Going Back in Time

I was awake early this morning. On Saturday, when I could sleep in, my nap was up shortly after 6, and I was out on the patio drinking coffee by 6:45. It was a beautiful morning by the way; crisp and clear--60 degrees. As I was pondering the day and what to do with myself as Collin was once again already at work (the fall rice harvest has been quite the head ache this year), I was reminded of several advertisements that this was the weekend of the Parker Homestead activities held annually at Harrisburg, just south of Jonesboro. On a whim, I thought, "Why not? I've never been before; there always seems to be something else going on." I called my mom, she had no plans, and agreed to go along. We left home at 11 for whatever the day would bring.

We had a great time together. Here we are, mother and daughter, at Parker Homestead and I'll share a recap of the day.

We went a little ways off the main highway on a narrow country road and let me tell you, my car hasn't seen a dusty road in quite some time. It took me back to the days of gravel roads that we used to drive on and I was reminded of the blessing that now I drive on paved roads. Thank you, Lord.

Once we were parked and off to the sights, we embarked upon a patch of sorgram (not sure that this is spelled exactly right). It grows on a cane and I've never seen any before. If not for my mom and her experience, I would have been clueless. She began to relate how her dad went about growing it, how you had to strip the stalk, getting the inside pressed for the juice, cooking it down for the syrup, and so forth. It was very interesting to me and I had no idea about any of these details.
We actually got to see the mule turn the press getting the juice from the cane. If you look very closely you can see it dripping into the barrel from the spicket.
Here, we are watching it being cooked off. We got to taste a little sample. Now I've tasted sorgram molasses before and have always thought it was good.
They had animals in pens for the kids to enjoy. I thought all goats were white; that's all I'd ever seen, but I was quite mistaken. They also had a deep brown one as well as a black one. This fellow came up close. I think he thought he would be fed. They also had mules.

There were lots of log buildings including the school

and the church. It even had stained glass windows which were beautiful.

One fellow was making corn brooms. I had never seen this and thought it to be quite interesting. Once again, my mom could reminisce of the time when my grandmother would get so excited because my grandfather would take corn straw and get brooms made for her. Mom said when Nanny got a new broom, brother how the dust would fly. She was in a cleaning frenzy.

I was also privileged to see a grist mill in operation and converting corn kernels to pulverized corn meal. Again, my mom had quite the story of Pa taking the corn in to make meal and bringing it home along with the remnants that couldn't be used but to serve as chicken feed. One thing about yester year--nothing went to waste. Again, if you look closely, you can see the meal falling from the shoot.

Of course, they had tons of old farm implements and equipment. I made some of these photos because I thought Collin and Bryan might enjoy seeing some of them. Those two would have tarried several hours just looking at the equipment.

After making our rounds, we headed back to present day to see what else we could get into. We hadn't particularly noticed while looking around, but walking back to the car we both discovered we were parched. As quickly as I could drive back into civilization, I pulled into Sonic and we ordered cherry limeades. I believe it was the best I've ever had.

It was so early still that I thought we might as well shop a little. We hit the Dollar General and perused the aisles. Back in Jonesboro, we stopped off at Kohl's. We hadn't been there in a while and thought they might have some seasonal items that we would be interested in. Sure enough, we hit pay dirt. Take a look at my new throw pillows for fall--1/2 price. I'm so pleased. I've wanted some since last fall.

We finished out the day in Sam's and decided to call it a day. It was around 4.

I enjoyed the Parker Homestead. I saw some interesting things, I learned something new that I didn't know, and I got a better insight to the life and times of which my grandparents lived. I never knew Pa Wood. I was 9 months old when he passed at 90. Today, in fact, would have been my Nanny's birthday. We calculated in the car that she would have been 118 years old. These are precious times and memories that my mom could tell me about and share with me and that is a priceless treasure. I've seen Parker Homestead now and I don't know that I would care to go again, but I had a great time. If you haven't visited, I would encourage you to give it a whirl.

Marcia

Night at the Fair

I loved going to the fair when I was a small child as well as a teenager. I still love going to the fair. I recall when I was very small, my mom always had to dress me warmly and carry a sweater because it would be cold at night. Now we seem to swelter in the heat until the sun sets. During my elementary years, I looked forward to going with a friend so I would have someone to share the rides. When I finally reached the teen-age years, my mom and dad got off the hook of having to take me. I'm sure that was a great relief not to have to be bothered any more; I could take care of myself.

I truly enjoy everything about the fair and we go one night every year. Weaving through the crowd and seeing folks you know to stop and talk with is enjoyable. You see people that you haven't seen since last year or longer. The exhibit buildings always have interesting booths and you can usually pick up a few freebies. These would be yard sticks, emory boards, pens, pencils, candy, and gum. The craft building always holds some interesting items. Stitching, photography, canning, floriculture, and culinary delights to name a few. Last night I was somewhat amused. I think every entry received a ribbon regardless of it's excellence. I believe everyone walked away a winner. The lights of the midway will draw you in for a stroll. Although I can't ride any more, I always like to make the loop, enjoy the lights, and hear the happy squeals from the little ones who go up and down on the horses of the merry-go-round to the big ones who are terrified on the thrill rides tossing them around, upside down, and side to side. And you can't pass up the food, corn dogs, cotton candy, funnel cakes, taffy apples, roasted corn, and on and on it goes. Last night I discover "fried twinkies", and "fried snickers". NO, I did not try them. I thought better to pass. What will they think of next?

We went last night with our neighbors, Steve and Robin. Collin and Steve always work the Riceland booth together and Robin and I tag along to make it girl's night out. This is an annual event for us and we always have a good time.

We tour the buildings, walk the mid-way, and finish up with a barbeque and drink for our supper. We have always found this to be pretty good food supplied by the Moose Lodge and we think it is probably the most safe if you get my drift. Here we are enjoying our sandwiches. We found a table to sit down and enjoy.

Collin came to get a sandwich as well and we all happened to meet up.


I do think the lights are beautiful after dark. I caught the sunset behind this one.

We always finish up with the country concert held at the grandstand. Last night, we heard Jarred Neimen who sings Lover, Lover, You Don't Treat Me No Good No More. It was actually a good concert. He has a good voice and his instrumentalists were exceptional. We met up with our guys who were closing down the Riceland booth. We finished up by checking out the farm animals, not my most favorite part; a little smelly you know.

At any rate, we had a great time, and I'm already looking forward to next year.

Marcia

Welcome Fall and a Peaceful Weekend

Our life has really been hectic lately. Fortunately, this weekend, I didn't have any pressing matter of which I had to be a part. The birthday party on Friday was actually relaxing and the meal was wonderful, so that made for a delightful evening.

Saturday morning, I was able to sleep in and rest; 7:15 is late for me. Collin had to get up early and go to work, unfortunately, but luckily for me, the coffee had been made, ready and waiting. I fixed up my cup and went out to the patio to enjoy the swing and the morning stillness. It was beautiful.

Later, I decided to go digging for a few of my fall house decorations to add a little color to the house. Autumn arrives this week, you know. I didn't go overboard; it isn't quite time for pumpkins and turkeys, but I did place some flowers and candles. I love the fall colors and I always feel that when I begin to get out a few things, we're gradually ushering in the holiday seasons that finish out the year.

Saturday afternoon, my mom and I went to town to do some looking and shopping. I don't know when we've had an afternoon to browse, but I really enjoyed our outing and I think she did as well. We may even get in two Saturdays in a row if I don't have something unexpected next weekend.

Sunday is always busy for us. We're up early and arriving at church by 8:00. Our services were wonderful yesterday. The music was just exceptional and we observed the Lord's Supper. It was so meaningful. Since Collin didn't have the usual recording that he normally has, we had the afternoon free. He is moving into a new office space, so we went down to finish the venture, and I helped him place a few things, get some prints on the wall, and spot a few knick-knacks here and there. It needed a "woman's touch" you know. I wish I had carried my camera along.

Don't you just love lazy weekends!

Marcia

Surprise Party

Yesterday, Friday, September 17 was Collin's mother's birthday and she was 80. Last week was his dad's birthday and he turned 80 as well. About a week ago, Marty, mammaw's brother called Collin and said, "I need help." The mission was to have a surprise birthday party for Mammaw who had never had a party in her life and to invite as many of her family members as could come. Collin said no problem and the plan began to fall in place. Collin called his mom on Thursday and invited her and dad out to dinner to celebrate their birthdays at Guy's in Paragould. She thought that was great and we were set. We went over last night and picked them up and headed to Paragould. We arrived and everyone was there. It went off like clockwork. Was she ever surprised and so happy.The look on her face upon the arrival was priceless. She was totally "flabbergasted" to put it into her own words.

Of course, in any southern family there is a lot of huggin' at such affairs. This is Murlene her aunt who is 98 but you'd never know it.

She didn't have a clue--totally surprised. She was so excited that Collin was coming to take her and Papaw out to dinner for their birthdays.

Even though you can't see Mammaw, the servers came in and sang "Happy Birthday" to her. Thank goodness, they didn't bang pots and pans like some places. She was really tickled.

We ate off the buffet and it was great. They had fried chicken with vegetables, salads, and desserts, but I think the most of us ate fish, shrimp, fries, onion rings, and hush puppies. Was it ever good!

No party is complete without a cake, and I'm not sure Mammaw had ever had a birthday cake.

After a great dinner, Mammaw cut and served the chocolate birthday cake.

This is Carol and Murlene, Mammaw's aunts, her mother's sisters.

Meet Mammaw's brothers, Sonny and Marty. The party was Marty's idea and he pulled it together. Collin's mission was to get Mom and Dad to the restaurant. Marty made the cake.

Mammaw has another brother, Buddy, and two sisters, Marilyn and Nina. She is the oldest. She says she practically raised the younger ones and sometimes feels like she is their momma instead of their older sister. Mammaw loves her family.

Here are the sister's in law, Nancy and Donna. Other nieces and nephews were there, but we failed to get their pictures.

And here is the immediate family--Collin, Mom, and Dad. If you examine this last series of pictures, you can tell that she never stopped laughing and smiling. I've no doubt the only thing that would have made her day any better is if Craig and Chris could have been there too along with Arista, Jen, and all the grandchildren.

It was a fantastic evening and one she'll never forget. For our family that couldn't be with us due to distance, I hope you can enjoy the evening with us through pictures.

Marcia

Weekend Guests

Last weekend was a little different for us and quite enjoyable. We had out-of town guests from Warrensburg, MO. Bill and Betty Thoms came for a visit arriving Friday afternoon and leaving Sunday morning. Warrensburg is close to Kansas City. Bill is a friend we've come to know through our adventures in Osh Kosh. Our Memphis friends were having a hanger party on Saturday hosting potuck and an afternoon of flying so we went over to join in on the fun. Bill have never been down this way and Betty has never been to Osh Kosh to meet any of these folks. We had a great time.

Friday night, the Thoms took Collin and me out to Colton's for dinner. We took them on a tour of the city so they could get an idea of the layout of our fair city. This included the ASU campus, the mall, our church, my school, and a circle through Ridge Pointe. Saturday morning we visited and enjoyed breakfast and a light lunch, then we were off to Memphis. The potluck was great, and of course, everybody took a little airplane ride.

All too soon, it was time to head home and they were up and off around 8 Sunday morning. It's always good to see old friends and share food and fellowship.

Marcia

Summer's Final Holiday

Labor Day weekend arrived with anticipation of one final trip celebrating summer's end. We loaded our camper Thursday night and as soon as we could get home Friday afternoon, we headed for the White River and the discovery of a new camping area, Copper John's. It was a beautiful spot, right on the river with lots of trees and shade.

We arrived and set up Friday night about 8 or so. We were tired and ready to call it a day. Saturday dawned beautifully with very mild temperatures. Dennis and Regina were along. The guys headed to the ranch to check on the deer feeders while Regina and I headed out for some afternoon shopping. We had a great time and found a few treasures to bring home.

There is a lot of wild life in this area. Deer are everywhere and here is a little fox that became our friend. He would come fairly close to the truck and enjoyed the scrape food we tossed to him.

Sunday, we joined in on a fish fry potluck. It was on the lodge deck and everyone at the camp ground was invited and I think pretty well everyone showed up. There were all kinds of side dishes and desserts. Sunday night, it was so cool that we built a fire and toasted marshmallows.

Monday, we began to get ready to head home, but before leaving, Collin got in one last bit of fishing. He found a good spot and the fishing were biting.

All to soon we were headed back home to begin "laboring" once again. It was restful and we had a great time.

Marcia