Today I’m taking the day off from politics.  I just want something lighter and more enjoyable, hope you do too.  Enjoy.

The Memorial Day Weekend has come and gone bringing with it the unofficial signaling of the arrival of the summer season.  I want to share one of my favorite memories of summer.

Old Diver, as the name implies, is an old swimming hole, in the river, made for diving.  Old Diver is much more than can be described in one sentence.  From the eyes of one youngster, this is what Old Diver is.

Most of our farm acreage was across the highway from the house and was bounded by a blacktop two-lane road, a tree line and the old rock fence.  Just beyond the fertile land that grew corn, wheat, oats and maize was the river.  We had about a zillion miles of river running through our property, or so it seemed.  We had the bottom area, which was a low-lying area on the south end of our river.  The old hollow trees made perfect homes for the squirrel we often had with dumplings.  The deep ponds of water made perfect havens for Bass fishing.  More than once when traipsing around in the bottoms I was startled by the thrash of a wild turkey being driven from his nest.

I have seen the river running thirty feet deep and more, after the rains have come, with backwater spilling into the branches and low spots along the river.  Only once did I ever see the river completely stop running and almost dry up.  During the early 1950’s, there was a severe drought in central Texas.  The weather stayed dry and hot for four years.  In the fifth year of the drought a person could see cow chips smolder and smoke.  The crops planted in the fields, dependent on rain to sprout and grow, lay dormant.   The river began to dry, and daily you could see the difference in the amount of water still standing.  Then Old Diver became so dry I could actually step across it.  This mighty river with all its power was stopped.  I could straddle the swimming hole with ease.   But these times were not to last.

From Old Diver you could look north and see the river winding its way over rock and sand.  It ran from one side of the riverbed to the other, defying any force to try and change its course, proving that it owned the entire riverbed.  Lined with trees thick and heavy, providing refuge for all form of wildlife, the river was respected by all, used by many and enjoyed by even more.  The masked raccoon drank side by side with the possum and fox, displaying the harmony nature offers all its creatures in its original setting.  There were high cliffs, where the original homestead sat, that overlooked the river and Old Diver.

In the summer families would gather at the rocks for reunions and other social gatherings.  The rocks were a big flat rock, across the river that offered a natural setting for picnics and other events.  This natural rock stage let no sand gather to be a pest.  Along the bank of the river, on the same side as the rocks, were big trees that leaned over the water.  These trees provided the support for our swing. 

The swing that went out over Old Diver and allowed us to do acrobatics and flip and splash into the cool refreshing waters of the river.  Old Diver itself was actually across the river.  At the time of creation the master’s hand exerted itself and created a natural diving board for this swimming hole.  These rocks were maybe three feet above the water line and jutted out over the water at the deepest point along the river.

When work was being done in the fields above the river and the heat and dust reached limits no mortal person could endure and retain his senses he sought immediate refuge in Old Diver.  Many were the times when work became unbearable and a short break was instigated to seek out the pleasures offered by Old Diver only to turn into a wasted afternoon.  As one person cooled in the water very often two or three others would arrive, to be followed by even more.  As was most often the case it was all boys and swimming suits were not needed much less wanted.  When mixed company was on the scene everyone scrambled to make sure proper attire was being worn.

Such is a small glimpse back at summer life a long time ago.  Old Diver no longer exists as it was.  Rains with river currents have filled the old swimming hole but the rocks still remain.  This is just another simple pleasure future generations will never experience.  This was much more fun than the electronic games and toys now used to occupy their time.

The thoughts and ideas expressed above are exclusively those of Jack Straley and www.justplaintalkwithjack.com  We may agree, and that’s fine, or we may disagree, that’s okay too.  My sole purpose is to encourage others to think, study, and become involved. Exercise your freedom and above all, when presented the opportunity, please vote.