The Fourth of July

We celebrated the fourth with balloons and fireworks at Ridgeland.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend.

Beating the Heat

Here in Clinton, in central Mississippi, it hasn't rained in over a month, and it has already been the hottest summer in recent memory with the temperature being in triple digits on several days.

One way to beat the heat on the fourth is to take to the water as these two young ladies have done.

Happy Fourth of July

Plantersville Park Commissioner

Working at the Plantersville park is Jay Curry, the town's Park Commissioner.

Work Day at the Park

Renee Morris, newly elected Plantersville Alderwoman, spray washes at the Plantersville park.

I borrowed this picture and several more I will be sharing from Gloria's facebook web site.

Plantersville Fire

Today's Journal reports that a large shed belonging to Mike and Shelia Barber caught on fire yesterday morning. Smoke from the blaze could be seen as far away as downtown Tupelo. The shed contained among other things, tractors, wagons and at least one car.

Shelia is the sister of James Matthews.

I don't know my county road numbers but I think the Barber farm is located east of Plantersville. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Terri Mims Roberts

My heartfelt sympathy to Larry and Laverne Mims on the death of their daughter, Terri Mims Roberts.

Happy Father's Day

Hope all you fathers have a wonderful day even if most of us can't carry our children on our shoulders anymore.

The Ole Swimming Hole

Cathy Johnson Garrett sent this picture courtesy of Amy Jeffreys Bostick. I think it has been published before, but shows a good view of our old swimming hole at Tulip Creek.

Plantersville Fourth of July Celebration

Event: 4th of July Parade and Celebration in the Park
"The first annual!"
What: Festival
Host: Town of Plantersville Park Commission
Start Time: Saturday, July 4 at 6:00pm
End Time: Saturday, July 4 at 9:00pm
Where: Ivy Industries to Grant-Wuichet Park

Gloria Holland wrote: "I forgot to mention to bring lawn chairs, picnics if desired and the accurate phone numbers are 255-2060 and 231-5421. Volunteers and donations are also appreciated!"

Tulip Creek

Those of you in the Tupelo area probably know that Tulip Creek has been in the news the last day or so.

If I'm not mistaken, I learned to swim in Tulip Creek at the swimming hole there. I know that Cecil took pictures, but does anyone else have any pictures of the ole swimming hole. If I am recalling correctly, the water ran through rocks under a trestle and was fairly clear and someone, was it Cecil, had put up a rope to swing out over the creek on.

Cabin

My grandmother was supposedly born in this cabin somewhere in Monroe County near Smithville. According to a cousin, now deceased, who provided this picture, it was still there a few years ago.

My cousin, Rea, who was in the area last week was unsuccessful in his attempt to locate it. His grandfather was supposedly born in the cabin too.

If anyone knows anything about this cabin or knows anyone who might know anything, we would appreciate the help.

Cathy, Skip, Lucy and George

I had lunch on Tuesday with Cathy Johnson Garrett, her cousin, Skip, her friend, Lucy and her son, Benji who took the picture.

I last saw Skip in 1957 or 58 when Butch and I escorted him to a party at Brother Johnson's request. Skip lives near New Orleans.

Texas Cousins

Rea and Martha Morris stopped by Clinton for a short visit and then traveled to Tupelo where this picture was made.

Rea's grandfather and my grandmother were brother and sister. Archie, the grandfather, moved to Texas when he was a teenager. Rea doesn't remember visiting Mississippi before yesterday; however, he and his family did visit Plantersville in the summer of 1948 when Rea was four or five. I posted a picture in March on this blog of Rea and his family. I have only vague memories of that visit.

Memorial Day

We spent the holiday weekend in Tupelo. Hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day.

Mr. Donald Holland

Sympathy to Steve and Mrs. Sadie and their family on the death of Steve's brother, Don.

Kindergarten Graduation

My granddaughter, Carly, lower right corner, receives her diploma from her principal during graduation ceremonies held yesterday morning at Madison Ridgeland Academy. Three of the five classes are shown in the picture.

Golden Anniversary

Someone sent this for posting:

"Golden Anniversary" is the headline in the Sunday 'Journal' followed by a photo of Leon and Jean Willis. The announcement reported that the couple will be honored for their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception Saturday, May 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Eggville Church of Christ. Hosting the celebration will be their children, Ramon Feather, Donna Willis, and Jimmy and Serena Willis, and their two grandchildren.

Jean is my cousin and was known, as were many of us, by her double name, Mary Jean, at Plantersville High School.

Congratulations to Leon and Jean.

Mr. Ted Jutman

Sympathy to Jean Jutman and her family on the death of her father, Ted Jutman. A graveside service will be held at the Plantersville Cemetery on Monday at one o'clock.

Congratulations to Linda Partlow

Linda Partlow, who coached for over twenty years at ICC, was recently inducted into the Mississippi Association of Junior and Community Colleges Sports Hall of Fame.

Linda coached tennis and softball. Her teams won nine state championships, five regionals and were runner ups five times. She was coach of the year four times and "was elected to the NJCAA Women's Tennis Hall of Fame in 2001"

Some of us are old enough to remember when a very young Linda began playing tennis at Cecil's.

During her tenure at tennis coach at ICC, her strongest competitors were usually the team from Hinds, where I taught. I kept up with Linda through our coach.

Stennis Family

Aunt Lucille was the youngest daughter; my Dad was the baby, two years younger than Aunt Cile.
She is pictured here in 1984, I believe, with her family, her son Tom and her grandchildren, their spouses and children.

From left: Aunt Cile, Ginger, her husband, Johnny, Tom Stennis, Janet, Mavis, Karen; behind Karen are Lamar and his wife.

The three children are Ginger's, I think; I know the two oldest are.
Aunt Cile died at the age of 98 in 2004. Ginger and Johnny divorced; Ginger is remarried and lives on the coast. Lamar and his family and Karen who is unmarried live on the coast also. Janet lives in Connecticut and about ten years ago adopted a son who was born in Russia.

As I wrote on this blog before, one of my cousin-in-laws, Margie, used to babysit Ginger.

Summer Day in Olde Towne

Carole won the grand prize offered by the Arts Council of Clinton which was an original watercolor painting by renown local artist, Wyatt Waters.

The painting is entitled 'Summer Day in Olde Towne.'

From the left: George Kelly, Wyatt Waters, and Carole Kelly.

Carole's comments: Isn't this a good pic taken by Charline McCord of the Arts Council? She was the one who called in early December with the thrilling news of our being the grand prize winner of Wyatt's beautiful original painting. Vicki Waters coordinated the framing process, with the frame being my Mother's Day present from George. Couldn't ask for any better . . .

Happy Mother's Day

Hope all the mothers out there have a wonderful day.

Day In the Park

Event: Plantersville Volunteer Fire Department and Youth Council Day in the Park
What: Festival
Host: Volunteer Fire Department and Youth Council
Start Time: Saturday, May 16 at 10:00am
End Time: Saturday, May 16 at 2:00pm
Where: Grant Wuichet Park

They are still accepting vendors for a minimum fee.

Report on Carl Kingsley

I spoke with my cousin, Carl Kingsley, a day or so ago, and he is doing great after his operation.

He's in remarkable shape for a man in his mid eighties.

Kelly Family Gathering

From left: Lucille Kimes Kelly, (Uncle Morris's second wife), Morris Kelly, Elizabeth Kelly Langa, Johnnie Kelly Harris, Grace Kelly Birmingham, and Steve Langa.

I don't recognize the room; it might be Elizabeth and Steve's home in Memphis.

Ladies of Plantersville

I think I recognize the room and the painting on the wall as my mother's apartment.

I am relying on a fading memory, it has been over thirty years since I last saw some of these ladies, and failing eyesight, but I believe that from the left: Halove Morgan, Vera Stovall (though I don't ever remember my mother looking so big), Grace Birmingham, Mary Bucy and Moman Partlow.

Someone correct me if I identified one wrong.

Still Life of Flowers and Cat

This still life of curled cat was taken at Aunt Grace's on September 3, 1994. The flowers are from the celebration of Aunt Grace's 100th birthday on August 31.

Aunt Grace, who can be seen through the bedroom door, became ill the night before the celebration and died two days after this picture was taken, five days past her 100th birthday.

Who Is That Blonde?

Carole with some newspaper colleagues during her blonde period.

Senator Thad Cochran and Friends

I ran into Senator Cochran one day in the Hinds Community College Library, and someone snapped this picture. The librarian in the picture is Nancy Tenhet who is still on the staff at Hinds.

One of the buildings at Hinds is named for Thad's parents.

Mother and Carole

My mother and Carole at a table laden with Christmas stuff.

Fishing

Carly, darling granddaughter, went fishing for the first time this weekend, catching one fish Saturday at her other grandmother's in Kosciusko and two yesterday in our lake.

She loves catching them, but, as you can see, prefers not to get too close to them.

First Lady and Friends

Eloise Winter, wife of William, when she was first lady of the state with Cindy and Ed Conerly and Cam Kelly.

Cindy and Ed were twins. Ed was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident when he was a sophomore in college. I saw Cindy last week at Krogers. She has two daughters.

Carole and Mrs. Winter frequent the same hairdresser.

Carl Kingsley Update

My cousin, Carl Kingsley, was operated on Thursday at the Veteran's Hospital in Memphis. I spoke with one of his daughters last night and he was doing well with a possibility of coming home this weekend.

Some of you may know Carl's daughter, Sandra, who lives in Plantersville.

Mama and Children

From left: Grace Kelly Birmingham (before she started coloring her hair black), Morris Andrew Kelly, Sarchie Kelly, Johnnie Kelly Harris and Fielden Harris.

Robert and Joyce Rogers

Brother Robert and Mrs. Joyce are retired and living in Hattiesburg.

Their most recent service was in Rota, Spain.

Robert, as most of you know, is the son of Robert Rogers and the grandson of Mrs. Willie, long time postmistress.

As I've mentioned before, since we lived directly across the road from the post office and since the post office had no running water, I saw Mrs. Willie every day, and as also mentioned she gave me my first job, taking the mail sack to the railroad and bringing the new one back.

CID

One of the most popular programs on television, and one of the few networks shows I watch now, is NCIS.

The army equivalent of NCIS is the CID; I was a member of a CID unit at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, TX, in the early '60s. We had more investigators than they seem to have on NCIS, but we did not have a fancy lab, for that matter no lab at all.

That's me on the right with two civilian employees and three other members of our unit. There were about twenty or so in our unit including two FBI agents. Because we were an investigating unit, we could choose to wear civilian clothes. Some of us didn't have enough clothes so chose to wear our uniforms most of the time.

Norman and Clara Mae Kingsley

Norman Kingsley was my mother's oldest brother who married Clara Mae Lamb. Their only child, Charles with his wife Grace, lives in Tupelo not far from Elvis' birth place.

Norman and Clara Mae lived much of their lives together in Shannon but have a Plantersville connection or two other than me and my mother. Their grandson married Ellen Rooker and for several years lived next to the Rookers in Plantersville. And some of Clara Mae's Lamb kinfolks lived in the state park area, and one of them, I think, married one of my Kelly cousins.

Wakefields?

I have several pictures apparently taken on the same day and each has that streak across the middle, either a flaw in the film or in the camera.

That is me between the Wakefields; was his name Jack?

The house being built here is the one directly across from the Baptist Church; I think Bill Martin's parents bought the house from the Wakefields, and Martha Henricks' parents purchased it from the Martins.

I hope someone can elaborate on the Wakefields.

George and His Colleagues

A very young George (how about that beard) with his Hinds Community College English Department colleagues in 1982.

Sadly three of those pictured are deceased; four are still full time faculty members at Hinds, though one is retiring after this semester, and two are still teaching part-time.

There was little turnover in our department; one of those pictured left to go to work for the state archives and one left because football coach husband accepted a head coaching position in another state. All the rest are either still there or retired.
The young man on the extreme right in Jerry Carr from Tupelo; some of you may remember his father Gale Carr who among other things developed Carr-Vista Acres subdivision.

1932-33 Jr. Class, Saltillo High School

Mother wrote the names of these students on the back of the picture; however, she wrote them in pencil which has faded with the years. Here is the best I can decipher:

Standing from left: Birdie Turner; __ Young; Garfield Bailey; Vera Kingsley; Annette Stanley; Bessie Stanley;Murdice Cole; ___ Waldrup.

Seated in chairs: Melvin Bentley; Marie Bailey; Murrell Easterling; Annie Faye Long; Murt Langston.
On the ground: Howard Lummus; Money Bolen.

If anyone has any information or corrections on any of these students, I would appreciate the assistance.

Kitty and Darryl

I published this picture of Kitty and Darryl on the blog some time ago. I know this is a tough time for Darryl and David and the children.

Kitty's grandson, David Alan, has done much research on his family and on Richmond and Unity Church. The Unity Web site linked on my site was created by David.

To all the family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Kitty Morgan

Sympathy to the family of Kitty Morgan. Plantersville has suffered another great loss.

I saw Kitty frequently at Estes Steak House in recent years, and, of course, saw her often growing up. As many of you know, her husband, Roy, was Raymon Stovall's nephew, and they lived close to Raymon's sister, Anna. Raymon was very close to Mrs. Anna, and we visited her every Sunday. Roy and Kitty were almost always there.

When we moved to the Jackson area in 1975, Mother often came to Jackson with Kitty when Kitty was attending to Farm Bureau business.

She was a special person and will be missed.

Kitty (center) is pictued here at the homecoming a couple of years ago with Jean Jutman and Martha Underhill.

Small World Stories

As do most people, I love small-world stories. Mavis Critz married my first cousin on the Kelly side Tom Stennis over 55 years ago, and Marjorie Pollard married my first cousin on the Kingsley side over forty years ago.

I posted a sympathy notice about Mavis's mother death last week which Marjorie read on this blog. She asked me at Sis' funeral how I knew Mavis as years ago she babysat Mavis and Tom's oldest daughter, Ginger. Marjorie lived across the street from them in West Point.

That's Ginger Stennis in the picture with her brother Lamar.

After all these years, I find out two of my cousins-in-law knew each other.

The Duke Family

Another picture of Sis and her family taken a few years later than the prior one.

From left in swing: Kellie, Nicholas, Vera, Sis holding, I think, Angela, though it could be Andrew. I'm not certain which one is the baby, someone help me out.

Standing in back: Sulema Duke, Richard Duke and Cecil Duke.

Sis, Mother and Sis' grandson

Juanita "Sis" Duke's funeral was Monday at Steve Holland's funeral home in Tupelo.

In the picture from left: Vera Stovall, Nicholas Duke, his father, Richard, and Sis.

Nicholas is now about eleven and has two sisters and one brother. Nicholas always enjoyed visiting Dick, which is what they called Mother, in Plantersville and especially enjoyed her porch swing.

Sis' daughter Lisa has three children for a total of seven grandchildren for Sis and Cecil.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone.

Today is doubly special at our house as it is also my wonderful wife's birthday.

Happy Birthday Carole.

Juanita "Sis" McKinney Duke

My dear cousin, Sis Duke, died yesterday. Please place her husband, Cecil, and her children, Richard, Cindy and Lisa as well as her daughter-in-law and son-in-law and her grandchildren in your thoughts and prayers.

As I mentioned in my post last week, Sis was like a daughter to my mother and she and Cecil were always willing to help out. When mother had her spell in 1997, I called Sis and Cecil and they were there in a few minutes and got mother to the hospital.

Sis suffered a stroke a few years ago; she was able to attend mother's funeral in June, but it was one of the last times she was able to get out. I saw her in the nursing home last week, but shortly after my visit, she was moved to a hospice.

Visitation is from 3 to 5 Easter Sunday at Harris-Holland; the funeral is Monday afternoon at 4:30.

Plantersville Girls' Basketball Team

The Lee County Courier ran this picture last week and asked for identification; I recognize Betty Sue Conlee as well as Ann and Sue Ellis, but can't help with any of the others.

I've seen this picture somewhere or one similar to it, maybe even posted it on this blog a couple of years ago.

Please help identify these girls.
Sherrilyn Helms Brown with the assistance of her mom, Frances Helms and Betty Sue Conlee Peters: "Standing left to right: Norma Jean Ellis, Sue Ellis, Joyce McWhorter, Ann Ellis, Merlene Whitehead, Betty Sue Conlee, Jean West, Helen Presley, Yvonne Raper, Jean Lann, Puddie Eason Ruff. Bottom row: Laura Sue McCaskill, Pat Rogers, Patsy Partlow, Shirley Kelly, Annie Mae Boyd. 1948-1949."

A Visit to Plantersville and Beyond

Carole and I just returned from a quick trip to Tupelo and Plantersville. I have a couple of cousins who are facing health issues and spent time with them. My cousin, Carl Kingsley, whose daughter Sandra lives in Plantersville, will be having surgery at the Veteran's Hospital in Memphis soon. And my cousin, Juanita "Sis" Duke, is in the nursing home after suffering several strokes. Her condition is not good so please add both Carl and Sis to your prayer lists.

Sis was a frequent visitor to Plantersville as she was like a daughter to my mother. She and her husband, Cecil, were invaluable to me in helping with my mother.

And speaking of assisting my mother, I visited today with Frances Helms; Aaron was off shopping. Frances has severe back problems.

Without Aaron and Frances, cousins and neighbors, and Cecil and Sis, my mother would not have been able to stay by herself as long as she did.

While in Plantersville, I noticed there is a large house under construction in those woods that were behind and beside the old Blackwell place. Butch and I played often in those woods. The area next to where the roads cross has been cleared and someone told me the house there is the old Earl Kelly house that was moved from behind the Baptist Church; can anyone confirm this?

Also, Butch's old house, the one across from Sherry's old house, has been damaged by a fire. I don't know when that occurred.

Fred Morgan's old house, I think I am correct, and Brother Johnson's old house are both for sale.

Carole Makes A Stormy Comment for April 5:
Plantersville must have been south of the awesome path of the Sunday, April 5, 1936, tornado that is such a vivid part of Tupelo history. My mother Altha J. Tackett has recalled what her Jeffreys family went through that awful night and in the weeks that followed. I have asked residents of Saltillo, Verona, Pontotoc, and other towns nearby about their hearing the news; I can't remember comments from our Plantersville Connections . . .Mother mentioned the other day that the day falls on a Sunday again. It has been quite a stormy year already with our area hearing much about Magee's destruction. Any memories?

Remembering Mamie Lou

Plantersville lost one of her very, very special people this week with the death of Mamie Lou Partlow Ruff.

I went by the funeral home on Monday and visited briefly with Dorothy Jean and her husband, but due to a conflict was not able to attend her funeral Tuesday.

No one who ever met Mamie Lou is likely to forget her; she was in many ways larger than life with that wonderful smile and infectious laugh. As most of you know, she was Doris's younger sister and therefore a part of my life from the moment of my birth; unfortunately, we all become so busy with our lives that we neglect old friends, and while I had talked to her on the telephone a couple of years ago, it had been several years since we visited. I had not known that she had battled cancer for the past year.

Carole and I use several of her recipes and talk of her often.

I would love to post memories of her on this blog. Please make comments on the blog or e-mail them to me.

From Carole: Mamie Lou was such a special lady, and we mourn her loss. As George said, we often speak of her. The "Plantersville Cookbook" from the '60s included Mamie Lou recipes that we still use, and I treasure the memory of her giving me cooking tips for foods like sweet potatoes, tips that I really needed since I could barely boil water and my gravy was sliceable . . .What joys, what special persons Mamie Lou and Doris were. They will always be a part of our lives.

Mrs. Mamie Lou Partlow Ruff

Sympathy to the family of Mamie Lou Partlow Ruff. Visitation is today with the funeral tomorrow.

Mamie Lou was, as most of you know, Doris's sister and very much a part of my life growing up. I had talked to her several times on the telephone but had not seen her in several years.

Another large part of Plantersville's history is gone.

Cam's Ordeal

Cam became ill almost four months ago on December 7 and has been under a doctor's care ever since seeing him about every two weeks; yesterday, her doctor dismissed her. She's feeling well, almost back to normal, so we hope her long ordeal is over. Thanks for all your concern and prayers during this trying time.

Sympathy

Sympathy to my cousins Mavis and Tom Stennis on the death of her mother Mrs. Orine Critz in Starkville. Her obituary was in today's Journal.

A Summer Day in Plantersville

This picture was taken in the summer of 1948 in my grandmother's front yard in Plantersville.

The George Morris family from Texas was visiting. George Morris was the son of my grandmother's brother who migrated to Texas when he was a teenager.

From left: Rea Morris, with whom I am in e-mail contact; Rea doesn't remember this visit; his brother whose name I'm not certain about, will have to research, he might be a George Morris too; Sarchie, his sister and one of only four women I know with the name Sarchie; named, obviously, after my grandmother and Mrs. George Morris; the sister leaning over is Wanda, I think.

George Morris was also the name of my grandmother's father whose picture I'm looking at as I write this.

Mrs. Laverne Posey

Sympathy to the family of Mrs. Laverne Posey whose obituary was in today's paper. Laverne was the daughter of Lamont and Ruby Posey.

The Brown Parker Family

Sandra Temple Monts wrote:

"Brown and Iva Parker's children

Howard, wife Arah one son, Bobby
Uncle Howard lived away where there was road construction.

Uncle Ed, wife, Ola, one son, Harry Edward, died at 14 or 15, was invalid(1944, I believe)

Uncle Hulon, wife, Sarah, daughter Evelyn,(Susie) worked for CCC, then moved to Rolling Fork during the war, as my dad, mom, and I did. Dad couldn't go into service as he had an injured shoulder. The men worked at a natural gas plant until 1945, then moved back.

Clyde, wife, Annie, daughter, Dot, son, Tony, lived in Amory blacksmith.

Johnny, Jane, daughters, Iva Ruth, Janet. He was in WWII, then worked for the railroad.

Gethie, husband, James Scott, children, Jimmie D., Peggy, Donald, Sharon, Mitzi. She was the grand gospel pianist, self taught, played for her church cantata a week before she became ill, and died in Jan.

Montez (Tez) husband E.F."Pete" Temple daughters, Sandra, Gloria

All are gone including spouses. Peggy Scott Azlin died in '91, Bobby Parker this month.

We had one of the few family musical groups I remember. Granddaddy Brown Parker found cow bones on the railroad where he worked before the grismeal. He knocked those for many years as his children played the real instruments. They sang and played a lot of the folk songs from way back, Boil Them Cabbage, Sally Goodin', Chicken Reel, then, Show Me the Way to Go Home.

I could go on about this group, as I really miss the times we played and fellowshiped together.
Later."
Sandra M.

Thanks so much Sandra; I remember the music especially the fiddle playing.

Mrs. Ola visited with us often, and one of my earliest memories is when Harry died. It was either 1944 or 45.

We need to keep these memories alive.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I hope all of you have a great St. Patrick's Day; those not lucky enough to be Irish may be Irish for a day.

George O'Kelly

Parker Family

I posted a notice concerning the obituary of Bobby Parker a few days ago, but things have been so hectic, I haven't been able to follow up until now. Gloria sent me the obituary from the Jackson, TN paper, but since I'm not sure about copyright laws, I'm reluctant to post it.

However, I would like to start a discussion about one of the renown families of Plantersville, the Parkers. I think I remember Mr. Brown Parker, what year did he die? And remember well Ed and his wife, was it Ola?; I remember Hulon and Sarah, of course and Gloria and Sandra's mother, whose name I would misspell if I tried; Gloria help me here. Were Ed and Hulon and Bobby's dad, Howard and Gloria's mom siblings? I'm drawing a blank on Howard; did he live in Plantersville? If so, where? (I don't know why the font changed.) And someone help me with the other members of the Parker family.

Also, where did Mr. Ed work. Butch and I often hitchhiked to Tupelo to go to the movies, and Mr. Ed frequently provided us with a ride.

Prayer of Robert Sanford

Gloria Holland asks all to put Robert Sanford on your prayer list who had surgery on Friday.

Bobby Parker

I read Bobby's obituary in today's Journal;

Bobby Allan Parker was Howard Parker's son.

Sympathy to his family and friends.

Mrs. Stegall

I am assuming that the Mrs. Stegall whose obituary is in today's Journal is the same Mrs. Stegall whose picture I published on this blog some time ago. According to the paper, she only taught that one year at Plantersville, but I'm certain many from Plantersville were in her class during the over thirty years she taught at Lawhon.

Cam's First Day at Work

Cam worked a full day yesterday for the first time since Dec. 4. She had a good day, but due to my spending much of today with my eye doctor, I haven't heard how she's faring today.

My Wife with Some Man

Does anyone know this guy with his arm around my wife, Carole, or rather is there anyone out there who doesn't know this guy.

Although Steve has lost so much weigh, there might be some who don't recognize him on first glance.

On blogging or not blogging

As you may know, I have not posted much recently. Although our daughter, Cameron, is much improved, her progress is still slow. Carole and I are both devoting much of our time and energy to our daughter and granddaughter.

I have time each night to post on the blog, but don't have the time to search for material; therefore, if you have information or pictures, send them to me via e-mail and I will post whatever you send.

Estelle Francis

Sympathy to Dianne and to all members of Mrs. Estelle's family. Visitation for Mrs. Estelle is from 5 to 8 Friday night at Holland-Harris.

For a time Mrs. Estelle and my mother were in Riverbirch together; in fact, before my mother entered the assisted living home, she used to visit Mrs. Estelle often and had it not been for her friendship with Mrs. Estelle, we would never have convinced her to move into Riverbirch.

My mother and Mrs. Estelle had known each other since they were children; Mrs. Estelle was close friends with my mother's older sister.

Update On Cameron

At her doctor's visit this week, her doctor told her she could consider going back to work on a limited basis; she, depending on how she feels, might try to work a couple of days next week.

Circus

Carly's school had grandparents day this past week with a circus performance for three days; our day was yesterday where we witnessed dancing bears, seals, elephants, monkeys, clowns, high wire acts and performing tigers. Carly, as you can see, was a tiger. All the acts were introduced by ring masters dressed as the boy in this picture.

The young man next to her has been her boyfriend for almost two years now. Now you know why the big smile.

Sanders Shannon

Sympathy to the family of Sanders Shannon. Services will be at one o'clock this afternoon at the New Zion Church in Plantersville.

One of Sanders' sons, Sextus, married Doris' niece.

Reading to Carly's Class

Yesterday I read three books about the zoo and the circus to Carly's kindergarten class. Carly was excited not only because I was reading but because her mother was able to attend.

Cam goes back to the doctor a week from today and we hope she'll be able to get out even more following that visit.

Cowgirl

When she was a toddler, we took her to circus day in Ridgeland. As we entered, we passed where they were letting kids ride real horses; Carly wanted to ride the horses which we thought were too big for her. She refused to ride the Merry-go-round or the trains or any other kiddy ride even though several of her friends were riding.

She insisted she wanted to ride the real horses; if she won't ride the Merry-go-round, certainly she won't ride a real horse, we all thought; wrong, she not only rode the horse, even though there was a long line, the lady took her around again before we could coax her off. She seems to have been born with a love for horses. I think we have a cowgirl on our hands.

Mrs. Bostick

Received this from Amy:

"Hi all,

Heath's mom has been in the hospital in Columbus since last Sunday. She was to be moved today to Aurora Nursing home for 2 to 3 weeks of physical therapy before the possiblity of going home. She has once again had a set back and has not been eating and is now running a fever. They are loading her up now for transport from Columbus back to UAB in Birminham to the doctor over there who removed the brian tumor to see what is going on. They have found a spot on a scan of her head that we hope is an air bubble(which will go away on its own) or a possible pus pocket which if it is more surgery is possibly involved. Please keep her and the family in your prayers.

Thanks,

Amy & Heath"

Report from the Kelly Clinic

Cam went to the doctor today and received a great report; she can resume limited activities, drive some, and most importantly, go get her hair done. She goes back in two weeks. Her wounds have healed which is the best news, no more dressing or cleaning them.

Tim had a serious case of the flu which kept him bedridden for a week; I had a mild case that kept me in bed for a couple of days; though I still don't feel great, but considering what the kids have gone through, I shouldn't complain.

One Flu Over the Chennault's House

Cam continues to make progress though she is still confined to the house for fear of being infected but that plan isn't working too well as her husband came down with the flu Friday. We are all taking that miracle drug in hopes of avoiding the flu.

Carole and I are now nursing two.

Marion Helms

Sympathy to the family of my cousin, Marion Helms, who died this afternoon and to Aaron who lost his twin brother.

My mother always remarked that Marion and Aaron were the first twins she ever saw; Sarchie Lou had them in the back seat of a car or wagon when they were just a few months old.

Doctor's Visit

Cam made her appointment with her surgeon this afternoon; everything is ahead of schedule; her recovery time should be more like a month to six weeks rather than four months. She is still confined but can move more around the house.

Thanks for your prayers.

Update on Cam

Cam was released from the hospital New Year's Eve; thanks to home health and to her neighbor who is a nurse, she's getting good care. Tim and Carole assist in the nursing while I am the gofer.

Carly has spent the night with friends every night her Mom has been home, but she will spent the night at home tonight.

We plan to celebrate Christmas tonight and will celebrate with our out of town families next weekend.

Prayer Requests

The year is ending on a difficult note for our family. Carole's mother fell a day or so ago; nothing broken, but she has bruises and a badly cut thumb. She turns 94 in a few weeks. Carole's uncle in Birmingham is in the hospital in rather serious condition so please add J. C. to your prayer list.

Happy New Year

We wish all of you a very happy 2009. The last day of 2008 should be a good one for us; after 19 days in the hospital, good Lord willing, Cam will be going home today; she will be under home health for a while.

According to her infectious doctor, the infection she had is very rare for someone who was as healthy as she was.

Cam

Since Christmas, Cam has improved each day; I think she was very upset and depressed about not being there for Santa Claus for Carly. So perhaps the new year will be brighter.

We hope the doctor will give us a time for going home today. Today marks 17 days at River Oaks.

Thanks again for all your concern and prayers.

Upbeat

After a tiring Christmas, Cam seems to have turned around and had two good days and a great morning so far. We hope tomorrow we will learn when she can go home. She is still bed ridden and on a liquid diet.

Your prayers are working; keep her on your prayer list.

Twas the Day After Christmas

Santa came to see Carly, and Cam maybe had too many visitors on Christmas day as she wore down and did not feel well on the afternoon.

My Christmas feast was a tuna fish sandwich, but Cam's was Jello and Coke. She is still on a liquid diet and, obviously, won't be able to go home until she can eat solid food. We still don't have a date. Her spirits have been remarkable, but the long siege is beginning to wear on her, as one would expect.

Christmas at the River Oaks

Cam had her fourth surgery yesterday, but was in good spirits as the doctor told her it would be the last one, all going well; the infections are healing but we will be spending Christmas at the River Oaks Hospital, and she will not be able to return to work for three or four months.

Thanks for all your prayers.

Friday

The reports on Cam were more upbeat today; in fact, the doctors think her condition is turning around; she has a long, long recovery ahead so keep her in your prayers.

Quick Update on Cam

Cam is still a seriously ill young lady. News today started off bad but got better as the day progressed; she still has a ways to go; put her on your prayer list.

Update on Cam

Our daughter, Cam, was moved from ICU to a room late Monday. She had a fairly good day yesterday but will be in the hospital for a few more days.

G. W. and Linda Poynor, who attend church with Cam, came by to see her last night. Some of you might know G. W. and Linda. G. W. is from Pontotoc and also lived in Verona while Linda was raised in Ballardsville and graduated from Mooreville High School.

Cam

Our daughter, Cam, had emergency surgery yesterday morning; she's still in ICU, but is doing well and should be moved to a room today. Please add her to your prayer lists.

Snow

Snow fell all around Clinton on Thursday, but at my house we only got lots and lots of rain and a little sleet.

Just south of us as much as five inches fell.

The girl with the snowballs is Tiley, my surrogate granddaughter, who lives about five or six miles from us.

Tiley's grandfather, now deceased, and I were close friends in Senatobia in the early 70s. Tiley's folks are from Jackson, Tennesse; her daddy was transferred to Jackson about three years ago and in one of those small world stories, Tiley and Carly were in the same swimming class. I had not seen Tiley's mother since she was about nine months old.

Friday Update on Jimmy

"Amy wrote:
I just wanted to thank you all for your prayers the last few days. I know they have made all the difference in how well my dad is doing.

He has been moved to his own private room and they took the chest tube out this morning. He has been sitting up, eating and walking up and down the hall. His insulin is still a little out of sorts but they said that should take care of itself in a few days. Hopefully he will get to come home by Monday.

I thank God for each of you.

Amy"

Elmonta Alred Fowler

Sympathy to the family of Elmonta Alred Fowler.

I saw her picture with the class of 1951 during the homecoming a couple of years ago.

Early Christmas Present

Yesterday was Carly's sixth birthday. She is growing up on us. Sunday was the first time in her life, she has willing agreed to sit on Santa's lap.

Her friend in blue was born on her mother's birthday; I was her present, she says; Carly says she was an early Christmas present, and what a special present she was.

Update From Amy

Amy e-mailed the following:


"Daddy made it through surgery and is now in ICU. They had to do 5 bypasses but the doctor said it went well. Haven't been able to see him yet. Hopefully in the next hour. Thanks for all the prayers.

Amy"

Update on Jimmy

My sister-in-law, who works on the heart floor at the hospital, just e-mailed that Jimmy is in surgery. I'll inform you if I receive any more updates.

Christmas Parades

Tis the time for Christmas parades. The Ridgeland/ Madison one was this past Saturday; that's Carly waving and her mother, Cam, behind her. They rode in the parade with friends.

Tampa Bay Championship Baseball Team

You might wonder why I'm posting a picture of the Tampa Bay Bulldogs; there is a Plantersville connection. The coach on the far left is Rick Borden who is the son of Richard Borden and Cathy Borden Garrett, and that's his son, Cooper, on his left.

Growing up across the street from Cecil has to have helped Rick's coaching abilities.

Jimmy Jeffreys

Just received this note from Amy:

"Hi all,

I would like you to put my dad, Jim Jeffreys, on your prayer list. He had a heart cath in Tupelo this morning and stints are not going to work this time. He and my mom are waiting to find out from the doctors when they will do surgery. I will keep you posted.

Thanks,

Amy"

Note from George: The secretary of Carole's Sunday School class ask Carole this past Sunday if you knew a Jimmy Jeffreys; seems the secretary and Jimmy had worked together recently. Our thoughts and prayers are with our cousin, Jimmy.

Snow flake

Carly places a snow flake on the door of the Huddle House in Winona with assistance from manager Kenna Huffman.

Decorating the Huddle House

On the way back from Tupelo Saturday we stopped at the Huddle House in Winona where Carly helped the manager decorate the restaurant. Carly is standing by a picture of a reindeer that she colored. Hers was the first picture to be posted.

Thanksgiving

I intended to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving last week, but time got away from me.

We traveled to Tupelo on Wednesday and spent Thanksgiving day in Pontotoc at the Sims' house.

There were seventeen present. Ten are pictured here. That's Brother Paul at the head of the table, Paula and Carly to his right and George way in the left background.

I hope all of you enjoyed your Thanksgiving meal as much as we did.