The eggs froze under the bed

When Mother and Daddy were young and starting their ranching business and acquiring land after World War II, they purchased a place “on the mountain” as it was called in Coryell County back then.

The living room and bedroom were one room because that was the only room that had a fireplace. My sister and I were their only two children then; the boys were born later after we moved down under the mountain a mile or two.

I was five years old, and sister was four years of age, and I must tell you we loved living when we had a yard to play in – except for the occasional rattlesnake we had to be aware of.

Mother had her chickens and a little house out back they built for them. I must tell though that I remember how cold it was there even when the fire was always roaring. Mother gathered eggs and would put them under the bed hoping that would suffice in the frigid temperature.

But no, it was so cold that the eggs froze under the bed. There was no such thing as insulation and good “home building” back then. We were lucky to have a roof over our heads and food to eat… we heard her say so often. But you know what? We were never sick because no mold or whatever makes you ill grew because it was so drafty and cold. To change the room wasn’t in the books and I also remember that we each had a nail to hang our clothes on – no closets – everything right out in sight.

So, I know you are wondering – no bathrooms – just the outhouse out by the chicken coop! That was another experience I won’t forget! I do think about that often as I have a home with heat and cool air and yes, a modern bathroom and a closet in in each bedroom.

Later on, I will tell you the story of the old-timey Jeep Daddy had with snaps to close the windows on it and how brother No. 1 was brought home in it after he was born in Temple, Texas. After that, we moved under the mountain where I still reside today with a few modern appliances, but I am so happy here. Maybe the hardships make you appreciate what you eventually get later on.

Oh, one last thought: my sister, brother No. 1 and I were sick a lot after we moved out of the drafty cold house. Our tonsils were always giving us problems – must not have been germs and allergies on the mountain!

Try frying a frozen egg and see how weird it looks when you crack it and put it in the cooking pan; I bet you haven’t had one that froze under the bed like the house on the mountain we started our young lives in.

I’ll copy Mr. Houston and say: Be happy and appreciate life and what you work for – until next time, when I tell another story.