It's Been Fun

It's Been Fun is the autobiography of Dr. Harlan Rogers, a well-known Mississippi cattleman and retired dentist. Born in 1929, Harlan gives a first hand account of conditions during his childhood and the trials many families faced as they struggled to survive the Great Depression and its hardships. His entertaining and educational anecdotes transport the reader to another era when people worked together to achieve common goals and hard work was a way of life. Harlan describes the skill and discipline of the old muleskinner as he and his crew harvest virgin timber in rural Covington County, Mississippi, using only a few simple tools and well-trained oxen and mules. He tells of the community's willingness to share during times of need. Harlan discusses his favorite activities as a youth, many based on his love for nature and simple pleasures such as hayrides and afternoon trips to the swimming hole. The work ethic and sense of community instilled in Harlan during his early years made him an outstanding soldier as he proudly served his country during World War II and the Korean War. His stories of battle are thought provoking as he describes the horrors of war and the thrill of victory. His account of the battle for Pork Chop Hill and the loss of his best friend are moving reminders of the sacrifice all American veterans have made. After serving in the army, Harlan returned to the United States to become a successful dentist in his hometown. He shares some rather amusing stories of almost forty years in dentistry. He also offers insight into how he built a successful Charolais cattle ranch from the ground up. Harlan and his wife of over fifty years, Dorotheann Murphree Rogers, have worked together to become prominent business owners. He presents his thoughts on the importance of community involvement and some valuable lessons he has learned as a member of various local, state, and national boards. Also sprinkled in the book are humorous stories about raising four sons and tips for parenting. Harlan also devotes a chapter to what he calls "thoughts that clutter my brain." Because of the long and productive life he has enjoyed, it is appropriate he has chosen to call his first publication It's Been Fun.