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May, 2014
Texas Twister
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office
~Aesop
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OUCH! That hurt!
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By Ginger Lane
I was recently in my hometown getting a prescription at the pharmacy. An old woman was parked next to me and she and a grocery worker were putting the groceries in her car. The buggy crashed into my truck and hit hard enough that I felt it. Neither one of them even bothered to look to see if any damage was done. I was on the phone and I watched the worker go back into the store and the old woman go into a different store. I was still on the phone when the old woman came back to get in her car. I rolled down my window and asked her if she noticed if the buggy had damaged my truck and when the old woman looked up at me……… IT WAS A GIRL I GRADUATED WITH!! (Yes, same age as me…. Sigh)
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May, 2014 Politically Correct Ways to Say Someone Is Stupid A few clowns short of a circus. * A few fries short of a happy meal. * The wheel’s spinning, but the hamster’s dead. * All foam, no beer. * The butter has slipped off his pancake. * The cheese slid off his cracker. * Body by Fisher, brains by Mattel. * Warning: Objects in mirror are dumber than they appear. * Couldn’t pour water out of a boot with instructions on the heel. * He fell out of the stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down. * As smart as bait. * Doesn’t have all his dogs on one leash. * Her sewing machine’s out of thread. * One fruit loop shy of a full bowl. * Her antenna doesn’t pick up all the channels. * His belt doesn’t go through all the loops. * Receiver is off the hook. * Not wired to code. * Skylight leaks a little. * Her slinky’s kinked. * Too much yardage between the goal posts. * Got a full 6-pack, but lacks the plastic thingy to hold them together. * A photographic memory, but the lens cover is on. * Gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn’t coming. * Is so dense, light bends around her. * If brains were taxed, he’d get a rebate. * Standing close to her, you can hear the ocean. * Some folks drink from the fountain of knowledge, but he just gargled.
Texas Twister
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May, 2014
The Good Deed
A guy just died and he’s at the pearly gates, waiting to be admitted,
while St. Peter is leafin’ through this Big Book to see if the guy is worthy.
St. Peter goes through the Book several times, furrows his brow and
says to the guy, ‘You know, I can’t see that you ever did anything really bad in your life, but you never did anything really good either. If you can point to even one REALLY GOOD DEED-- you’re in.’
The guy thinks for a moment and says, ‘Yeah, there was this one time
when I was driving down the highway and saw a giant group of thugs assaulting this poor girl. I slowed down my car to see what was going on and sure enough, there they were, about 50 of ‘em harassing this terrified young woman. Infuriated, I got out of my car, grabbed a tire iron out of my trunk, and walked up to the leader of the gang, a huge guy with a studded leather jacket and a chain running from his nose to his ear. As I walked up to the leader, the thugs formed a circle around me. So, I ripped the leader’s chain off his face and smashed him over the head with the tire iron. Layed him out. Then I turned and yelled at the rest of them, ‘Leave this poor innocent girl alone! You’re all a bunch of sick, deranged animals! Go home before I teach you all a lesson in pain!’’
St. Peter, impressed, says, ‘Really? When did this happen?’
‘Oh, about two minutes ago.’
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May, 2014
Texas Twister
A blonde girl walks into a hair salon wearing a pair of headphones and asks for a haircut. The hair stylist looks and says, “You’ll need to take off the headphones first.” “If I take them off I’ll die.” the girl replies. For a while the stylist struggles around the headphones but it’s no use. Again she asks the girl to remove the headphones. “If I take them off I’ll die.” the blonde responds again. The stylist continues trying to cut around the headphones but she’s getting really frustrated by now. She decides to take the headphones off for her, gently so the girl doesn’t notice. As soon as the headphones are removed the blonde girl drops to the floor and dies. The stylist can’t believe it. Amazed, he picks up the headphones and holds them up to his ears, and listens: “breath in....breath out....breath in....”
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A man walks into the street and manages to get a taxi just going by. He gets into the taxi, and the cabbie says, “Perfect timing. You’re just like Frank.” Passenger: “Who?” Cabbie: “Frank Feldman. He’s a guy who did everything right all the time. Like my coming along when you needed a cab, things happened like that to Frank Feldman every single time.” Passenger: “There are always a few clouds over everybody.” Cabbie: “Not Frank Feldman. He was a terrific athlete. He could have won the Grand-Slam at tennis. He could golf with the pros. He sang like an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star and you should have heard him play the piano. He was an amazing guy.” Passenger: “Sounds like he was something really special. Cabbie: “There’s more... He had a memory like a computer . Could remember everybody’s birthday. He knew all about wine, which foods to order and which fork to eat them with. He could fix anything. Not like me I change a fuse, and the whole street blacks out. But Frank Feldman, he could do everything right.” Passenger. “Wow, some guy then.” Cabbie: “He always knew the quickest way to go in traffic and avoid traffic jams. Not like me, I always seem to get stuck in them. But Frank, he never made a mistake and he really knew how to treat a woman and make her feel good. He would never answer her back even if she was in the wrong; and his clothing was always immaculate, shoes highly polished too -- the perfect man! He never made a mistake No one could ever measure up to Frank Feldman.” Passenger: “An amazing fellow. How did you meet him?” Cabbie: “Well, I never actually met Frank. I just married his widow.”
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May, 2014 UP AND ADAM!!!
by Ginger Lane Sandee Farmer, Texas Twister editor and my friend, is like the guru of using words I have to look up to even know what she is talking about. I think she has this ‘word of the day’ calendar because nobody uses the big words she likes to toss around. For me, if I can get my words out with some semblance of the English language, I’m good. You know when you are always conversing with someone with that kind of vocabulary, the last thing you want to do is to say something that they are never going to let you forget. After all our years together, you’d think I would learn to be more careful, but here’s the story. I’m always trying to think of little tidbits to put here in the Twister, and one of the things I’ve been writing about lately is why we say certain things and I asked Sandee, “Why do we say ‘up and Adam’?” I’ve said that all my life and I knew it meant ‘let’s roll’, but why it meant that was a mystery. Big mistake. You see it’s ‘UP AND AT ‘EM!’ I just said what I thought my parents were saying and I waited nearly 60 years to question why. It’s been months since that fateful day and she still won’t let it go. She has now used the term ‘UP AND ADAM’ more than I have my whole life. She’s relentless and since we communicate by instant message, she so very nicely adds the ‘LOL’ after repeating my snafu of the tongue. Doing things just because our parents did is tradition. Doing thing you thought your parents did can just be hilarious!
Texas Twister
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The French Revolution During the French revolution, hundreds of people were guillotined. One day, three men were led up to die. One was a lawyer, one was a doctor, and the third was an engineer. The lawyer was to die first. He was led to the guillotine, the attending priest blessed him, and he knelt with his head on the guillotine. The blade was released, but stopped halfway down its path. The priest, seeing an opportunity, quickly said, “Gentlemen, God has spoken and said this man is to be spared; we cannot kill him.” The executioner agreed, and the lawyer was set free. The doctor was next. He was blessed by the priest, then knelt and placed his head down. The blade was released, and again stopped halfway down. Again the priest intervened: “Gentlemen, God has again spoken; we cannot kill this man.” The executioner agreed and the doctor was set free. At last it was the engineer’s turn. He was blessed by the priest, and knelt, but before he placed his head on the guillotine he looked up. Suddenly, he leapt to his feet and cried, “Oh, I see the problem!”
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You Don’t Have To Do It All!
By Ginger Lane
You just have to do something. That says it all. There are so many people in need of food, shelter and clothing. Children that need love and nurturing are in the smallest communities all across our great nation and the world. The elderly are homebound with too few family members to care for them. The homeless count is way too high. And, don’t forget about our furry friends that also need our attention. There are organizations that need funding and our environment has to be kept under watchful eyes. You can give a hand up or a hand out, as it makes no difference what you call it or how it is taken. You can send up a silent prayer, donate some clothing or drive a sick friend to the doctor. You have to do something. It’s overwhelming for us all so much so that maybe we just curl up and tell ourselves that it doesn’t matter what you do, nothing is going to fix everything. I’m here
Texas Twister
to tell you today that is fixing everything isn’t your problem. You are relieved from the duty of curing all the ills of the world. Your job is to do ……something. Matthew 25:40 “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” My Aunt Pat Smith gets dolls from anywhere she can, cleans them, crochets clothes and makes them beautiful. She donates them to fire departments to be given to children who have lost everything in a fire. She also gets them to children’s advocacy homes for the kids who have been removed from their home for one reason or another. Aunt Pat wants the children to have something of their own in desperate times. The children that receive these dolls will never forget them for rest of their lives. She’s doing something. Misty Hensley, marketing manager for Texas Twister, recently heard of a talented young woman that had an opportunity to enter a singing contest and the outcome could possibly change her life forever. It was a small contest and the prize was getting a CD produced. The contest entrance fee was $100 and financial circumstances left the woman unable to enter. She had some, but not all of it. Misty reached out to her and gave her the money she needed to be able to participate. She didn’t win first place, however, she did get noticed by some folks and the woman is on solid ground to a singing career. She’s already made her first CD, and had a recording contract in Nashville. (Details haven’t been disclosed, but watch for a follow-up story!) This woman who struggled with the entry fee money now has a chance for financial freedom. I’d also like to mention it was a Christian singing contest and her dream is to use her voice for God’s glory. Misty saw a need and she did something. Our shoulders aren’t big enough for the weight of the world. The smallest gesture can cause a ripple effect ‘heard’ throughout the world! So, when the opportunity arises, all that is needed is to just do something.
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May, 2014 The Old Man
A grizzled old man was eating in a truck stop
when three Hell’s Angels bikers walked in. The first biker approached the old man, threw his cigarette into the old man’s pie, and then took a seat at the counter.
Then, a second biker walked over to the old
man, spit into his glass of milk, and then took a seat at the counter.
Finally, a third biker verbally attacked the old
man, knocked his plate of food into his lap, and then took a seat at the counter.
Without a word of protest, the old man quietly
left the diner. Shortly thereafter, one of the bikers commented to the waitress, “Not much of a man, is he?”
The waitress replied, “Not much of a truck
driver either. He just backed his truck over three motorcycles.” *****
The Power Mower
Last summer, when the power mower was bro-
ken and wouldn’t run, Jane kept hinting to Dick, her husband, that he needed to get it fixed, but somehow the message wasn’t sinking in.
She finally thought of a clever way to make the
point. When Dick arrived home that day, he found her seated in the tall grass, busily clipping away with a tiny pair of sewing scissors.
He watched silently for a short time, then went
into the house. Jane thought she had again failed to get his attention. Well, he was gone only a few moments, and when he came out again he handed her a toothbrush saying, “When you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the sidewalks. Doctors say he will recover from his injuries quickly! *****
There is always a lot to be thankful for if you
take time to look for it. For example, I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don’t hurt. ***** Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-o to a tree. ***** Families are like fudge .. Mostly sweet with a few nuts ***** If you can remain calm, you just don’t have all the facts.
Texas Twister
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Left to Right / Jacie Thomason and McKenna Tallant All tournament selections for Caddo Mills varsity tournament
May, 2014
Pictured are Lee Elementary students Caroline Terry, Dylan Sides, Richard Battson, Makenzie Blake, Walker Allen, Sean Amelia, Kylie Blakemore, Michael Grant, and Natalia Mead. They received a Mystery Motivator Prize for being OSCAR winners (Our Students Can Act Responsibly).
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2014-2015 Middle School Cheerleaders
Front Row (L to R): Keely Stapleton, Riley Madsen, Kacie Clark, Audra Doyle (Captain), & Ashley Hilton Middle Row (L to R): Macie Bailey, Cassidy Owens, Josie Wooten & Hannah Epperson Back Row (L to R): Jaycee Lemmon, Jalyn Lenamond, Bradley Wright (Mascot), Tristan King, & Maci Patterson
Caddo Mills High School UIL TMSCA
Varsity Softball @ Lone Oak Tournament
Caddo Mills High School UIL Regional Qualifiers
Caddo Mills High School District UIL
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finisher medal and other prizes from sponsors. Each student completing their marathon will also receive a t-shirt. Over 150 students and teachers were able to complete their marathon this year with some completing more than one.”
FHS First National Robotics Competition Exceptional Learning Experience The Quinlan Ford Robotics Team is in its fourth year of existence. Every year, FHS teams have earned competitive rights at state level competitions. This year Team Bionics earned an invitation to compete at the national level VEX National Championship in Omaha, Nebraska. “Team Bionics competed for three days against the nations best robotics teams and finished the tournament with a 3 win, 7 loss record and placing 32 in their division. This was a very commendable feat considering they qualified and competed in a National Championship the very first year to participate in the VEX competition. FHS competed against teams that have competed at the national level for several years. At one point on the second day, the team was ranked as high as 12th place, but consecutive losing rounds played against three of the top five overall teams dropped FHS from that lofty position. The team members had fun and were exposed to a level of competition they had never imagined.” Wiley goes on to say, “We learned so much from this competition. At the state level, winning is about earning as many points as you can. At the national level, winning becomes more about defense. This was our first experience competing at the national championship level. I believe team members gained invaluable experience that will carry well into next year’s competitions as well as add to their academic profiles for pursuing an education in the math and science industry.”
Congratulations to the FHS AG Mechanics team. The group traveled to San Angelo and all three projects received Blue Ribbons. Team members include: Austin Hernandez, Austin Stewart, Tyler Hobbs, Taylor Barnes, Racey Watson, Taylor Edwards and Nolverto Huerta.
Butler Students Complete 26.2 Mile Marathon Challenge. Several students at A.E. Butler Intermediate School celebrated a successful completion of their 26.2 mile journey by attending the Marathon Kids Final Mile Celebration on Saturday, March 29, 2014. Students and teachers at Butler have been walking/running throughout the year and logging their miles with the goal of completing a full marathon (26.2 miles). According to P.E. Teacher, Cynthia Curb “This program not only emphasizes exercising but also eating healthy foods. It culminates with the final mile celebration where students (and families) run their last ceremonial lap and receive their
FHS CHOIR WINS ELITE SWEEPSTAKES AWARD The FHS Choir competed in the UIL Choral Concert & Sight Reading Contest at Canton High School. The Varsity Treble Choir earned an Excellent Rating in the concert portion of the contest, and A Cappella (the Varsity Mixed Choir) won a Sweepstakes! FHS Choir Director Judith McCarty states, “I couldn’t be more proud of these students. This is such a difficult contest as the Texas Choral standards are very high. In order to win a Sweepstakes the choir must earn a Superior rating on three prepared pieces for the Concert half of the contest. In addition, they must also earn a Superior rating for their performance on a piece they have never seen before. They have a short study time and two chances to sing it, but they never get to hear it played or sung for them, so they really have to know their stuff!” “This is the 2nd year for FHS Choir to win a Sweepstakes. It has been a goal all year to repeat this honor. It is that dedication and drive to succeed that makes me the most proud,” she said.
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Texas Twister
Blueberry Lemon Fruit Topping
Howdy Texas Twister Fans, Seems like my mind got older since I’m having my birthday this month and I forgot to send in my recipes for April. So, hope you will forgive this old lady and will enjoy these recipes. With Spring here, we are going to have a lot of fresh fruit and veggies, so here are some recipes I hope you will enjoy. And remember to say a prayer for our service men and women and their families. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t have our freedom today. God Bless them all, past, present, and future service men and women!
SPRING!!!!! Oh man, it’s my favorite time of the year for fresh food. I love the flowers and every color of green. I am so ready! If you have time on a Saturday or Sunday, grab the kids, grandkids or the neighbors and head for an orchard. The strawberries are ready for picking! And the things you can do with fresh ones (besides eating while you pick). Fresh spinach, leaf lettuce, hen eggs, ham, green onions and you have a salad that is a meal. Back in the days before we knew bacon and bacon grease were not good for you, Mother and Mammaw made a wilted lettuce salad in the spring. Spring was also when Mammaw put up fresh strawberry jam. In a small Jell-O pamphlet that Mother got years ago, I found this “salad” which seems more like dessert to me. Its great served with grilled meat and veggies of any kind, and makes the meal whether as a salad or dessert.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
1 1/2 cups crushed salted pretzels 4 Tbsp white sugar 10 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted 1 cup granulated sugar 2 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese, room temperature
Prep Time: 3 minutes Cook Time: 2 minutes Servings: 6 Ingredients: 4 oz Smucker’s Sugar Free Blue Berry Preserves 1/2 oz cup of Blueberries, frozen 1 tsp fresh lemon peel Directions 1. Combine preserves and frozen blueberries in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir in lemon peel. 2. Serve over hot whole grain waffles or pancakes. Nutritional Values: Calories: 17.1, Carbohydrates 7g, Sugar Total 1.09g, Protein 0.08g, Total Fats 0.08g,Saturated Fat 1.3g, Monounsaturated fats 4.0 g, Polyunsaturated Fats 3.0 g, Trans Fat 0.0, Cholesterol 0.0 mg,
Grilled Glazed Peaches Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 (8 oz) ctn frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed 1 (6 oz) pkg strawberry flavored gelatin 2 cups boiling water 1 lb strawberries, sliced Preheat oven to 350° F. In a medium bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs, 4 tablespoons sugar and melted butter. Stir with a fork until the butter is fully incorporated into the pretzel crumbs. Pour into a 9X13 inch pan and spread evenly in the pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 6-8 minutes. Allow crust to cool completely before layering in the filling. In a medium bowl, beat the sugar, cream cheese and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon filling into the pan place into the refrigerator for about 1 hour. In a medium bowl, stir together the gelatin mix and boiling water. Stir in strawberries. Place the bowl into the refrigerator for about five minutes. This will allow the gelatin to firm up a bit. Evenly spoon the gelatin on top of the filling mixture and then back into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Serve chilled. YUMMMMM!!!!!!! Mom also used fresh peaches and peach jello.
MamMaw’s Wilted Lettuce Salad 1 bunch of fresh lettuce, washed & shaken well 1 bunch of fresh spinach, washed & shaken well 3 – 4 fresh green onions, chopped 3 eggs, hard boiled, chopped 5-6 Strips of cooked & drained bacon chopped ¼ C diced ham Grease from strips of bacon
Servings: 6 Ingredients: 3 each medium peaches, cut into halves 1/4 cup Margarine, 80 % fat, unsalted 2 tablespoons orange juice Directions: 1. Preheat grill 2. Combine margarine and orange juice and heat until it becomes thick. 3. Grease the grill rack and arrange peaches, flat side down on hot grill. Lightly coat the peaches with orange juice mixture. Grill the peaches for 10 minutes, flipping and coating with syrup a few times. 4. When finished, the peaches will be seared and glazed. Take the peaches off the grill and serve warm. Nutritional Values: Calories per serving 89.4, Total Carbs 5.6 g, Dietary fiber 1.0 g, Sugars 0.5 g, Total Fat 7.5 g, Saturated Fats 1.4. g, Unsaturated Fats 2.1 g, Potassium 9.9 mg, Protein 0.6 g, Sodium 5.5 mg. Dietary Exchanges: 1 1/2 Fat, 1/2 Friut. ¼ C vinegar (or dill pickle juice) Gently tear the washed & shaken lettuce and spinach into a large bowl. Add chopped eggs, bacon and ham toss. Heat grease in the skillet you cooked bacon in I loosen any bits and pieces stuck in the bottom. When the grease is very warm, gently pour in the vinegar/pickle juice. Immediately pour onto the salad mixture & toss. Serve with your favorite cracker or cornbread. This is a meal. And YUMMMMM!!!! (If you are being good and not going back into my childhood, you can use your favorite low cal/fat free salad dressing and use Eggland® Best Eggs, turkey bacon and ham)
Mammaw’s Oat Bars 1-1/2 cup Flour 1-1/2 cup Oats 1 cup Packed Brown Sugar 1 teaspoon Baking Powder 1/2 teaspoon Salt 1-3/4 stick Salted Butter, Cut Into Pieces 1 jar (10-12 Ounce) Preserves Your favorite preserves, strawberry, apricot, peach, whatever it is Mix together all ingredients except preserves. Press one half of the mixture into a buttered 8” square (or small rectangular) pan. Spread with a 10-12 ounce jar of preserves. Sprinkle second half of mixture over the top and pat lightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until light brown. Let cool completely, then cut into squares. OHHH YUMMMMM!!!!!!
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May, 2014
THE RUNAWAY SCRAPE
Sam Houston arrived in Gonzales on March 11,
1836, where Colonel James C. Neill, Colonel Edward Burleson, Captain Juan Seguín and their companies were now located. Two days later, they learned of the March 6 fall of the Alamo through the reports of Susanna Dickinson, after she had been released by the Mexican Army in San Antonio. Deaf Smith, Henry Wax Karnes and R. E. Handy had found Mrs. Dickinson and Karnes and other Texan family survivors of Santa Anna’s campaign. With their reports in hand, the group hurried back to tell Houston of the news.
Upon hearing of the news and with subsequent
reports of fleeing Texan families entering the camp, Houston decided to retreat, advising all settlers to follow. Henry Karnes was asked to burn Gonzales to prevent the Mexicans from gathering anything useful for their campaign. Although most Texian families had begun making preparation for leaving, substantial numbers decided to remain. As troops would march away from Gonzales, the remaining remnants lost their protectors. Salvador Flores along with a group of volunteers formed the rear guard that would protect the fleeing families. The Flores company proceeded westward to secure the lower ranches of San Antonio.Flores maintained this position offering protection from Mexican and Indian attack. On March 14, the caravan had reached the Lavaca River, there they would camp at Williamson Daniels.
On March 17, the Texians would cross the Colo-
rado River where favorable defensive positions awaited them. Here they could secure three of the Colorado crossings; Burnam’s, Dewee’s (a.k.a., Mosely’s) and Beason’s, while waiting, although in vain, for the arrival of Colonel James Fannin’s army. Preceding the Texian Army at these crossings was the civilian evacuation toward the American border and safety of Louisiana. On March 20, Sesma leading 800 men, had reached the Colorado. The Texians, although eager to battle, were advised by Houston to wait,
Texas Twister
which caused much grumbling and dissatisfaction among
ers were put to work. Captain Moseley Baker’s company
the troops.
with Juan Seguin’s company, would hinder the advance
Further up the Colorado at Mina (Bastrop), the
of Santa Anna for several days by blocking the Mexican
civilian exodus traveling ahead of Antonio Gaona’s Mex-
army from crossing the Brazos river, thereby preventing
ican Division, made use of the Puesta del Colorado cross-
them from rapidly overtaking the Texians. Wyly Martin
ing prompting the Ranger unit there to divide its forces.
was given the same task, but with a limited guard was
Half of the Tumlinson Ranger’s corps protected the non
flanked out of his position when the Mexicans crossed
combatants, accompanying them toward Nacogdoches
near Old Fort.
along the San Antonio Road, with the remainder serv-
ing as rear guard between the Texan army below and the
were washed away. The rain, cold, and lack of food and
three pursuing Mexican vanguards. After the evacuation,
shelter made the settlers susceptible to many diseases such
Mina would be destroyed by the pursuing Mexican army
as cholera, whooping cough, measles and dysentery. They
and scavenged by Indians. After a week of organizing and
were buried where they died. Rumor had it that the Trinity
training at Benjamin Beason’s Crossing, the Texian Army
river was rising, so this led to much haste in getting there
under Sam Houston received the disheartening news of
for fear that if they rested, the river would be too high
Fannin’s fate. Houston would lose some 300 men, as they
when they arrived and would prohibit their crossing. They
rushed to gather and escort their families. The flight east-
also faced Mexican partisans and renegade looters who
ward would continue toward San Felipe, on March 26.
wanted what little the settlers may have fled with. Many
On March 29, just the next day after arriving,
were picked off by bands of Mexican scouts and partisans
Houston burned and abandoned San Felipe de Austin.
as well as hostile Indians. With the rivers flooded, the ref-
This retreat of Houston and the Texian Army left more
ugees were forced to make crude rafts to cross the swollen
settlements unprotected. General Santa Anna had con-
waterways, sinking them afterwards to delay their pursu-
doned the confiscation of food and the burning of towns
ers. The banks of the Trinity River overflowed and many
along his route through Texas. Thus, his treatment toward
families waited hours standing in running water just to
rebelling Anglos, the “No Quarter” orders and proven his-
get to the boat, only to realize that over five hundred oth-
tory of massacre proved sufficient to cause thousands of
ers were still waiting on the opposite bank after they had
settlers to flee his wrath. The refugee trains soon became
crossed. Those that had not gotten across had to wait until
a flood, as more settlers heard of the fall of the Alamo and
the next morning when more rafts could be built before
the retreat of Houston. The flight was marked by lack of
they could get across. During the night, they feared they
preparation and by panic caused by fear of both the Mexi-
may drown or be eaten by panthers, alligators, or bears. It
can Army and of Indians who, unknowingly were tem-
took four days to get everyone and all the supplies across.
porarily allied, might crush the fledgling Texan nation.
The wagons and carts had to be taken apart to cross, then
While the fear of Indian alliance with Santa Anna was
reassembled.
real, it did not materialize. By April 1 most settlements
around the Brazos River were evacuated.
crossing the Brazos beginning on the April 12 and march-
On April 2, Santa Anna reached Gonzales, fol-
ing east from Groce’s Plantation on April 14. Santa Anna
lowing the military road he proceeded to take the Atas-
had learned of the Texian’s President, David G. Burnet
cosito Crossing of the Colorado on April 5, and on April 7,
and other officials presence in Harrisburg and divided his
he had reached San Felipe de Austin. While in San Felipe,
army into three units. One detachment he sent on to Har-
Santa Anna did not know that Houston and his army were
risburg to capture them. The second detachment he left
camped in a pasture across the Brazos River from Groce’s
behind to protect his supply lines. He continued his march
Plantation, only fifteen miles above the main Mexican
with the third detachment. The Texians had also learned
forces. For almost two weeks, the Texians would remain
of the Mexican’s plan and hurried to parallel the Mexi-
undetected, allowing time for their numbers to increase
can march. Harrisburg would be torched by the Mexican Continued on next page
and training to progress. At the Brazos, the eager fight-
The spring of 1836 was wet, and many roads
Houston stayed ahead of the Mexican army by
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RUNAWAY SCRAPE Continued from previous page
Army. On April 16, Houston’s army ended the retreat by
to incur substantial property losses, and upon their return
turning southeast to march toward the imminent confron-
home found their property had been ravaged and their
tation on the San Jacinto River.
livestock missing. Thus many ended up nearly destitute.
After pushing the defiant population before him
Estimates of civilian casualties range from dozens to per-
in three primary pincer movements, Santa Anna pre-
haps hundreds dead. Combined with military losses, the
sumed he had finally cornered the settlers and their pro-
entire nation of Texas lost anywhere from a minimum of
tecting Texian soldiers and American volunteers under
ten percent to upwards of twenty percent of its popula-
Sam Houston at San Jacinto. Because of this, he decided
tion.
to let his army rest and not to attack until two days later. General Sam Houston took advantage of this and decided to mount his own attack.
The Runaway Scrape consisted of three major
columns. The largest of these columns was protected by Houston’s army. When Houston turned his army around he began collecting the refugee train behind his army. On April 21, in the subsequent battle of San Jacinto, this large group of settlers awaited their fate to the sounds of the battle before learning of Texas victory and their own safety. The remainder of the refugee columns continued for about six weeks until news spread of Houston’s victory in the Battle of San Jacinto.
The Runaway Scrape had caused many families
Courtesy of Wikipedia
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