If you grew up with parents or grandparents who spiced up their daily conversation with sage-sounding sayings, some which left you scratching your head, puzzled as to their meaning, perhaps Bill Cannon's collection of Texas sayings can unlock the mysteries often hidden within mom's and dad's favorite admonitions. "Since who laid the chunk" as in "I've knowed him since who laid the chunk!" is typical of the many Texas sayings explored in this revealing analysis of the Texans expressed themselves over the past two centuries. This book is rare not only because it makes clear the meaning and wisdom, but, unlike other ''Texas Talk'' books, reveals the 600 words, phrases, and sayings used by Texans to convey their feelings. Mr. Cannon, a retired Dallas detective, used investigative skills to ferret meanings of those sayings he heard as a child from his rural-bred mother. Upon leaving for a trip, Mama always commented, "We're off like a jug handle." "I never had the courage to ask her what she meant," admitted the author. "But now, thanks to the internet, I know. Her saying wasn't as weird as it sounded to a ten-year-old, who couldn't figure the connection between an automobile trip and a jug." The author of A Treasury of Texas Trivia, and A Treasury of Texas Humor will, no doubt, open many eyes with this latest serving up of Texana! And don't be surprised if some of these sayings show up Mr. Cannon's daily trivia presentation on Dallas radio station KAAM!