Danny was a good family friend. His residence in a trailer up the Lump Gulch Road was referred to as 'Camp Shakey' and he was fondly referred to as 'McGoon.'

To make Camp Shakey Beans, you first have to make a trip down to the creek to cut a willow stick about 12 inches long, on which you will carve notches up the entire length.

This is what you stir the beans with, and the notches will allow that miserable gas that causes so much pain and embarrassment to simply hop right up those notches and dissipate into thin air.

After preparing your stick you can proceed with cooking the beans. A fancy version of the stick can sometimes be purchased at craft shows.

Soak one pound of Great Northern beans overnight, being sure you have discarded any discolored beans or the small rocks that sometime appear in sacks of beans.

The next morning drain the water off. Add some ham or bacon and one large onion and enough water to cover plus an inch or two.

Simmer over low heat until the beans are tender (beginning to get mushy); add salt and pepper to taste.

Remember to keep stirring often with that stick.

As the beans begin to get mushy they are inclined to stick to the bottom of the pot and burn, so watch carefully.

At one time Danny proposed to me, promising to have dinner ready when I got home from work, and the wood box always full.

I think he was joking, but it's probably one of the best offers I ever had.