These stories are set in the Missouri Ozarks mostly in the early to middle of the 1900's; though some happened only years ago and a couple get their start going back several centuries. When done reading you will have a better grasp of the history that surrounds you here, as well as have met some wonderful people and learned some fascinating traditions. You will be enlightened and inspired. Stories range from funerals to pie suppers, and deal with honor and integrity in everyday situations. When you have finished this book, your visits to this area will always seem more fulfilling. This collection of short stories represents the effort of several years of writing and several decades of living. A few are born from those innermost thoughts that seep forth in those hours before daylight, others are tales heard and retold; all are based in Ozark tradition and culture. Several took place during my lifetime with some involving myself and friends firsthand. The meals spoken of were surely eaten; the trails traversed in prose actually trod. We hope to make you laugh with some real characters, but entreat you not to make light of these good people steeped so deeply in tradition. Theirs was a culture that brought not only new life to an area rich in both resource and challenge, but developed and defined a lifestyle still enviable today. Enjoy these stories, both the real and imagined, and perhaps say a prayer of thanks for having known some of those mentioned----even if only by word, and for living still in this world He spoke into existence. Share them with others to educate and inspire.