Betty’s Week
Last Tuesday I enjoyed a most delightful visit with former Ole Miss Football Star Paige Cothren. Paige played for the Rebels in the early 50’s and then went on to play several years in the NFL.
He came by to put an ad in for his latest novel, Cry of the Camel, which sounds very interesting. He left me a signed copy and I really want to get this holiday over, so I’ll have time to read it. He also gave me a copy of another of his books and a book of three-point sermon outlines for Bro. Ken, which I’ve not remembered to deliver yet. I have scanned this book and it is most interesting to me—maybe I’m forgetting to take it to its proper owner, because I’m reading it first.
Paige and I talked about the world situation and found that we were on the same page in our beliefs about it. We found that we’re both Southern Baptist and had both owned small town weekly newspapers.
We began with his football career and even though I’m not an avid football fan, I had heard much about him. He played for Ole Miss, while I was still in high school, so I knew that he had to be in his mid 70s—didn’t look a day over 50. Some folks just remain amazingly young. Then he told me a little about his professional career and I really should have taken notes—can’t remember who he played for but bet Big Ed knew and I know Daddy watched all the Ole Miss games—he always had season tickets.
We covered the care of aging parents, his years in the newspaper business, owning grocery stores, being a college professor, and a counselor of American women who got involved with Muslem men, then his life as an author and a publisher. He was so interesting and so easy to talk to. I could have spent the whole day with him, but he had other things to do and we had to get out a paper. However, he promised to return for another visit and I’m looking forward to it. As I thought back on our visit, I wondered how he’d worked all those careers into such a short life.
His books are available at The Family Hairloom on North Main Street.
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This was brought to me by Friend Bobby Poteete. It came to him from Jo Turnage, who had received it from Daughter Cora Lynn Turnage Ray, who lives in Texas.
Have you heard about this case? Great Answer from the judge!
In Florida, an atheist became incensed over the preparation of Easter and Passover holidays. He decided to contact his lawyer about the discrimination inflicted on atheists by the constant celebrations afforded to Christians and Jews with all their holidays while atheists had no holiday to celebrate.
The case was brought before a wise judge. After listening to the long passionate presentation by the lawyer, the Judge banged his gavel and declared “Case dismissed!”
The lawyer immediately stood and objected to the ruling and said, “Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and many other observances. Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah…yet my client and all other atheists have no such holiday!”
The judge leaned forward in his chair and simply said, “Obviously your client is too confused to even know about, much less celebrate, his own atheists’ holiday!”
The lawyer pompously said, “Your honor, we are unaware of any such holiday for atheists. Just when might that holiday be, your Honor?”
The judge said, “Well it comes every year on exactly the same date—April 1st? Since our calendar sets April 1st as ‘April Fools Day’, consider that Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53 states, ‘The fool says in his heart, there is no God.’ Thus, in my opinion, if your client says there is no God, then by scripture he is a fool, thus April 1st is his holiday! Get it?”
Thanks for sharing Bobby, Jo and Cora Lynn. I’m sure lots of folks will appreciate this.
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Friday morning Jimmie and I took Little Bit to the groomers and then spent our two hour wait shopping—well mostly looking. Did buy a couple of big flower pots to put plants into before they die. If you want to grow a plant on the hill you have to put it into a pot or into a raised bed, filled with either made dirt or potting soil.
Had an althea that I thought had died completely during the drought, but was pleasantly surprised to see it coming back from the roots following our recent rains. It was named “Patti” for Patti Goodwin, who gave it to Ed several years ago. It had grown into a tree and was so pretty—white with a wine throat. Ed loved that plant and I’m so glad it’s surviving.
Got two ripe tomatoes from my lone plant. It has several dozen other smaller fruits and I’m expecting tomato sandwich es all summer long. Jimmie, with contributions from some friends, is supplying us with fresh squash. We’ve had some great watermelon, canteloupe, beans and corn. I do like the good ole summertime—especially the food it produces.
I came on home and worked Friday afternoon and then about five Jimmie called to tell me that she and the boys were coming at six to clear out my two rooms that Lynn Terrell is painting. With Bill and Jimmie, Bo and Carolyn, Rance and Ginny all helping it got to be Comedy 101. I’m amazed that we survived the night without a major injury. For several hours it was up and down stairs, pushing heavy pieces against the wall, then transporting much junk to the office or to the garbage dump. In my group of helpers we have bad backs, bad knees, bad just about everything—Jimmie and I are the healthiest of the seven. We did make it though. However, Bo could hardly get up and down yesterday (Sunday). Youngest Brother Don came for a visit Sunday afternoon and we informed him that he’d missed the move out, but he’d better get his schedule ready for the move back.
Heard from Jim Friday night. I’d wondered why he hadn’t called all week, but was to busy to call him. Greeting was, “What’s been going on, I been calling you all week, but the phone was always busy.” He was right, it had been. We did have a hectic week last week and this one’s no better. We’re printing today (Monday), so this column is being written Monday afterroon, and I’d better wrap it up.
HAVE A HAPPY FOURTH!
