Classic Texas oil field story.
A Texas singer songwriter could make a great song out of that.
I had such a wonderful time of it. I loved my work and the times I worked, especially the early years in the Permian and the Rockies. Even Michigan, Illinois, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas were fun. It was before the oilfield became proper, DEI and regulated to death. All you had to do was to do right, treat people like yourself, be ethical, be competent, moral and be good for your word.
No “Landman” crap, I was too busy learning and trying to do a great job of it I didn’t think of money making angles. I was paid well and treated well by my employer. Many companies and experiences later the Exxon of those days is the company I am most proud having worked for. I left them though for greater adventures. It became too much like working for the government, military or The Borg. I was young, impetuous, independent and a little rebellious and in a hurry. The experience taught me many great habits that have served me well though.