Jerreth and I dropped in on Dorothy and Glenn on Friday. We had a wonderful visit, leaving laden with good things. They have a beautiful big garden. We left them a 18 1/2 lb Old Timey Cornfield Pumpkin. Among other things, we got a copy of Dorothy's book. Yes, DOROTHY'S BOOK!

Here's to scoop: It's called "Keep Your Fingers in the Dirt: Lessons in Simple Living from the Oklahoma Hills," published by Xulon Press. Copyright 2009. ISBN 978-1-60791-340-5

Seems like an absolutely fascinating book. I just finished the first 30 pages, which were super. But then, one of our daughters is home from college. She latched onto the book and it's been hard to get from her!

The first chapter is "If Everything You Touch Turns to Manure, Keep Your Fingers In the Dirt." It tells how Dorothy was born in the Ozarks and then moved to California, to be with her parents, then; how she and Glenn moved back as newlyweds. It tells both of the difficulties they faced, and some of the good things about living here. But what really interested me, was all the intricate details about how people lived "out there," from the time of her grandparents till about the time she and Glenn moved onto the old homestead.

Other chapters include:
"You Can't Raise a Garden in a Johnson Grass Pasture" (Hmmm... I tried that back in 1981!)
"Young Hens are Layers; Old Hens are Stewers"
"Cowboys are Supposed to Ride Horses"
"It Don't take a Fancy Cook to Feed a Hard-Working Man"

and

"The Best Place to Raise Kids is in the Country"

There are more. But that should give you an idea. We're thrilled with the book. Not only is it entertaining. It's also informative.

Just thought I'd let all you know. This is one to have on your shelf if you're interested in the homesteading lifestyle or even Ozark culture and history; let alone the window it gives into Dorothy's life.

George
Tahlequah, OK

What wonderful news! Thanks for the heads-up! I can't wait to get a copy and read it.

Dorothy,

Congratulations!!!! I hope you'll let us know where to find copies of your book.

Dawn

George, I didn't sign your book. Remind me next time I'm over there and I will if you like. And thank you so much for the kind words. Dorothy

Diane

Wonderful reading, Mulberryknob! And of course I want an autographed copy! I'll be sending you a check and a request!

Paula

Today, UPS delivered my books and I've been sitting and reading for the last hour or so.

Dorothy, it is a great book and I am enjoying it so much. I love the cover art too. Clearly, Dorothy not only is an amazing person and gardener, but a great writer and talented artist as well. Since I'm only at the beginning of the book, I can't tell y'all how it ends, but I suspect that "they all lived happily ever after" and I am looking forward to the sequel because an author who has this many stories inside of her cannot stop at one book.

The only problem with starting this book in the middle of the day is that it means I am unlikely to finish today's "To Do" list because I'd rather read Dorothy's book.

Just from looking at the titles of the chapters, I am reminded of how much Dorothy and I (and many of you) have in common.....Johnson grass, copperheads, varmints, fire, the weather....and so much more.

So, y'all go ahead and do whatever work is on your schedule for this afternoon. With a cuddly kitten by my side, I am going to just sit here on the sofa for a while and read, read, read.

Congratulations, Dorothy, on your publishing accomplishment!

Dawn

And, Paula I learn things on this forum all the time. I didn't know google had a book site let alone that my book was previewed on it.

I got to thinking that for GW members if you want to email me through GW, I can send my home mailing address directly to you. Didn't want to post it publicly; I get enough unsolicited mail already.

You are welcome.

I am loving the book.

I had to put the book down and go outside to do my evening animal chores. While I was outside, one of the cats plopped her big fluffy self down in the warm, indentation in the sofa cushion left by my rear end while I sat and read all afternoon. She was MOST unhappy when I came inside and reclaimed my spot on the sofa and the book--which she was using as a pillow. Nope, no spoiled-rotten lazy cats living here.

I am sure our paths will cross at a seed swap or some other gathering, Dorothy, and when they do, I'll bring my book with me to be personally autographed by the author.

Dawn

=)
Paula

It is SOOOO wonderful. Dorothy is a great storyteller and I am so enjoying reading the book. You won't believe what happens next.....I had to go to page 60 to find out....and then once I knew the answer to that question, I went back to the beginning of the book and started there.

There are some parts that leave me giggling, like when Dorothy decides she wants to consider relocating at the end of Chapter 1. I giggled because I knew THAT didn't happen....but there have been a couple of times I have felt like that myself....and I am still here too.

You need to hurry up and get your book....I am SO far ahead of you now and I'm going to know the ending before you do. LOL

Dawn

Since I was reading on my computer, I found myself stopping to look up the family on the census. Good job, Dorothy.

I do love the stories that tell about the family members. I have noticed that people here in our rural area have to run though the whole family geneology thing with anyone new they meet so they can 'place' them in their proper context.

Dawn

Go to www.familysearch.org
In the search engine put:
Thomas Davis, birth 1845, use the plus or minus 5 years, United States and Arkansas.

When you see the choices, choose the one that says 1880 census, and it is the one in Washington County, Lees Creek. I am reading it as Thomas 35, born AR, father born VA, mother born NC. Nancy 28, born AR, parents born KY.
Palina C 11, John N 10, Sarah S 8, William J 5, Seborn S 3, and Benj. C 1, children all born Arkansas.

The last of the children are on the 2nd page so use the little arrow in the right hand corner of that census screen and you can go to the 2nd page.

On the search page it also had Thomas Jefferson Davis as being the son of John Nathan Davis and Catherine Elkins, and TJ's birthday as 12 Mar 1845 White River AR. This entry will be someone's submission and not an official source.

I guess you will need to go put flowers on his grave to make this post about gardening. LOL

I have never taken the time to look up these records but a few years ago one of my cousins did and compiled a family history and recipe book. So part of that info she had put into the book. And some things I know because Grampa told me.

The John N mentioned in the 1880 census lost his right arm to a sorghum mill when he was a boy and learned shorthand with his left hand. He became the court reporter to "Hanging Judge" Parker at Ft Smith. There is a photo in the Ft Smith Museum that shows the court room with the Judge on the bench and Uncle John taking evidence in front of him.

Thanks for taking the time to look this up.

Thank you so much for sharing this part of your life!

Paula

I was born in 1957, birth parents very, very young people (mom almost 16 and father 15). North side of OKC had my mother's parents spearheading "the right thing to do". Here I am and the short story is I lived with my grandparents (mother side) for the first 6 years of my life and was always very close the them. They were wonderful people that still guide my life today. My Papaw loved his garden and I spent every minute I could with him out there. That nice lady named "mom" married this nice man named "dad" and I had a pretty decent upbringing...which meant other siblings as their life progressed but several years away from where I was (next one was 8 yrs younger, then 13 yrs, then the last was born on my 16th b-day). Later in life I decided to find my "birth father" and he was/is just not that big of deal (reason he wasn't there all along). However, after I'd decided to let that line die, his next oldest daughter decided to contact me. I was so scared...he'd told me so many things that didn't lend me to think she'd be open to having any contact with me. (She's only 3 yrs. younger than me) But WOW! Was I wrong and thank Goodness and the Good Lord! She is the BEST sister I could have possibly wanted and also, the BEST friend. She loves gardening, baking and all the "old value" things that I love also. I just couldn't be more blessed!! Dorothy's book about roots is just the perfect gift for her this Christmas. Kinda glad she doesn't read this forum or the cat would be outta the bag. SHHHH! Don't anybody tell her?

There you have it. But I'll warn you...my Sis and her DH have a photo business and I've already asked them to come out for the Spring Swap and take pics. Something we can all share! You won't even notice they're not one of us gardeners becuz they are (just not on the same scale). Just don't tell her I bragged on her ... she'd be embarrassed.

And at this time of Thanksgiving....I'm thankful for my pumpkins (just put up 8 pints of Pumpkin Butter!) and my Sister! Great Harvest!

Paula

What a wonderful and heart-warming story and I am so thrilled for you and your 'new' sister that you found one another and that you have such a lovely and special relationship today.

I am enjoying Dorothy's book so much, and so is Tim. Much of Dorothy's and Glenn's experiences those first few years remind me of some of our own experiences when we bought this piece of land and began clearing it to build the house. I also love the fascinating family history.

And, best of all, we know the rest of the story.....i.e. that Glenn and Dorothy lived happily ever after. : )

Dawn

BTW folks, I have a job interview today.

George

Diane

Paula

And George, still praying for you to get a wonderful job.

George

Congratulations! That is terrific news. A temporary job is better than no job....and I've seen lots of temporary jobs work into something permanent too. I am so happy for you and Jerreth and know that having a job (any job!) takes a load of worries off your shoulders.

Dawn

Diane

Maybe the employment fairy is going to start in northeastern Oklahoma and make its' way south & west?

Thanks so much! I'm done with my Christmas shopping!

Paula