Grandparents are story tellers. Early-day lessons are learned while listening in their laps . . . in the rocking chairs . . . by the winter fireplaces . . . on the summer porches.

These pages just pass on some tales my grandparents, uncles, aunts, and others of their generation told. And a few of mine.

The tales were sent one at a time via e-mail to my children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends scattered from Texas to California, Canada, Virginia, and Florida. As the yarns were received and read, the readers responded, provided critical comments, and helped compose a book of remembrances for those yet to come.

There may have been some enhancement in the lore and spiel of those who came before me. There might be a wee stretch in some of my contributions.

But mostly this is the way it was.