Heartland Memories from David Lewis

http://heartlandmemories.com/bits/Blanche.mp3

In the 1950s, the southern portions of Illinois were often much farther south than a map might indicate. The pace of life in many of its parts was slower and more elemental than among the northern tribes, and a trip to that area could not only transport the traveler much farther south than […]

http://heartlandmemories.com/bits/Wildlife.mp3

I live in the country off a less than satisfactory gravel road. Those facts make it very foolish to open any windows on the north, south, or west side of the house during warm weather, unless I develop a cavalier attitude toward dust. On an average summer day, an open living room window coupled […]

http://heartlandmemories.com/bits/Dudley.mp3

His name was Dudley Babbit, and he was a real piece of work. In the 1960s and 70s, Dudley was at the top of his game. One of the premiere trainers of gaited horses on the planet, famous and coveted in song and story in an elite business driven by large sums of money […]

Hoofbeats in the Fog http://heartlandmemories.com/bits/OldJoe.mp3

It was damp, it was foggy, it was chilly, it was perfect. My wife and I crunched our way across the gravel parking lot of the Jock’s kitchen heading for the racetrack. It was barely dawn, and we’d just had breakfast with LaVette Drummond, a 40-year old Louisianan, who looked […]

Nice Kitty http://heartlandmemories.com/bits/Larry.mp3

I was tackled by a tiger once. I must stress that it was voluntary for both me and the tiger. I was recruited to be tiger tackled as part of a fund raising event to support some charity or other during other events at a county fair. I was coerced by individuals […]

http://heartlandmemories.com/bits/TheLionSleepsToday.mp3

Joggers and runners annoy me. Before my lovely bride, Laura, ventured off for several years occupying Afghanistan, allowing me to become a gentleman of leisure and relocate to my scenic country estate, we lived in an apartment in the city. While there, we acquired a canine – an Australian Cattle Dog, or Blue Heeler, […]

Swines, Swinettes, and Swinitos http://heartlandmemories.com/bits/Pigs.mp3

I like pigs. I’ve known a great number of them in my life – some good, some bad, some dangerous – but on the whole, I find a great deal to recommend them. I certainly find pigs less tedious than some of those pre-shrunk, permanently vibrating, ankle tall, remote control […]

Playing God http://heartlandmemories.com/bits/CatholicFish.mp3

A young woman and I were visiting the other day and she confessed to me that she was a Catholic. While I subscribe to no particular religion myself, I certainly begrudge no one else his or her faith, but she seemed apologetic at her confession, saying that she wasn’t even sure if […]