New Years Tradition

Blackeyed peas have long been a tradition through out the South for New Year's eating.  If you want good luck and prosperity for the new year they are a must.  Most often collard green go along with the meal.  Since I do the cooking, I prefer the crock method which may not be as good, but from my point of view it works.   Have a Happy New Year.

Thanks Tita -Moma for the video

Teachers from Alaska

David and Susan Thorne

Although we  attended the same church in Blytheville, AR as David and Susan, we didn't know them because we joined the church shortly after they departed to Alaska.  They were in Blytheville over the Christmas holidays and we did meet them briefly at the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.  It's nice to have met a fellow blogger in person, and wish we could have had a longer visit.

Have a good flight back to Alaska and we will be following your blog. For anyone interested their blog address is 2teachinginalaska.blogspot.com   

Smiths New Home

Christmas, A New House, and a Happy Birthday

The New House in Jonesboro, AR

I think it must be true.  Things come in 3's.   A wonderful Christmas, a new home, and Bennie celebrates a birthday.  Nothing like a new house with everything bright, clean and shinning.  

All of us will miss you two in the Village. We wish you happiness and fun.  Keep Blogging and visit often.

Happy Birthday Bennie

                                                                                      

Happy Birthday To Bennie.   Best wishes and many, many more.   Remember, the more Birthdays you have, the longer you live.

Icy in Arkansas

No snow, just frozen rain and some sleet, making for very slick streets and walkways.  Temperature will be above freezing sometimes today, and hopefully our ice will all melt away.

It's not like a beautiful white snowfall but we were lucky and did not loose power.  We're still holding out for a white Christmas. 

No snow, just ice.

Hardly enough to measure

A Little Christmas

It wouldn't be Christmas without The Nativity scene we have had for so many years.  The damage of moving so often for so long has taken its toll.  We have lost  a wise man and numerous animals over the years, but we still love it dearly.

Guerrilla Gardening

This post for Andy and other interested gardeners.   Good listing.

A Little Exercise Works Wonders

Cloody wanted to see if the use of the stair-stepper would improve the leg muscles to help with her stability problem. Time will tell.  

The exercise program meets MWF in the Ramey Center at 10 AM. An After exercise walk in the gym is optional.  The gym is a little chilly, but better than outside.  

The equipment is old but gets the job done. Hopefully in time some modern treadmills will be in place. If the holidays leave with you some extra pounds; come down and join the fun.    

Al The Lawyer

I can't believe it's been ten years since Cloody and Frank's last big blowout. It was at their 50th anniversary that Phil put us all up at the Talbot Heirs to celebrate "Driving the One-Lane."

We relived the day with a skit written by Andy and performed as a radio broadcast by all the kids and Uncle Fred. But I thought the highlight of the evening was when my good friend and neighbor, Al Staehely, took up his guitar and performed a couple of his original songs: the classic "She's a Time Bomb" and my favorite country tune, "What's Wrong With You for Loving Me?"

So to shore up this year's momentous occasion, Al has written a new song that he thought Frank could post to the blog: "Bailout Blues."

Remember, you heard it here first.

Nash

Sixty Years Ago Today

Happy Anniversary, Frank and Cloody!

Happy Anniversary!

Dear Cloody and Frank,

Happy anniversary! I like what Henny Youngman had to say: "The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret." 

But through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, despite differences of opinion about where the thermostat should be set, you've managed to construct a life of love, trust, and true partnership. I'm sure it helped that you both have a great sense of humor. Here are some of the other things I admire most about your marriage:

Your dedication to each other and to your extended family

Your ability to create a gracious home life, Cloody

The long, strenuous hours you worked, Frank

The way you've both made life-long friends across the country

The fact that all your kids get along so well

The way you so carefully cultivate courtesy and beauty in your world.

Love,

Andy

Happy 60 th!

Now let's see... what was that address again, w w w dot ...

I believe Frank was searching for that famous Cuban restaurant in Ybor City, Florida.

You remember the one, where they had Cuba Libras and Paella and Cloody wanted to 

dance with some strange guitar player named "El Rey."

Cloody and Frank made sure we experienced the sites and sounds of the places we lived. 

We have some great stories to tell and some scars to prove it.

But I can't think of a thing I would change. 

Thanks for making me who I am.

Happy Anniversary!

Love Nash

The cloodyandfrank.blogspot.com has been HACKED!!!!

This blog site has been hacked.

Why? It is their 60th wedding anniversary.

How? It didn’t take much of a detective to figure out that Frank’s username is ‘40’ and that his password is ‘department13markdowns’.

Cloody and Frank:

Congrats to you on 60 years together! It is December 9th and on that day I always think of the time that Cloody shared with me the details of your 24th anniversary. Cloody told the story something like this:

Well let me see. Ah! I remember our 24th anniversary. We lived in Houston. Frank picked me up for dinner. I will never forget the glow in Frank’s eyes when he asked me, ‘Andy or Roger’? That was our little code question for whether or not I wanted to hear Moon River by Andy Williams or Roger Williams on the 8-track in Frank’s Chrysler Newport Custom. That car had torsion quiet ride and it was maroon in color. Frank drove us to Angelo’s for an appetizer and cocktail. My drink of choice at that time was usually a screwdriver but since it was a special occasion, Frank ordered me a Harvey Wall Banger. That’s a screwdriver with Galliano. He drank CC&7. He ordered 24 raw oysters. You know they are an aphrodisiac. After Angelo’s we went to The Athena near the ship channel. We must have been the only non-Greeks in the place. We had another appetizer plate that included stuffed grape leaves, spanikopita and feta. Late in the evening we ate a delicious lamb dinner; the wine was Retsina. We had baklava, sipped ouzo and danced until the Sun came up. My gift to Frank was Irish linen handkerchiefs. In my mind’s eye I can still see Frank leading the Greek line dance with his new stark white hanky almost aglow, as it weaved through the crowd. I think Frank broke 24 plates that night. He sang Never on a Sunday with the band. I can still hear his voice and the bouzoukis playing. Ohpah! Has Frank every shown you his Ωπα! tattoo? That is how ‘ohpah’ is spelled in Greek. It means hooray!

Hooray to you both

A. Langhorne

Yes, another family artist.  A person of many talents and great imagination .   My first thought is the movie she did as an assignment for the advertising company for whom she works.  This is an example of a project using Apple software, which is less that five minutes.  I'm sure you will enjoy watching.  Just click on the link,  Sway.  

Andy's current project is growing hair now that chemo treatments are behind her.  We all love you, Andy

Jamie's Quilt

Truly a Work of Art

A couple of years ago Jamie was into lap quilting and above is an example of her talent.  This quilt was a winner in the Mid South Fair.  Nice going, Jamie.

Nash The Artist

Photography by Nash

"I needed rent money.  I needed a square meal.  I needed a car.  WhatI had was a camera, a few rolls of film, and a city.  That was more than 20 years ago. I've gone through a few cameras since then.  Film is gone, upstaged by digital.  And the city is unrecognizable.  But along the way, I have managed to pick up a few great clients who like the way I see things.  I'm lucky because I get paid to do what I love.  And no matter how much thing change, there's always something new to see and another great client to shoot for -- maybe you.  The world is large and time is short.  Let's get to work."

More Family Artists

Biomorphs by Carson

Biomorphs:  Computer displays of biological forms generated from mathematical feed back loops.   For information on this subject check out:  carsonbaker.org

posting of June 19, 2008.  

Family Artists

This is Great-Grandson, Max

We start'em young.  The mastering of holding the tongue in the proper position is the first requirement to becoming a great artist.

Annabelle not only paints but is also a published writer.

(See post dated Oct. 26, 2008)

Money, Money, Money,

By Tanner (when she was about age 6)

  Our grand-daughter, Percy at work on an assignment.  

She is serious about Art, and hopes to study Art at the

 University of Chicago, next year.

Phil did a self portrait pencil drawing

Frank did a watercolor

Happy Birthday Tita

Happy Birthday Tita

  We enjoyed talking with you this morning and have a wonderful day.   

Patsy said to put this on my blog _______ So I did.

Post suggested by Charleen, Signs made by Lee and Michele , Photography by Patsy, Posted by Frank.      

Merry Christmas, Miss Olie. 

Jamie's Smart Car

Just some little notes about a little car.  

In traffic people come along side and roll down the windows with all kinds of questions and comments.  They often honk and wave.

Yesterday we were pulled over by a cop. Davis was driving and he only has a learners permit. He was frighten at first , but handled it well. The officer had never seen one before and wanted to know if it was approved for Street Use.

The car was parked while Jamie was at a meeting and upon returning she had a notice on the front glass.  It was from the local newspaper, and they want to do an article on it, and asked that she call them.

Lots of fun and the gas mileage is great.

The Tree at the Village Cafe

The tree in the lobby of the cafe is impressive.  Cloody and I dropped by to contribute our ornament to the decoration process, and now we feel part of Christmas in the Village.  The tree ornaments are from residents who come from all over the country, so this make the tree rather unique.    We no longer have a tree at home and this ornament was a gift from our Grand Daughter, Percy.  We felt it would be appropriate to share it with the Village.  

As I walked into the Cafe I noticed the Chapel, and I thought it needed it's picture taken also.

I hope you like it.

.

Westminster Red Hatters in December

The December Christmas meeting was held in the home of Edna Majors .  This time a group picture was possible, and I must say, " A lovely bunch of ladies".  Lots of good food and a great time to exchange Thanksgiving stories.  Too bad the photographer was not allowed to share any of this, but I was offered some cake and goodies.  I'm sure a good time was had by all.

Edna Majors was the hostess and she always does an excellent job.  She is a wonderful cook and always prepares some delicious treats, and a visit to Edna's home is always enjoyable.  Thanks Edna for a  very nice meeting.

Dec. Red Hats

A Car, Is a Car, Is a Car

I Bet The Gas Mileage is Good Too

(Click on picture)

You have to know the right Guy to drive a car like this.

(Click on picture)

Jamie new Smart Car,

The only one in Memphis. I can't wait for a ride.

Goodbye Becca

Becca Sunday, our Resident Services Director leaves to

 accept a new position in Alabama.  Becca has been a

 real asset to the Village, and has made many friends

 since she has been here.  We will all miss her.  

High Flying Rockets

The Village was entertained Sunday afternoon with an exciting model rocket demonstration by Ed Hansen.  Ed is an experienced builder and flyer of model rockets, and we appreciate his effort to make this event possible.  Fun was had by all, and it's a good event for all ages. We hope Ed will schedule another event in the near future.   

Chief Rocket Launcher Makes Ready

Blast Off

Good Recovery

The parachute is ejected and the rocket lands safely.  Because of the wind, the drift often times carries the rocket a good distant from launch site.  Ed had a good team of recovery men.  You should have seen those old guys running after the parachute.  

The Big Launch

Back to the Drawing Board

Too bad the charge to eject the parachute failed and the rocket fell to earth without a parachute safe landing.  The damage looked bad, but Ed says that repair is possible and the rocket will fly again.  

Rice University Art Gallery

This past May we had an opportunity to visit the  Rice University Art Gallery, which was our first.

Our son, Nash does some photographic work for the Gallery and we were able to meet some of the staff and view and up coming event.

I won't attempt to explain this exhibit, but it's an outstanding display by an artist named Mark Fox.

For the complete story Click Here.  View the video, it's amazing.

Blytheville History Lesson

Two lessons on the history of Blytheville, with lots of interesting facts about Blytheville and the northeastern delta of Arkansas.  The classes were made possible through Arkansas Northeastern College and were taught by Jonathan Abbott of Blytheville.  Mr. Abbott has a vast  knowledge  of the Blytheville area, and did an outstanding job.  Attendance was good and the programs were enjoyed by all.

The classes were available not only to Westminster redidents, but the general public as well, and attendance was good.  Everyone thinks we should have more events like this.  Thanks to Becca Sundy the resident relations director for Westminster, and Sharon Stevens of ANC, and all who helped make this program possible. 

For additional information about Blytheville

Click Here

Mississippi Squirrel Revival

Thursday's Bridge Less One

Cloody, Wilda, and Vicky for bridge along with a crazy Christmas catus.   We have had this plant for a number of years, and it's supposed to bloom at Christmas, but it always blooms about Thanksgiving.  This year it's early, but as beautiful as ever. 

I'm the missing fourth for Bridge.   

This plants stays outdoors in the summer and is brought indoors before the first frost.  This year it started blooming almost immediately after after being brought indoors.   I tell myself that I must repot it each year, but for some strange reason I fail to follow through. It seems to thrive on negelect, and Cloody loves it.  

Lavella Polston McWilliams

Not everyone knows that the nice lady who just rented you an apartment in Westminster Village, was once a professional basketball player, and was redheaded.  Say hello to Lavella McWillians, or better come by and chat with her about her basketball career.  In her office hang a large poster that tells the entire story.

I think this is the best picture on the poster.  I wish it were in color to show the red hair, but maybe being billed as the " Whiz Kid" is enough.  

Cloody and I moved to Westminster over seven years ago and we were fortunate to have Lavella rent us an apartment.  She has rented many during her career at Westminster.  

Lavella is a person of many talents.  She has a beautiful voice, and entertains at various Village functions.  She is active in the Kiwanis Club and is a long time member of The Fairview Baptist Church, and of course she sings in the choir. She is married to " Bud" McWilliams who is devoted to supporting her in many of her activities.  Lavella's mother, Julia Polston is a resident of Westminster, and at 89 still like to play the piano.  

Lavella standing by the poster of her basketball career.  This poster hangs in Lavella's office, and it tells a wonderful story.  The poster tells it all and a click on the picture will enlarge it for reading. What an exciting experience in one's life; one that will never be forgotten. We all want to know more about the red hair.   

The All American Redheads.  Yes, you had to have red hair to play on this team, but that didn't seem to be a problem. Billed as America's greatest basketball attraction.   What I wouldn't have given to see this team play. 

No basketball today, just work.  Lavella is our Marketing Director and it's always nice to drop by and say hello, and listen to her sales pitch as she rents another unit in the Village.  She moved Cloody and me into an apartment over seven years ago, and we are still friends.  

Presbyterian Musical Extravangaza

(click to enlarge)

An entertaining program that was enjoyed by all.  Some very talented people did an outstanding job to raise money for a worthy cause.  The generous donations exceeded last year.  Thanks to all.

Art from Tita Mama

Just had to show off this painting.  It bring back to mind all the wonderful places in North Carolina that's home to Tita.     

I'm impressed with the many new techniques that are being used today.  Having dabbled a little in water colors, I'm sure I'm going to get back to painting.  Thanks Tita, for sending me this picture.

Davis Baker Scout Project

Davis walks into a big project.   Today it's about leadership and community service.   A make-over of the day school play area at Calvary Episcopal Church, and recruit and organize a team to accomplish the task at hand.  The scouts from troop 34, friends, and family all turned out to make it a successful event.  Everyone worked , played , visited and had a wonderful time.

Cloody and I were on hand for moral support, and considered it a real pleasure to be present.  We too enjoyed ourselves and had a fun day.

Several additions were added to the play area that should make it more interesting and  fun for all.  My favorite is the new water table .  A small pond  above ground making it easily accessible.  Constructed from a couple of jet engine intake covers, bolted together, and mounted in an inverted position, resting on PVC uprights.  Filled with water, it's just right for sailing a paper boat or maybe making mud pies. Bring on the yellow ducks.  Who knows, the Peabody may have competition. 

________________________________________

Scoutmaster,  Dan Eason

Dan is certainly does a wonderful job with the boys of  Troop 34.   A man who is very dedicated  to teaching, and working with today's youth.  It's truly amazing the support and following he gets from all. Not only just the boys but parents as well.  Thank to Dan for making this project a a success.

____________________________________

It was nice having Terri Purvis on hand for Saturday's event.  Terri is a teacher at Calvary and had Davis in her class over ten years ago.  What an asset she is to the Calvary Place.  She was interested in the project and how it will help the children's play area.  She personally planted the monkey grass along the building that was part of the overall plan.  A big thanks to Terri  

_________________________________________

Just like Old Home Week seeing Terri again.   From left to right:  Phil, Frank, Terri, and Jamie.

Terri and I had to have a few words remembering when Davis was in her care.  We each had a story to tell, but I'm not getting into them  at the present.  Good seeing Terri again.

_________________________________________