TCP Talk

Endless Joy

After reading about the senior rodeo, my husband and I went to an event [Still in the Saddle Again, October 2023]. It was wonderful seeing performers from 40 to 80-plus still enjoying what they love to do.

Carlanne Hickman, Tri-County EC | Haslet

Hats Off to Kelton

I don’t recognize Elmer Kelton without his hat [It Still Reigns, October 2023]! Have read many of his books, including this gem. He had a way of capturing a time and place and bringing it to life through many characters. An excellent writer and storyteller.

Ernie Battle | Via Facebook

On the reading list for a Texas literature class at Tarleton State University was The Time It Never Rained. We were told there would be a guest speaker to discuss writing—none other than Elmer Kelton himself.

He was soft-spoken, generous, patient and happy to be with us. I walked away with fond memories and his signature in my own copy, which I still have to this day.

Cole Hooper, Pedernales EC | Wimberley

A Stunning Memory

I was an elementary student near Austin [A School Day Like No Other, November 2023]. I think most schools were getting out early so parents could take children to see the motorcade. My mother was coming to get me.

Someone came to our room and whispered something to our teacher. Mrs. Griffin put her head down on the desk and began to cry. When she looked up, she said, “President Kennedy has been shot, and he won’t be coming to Austin.” We were stunned.

When my mother came to pick me up, she was crying too. I will never forget that day.

Susie McCalla, Central Texas EC | Kerrville

Family Ties

Frederick Law Olmsted is an ancestor on my mother’s side [Appraising the Texas Landscape, November 2023]. I am from Connecticut and worked my entire career at Hartford Hospital. In nice weather we would often go for walks on its approximately 10-acre beautiful campus, which was designed by Olmsted.

I was surprised but happy to learn that he toured and appreciated Texas.

Virginia W. Smith, Nueces EC | Corpus Christi