Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

I have just finished reading the story of Tully and Kate. They met when they were 14 years old living on Firefly Lane. Kate thrived in a family as All -American as apple pie. Tully, influenced by Kate's life, was able to rise above the shame she felt about her own family and circumstances.

The two girls promised to be "Best Friends Forever, No Matter What." Decidedly different in personality and their life choices, they remained able to keep their promise to each other for 30 years. If you have ever had a best friend, you will surely be able to relate to both Kate as well as Tully during many of the happy, sad, stressful, and funny events in their lives.

This 479 page book was a Christmas gift from my friend Linda Mc. She has not read the book, so I plan to share it back with her. I hope she and you enjoy the book as much as I did.

Grace

Dekalb, Mississippi

Well, we finally made it to DeKalb, MS, our final destination on Thursday March 26, 2009. We stayed at the Naval Air Station in Meridian, MS the night before. This town De Kalb is the town where my grandfather was born. During my research I discovered that some of my ancestors are buried at the Black Water Baptist church cemetery located behind the church. The family were French Huguenots that came to this country from France after religious persecution. They landed in Martinique then moved on to Virginia then west after the Revolutionary War. My group settled in the Mississippi area where many French congregated. C. and I strolled through the cemetery. There were some graves that I recognized the names. A lot of the stones were weather beaten, others were broken. Fortunately, I had the camera to take pictures of some of the stones.
The town of DeKalb appears to be suffering from decline in many ways. There were few businesses and the homes and buildings were old. The only library was closed on Thursdays. There was no historical society or archives. The court house was open, but they did not have any property records from the 1800's. I was told I would have to go to Jackson, MS, the capitol of the State. We did not go back to Jackson. What a disappointment. I had hoped to find at least some descendants of my grandfather's brothers and sisters. Pappy left the area and came to Tennessee in about 1937. As far as I know he never went back to MS. We never knew any of his family. I am finding that it only takes about two generations when family records are not kept to have information lost forever.
Like stepping back in time.
De Kalb, MS


There are a lot of Pine Trees being grown in Dekalb, MS to reforest

De Kalb, MS has many dirt roads.

Natchez Mississippi

We finally arrived in the historic Civil War town of Natchez, Mississippi after a long drive from Tunica down the Blues Highway 61. Most all of the buildings in Natchez have an "Old South beauty and exquiste charm that I love.
Below is the bridge that goes across the mighty Mississippi River from Natchez, MS to Vadalia, Louisiana. The view is from our hotel room window the morning of Wednesday, March 25, 2009. It started raining about 15 miles North of Vicksburg as we headed south on Highway 61 on March 24th and rained all the way to Natchez. There were violent thunder storms with ligthing that accompanied the storms this night. C and I rode around the town of Natchez on the 24th and 25th to see as much as possible. The buildings are very old in this Nationally Historic City. I would like very much to go back when the weather is nice.

Monmouth, Natchez, MS

Parlor at Monmouth Natchez, MS

Auburn, Natchez, MS

Gov. Holmes home in downtown Natchez, MS

House on Elcott's Hill in downtown Natchez, MS

Longwood Hall, Natchez, MS

Unfinished inside except for the basement level where Julia reared her eight children. Her husband died from stress at age 42 after losing his money in the Civil War. He had started this exquisit home but died before the completion. It is now owned by the Natchez Garden Club

"Rosalie", Natchez, MS

Eudora Welty's home in Jackson, MS

After leaving Natchez, MS C. and I continued on with our fast trip to Jackson, MS. I wanted to see the home of writer Eudora Welty. Here is a picture of her and the home she lived in and wrote most of her work. The tudor home is located in a modest older neighborhood where the dwellings are charming and loaded with and abundance of character.

Mississippi Trip to continue in "De Kalb" Blog

Grace

Highway 61 - Blues Highway

We left home Monday March 23, 2009 an headed down I-40 towards Memphis, TN.
Our final destination would be Dekalb, Mississippi. I wanted to do some family research on my father's side of the family. C. does not have any interest in genealogy, but went along reluctantly.
The weather was warm and sunny and it seemed, at first, the trip would be good. Our first stop was Casey Jones Restaurant and gift shop to get coffee and an Oatmeal cookie to share. I've stopped here many times when travelling with my job before retirement. I know the country cooking here is superb, but it was too early for lunch.

Next stop, Harrah's casino in Tunica Mississippi. It was a lovely building. Paula Deean, the famous Southern Cook has a restaurant located in Harrah's. We decided to spend the night in Tunica, MS but not here.

We stayed at the Hollywood Hotel and casino. The place was very interesting because it was decorated with pictures of old movie stars and movie memorabilia.
C. enjoys playing Black Jack at a "$1.00 table" now and then. He played for about 2 hours and only lost $16.50. That was quiet enough considering the 2009 economy. I knitted in our room. I'm hardly the party girl these days. we had dinner at an all you can eat buffet. Nice variety.
The mattresses were great for sleeping after a long day of driving. They were "Tempurpedic" It rained this night.


Tuesday March 24, 2009, we checked out of the Hollywood Hotel and Casino. C. wanted to stay another night, but I was anxious to move on. I have a horrible fear of elevators. For security reasons, at the Hollywood you have to insert your room key in the elevator control panel to make it go. There were no lobby level rooms for non-smokers, so an elevator trip to the second floor was necessary. A trip down the "Blues" Highway 61 seemed the best way to get to Natchez, so off we went. The sky was grey and covered by volumptuous yellow and green-grey clouds. Again, rain seemed imminent. The terrain was flat and there was one cotton field right after another the entire 5 hour drive to Natchez. we saw hundreds of yellow and green John Deere tractors plowing the fields in preparation of planting Cotton.

The poverty in this part of Mississippi was obvious. Many homes were in a sad state of repair. There were fans on front porches. I imagined the fans were to create a breeze to circulate air through the house. The doors on some homes were open and you could not help but see the lack of furnishings inside. Some were preparing meals on tables in the front yard. There were many abandoned vehicles and old farm equipment. Most barns were in the process of falling.




This marker is at the crossroads of Hwy 61 and Hwy 49.



















Actor Morgan Freeman has a tavern in Clarksdale, MS. We stopped in this little town for a coffee refill. A tornado went through Claksdale, MS the day after we had stopped there. As I mentioned, the weather was threatening the entire trip.











This is a house we saw on the road
from Clarksdale to Vicksburg, MS




This is a typical looking swamp on Hwy 61 to Vicksburg, MS. A beautiful site. There was a lovely crane posed for us, but you can not see it in this photo.

Blog to be continued in "Natchez, MS"

Grace

Maturity and Motherhood

These are the hands of four generations of Tennessee mothers and daughters I have the privilege of knowing.
They were born by and have continued to nurture one another through all of their
important life events and levels of maturity. How lovely that they are all still an important part of each other's lives.
The first and oldest is now being helped to find comfort and security as she ages and is no longer able to live alone without someone to assist her with her activities of daily living.
The second has just finished her long work career and is looking forward to a time when her own responsibilities are not as great and she can spend time enjoying her family, leisure time and other activities.
The third women is in the midst of her busy career as a mother and writer. Early in her life, she realized that she would have to be creative daily and work very hard along with her husband to have a comfortable home in which to rear their five children to be responsible members of society. As always, she continues to make every attempt to guide her children to make good decisions about their own lives. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic by going to work every day that she is scheduled. She is respected by her family and friends and is ever mindful of her community and civic responsibilities. This woman knows that the world does not owe her a living. She works very hard for her money and a sense of pride in knowing she has done a good job everyday.
The fourth and youngest of the four pictured has finished high school and is about to complete college this Spring. This girl has acknowledged that good jobs with benefits are harder to find these days, so she has been networking constantly and has landed a job as a TV News Writer. Much to her sorrow, she will be leaving the Middle Tennessee area this Summer. Fortunately, this young woman has reached a maturity level that will afford her the ability to be able to provide for her self and make prudent decisions as she embarks on her new life adventure.

Kudos,
Grace

Cheddars

A new "Cheddars" restaurant has been built close to our home. The restaurant is one in a chain of many based out of Texas. The food is FABULOUS and service was friendly. The afternoon we went, there was a 30 minute wait. Friday, Saturday and Sunday noons and evenings are slammed; the wait is around 1.5 hours. They provide dining service inside or outside on the patio. For lunch we all had Monte Cristos with red beans and rice. The Salmon and Chicken Tenders are also fabulous. Our family is looking forward to other visits and trying different entrees. The ample appetizer was chips with a cup of salsa and a cup of melted cheese containing ground hamburger. Prices are reasonable and the food quality is outstanding.

Grace

St. Patricks Day Party

Step Dancers at the party

My husband C. is a member of the Knights of Columbus. The council sponsored a great St. Patrick's Day Party at our church Saturday night. What a great time for everyone who attended.

Upon arrival, we were awed by the beautiful decorations. There were white table cloths with green shamrocks and helium filled green and yellow balloons everywhere. Green pots with gold pieces were centered on each table. The bar had ample wine of every type, beer, including green beer and sodas. A colorful table centered in the dining room was laden with appetizers.

A bagpiper and drummer piped everyone into the party room, and continued to play as they walked around the room. When the party was over the pipers piped us out and on our way as well.

About 7 Pm a bountiful buffet opened with braised beef, flounder topped with shrimp and cream sauce. There were green beans, mashed and/or boiled potatoes along with glazed carrots. For desert, we sampled an assortment of Irish cakes as well as chocolate cheese cake. The Nashville Irish Step Dancers entertained us during dinner. The girls ranged in age from 14-40 yrs of age.

At 8PM the band began to play and the lively crowd started to dance the night away. The band played mostly rock-n-roll with a few slow dances thrown in now and then.

I must not forget to mention the silent auction. The purpose of the evening event was to raise money for charity. At the auction, there was everything from a large stained glass window left over from a recent church renovation to a light colored fur coat. There was Rieslings champagne along with other alcoholic beverages up for the bid. Seaside and lakeside trips were very popular. I bid on a beautiful knitted scarf that had been crafted with a combination of ribbon and yarn. Luckily, I won the bid for the scarf and C. won his bid for a grocery gift certificate.

Of course we wore green. People were certainly dressed for the occasion. One of our friends wore his dark green plaid Kilt with all of it's ornamentation. I must say he looked quite dashing. Some had on hats and necklaces that lit up or flashed intermittently.

We are already looking forward to going again to the party next year.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Grace

Ashley and Alexis

A few years ago my friend gave me Ashley and Alexis. They stay on our kitchen stove all of the time. C. and I have grown very fond of them. Their expression is always pleasant and they are so colorful. The other object is a small white plate decorated with green shamrocks. This we use to place tea bags after seeping.

GRACE

Pictures I have painted

This painting was done during the year 2000. It commemorates Antarctica where the millennium began January 1, 2000. I love penguins. This picture symbolizes me and C. together at the beginning of the millennium. Grace loves C.

My husband C. used to fly fuel to remote areas in Alaska during the late 1980s. I painted this to

commemorate that time in his life. Grace

Light House - inspired by a Christmas card sent to me by my friend Karen. She passed away from a ruptured brain aneurysm shortly after Christmas in 2005. By Grace

Italian scene inspired by another famous artist. By Grace

Inspired by a famous artist to paint this lady with a red hat. By Grace

Right - Our home.

Upper - A French Country scene

Middle - Inspired by Thomas Kincaid

By

Grace

Two Swans a Swimming

These two lovely swans live on and around a pond that I pass frequently. I absolutely love to watch them. Grace

Nunsense

What a wonderful play.
Yesterday was C's birthday. I planned a special treat for him. We went to a community theater for dinner and to see "Nunsense". The story was about Sister Amnesia who aspired to sing country music. There were lots of funny lines and jokes. The music and voices were fabulous. We highly recommend.
Grace

Ten Things I Saw Today

Sunday March 1, 2009

Snow melting

A panhandler asking for money

Trees blowing in the wind

Husband drinking buttermilk

Gas spilled on the pavement

Doctor writing

A woman in a hospital gown

Two swans swiming in a pond

Ten women and one man knitting

Krispy Kreme Donuts - chocolate

Looking Forward to Spring...

Grace

"Curves"

Well... my New Years resolution to lose weight and get in shape has gotten off to a very slow start. So slow, that I need to speed-up to stop.

Today is February 20th 2009 and I finally decided I better get moving with the plan. I went to "Curves" today, signed-up and was well pleased with the entire process. Everyone was helpful. Basically, you go around the room to about 12 machines and spend 30 seconds on each machine. Each machine is designed to work a different set of muscles. I already feel more flexable. Two rounds on the machines took about 30 minutes. Note the flat wooden boards in the picture above. When you are on the boards, you can walk, run, twist or dance in place. This keeps your heart rate up while waiting to go to the next machine.

The cost is reasonable - $50.00 to join and $39.95 a month for 12 months. You also get a month free. In return for giving the manager the names of three friends, I was given a book that is loaded with nutritional information and a lot of menus. I love pre-planned menus and shopping lists.

The plan is to attend the center 3 days a week for exercise and continue to walk 5 days a week in the neighborhood.

My goals are lofty, but I believe I can get to my desired weight and a Body Mass Index of 25 before my next birthday.

I also want to increase my muscle strenght and overall stamina. Don't let me forget to mention better cardio-Pulmonary conditioning.

Feeling Happy and Encouraged,

Grace

Happy Birthday

On September 26, 2008 my youngest nephew celebrated his 18th birthday at the home of his grandparents. He is a fine young man with a lot of potential to become a highly productive American citizen. In May, he will graduate from high school. I do not know his plans for the immediate future, but hope he will continue his education as opposed to joining the military as an option.
I especially credit his mother for trying to insure that H. has a good life. He enjoys different sports, church activities and I believe, his car and girl friend.
Last week there was an incident at H's school where a male student brought a gun to school and pointed the gun in a threatening way at a teacher who had repremanded the student for missing class.
Thank goodness the gun was empty when the student threatened the teacher. Apparently he had attempted to buy bullets at Walmart earlier, but was denied the opportunitydue to a lack of identification. Because of this, a tragedy was surely averted.
H. was at the school when the incident occurred. He was in the weight room. He and the rest of the 1700 students at the school were placed in "lock down" for their protection until the boy with the gun could be arrested and taken away from the location he was captured.
Thankfully, none of the students, teachers or law enforcers were hurt. I believe the worst discomfort for my nephew was, he was hungry and there was no bathroom available during the "lock down."

Praying for H's healthy, happy, productive and peaceful future

Love Aunt Grace

Let's Fly Away

This is my husband C. getting ready to go flying in the Flight Design CTLS, a light sport aircraft. He is a very skillful pilot and flight instructor with thousands of hours in the air.

When weather permits, C. is usually thinking about flying. Often he goes alone since I have a fear of flying, not to mention a major fear of riding in elevators unless there is no other way to get where I need to go.

C's passion for flying began early in life. He got his pilot's license when he was 24 years old.

After graduating from college at Memphis State University, he spent over 30 combined years in the Air Force, Navy and Air National Guard. C's career as an aviator has provided him a wonderful life for which he is thankful and proud. He has been on every continent on earth except Antarctica and Australia.

May God always bless him and hold him safely in the palm of his hand,

Love Grace

Marriage Vows Renewed

What better way to celebrate Valentines Day than to renew out marriage vows.

On February 13 and 14, 2009 C. and I attended a marriage retreat for couples. The time we spent remembering "Our Story" was lovely and truly made us closer.

C. wrote me the following love note.

Your're still the one I turn to for companionship, comfort and sense of self worth...

Your're still the one I give all of my attention...

Your're still the one I love because I just couldn't make it without you

I wrote a love note to C.

You're still the one I turn to for breakfast most mornings...

You're still the one I give all of my love...

You're still the one I love because you are always there and so understanding...

Our Marriage Mission is to comfort, support and help each other get to heaven. We will also do our best to model and witness Gods love to each other and to others.

Celebrating Love,

Grace

Lets Get Trucking

In many ways the flow of the highway system can be likened to the flow of the human arterial/venous blood circulation system.

As oxygenated blood circulates through the body to maintain life, so does the trucks that travel the highways of America to bring us the goods that we need and want.

When oxygenated blood is blocked or discontinued, the life sustaining flow is disrupted to the heart, brain and other vital organs and the effected person dies.

If the trucks have nothing to carry to the people, the trucks will stop and this part of the economy will surely die.

Each evening C. and I watch the evening news before dinner. The declining economy has taken front stage and center over the wars and the recent presidential election. How sad it is to hear about so many people losing their jobs and homes due to the harsh economy. We do not know anyone personally who has lost their job, but there are at least two homes in our neighborhood that will be auctioned this month due to foreclosure. We know many who have lost some or all of their money in the Stock Market that may never be recovered.

My brother D. has worked for the same trucking company 23 years. He called last night and voiced concern about how many of his co-workers have been layed-off from work and "there will probably be more". He does not drive a truck, but works where the trucks are loaded, reloaded and unloaded. He told us how noticeably low the stock is that is being trucked in and out of the terminal where he works very hard, 10 hours a day. He believes that he will continue to have a job if the company can stay afloat, but worries about those who are being layed off. The remaining workers have received cuts in their hourly pay.

If people do not have jobs, they can not pay their house notes, buy or consume goods. If goods are not bought, there is no need to manufacture or ship. What a vicious cycle.

We are praying that the recently elected officials demonstrate integrity as they attempt to help the American people by saving the economy, stopping the wars that appear to have been started under false pretenses and killed so many innocent Americans and citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan. It is also important to find a way to provide help to those who have had their minds and bodies nearly destroyed by the war that they did not create, but fought as required.

Better health services for the masses, education for the poor and decent pay are crucial if we are going to survive as a civilized culture. Also, if executives of large companies are not fiscally responsible on their own, let there be laws passed that will insure moral and fiscal accountability.

Last but not least, let us not criticize any people who want a better life for their family and themselves. Let there be a way for others who desire a better life to legally assimilate, and be productive citizens of America. As God sees a world without borders so can we.

Grace

A Taste of Russia

This evening C and I met our good friends at a new restaurant in Franklin, TN - "Taste of Russia". Of course SOUTHERN is all of our favorite food, but we're adventurous enough to try something different now and then.

We began the meal with an appetizer of crepes stuffed with Red Caviar and cream cheese. We also shared a delicious ceasar salad. C. must have felt out of his element, got nervous after eating the caviar and tipped over his water glass.

The entrees arrived. The husbands both ordered Kiev Chicken. One dish had fried potatoes with garlic, the other had grilled vegatables.

I love Beef Stroganof, so that was my choice along with grilled vegatables. They didn't serve noodles on the plate as I am used to. I guess noodles are a southern addition and I sure did not need the extra calories. M. received a Pork Chop with mustard sauce and rice that she liked.

For desert each couple shared a Blitze. Ours had appricot perserves and theirs had bluberry.

The atmosphere was simple yet pleasant enough. The room was dimly lit with wood tables and straight back chairs with red upholstered seats. There were small lights with red globes hanging on thin cords over each table. Our server was from Belarus which is a county east of Poland. She told us she had lived in the United States for three years. She spoke English with an accent and was very efficient.

We all agreed we would return again.

Grace

Knit one Purl two

A few ladies at the church I attend are getting together once a week to knit blankets for babies born at Metro General Hospital, as well as scraves and hats for homeless men who have a meal and bed at our church each Tuesday night during the winter months. Last week some of the more experienced knitters in our group began to knit hats that go under the U.S. military soldier's helmets. Also prayer shawls and lap covers for the infirmed and those in need of prayer are being made.
I find it very relaxing and enjoyable to knit as I pass the time and visit with the ladies.
Last evening I went to our local library where I met another group of ladies from my community who also like to knit. Two of the women had brought their little girls. This old craft is becoming very popular once again even with young girls. Could it be that our countries recessed economic situation is allowing many to turn to inexpensive at-home activities? For me, it is such a pleasure to make something beautiful and useful for someone.

Here is an easy pattern for a knitted baby blanket:

Worsted weight Yarn 18 ounces Size 8 or 9 needles

or

Baby Weight Yarn 18 ounces Size 7 or 8 needles

Cast on 112 stitches loosely

Knit every row until the piece measures 36 inches

Have Fun,
Grace