Betty’s Week
By Betty Shearer
Received a note from Winfred McCain, a subscriber who lives in Shoreline, Washington. He writes, “I enjoy getting the old hometown paper each week. The delivery is much better lately and sometimes I get the paper on Saturday after you mail on Wednesday and no later than Monday. (Weather conditions can cause delay.) I usually get on the internet on Wednesday evenings and read the main news items, that is a great service and I can keep up on what is going on down there. I will drop by next time I am down. I hope to make it for my 60th class reunion next year.”
Thanks for writing, Mr. McCain, we’re always glad to hear from subscribers and really happy when they give us good news of better delivery of the paper. I’m looking forward to a visit next time you’re in the Valley.
–––
Couldn’t stand the clutter in my bedroom any longer, so Friday I set out to put all the junk back in the attic. Was surprised that I was able to do this entire job by myself. However, I had a bit of trouble getting out of bed on Saturday morning—I am a bit out of shape. On Saturday night, I found more problems from this chore. I washed my face and found terrible sore spots at the hairline, also had some sore places on legs and back. There was no bruising or noticeable abrasions, but the pain was severe. Took me a while to pin down the problem. In the attic, the wind bracing is just about two inches lower than my head and several times I hit it really hard, one time almost knocking myself out. As soon as the pain stopped I forgot all about these run-ins with this structure. Since I don’t bruise easily and it took so long to get sore, I’d forgotten all about hitting the timbers. I did a good job, though, because even though it’s not black and blue or scraped, it really hurts. The area was still sore this morning when I washed my hair. Legs and back were also banged into bracing as I toted in the heavy boxes and bulky items. Hope I can remember to duck next time I have to go that far into the attic.
I went through lots of the junk, thinking I’d sort some it out—maybe even discard a little. Did trash about one garbage can full. My cleaning was slowed down a bit though when in my sorting I found many of Jim’s cute cards, some of Ed’s column, and one of his term papers, which includes lots of interesting info and pictures—may share some of this from time to time. Also discovered a battery powered lantern—minus batteries. Think I’ll replace them though, it would be superior to the light of a candle or oil lamp. Found lots of tools, including a couple of hammers—which I’m always looking for. Saws, screwdrivers (manual and powered), pry bars, rules, wrenches, nails and screws in abundance, and lots more stuff was discovered. Finally gave up on going through boxes and just threw the rest back—there’s no telling what I’d have found had I had time to sift through it all—that’ll be fun for another day.
–––
Attended visitation for long-time friend, Tommy Swearengen, Friday night. It was good to visit with the Swearengen, McCulley, Gray and Holloway family members, along with most everyone else in the Valley and lots of former Vallians. Tommy was one of those rare people whom everyone loved. I always enjoyed being in his company—he could make me laugh until I was sore for days. He could have been a stand-up comedian, using good, uplifting material. He and Betty Ruth were great dancers and for the past several years I’d tried to get them to dance, but Tommy would tell me he was just too old and worn out. Following his retirement, I would often find some business I though the Valley needed and I’d try to talk him into it. His reply was, “I retired from five jobs and that’s enough for any lifetime”. However he did take on the job of Alderman for the City of Water Valley for two terms and did an excellent job—I do appreciate his service. Sympathy is extended to Betty Ruth, Sherry, Steve, and the entire family. I will miss him too.
–––
Visiting with Barron Caulfield, who was a little behind me in the line, he shared that he had a heated seat device, that works and it runs off the cigarette lighter. Told him to bring me the info. Mary Sue and Roy Bennett Stevens were right in front of me and she says, “I want that information, also. My newest vehicle does not have heated seats either and I really did enjoy them.” It was good to talk with Mary Sue and Roy Bennett. Just don’t see them very often, since she’s no longer in the Circuit Clerk’s Office and he’s not head electrician.
B.B. and Kay Kay Smith of Batesville, visited for a minute, as did so many others.
–––
God really got busy with his paint brush over the weekend. The jonquils, hawthorne bushes, and pear trees, are almost in full bloom. Also many trees look like they’re trying to put out leaves. Then traveling back to Mom’s Sunday at noon it looked like even more blooms had opened.
The warm weather has been so nice and it was great that we missed all the storms. Do sympathize with all those who were in them, though.
–––
Wrote the column on Monday this week, but watched the national news this morning and thought I’d throw out some food for thought.
Last time I actually knew what the national debt was, I think it was about three trillion. The figure quoted this morning was eleven trillion. The report was that this is very close to the value of the United States. In other words if our debts were foreclosed we’d have absolutely nothing left—that’s frightening. Added to this, further enlightenment was that when the $787 billion stimulus package debt is in place it will add another 1.3 trillion to this debt. How can you borrow more than you’re worth? If I walked into Mechanics Bank—where I’ve been an almost solvent customer for over 50 years—don’t think they lend me any money under those circumstances.
More info on the stimulus package was that it would add $13 a week to wage earners paychecks each week. Considering what this is going to do to our future generations, I think I can do without my $13—what about you?
