Family Roots
I was recently telling my sister about the chance that I might get to live and work near Salinas when she reminded me of our ties to the area and of a photo that my grandma showed us a long time ago. It was a photo of her family around the time that they first arrived in California.
My grandma’s family camping while picking fruit in California
They were camped in a makeshift shelter propped up by their Model T. They would travel around the state making a living by picking fruit during the summers. If I end up moving to the area, it would be like coming full-circle back to where my family started in this state.
Not This Time
Ain’t been paid in six weeks seein as the train carrying the payroll got robbed comin over the divide. I sure am lucky I’m not a drinkin man. I’ll tell you what, when fortune gets up-ended it’s better to have an extra three dollars than a regular stool at the saloon. It’s times like this I’d normally take my leave and bow out. There’s fresh mines opening up north, and wagons leave every day. Full of men like me. Off to the next town to lay their stake to a fortunate that ain’t gonna come. But not me. Not this time.