A Flamingo Tribute

Good Grief!! It is already into the second week of July. Where did the first half of the year go? And why have I not accomplished half of what I plan to do this year? What is really scary is that I probably don't even remember what I haven't done yet. This aging thing is so confusing. Oh well, what I don't remember I won't be worrying about.

I looked out my kitchen window the other day and did an actual double take. You know, backed up and turned full face to be sure of what I was seeing. Beautiful pink flamingos were trailing down the side of Candy Hill's house. It was obvious these were not left over from the church group's flock. They are plump and colorful and quite well mannered. Not that the church groups flamingos aren't, but these are different. As it turns out, Candy was moved by the visiting flock to bring a little lasting whimsy into her yard. "Plus," as Candy says, "Miss Betty (Crow, Knoble) loved Florida so much, it's just a little touch of Florida in her honor. Now isn't that sweet. We all loved Betty and miss her smile and giggles. I will think of her every time I look out the kitchen window. Thanks, Candy.

Get ready! The Woman's Club is gearing up for the quilt raffle on Labor Day. Tickets are out to the members so if you want a head start, just get in touch with any of the Woman's Club members. Proceeds go to the library and to the cemetery fund.

Susie Bell is off to Church camp at ASU. It is called Delta Pride. Susie, we want a report when you get back, now. Who else from here is going? You need to give us an update too.

Barbie Terry is gallivanting all over and hasn't had time to fill me in, but I will bug her for stories. When I can locate her.

I also heard that Elizabeth Ermert recently got her driver's license. Way to go, Elizabeth. I understand you are a careful driver. Stay that way. The habits you create now will stay with you for the rest of your life. And we love you and want your life to be long and uncomplicated. Well, maybe enough complication to make it interesting. But not too interesting. Congratulations to Hope and Jerry Ermert for your part in this step. We know. We all know.

If you read this column as a blog on the claycountydemocrat.com website you have the opportunity to submit comments. I had comments week before last from L.T. Gipson. He was asking if the Malins I mention so frequently remember a "Jiggs Malin" and gave me the following information: "He was a baseball player for the Rector town team in late 20s, early 30s. and though I was from Piggott, a rival of Rector, I remember many of their fine players. Nick & Red John Pruett, McKeels, Tug Henley, "Peachy" Toler, "Kewpie" Mack, many others remembered fondly."

I thought this might tug at some of your memories too. And of course the Malins have and shared many memories of Jiggs and all the other Malins as well. Thanks, LT. It is nice to have our old friends and neighbors remembered.

If you read this column in the newspaper you can send me comments in the usual manner. I like to hear from all of you.

Paul and Cheryl Schwager came over last night because their grandson, Chris had played in a jazz concert yesterday in Temecula, CA, and his dad had sent pictures and a video. They have not yet entered the realm of computers so they came here to watch it. It was awesome. And I actually got to see the pictures before they did. Nenr, nenr, ha, ha! He is a cutie. You can catch the video on Youtube. Search for "Chris LaJeuness". He is cool.

The Gaither concert is just around the corner and tickets are almost gone, so hurry and get yours if you haven't already. It is going to be so great! Who knows, you might even end up on television.

Got to go. All you vacationers, please let me know where you are vacationing and who is visiting you. I promise I won't tell a soul. (Yes, my fingers are crossed.)

My address is 514 West 3rd St. Phone: (870) 595-3173 and email: porchswing@newwavecomm.net.

Keep our soldiers in your prayers. Bye Now!!