I have to say that in my family, we like to give my dad a hard time for being sort of a ham. He's an introvert by nature, and literally grew up in a house that his dad built in the woods in the hills of Southern Illinois on the Ohio River. His dad's, my granddad's, first job was running moonshine at the age of 14 during prohibition. My dad coudn't play basketball after school, because they couldn't afford to buy him shoes to play in. He's a bit of a success story though. He went to college, got a Master's, and now is a co owner in the engineering firm he works at.
Well, my dad tells stories when people are around, like the one about his uncle. His uncle used to float down the river like he was dead whenever any strangers were in town, so they would go tell the sheriff. Now in his more respectable life, he goes to awards functions, and society gatherings, where he loves telling his quaint hillbilly stories. On occasion he has written a story or two for a state or regional, or even national publication. He also makes banjos that have made their way all the way around the world.
Recently, he wrote and article for the Department of natural resources magazine, which is actually popular here in Delaware. The article he wrote was about a turtle he caught and made turtle soup out of according to an old recipe. He brought the soup to a special dinner with all these society acquaintances, and the soup was a smash hit.
I know it is hard to believe that actual turtle soup at a classy function would be very popular, but apparently it was, and there were requests to have other such special occasions. The magazine the article was in received more response than any other issue in their 30 year history.
Imagine that. From my dad the ham.
posted by: Soliel (reply)
post date: 03.20.04 (9:10 pm)
Wow thats very interesting , I love when my father tells me tales of times gone by , It makes you respect what you have and how much easier life is now.
