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Happiness is,
August 1. Weather so cool you can open all the doors, turn the whole house fan on and sleep so cool, you actually pull up the winter comforter.
August 2. Completing my shopping in one trip to town, not forgetting anything, Thank God for sticky notes.
August 3. Knowing your son and family will be home in a few days, Haven't seen them for 9 months.
August 4. The rich smell of "Outrageous Brownies" baking in the oven. Yum
baking for my guest coming this weekend.
August 5. Thankful for the cool days, the Washington guests would burn up in our usual heat,
August 6. Thankful my Son had a safe trip down on his motorcycle, while his family rode in the surburban.
August 7. Thankful for my Son's sense of humor, When I asked Charles did he ride the motorcycle down, (dumb question) He said "NO I put a chain on the surburban and drug it down, Here's your sign."
August 8. One entire day without doing anything, at all, nothing, nada, zilch.
August 9. Seeing my oldest son smiling and happier then I have seen him in years. (athough he told me "Mom you should have gone on tranquilizers years ago, you went so long in pain with your neck you just forgot how to laugh".
August 10. making a strawberry cake for my family, knowing they love it.
august 11. Having a group of people over to swim and bar b que.
August 12. A day with just relaxing in the pool and then having pizza for dinner, Actually got a small sunburn, shelle really burned but she did fall alseep in the sun.
August 13. Now this is hard, my son just left for home but he spent a few minutes alone with us, He is so kind and gentle, I saw my old Charles back, only for a spell but enough for us to realize he is still in there. just worries of the world on his shoulders.
August, 14, Having all the laundry done and the sheets and quilts hanging on the line.
August 15. Completing the house cleaning and finally taking donations of food and clothes to the homeless and less fortunate. Now my week is free to lounge in the sun. (or not)
August 16. happiness is taking care of business, see blog for update.
August 17. Eating a fresh cantalope from a local farmer, not hauled in and put in cold storage.
August 18. Seeing the sunrise and having an honest appreciation for its beauty.
August 19. Just staying home and relaxing.
August 20. Spending the day driving country roads.
August 21. A feeling of accomplishment.
August 22. Happy Birthday to my Sweet, Intelligent son. I LOVE YOU so much. You have made us proud.
August 23. I need to add to yesterday, Handsome son too. (family joke)
Being able to laugh uncontrollably when I push your dad under the cold water coming into the pool.
August 24. Staying cool but not in the pool, that is cold, burrrrrrm like 78 degrees. The nights are so cool the outside temp. actually drops to the low 60s. Wow early autumn.
august 25. Spending time with old friends, Marilyn, Darlene and I had lunch today, plan on making it a monthly event.
August 26. Visiting with past co-workers at a memorial and having a stranger comment about our devotion to each other, something you do not usually see in a work place, We were more like a family, seeing each others children, get married and have children, 22 years will do that to you.
August 27. Sleeping in the afternoon for 2 hours and just relaxing around the pool.
August 28. Starting a de-Tox program on my body. A program I purchased at cost-co. I would love to have all these meds out of my body. Worth a try, with the new sparks diet.
August 29. Talking to an old friend of Sheris, I called Tammy to express condolances. She is coming by on Christmas.
August 30. Being asked to help a friend out, Nancy is going in for test and she needs someone to stay with her after the procedure.
August 31. Getting a New Battery for my lawn tractor at 1/3 the price of Sears Battery.
He maketh me to lie down in Green Pastures,
He leadeth me beside the stillwaters.
Psalms 23:1-2
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Rain and Flood
My Grandpa and Grandma lived on the Quachita River. My Mom always checked on her Mama and Papa. One year we had an incredible amount of rain and Mama was concerned.
She had a right to worry, she had lived in that big house on the River when I was a baby. On one occasion the river flooded up to the house. You have to realize the house was at least 6 feet off the ground and the house was situated on a hill above the river. So if it flooded, the river was raging. Mama said Daddy kept saying they had to get out of the river bottom. She refused, My mom was afraid of the water, she could not swim, the river was very swift, she had babies to think of, So mama held out as long as Daddy would let her, finally a man came with a boat, Daddy took me, the baby, and one older kid to the boat, My mom was not going to let him take her babies out without her, she got in the boat and was scared until she was on dry gound.
So the river rose again, I am sure it must have done that at least once a year, there was no flood control then and I am not sure there is flood control now. We drove to Sparkman, my birthplace, to check on Grandma and Grandpa. When we got a few miles from their house, the road was under water, my Mama was so afraid her parents were not safe.
My Daddy got out of the car, Mama let us get out as long as we stayed close to the car. Daddy would stand with his hands cupped around his mouth and call and call PAPAAAAAAAAAAAA, PAPAAAAAAAAAA, JAMESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS, ANYONEEEEEE. If you have ever been on a river in back country, You know The sounds carry forever. They prayed someone would hear them and bring a boat to let them know Grandma And Grandpa were OK. I can still see him, in his coveralls, his hat on, Daddy always wore a hat, not a cap, a hat, with his shirt sleeves rolled up. He and Mama finally decided we had to leave, they had waited for hours to hear word, but no one came.
Of course my grandparents were fine, they had left the river bottoms before the water got too high. I need to add whenever they had to leave because of rising water, Grandpa always took the clock, A proud reminder he left me, of his love for me and my love for him.
A few years ago, I acquired the pie safe Grandpa had made Grandma for a wedding gift. It is made of a wood that is extrememly heavy. When I was cleaning it up, I had to remove a board from the back base, that was broken, A cup of sand poured out. After it was swept up, I remembered why that sand would have been there. That old safe had more than once been through a flood. Now it is 2000 miles from its home and it still stands, I cleaned up the old hinges, polished them and put them back on, The only additon I made was 2 glass knobs to pull the doors with. When I was a kid, The originals had broken years before so Grandpa put Wooden Thread spools on the doors as knobs. I left the latch intact, The latch is a piece of wood tht you simply twist to hold both doors closed. Simple but it still works after all these years.
She had a right to worry, she had lived in that big house on the River when I was a baby. On one occasion the river flooded up to the house. You have to realize the house was at least 6 feet off the ground and the house was situated on a hill above the river. So if it flooded, the river was raging. Mama said Daddy kept saying they had to get out of the river bottom. She refused, My mom was afraid of the water, she could not swim, the river was very swift, she had babies to think of, So mama held out as long as Daddy would let her, finally a man came with a boat, Daddy took me, the baby, and one older kid to the boat, My mom was not going to let him take her babies out without her, she got in the boat and was scared until she was on dry gound.
So the river rose again, I am sure it must have done that at least once a year, there was no flood control then and I am not sure there is flood control now. We drove to Sparkman, my birthplace, to check on Grandma and Grandpa. When we got a few miles from their house, the road was under water, my Mama was so afraid her parents were not safe.
My Daddy got out of the car, Mama let us get out as long as we stayed close to the car. Daddy would stand with his hands cupped around his mouth and call and call PAPAAAAAAAAAAAA, PAPAAAAAAAAAA, JAMESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS, ANYONEEEEEE. If you have ever been on a river in back country, You know The sounds carry forever. They prayed someone would hear them and bring a boat to let them know Grandma And Grandpa were OK. I can still see him, in his coveralls, his hat on, Daddy always wore a hat, not a cap, a hat, with his shirt sleeves rolled up. He and Mama finally decided we had to leave, they had waited for hours to hear word, but no one came.
Of course my grandparents were fine, they had left the river bottoms before the water got too high. I need to add whenever they had to leave because of rising water, Grandpa always took the clock, A proud reminder he left me, of his love for me and my love for him.
A few years ago, I acquired the pie safe Grandpa had made Grandma for a wedding gift. It is made of a wood that is extrememly heavy. When I was cleaning it up, I had to remove a board from the back base, that was broken, A cup of sand poured out. After it was swept up, I remembered why that sand would have been there. That old safe had more than once been through a flood. Now it is 2000 miles from its home and it still stands, I cleaned up the old hinges, polished them and put them back on, The only additon I made was 2 glass knobs to pull the doors with. When I was a kid, The originals had broken years before so Grandpa put Wooden Thread spools on the doors as knobs. I left the latch intact, The latch is a piece of wood tht you simply twist to hold both doors closed. Simple but it still works after all these years.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Snakes and Lizards
Ok anyone that knows me know I detest anything that slithers, or crawls on it belly or legs so short their belly rubs the ground.
I have finally accepted they have a place, it is in my Rose garden, I can actually pick a rose and no earwigs fall out. Really, now that is a big thing for me.
Your Dad hates flowers on the dining table, hence the movement of flowers all summer.
A few weeks ago I was in my garden, I saw a lizard run under the rocks, my first inclination was to yell, David come get this lizard. I didn't do that, I just told the lizard I would let him live if he would let me work in my garden, un harassed. He did a week later I was out there and I noticed I had no earwigs, I put two and two together. He did not harass me and since I let him live he was cleaning my garden.
GO lizard!!!!
Now onto snakes, I detest them and I know that is here to stay. However, last summer I was walking across the field, I stepped over one, he stopped, I stopped, I turned, he turned, He stared, I stared. He coiled, I stood my ground, I said if you wanna play I have a tractor within 10 feet that will cut you into. He slithered on. He was just a gopher snake but a snake is a snake. RIGHT?
Worms, I used to have my brothers bait my hooks for me when we went fishing, Well now I see their need in our world. They actually keep the soil worked and keep it fertile with the worm droppings. I can pick them up and marvel at the wonders of God and he made them. They can survive after being cut into. Snakes cant, YEA!! I do pick up worms now and move them to a spot where I am not digging. They love it here,
I can't say the same for Gophers, I found a remedy that is so simple. Early spring, we had three gopher holes in our new lawn. Holes or mounds, So I got this book in the mail, it said mix 2 tbsp chili peppers, A tbsp hot sauce, dishwashing liquid, and water. Pour into the hole. Man it works!!!!! I got rid of those pests, and they stayed away for several months, now when I see a sign I go mix my home tonic and the buggers leave.
So no one can kill my lizards now and you have to try my remedy if gophers or moles get in your yard. It works and it is cheap and it is non toxic to humans.
I have finally accepted they have a place, it is in my Rose garden, I can actually pick a rose and no earwigs fall out. Really, now that is a big thing for me.
Your Dad hates flowers on the dining table, hence the movement of flowers all summer.
A few weeks ago I was in my garden, I saw a lizard run under the rocks, my first inclination was to yell, David come get this lizard. I didn't do that, I just told the lizard I would let him live if he would let me work in my garden, un harassed. He did a week later I was out there and I noticed I had no earwigs, I put two and two together. He did not harass me and since I let him live he was cleaning my garden.
GO lizard!!!!
Now onto snakes, I detest them and I know that is here to stay. However, last summer I was walking across the field, I stepped over one, he stopped, I stopped, I turned, he turned, He stared, I stared. He coiled, I stood my ground, I said if you wanna play I have a tractor within 10 feet that will cut you into. He slithered on. He was just a gopher snake but a snake is a snake. RIGHT?
Worms, I used to have my brothers bait my hooks for me when we went fishing, Well now I see their need in our world. They actually keep the soil worked and keep it fertile with the worm droppings. I can pick them up and marvel at the wonders of God and he made them. They can survive after being cut into. Snakes cant, YEA!! I do pick up worms now and move them to a spot where I am not digging. They love it here,
I can't say the same for Gophers, I found a remedy that is so simple. Early spring, we had three gopher holes in our new lawn. Holes or mounds, So I got this book in the mail, it said mix 2 tbsp chili peppers, A tbsp hot sauce, dishwashing liquid, and water. Pour into the hole. Man it works!!!!! I got rid of those pests, and they stayed away for several months, now when I see a sign I go mix my home tonic and the buggers leave.
So no one can kill my lizards now and you have to try my remedy if gophers or moles get in your yard. It works and it is cheap and it is non toxic to humans.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
My Kitten and the Treadle Machine
When I was in first grade, I colored a little kitten, It was so cute, I was so excited to be in school. I had never had colors or paper to draw on. We could not afford a luxury item and those items were luxury's. If the older kids had crayons we were not allowed to use them.
In school in Arkansas, the students provided everything for their classes, right down to the pencils. And you better have them or you were made to look like a very poor kid and admonished in front of the class.
I had a book satchel, I still love satchels, sort of like a brief case only with buckles and one compartment. I was so proud of my first satchel. I got my own box of crayons and a tablet, with one pencil and a pencil box. I thought I was the richest kid around. I can still recall crying when one of my crayons was broken. They were not easy to come by.
So when I came home from school, on that fall day, We lived in a small house on the Benton Highway, (that is how we often described our homes, where they were located). My Mom was at her sewing machine, a treadle Singer, not electric, I ran in and showed her the picture I had colored, she loved it. She took that little child's coloring page and made it into a quilt block. I believe I have that same kitty on a block I pulled out of her stash. It is embroidered but still looks like my kitten.
mammas sewing machine was purchased for 20 dollars at 5 dollars a month. She told me at one time, they were short of money and Uncle Floyd offered to pay for it and keep it for Aunt Bertie. My Mama said no way was she getting rid of her machine, they would find a way to pay for it. And they did. I tried to sew on that machine, but I never could get my feet working at the same time as my hands, LOL. Just ask your
dad laughed at me one time while I was trying desperately to sew. By the time I was done we were all laughing. The belt on that machine often broke, Mama would patch it, and they would sew more, as I said, I was not good on that machine. When I think of some of us sitting at the machine I smile, We have a video of Roy working on that belt, You can see it on our home video.
In school in Arkansas, the students provided everything for their classes, right down to the pencils. And you better have them or you were made to look like a very poor kid and admonished in front of the class.
I had a book satchel, I still love satchels, sort of like a brief case only with buckles and one compartment. I was so proud of my first satchel. I got my own box of crayons and a tablet, with one pencil and a pencil box. I thought I was the richest kid around. I can still recall crying when one of my crayons was broken. They were not easy to come by.
So when I came home from school, on that fall day, We lived in a small house on the Benton Highway, (that is how we often described our homes, where they were located). My Mom was at her sewing machine, a treadle Singer, not electric, I ran in and showed her the picture I had colored, she loved it. She took that little child's coloring page and made it into a quilt block. I believe I have that same kitty on a block I pulled out of her stash. It is embroidered but still looks like my kitten.
mammas sewing machine was purchased for 20 dollars at 5 dollars a month. She told me at one time, they were short of money and Uncle Floyd offered to pay for it and keep it for Aunt Bertie. My Mama said no way was she getting rid of her machine, they would find a way to pay for it. And they did. I tried to sew on that machine, but I never could get my feet working at the same time as my hands, LOL. Just ask your
dad laughed at me one time while I was trying desperately to sew. By the time I was done we were all laughing. The belt on that machine often broke, Mama would patch it, and they would sew more, as I said, I was not good on that machine. When I think of some of us sitting at the machine I smile, We have a video of Roy working on that belt, You can see it on our home video.
Monday, August 28, 2006
God
The God who takes a summer storm,
and ends it with a rainbow,
Who lights the very darkest night
with silver stars above,
The God who, with a tiny seed,
can form a perfect rosebud,
is our God, and the One who heals
our heartaches with Love.
and ends it with a rainbow,
Who lights the very darkest night
with silver stars above,
The God who, with a tiny seed,
can form a perfect rosebud,
is our God, and the One who heals
our heartaches with Love.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Saying Good by
Today we said goodby to an old friend, and saw several more that we miss terribly.
Rick and Patty Hathaway, Lola and Jerry Cerepa, Paul Silveria, Ann Whitmore, Ginger and Gordon Ward, Harry Blaesing with his daughter and children, Julie Schwarze and her daughter Cammie.
We had a great visit, plus we visited with Dennis Benefield.
He performed a great message without preaching but he got the message across.
No matter what you have here, what house you live in, what car you drive, how much money you have, When you die someone else will be driving, living in and spending your things. We all end up the same and we are each placed in lttle boxes here on earth, Boxes as in different religions, Baptist , catholic, pentecost, over 200 in The world, but in Heaven there are no groups of people, we are all the same, worshiping one god, one savior. Isnt that a great thought?
Rick Hathaway doesnt look good at all, he is thin, showed me where he had lost most of his head hair, and how it is growing back, He was slow to think and Patty was there to help him with everything. It was sweet to watch the love of 42 years being manifest. He was very mellow and he is a living example of god making a change in a person.
When we first met Rick he was a loud, drinking cowboy. Really he was! Was being operative. Rick found the Lord in the late 70s. He became a different person, He truly showed what a new beginning in Christ can do for a person. A person that truly finds God.
Rick is sick, but God has given him 7 months more than they first diagnosed. Patty said his MRIs look good too, so to each of you Keep them in your prayers, Sheri remember to put him on your church prayer list, I told patty I had asked you to.
Charles and Ken please do the same.
So even though we were mourning the loss of a friend, Stella requested a party at her memorial, So a party is what we had, Harrys band played and they served food and drink at the Elks.
Rick and Patty Hathaway, Lola and Jerry Cerepa, Paul Silveria, Ann Whitmore, Ginger and Gordon Ward, Harry Blaesing with his daughter and children, Julie Schwarze and her daughter Cammie.
We had a great visit, plus we visited with Dennis Benefield.
He performed a great message without preaching but he got the message across.
No matter what you have here, what house you live in, what car you drive, how much money you have, When you die someone else will be driving, living in and spending your things. We all end up the same and we are each placed in lttle boxes here on earth, Boxes as in different religions, Baptist , catholic, pentecost, over 200 in The world, but in Heaven there are no groups of people, we are all the same, worshiping one god, one savior. Isnt that a great thought?
Rick Hathaway doesnt look good at all, he is thin, showed me where he had lost most of his head hair, and how it is growing back, He was slow to think and Patty was there to help him with everything. It was sweet to watch the love of 42 years being manifest. He was very mellow and he is a living example of god making a change in a person.
When we first met Rick he was a loud, drinking cowboy. Really he was! Was being operative. Rick found the Lord in the late 70s. He became a different person, He truly showed what a new beginning in Christ can do for a person. A person that truly finds God.
Rick is sick, but God has given him 7 months more than they first diagnosed. Patty said his MRIs look good too, so to each of you Keep them in your prayers, Sheri remember to put him on your church prayer list, I told patty I had asked you to.
Charles and Ken please do the same.
So even though we were mourning the loss of a friend, Stella requested a party at her memorial, So a party is what we had, Harrys band played and they served food and drink at the Elks.
Friday, August 25, 2006
The Old Bag
Swing, got ya. Again my older brother decided to make the bag swing even more fun. In case you don't know, a bag swing consisted of a burlap bag, (toe=sack to an arkie) filled with sand and hung from a tree by a rope.
To make it fun lets, put Sue on it and see how far we can twist the bag! Fun for everyone but me. I guess, from all accounts, they twisted me to the top of the rope, as far as it would go, then released me, I spun out of control. When I got off I could not walk straight. Lou said it was several days I was staggering around the house. She said I was always willing to try the stunts the boys put me up to but hey I was little and they were my brothers so how could I get hurt/ Right!!!
To this day I can not go in circles, I get dizzy immediately. One such time, your Dad and I were at the dance club, (senior center), he began spinning me, and I had to say, STOP, I am getting dizzy, That would have been embarrassing falling on the dance floor and all they serve is soda and water.
Anyway from the last few post, you can see I was not afraid of much as a child. Always outside, always in trouble, always causing Lou to get in trouble, she was supposed to watch me, Always getting dirty, Always climbing trees. So that explains the scars on my legs, eye brows and lip. Those stories are to follow.
To make it fun lets, put Sue on it and see how far we can twist the bag! Fun for everyone but me. I guess, from all accounts, they twisted me to the top of the rope, as far as it would go, then released me, I spun out of control. When I got off I could not walk straight. Lou said it was several days I was staggering around the house. She said I was always willing to try the stunts the boys put me up to but hey I was little and they were my brothers so how could I get hurt/ Right!!!
To this day I can not go in circles, I get dizzy immediately. One such time, your Dad and I were at the dance club, (senior center), he began spinning me, and I had to say, STOP, I am getting dizzy, That would have been embarrassing falling on the dance floor and all they serve is soda and water.
Anyway from the last few post, you can see I was not afraid of much as a child. Always outside, always in trouble, always causing Lou to get in trouble, she was supposed to watch me, Always getting dirty, Always climbing trees. So that explains the scars on my legs, eye brows and lip. Those stories are to follow.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Weekly hair wash
I can totally understand Childrens fear of having the hair washed. When I was about 4 or 5, still living in Slabtown, my brothers and older sister washed my hair. I remember being terrified. They were all holding me upside down in a bucket of water. They still laugh about that time, I guess it was a one and only but it certainly impressed me. My Mom must have been in the hospital or something. Why they felt that kind of thing was necessary is still beyond me. So I was 4 or 5 that would make them at least 10, to 12. 3 of them on one skinny, helpless little sister.
So Guys be careful when you wash their hair. When I kept Evan I suddenly recalled the terror I had as a child. I tried to wash his hair, he kicked over a candle, and grabbed my chest, I was horrified at what I was trying to do. I grabbed him and held him and loved him. I never want him to recall that day. It was amazing how it took something so ordinary to make a memory come alive.
Oh yes, at times, in those days we did only wash our hair once a week, because we had to draw water from a well, in a bucket or a long tube thing. We had to heat it on the stove, We had to put it into a washtub and often wash our hair as we took a bath.
Our baths were usually taken on the back porch or in one of the warmer rooms when winter hit. We had to have our baths, Mama never sent us to bed dirty. Summer or winter. The girls always got the first baths, we were not as dirty as the boys. Roy still says he hated it since we probably pee'd in the water. LOL LOL Probably.
I can still remember the first bathtub I was in. A real bathtub in a real bathroom. It was at Uncle Floyd Browns house. My Grandma Brown had died and we were all staying at their house, for a day or so, My Mom took us all to the bathroom, girls first and gave us a bath. That was amazing to me. The tub was so shiny and clean, no old galvanized tub that had to be heated and no freezing when you stepped out. In additon you could go potty in the house. Imagine that, a real bathroom,.
To each of you who had the privilidge of a different life, you can not imagine how something like that can impress a small mind, or should I say young mind. Mine was never small, always asking why? who? how? too many questions, My Mom and dad often complained and said, "No more questions, you ask too many."
All this happened around the time of the last post. I will try to keep my memories in order. sort of!
So Guys be careful when you wash their hair. When I kept Evan I suddenly recalled the terror I had as a child. I tried to wash his hair, he kicked over a candle, and grabbed my chest, I was horrified at what I was trying to do. I grabbed him and held him and loved him. I never want him to recall that day. It was amazing how it took something so ordinary to make a memory come alive.
Oh yes, at times, in those days we did only wash our hair once a week, because we had to draw water from a well, in a bucket or a long tube thing. We had to heat it on the stove, We had to put it into a washtub and often wash our hair as we took a bath.
Our baths were usually taken on the back porch or in one of the warmer rooms when winter hit. We had to have our baths, Mama never sent us to bed dirty. Summer or winter. The girls always got the first baths, we were not as dirty as the boys. Roy still says he hated it since we probably pee'd in the water. LOL LOL Probably.
I can still remember the first bathtub I was in. A real bathtub in a real bathroom. It was at Uncle Floyd Browns house. My Grandma Brown had died and we were all staying at their house, for a day or so, My Mom took us all to the bathroom, girls first and gave us a bath. That was amazing to me. The tub was so shiny and clean, no old galvanized tub that had to be heated and no freezing when you stepped out. In additon you could go potty in the house. Imagine that, a real bathroom,.
To each of you who had the privilidge of a different life, you can not imagine how something like that can impress a small mind, or should I say young mind. Mine was never small, always asking why? who? how? too many questions, My Mom and dad often complained and said, "No more questions, you ask too many."
All this happened around the time of the last post. I will try to keep my memories in order. sort of!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Life
So what can I write today, ummmmmm, Well lets see, I don't know, so how about I start with my first memory, per Sheri, (she suggested I do this in order as I recall it,)
I have a house in mind. One in Slabtown, (name given to homes in Sheridan because they were built of slabs of wood, go figure).
I do recall an earlier time, but not sure of my age. We lived in a Mill Yard, on a corner with the railroad tracks backing our house. I recall the logs rolling one time, My mom was afraid we would be by those logs and get killed. I can recall the huge rumble and My Moms fear until all the older children were accounted for.
I asked of this one time, I was told by an older sister we never lived by a railroad track. I knew that memory was there. So I asked a cousin, Olin Brown, He is more like an uncle, he is in his 70s. He said "Yes, you lived in a little white house on the corner," I asked "did the logs roll one time, He said they often did."
So how about the railroad tracks, Yes they were behind our house. So you see some memories you create now are always going to be with your children.
By the way I did tell my sister that happened, she said "Well I knew that."
Whatever!!!
Now to slabtown, in Sheridan, I recall the day Roy was bitten by a rattle snake. He was only like 3 or 4 and Edward had dropped his pocket knife down the toilet, Yes outhouse, and had Roy reach in and get it, His hands would fit through the little hole. He pulled his hand out screaming, "A booger bit me".
My Aunt Lucille was staying with us then, she walked to a neighbors to get help wile Mama soaked his hand in gasoline, or kerosene. I guess that was a remedy. I can see Aunt Lucille running for help and mama holding Roy.
The house in Slabtown was where my brother decided to build an amusement park ride. I was the guinea pig to see how it operated. He took a huge 2 by 12, a railroad spike he stole from the tracks, and drove that board into a stump. I was on one end, not sure of the other, They pushed, faster and faster, I was holding on but once I got dizzy, there was no staying on. I still can feel the eerie feeling of begin airborne. I flew across the field, with the ride coming down as soon as Mama got me in the house and all my owies fixed. My Brother was always doing something.
One time he was riding in an old tire down a hill. He would get in curl around it someone would give it a push and down he would go yelling and laughing all the way.
On one such trip, a local minister saw him, Leonard had gone into a briar patch.
The man said "Son the Lord was with you,' My brother said, "Well if he was,he had a hell of a ride." LOL
More to come.
stay tuned for history.
I have a house in mind. One in Slabtown, (name given to homes in Sheridan because they were built of slabs of wood, go figure).
I do recall an earlier time, but not sure of my age. We lived in a Mill Yard, on a corner with the railroad tracks backing our house. I recall the logs rolling one time, My mom was afraid we would be by those logs and get killed. I can recall the huge rumble and My Moms fear until all the older children were accounted for.
I asked of this one time, I was told by an older sister we never lived by a railroad track. I knew that memory was there. So I asked a cousin, Olin Brown, He is more like an uncle, he is in his 70s. He said "Yes, you lived in a little white house on the corner," I asked "did the logs roll one time, He said they often did."
So how about the railroad tracks, Yes they were behind our house. So you see some memories you create now are always going to be with your children.
By the way I did tell my sister that happened, she said "Well I knew that."
Whatever!!!
Now to slabtown, in Sheridan, I recall the day Roy was bitten by a rattle snake. He was only like 3 or 4 and Edward had dropped his pocket knife down the toilet, Yes outhouse, and had Roy reach in and get it, His hands would fit through the little hole. He pulled his hand out screaming, "A booger bit me".
My Aunt Lucille was staying with us then, she walked to a neighbors to get help wile Mama soaked his hand in gasoline, or kerosene. I guess that was a remedy. I can see Aunt Lucille running for help and mama holding Roy.
The house in Slabtown was where my brother decided to build an amusement park ride. I was the guinea pig to see how it operated. He took a huge 2 by 12, a railroad spike he stole from the tracks, and drove that board into a stump. I was on one end, not sure of the other, They pushed, faster and faster, I was holding on but once I got dizzy, there was no staying on. I still can feel the eerie feeling of begin airborne. I flew across the field, with the ride coming down as soon as Mama got me in the house and all my owies fixed. My Brother was always doing something.
One time he was riding in an old tire down a hill. He would get in curl around it someone would give it a push and down he would go yelling and laughing all the way.
On one such trip, a local minister saw him, Leonard had gone into a briar patch.
The man said "Son the Lord was with you,' My brother said, "Well if he was,he had a hell of a ride." LOL
More to come.
stay tuned for history.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Take care of the Elderly
I have been concerned about the elderly lady at the end of the road. We have not seen her since spring. I often would stop by and knock on her door, last time I was there the door was overgrown over with cobwebs. Of course I knew the door had not been opened in ages. The last time we saw her, your dad and I mowed and cleaned her yard. We had planned on doing more but she kind of disappeared.
Well this last week someone was taking the roof off her house. Of course nosey me, I stopped and asked if she was still with us. The worker told me the house had been deserted by the owner and the son had asked him to put a roof on, He was waiting on materials, I told him she had in fact had a stroke and was staying with a friend and I wanted to make sure she was OK.
Again Nosey me went to the school where she was a Grandmother figure. she was still working, Yeah, she is OK. I talked to her. She is frail, lost a lot of weight, had a stroke, Awfully tired but working to supplement her income. She told me she had asked her step son to help her by putting a roof on the house. She said she was paying for the work, but was unaware of the leak in the basement.
She cried when I left her side. she said no one really cares about the other person any more.
Let me ask each of you to take someone under your wing. Show the love of God, in all your actions, We are told to help the lonely, forsaken, lost.
I told your Dad I do not want to leave this world and no one know I had been here. I try to help people often, I take food to the homeless. I try to make sure things are accomplished. I want to make a mark on the world. I wish I could do more. I really feel as if I have to do more. So I will be out looking for another person to help.
Oh lest I forget your dad said when I die he will put "Sue was here on my headstone." He is so funny. Ha Ha Ha, (sarcatic Ha Ha).
Well this last week someone was taking the roof off her house. Of course nosey me, I stopped and asked if she was still with us. The worker told me the house had been deserted by the owner and the son had asked him to put a roof on, He was waiting on materials, I told him she had in fact had a stroke and was staying with a friend and I wanted to make sure she was OK.
Again Nosey me went to the school where she was a Grandmother figure. she was still working, Yeah, she is OK. I talked to her. She is frail, lost a lot of weight, had a stroke, Awfully tired but working to supplement her income. She told me she had asked her step son to help her by putting a roof on the house. She said she was paying for the work, but was unaware of the leak in the basement.
She cried when I left her side. she said no one really cares about the other person any more.
Let me ask each of you to take someone under your wing. Show the love of God, in all your actions, We are told to help the lonely, forsaken, lost.
I told your Dad I do not want to leave this world and no one know I had been here. I try to help people often, I take food to the homeless. I try to make sure things are accomplished. I want to make a mark on the world. I wish I could do more. I really feel as if I have to do more. So I will be out looking for another person to help.
Oh lest I forget your dad said when I die he will put "Sue was here on my headstone." He is so funny. Ha Ha Ha, (sarcatic Ha Ha).
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Enough is enough
OK I am again on the warpath, not really but you all recall the old junk barn, dump, fire hazard at the end of our road? Well as of last week the owner began hauling in more trucks, jeeps, pipe, tools, cement blocks, pipe, you name it he hauls it in.
One of the neighbors made sure we knew when the junk was being hauled in, (sent a samll boy over to tell us after dark, guess who) So I got to county, get lot numbers, appropriate paper work and send a complaint, I then took a form to each neighbor, well guess who did not want to get involved/ ARRRRRRRRRRRR He is such a wimp. When i reminded him he sent someone to muy house after dark to complain, he took the papers but I bet he does not send hi sin. And i gave him a stamped envelope. Three other neighbors have already complained so I am not the only own. But I do not appologize. That person is reducing the value of our property. In addition he has created a huge fire hazard, one that if it ever got out would block us in and we would have no escape.
I am not afraid ot stand up for what is right, but I do hate doing something to my neighbors. Not a good feeling , but what are they doing to us?
That was my question to neighbor that complained.
So today I am taking vare of more business, I have finally found out how to get the mobile home out of my name without it coming back to haunt me.
Finally after over a year, what a mes you can get into when you try to help people. But I would try to help someone again tomorrow if I could.
One of the neighbors made sure we knew when the junk was being hauled in, (sent a samll boy over to tell us after dark, guess who) So I got to county, get lot numbers, appropriate paper work and send a complaint, I then took a form to each neighbor, well guess who did not want to get involved/ ARRRRRRRRRRRR He is such a wimp. When i reminded him he sent someone to muy house after dark to complain, he took the papers but I bet he does not send hi sin. And i gave him a stamped envelope. Three other neighbors have already complained so I am not the only own. But I do not appologize. That person is reducing the value of our property. In addition he has created a huge fire hazard, one that if it ever got out would block us in and we would have no escape.
I am not afraid ot stand up for what is right, but I do hate doing something to my neighbors. Not a good feeling , but what are they doing to us?
That was my question to neighbor that complained.
So today I am taking vare of more business, I have finally found out how to get the mobile home out of my name without it coming back to haunt me.
Finally after over a year, what a mes you can get into when you try to help people. But I would try to help someone again tomorrow if I could.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
I am Back
We just spent a wonderful week with Charles and his family. It has been so many years that company was such a chore for me, this year was great. I finally feel himan. I was told, the heart surgery would give me a new lease on life, I had no idea I had felt so bad all that time. I knew I was getting more frustrated but the feeling bad seemed to be a way of life. What a difference that has made.
To make good things even better, Ken and Kris had a family get together at their house, We got to see, Mike and Sheryl, Robert and Gina and families. It was wonderful, Robert was only 7 when I married into the family and Mike was 3. I have loved those little boys like they were my own. Now they are both bigger than me and Man did they grow up handsome and Men any Mom would be proud of, (plus they married really great girls).
As I said the week with Charles was marvelous. He was so handsome in his motorcycle outfit. Black chaps, black helmet, black leather vest, boots. The works, He also got quite a tan while here too, Shelle on the other hand got quite a burn. But she is awfully pink and white, almost albino. Josh got a burn and Joe tanned. Joe has more of his Dads coloring.
We spent most days swimming or just lounging. I went to town one day with Shelle and had my nails done, other than that I am not a traveler. Love to be home, in my chair, or by my pool or just relaxing.
Ken and Kris made it down on Saturday to see them arrive. The boys loved their Uncle Charles, Expecially Cay. He found, and I quote, "Uncle Charles playing with him was Exciting". Cays words. Of course we all had a good laugh when he said that. Jarod, on the other hand, is much more reserved and was not sure of the swinging up on Uncles shoulders. Too scarey up there for him. Evan was Evan, quite reserved, but loved having them here, when he wanted to show something he just took them by the hand and led them to his room or whereever.
Kiara was Kiara, shy, wanting Mommie, and the center of attention.
So that was my week, full of fun, laughter, swimming, visiting and eating. So now on to a diet. Darn I hate that word. But I started today, got to get myself ready for a trip to the dr and dont want to be told my cholesterol is too highy. Wonder why it would be? Could it be all the bacon I cooked, or the pancakes or homemade biscuits? Na, not possible.
To make good things even better, Ken and Kris had a family get together at their house, We got to see, Mike and Sheryl, Robert and Gina and families. It was wonderful, Robert was only 7 when I married into the family and Mike was 3. I have loved those little boys like they were my own. Now they are both bigger than me and Man did they grow up handsome and Men any Mom would be proud of, (plus they married really great girls).
As I said the week with Charles was marvelous. He was so handsome in his motorcycle outfit. Black chaps, black helmet, black leather vest, boots. The works, He also got quite a tan while here too, Shelle on the other hand got quite a burn. But she is awfully pink and white, almost albino. Josh got a burn and Joe tanned. Joe has more of his Dads coloring.
We spent most days swimming or just lounging. I went to town one day with Shelle and had my nails done, other than that I am not a traveler. Love to be home, in my chair, or by my pool or just relaxing.
Ken and Kris made it down on Saturday to see them arrive. The boys loved their Uncle Charles, Expecially Cay. He found, and I quote, "Uncle Charles playing with him was Exciting". Cays words. Of course we all had a good laugh when he said that. Jarod, on the other hand, is much more reserved and was not sure of the swinging up on Uncles shoulders. Too scarey up there for him. Evan was Evan, quite reserved, but loved having them here, when he wanted to show something he just took them by the hand and led them to his room or whereever.
Kiara was Kiara, shy, wanting Mommie, and the center of attention.
So that was my week, full of fun, laughter, swimming, visiting and eating. So now on to a diet. Darn I hate that word. But I started today, got to get myself ready for a trip to the dr and dont want to be told my cholesterol is too highy. Wonder why it would be? Could it be all the bacon I cooked, or the pancakes or homemade biscuits? Na, not possible.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
MY Oh MY
Fingernails hurt, I went into town with Shelle today, we shopped, went for Cold Stone, then she had to repair a broken nail. While sitting there, I asked her how long it took to get acrylics put on, she siad and hour, the maniquireist said the young man there could do it in 20 minutes, OK 20 I can take, not 60.
So I had a french manicure. They look great, but they hurt. Yes, I have nails now but your Dads comment was, Now you cant dig in the garden!. Wanna Bet?. I already did I dug potatoes for dinner. HA.
Tomorrow we go to Kens for a great time with the cousins. We are all looking forward to it. I know Kris and Ken are but we are hiding the nail polish.
So I had a french manicure. They look great, but they hurt. Yes, I have nails now but your Dads comment was, Now you cant dig in the garden!. Wanna Bet?. I already did I dug potatoes for dinner. HA.
Tomorrow we go to Kens for a great time with the cousins. We are all looking forward to it. I know Kris and Ken are but we are hiding the nail polish.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Best Uncles
I thought I was the luckiest girl in the world. I had uncles that were there for me. When I was only 5 or so, I recall my uncles coming to visit. These were my Mothers brothers. My uncle, Junior, was schizophrenic, I didn't know that, I just knew he was quiet and gentle. He would sit down on our couch and I would run for the comb. He had blonde curly hair, He would just sit and let me comb, until My Mom finally made me stop. I combed the other ones hair but I recall him just sitting and smiling.
Uncle Junior would never hurt a fly, He was drafted into the Army during the end of the war, He never should have been taken, but I guess the government did not notice he was not well. He would come to our house in his uniform and looked so nice. The one thing being in the service did do for him. As the years passed and Uncle junior got worse, He was admitted to a VA hospital and they took care of him . My Mom would often bring him home and he would go to his little house and make coffee, Actually he made coffee outside in the yard, The strongest coffee in the world. Really it was horrible but he was one of the nicest people you would want to meet.
Next was Uncle Hugh, He was funny, He always teased me, In fact I lost so many of my baby teeth at once, he nicknamed me 'Grandma". I hated it. When I was in Arkansas a few years ago, he asked me 'Hey did I used to call you Grandma'. I said "Yes you did and I am still mad at you'. We both had a good laugh.
Uncle Hugh always came to the river fishing with us, Every time he was there he would say "Hey, know what I saw?" I always took the bait, "No, What?" He then said
"I saw a head floating down the river singing, I aint got no body". Then he broke into song. LOL he was funny.
One evening Uncle Hugh was at my Moms house, visiting, we were having dinner, Mama asked him if he wanted to eat, he said no, your Dad proceeded to say, "Hugh, don't just stand there hungry, Go on home and get you something to eat". I was so embarrassed. We never talked to people like that but you know your dad, always joking, Uncle Hugh laughed and said no he wasn't hungry. I think every member of my family was dying laughing except Mama and I. O
Uncle James, Now he was an Elvis look alike, Really he was, He had black curly hair, a snarl on his lips, Very handsome. When I saw him at my brothers funeral, I said 'Uncle James did you know I always thought you looked like Elvis?", He told me the was often told that. I have to find a photo of him as a young man, I am sure you all would agree.
My Uncle Richard, was also very funny, I did not see him often, he ran away from home when he was 14 and went to work in the Texas Oil fields. He was really tall, black hair, and gorgeous. I had not seen him in so many years when I did finally see him he had gotten old, lost those huge shoulders, hair got grey, and was wearing glasses. My mom laughed and said "I bet you wish you could have kept the image of him you had.' I laughed and said He was so handsome, now he is so old.
I often told your Dad about him, his sense of humor, his looks, his size, I just wanted David to meet him. Well meet him he did, When my Mom passed away,
Uncle Richard came into her room, he said "Lou its the unrest, best looking brother you have". She had not spoken in days, . Her immediate reaction was "Richard", She knew immediately and called his name.
At the hospital I introduced him to your Dad and then he proceeded to tell your dad a very bad joke (one he laughs about still today) and also that he felt sorry for him if I was like my Mom, again his big booming laugh could be heard.
Anyway your Dad agreed, he was awfully nice and funny. HE really liked my Uncle Richard and all the above mentioned ones,
I had one more, Uncle Glen, He was the baby, and the same age as my brother, He was blonde, thin, and drank too much. He died at a young age of stomach cancer. I knew him only because he played with my brothers and therefore did not seem like and uncle but a cousin. He became heavily involved with the church before he died and even tried his hand at preaching.
OK that is is on my uncles on my Moms side. Enjoy reading? Any questions? Ask and I will tell>
Uncle Junior would never hurt a fly, He was drafted into the Army during the end of the war, He never should have been taken, but I guess the government did not notice he was not well. He would come to our house in his uniform and looked so nice. The one thing being in the service did do for him. As the years passed and Uncle junior got worse, He was admitted to a VA hospital and they took care of him . My Mom would often bring him home and he would go to his little house and make coffee, Actually he made coffee outside in the yard, The strongest coffee in the world. Really it was horrible but he was one of the nicest people you would want to meet.
Next was Uncle Hugh, He was funny, He always teased me, In fact I lost so many of my baby teeth at once, he nicknamed me 'Grandma". I hated it. When I was in Arkansas a few years ago, he asked me 'Hey did I used to call you Grandma'. I said "Yes you did and I am still mad at you'. We both had a good laugh.
Uncle Hugh always came to the river fishing with us, Every time he was there he would say "Hey, know what I saw?" I always took the bait, "No, What?" He then said
"I saw a head floating down the river singing, I aint got no body". Then he broke into song. LOL he was funny.
One evening Uncle Hugh was at my Moms house, visiting, we were having dinner, Mama asked him if he wanted to eat, he said no, your Dad proceeded to say, "Hugh, don't just stand there hungry, Go on home and get you something to eat". I was so embarrassed. We never talked to people like that but you know your dad, always joking, Uncle Hugh laughed and said no he wasn't hungry. I think every member of my family was dying laughing except Mama and I. O
Uncle James, Now he was an Elvis look alike, Really he was, He had black curly hair, a snarl on his lips, Very handsome. When I saw him at my brothers funeral, I said 'Uncle James did you know I always thought you looked like Elvis?", He told me the was often told that. I have to find a photo of him as a young man, I am sure you all would agree.
My Uncle Richard, was also very funny, I did not see him often, he ran away from home when he was 14 and went to work in the Texas Oil fields. He was really tall, black hair, and gorgeous. I had not seen him in so many years when I did finally see him he had gotten old, lost those huge shoulders, hair got grey, and was wearing glasses. My mom laughed and said "I bet you wish you could have kept the image of him you had.' I laughed and said He was so handsome, now he is so old.
I often told your Dad about him, his sense of humor, his looks, his size, I just wanted David to meet him. Well meet him he did, When my Mom passed away,
Uncle Richard came into her room, he said "Lou its the unrest, best looking brother you have". She had not spoken in days, . Her immediate reaction was "Richard", She knew immediately and called his name.
At the hospital I introduced him to your Dad and then he proceeded to tell your dad a very bad joke (one he laughs about still today) and also that he felt sorry for him if I was like my Mom, again his big booming laugh could be heard.
Anyway your Dad agreed, he was awfully nice and funny. HE really liked my Uncle Richard and all the above mentioned ones,
I had one more, Uncle Glen, He was the baby, and the same age as my brother, He was blonde, thin, and drank too much. He died at a young age of stomach cancer. I knew him only because he played with my brothers and therefore did not seem like and uncle but a cousin. He became heavily involved with the church before he died and even tried his hand at preaching.
OK that is is on my uncles on my Moms side. Enjoy reading? Any questions? Ask and I will tell>
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