Across the fence

It has been a little more than six years since this column “Across the Fence” was first printed in the fledgling newspaper, The Gering Citizen. Since that first column more than 300 pieces have followed, nearly 400,000 words, and that’s a lot of words from a feller who usually doesn’t have much to say.

At the start of this journey I shared much of my personal life through family history, personal stories and other events that occupied my day-to-day routines. The Western Nebraska Observer also began publishing the columns and, most recently, The Sidney Sun began to include the stories. My interest in the history of the settling of the west eventually became the focus of my columns and I have thoroughly enjoyed digging up some of the more obscure bits and pieces of our western history. Thank you Jim, Lisa and Frank, Dave, John and Rob for publishing my ramblings.

Through these stories I have exchanged letters with descendants of John Butterfield, Antoine Barada, Charlie Nebo and others. Letters of thanks for stories told have come from folks who still take their hometown newspapers, but are now living in Florida, California, Kansas, Missouri, the Dakotas and all across Nebraska. My thanks to each of you for your kind words.

But now it’s time for a change. Over these past six years I have neglected a historical fiction novel that has been ‘in the works’ for many years. My research for the columns I’ve written have uncovered stories that need to be told in much more detail, such as a biography of Nebraska cowboy and rancher Charlie Nebo. The southern panhandle of Nebraska was once one of the largest cattle ranches in the mid-1800’s, and the history of The Bay State Cattle Company begs to be written. And the most influential woman in my life lived an incredible life, and her story, my mother’s story, needs to be told.

My wish is that one day I will be able to devote most all of my time to writing. But for now there are many other commitments that occupy many of those hours. The column that I have been writing consumes upwards of 20 hours or more each week. Finding just the right story, researching the particulars, gleaning the essence of the story and then pulling it together in an informative and, hopefully, entertaining way takes considerable time.

And so, I have decided to use that time to work on the writings that I have been putting on the back burner for far too long.

It has been a pleasure to have spent these years with you, sharing my stories and the stories of others. Thank you for your support, your encouragement and your kindness. Until our trails cross again I leave you with my best wishes and warm regards.