trip to the Justice of the Peace to file papers on what happened. About a week later, B J's dad had to go to Did result was he had to pay and stand trial. Did result was he had to pay $100 for fighting. The good part was that that neighbor did not close the road and B J and his family lived there for two more years.
Page #7
THE CATE AND DAVIS FAMILY REUNION AND THE WATER MELLON MYSTERY:
Chapter 1
This year's Cate and Davis Family Reunion had a hidden mystery. It happened around 1940. BJ was seven years old at the time but he remembers it like it was yesterday. They were living on his dad’s granddad Kennan’s farm. It all started when his dad received a large envelope from B. J’s dad’s Uncle Douglas full of watermelon seeds.
There was a letter enclosed. B. J. listened as his dad read, “Wayne" there is
enough seeds in this package to grow a pickup load of watermelons. You plant and grow these watermelons for the next family reunion, you will become the watermelon, King. They will have to throw your uncle Charlie’s big Black Diamond melons out to the hogs after everyone gets a chance to taste these yellow-meted Texas tender sweets. They will be the juiciest, sweetest, and tastiest watermelons they have ever tasted. The people in Dallas Texas who have tasted these melons are wild about them. BJ’S dad goes on reading. You may not believe me so I suggest you prove it to yourself. BJ’S dad was really excited and said, if it was not true my uncle Douglas would not have gone to all this trouble. His dad decided to plant the watermelons in their rich bottoml and along the cornrows that were already growing. BJ was there watching and helping his dad as they finished planting those watermelon seeds. Several weeks passed and one day his dad asked him if he would like to go with him down to the bottomland cornfield to check on those watermelons. They should be getting ripe about now.

Chapter 2
The Watermelon Surprise: 
BJ was excited and right behind his dad as they walked out of the house past the barn, down the long path that joined up with a farm road that led down the hill to the bottomland. As BJ caught sight of the cornfield where all their watermelons were planted, he got more excited. Walking behind his dad down the rows of that cornfield the watermelon vines came into view along with the small melons still growing. They had only walked a few more steps when they spotted a ripe watermelon that had broken open so his dad picked it up and broke off a piece for BJ to eat. They both sat down in that plowed ground and started eating that watermelon. They could not believe how sweet and juicy it was, the juice ran down both arms and ran off their elbows in a solid stream. BJ said that it was the most delicious watermelon he had ever tasted and his dad followed up with the same comment.
After this, they walked down the row of corn until his dad found two more ripe watermelons. His dad said, let us pick these two. They were not heavy so BJ was able to carry one. They walked up that country road joining the path alongside the barn. When they reached the house they set the watermelons down on the front porch. BJ ran through the house yelling for his mom. He was so excited that he could not talk straight. His mother said, you need to quiet down or you will wake up your three-year-old sister. He lowered his voice, Mom, you have to come to the front porch. BJ told his mom they have two of those new watermelons from the seeds Uncle Douglas sent us. About that time his dad yelled for his wife to bring some newspapers and a butcher knife out to the front porch. Mom gathered up some newspapers and took a butcher knife from the kitchen cabinet drawer. BJ followed her out to the front porch. She laid down the newspaper and handed the knife to BJ’S dad so he could cut a watermelon. After this, he cut off a slice of watermelon and handed it to his wife. BJ watched his mother as she took her first bite, her eyes lit up and she said it was the most delicious watermelon she had ever tasted. Her husband said, now I have to write my Uncle Douglas and tell him that we couldn’t agree with him more about those yellow-meted Texas tender sweet watermelons. He knew Dad’s uncle Douglas never missed a Cate and Davis Family Reunion. BJ’s dad wrote a letter to him promising to bring a truckload of those yellow meted Texas tender sweet watermelons to the family reunion.
,
At that time they owned an old twenty-nine Chrysler of Car. BJ’S dad had the Goshen Blacksmith modify it so Dad could use it as a truck he needed on the farm. The blacksmith cut off the very back of the car that had a good size window and set it aside, then cut off the rest of the body just behind the front seat. After that, he removed and set aside the rest of the body leaving the front of the car as it was.The blacksmith brought that back up he had cut off and welded it on where the other cut had been made just behind the front seat. Later BJ’sdad had a carpenter build a high truck bed to secure to the car frame that was left. That gave his dad a truck they could use on the farm.

Chapter 3
The Day They Arrived At Their Family Reunion:
The big day was here and BJ’S dad had already loaded that truck with those Yellow Meted Texas Tender Sweet Water Melons they loaded everything into the truck. BJ’s little baby sister sat on mom’s lap but BJ had to ride in the back of the truck with the watermelons. For him, at six years of age, it was a lot of fun. It was in the summertime and BJ forgot most of the roads to our family reunion were dirt and very dusty. It was not that bad because he was looking forward to all the kids he could meet and play with and all the banana pudding he could eat.

BJ remembers the location where it was held that year, it was at his dad’s Uncle Harvey's Cate’s place who owned a large farm. When they arrived, they parked in a field across from the house. BJ had to help his mother carry the baskets of food along with his dad. BJ’s little sister was coming along behind. They walked across the road into the front yard where they were preparing for the food. There was a long table that had been assembled using sawhorses linked together with boards and covered with beautiful tablecloths. Some food items had already arrived and they could see people coming across from the field parking area with baskets and bags full of food. BJ’s mother, and dad carried their baskets of food over to that long table with his little sister tagging along. They had no more than set those baskets down when out of the corner of his eye he saw his dad’s uncle Douglas walking over to talk to his dad. Everyone knew BJ’s great uncle Charlie Cate would be there with a truckload of his beautiful black diamond watermelons. It was well-known to all that BJ’s dad had lost to his Uncle Charlie in who could grow the best watermelon contest more times than he wanted to admit. His dad’s Uncle Douglas had to be talking about their hidden mystery which was their ace in the hole.

His dad’s uncle Douglas and his dad were so sure there would be a new king of watermelon growers named Wayne Cate. BJ saw several kids his age starting to play. Some of his cousins were there he knew, while there were many more he didn’t know. BJ decided to join them. Thinking he could meet some new friends. A couple of the boys were running all over the yard chasing girls while his little sister stayed close to her mother. Two more boys were wrestling. He wasn’t interested in that. He did see some of the boys climbing trees which he loved to do. There were all kinds of trees in his great uncle Harv’s yard they could climb. They had only climbed for a few minutes when the parents cut short their adventure. Then everyone was just standing around talking mostly to get better acquainted. About that time someone announced that it was time to eat. They all gathered around that long table where all the food was. That was when BJ realized how many children were there. He heard one of the men who estimated there were around 400 family members attending this reunion. Everyone was asked to be quiet because it was time to say the prayer. He forgot whom it was they called on to say the prayer. It could have been BJ’S uncle Lee who was planning to be a preacher. They were all asked to bow their heads.
After the prayer, all of the kids got in line with their plates. The little ones like his little baby sister had their mothers to help them fill their plates. Right behind the kids, everyone else lined up to get their food. BJ ate so much banana pudding he thought his stomach was going to burst. After everyone ate, some of the kids lay down on the grass. Just about everyone else stood around talking while some men were telling jokes and stories or talking politicks.


Chapter 4
The Watermelon Mystery Revealed, a Conspiracy or a Contest? 
It was about 3:00 pm that afternoon when someone yelled, who wants to eat watermelon? All the kids came running and lined up for their cut slice of watermelon. All the food had been cleared away from the long table and it was filled with watermelons. His dad and Uncle Charley were there to start cutting
watermelons. BJ’S dad’s great uncle Charley Cate had cut some of his beautiful black diamond melons. Everyone was talking about how great they looked. This was his dad’s time to reveal the hidden mystery, which was his yellow-meted Texas tender sweets watermelons. He cut a couple of slices of his yellow-meted melons next to BJ’S great uncle Charley’s black diamonds some of the comments heard were those yellow-meted melons look sick. The big show was not looking good for his great uncle Douglas and BJ’S dad. That was when his dad started his sales pitch. His dad told everyone once you taste these melons you will want a second and third piece. So his dad cut a couple of slices and tried to get some of the people just to taste them. A few refused but once they started to taste them the word traveled like wildfire. This was when Dad’s uncle Douglas stepped up to help his dad because he could not cut those slices fast enough. Everyone was raving on and on about the taste of those yellow-meted watermelons. When all was said and done so many of his great uncle Charley’s beautiful black diamond melons were cut but nobody wanted them as long his dad’s yellow-meted melons were available. It looks like Dad’s uncle Douglas was right, that was the year Wayne Cate would wear the crown of the king for the best watermelon grower that year. It is believed dad’s uncle Charley did have to throw those beautiful Black Diamond melons out to the hogs. Even though some may say that the hidden mystery was a conspiracy, His dad and his great uncle Douglas believed it was a friendly competition among families and friends.

Chapter 5
Years Later, Their Visit With Uncle Charley and Aunt Kate:
B J wanted everyone to know that his great uncle Charley and great aunt Kate were such beautiful people. When BJ was born his great aunt Kate was the first one to hold him once he left his mother’s arms. She and his great-uncle not only held him but watched him sometimes according to his mom and dad. BJ’S great uncle Charley was one he could listen to for hours. His wisdom and stories were something Bj could always hold on to. When he was a young child he was one of BJ’S mentors along with his mom and dad and uncle Noah Benton Lee Cate. This is why he admired his great uncle Charley so much. Bj was on leave from the U. S. Navy with his family visiting his parents, sisters, and brother. He ask his dad if we could all go and visit Uncle Charley and Aunt Kate that’s a great idea when would you like to go? Why not tomorrow? That’s fine his mom said, I will call them and ask if we could drop by and visit with them for a while. BJ’s mother came back after a few minutes and said, they would love to have us come by for a visit.
The next day B J told his dad and mom they can all go in my car there will be enough room for our two girls, along with the four of us. After they pulled into Uncle Charley’s and Aunt Kate’s home near Baldwin Arkansas. BJ and his family will never forget that visit. He and his great aunt Kate fussed over B J his wife’s two girls who were about three and five years old at the time. There were so many hugs, kisses, and handshakes, what a happy time. They were there for about two hours talking over old times. BJ’S dad and his uncle Charley talked about old times. They enjoy telling tales to each other. B J’s great-aunt and his mom were talking about their kids and grand kids. Aunt Kate was talking about the times she took care of B J right after he was born.
B J's great uncle Charley and B J's dad were having a great time telling tales about each other. B J’S mom was talking to his great-aunt Kate enjoying it like we all did. His dad’s Uncle Charley and Aunt Kate were gems in the lives of BJ and his family.
As they all said they all hugged each other and said, goodbye. At the time we did not know that would be the last time BJ’s Uncle Charley.
PAGE #8
Jimmy's Stories, He Liked To Do Exciting Things, and One Time
He Was In Over His Head.
By: Billy Joe (Bj) Cate bjcatewrites.com
Chapter 1
Jimmy’s Family Moved: 
Jimmy's family lived on his great-grandfather’s farm working as sharecroppers. The farmhouse he lived in was a very old two-story unpainted that had dark spooky looking two big dormers with dark windows proportionally located above the front porch.
Show the farmhouse he lived in was a very old two-story unpainted that had dark spooky looking two big dormers with dark windows proportionally located above the front porch. His house looked like part of a scene from a ghost movie.

They lived about a mile from Goshen Arkansas. Fayetteville was a large town located in the Ozark Hills at least twelve miles away. His family was proud of Fayetteville, Arkansas. The main reason was the University of Arkansas was there and it is still there today. All the roads in and around Goshen were dirt or gravel. Jimmy was a happy little boy. If you remember in the book “Friends Forever” his dad sold his little puppy that was his best friend for one lousy nickel to his uncle Al. The reason Jimmy
is so happy is that they only live about four miles from his
grandmother’s home where Uncle Al lives with his best friend Ted. This means that Jimmy will get to visit with his best friend Ted more often. Every time his parents go to see his grandmother and Uncle Al. Sometimes
Jimmy may get to see his best friend Ted two times a month. Before they lived to far away to visit his grandmother much at all.

Jimmy Starts School:
Not long after they moved Jimmy started attending school for the first time. He was six years old and in the first grade. He met a couple of friends one lived only a quarter of a mile from his home. His name was Bobby and they walked home from school together along with his older sister
whom Jimmy thought was very pretty. Jimmy being a sharecropper's son made it tough if he wanted to visit his friend. Sometimes after church on a Sunday, they could play together for a couple of hours before he had to go home. After school was out the summer was a fun time he was allowed to see Bobby more and he loved talking to Bobby’s pretty sister. In fact, she like to talk to Jimmy and when she did he was so proud. Jimmy could not stand around he had to be doing something all the time and this could spell trouble for him as he grew older.

B. J’S Family Did Not Own A Car:
If he and his family wanted to go anywhere they could walk, or ride old Nell (she was the only horse they had). Another means of transportation consisted of their two mules Dixie and Trixiie, hitched up to their Springfield Wagon. When his father hitched up Dixie and Trixie, he knew they were going do some work on the farm, haul something or his family was going for a ride. If it was Sunday he knew they were going to church as they did every Sunday. It was the first part of June most all the trees had a set of new leaves and it was a beautiful green scene, the flowers were in bloom, the birds were singing, and as Jimmy looked across the cow pasture just below his house there were several cows. He also could see patches of grass, weeds and wildflowers. He was upset to see several patches of short yellow flowery weeds that always caused the milk to taste so bad milk when their milk cows ate them. Jimmy’s dad called them bitter weeds. After the cows ate them they would have to throw the bitter milk out. He and his family could not stand the smell let alone the taste it was so bitter no one in the family would drink it. This did not happen very often, yet he can remember that bitter taste like it was yesterday. In the distance beyond the cow pasture, he could see the long tree line that ran along the bank of Richland Creek. He loved to run through the cow pasture all the way to that tree line. His parents told him never to go past that point. On the other side of that line of trees was Richland Creek he was never to go there alone. He was told many times going there alone was forbidden. Sometimes his Dad let him follow or ride with him when he used their team of mules to pull the wagon and/or equipment so he could complete work in the field on the other side of Richland Creek. His Dad always drove the wagon and/or pulled the equipment down the farm road that ran along the right-hand side of the big cow pasture. The bob-wire fence on the other side of the road protected the family’s field of strawberries. He always knew where the strawberry patch was because there was a big scarecrow in the center of it. He got excited when they reached the big wooden gate at the end of the equipment road because he knew they would be crossing the creek next. He loved the smell of the creek’s aroma it had a beautiful fragrance that he would always remember. That aroma was enhanced by the sound of the wind blowing through the tree leaves and branches of all those big maple trees that lined the banks of Richland Creek, it was such a pleasant and peaceful breeze, to Jimmy it was breathtaking. As they neared the crossing he could hear the sound of the water rushing over the rocks in that shallow area where they always crossed the creek. These sounds of the creek all blended together to give him the feeling he was in a heavenly place. Believing God through Mother Nature created it for him to enjoy. For Jimmy as a six-year-old boy, it became a special place in his life at the time. Sometimes his Dad would let him roll up his overall pant legs and wade across the Creek. Of course, if the water was too high he would ride in the wagon sitting on his dad’s lap. The exciting part was he would let him hold on to the check lines so he would feel that he was in control of Dixie and Trixie as they pulled the wagon and farm equipment across the creek. What a thrill for him being a six-year-old boy to be doing a man’s work. Of course, his dad had full control but Jimmy would get excited anytime dad let him do it. His dad appeared to enjoy it as much as he did by watching him get so excited. Anytime during the summer when he walked or ran through the cow pasture he had to keep his eyes open to make sure he didn’t step on a snake. He was not afraid because if he didn’t step on them he knew they would run away from him, at least he hoped they would.

Chapter 2
Jimmy’s Exciting Ride:
Jimmy will never forget the day his dad ask him if he would like a soda pop. Jimmy gave a resounding oh yes as his answer. Dad, the store is a mile away how are we going to get there? Son, we are going to ride Nell. Jimmy, you remember how I let you ride with me on Nell down to the cow pasture and back? That will be great, Dad, when can we go? We will go as soon as we can get ready to ride. Jimmy replied, Dad, I am ready now. His dad said If you will follow me to the barn. When they arrive there Jimmy’s dad said you stand here by the wagon I have to go into the barn to pick up some things but will be right back. Jimmy waited about five minutes when he saw his dad come out of the barn with a bridle, gunny sack, and a piece of rope Jimmy knew about the bridle. He had seen his dad use it many times before. The bridle was made to fit over the horse’s head with a long set of rains attached to it so his dad could control and guide the horse. He asks his dad what is the gunny sack and the rope for.

I will show you later. Jimmy let's walk around the barn to another barnyard where Nell is. When they arrived and saw Nell his dad walked up to Nell put the bridle over her head and secured it. Jimmy’s dad threw the two long rains across Nell’s neck then pull back to where the rider would be riding and tied them together. The reason for tying them together was there would be no chance of dropping the long rains. If that happened they would have dismounted and remounted Nell again. Jimmy asks what about the gunny sack? Jimmy your mother ask me to pick up some groceries so we need a way to carry them home. We are riding bareback so I will explain how we plan to carry those groceries home. His father gathered the gunny sack at the top and tied the center of the rope around that part of the gunny sack like this (showing Jimmy how it would work) after this he placed asking Jimmy to hold it in place while tying the two loose ends of the rope together on top of Nell’s neck. Jimmy, now you understand how we will carry the groceries home, yes Dad I understand Jimmy’s dad grabs Nell's mane and then swings himself up on her back. Jimmy, do you remember how I helped you get mounted before? Jimmy replied yes Dad, you know what to do, put your hands over your head and when I reach down grab my arm and hold on tight I will hold on to one of your arms as I pull you up onto Nell's back in front of me. Okay, Dad, Jimmy replied. His dad reached down picked Jimmy up and sat him on Nell's back just in front of him. His father wanted to make sure Jimmy did not fall off during their trip to the store. Jimmy asks his dad can I guide Nell? This is a man’s job do you think you can do it? Jimmy replied yes Dad. Jimmy’s dad had his arms around Jimmy so he handed Jimmy the long rains so Jimmy guide the horse. A big smile came across Jimmy’s face as he said, thanks, Dad. Jimmy’s little hands gripped the horse’s now he was in charge of guiding Nell. To start out Jimmy’s dad put his hands over Jimmy’s hands showing how to control the horse. Jimmy if you want the horse to go right you pull on the right rain like this. Then If you want the horse to go left you pull on the left rain like this. Jimmy, replied Ive got it. Now when you want the horse to go you say “get up” and when you want her to stop you say “woo” and pull back on the rains. All the way to the store Jimmy was having the time of his life being able to guide Nell by himself all the way to the store. When they arrived at the hitching rail on the side of the store Nell stopped on her own. Jimmy's dad said, Jimmy, you forgot to say “woo.” Jimmy, said, I will remember next time.

Jimmy give me both of your hands so I can hold them as I lower you down to the ground. After Jimmy’s dad and he dismounted Jimmy’s dad hitched Nell up to the hitching rail. Jimmy, ask his dad, can I have a strawberry soda pop? Son hold your horses we are not in the store yet. They were no more inside the store when Jimmy ran to the ice box opened it and pull out a big strawberry soda pop. Son here is a nickel go pay for it. Jimmy, you need to drink all of that soda before we are ready to start our ride back home, all right Dad? We have to pick up some groceries for your mother and penny candy for your little sister. Your mother needs five pounds of flour, five pounds of sugar, and two pounds of pinto beans. I want to buy a bottle of hand lotion for your mother and some penny candy for your little sister. Then we will be ready to pay for all this and head for home. Jimmy said, can I have a piece of penny candy? Okay, just one your sister gets five pieces because she did not get a soda like you. Jimmy’s dad paid the store owner who bagged their groceries. His daddy said, Jimmy, I see you have about a fourth of your soda left in about ten minutes we will be on our way home, can you finish it in that time? If not you will have to pour it out. Jimmy, said, Dad, I will finish it. Okay, Jimmy I just wanted to give you an advance warning. When Jimmy was ready his daddy picked up the bag of groceries and headed out of the store with Jimmy right behind him. After they reached the hitching rail where Nell was Jimmy’s dad sat the groceries down on the ground, reached up, and untied the rope on the top of Nell’s neck letting the gunny sack and rope fall to the ground. Then he untied and opened the gunny sack placing the sack of groceries inside it. He then tied the rope back in the same place it was on the gunny sack. As he lifted it up under Nell’s neck he called for Jimmy to hold it in place while he tied the two loose ends of the rope together on the top of Nell’s neck. He then grabbed onto Nell's mane and lifted himself up on her back. Son, you know what to do, put your hands over your when I reach down grab my arm and hold on tight I will hold on to one of your arms as I pull you up. Hold on time Jimmy followed his dad’s instructions. Then his daddy lifted Jimmy up on Nell’s back sitting Jimmy in front of him just like before. Dad, can I guide Nell as I did before? Okay, Jimmy now that you know how it should be no problem. Their ride back it was as exciting for Jimmy the going there. When they arrived at the barn Jimmy’s dad untied the groceries and lowered them to the ground. He then took hold of Jimmy’s arm and lowered him to the ground too. He ask Jimmy to stay with the groceries while he took Nell to the other barnyard and put her in her stall. Jimmy’s dad came back carrying Nell’s bridle. He then took the rope off the groceries and carried the bridle and rope back into the barn.

When Jimmy’s dad came back picked up the groceries and said Jimmy, let's go see your mother and little sister. When they walked into the house where his mother and little sister were waiting and sit the groceries down on the kitchen table. Opened up the bag of groceries and handed Jimmy’s little sister her penny candy, and his mom her bottle of hand lotion. Jimmy's little sister wasted no time to start eating her penny candy. His mom thanks Jimmy’s dad for the hand lotion. His dad sets the rest of the groceries out on the table. Jimmy’s father said, enjoy. This was a rare occasion so all were excited. No one was as excited as Jimmy who wanted everyone to hear what he was excited about. He started to tell his mother and little sister about their exciting trip to the store and how Dad let him guide and control Nell there and back. In fact, he was so excited no one could shut him up.

Chapter 3
Jimmy Prepared To Enjoy His Light Show.
He would invent games he and his little three old sisters could play together and sometimes he just wanted to play alone. Catching grasshoppers, June bugs and frogs was not enough. He began to think of a way he could have fun during the summer. This time of year was a fun time for him. He would be trying to catch the butterflies, grasshoppers, and June bugs during the day, and at night he could catch lighting bugs after dark. This was when he devised a plan on how lighting bugs could entertain him. His idea was to let them perform in his personal light show. He knew to pull this off he would have to catch a much larger number of light bugs than he usually did. Now that he had a solid plan it was time to take action. Knowing his mother had a clear huge pickle jar in the smokehouse that was full of hickory nuts they had picked up last fall under their three big hickory nut trees on the farm. He found a bucket in the back of the smokehouse that was big enough so he poured all those hickory nuts into it hoping his parents would miss them or that huge jar. All he needed now was a small neck gallon jug to keep the lighting bugs in once he caught them. His parents used the to store cider. There was only a small amount of cider in the jug which was perfect for storing his lightening bugs in as he caught them. It took Jimmy a while but he found just what he needed in the cellar even though he had pore the cider into a couple of quart fruit jars. Then he took the pickle jar and the gallon jug to the rain barrel that was all almost full of water and after filling the jug about one-quarter full he shook the jar around and around to clean the cider out of the jug and kill its smell, then he pored the water out and did the same with the pickle jar with them both clean he was ready and it was time for him to find performers to act in his new light show. He punched holes in the big lid of the huge pickle jar so the lighting bugs would be able to get air. Now he would wait until dark to collect the actors and actresses who would be performing in his new light show. That night it happened like clockwork as soon as the darkness fell over the front yard he went to work catching those lightning bugs.

2nd Description
Jimmy With The Room Dark Laying In Bed Watching His Country Theater Light Show. (over 50 lightening bugs flying around in a large clear pickle jar on a small table making their light shine)

As he caught them he would remove the cork from the small neck gallon jug. Holding his had over the opening of the jar and by raising his hand just enough to drop the lighting bug in the jar then he would remove his hand and pop the cork into closing the opening very fast not to lose any he had captured. He repeated this every time he caught a lightning bug. After he had caught enough performers for his light show he could transfer them to the huge pickle jar. Most of the time in about an hour he had all he needed. From his bed, in that bedroom, he had a clear view of that huge clear pickle jar sitting on a small table. Everything looked good but the room had to be dark before he could really enjoy the show. After he blew out the coal oil bedroom lamp it was totally dark that raised the curtain and the big light show began. Jimmy, was so excited because he had never seen fireflies perform in a big light show like this before. What a show he stood there with his mouth open. He could not believe how much all those fireflies tit up that corner of his bedroom. He thought this is great so he stripped down to his shorts and jumped in bed as lay there watching the lighting bugs perform in this firefly light show thinking this is truly country theater at its best. It was so exciting watching them as they do their natural thing by letting their light shine. It was quite a show as they flew around inside that huge clear pickle quart jar flashing and crashing. Knowing there were well over fifty lightning bugs in that huge jar. He watched them as they put on a great show. They lit up the table and that corner bedroom with that special light Mother Nature had provided for them. He watched the big show until he fell asleep. When he awoke the next morning he carried the big pickle jar outside and let the lighting bugs all go. It was so much fun. This meant the next night he would be out there in the dark catching a new fifty-plus lightning bugs so they could perform for him that night when he went to bed. His idea was to have a different show by catching a new set of performers every night. This would mean that these fireflies would never be captive for more than a twenty-four-hour period. This way he could enjoy a different show every night with a completely new cast of stars. He liked to call it his Country Theater. Of course today with the crazy laws we have today he could have very well been arrested for some kind of cruelty to bugs.

He always had to find other ways to have fun besides swimming because his Dad did not ever let him to go swimming. The closest he ever got to swimming was when Dad let him wade along the edge of the creek as long as he was there watching. His Dad’s favorite thing to do was read the newspaper and listen to the news on an antique Philco Radio powered with a six-volt car battery plus an A and B dry cell battery pack. His dad used it mostly to listen to the news report on World War II. He despised Hitler and said he was the most brutal dictator who ever lived. His dad’s daily prayer was somehow America has to win the war. He attended War Bond Rallies to raise money to support the war effort. When it came to the newspapers his Dad never missed reading Ernie Pile’s Column a well-known World War II war correspondent.

3rd Description
Jimmy walks down the street in town with his father and his mother carrying his little sister. His mother is holding his little sister with one arm and feeding his sister an ice cream with the other hand while Jimmy is walking ahead with his dad eating a double dip ice cream cone.

Jimmy And His Family Celebrate Butter And Egg Day.
His family did do other exciting things. One example our relatives would come by once a month and pick up our whole family in their big car. Jimmy always looked forward to this day. They would take them into the big town on Saturday to enjoy Butter and egg day. This was the day all the farmers brought their butter, eggs, and produce to town to sell. Of course, that big town was Fayetteville Arkansas guessing the population was about 10,000. To Jimmy, this was such a thrill. It was the only means of transportation his family had to buy our clothes and some needed food items they would need for that month. Otherwise, they had to rely on the Sears or Wards Catalog.
At this time, there were four in his family which were his Dad, his Mom, his 3-year-old sister, and him. Seating his whole family in that big car was the challenge. In order to make it work he would sit on his dad’s lap and his little Sister would sit on her mom’s lap in the back seat of the car. Riding in their relative's car to Fayetteville sure beat riding in a wagon. He could not believe how fast the trees along the side of the road were flying by. His sister and he had their faces glued to the windows. This was a very exciting trip for him and his sister. Especially if they could talk his dad into buying them a double-dip ice cream cone. After all, it only cost a nickel. Jimmy could have one dip of vanilla and the other could be Strawberry he loved them both. As they road along those twelve miles in that old car couldn’t as he remembers not seeing any speeds over 40 miles an hour. This speed was not fast for most cars back then, especially with the bad road conditions. The difference would be if you had a late-model car and were driving on a paved road. They all knew in the year 1939 it sure beat walking. The day they went was always a Saturday because that was Butter and Egg Day. It was such an exciting day to see almost all the farmers In town along with them. Anyone could tell who those farmers were because they all wore bib overalls just like his dad. As a six year boy he had never seen so many people walking the streets in fact he thought all the people in the world must be there. He remembers it was so exciting seeing so many different people. It could be because his family had lived in this area for at least four generations. In all the excitement he suddenly realized it would be another month before they could come back to Fayetteville. Jimmy sure wished his dad would buy a car. Yet he knew with their family being sharecroppers that was nothing more than a big dream. He was walking down the sidewalk alongside his dad eating a big double dip of vanilla and strawberry ice cream cone thinking he was big stuff. After all, he was wearing overalls just like his dad. His mom was walking behind them carrying his little sister holding her with one arm and with the other hand trying to feed an ice cream cone to her as they walked. Jimmy had a lot of fun that Saturday enjoying Butter and Egg Day in Fayetteville. On their ride back home he was already looking forward to next month when they would be coming back. He and his sister fell asleep on the way home maybe to dream about the next time they would make this trip.

Chapter 4
Jimmy’s Uncle Al Arrives To Take Jimmy Swimming. (JIMMY GETS IN OVER HIS HEAD)
It is the following summer and Jimmy is seven years old. A week ago his parents received a letter that Jimmy’s uncle Al was coming to take Jimmy swimming in Richland Creek that coming Saturday. Jimmy was so excited he could not wait, and he kept asking his mother what day it was. A week to him was like forever.
Playing all his games was fun but nothing like his Uncle Al taking him swimming. This had never happened to Jimmy. He was dreaming about it every day. Most all understood why he was so excited when his mom gave him the good news. That day was on his mind every minute dreaming about when he would go swimming with his Uncle Al.

Then it happened, Saturday was here, the day he had been waiting for. That morning he set a record time for eating his breakfast. After finishing he ran out on the front porch and looked down the dirt winding country road that led up to their house. Standing on their front porch so he could easily see when any car was coming. His home was on a hill which gave him a great view to see anyone coming for at least a quarter of a mile and all the dust created by any vehicle on that road. At the time there was no one coming so he sit down on the porch bench to wait. That bench was a part of their front porch for as long as he could remember. He had waited some time before he saw the cloud of dust from what he believed to be his Uncle Al’s car. As it appeared coming up the hill Jimmy yelled for his dad and mom a minute later they came out to join him on the porch with his little sister tagging along behind. He could tell they all were excited seeing Uncle Al’s car as it came rolling into the yard. As soon as his uncle drove into the yard Jimmy ran out and jumped on the running board of his car before he could stop. Then he had to jump off so his uncle could open the car door. Once his uncle stepped out of the car Jimmy, jumped up in his arms and give him a big hug. He was really excited and his uncle Al knew it. His uncle put Jimmy down and ask Jimmy if he would like to go swimming. He started jumping up and down saying he couldn’t wait. About that time his dad, mom, and his little sister walked over to join them. His uncle hugged his Mom and picked up his little sister and gave her a big hug. His dad and AL were brothers and had not seen each other for some time. So they shook hands, hugged slapped each other on the back. After this Jimmy’s uncle Al reached into the back seat of his car and pulled out a small suitcase, sit it down on the ground, and opened it. He then picked up a paper sack and pulled out two big all-day candy suckers, gave one to Jimmy’s little sister and her mother asks her daughter what do you say? Her being a little shy as she looks up at him saying thanks, Uncle Al, he said, you are welcome sweetheart. Then he gave the other sucker to Jimmy. His response was gee thanks, Uncle Al. He closed his suitcase and placed it in the rear seat of his car and closed the car door, this was when they all started walking toward the house with Uncle Al. Jimmy’s mom and dad were walking side by side and talking. Jimmy knew to never interrupt when adults are talking. Jimmy and his little sister were following behind them. He while he and his little sister were enjoying their all-day candy suckers.

Jimmy’s Uncle Al Takes Him Swimming.
They all walked across the porch, in the front door, and through the living and dining room to the kitchen. Jimmy’s mom, asks Uncle Al have you had breakfast? He said, thanks but I have already eaten. Jimmy’s mom had prepared a bag of lunch for both of them. Jimmy looked in his bag and there were a couple of biscuit sandwiches, a boiled egg, and an apple. She then handed his uncle Al his bag lunch with a jug of fresh well water. His uncle Al said thanks to Jimmy’s mom. She responded with I thought you guys would get a little hungry and thirsty before you are ready to come back. They said our thanks and goodbyes to his dad and mom. Jimmy gave his mom a hug he would have hugged but back then men did not hug. Jimmy opened the back door for Uncle Al and they walked down the steps that ended in front of their smokehouse. This is where they stored their salt pork for the winter. This was a time when they did not have refrigerators and Jimmy’s family being sharecroppers could not afford an icebox. When it came winter it was hog-killing his dad would salt down their pork to keep it from spoiling. He stored it inside the smokehouse in a big wooden barrel with metal bands used to hold its pieces together they were like some of the barrels used to store wine and whisky. Of course, Uncle Al knew all of this because he had helped his dad do the same thing when he was younger. Jimmy told Uncle Al that he knew the shortest and best way to Richland Creek. I Gave Uncle Al instructions, saying we need to walk down the good path past go between his farm equipment shed and the big barn. When we are past the big barn we will be able to see the farm equipment road that leads to the creek. His uncle Al said that sounds good to me, you lead the way. When they were past the big barn and started down that dusty farm equipment road from there it was more than an eighth of a mile away to Richland Creek. Jimmy, asked his uncle Al to look as he pointed to the big line of trees which lined the banks of the creek. Jimmy’s Uncle Al responded that's great, Jimmy I see them.

This road run next to the fence that protected their strawberry patch and in the middle of that strawberry patch was a big scarecrow. his dad made a so-called stickman for a scarecrow in fact it looked more like a cross. All Dad did was take two 2”X 4” wooden boards cut them the right sizes and nailed them together making a cross-like structure. Then his dad took his posthole diggers and made them whole about two feet deep placing the long end of the cross in the hole. His dad then packed the dirt around it till it was standing up straight. His dad told him, it will take a really strong wind to blow it over. It looked like any other cross he had seen on some of the churches in Goshen. Jimmy said, I thought if we don’t dress up this scarecrow people passing by will think our strawberry patch is holy ground. Thank God his Dad brought with him a black felt hat and a long black overcoat. Once the cross was dressed I had to admit it looked a little like a man standing in the middle of our strawberry patch with outstretched arms. At least that was what his dad wanted the crows to think so. He did not tell Dad but one of his friends at school told him that he and his Dad watched a big black crow land on one arm of their scarecrow and sit there for a couple of minutes before flying off. Scarecrows may not be as scared of scarecrows as once thought.

As Uncle Al and he were walking along that farm equipment road talking and enjoying a perfect sunny day, Jimmy was thinking they could never have picked a better day to go swimming. Walking along they were kicking up a lot of dust it must have been two inches thick on that farm equipment road. That fence for the strawberry patch was on the edge of the cow pasture. They could hear the birds singing while seeing the June Bugs and butterflies flying all around. The grasshoppers were so thick he told his Uncle Al to look at all the fish bait we could have used if we would have only thought to bring a fishing pole. Uncle Al said, Jimmy, we will have to do that some other time. The sun felt nice and warm as they walked toward the creek. Jimmy was skipping and talking to his uncle Al as he pointed to the long tree line of maple trees just ahead of us that lined the creek's bank. Jimmy could feel his heart racing with each step as we came closer to the creek. At the end of the farm equipment meadow road was a large wooded gate that was too heavy for Jimmy to lift and open so when they reached it Uncle Al opened it for them. Jimmy knew a few steps more and they would be ready to cross the creek. When the aroma of that creek hit their noses and Jimmy was so excited because he truly love that smell of the creek. From he and his dad normally crossed he could hear the shallow water as it rushed over the rocks this is a sound he had heard many times before.

They could hear the wind blowing through the big maple trees that lined banks on both sides of the creek and that cool breeze felt so good blowing through Jimmy’s hair. It gave him such a peaceful feeling. He was looking forward to this because it was such a joy when Dad and he crossed the creek before. Most of the time it was when his dad was taking farm equipment across the creek. He needed to get the equipment across the creek to do work in the field on that side of the river. This was where we raised a lot of hay for their livestock. It took about three minutes after Uncle Al opened the gate for them to be at that same creek’s edge. If it was shallow sometimes so his dad would let Jimmy take off his shoes and wade across. If the water was too high he would sit on his dad’s lap while he took the wagon across the creek. The river water at the crossing near the edge of the river looked crystal clear, they looked out toward the center of the river the water appears to be a light green in color. It was to Jimmy a heavenly place to be. His uncle Al decided to help him across. Jimmy insisted he could do it but Uncle Al said I will help you this time.

Chapter 5
Jimmy Is In The Water Before His Uncle Al-Can Get Undressed And Almost Drown.
After they were on the other side they walked about two hundred feet up the creek then his uncle Al looked around for a couple of minutes and said this would be a nice place for us to go swimming.
They enjoyed the shade of the three large maple trees on the bank behind them. Jimmy remembers looking at the water’s edge and seeing that the bank was covered with gray, brown, and white river rocks, a few leaves scattered here and there, and sand for about thirty feet with a slight downgrade from the high part of the bank to the water’s edge. This is what Uncle Al said. we can undress and get ready to go swimming Uncle Al was right this was a nice place to swim and Jimmy agreed. They had no bathing suits so skinny dipping was the order of the day. When his Uncle Al said let’s get ready. Jimmy had been waiting too long for this. He was wearing a pair
of loose-fitting farmers’ overalls so all he had to do was slip the shoulder straps over his shoulders and his pants would fall down around his ankles within seconds he was in the water.
His Uncle Al was trying to get undressed but he did not wear overalls he was wearing waist pants and a shirt like men were in college. Therefore it took him much longer to get under
dressed. He could not believe how fast Jimmy was in the water and the shocker was when he realized that in all his excitement he had gone far enough out where the water was over his head and he was about to drown. Then his Uncle Al had to run into the water, clothes and all to rescue him. Uncle Al pulled him up as he was going down for the third time. He lifted Jimmy out of the water and carried him out to the bank hitting on his back while he was coughing and spitting up water. By the time they reached the bank, Jimmy was able to take a breath or two and start to get a little air back into his lungs. This would not stop him. He was still excited about getting back into the water even though he almost drowned. His uncle Al said he could go in but he would be holding Jimmy’s hand all the time and he did. Jimmy made up his mind that day he was going to learn how to swim. They were having a lot of fun wading along the edge of the creek and watching a large number of minnows while only seeing a couple of fish big enough to eat. The wind, the smell, and the sound made it a great experience for Jimmy. After this, it was around 10 Am Jimmy told his uncle Al was getting hungry so he said, let’s take a break for lunch. Those sausage and homemade jelly biscuits did taste good. Uncle Al agreed with him. Uncle Al said, your Mom, really is a good cook. Jimmy said we all think so. Wait until you taste her peach cobbler it is out of this world. Uncle Al says I bet it is. After a couple of hours, Uncle Al said we better head back before your mother and Dad gets worried. So they started walking back toward the crossing. When Uncle Al asks him have you ever made a flat river rock skip on top of the water? He said no can you do that? He said, watch and he picked up a smooth flat river rock placed in his hand parallel with the water then curled his finger around the edge of it and threw it like a side arm baseball pitcher. That rock hit the top of the water and made five skips across the water before sinking. Jimmy yelled that was great could you teach me how to do that? uncle Al? He said, sure. He picked up another rock placed it in Jimmy’s hand the same way he held it in his and told him to lean over and throw like he did. When Jimmy threw the rock it hit the water and went straight to the bottom. His Uncle Al said to try another one. He tried eight times but when he tried the ninth time that rock did two skips Jimmy yelled Wow I did it, his uncle said, I knew you could do it. Uncle Al said. We need to get across the creek and head for home and that is what they did. As they walked back toward the house Jimmy was telling Uncle Al what an exciting time he had and was so glad he came to take him swimming. Saying, he would never forget this day as long as I lived.

After they walked into the house Uncle Al decided the story was too good so he had to tell Jimmy’s parents. What followed with a stern warning from his dad & mom said while wagging a finger at me saying “Young man” you will never go near that creek unless an adult is with you. Jimmy could always tell when his Dad and Mom were mad because they always called Jimmy a young man. Jimmy’s uncle had to leave and they all hugged and he picked up Jimmy’s little sister and gave her a special hug and kiss. They all said their goodbyes. They all watched his car head down that country road that lead away from our house until it was out of sight.

Chapter 6
Jimmy’s Excitement Over Whelms Him So He Go Back To The Creek Alone.
(Jimmy Really Likes Adventures This Was One Time He Was In Over His Head)
Jimmy has big ideas and loves exciting adventures sometimes even life threatening. After going swimming with his uncle Al he thought about it every day and could not get that creek out of his mind. That creek was too much fun and he had to go back. A few days after he had gone swimming Jimmy decided the swimming trip with Uncle Al was too much fun not to go back. So Jimmy put on his shirt, and overalls with a pair of high-top shoes then he was ready to go. His dad was working in the field on the other side of the house and he waited for his mom to go into the front room. That gave him a chance to slip out the back door and around the smokehouse so he would not be seen. All he had to do now was cut across that big cow pasture to the far corner climbing over the wooden gate by taking a few more steps he would be at the creek's edge. The closer he got to the creek he started to enjoy that wonderful smell of the creek that he loved so much. He just knew it was going to be a great day and an exciting adventure. He had no idea of how exciting his adventure would be. The water crossing was very shallow. He walked across on the rocks hardly getting his shoes wet. When reached the area where he and Uncle Al tried to go swimming he rolled up his overall pant legs to go wading. Even though he knew no one could hear his yell if he had a problem. He was not afraid, there was no danger Jimmy was thinking the creek is my friend. All he was going to do was wade near the edge of the creek. Once he stepped into the water he was so excited and as he waded along not believing all the fun he was not thinking his mother might miss him. Jimmy had been wading for about thirty minutes when he came to a bush that had grown out of the bank and extended over the creek’s edge. Jimmy wanted to get past this bush so he decided to walk out from the bank a few steps toward the center of the creek. When he did at that moment he got the surprise of his life he stepped off an underwater ledge where the water was completely over his head. was still calm totally under water but thinking very fast. Thinking I am here all alone knowing it was all up to him. Mentally Jimmy said, to himself how can I get out of this? With a thousand thoughts running through his little mind. In a split second, he decided the best way to get out was the same way he got in over his head. At that moment he turn around underwater and stepped up on that ledge that caused him to go in over his head. Once his head was above water he started coughing and spitting up water that went on for at least three minutes. After his coughing and spitting stopped and he could take a breath again. That was when he became very frightened. Knowing he was in deep trouble with his mom and dad. It was time for him to go home. He being soaked from head to toe his next thought was how is he going to get back into the house without my parents seeing me? His idea was to go in through a side door sneak into his room and change out of his wet clothes without being seen. That worked very well but he had to get rid of his wet Overalls, underwear, and shirt. After he changed into some dry clothes and hide his wet clothes in his bedroom closet. He thought I had better check in with my mom. He found her in the kitchen and said hi mom, she looked at him and said where have you been? Jimmy said I have been out looking for squirrels in the woods at the edge of the field which was on his bedroom side of the house. Why did you have to change clothes? Jimmy said he was tired of those old overalls he was wearing. Bad idea, his mother always knew when he was lying. She said, come with me young man and she headed straight for his bedroom once in his bedroom she saw drips of water on the floor from the side door entrance to where he changed clothes leaving a trail of drips that led her right to his bedroom closet where he had stashed his wet clothes. He could not believe how smart his mother was.She yelled you have been swimming in Richland Creek, haven’t you? Jimmy, was speechless and that was when she walked out the side door a
ca yelled for his dad. Jimmy’s dad was Mom’s heavy artillery. About five minutes later his dad walked in through the side door. His dad said, Young man, I want you to tell me and your mother the truth, did you go swimming in Richland Creek?Jimmy had been sweating bullets. Since they ganged up on him he knew the gig was up. So he told them the truth. Knowing his dad would give him the worst whipping he ever had and he was not disappointed. At the time he he realized as he got older the whippings got worse. Somehow he made it a habit of always learning things the hard way. He said, what he did was stupid and he would never do anything like that again. Don’t count on it.
Page #9
JIMMY GETS TO HELP HIS DAD.
It was spring and the flowers were in bloom, the birds were singing, and as Jimmy looked across the cow pasture just below his house there were several cows. He also could see patches of grass, weeds and wildflowers. He was upset to see several patches of short yellow flowery weeds that always caused the milk to taste so bad milk when their milk cows ate them. Jimmy’s dad called them bitter weeds. After the cows ate them they would have to throw the bitter milk out. He and his family could not stand the smell let alone the taste it was so bitter no one in the family would drink it. This did not happen very often, yet he can remember that bitter taste like it was yesterday. In the distance beyond the cow pasture, he could see the long tree line that ran along the bank of Richland Creek. He loved to run through the cow pasture all the way to that tree line. His parents told him never to go past that point. On the other side of that line of trees was Richland Creek he was never to go there alone. He was told many times going there alone was forbidden. Sometimes his Dad let him follow or ride with him when he used their team of mules to pull the wagon and/or equipment so he could complete work in the field on the other side of Richland Creek. His Dad always drove the wagon and/or pulled the equipment down the farm road that ran along the right-hand side of the big cow pasture. The bob-wire fence on the other side of the road protected the family’s field of strawberries. He always knew where the strawberry patch was because there was a big scarecrow in the center of it. He got excited when they reached the big wooden gate at the end of the equipment road because he knew they would be crossing the creek next. He loved the smell of the creek’s aroma it had a beautiful fragrance that he would always remember. That aroma was enhanced by the sound of the wind blowing through the tree leaves and branches of all those big maple trees that lined the banks of Richland Creek, it was such a pleasant and peaceful breeze, to Jimmy it was breathtaking. As they neared the crossing he could hear the sound of the water rushing over the rocks in that shallow area where they always crossed the creek. These sounds of the creek all blended together to give him the feeling he was in a heavenly place. Believing God through Mother Nature created it for him to enjoy. For Jimmy as a six-year-old boy, it became a special place in his life at the time. Sometimes his Dad would let him roll up his overall pant legs and wade across the Creek. Of course, if the water was too high he would ride in the wagon sitting on his dad’s lap. The exciting part was he would let him hold on to the check lines so he would feel that he was in control of Dixie and Trixie as they pulled the wagon and farm equipment across the creek. What a thrill for him being a six-year-old boy to be doing a man’s work. Of course, his dad had full control but Jimmy would get excited anytime dad let him do it. His dad appeared to enjoy it as much as he did by watching him get so excited. Anytime during the summer when he walked or ran through the cow pasture he had to keep his eyes open to make sure he didn’t step on a snake. He was not afraid because if he didn’t step on them he knew they would run away from him, at least he hoped they would.

Chapter 1
Jimmy’s Exciting Ride:
Jimmy will never forget the day his dad ask him if he would like a soda pop. Jimmy gave a resounding Oh yes as his answer. Dad, the store is a mile away how are we going to get there? Son, we are going to ride Nell. Jimmy, you remember how I let you ride with me on Nell down to the cow pasture and back? That will be great, Dad, when can we go? We will go as soon as we can get ready to ride. Jimmy replied, Dad, I am ready now. His dad said If you will follow me to the barn. When they arrive there Jimmy’s dad said you stand here by the wagon I have to go into the barn to pick up some things but will be right back. Jimmy waited about five minutes when he saw his dad come out of the barn with a bridle, gunny sack, and a piece of rope Jimmy knew about the bridle. He had seen his dad use it many times before. The bridle was made to fit over the horse’s head with a long set of rains attached to it so his dad could control and guide the horse. He asks his dad what is the gunny sack and the rope for?

I will show you later. Jimmy let's walk around the barn to another barn yard where Nell is. When they arrived and saw Nell his dad walked up to Nell put the bridle over her head and secured it. Jimmy’s dad threw the two long rains across Nell’s neck then pull back to where the rider would be riding and tied them together. The reason for tying them together was there would be no chance of dropping the long rains. If that happened they would have dismounted and remounted Nell again. Jimmy asks what about the gunny sack? Jimmy your mother ask me to pick up some groceries so we need a way to carry them home. We are riding bareback so I will explain how we plan to carry those groceries home. His father gathered the gunny sack at the top and tied the center of the rope around that part of the gunny sack like this (showing Jimmy how it would work) after this he placed asking Jimmy to hold it in place while tying the two loose ends of the rope together on top of Nell’s neck. Jimmy, now you understand how we will carry the groceries home, yes Dad I understand Jimmy’s dad grabs Nell's mane and then swings himself up on her back. Jimmy, do you remember how I helped you get mounted before? Jimmy replied yes Dad, you know what to do, put your hands over your head and when I reach down grab my arm and hold on tight I will hold on to one of your arms as I pull you up onto Nell's back in front of me. Okay, Dad, Jimmy replied. His dad reached down picked Jimmy up and sat him on Nell's back just in front of him. His father wanted to make sure Jimmy did not fall off during their trip to the store. Jimmy asks his dad can I guide Nell? This is a man’s job do you think you can do it? Jimmy replied yes Dad. Jimmy’s dad had his arms around Jimmy so he handed Jimmy the long rains so Jimmy guide the horse. A big smile came across Jimmy’s face as he said, thanks, Dad. Jimmy’s little hands gripped the horse’s now he was in charge of guiding Nell. To start out Jimmy’s dad put his hands over Jimmy’s hands showing how to control the horse. Jimmy if you want the horse to go right you pull on the right rain like this. Then If you want the horse to go left you pull on the left rain like this. Jimmy, replied Ive got it. Now when you want the horse to go you say “get up” and when you want her to stop you say “woo” and pull back on the rains. All the way to the store Jimmy was having the time of his life being able to guide Nell by himself all the way to the store. When they arrived at the hitching rail on the side of the store Nell stopped on her own. Jimmy's dad said, Jimmy, you forgot to say “wo.” Jimmy, said, I will remember next time.

Jimmy give me both of your hands so I can hold them as I lower you down to the ground. After Jimmy’s dad and he dismounted Jimmy’s dad hitched Nell up to the hitching rail. Jimmy, ask his dad, can I have a strawberry soda pop? Son hold your horses we are not in the store yet. They were no more inside the store when Jimmy ran to the ice box opened it and pull out a big strawberry soda pop. Son here is a nickel go pay for it. Jimmy, you need to drink all of that soda before we are ready to start our ride back home, all right Dad? We have to pick up some groceries for your mother and penny candy for your little sister. Your mother needs five pounds of flour, five pounds of sugar, and two pounds of pinto beans. I want to buy a bottle of hand lotion for your mother and some penny candy for your little sister. Then we will be ready to pay for all this and head for home. Jimmy said, can I have a piece of penny candy? Okay, just one your sister gets five pieces because she did not get a soda like you. Jimmy’s dad paid the store owner who bagged their groceries. His daddy said, Jimmy, I see you have about a fourth of your soda left in about ten minutes we will be on our way home, can you finish it in that time? If not you will have to pour it out. Jimmy, said, Dad, I will finish it. Okay, Jimmy I just wanted to give you an advance warning. When Jimmy was ready his daddy picked up the bag of groceries and headed out of the store with Jimmy right behind him. After they reached the hitching rail where Nell was Jimmy’s dad sat the groceries down on the ground, reached up, and untied the rope on the top of Nell’s neck letting the gunny sack and rope fall to the ground. Then he untied and opened the gunny sack placing the sack of groceries inside it. He then tied the rope back in the same place it was on the gunny sack. As he lifted it up under Nell’s neck he called for Jimmy to hold it in place while he tied the two loose ends of the rope together on the top of Nell’s neck. He then grabbed onto Nell's mane and lifted himself up on her back. Son, you know what to do, put your hands over your when I reach down grab my arm and hold on tight I will hold on to one of your arms as I pull you up. Hold on time Jimmy followed his dad’s instructions. Then his daddy lifted Jimmy up on Nell’s back sitting Jimmy in front of him just like before. Dad, can I guide Nell as I did before? Okay, Jimmy now that you know how, it should be no problem. Their ride back it was as exciting for Jimmy the going there. When they arrived at the barn Jimmy’s dad untied the groceries and lowered them to the ground. He then took hold of Jimmy’s arm and lowered him to the ground too. He ask Jimmy to stay with the groceries while he took Nell to the other barnyard and put her in her stall. Jimmy’s dad came back carrying Nell’s bridle. He then took the rope off the groceries and carried the bridle and rope back into the barn.

When Jimmy’s dad came back picked up the groceries and said, Jimmy, let's go see your mother and little sister. When they walked in the house where his mother and little sister were waiting and sit the groceries down on the kitchen table. Opened up the bag of groceries and handed Jimmy’s little sister her penny candy, and his mom her bottle of hand lotion. Jimmy's little sister wasted no time to start eating her penny candy. His mom thanks Jimmy’s dad for the hand lotion. His dad sets the rest of the groceries out on the table. Jimmy’s father said, enjoy. This was a rare occasion so all were excited. No one was as excited as Jimmy who wanted everyone to hear what he was excited about. He started to tell his mother and little sister about their exciting trip to the store and how Dad let him guide and control Nell there and back. In fact, he was so excited no one could shut him up.

Chapter 2
Jimmy Prepared To Enjoy His Light Show.
He would invent games he and his little three old sisters could play together and sometimes he just wanted to play alone. Catching grasshoppers, June bugs and frogs was not enough. He began to think of a way he could have fun during the summer. This time of year was a fun time for him. He would be trying to catch the butterflies, grasshoppers, and June bugs during the day and at night he could catch lighting bugs after dark. This was when he devised a plan on how lighting bugs could entertain him. His idea was to let them perform in his personal light show. He knew to pull this off he would have to catch a much larger number of light bugs than he usually did. Now that he had a solid plan it was time to take action. Knowing his mother had a clear huge pickle jar in the smokehouse that was full of hickory nuts they had picked up last fall under their three big hickory nut trees on the farm. He found a bucket in the back of the smokehouse that was big enough so he poured all those hickory nuts into it hoping his parents would miss them or that huge jar. All he needed now was a small neck gallon jug to keep the lighting bugs in once he caught them. His parents used the to store cider in. There was only a small amount of cider in the jug which was perfect for storing his lightening bugs in as he caught them. It took Jimmy a while but he found just what he needed in the cellar even though he had pore the cider into a couple of quart fruit jars. Then he took the pickle jar and the gallon jug to the rain barrel that was all almost full of water and after filling the jug about one-quarter full he shook the jar around and around to clean the cider out of the jug and kill its smell, then he pored the water out and did the same with the pickle jar with them both clean he was ready and it was time for him to find performers to act in his new light show. He punched holes in the big lid of the huge pickle jar so the lighting bugs would be able to get air. Now he would wait until dark to collect the actors and actresses who would be performing in his new light show. That night it happened like clockwork as soon as the darkness fell over the front yard he went to work catching those lightning bugs.

2nd Illustration
Jimmy With The Room Dark Laying In Bed Watching His Country Theater Light Show. (over 50 lightening bugs flying around in a large clear pickle jar on a small table making their light shine)

As he caught them he would remove the cork from the small neck gallon jug. Holding his hand over the opening of the jar and raised his hand just enough to drop the lighting bug in the jar then he would remove his hand and pop the cork in to close the opening very fast not to lose any he had captured. He repeated this every time he caught a lightning bug. After he had caught enough performers for his light show he could transfer them to the huge pickle jar. Most of the time in about an hour he had all he needed. From his bed in that bedroom, he had a clear view of that huge clear pickle jar sitting on a small table. Everything looked good but the room had to be dark before he could really enjoy the show. After he blew out the coal oil bedroom lamp it was totally dark he raised the curtain and the big light, began. Jimmy, was so excited because he had never seen fireflies perform in a big light show like this before. What a show he stood there with his mouth open. He could not believe how much all those fireflies tit up that corner of his bedroom. He thought this is great so he stripped down to his shorts and jumped in bed as lay there watching the lighting bugs perform in this firefly light show thinking this is truly country theater at its best. It was so exciting watching them as they do their natural thing by letting their light shine. It was quite a show as they flew around inside that huge clear pickle quart jar flashing and crashing. Knowing there were well over fifty lightning bugs in that huge jar. He watched them as they put on a great show. They lit up the table and that corner bedroom with that special light Mother Nature had provided for them. He watched the big show until he fell asleep. When he awoke the next morning he carried the big pickle jar outside and let the lighting bugs all go. It was so much fun. This meant the next night he would be out there in the dark catching a new fifty-plus lightning bugs so they could perform for him that night when he went to bed. His idea was to have a different show by catching a new set of performers every night. This would mean that these fireflies would never be captive for more than a twenty-four-hour period. This way he could enjoy a different show every night with a completely new cast of stars. He liked to call it his Country Theater. Of course today with the crazy laws we have today he could have very well been arrested for some kind of cruelty to bugs.

He always had to find other ways to have fun besides swimming because his Dad did not ever let him go swimming. The closest he ever got to swimming was when Dad let him wade along the edge of the creek as long as he was there watching. His Dad’s favorite thing to do was read the newspaper and listen to the news on an antique Philco Radio powered with a six-volt car battery plus an A and B dry cell battery pack. His dad used it mostly to listen to the news report on World War II. He despised Hitler and said he was the most brutal dictator who ever lived. His dad’s daily prayer was somehow America has to win the war. He attended War Bond Rallies to raise money to support the war effort. When it came to the newspapers his Dad never missed reading Ernie Pile’s Column a well-known World War II war correspondent.

3rd Illustration
Jimmy walks down the street in town with his father and his mother carrying his little sister. His mother is holding his little sister with one arm and feeding his sister an ice cream with he other hand while Jimmy is walking ahead with his dad eating a double dip ice cream cone.

Jimmy And His Family Celebrate Butter And Egg Day.
His family did do other exciting things. One example our relatives would come by once a month and pick up our whole family in their big car. Jimmy always looked forward to this day. They would take them into the big town on Saturday to enjoy Butter and egg day. This was the day all the farmers brought their butter, eggs, and produce to town to sell. Of course, that big town was Fayetteville Arkansas guessing the population was about 10,000. To Jimmy, this was such a thrill. It was the only means of transportation his family had to buy our clothes and some needed food items they would need for that month. Otherwise, they had to rely on the Sears or Wards Catalog.
At this time, there were four in his family which were his Dad, Mom, his 3-year-old sister, and him. Seating his whole family in that big car was the challenge. In order to make it work he would sit on his dad’s lap and his little Sister would sit on her mom’s lap in the back seat of the car. Riding in their relative's car to Fayetteville sure beat riding in a wagon. He could not believe how fast the trees along the side of the road were flying by. His sister and he had their faces glued to the windows. This was a very exciting trip for him and his sister. Especially if they could talk his dad into buying them a double-dip ice cream cone. After all, it was only cost a nickel. Jimmy could have one dip of vanilla and the other could be Strawberry he loved them both. As they road along those twelve miles in that old car couldn’t as he remembers not seeing any speeds over 40 miles an hour. This speed was not fast for most cars back then, especially with the bad road conditions. The difference would be if you had a late-model car and were driving on a paved road. They all knew in the year 1939 it sure beat walking. The day they went was always a Saturday because that was Butter and Egg Day. It was such an exciting day to see almost all the farmers In town along with them. Anyone could tell who those farmers were because they all wore bib overalls just like his dad. As a six year boy he had never seen so many people walking the streets in fact he thought all the people in the world must be there. He remembers it was so exciting seeing so many different people. It could be because his family had lived in this area for at least four generations. In all the excitement he suddenly realized it would be another month before they could come back to Fayetteville. Jimmy sure wished his dad would buy a car. Yet he knew with their family being sharecroppers that was nothing more than a big dream. He was walking down the sidewalk alongside his dad eating a big double dip of vanilla and strawberry ice cream cone thinking he was big stuff. After all, he was wearing overalls just like his dad. His mom was walking behind them carrying his little sister holding her with one arm and with the other hand trying to feed an ice cream cone to her as they walked. Jimmy had a lot of fun that Saturday enjoying Butter and Egg Day in Fayetteville. On their ride back home he was already looking forward to next month when they would be coming back. He and his sister fell asleep on the way home maybe to dream about the next time they would make this trip.

Chapter 3
some other time. The sun felt nice and warm as they walked toward the creek. Jimmy was skipping and talking to his uncle Al as he pointed to the long tree line of maple trees just ahead of us that lined the bank of the creek. Jimmy could feel his heart racing with each step as we came closer to the creek. At the end of farm equipment meadow road was a large wooded gate that was too heavy for Jimmy to lift and open so when they reached it Uncle Al opened it for them. Jimmy knew a few steps more and they would be ready to cross the creek. When the aroma of that creek hit their noses and Jimmy was so excited because he truly love that smell of the creek. From he and his dad normally crossed I could hear the shallow water as it rushed over the rocks this is a sound he had heard many times before.

They could hear the wind blowing through the big maple trees that lined banks on both sides of the creek and that cool breeze felt so good blowing through Jimmy’s hair. It gave him such a peaceful feeling. He was looking forward to this because it was such a joy when dad and he crossed the creek before. Most of the time it was when his dad was taking farm equipment across the creek. He needed to get the equipment across the creek to do work in the field on that side of the river. This was where we raised a lot of hay for their livestock. It took about three minutes after Uncle Al opened the gate for them to be at that same creek’s edge. If it was shallow sometimes so his dad would let Jimmy take off his shoes off and wade across. If the water was too high he would sit on his dad’s lap while he took the wagon across the creek. The river water at the crossing near the edge of the river looked crystal clear, they looked out toward the center of the river the water appears to be a light green in color. It was to Jimmy a heavenly place to be. His uncle Al decided to help him across. Jimmy insisted he could do it but Uncle Al said I will help you this time.

Chapter 4
Jimmy Is In The Water Before His Uncle Al-Can Get Undressed And Almost Drown.
After they were on the other side they walked about two hundred feet up the creek then his uncle Al looked around for a couple of minutes and said this would be a nice place for us to go swimming.
They enjoyed the shade of the three large maple trees on the bank behind them. Jimmy remembers looking at the water’s edge and seeing that the bank was covered with gray, brown, and white river rocks, a few leaves scattered here and there, and sand for about thirty feet with a slight downgrade from the high part of the bank to the water’s edge. This is what Uncle Al said. we can undress and get ready to go swimming Uncle Al was right this was a nice place to swim and Jimmy agreed. They had no bathing suits so skinny dipping was the order of the day. When his Uncle Al said let’s get ready. Jimmy had been waiting too long for this. He was wearing a pair
of loose-fitting farmers’ overalls so all he had to do was slip the shoulder straps over his shoulders and his pants would fall down around his ankles within seconds he was in the water.
His Uncle Al was trying to get undressed but he did not wear overalls he was wearing waist pants and shirt like men were in college. Therefore it took him much longer to get under
undressed. He could not believe how fast Jimmy was in the water and the shocker was when he realized that in all his excitement he had gone far enough out where the water was over his head and he was about to drown. Then his Uncle Al had to run into the water, clothes and all to rescue him. Uncle Al pulled him up as he was going down for the third time. He lifted Jimmy out of the water and carried him out to the bank hitting on his back while he was coughing and spitting up water. By the time they reached the bank, Jimmy was able to take a breath or two and start to get a little air back into his lungs. This would not stop him. He was still excited about getting back into the water even though he almost drowned. His uncle Al said he could go in but he would be holding Jimmy’s hand all the time and he did. Jimmy made up his mind that day he was going to learn how to swim. They were having a lot of fun wading along the edge of the creek and watching a large number of minnows while only seeing a couple of fish big enough to eat. The wind, the smell, and the sound made it a great experience for Jimmy. After this, it was around 10 Am Jimmy told his uncle Al was getting hungry so he said, let’s take a break for lunch. Those sausage and homemade jelly biscuits did taste good. Uncle Al agreed with him. Uncle Al said, your Mom, really is a good cook. Jimmy said we all think so. Wait until you taste her peach cobbler it is out of this world. Uncle Al says I bet it is. After a couple of hours, Uncle Al said we better head back before your mother and Dad gets worried. So they started walking back toward the crossing. When Uncle Al asks him have you ever made a flat river rock skip on top of the water? He said no can you do that? He said, watch and he picked up a smooth flat river rock placed in his hand parallel with the water then curled his finger around the edge of it and threw it like a side arm baseball pitcher. That rock hit the top of the water and made five skips across the water before sinking. Jimmy yelled that was great could you teach me how to do that? uncle Al? He said, sure. He picked up another rock placed it in Jimmy’s hand the same way he held it in his and told him to lean over and throw like he did. When Jimmy threw the rock it hit the water and went straight to the bottom. His Uncle Al said to try another one. He tried eight times but when he tried the ninth time that rock did two skips Jimmy yelled Wow I did it, his uncle said, I knew you could do it. Uncle Al said. We need to get across the creek and head for home and that is what they did. As they walked back toward the house Jimmy was telling Uncle Al what an exciting time he had and was so glad he came to take him swimming. Saying, he would never forget this day as long as I lived.

After they walked in the house Uncle Al decided the story was too good so he had to tell Jimmy’s parents. What followed with a stern warning from his dad & mom said while wagging a finger at me saying “Young man” you will never go near that creek unless an adult is with you. Jimmy could always tell when his Dad and Mom were mad because they always called Jimmy a young man. Jimmy’s uncle had to leave and they all hugged and he picked up Jimmy’s little sister and gave her a special hug and kiss. They all said, their goodbyes. They all watched his car head down that country road that lead away from our house until it was out of sight.

Chapter 5
Jimmy’s Excitement Over Whelms Him So He Go Back To The Creek Alone.
(Jimmy Really Likes Adventures This Was One Time He Was In Over His Head)
Jimmy has big ideas and loves exciting adventures sometimes even life threatening. After going swimming with his uncle Al he thought about it every day and could not get that creek out of his mind. That creek was too much fun and he had to go back. A few days after he had gone swimming Jimmy decided the swimming trip with Uncle Al was too much fun not to go back. So Jimmy put on his shirt, and overalls with a pair of high-top shoes then he was ready to go. His dad was working in the field on the other side of house and he waited for his mom to go into the front room. That gave him a chance to slip out the back door and around the smokehouse so he would not be seen. All he had to do now the cut across that big cow pasture to the far corner climbing over the wooden gate by taking a few more steps he would be at the edge of the creek. The closer he got to the creek he started to enjoy that wonderful smell of the creek that he loved so much. He just knew it was going to be a great day and an exciting adventure. He had no idea of how exciting his adventure would be. The water crossing was very shallow. He walked across on the rocks hardly getting his shoes wet. When reached the area where he and Uncle Al tried to go swimming he rolled up his overall pant legs to go wading. Even though he knew no one could hear his yell if he had a problem. He was not afraid, there was no danger Jimmy was thinking the creek is my friend. All he was going to do was wade near the edge of the creek. Once he stepped into the water he was so excited and as he waded along not believing all the fun he was not thinking his mother might miss him. Jimmy had been wading for about thirty minutes when he came to a bush that had grown out of the bank and extended over the creek’s edge. Jimmy wanted to get past this bush so he decided to walk out from the bank a few steps toward the center of the creek. When he did at that moment he got the surprise of his life he stepped off an underwater ledge where the water was completely over his head. was still calm totally under water but thinking very fast. Thinking I am here all alone knowing it was all up to him. Mentally Jimmy said, to himself how can I get out of this? With a thousand thoughts running through his little mind. In a split second, he decided the best way to get out was the same way he got in over his head. At that moment he turn around underwater and stepped up on that ledge that caused him to go in over his head. Once his head was above water he started coughing and spitting up water that went on for at least three minutes. After his coughing and spitting stopped and he could take a breath again. That was when he became very frightened. Knowing he was in deep trouble with his mom and dad. It was time for him to go home. He being soaked from head to toe his next thought was how is he going to get back into the house without my parents seeing me? His idea was to go in through a side door sneak into his room and change out of his wet clothes without being seen. That worked very well but he had to get rid of his wet Overalls, underwear, and shirt. After he changed into some dry clothes and hide his wet clothes in his bedroom closet. He thought I had better check in with my mom. He found her in the kitchen and said hi mom, she looked at him and said where have you been? Jimmy said I have been out looking for squirrels in the woods at the edge of the field which was on his bedroom side of the house. Why did you have to change clothes? Jimmy said he was tired of those old overalls he was wearing. Bad idea, his mother always knew when he was lying. She said, come with me young man and she headed straight for his bedroom once in his bedroom she saw drips of water on the floor from the side door entrance to where he changed clothes leaving a trail of drips that led her right to his bedroom closet where he had stashed his wet clothes. He could not believe how smart his mother was. She yelled you have been swimming in Richland Creek, haven’t you? Jimmy, was speechless and that was when she walked out the side door and yelled for his dad. Jimmy’s dad was Mom’s heavy artillery. About five minutes later his dad walked in through the side door. His dad said, Young man, I want you to tell me the truth, did you go swimming in Richland Creek? JImmy’s mother filled him in with what she found and showed the evidence to him. All this time Jimmy had been sweating bullets. Since they ganged up on him he knew the gig was up. So he told them the truth. Knowing his dad would give him the worst whipping he ever had and he was not disappointed. At the time he he realized as he got older the whippings got worse. Jimmy promised his parents he would never go near regal Richland Creek again unless an adult
was with him. He said I will tell all my friends to do the same.

Page #11
Family And Special Events
SCOUT MEMORIES:
ANNUAL SCOUT CAMPOREE:
It was the summer of 1946. B J along with the scouts in our troop knew the coming weekend was going to be the most exciting scout event of the year. B J knew he had to be prepared (after all "be prepared” is our motto) because we were leaving That coming Friday at noon.

Thursday night before he laid out all his gear and packed my backpack, most all B J’s gear he bought at the Army Navy Store he had set for cooking and eating utensils a shovel spade, clothesline rope, canteen, Scout Manual, food, and various other items he would need when camping out using the money he made selling newspapers and shining shoes on the street B J wanted to insure come Friday morning he would be ready to go. They were all meeting with their scoutmaster and assistant scoutmaster. They had been working with them training and practicing for this annual event. Their scout masters were the responsible adults who would be keeping all of those boys in line. They were all told to be at Greenland High School at 12 noon to catch the bus. The scoutmaster told them they would be on the road for about one hour before they reached the park. They were all so excited the scoutmasters had to calm them down a couple of times on the way to the park. They became a little too loud for our bus driver to keep his mind on the road. Once the bus pulled into Arkansas’s Devil’s Den State Park they could not wait to grab their backpacks and start setting up their tents. They were all in a rush but their scoutmaster said not so fast. I want you guys to look up at the sky and see those dark clouds, you know what that means. As soon as you're tents are up you will need to start ditching them. I am sure none of you want to be sleeping in a wet bed or sleeping bag. Now all of you listen up. We have written a plan that maps out the spaces where each team will set up your tents. We will be working on a buddy system. Each team will consist of two boys per team in your sleeping quarters. Starting early tomorrow morning 7 o'clock is breakfast and after that, we will start the events of the Scout Camporee that has been scheduled. Each of your teams will be assigned to compete in certain events throughout the weekend. We will be handing out the schedule with the events listed that you are assigned. Now is the time for all of you boys to start setting up your tents my assistant Scoutmaster will give each team a sheet showing the exact location where will set up your tent. One more thing don't forget to ditch your tent. From the looks of those dark clouds today we can count on a heavy rain tonight. You boys need to speed it up get the tents up ditch them and hit the sack. Everyone grabbed their backpacks and double-timed them over to their tent location area. Everyone was moving so fast to get their tent set up that you would think it was a timed contest.
BJ’s buddy Dean and he were moving fast like everyone else. Before starting they had to confirm their location from the layout sheet the assistant Scoutmaster had given them. All the tents were lined up on the side of the small hill. BJ and his buddy Dean got busy unpacking their gear and then started setting up their tent. They checked all the tent steaks making sure they were well secured along with their tie-down lines and tent poles. After this, BJ and Dean and pulled out our shovels and proceeded to dig a ditch around their tent to divert the water from the rain they expected.


By this time they were both so tired they couldn't wait to roll out the sleeping bags and jump in them. Knowing getting a few zee's would be heavenly. They knew tomorrow was going to be a busy day for them. At about 4 AM that morning, they all got a surprise wake-up call from our Scoutmaster who told them they were going to experience such a heavy rain storm that could be called a frog strangler. Those small ditches they dug for their tents to protect them from water intrusion would be no, match for the rain storm that would hit when awakened the next morning. They were not disappointed with the river flowing through their tent soaking all their bedding, clothes, and everything they had. That's when they were happy with the clothesline rope they brought along with them. When they ran out of clotheslines they used low-hanging tree branches they could find to hang their bedding and clothes on so they could dry. That morning they had to wear wet clothes. They were so thankful the sun came out and it was a beautiful morning. They were ready for an early breakfast. Which they will never forget. BJ and Dean picked up all the cooking and eating utensils along with the food they needed to cook for their breakfast. This consisted of rice, pancake mix, maple syrup, and a canteen of water. Of course, they also had the sugar salt pepper, and a little seasoning. They didn't want everything to taste flat. By the time they were on top of the hill, there were scouts waiting in line to cook their breakfast on the hot blazing fire. They knew it was hot because they could feel the heat with three scouts in front of them. they decided to see if the clothes were dry. The clothes they were wearing were still wet. Now they were ready for the next event. Several events were scheduled that weekend. Some were hiking events, some were identifying how to survive in the wilderness in case we got lost.
B J and Dean’s next event was flipping the pancake after one side was cooked over a 7-foot high string. It was Dean's job to prepare the batter for the pancake then Dean poured it into the pan. Then it was time for B J to flip the pancake over the 7-foot string once one side was done. What's it landed back in the pan the cook side of the pancake had to be up or B J would have to repeat that procedure until it happened. As luck would have it, the cops are the pancake landed in the pan with the cook side up. Then when the pancake was done Dean’s job was to cut it in half and each had to eat half of that pancake and do it within seven minutes. have it. The cooked side of the pancake was up so he could cook the other side of the pancake. When the pancake was done it was Dean’s job to cut it in half and for each to eat half of that pancake and do it within seven minutes. B J and Dean were excited. They had completed their task in the allotted time and earned a blue ribbon.
B J and Dean were given each other's high-fives then the scoutmaster joined in with the celebration. After this, they were awarded a blue ribbon.

BJ and Dean’s next event was using similar triangles to ask to make the height of a tall pole. Dean cut a straight stick from a tree limb and sharpened one end of it, pressing it down into the ground where one foot was still visible. Then BJ lay down on the ground in a position where he could site its top in line with the top of a tall pole. The idea was to calculate the height of the pole through this procedure. By forming a small triangle and a large triangle that were similar triangles. BJ and Dean were able to calculate how high the pole was. They only missed it by two feet. Which the rules allowed. So BJ and Dean earned their second blue ribbon. All of our scouts were involved in so many events that weekend BJ had trouble remembering all of them. He and Dean
knew a great weekend was had by all. BJ looked at Dean saying, we could've never dreamed that this weekend would be so great and exciting. Dean said you are so right.
It was Sunday evening and the weekend was over. It was time to return home. When everyone was loaded on the bus to return home. BJ’s buddy Dean and a few others were giving each other high fives and cheering for each other because they had become the Champion Scout Troop for the weekend winning the big red, white, and blue ribbon which was the Championship Ribbon for the high total score from all the events they participated in that weekend. It was hard for them to believe that their scout troop for a small country town like Greenland, Arkansas had won the state Scout Camporee Championship but it was true. This was a scouting weekend they will never forget.
On Monday all the teachers in our high school announced to their classes that our Scout Troop earned The Championship in all the events at our Scout Camporee at Arkansas Devil Den’s State Park. Bringing home the red, white, and blue ribbons plus all the blue ribbons for the individual events which were displayed in the hall's display case at their school.
Page #12
Short stories, Family And Special Events
BJ’S EXPLORER SCOUT TROOP, EXPLORERS OUTLAWS CAVE.
Note: Names Have Been Changed To Protect The Innocent.
BJ joined the Senior Explorer Boy Scouts at the age of 15. His scout leader was Mr. Barns a Marine Veteran
from World War II. BJ served with Mr. Barnes as leader of this Senior Explorer Scout Troop for two years. During this period they explored over twenty caves in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. You would be amazed some of them were wet and others were dry some had some light inside others were dark as night. After they explored these wet caves if anyone saw them they would swear they all had been in a mud fight. During the last year, BJ served as their Senior Patrol Leader.

BJ was talking to some older men who were always hanging out a the general store telling stories to each other about their younger years. They always referred to them as The Spit and Whittle Club. BJ told them about the Explorer Scout Troop going to explore that so-called outlaw’s cave. One of the club’s members said, I know about that cave. It is up near the state of Missouri line. It was an area where Jesse James and his gang were in quite often. If you boys go far enough back in that cave you all will find a big cave in. He added I knew two guys that were all over that cave before that cave-in happened. They were able to go past the point of where the cave was. They told me they had not gone far post that point until the cave opened up into a huge room. As BJ listened he said, they looked up on that big wall and saw where someone had painted in huge letters “Jesse James 1879.” They said It was quite a sight to see. BJ told his scout master Mr. Barns about the story he had heard. His scoutmaster said, I have heard that story too but we really don’t know how true it is. We will not be able to go past the point of that cave so there is no way we will know how true it is.

The Scout Master during that Friday night’s explorer scout meeting informed all of them what to expect in exploring that so-called outlaw’s cave. The scoutmaster said, BJ please hand out these prep sheets for this trip. Saying scouts I have made a list of the equipment you will need and some safety rules. Make sure you study them and know them well. I realize some of you newer scouts may not have been able to buy all your scouting equipment yet. So BJ as your senior patrol leader will be responsible for finding out which of you are short equipment. Knowing we are all a team any of you newer scouts are in need just let BJ find whatever you need from the older scouts who are well-equipped and will share with you. BJ checked with you all you newer scouts saying you all had a backpack, carbide light, scout knife, flashlight, and shovel. canteen and would make your sandwiches for lunch. Scouts is that so? Yes sir. The scoutmaster said, great. There is one thing I would like to add. Our shoes are very important when exploring any cave. Therefore we all want to wear regular laced shoes and double tie the laces. The last thing we need is to we tripping over loose laces. With all that we are all in good shape as we remember to pack our backpacks with what we need and fill our canteens with fresh water we will be good to go for adventure this is Saturday which is tomorrow. As outlined on that sheet of instructions BJ gave out we will all meet and assemble by the bus at the Greenland High School Grounds this Saturday morning at 7:00 AM.

Some of the parents had other plans for their sons but nine of them showed up including their scoutmaster. Their scoutmaster was standing by the bus saying, you scouts listen up. I have talked with some friends who have visited this cave we are going to explore today. I am told it is a dry cave and a lot of areas are lighted throughout the cave which is not bad. I see you all have your backpacks and canteens the question did you bring your carbide lights and a flashlight along with some sandwiches for your lunch? I am sure your canteens are filled with fresh water. Is that right? The scouts all responded yes sir. That’s great, as you see I also have my backpack and have packed mine with the same items including my lunch along with a long rope and a ball of white string we can use for trail marking. I want all you scouts to get into formation in front
of the bus with the four new senior scouts in front so I can take a picture. After Mr. Barns took their picture he said, let us all get aboard the bus. The scoutmaster and all the scouts boarded the bus. The scout master slid under the wheel and said, Is everybody ready? They all responded, yes sir. The bus started to roll and after a little over an hour on the road, they pulled up near the mouth of the cave. They all walked up to the mouth of the cave. It was an awesome sight to see.
Their scoutmaster asks them to hold up for some important information. He said I don’t want any of you scouts to get lost. B J, here is a ball of white string as our senior scout patrol leader you will be in charge of marking our trail as we move through this huge cave, we will stop briefly while you place the trail marker. BJ will be tying the white string around rocks, boulders and whatever is available and easy for us to see. Plan to do this about every 30 feet and tie it in a large bow so it will be easy to see from a distance. Marking our trail like this we will easily be able to find our way back to the mouth of the cave. BJ replied yes sir.
Now I want all of you scouts to put on your backpacks and fall into a formation with the four new senior scouts in the front and you’re back to the mouth of the cave. The reason is to get another picture as part of the record for our trip. After Mr. Barns took the pictures


With their backpacks on they were ready and excited about this new adventure even though it was going to be an all-day affair. The scoutmaster and all the scouts keep close together as we move through this cave so we can all communicate with each other. If any one of you has a problem all you have to do is yell stop. We will all stop and come to your aid. B. J. will be marking our trail by tying white string around rocks and boulders marking our path as we move through this cave. Then when we decide to start making our way back to the entrance of the cave it will be easy for us to return to where we started. As we explore this cave I want you scouts to observe everything around you. In fact, I want you to make a mental note of what you see. The scoutmaster said, If any of you newer scouts have a question we will stop and try to answer your question. Earlier BJ had briefed the newer scouts that anytime they address their scoutmaster they are to address him as Mr. Barns. If any of you have a question to ask our scoutmaster you say, Mr. Barns, then ask your question. Do you all understand this? The scouts responded, yes sir. Mr. Barns is a volunteer and a great scoutmaster so the least we can do is always show him respect.

Mr. Barnes says, now I want you all to stand in the mouth of this cave with your backpacks on in formation with the four new senior scouts in front. I did not tell Now that you are all in formation hold it and smile. Mr. Barns took a couple of pictures and said, are all of you ready? 
They all replied yes sir. Now if you will all follow me we will start this exciting adventure.
Knowing they had just started and it was going to be an all-day affair.

After exploring different parts of the cave walking through so many tunnel areas with the scout master taking a lot of pictures and trying to explain to the newer scouts what they were seeing. For the new scout this being their first cave exploring adventure you should have heard the wows and the excitement in their voices. It was hard for many of them to believe how large the cave was and how the sun's rays brought out the colors on the rocks and the shadows they cast. At this point our scoutmaster said, I believe we have been exploring long enough for us to be getting hungry, yes sir. The scoutmaster says let us break for lunch. Are you all hungry? They all yelled yes. First I have a question to ask you scouts, are we having fun? Their quick response was, yes sir. During our eat our lunch, I will give you some of the names of things you have been seeing while we were moving through this cave. This is mainly for you new scouts who have just joined our troop. The scoutmaster points to a formation that is similar to a cone in shape protruding out of the cave’s floor. Scouts I want you to know it name, it is called a stalagmite. Then he points out several of them from where they are eating. I am sure you were all fascinated by all the different formations we have seen thus far. Scouts, I want you to look up you see those similar installations hanging down from the ceiling of the cave. From here we can see several of them. They are called stalactites. We can expect to find these in any cave we explore. As we move out we will learn first hand about caverns.
After they had eaten they picked up their backpacks and their scoutmaster said, are we all ready? Their response was yes sir. The scoutmaster said, follow me. He asks BJ to keep bringing up the rear marking their trail. They began to see that the cave was much larger than they originally thought. After exploring many different tunnels which were quite long. Five hours had passed. The scoutmaster said, we have one more to explore and this one will be the longest. Remember the story about the cave-in? They all responded yes sir. My friend who had been all through this tunnel told me this was the longest of all the tunnels and at the end is the cave-in that blocks us from seeing that huge room with Jesse James 1879 painted on in huge letters on its wall, according to the story we heard. The scoutmaster said I want to ask you four scouts who have been our troop the longest, with all the caves we have explored how would you rate this one BJ? It tops all of them we have explored in three states. Now I want to ask you the other three scouts what do you think? They all replied we agree with BJ this one with scoutmaster question the is the biggest and the best of all the rest we have explored. The scoutmaster said, you know I agree with all of you. He adds I have been amazed with how well lighted and how the light brought out all the different colors through the cave. Scouts we are not finished.

There are two more sections of this cave that have several long tunnels which may take five hours to cover. After that, we will be taking on our biggest challenge with the longest tunnel in this cave. I thought would enjoy it the most because it leads to the cave-in that blocked the large room where the huge letters on the wall spell out Jesse James 1879, according to the story we heard. Some of the scouts ask how many miles of tunnels are in this cave. The scoutmaster said, that is a good question and all I can say is when we leave today we will have explored every mile of it. After a little over five hours covering those two areas, they were ready for the big challenge.

The scoutmaster said, there is a reason I wanted to hold this tunnel for the last one we explored, there is a deep cavern that is blocking most of our path. Their scoutmaster said, in about ten minutes we will be faced with a large cavern that is blocking part of our path. When we get to it I will ask everyone to halt in place so you all can see what we are faced with. It was not long before they arrived at that cavern. You look forward to taking a closer look at the cavern. Now you see that path along the left side it is only 18 t scouts move up so you can take a good look at it but stay well back for the edge of it. They are all 20 inches wide. The scouts all replied, yes sir. That cavern looks to be about thirty feet deep and the ledge is not very wide. Before I decide we can go on I want to let you know we will all be holding on to the rope with our right hand. Now I want to ask you all a question. If we go on I have to know as we walk along the edge of this cavern that you all will be brave and none of you will panic because it is a little scary. Now I will give you a couple of minutes to think about it so you are sure then we will take a vote. Time is up. All right all in favor of going on raise your hand, all raised their right hands. I want everyone to hold on to the rope very tightly with their right hand and if anyone has any difficulty just say stop and we all will stop. I will lead and be moving very slowly until we all clear this cavern. It took them about ten minutes to get past the ravine. They were all so happy for what they achieved thinking they were living the adventures of Tom Sawyer. It took almost an hour for them to explore this tunnel before they reached the cave-in. They could not believe how big the pile of rocks and boulders was from that cave in.

The scoutmaster looked at his watch and said, I am sorry scouts to break up all this fun. I just looked at my watch. I lost track of time. It will become dark while we are making our way to the mouth of the cave. It is a good thing B. J. marked our trail so we could find our way back out. BJ I want you to lead the way because It will be dark and the white string will be much harder to see. I hope you remember where you marked our trail. In fact, we may have to use our carbide lights on the way back. After they moved past the cavern the scoutmaster asked all the scouts to break out their carbide lights to light up their path seeing it was becoming darker by the minute. Their scoutmaster was right in fact it was completely dark by the time they reached the mouth of the cave. To their surprise, some parents were waiting for their sons. They had driven their personal cars to check on their sons because they were worried that something might have happened. Those parents ran up and hugged their sons while their sons were trying to tell them about their exciting adventure. After talking with everyone the parents who were there had their sons ride back with them. The other four scouts decided to ride back on the bus with their scoutmaster including BJ. Once they were all aboard the bus with their scoutmaster got behind the wheel and headed for home. BJ thought when we tell our story at school this coming Monday will anyone believe us? Especially the part about Jesse James 1879 being painted on the cave's wall. BJ thought I am glad that there will be some of my scout buddies to back me up, plus all the pictures we will have.
Today I still remember the black and white pictures from the scoutmaster’s camera that he used to record our adventure.

Page #$13
More Family And Special Events
BJ SAW HIS SISTER BEING BORN
Chapter 1
The year was 1936:
They were living in a Civil War Style House built in the eighteen hundreds located in Elkins Ar. Which is now used as Bed, Breakfast. BJ’s Mom and Dad’s bedroom was in the left wing. had there were two downstairs bedrooms with large fireplaces in both of them. BJ’s mom and dad were located in their bedroom on the left wing.
BJ’s mother and dad never owned a car the only way we had to travel was with a team of mules in a wagon, horseback, or walk. BJ noticed his mother was getting pretty fat. This was over BJ’s head. The conversations were about them going to have in addition to the family.
BJ really didn’t think much about it but a few days before the doctor came his mother tried to warn him that he was no longer going to be the only child in the family. Was he going to have a brother? His mother said, how about a sister? BJ answered, No mama I want a brother I can play with.

That day came, BJ met the doctor in the yard as he stepped out of his car. The doctor said you must be BJ, he said yes sir. I will talk you to my Mom
and Dad’s bedroom where they are. The doctor said you lead the way BJ. He said follow me. BJ ran up the front steps and opened the front door, leading the doctor down the hall to his Mom and Dad’s bedroom. BJ’s dad hook the doctor’s hand and welcomed him for coming. Then BJ’s dad
led the doctor over to BJ’s Mom’s bed. She was laying on their big double bed. BJ was with his dad when the doctor started to work on his mother. BJ was standing alongside his dad when the doctor walked over to BJ’s dad and said you think it is okay if we let your son see your mother give birth? His dad bought a minute and said why not. As BJ watched his sister being born his eyes must have been as big as saucers. He had never seen such an exciting thing and that was an event that stuck with him and he remembers it like it was yesterday. Darn, the luck it turned out to be a girl.
After the doctor removed his sister from his mother the doctor turned her upside down holding her by her ankles and her head hanging down the doctor started slapping her on the butt. BJ yelled at Dad he is hurting my little sister. Dad told me to be quiet. Then suddenly she let out a yell and Mom, Dad, and the doctor started laughing and they all seemed to be so happy. They were happy but BJ was confused. After all the excitement died down and all of us were looking at his new sister in his mother’s arms. He asks his Dad why the doctor hit her so many times. Dad told me that is the way doctors wake up new babies.
BJ learned more about life that day as a three and half years old boy than some grown people know. When his sister was a teenager he joined the U. S. Navy and did not get to see her too often.

CHAPTER 2
Later I found out she married one of my friends that I went to school with. My sister became a fine wife, and mother and owned a successful large Real Estate Business. After having three children a daughter and two sons now they are married and have children of their own. My sister ran her Realty Business with the help of her husband and family. They became quite a great team.
We were heartbroken when we heard my sister passed away a few years ago. Non-Hoskins Lymphoma after fighting it for almost 20 years but during that time she and her family had become a millionaire through their real estate business.

She may be gone but will never be forgotten I have such wonderful memories of his sister. Knowing her family along with his younger sister and brother. He will always remember and honor her beautiful life. Not to mention all the friends she come to know and love. She was always special to him because he was there seeing her being born.

PAGE #14
Oh short Stories Of Fiction B J Wrote To Enter A Christmas Story Contest
SANTA PLAYS HOST TO A GHOST (FICTION)
The Christmas Season was in full swing. One of the most famous and historical buildings was located downtown in the southern city's Central Business District. This building dated back to the 1800s had been completely remodeled
inside to serve as a department store. Every year during the Christmas season shoppers came from miles away and over the years this had become a tradition for people who lived around this community. There had been so many stories about a ghost in this old building. Since the interior had been remodeled everyone in the community wondered if that ghost was still roaming around inside. Many shoppers were so Intrigued by the ghost stories and wanted to see
for themselves if these stories were true.

During the Christmas season, you can see children everywhere in and around this department store. One of the real attractions was that they had the most gorgeous and real-looking Santa that the children loved. Every year you would see long lines of parents and children waiting to visit Santa in this store. A mother named Sara was standing
in line with Amy, her beautiful five-year-old daughter waiting to see Santa. The mother was holding a small handheld tape recorder and a camera She asked the little girl if her mother was going to record everything Santa says? Amy says my mother has lost her memory so she has to record all her conversations so she can play them back anytime to hear what was said. Members of the family have recorded stories for her during many special family events that happened knowing she had lost her memory. Her mother Sara spoke up and introduced herself. My name is Sara and this is my daughter Amy. They shook hands the other little girls mother who said my name is Linda this is my daughter April. Sara says it is great to meet you both. Amy says we want to take pictures of Santa too but it will be hard for my mother to operate the camera and her tape recorder at the same time. Linda said, Sara, I would be happy to take the pictures for you when it is Amy’s turn to see Santa. Sara spoke up and said, we want to thank you so much for your help.
Linda replied I am happy to do it. After standing for the longest time in line to see Santa, Amy and her mother Sara were next in line to visit with him. Amy sit down on his lap Santa. Then he asked Amy if she had been a good girl, she replied yes. Santa winked at her mother, and her mother just smiled. Then Santa gave Amy his full attention asking her what she would like for Christmas. Amy replied my fondest wish is for my mother to regain her memory. Santa told Amy that would be the most challenging wish he had ever heard. There must be something you would like for yourself. Yes, I would like
a playhouse along with a doll baby and her complete wardrobe. Santa, said, Amy I will plan to bring that to you on Christmas Eve. Amy asked if she was wishing for too much? Santa, said no, not for a pretty little girl like you whom I feel is so deserving. Santa, I have two questions I would like to ask you. Is this building really haunted Santa? Yes it is. Amy what is your second question? Have you ever seen that historic happy ghost everyone talks about? Santa said yes, in fact I am the host to that mysterious ghost. The size of Amy’s eyes became as large as saucers with an unbelievable look on her face she said, “Really Santa,?"That is the absolute true, Amy.

Linda handed the camera back to Amy mother Sara saying I was able to take four pictures and I think you will like them. Amy’s mother Sara had hugged Linda and her daughter April and Amy and April gave each other a hug.
Santa was saying next as Amy and here mother were waving and smiling looking back as they slowly walked away. April was waving back while setting on Santas’s lap. The stories of the mysterious ghost in that department store is very much alive today. When they arrived at home they could not wait to listen what was recorded on their hand held tape recorder. They rewound it and both listed very carefully at what was playing back on the tape. Realizing they had a good recording of what Santa and Amy said. Then said to her mother what was that strange language I just heard in the back ground Amy’s mother said, I heard it too. Rewind and play it again. They did and heard the same language again. Amy ask, her mother could that have been the ghost? Amy’s mother replied, I don’t know but I did not hear it when I was listening and taping you and Santa. It was still a question in their minds.

A week later after they developed the film they use taking pictures of Amy and Santa. They picked them up at the drug store and could not wait to see the pictures. They opened up the envelop and stared to go through all the pictures. Amy
g and
hard about that. I love our priva
said, mom I want you to look at this picture there looks like a white outline of a human standing behind Santa, do you see that? He mother replied there sure is lets wait until we get home and put this picture under a strong bright light to make sure this is what we are seeing. Once home they put with the picture under a strong bright light they and both agreed it had to be the ghost everyone has been talking about. Amy’s mother said, I did not believe in ghost before but with this picture and the tape I am beginning to change my mind. Amy says mom, do you think we should tell everyone about our tape recording and picture. I will have to think lonte life just the way it is. If we go to the news paper with this picture our live will never be the same. Having a loss of memory it could be so embarrassing for me and out family. Amy, I really don’t think it would be worth it. In that case mom, it will be our secret.


JIMMY GETS TO SPEND CHRISTMAS WITH HIS GRANDPARENTS
BY: Billy Joe (BJ) Cate See His Web Site: bjcatewrites.com (Fiction)
Chapter 1
Jimmy was so happy when his parents told him they are going to let him spend three weeks with his grandparents during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Jimmy was 5 years old. His grandparents were happy to see him and he got a lot of hugs and kisses. He was told they lived in an old two-story Civil War Mansion built in the 1850s. He had heard rumors from his friends that there was a ghost in that old Civil War House. He did not believe his friends and was looking forward to the visit. Jimmy’s grandmother said Jimmy supper is ready why don’t we go to the kitchen and eat? Jimmy ask several questions over supper about when they would go to visit Santa. His grandma said, how about in the morning after breakfast? Jimmy yelled that will be great. They visited for a short while then Jimmy’s grandmother said, Young man, it is time for me to put you to bed. Jimmy was brave and was not going to let his friends scare him about the ghost. As his grandmother tucked him into bed she said, Jimmy, don’t worry about the ghost. If he shows up remember he is a friendly ghost. Being upstairs and close to the attic Jimmy began to wonder it the goest stories were real. Jimmy’s grandmother smiled as if what she said was a joke. She said, Jimmy, you will be fine sleeping here and in the morning after breakfast, we are going to visit Santa. Knowing his grandmother will take him to visit a real Santa in the morning at a local if store so he can tell Santa what he would like for Christmas. Even if their house was haunted Jimmy knew in his own mind the ghost had to be a friendly one. As far as Jimmy was concerned this was one of the most exciting things he could ask for and completely forgot about the ghost and drifted off to sleep.
Jimmy’s grandfather once approached him with a frightened look on his face, he said, Jimmy, we have to go to the hospital your grandmother has been hurt in an automobile accident. Come on Jimmy we can go in our second car. Once Jimmy and his grandfather arrived at the hospital they were directed to the room where Jimmy’s grandmother was being cared for. The doctor met them at the door and introduced himself. The doctor kept talking to Jimmy’s grandfather, His wife should be fine over time but during the accident, she sustained a broken leg. I believe she will recover fine but it will take time. Jimmy’s grandfather and Jimmy were told they could go in and the visit went her. After walking in they were standing along the side of her bed. Jimmy was very confused. Thinking how could this happen to my grandmother? She was going to take him to visit Santa. He had the list his mother helped him prepare with the things he wanted to give to Santa. Otherwise, how would he know what he wanted for Christmas? Knowing they were getting ready to leave Jimmy’s grandmother asked Jimmy to come close so she could give him a kiss. He and his grandfather said their goodbyes.
After they left the hospital and they were on the way back home. Jimmy asks his grandfather, when are we going to visit Santa? His grandfather said, Jimmy, I have to take care of your grandmother first so I am not sure when we can go to visit Santa. Jimmy was heartbroken. Thinking he was going to miss the chance to see Santa.
At about that time, Jimmy’s grandmother was shaking him saying it is time for breakfast and after you finish your breakfast we will go to the mall to visit Santa. Jimmy was very confused not totally awake still thinking his grandmother had a broken leg. After he was finally awake he realized he just had a bad dream. Jimmy, looked at his grandmother with a big smile thanks Grandma, I will be down to eat breakfast in two minutes then we can go visit Santa. That’s right Jimmy so you hurry on down and I will have your breakfast ready.
Now Jimmy was a happy camper because this was what he was waiting to hear. Now he could give Santa the list his mother helped him prepare of all the things he wanted Santa to bring him knowing his Christmas this year. That would be great.

Page #16
Romantic Poems

A Beautiful Woman Jim Wanted To Meet.
It was wonderful being close enough to smell her perfume.
As she walked in, her lovely fragrance filled the room.
A feeling come over him, like he never had before.
He thought this might be a way he could begin to score.


When she walked by all the guys turn their head.
He was not the only one who listened to every word she said.
Thinking about how can he work out a successful plan.
If he only knew how a woman thinks, after all, he was a man.

I am looking for a real woman who will appeal to me.
She was so beautiful yet there was more he needed to see.
He felt special feeling he needed to have to love another.
He thought he saw love in the eyes they had for each other.

After he met her this girl he guessed she had her own plan.
Then I found out later that she wanted him for her man.
Introducing his self finding out April was her name.
When she returned a big smile, he did the same.

When April looked into his eyes and said, I think I love you.
Jim was so surprised call Jim this was something new.
He had never seen a woman with such a beautiful face.
Every move she made she did It with such grace.

In his excitement, he struggled to find finding the words to say.
He was thinking it's time for me, this could be a special day.
He he finally found the courage to ask April for a date.
Taking April, to a place she could only dream of would be great.

He asks her out for dinner and dancing,thinking It was worth a try.
He chose a very high-class restaurant, low on cash he was thinking why?
She responded affording dinner there, you must know the prices are high.
For you April, I believe you are worth so much more than what I will buy.

They had a beautiful evening together and danced the night away.
Jim requested some of her favorite songs which they did play.
April was thrilled what a beautiful evening as they danced that night.
Jim drove April home, kissed her goodnight, believing their future is bright.

A MEETING BY CHANCE
Even though it was just a casual glance.
She was a beauty so he had to take the chance.
At a glance, he saw what looked like a familiar face.
If he did not act she could be gone without leaving a trace.
.
How do you look into our eyes he saw her beautiful face.
The way she moved and responded to him what's with such grace.
You look so familiar to me that I was thinking we had met before.
In his excitement, he was sinking I have to find a way I can score.

Focusing on her radiant while hanging every word she had to say.
His thoughts were I have to get to know her better in some way.
This increased his excitement as he focused on her beautiful brown eyes.
He was hoping that their conversation would lead to her as the prize.

He was so excited about trying to know her better and not to let it show.
Wanting to spend time with this beautiful lady he was getting to know.
He asked what is your name, my name is Linda Marie.
That is such a beautiful name, my is Jim, and meeting you is an honor for me.

He thought, could this be his chance for true Romance?
In a short time with her, he was happy he took the chance.
His thinking was should I invite her for coffee or out to dinner?
This next step was critical knowing he had just met a winner.

He was saying there is a small cafe a short distance down this street.
If you have time I would love to invite you in for a coffee or something to eat.
She said, thanks Jim, I do have a few minutes for coffee if it is what you would like to do.
A meeting by chance with Linda Marie is leading to a romance that may come true.

LOOKING FOR AN UPSCALE LOVE
Written By: Billy Joe (BJ) Cate See, bjcatewrites.com

She was an upscale lady, an awesome sight to see.
Thinking how could she ever be attracted to a guy like me?
If I could only get close enough to smell her perfume.
As she walked in, her lovely fragrance filled the room.

When she walked by all the guys turned their head.
I was not the only one that hung on every word she said.
When she spoke, her voice had such a beautiful sound.
There was no doubt she had the prettiest voice around.

Thinking about how can I work out the most successful plan.
If I only knew how a woman thinks, after all, I am a man.
She did have a girlfriend I tried to get to know.
If I saw her more maybe our friendship would grow.

I am looking for a real woman who will appeal to me.
She was so beautiful yet there was more I needed to see.
I knew that special feeling we needed to have for each other.
Seeing that love and respect in the eyes of one another.

After I met her girlfriend I guess she had her own plan.
Then I found out later that she wanted me for her man.
I am thinking, “What am I ever going to do?”
The more I saw her friend the closer we grew.

Could her girlfriend be that woman I am looking for?
When we were having fun together I want to see her more.
She has such a feminine way of doing special things for me.
Once she brought out the spirit within me, I never felt so free.

Through this upscale lady, I found one I came to love even more.
I found her friend was a real woman, that I had never met before.
trying to not let her know how I feel, would not be fair.
If this feeling was mutual, it would be a future we could share.

Page #17
BJ’S MOTHER SAVED BJ’S FATHER’S LIFE WHEN BJ WAS ONLY A BABY. 
SHE HAD TO BE A SAINT:
BY: Billy Joe (BJ) Cate

B.J.’S father every winter had to cut enough firewood for them to use.
Needing a large amount for the winter and coming up short was bad news.
Being unable to buy it knowing he would be in the woods for days.
They needed it for cooking, and heating and could use it in so many ways.

B. J’S dad had gone to start cutting the wood for the winter that day.
A jug of water, a file, and an axe, he had, now he was on his way.
After an hour B. J'S mother heard him yelling something was wrong.
Wrapping baby B. J. in a blanket knowing she would have to take him along.

Running to where the yelling was, she saw his arm had a large wound.
The blood was gushing out, she knew she had to act fast and do it soon.
Ripping up his shirt and made a tourniquet applying it above the wound.
She placed a tourniquet above the cut, and the blood stopped real soon.

B. J's dad laying on the ground, picking up B.J. needing help she ran.
At home using the big wall phone to call his dad’s uncle Charley was the plan.
She walked in the front door of their home laying baby B. J. on the bed.
She Called uncle Charley, and after she explained, she listened to what he said.

I have a friend who has a car and we will be there to give you all a ride.
She picked up baby B. J. and after arriving she found B. J’S dad on his side.
Saying to him Uncle Charley’s friend has a car that will take us all part way.
Uncle Charley’s friend said I can’t take you all the way today is a bad day.

When loaded in the car Uncle Charley’s friend can't take us too far.
Another friend will meet us at the schoolhouse five miles away in his car.
He will take you all to the hospital, I called ahead and a doctor will be there.
He said I know he is a great doctor so you can expect the best of care.

The doctor stitched up B. J’S dad’s arm making him almost like new.
Telling him you can’t go back cutting wood for a month or two.
At home, they thanked his friend for providing the ride they needed.
It was an emergency, we are so grateful, you are the reason we succeeded.

Uncle Charley said, later we will tell B. J. this story so he can remember.
About how his mother saved his dad’s life when he was hurt cutting timber.
The doctor said he is going to bed all right, after a couple of weeks of rest.
BJ’s mom and family all needed some rest after it all turned out for the best.

PAGE #14
B
J's Jimmy's Stories, He Liked To Do Exciting Things, and One Time
He Was In Over His HeadTHER SAVES HIS DAD’S LIFE A SECOND TIME

CHAPTER 1
This is the second time their mother saved their dad’s life. His mom and dad were farming as a sharecropper on his great grand father's farm. He always raised the trained horses and mules this was he so could use them to pull farm equipment and do work on the farm. Occasionally he would sell or trade them. B. J. was only seven years old at the time when his dad ask him to follow him saying, I want to show you a baby male mule colt that was is just born a few days ago. B. J. followed his dad down to the barnyard and he pointed to the lower pasture below where the horses were grazing. He said let’s walk down there so you can get a better look at this baby mule. They had only walked a short distance when they could see him. B. J. noticed right away he could not stay still. That little mule jumping all around and kicking his heels high in the air. After B. J. saw him running around, jumping, and kicking his back heals so high in the air it was hard to believe he had so much energy. His dad said, I already have named him. B. J. asks what did you name him? His dad replied “Hi Pressure Peat. ”Dad, why did you give him such a crazy name? Because I have never seen a baby mule kick that high in all the years I have been farming and training mules. His dad said, training him is going to be a real problem.
They have since moved to his grandmother Cate’s 200-acre farm still working her farm as sharecroppers. B. J. was out playing in the yard with his dog Ted. When he saw his mother make a run for the barn. He knew something was wrong so ran behind her in case he could help. She was too far ahead of him to catch up. As he drew closer to the barn he could hear his dad yelling for help. His mother ran into the barn toward where she heard his dad yells coming from. On one side of the barn, there were 12 stalls where they housed their livestock. His dad was in one of those stalls with Hi Pressure Peat who was kicking like mad trying to hit his dad. B. J’s mother saw he was almost exhausted after dodging all the kicks from Hi Pressure Peat. She was afraid he collapse and be stomped to death by Hi Pressure Peat. He told his wife to run out and down the side of the barn and open this stall and let this mule out before he kills me. B. J. was watching but had no idea what was happening. He saw his mother run out of the barn like it was on fire, he watched her as she ran through the barnyard gate slamming the gate closed behind her which locked automatically. Running that side of the barn 12 stalls for their livestock. She quickly ran to the one where BJ’S dad was with Pressure Peat (that wild mule) as she opened the door Hi Pressure Peat ran out Immediately. BJ’S dad staggered out of that stall and fell into BJ’S mother’s arms. At first, it looked like he was going to fall but she helped him stay on his feet.
They hugged each other for a long time. Meanwhile, HI Pressure Peat was running around the barnyard still kicking his heels high in the air. B. J. watched
his mom and dad go through the barnyard gate slamming his mother blaming the
gate behind them locking it behind them. The last thing she wanted was to give Hi Pressure Peat a way to get out of that barnyard. BJ ran up to them and they all hugged each other for longer than usual. Then slowly all started walking toward the house with his dad’s arm around his mother’s neck to help support him. After they arrive at the house BJ’s mother told him what happened. This was the 2nd time B. J’s mother saved his dad’s life. This is another reason B. J. thinks their mother was a saint.

Later, his dad tried to train Hi Pressure Peat was one of a team of three mules pulling a riding two-bladed plow. B. J’s dad was right saint hi pressure peat would be tough to train. He broke out of his harness twice by kicking continuously until he was able to break out. His dad looped a chain from the harness horns back around his behind his heels with a rope he fed through the harness ring which he held in his hand along with the check lines. This gave him hand control. Every time he tried to kick his dad would pull the rope stopping his kick in its tracks when his hoofs kicked that chain. Over time this worked and he became a fine work mule on the farm.

PAGE #15
B. J.’S MOTHER SAVES HIS DAD’S LIFE A SECOND TIME
(PART 2)
CHAPTER 1
This is the second time their mother saved their dad’s life. His mom and dad were farming as a sharecropper on his great grand father's farm. He always raised the trained horses and mules this was he so could use them to pull farm equipment and do work on the farm. Occasionally he would sell or trade them. B. J. was only seven years old at the time when his dad ask him to follow him saying, I want to show you a baby male mule colt that was is just born a few days ago. B. J. followed his dad down to the barnyard and he pointed to the lower pasture below where the horses were grazing. He said let’s walk down there so you can get a better look at this baby mule. They had only walked a short distance when they could see him. B. J. noticed right away he could not stay still. That little mule jumping all around and kicking his heels high in the air. After B. J. saw him running around, jumping, and kicking his back heals so high in the air it was hard to believe he had so much energy. His dad said, I already have named him. B. J. asks what did you name him? His dad replied “Hi Pressure Peat. ”Dad, why did you give him such a crazy name? Because I have never seen a baby mule kick that high in all the years I have been farming and training mules. His dad said, training him is going to be a real problem.
They have since moved to his grandmother Cate’s 200-acre farm still working her farm as sharecroppers. B. J. was out playing in the yard with his dog Ted. When he saw his mother make a run for the barn. He knew something was wrong so ran behind her in case he could help. She was too far ahead of him to catch up. As he drew closer to the barn he could hear his dad yelling for help. His mother ran into the barn toward where she heard his dad yells coming from. On one side of the barn, there were 12 stalls where they housed their livestock. His dad was in one of those stalls with Hi Pressure Peat who was kicking like mad trying to hit his dad. B. J’s mother saw he was almost exhausted after dodging all the kicks from Hi Pressure Peat. She was afraid he collapse and be stomped to death by Hi Pressure Peat. He told his wife to run out and down the side of the barn and open this stall and let this mule out before he kills me. B. J. was watching but had no idea what was happening. He saw his mother run out of the barn like it was on fire, he watched her as she ran through the barnyard gate slamming the gate closed behind her which locked automatically. Running that side of the barn 12 stalls for their livestock. She quickly ran to the one where BJ’S dad was with Pressure Peat (that wild mule) as she opened the door Hi Pressure Peat ran out Immediately. BJ’S dad staggered out of that stall and fell into BJ’S mother’s arms. At first, it looked like he was going to fall but she helped him stay on his feet.
They hugged each other for a long time. Meanwhile, HI Pressure Peat was running around the barnyard still kicking his heels high in the air. B. J. watched
his mom and dad go through the barnyard gate slamming his mother blaming the
gate behind them locking it behind them. The last thing she wanted was to give Hi Pressure Peat a way to get out of that barnyard. BJ ran up to them and they all hugged each other for longer than usual. Then slowly all started walking toward the house with his dad’s arm around his mother’s neck to help support him. After they arrive at the house BJ’s mother told him what happened. This was the 2nd time B. J’s mother saved his dad’s life. This is another reason B. J. thinks their mother was a saint.

Later, his dad tried to train Hi Pressure Peat was one of a team of three mules pulling a riding two-bladed plow. B. J’s dad was right saint hi pressure peat would be tough to train.

Page #16
B. J. Mother Saves His Dad's Life For The Third Time
Chapter 1
B. J. believes their mother was a saint)
This was when their mother saved their dad’s life again. This all started when their dad bought a used John Deer tractor and a two 14” laded plow that came with the deal that he would have to make payments on. You need to understand his dad had never driven a tractor until they he bought this one. All his life he had worked a team of horses or mules when it came to working on the farm
Their whole family was so excited because knowing it would make their work on the farm must easier. B. J. remembers the day they offloaded that John Deer tractor and how they instructed his dad on how to operate it. They all sat around and marveled at this big green tractor (The tractor’s nickname was “Pop “n” Johnny.) His dad pulled himself up on the tractor and started it. Then he drove around the barnyard, turning and backing up like he knew what he was doing. After the delivery was complete the tractor delivery people said, their goodbyes and went on their way. This was a very special day for his Dad. That tractor was great, it had a hydraulic lift to use for various pieces of equipment. B. J. remembers how his dad first worked those two 14" bladed plows. His dad connected them up to the back of the tractor hit the hydraulic lift and the plow lifted off of the ground at a 45° angle. His dad informed B. J. he was ready to go try it out on the bottom land. B. J. followed along behind him in a short distance before they pulled into the bottom land field. He dropped those 14” bottom plows and as he pulled away they cut deep into the soil. This caused the tractor to bog down because of the wet spot it hit, one of its big wheels started spinning and his dad was yelling whoa, whoa. B. J. started laughing, all his dad had ever worked with in the field were horses and mules. His dad finally realized he was not working horses or mules and pull the hand clutch to stop the tractor. B. J. could not wait to tell his mother what happened. When he told her they all had a big laugh.
His dad learned to operate the tractor well in a short period of time. About three weeks later it was time for him to plant oats. The drill he wanted to use to plant oats was not equipped to be pulled by a tractor. He asked B. J’s mother if she would please help him. His dad was ready to plant oats in 20 acres of bottom land. At first, he thought about using a team of horses but realize it would take days. With his wife helping him he figured he could modify that horse-drawn drill so he could connect it behind the tractor and finish that 20 acres in one day. He ask his wife if she would help him he believed with they working together could adapt that horse-drawn drill so he could pull it behind the tractor.
B. J. remembers it like yesterday even though he was only 12 years old when this all happened. His mother and dad were in the field working for hours trying to connect the drill to the tractor. His two sisters had just returned home from school and carried their book into the house when they saw their mother and dad walking toward the house. Their dad had on a new pair of overalls that were ripped to shreds so he and his sisters ran out to meet them. Their mother said, come on let us go into the house and I will tell you all what happened but right now your dad needs a change of clothes.

Chapter 2
While their dad was changing their mother told them what happened. Your dad decided it would take too long with a team of horses to drill that 20 acres with oats. His idea was if they worked together and connect that drill to the tractor your dad could finish it in a day. You understand the drill had a long tongue designed to be pulled by a team of horses. As their mother explained, the tractor was running while they were trying to back it connected to the drill. The hand clutch was disengaged and the shift on the tractor had been left in the reverse position while your dad and I were trying to work that long time over the side of the tractor in order to connect the drill. The tongue accidentally hit the hand clutch and engaged it causing the tractor began to back over your dad who was caught between the drill and the tractor. Their mom went on to say your dad began to go down and could have been run over by one of those big wheels on the tractor. With all my strength I kept pulling him up while his clothes when his clothes became caught in the machinery and it was pulling him back down. I don’t know how many times I pulled him up but I was running out of energy and thought I could not do it one more time. Then all of a sudden the tractor made a turn and broke away from the drill and your dad was able to escape.

Their family does not give up easily. Their mom and dad went back the next day with a plan and more tools and were able to connect the drill to the tractor their dad drilled in that 20 acres of oats in less than o

Page #17
JIMMY WAS A SHARECROPPERS SON
It was 1943 Jimmy's parents were sharecroppers and he lived on his grandmother's farm of 200
acres. Most of them were covered with forest which means a lot of timber was available. Of course, they had hills and valleys, streams, and springs, and a river on the edge of this property. The tillable land was covered with flint rocks. Jimmy's parents were broke and in debt. He lived with his mom, dad, and two younger sisters.

JIMMY NEEDED TO EARN SOME MONEY:
Jimmy was determined to find a way to earn money. He had cried to his dad so much he got tired of hearing him. This one morning he said, son Son you come with me and I will show you can how you
can earn money. He asks his son to follow him out to his grandmother's big farm. Once they stepped into
the barn they faced a room called a corn crib. This was where they stored their corn. Jimmy said why are
we going in the corn crib? His dad said, Son, this room has more than corn, and when you will like it.
There was a huge wooden box on the other side of the crib. Jimmy and his walked over to it and he
opened the big lid. His dad asks Son what do you see? Jimmy, said, it looks like some metal wrapped up
in some chains and wire. His dad said that are 200 traps used to trap fur-bearing animals so you can
sell the furs and make money like I did when I was growing up.
helped him do that. This meant he had to get up at 4 o’clock in the morning before
daylight and light a coal oil lantern with his dog at his side when he started out. He had to run those 200 traps. On his way back he had to throw down hay for 50 white face cows that his grandmother owned.
Son these traps have been in this box for a long time and they are all rusty. This means we will have to
untangle them and soak them in a tub of oil for 2 days before they can be used. Jimmy said, 2 days
for him 2 days seemed like forever.
One morning Jimmy's dad said the day is the day. I took all the traps out last night and laid them out to dry so they will be ready this morning. Jimmy you will have to bring your little red wagon along with your dog Ted. You are only 10 years old and those will be too heavy for you. Taking your wagon along you can fill it with traps. This will help us avoid too many trips back to the house for more trips.
We can only work for 2 hours then I will have to come back and do the chores. After I do the chores you and your dog with your red wagon full of traps. Ted can kill any snakes we run into.
Jimmy, it will take us the rest of the day to finish putting out all 200 traps. if we don't finish today we will have to finish tomorrow.
Two days later all 200 traps were set. Jimmy had to get up at 4:00 AM to light his dad's coal oil lantern and he and his dog Ted were ready to run all 200 of his traps. After he run all those taps he had to stop
at his grandmother's barn and throw down hay for the 50 cattle. His first time checking his traps he never
caught a thing but one of the traps was sprung so knew he almost caught something. This went on for days. He was happy because those traps were beginning to pay off with several furs. After he run his traps and fed his mother's cattle he would eat breakfast.

After breakfast, he and his younger sister walked a mile and a half to school. It was a small country school and not many students. There was a large room that had been decided into two parts. The lower grades were on one side and grades nine through twelve were on the other side.
Jimmy and his younger sister usually arrived before the teacher. Jimmy had taken on the job of starting the fire in the pot belly stove that was in the middle of the room used to heat the school during the cold winters. Many times when the teacher got there he was automatically in trouble. 
The teacher knew Jimmy ran a large trap line and just in case he caught a skunk that morning and moved too close to that pot belly stove he started the fire in when Jimmy moved near the stove trying to get warm the skunk scent he had on him and the aroma of it filled the room. His teacher never looked at anyone else except Jimmy, she pointed right at him and said, Jimmy, go home. This had happened before and he had asked what about his younger sister? The teacher said, she will be fine, she can walk home with the neighbor kids. There were about five neighbor kids that she and Jimmy walked home with every day when Jimmy was able to spend a full day in school.
It became a habit and he knew what to expect, Jimmy missed a lot of school but he finally made it through that year. Jimmy had quite an exciting event the following year.

Jimmy Is in Trouble Again
He and his younger sister started school in the first part of September and the hunting and trapping season had not yet started. Jimmy wanted to have some fun. He knew his dad in the smokehouse had a small glass bottle of skunk oil that was sealed with a cork. One day Jimmy slipped out of the smokehouse with it put it in his pocket and took it to school. Everything
was going fine, it was a normal school day. He watched until the teacher was really busy doing something. That was when he would take out that
bottle of skunk oil hold it away from himself and his desk pull the cork. He would leave it out a few seconds afterward re-corking the bottle and placing it back on his desk. Jimmy almost spoiled the whole thing while trying to keep from laughing. The teacher took a quick look around and she’ll says there must be a skunk under the schoolhouse. Do you kids smell it? It was going so well he didn’t want to change a thing. He didn’t do this every day. Jimmy sweated it out thinking the teacher would get
suspicious. One day his friend said, I need a sheet of paper. Jimmy said to go to my desk I have a big chief tablet you can take a sheet out of it. Well, that was a mistake. When his buddy pulled out the tablet the bottle of skunk came with it and the glass bottle hit on the base of the desk which had metal feet causing it to break. The teacher was trying to hold down the panic by telling us to all line up the line because they had to leave the room. Jimmy’s buddy and he were both running for the door but decided to get in line so they would not look guilty. The teacher then directed them toward the outside door that led into the schoolyard ending that school for the day.
Don't laugh. All Jimmy’s fun had consequences he was beaten within an inch of his life by his father and they had to get a construction crew in there to pull up the flooring and replaced it along with his desk. Jimmy’s Dad beat him with a paddle for the longest time even though this was something Jimmy had become used to. He asks himself why am I always getting into trouble?
It was true that Jimmy always seam to end up being the center of attention but this was one time he wished he had been a hundred miles away from where it happened.

Back To School
Jimmy and his younger sister did return to his school Jimmy’s story became the talk of
the town because his classmates and their parents would not let it die.
In fact, the story seam to grow bigger over time. The school had arranged another area in the school where the teacher could hold the class for another week until the floor repairs were completed.
That was a day that Jimmy, his teacher, and all the kids that were there
will never forget. It turned out that Jimmy was able to make good money
trapping those fur-bearing animals and he was a happy camper in spite
of all the problems. Being 10 years old at the time he thought
he was rich.

PAGE #18
BJ's POEMS FOR TRUCK DRIVERS, THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND FANS

KEEP THOSE BIG WHEELS ROLLING ON
Written by; B J Cate, www. bjcatewrites.com

As long as those big wheels are spinning.
This is our way on the highway to keep winning.
I keep those big wheels rolling staying on track.
You can always see my smoke stack blowing black.

When you wheel a big rig we all know.
That open highway is calling us to go.
I have been on the road for a long time.
The next stop up ahead will be just fine.

Looking for that truck stop up ahead.
I need some strong black coffee or a bed.
There are times we need to take a break.
We need to be smart about the risks we take.

Some may think moving fast makes me a road hog.
I am just a truck driver who likes to run fast like a dog.
We never know what lies down the road.
We do have to watch the downhill grade with a heavy load.

I may be a fast-running dog.
But I never forget my log.
I know there is a satellite in the sky.
I always have a roving eye.

There may be a smoky up ahead.
Trying to listen to every word I said.
Keeping my big wheels rolling is my big why.
We like to wave when Smoky comes flying by.

THE HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS ARE MY WAY:
By, Billy Joe (BJ) Cate

I have come to love the sound and smell of my big rig.
When it comes to a big rig this is something I really dig.
It is all part of the game we play and nothing but fun.
The joy is headed down that highway listing to it run.

My CB buddies are always there.
Because we have so much to share.
There is always a trooper up ahead.
Listing to everything we said.

A buddy told me, this truck stop just ahead, it is the best.
It will give us a chance to get some coffee and a little rest.
There will be a lot of drivers there that will be great to see.
He said the stories they have to tell could fit us to a tee.

Can you see yourself in my place?
Or is my life running a too fast a pace?
There is no way to compare.
Until you are really there.

There is no freedom like the wide open road.
When I have or am on my way to pick up a load.
The highways and byways are where I want to be.
Wheeling my big rig is home sweet home to me.

Sometimes, in the long run, it really gets lonesome out there.
No matter what your trade is, there is always a cross to bear.
You always have your big rig and are never really alone.
There are all your buddy drivers sitting on the same throne.

You will see them on the highway flying by.
If you get a bug give the big rig a try.
I'm sure I will meet you at all the places we have to go.
Good drivers can tell you tricked the road you need to know.

MAC IS BACK:
By, Billy Joe (BJ) Cate See bjcatewrites.com
Mac is a big rig driver who likes running with the pack.
They see him in the distance they all say; “Mac is back”
Before you know it, he will hit the road again.
He calls ahead to the pack and says count me in.

Driving his big rig over the open road.
Hitting twenty towns before he picks up his load.
All of Mac’s friends say they are worried about the cost of gas.
Mac says we will ride out this storm knowing it will pass.

Everyone at all the truck stops has a ball when Mac stops by.
When Mac tells his stories, some laugh while others cry.
These big rig drivers know all the challenges they have to face.
Mac and the Pac are winners who are committed to winning this race.

Mac and his friends are a lot like cowboys in the Wild West.
Being a modern-day cowboy, they all want to become the best.
When you are an eighteen-wheeler dealer like our friend Mac.
You will have a lot of friends wanting to be part of the pack.

When you are passing a big rig carrying a heavy load.
Salute those cowgirls or cowboys as you pass them on the road.
Don’t forget the cowgirls; who are out there driving a big rig.
Talk to one of these ladies, there will be no doubt this is her gig.

Mac is a big rig driver, a storyteller, and sings a great song.
Everyone likes to be around him so they can listen and sing along.
Mac is like a breath of fresh air and is always on track.
That is why all his friends can’t wait to say; “Mac is back.

PAGE #19
BJ’S MOST UNFORGETTABLE AUCTION:
Chapter 1
BJ was twelve years old and had done many charity fundraiser auctions for schools, churches, and clubs. He always had a lot of fun and enjoyed helping other people and organizations. His name had been published in the local paper advertising him as a twelve-year-old auctioneer and the time and place the auction would be held. BJ thinks his age fascinated a lot of people because they kept coming back no matter where the auction was held. Of course, he could not drive so someone had to give him a ride to all of the auctions. Most were close to Fayetteville, Arkansas.

That all changed one day when a friend of his family approached him when he was selling papers.
Let's say his name was Jim. BJ, I want to talk to you about a very small school located about 35 miles south of Fayetteville. They are trying to raise enough money to start building a new school. Let me explain they live way up in the hills. They have planned a pie supper auction where the ladies prepare and bake the pies to be sold at auction. The idea is the man who buys the pie gets to sit down and eat that pie with the lady who brought it. Jim said they want you to be their auctioneer. BJ, I will drive you there and back home after the auction. All I can promise is you will get plenty of pie to eat. When you see this small shotgun schoolhouse it will be hard to believe. It has a front door a back door and six windows on each side of the building and it needs to be repaired and painted you will understand why this pies supper auction is so important to them.

BJ EXCEPTS THE CHALLENGE
Chapter 2
After BJ accepted the challenge he asked Jim, when is the auction scheduled to take place. It will be held tomorrow night.
Will you be available tomorrow evening? Yes, Jim, that will be fine with me. The next evening Jim picked him up at his home.
Then they were on their way. They were on the road for a little over a half hour he turned off the main highway onto a dirt road. That dirt road was not so bad until that road appeared to turn into a logging road. This road appeared to be for only horse-drawn wagons or people on horseback. BJ asked Jim how much further. Jim said, not far.
He was right it was only about a quarter of a mile when he turned into what appeared to be the schoolyard. BJ’s first look it appeared to be a schoolhouse that looked like it had been built in the 1930s and was in bad need of a paint job and repair. He was amazed when he looked around at the transportation many of these people used to attend this auction. Some came on horseback, others came by team and wagon, and there were some who came by horse and buggy. He could not believe his eyes. Oh yes, there are several there that drove their cars.

As Jim and he stepped out of the car and walked up to the little schoolhouse Jim felt introductions were in order. BJ met many of the folks and shook several hands before they entered the school. The stage was about six inches high its dimensions were approximately 10 x 10'. with a table that was full of pies. Jim said you will be doing the auction from this stage. They already had an overflow crowd and they were still coming. He asked Jim how many were outside and unable to come in?., we
He said I will check. In about three minutes Jim came back in, walked up to him said to had a problem there were at least six deep at all the windows and twelve or more deep at the front and back doors.

B. J. HAS NEVER HELD AN AUCTION LIKE THIS BEFORE.
Chapter 3
Jim, can you ask some people close to the windows to help us by raising all the windows? Jim, said, consider it done. We will need to keep both doors and all the windows open. BJ told Jim, I have never done an auction like this before. Jim Reply BJ how can we make this happen? Jim, the only way I can see it being successful is to have the people outside relay their bids into a bid master.
We'll need a bid master in front of each window and both doors. When they hear a bid from those outside they will immediately yell out the bid so I can hear it. Jim, I've never held an auction like this but I believe this will work. Jim, will you please explain to everyone and outside how we plan to work this auction? After you explain to them I will talk to the clerk who sets on the end of the table ready to record all the bids. She will write down the amount of the bid and collect it from the person who bought it right after the sale. The lady who baked the pie’s name will be on it. To our amazement, the plan worked perfectly, and at the end of the auction, all those who participated were so excited because it was a huge success. Jim and I thanked everyone for their cooperation and where are you are so happy it turned out to be a successful auction and raised a lot of money for the new school house. In fact, the next day, there was a big article in the paper describing how the auction went and how grateful they were for all the money they raised. B J had done several auctions in the local area is ring funds for charity organizations such as churches, clubs and, schools but none came close to comparing to this one. After Jim and B J said everyone said their goodbyes and Jim and B J shook so many hands.
Jim drove B J home. Jim said to BJ he would never have dreamed that the Auction be so successful and he was so happy that those people could start to build their new school.