"My Worst Nightmare Come True!". . . .

When I started my blog and chose not to make it private, I have had
nightmares that someday someone would read it and be offended by
something I said, either about them or information I posted, that
they did not deem to be correct.

Two weeks ago, that nightmare came true. I went to my mailbox early
in the morning and found a small parcel there. I thought, "Hmmm, I
am not expecting anything, I wonder what this is?"

I looked at the return address and it said it was from Roscoe Wilkes.
My heart almost stopped and I broke out in a cold sweat wondering
what my long ago District Attorney would be sending me. When I
opened it, there was a letter and a book. Knowing that I had written
about Roscoe in at least two of my blog stories, my hands were
shaking so bad I could hardly focus to read the letter. I found myself
thinking, "Oh no, could Roscoe have someway found my blog and
did I say something to offend him."

It is a very gracious, very fun, letter. Never-the-less, I could not
wait to go to my blog and read the stories that included him, and my
heart was pumping big time. I couldn't imagine saying anything that
would offend him as I had nothing but the utmost admiration for him
and he taught me so much in the few times that I was called to his
office to assist him. Still worrying, I read and reread, what I said.

Finally George said to me, "Ina, quit worrying so, the things you said,
rather than offending Roscoe, probably made him feel good." So
Roscoe, if you read this, thank you for the letter. I loved it and I love
what you said about my family. I appreciate you taking the time to
write me. Do you think maybe it is the "Teddy Bear" side of you
that did this? I was immediately transported back to those days
when I was a wide eyed young girl working at my first important job
as a secretary to County Clerk, Esther Rollins and completely in
awe of Lincoln County District Attorney, Roscoe Wilkes.

Thank you for sending me your marvelous book. I have read it,
and some of the stories more than once. It is a very delightful
read. It is a wonderful bit of history of Pioche and Lincoln
County and I now have my own personally signed copy.

And now, being a glutton for punishment, I am going to push my
luck a bit farther and and include your letter in this post. That
is because it mentions members of mine and George's families in
a most positive way and will be a fun addition to the family history
I am attempting to write.

Roscoe's book is titled :

HIGH DESERT TALES
from the Not So Wild West

The cover features a wonderful picture of Pioche's No. 1 Mine.
To all of you who grew up in and loved a small town, and those
of you who just visit or read about them, I highly recommend this
book. It is a delightful, nostalgic read.

A letter to Ina Mae and George from Roscoe Wilkes:

Hi Ina Mae and George,

Browsing the internet, I discovered your writing about growing up
in a small town and enjoyed it, as I too experienced that privilege
in Pioche. One can even enjoy towns smaller than Pioche and
Panaca in story in the enclosed book.

Yes, I am the "Teddy Bear" who made little girls quake in their
boots then. And am also a "close" friend of brother Jim (Leo) and
an admirer, classmate and friend of sister Theresa, proud to have
her as our valedictorian, an honor won fair and square.

Count me as presumptuous in sending you the book, back cover by
daughter Karen, classmate of your cousin Terry, forward by sister
Kathryn. Son in Law did the cover and niece, Mary Duffin Stasak
typed it all, she is a first rate court reporter. So, it is a family affair.
Please, George and you read the stories then favor me with your
evaluation, good or bad.

I believe Art Wimsatt is George's younger brother, am I correct?
Art was star on my 8th grade basket ball team in the late 40s. I was
a Pioche teacher. Enclosed also is an "ad" and a "news article"
hopefully to appear in the Lincoln County Record on Aug 26 and
Sept 2, sent as information to you. Don't know if you have gone for
publication of a book, in my experience it entails more stress than an
old timer needs and costs a bundle.

At soon to be 93, with thanks to favorable genes and modern
medicine, I am still vertical, driving in heavy traffic if need be,
doing my own cooking and laundry (no enjoyment) and eyeing
lonesome widows, lost two wives, 30 years with each, both from
cancer. Now being pampered by two daughters and enjoying one
granddaughter one great grandson, a sister 91, and a loyal niece and
her husband.

Would love to hear from you.

My Best, Roscoe

And he signed his name in the beautiful script that I remember from
so very long ago. There is something in the distinctive flourish with
which these District Attorneys sign their name. I always love to see
my brother Leo's (Jim) signature on any correspondence I receive.