GAINESVILLE, TEXAS: THERE'S FOSSILS IN THEM THAR HILLS!

Texas fossils transplanted to a corner window in Newton Corner, Massachusetts

Walking along the dirt roads in Gainesville, Texas, Marash Girl always found prehistoric fossils, sea animals that had lived there in the Texas hills millions of years ago.  But even in the hills of North Texas, progress has paved over our ability to relate to the past.  Now there are smooth tarred roads: one can drive without muddying the car or destroying an axle in potholes.  Granted the coyotes at the creek still cry out at sunset, but there are no more walks along dirt roads after a good rain, walks full of the anticipation of coming upon a fossil from ancient times. 

No worry, said a friend of Marash Martha (Marash Girl's sister).  Just drive over the border into Oklahoma, climb up into those hills  and you'll find plenty of fossils.  Plenty of rattlers, too.