Birthday at Gailyas

Thanks Gailya for a wonderful birthday bash. Gailya entertained the group of about 20 people, some actually had bithdays in March. What a great time we had . The food was wonderful, and a good time was had by all.

Welcome Home Gail

Village resident and our good friend Gail just returned from her annual winter visit in the Texas Rio Grande Valley.   Welcome home Gail.  Sorry you missed the ice storm, but we will try to make it up to you .

Some how she was voted Queen of Mountain  Street, and I understand the sign is worth lots of money.  

Along the River

The Old and The New

                                           

Memphis is an interesting town.  I think most towns along the Mississippi River have a lot to contribute as a unique place to live.  Most recently the trend to live downtown along the River has been increasing.  New construction along with remodeling of old building for living space has made living along the River popular.  

Come down and take the Trolly Ride and check it out, and keep in mind Elvis is still alive.  For some more information check out Memphis 

Spring Rains

Oh Dear (John Deere) what can the matter be?  

You've heard of Delta Gum-Bo.  Now you know.

Hats! The Red Hat Musical

Phil and Jamie  invited Cloody  to see the Red Hat Musical in Memphis and I got to tag along.  We all enjoyed the show and had some extremely good laughs.  The theater was packed and several Red Hat clubs came as groups to see the show.   Many were wearing red hats.  

 

                                                              

When I Am An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple

By Jenny Joseph

When I am an old woman , I shall wear purple

and a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves

and satin candles, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I am tired

and gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells

and run my stick along the public railings

and make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain 

and pick the flowers in other people's gardens and learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat

and eat three pounds of sausages at a go

or only bread and pickles for a week

and hoard pens and pencils and beer nuts and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry

and pay our rent and not swear in the street

and set a good example for the children.

We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised 

When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

Hazlehurst Boy ' Getting Somewhere' In Nashville

Hazlehurst native and country music artist Pat Roper, whose hit single " Now We're Getting Somewhere" is getting big-time radio play throughout the country, took a winding road to recent success in Nashville.  It include signing a deal with Lofton Creek Records and rubbing elbows with some of country's greatest artists, including fellow Mississippi native Faith Hill and husband Tim McGraw, as well as Mark Chesnutt, Leann Rhymes and Sugarland.

 Jo Coates,    Copiah County Courier

Dual County Seats

Blytheville, AR  ( built 1919)

Osceola, AR  built (1912)

Upon moving to Mississippi County, AR , I soon learned the county had two county seats and two courthouses.  I thought this was strange, and when I mentioned it, I was told Mississippi county was the largest county in Arkansas, and two were required.  In the early 1900 hundreds roads were poor and travel was difficult.  Since then I have learned that nine other counties share dual county seats.  

I'm still curious.  

March Snow, 2009

It's Doing It Again!!!

Delta Sightings

Having lived in many different parts of the country has been a rewarding experience.   We enjoy learning about the people and places wherever we live.  Each place is different, but has a unique offering if one will only take the time to discover it.

A Mule Barn

There isn't many of these left, and it's easy to understand why.   With modern day farm equipment mules are no longer needed or a place to keep them.  This old building is on the National Register of Historic Places.  

The Flying Interprise

A Tribute To Captain Kurt Carlsen

This is a true story of a sea captain named Kurt Carlsen.  In order to understand what happened, please read the link Captianstayput.   I was a ham radio operator and followed his story as it happened.   I later talked to Captain Carlsen who was then aboard The Flying Interprise II. and was off the coast of South America .

The photos are of a QSL card which hams exchanged to confirm the contact.  Note the postage at that time was 2 cents. ( It had gone up in price).

Spring is Coming

While driving though the Village I came upon this wonderful bed of daffodils, and I had to stop and get a quick picture.   I know Wordsworth says it better :

"I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host of golden daffodils;

Besides the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze."

St. Patrick's Day

Thanks to the Activity Group for the nice green decorations for St. Patty. The Ramey Center always reflects the current season, and your effort is greatly appreciated

Barry and the Activiy group planning more resident activities.   Come join in and contribute your ideas .  Everyone is welcome.

Clean Up

The ice storm left lot of limbs and debris and the snow a week later really slowed clean-up, but things are happening fast now.  It won't be long.

Newfondland Screech

From a Village neighbor  who is a native of Newfoundland, and some research on my own, I have learned many things about this wonderful place.  The people of Newfoundland, their unusual  lifestyle, history, and customs are unique to say the least.  Of all the stories I've heard the one I'm about to tell fascinates me the most, and it's the story of a native rum drink, it's origin and how it got it's name.  

Long ago salt fish was shipped to the West Indies in exchange for rum.  The fish became the national dish of Jamaicans and the rum became the traditional drink of Newfoundlanders.  When the government took control of alcohol  it began selling the rum in an unlabelled bottle.  The product might have remained permanently nameless except for the influx of American servicemen to Newfoundland during World War II

As the story goes, the commanding officer of the original American detachment was having his first taste of Newfoundland hospitality and , imitating the custom of his host, downed his drink in one gulp.  The officer's blood-curdling howl, when he regained his breath , brought the sympathetic and curious from miles around rushing to the house to find out what was going on.  The first to arrive was garrulous old American sergeant who pounded on the door and demanded , "What the cripes was that ungodly screech?"    

The Newfoundlander who answered the door replied simply, "The Screech? Tis the rum, me son."

So a legend was born.  Amercian servicemen adopted it as their favorite.

It's Doing It Again

                             

 It's starting to snow and it's blowing into the screened patio.  

  The glass top table make a nice bulletin board.

We haven't as yet got cleaned up from the Ice Storm , and it's         snowing.  Well, after all it's still winter.

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Pancakes at St. Stephens

The crowd begins to gather about 5 PM, and all will enjoy some of the best pancakes you can have in this part of  the world.  

Shrove Tuesday is also called Fat Tuesday because on that day a thrifty housewife uses up the fats she has kept around for cooking, but that she will not be using during Lent.  Since pancakes use of lots of fat, the day is also called Pancake Tuesday.  In England and perhaps elsewhere, the day is celebrated with pancake races.  Contestants run a course while holding a griddle and flipping a pancake. 

 Read Winifred's Blog (a nice lady form England) "Pancake Tuesday." 

Kodakery

I picked up this little booklet," Kodakery", a number of years ago at a flea market near Hickory, NC.  A monthly publication of Eastman Kodak and dated Oct. 1923.  A purchase of an Eastman Brownie at that time entitled you to a one year subscription to Kodakery.  ( A typical Brownie camera of that time is pictured below.)

I've been an avid camera enthusiast  for a long time and I once was a member of the Catawba Valley Camera Club of Hickory, NC.  A wonderful group of people who really take photography seriously. I learned a lot and enjoyed my time with them.  I must say photography has changed immensely over the years.

I have a son who is a professional photographer who lives in Houston, TX.  I often wonder how he ever got involved in photography. World's Great Photographer.

This a what a typical Brownie Camera of 1923

Looks like.  The bellow construction continued until

WWll. 

A far cry from the digital camera of today.

A Man of Many Hats

This post is dedicated to Mason Day, his wife Betty, and his dog Luther. 

Thanks Mason for following my blog; I am deeply honored.

I kid Mason a lot, first because I like him and second because he takes all my kidding so well.  He wears many hats figuratively speaking because he can do so many things well, and secondly because I think his head gets cold like mine when he goes out .  I always can tell if he's at Church because his hat is always hanging on his special hook.  His wife Betty is equally a wonderful person to know and she and Mason make a great team.   Now Luther is another story and I must say our relationship is at best "pending".

Mason, Betty, and Luther are all very special and we are blessed to have them at Westminster Village.

And Thanks For Following My Blog

Number Please

While cleaning out some junk I came across this old phone.  I've had it a long time and I'm sure it has lots of history.  I did a little research and found it to be made by Western Electric and first introduced in 1907 and was produced for about 30 years.  It's an early model because the hinged front opens left to right. Later models were changed to open right to left to prevent interference with the magneto crank.  The magneto still works and the bells still ring.  To make a call you must first ring central and give the number to the operator. Most phones were party lines (lines shared by several customers and listening to your neighbors conversations was common practice.) 

This phone could be 100 years old.

The Cliff Edwards Story

An interesting and very touching story.  Worth the read.

Old College Days

I expect to get lots of kidding over this posting;

Go ahead, I can take it.

Be My Valentine

Valentine Sweethearts

I couldn't resist posting this photo.  Besides, the family will get a big kick out of seeing it.  

Happy Valentine Day to my Queen

Westminster Valentine King and Queen

Congratulation to this years Valentine Royal Couple.  Queen Olive Summerford and King Dave Boyton.  May your reign be supreme.  It was a wonderful party, lots of food, music, and fun for all. 

"Driving Sideways"

The Driving Sideways Band from Memphis supplied the music.  This group has been with us several times, playing at various functions.  They have a great sound and we enjoyed their music greatly.  We are looking forward to having them again.

Tita Mama Defined

Tita Mama is really " Sister Moma", but because her younger brother couldn't say sister. he called her Tita and it stuck. 

After she was grown and married it became Tita Mama..  I'm sure this is Southern culture, and I'm reminded of Tennessee William's play, " A Cat On A Hot Tin Roof ", there were Big Daddy, Big Mama, Sister Mama , and Maggie the Cat.

In conclusion, she is our daughter, living in North Carolina.  She reads and comments on many blogs but refuses to have one of her own.   All other children, and grandchildren have blogs, and websites, and all are linked to our home page. Search 'em out and have fun. 

Two Hundred Sixty Years and Still Going Strong

Wilda                                       Julia                   Mable 

 

The exercise class resumed this morning for the first time since the ice storm.  These ladies won't tell their ages but together they total over 260 years, and they are all dedicated  to keeping fit.  You're welcome to come join us any Monday, Wednesday or Friday, 10 AM at the Ramey Center.

The Real Frank

Everyone wants his picture on the blog so why not the webmaster.  Anyone want to hear a fish story?

When I retired my good friend Jim Parrish from the display dept. sent me this picture.  He was very talented and did some of his artist work in Las Vegas clubs.  This was 20 years ago, and my fishing days are behind me. Many thanks to Jim. 

The Real Dana

I've had numerous comments about the portrait of Dana on an earlier post.  Is it really her, and what does she really look like, and who did the drawing?  Well, here she is.   Thanks Dana, for your picture and your poem.

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The Storm Is Over

It's nice to be a  part of a group that cares about one another.  During the recent ice storm everyone was looking out for his neighbor.  The Village staff worked hard by doing everything within their power to keep us safe and secure.  I think everyone deserves a big round of thanks and a pat on the back.

Now that it's over we can look back and maybe see some humor in it all.  Dana Overman of the marketing department wrote this poem, which I'm sure will jog your memory of the past week and maybe get a good chuckle now and then. 

Thanks Dana for a real "Work of Art". 

Making "Light" of a Dark Situation

By Dana Overman

Twas the night of the ice storm, and all through the house,

Not an appliance was working, no computer no mouse.

The flat screen was hung on the wall with such care,

A giant black box at which I could stare.

The children had moved out, thank God they weren't there,

No cell phones, no I-Pods I would be pulling my hair.

"My gosh Mom, I'm bored, what can I do?"

They'd say while they ducked, and I threw a shoe.

And all of a sudden there came such a fear,

I was stricken with panic, my eye's shed a tear.

No Leno, no Letterman, no Amercian Idol,

So I reached for a book, but couldn't see the title.

The icicles hung on the gutters like knives,

Endangering eye glasses, hairdo's and lives.

When from my back yard there came such a racket,

I tripped and I cursed as I put on my jacket.

And what with my oversized ears did I hear,

But the hum of a generator, who's name is John Deere.

My husband was dressed, his gas can in hand,

Is something resembling the Michelim Man

He snorted and scratched and gave a big grunt,

He said," Get my gun- I'm gonna go hunt".

I let out a laugh and said,"What a pity,

I think it's illegal, We live in the city".

Then from the street came a rumbling noise,

A convoy of trucks, " The Entergy Boys".

Go Linda, Go Lindsey, Go Vella, and Annette

Hey Angela, Hey Teresa, Hey Kendall and Jess

To the top of the poles with their tool belts attached,

They went quickly to work, their harnesses latched.

The clothing they wore couldn't  have been better,

They looked like a wheel of aging sharp cheddar.

Their hands they kept with wire in tow,

And yelled when they dropped it," Look out below".

I ventured outside covering my head, 

I just got my hair done; icicles I dread.

When I made it out safely, I looked to the skies,

And couldn't believe what I saw with my eyes.

The lines were all frozen, the poles snapped in two,

How will they fix this, what will they do?

I yelled up,"Hey Jess,what do you know"?

When will I have power, I'm missing my show".

He gave me a look that made me declare,

"Geese Jess, what the matter, don't you even care?"

"No Leno, no Letterman, no Amercian Idol,

I can't read a book, I can't see the title.

So chop-chop get busy, why will you not speak?

I need my electricity", he said," in a week."

I suddenly felt nauseous I was going to blow,

Like the last time I ate clams at the local Bristro.

A week with no power, what will we do?

Play Pinochle, Yahtzee or scrub the mildew?

I said to my husband who stood closely by,

" You'll have to speak", he shrugged and said, " why?"

We looked at each other, he tilted his head,

"Oh well" was his comment, "Let's go to bed".

The generator was fine it was willing and able,

It did what it could but it was not Cable.

A week went by slowly and then just as quick,

The power came on like a good magic trick.

I grabbed the remote from the old coffee table,

And flicked on the TV, but alas still no Cable.

Again from the street came a rumbling noise,

A convoy of trucks, The Entergy Boys.

I heard them exclaim as they drove out of sight,

"Our work is done here, let there be light."

You think this all, the end of my fable,

Well I want to know, who'll fix my cable?

The Mighty I-Pod Shuffle

I finally found a use for this devise.  It's good therapy for Cloody, or rather we think it could be. Each afternoon I plug the I-Pod into the stereo and we listen for about an hour to Podcasts of various works of literature.  Mostly poems or short stories.  This is supposed to a good mental exercise for her.  Such wonderful works by authors like Robert Louis Stevenson, Poe, O'henry, Kipling, Noyes, Richmal Crompton, and P. G. Wodehouse to mention a few.   Most of what we listen to comes from The Clsssic Tales Podcast  and may be found on the I-Tune music store.  All are free downloads. 

It Aint Over 'Till It's Over

I went to bed last night. The temperature was 30 degrees; it was lightly raining and ice was forming on everything.  This morning it was still a light rain but the temperature was 34 degrees.  How lucky can one be?  

We are not in the clear yet.  If the temps drop, and it surely will tonight, anything could happen.

Snow wouldn't be too bad, but the ice would be a disaster.  Time will tell.

Did Tom and Edna Ever Get to Florida???

Winter Weather

Well, everyone is talking about the weather. What will happen?

Snow---The white flakey stuff

Sleet--- The frozen ice pellets 

Freezing Rain --- The really bad stuff.  Falls as a liquid, and freezes on contact.  Everything above ground is coated in ice.  Power lines, trees,  often break under the weight of the ice, and streets and bridges become very slick and dangerous.  Power fails and we sit around in the dark and shiver.

Reminds me of a fellow named Sam McGee.  Sam just couldn't get warm until he was;   Well, I won't tell you any more.  Suggest you click on Robert Services famous poem as he tells it much better than I.   Click Here 

Greeting, Tom and Edna

This posting is dedicated to the our two friends who are now enjoying a warmer lifestyle in Florida.

The two bad boys at the end caused me to do a little clipping.  I hope I took out enough to stay out of trouble, but left enough for Tom's message. 

Have fun and enjoy the trip.  

Percy's Art

Thanks Percy for the nice photos of your art.  I'm very

 proud to show off your talent,  and Cloody and I

 encourage you to continue with your enthusiasm and

 hard work.  

It's Cold Outside

Cloody and I had a catfish lunch at the Village Cafe today.  Friday is always catfish, and as usual it was very good.   We passed the Ramey Center coming home and from the number of cars, it looks like the Bridge club is having a good turnout.  After all, what's better than a good Bridge game on a cold dreary afternoon unless it's movie watching.   We are having some of the coldest temperatures we have experienced  in several years, so we will spend the afternoon catching up on home movie viewing.  Life is great!   Here's to good viewing and warmer weather.

Thank You, Bennie and Patsy

I went to the mail box today and got a nice surprise.  Not only did I fail to get a bill today, but I received a nice gift from our friends the Smiths.  I'm very impressed with all the interesting and helpful information, and each time I read it, I will be reminded of you all.  Thanks very much.

January Fruit , The Best Gift Ever

Honey Bell Oranges

These must be the juiciest oranges in the world and they are sooo sweet.  

They are so messy; a bib is included.   Just enjoy!

Cloody has been waiting for these treats since Christmas.  Gifts from the children. We both say Thanks, Thanks, Thanks.    Honey Bell oranges and delicious grapefruit makes for a unforgettable winter treat.  Thanks to Tita, I have become an expert at " supreme segmenting" a grapefruit.  

Monday Night Out

The Village Cafe

You're invited to the cafe for lunch each day and for breakfast on Saturday.    

Good food and fellowship.  Join us and bring friend.

Lisa Cagle

Lisa Gagle,   cafe manager

Monday night dinner, hosted by the Village Cafe and the Resident Council, was a smashing success.  Turn out was good and the food was wonderful.  The Lasagna prepared by Lisa was outstanding, and the the desserts by the Village residents were the best ever.  I love those pecan tassies by Edna Majors, and I must confess I ate my share.  I think everyone had a good time and we are looking forward to the next event which will probably be in March.  Thanks to Lisa and all for a great event.

The Weekend

Sometimes being retired the days seem to run together, but the weekends still stand out.  Maybe it's because I was in that priveleged  group that got to work on weekends, and now I'm free to do whatever presents itself.  

Yesterday Cloody and I took a drive over to Jonesboro.  The day was cold and dreary with few people stirring about.  We met the Smiths for a Mexican lunch which was delicious, and later we joined them at home for dessert.  Patsy makes a great blueberry cake, and I got my first taste of Andy's frozen custard.  Fat old people getting fatter.  Did I say that?

The drive home was pleasant. It's now mostly four-lanes now, and the speed trap though Dell, AR has been eliminated.   Coming home I found that just east of Jonesboro I could get four bars on the cell phone, and weekend calls are free.  You can't beat that in the Village.

photo by Patsy

Well, now for Sunday.  It's still cold but the sun keeps trying to peep-out.  Today was a special day at church because we are having our Christmas musical program.  Yes, you heard correctly; I did say Christmas.   The original program was scheduled December 17, but because of bad weather and ice it was cancelled.  Everyone in the choir had worked hard to present this program, so it was decided they would not be denied, and it was given today.  It was a super nice program and well enjoyed.  Thanks to the Choir and all.   

We enjoyed lunch with friends in the Village Cafe and made it home to catch up on some Net-Flicks.  I'm not sure if we accomplished anything, but we had fun and enjoyed ourselves, so what more could one ask?  

In conclusion, I must admit I found time to read  IF, a poem by Rudyard Kipling.  I vaguely remember it from high school.  I understand it's voted the number one poem in the UK, and after rereading it, I agree.  It make a lot more sense now than it did 65 plus year ago.

30

The Flower House

This is in response to the" Fish House"posting of Adventures on Dumbar Street.

How about a house like this for a neighbor.   This house was discovered in Houston, TX last year.

Rainy day photos from the car window

Freezing rain changes one's attitude toward photography, and sometimes good views are best had form the car window.  Cloody and I are still challenged to find out all about the area in which we are currently living, and we find the delta of northeastern Arkansas; to say the least, most interesting.  Some of the best farmland in the world, and great hunting and fishing.  If you look closely you may see ducks in some of the photos, and duck hunting is at its best.  You people from Texas could never relate to duck chili.  

One look at the fields and immediately you remember the old saying, " Too thick to drink and too thin to plow".  The levies and drainage ditches do the job of keeping us high and dry but sometimes I catch my thoughts turning to investing in a good boat.  

Whatever your thought, it's home to a lot of people and we love it.

Note the levy in the distant.

This road must go some where

Great farming--- See the ducks

Would you believe this is a rice field?

A rural chuch--I'm not sure if it's being used.