Houston County Researchers: Summer in Central Georgia is about as *hot* as you would ever want it to be. For those of you who have visited the Houston Heritage Book Project webpage, you know that you can keep an eye on the temps in the Perry, Georgia area by reviewing the weather updates and forecast that is posted there. http://homestead.juno.com/houston-heritage Perhaps that could evoke some sympathy from those who are experiencing cooler climates. Yesterday, it was 104 degrees ... just perfect for frying your meal on a sidewalk. I was traveling on some of the back roads in Houston & Dooly Co., GA, and drove thru an extensive pecan grove. You could really feel the difference in the temps upon entering it. It was like a huge enveloping canopy of foliage air conditioning. Over the years, I've visited several old homeplaces, and just about all of them had huge trees near what was left (if anything) of the old homes. Usually, there was a pecan, magnolia or cedar tree ... and, an occasional hemlock. And of course, the stately live oaks. What tales those trees could tell, as they have stood guard over the generations of occupants of these homeplaces. Even today, as you are driving by the modern subdivisions in Houston Co., GA, you can find an occasional small grouping of gigantic trees that surely must be the only extant evidence of a homeplace from days gone by. I fully expect that within ten years, even these areas will be developed, and part of someone's driveway or house. Trees have always amazed me with their sense of preserving part of our family's heritage. In almost everyone's memory, there is at least one particular tree that they can remember from their childhood. Whether it is one that they helped their grandparents shuck corn under, swing from on a home-made swing, or just keep cool under on a hot summer day while sipping a tall glass of ice-tea. At my family's cemetery in North Carolina, there is a massive cedar tree near the back of the graves. It is literally almost 4 feet across, and probably well over 150 years old. In 1993, I decided that I would help to propagate some seedlings from this huge cedar. So, I found 7 small (a foot or less tall) seedlings under the tree in the Fall, and carried them back to my home in Perry, Georgia. Today, these trees are now over 8 feet tall. My cousin in North Carolina has recently informed me that the huge red cedar is almost dead, and that it will need to be cut down soon. While I am sad to think of the demise of this family landmark, I am somewhat consoled by the fact that there are at least 7 more of its *kin* who will carry on in its stead .... but about 450 miles south of there. If any of you have some tree tales to tell, I would sure like to hear them. Also, any good old-fashioned "how to keep cool" tricks that your grandparents may have passed onto you for the summer time. Take care, and happy hunting! William A. Mills Perry, GA [email protected] ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.