and the wind blew

Today was a day thinking of my father in law, Bill Bryant or as many called him "Wild Bill". That he was, we never knew what he would say or do.  One thing for sure it was to make him laugh and us stutter step.  I loved the guy, he would stop at the house and just brighten my day.  One time he asked the kids,"you want some fancy tailed pigeons"?  My mistake was saying absolutely not!  That was a "you wanna bet look" from Bill.  Months later when I felt enough time had passed I forgot about the pigeon offer  the door opened a box came skidding across the floor.  Bill right behind it laughing and carrying pigeon food.  He was always up to something and whatever it was you better be prepared for the next round.

Without a doubt had Bill lived long enough we would have received a "blue mule" from him.  He had been talking about the blue mule he had found in NYS.  I knew it was just a matter of time, I'm sure he was doing some good old fashion horse trader talk with the owner.  Unfortunately Bill became ill and it never was to be.  A few years ago we were riding bike near Houghton, NY and there was a pasture with blue mules.  My first thought, was this where Wild Bill was going to buy the mule?

This little beauty is a Blue Mule.

One of Bill's sayings was, "and the wind blew and the shit flew for days and days".   I know he wasn't talking about real wind, he was talking about someone exaggerating and telling tall tales or just plain lying.   Now you see why Bill came to mind today, the wind blew and is still blowing.  When he was ready to leave up he would jump and sing, "Goodnight Irene".  He was a joy and our entertainment for many years.  I cherish the time he looked at me and said, "your a good woman Cheryl Bryant".  I don't think there was ever a time I saw him so serious. ♥  

Speaking of horse traders, Sterling Peters.  He was a silver haired, good looking gentleman that always had a stubby stogie in his mouth.  He could sell a half dead plow horse and convince the buyer it just ran the Kentucky Derby.  When Sterling had a green broke he would call Dick's dad to have Dick go down and ride the horse to get ready to sell.  Some were real snakes!  I remember my dad trying to cut a deal with Sterling for a horse.  My head was spinning with their bickering and bartering, you would have thought these guys hated each other.  No, no deal, home I went without the horse and that was that.

If any have memories of the horse shows held in Millport in the 50's and 60's here are some names that you might remember, Tom & Cheryl Oles, EV & Fay Schoonover, Dave Amidon, Bill, Cookie &Dick Bryant, Sterling Peters & Nan & Terry Beckwith, Squeaker Coleman, Cole Family, Carnes Family, Cliff, Peggy & Tom Day, Tom Spease and Stan Evingham.

No matter what the day brings I can always remember so many good memories of so many good people that have crossed my path.  It just takes something as simple as the wind to bring them out of the memory file.

Dick fixed another delicious supper of whipped potatoes, green beans and sauteed Texas Gulf Shrimp with butter, old bay, garlic, salt and pepper!