Memories for Sale

Memories for Sale

This is Dollar Don. He’s a man who deals in sentiment but can’t afford to be sentimental. “What do you got?” He looks at my Tonka trucks, lips pursed, eyes measuring, estimating value. When I was about six, I got three Mighty Tonka trucks. Big, tough, “Made with...
Old School

Old School

It’s not like I get my chainsaw sharpened on a regular basis. But I stopped by on a Wednesday to drop off four chains at Espeland’s Small Engine Repair. The painted sign says they fix vacuums, too, but Lane says most everybody throws their broken vacuum cleaners away...
Out of Gas

Out of Gas

I bought this Stihl chainsaw about 30 years ago. It has severed many tree limbs in its service on the Gould ranch, which I appreciate—and none of my limbs, which I appreciate even more. ☺️ It has two tanks—one for the gas/oil mixture and another for the chain oil that...
The Ernster Boys

The Ernster Boys

I knew the Ernster boys when they were really boys. Sitting side by side in church next to their parents, oldest to youngest, like steps on a staircase. They were all different, yet all the same in one important way: they were trustworthy. Probably 15 years ago, I was...
Catching Fish

Catching Fish

Working a booth at a trade show is like fishing. I enjoy it because I’m either fishing for sales or for stories. Both are enjoyable, and I usually get my limit. Here’s a picture Bob Uecker took of me talking to an ex-radio man named Barry. Barry worked at KISD, a...