Betty’s Week

    As I was coming from the post office last Tuesday morning I heard a, “Hi Betty.”
    A pickup pulled to the curb and its driver was Richard Shelly, one of my early Wednesday morning customers. Jokingly I says, “You’re a day early, you’ll have to come back tomorrow.” He then explained that he knew what day it was, but wanted to share some news. On Sunday a Christian youth group had presented a concert at his church in Panola County.
    Some of the group were named Howell and he wanted to know if perhaps they were related to David. I was sure they were, but when I got to the office I ask. They’re David’s nephews, sons of his older brother, John, Jr. They play and sing and had recently attended a retreat and were now sharing their music with other churches.
    John, Jr. is headmaster at North Delta and is also a bi-vocational Baptist mini-ster. John Jr. and David’s father, John, was at the Herald for the year following Ed’s death. At the time he was staying in Batesville with his mother and often baby sat the children. He’d share these interesting and wonderful times with us and even had pictures from time to time. From this I think I know these young people, even though its been nine years since I’ve even heard stories.
    Only name I can remember is the oldest son, Hunt, who was named for his great-grandfather, long-time editor of the Panolian. Grandfather John is now editor of this paper, and their great-uncle Rupert, and Aunt Rita Jean are also at the Panolian. Hope I get to hear these talented young people.
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  Missing from the breakfast gang at Sylva Rena Wednesday morning were Snooky and Harold Williams. I then realized what time of year it was and that they were in Philadelphia at the Neshoba County Fair.
  David was missing from our crew on Thursday—he and Daryl Burney had gone down for a day at the fair.
  The whole gang was back for Watermelon Carnival, though. They all got in two big events in one week.
  Saw Snooky and Mary Lou all over town on Saturday, riding in their golf cart. That looks like fun. My tired feet made me wish for one of those things.
  The trolley does help a lot though, if you’re going any distance. Our problem was that we were stopping at almost every business on Main Street.
  Sister-in-Law Faye Poin-dexter Shearer arrived late Friday afternoon and I sure did enjoy her visit.
  We went to the park, ate  Lion’s Club hamburgers (which were delicious) visited with lots of folks, then went over to the 50-year class reunion. Several of the McKay boys were there—still haven’t figured out which one was a member of the class. I spent some time visiting with Jerry, waved at Larry, and think I saw one other—maybe more. Also enjoyed visiting with Jimmy Murphey, long-time coach at Lafayette High. He and Fay grew up in the same neighborhood.
  First member of this class I visited with was John Cox, who stopped by the office Friday afternoon. John’s mother, the late Myrle Cox, was a long-time employee of the Herald. His father, the late Doc Cox, was City Clerk for many years, and was also Scout Master for a long time.
    Spent a lot of time in the Cox home when John was a little boy. He now lives in Laurel, where for years he worked in the communications field. He lost his wife a year or so ago and he has no children. Said he almost didn’t come because going with out her is no fun. Know how he feels, but we’re all glad you came—enjoyed our visit.
  My first carnival visitors used to be D. C. Morgan and Bobby Mathis. Bobby is no longer with us, but D. C. now has a new traveling companion—his wife. It was so good to see them at the run/walk Saturday morning. Also got to meet a daughter and son-in-law, and a couple of Richard Baird’s daughters. Their mother was D.
C.’s sister, the  late Maxine Morgan Baird.
  Missed some folks at the run, among them Sarah and Coach Richard Russo. Sarah has been one of the runners for several years and always wins. Don’t get to see either of these often—Rarely get to play Bridge and Richard left us to go be head coach at Independence. We wish him well in his new position—just don’t win when you play the Devils.
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  After the run/walk, Faye joined me and we ate pancake breakfast with the Lion’s Club. It was delicious.
  Fellowship was even better. Murry Green was there with his sister, Louise Herron (husband Clyde, a Lion, was helping with serving). Sitting with them was Candi and Phillip Tallant and it’s always great to visit with them. Saw daughter Joy Browning when we visited the Velvet Glove later in the day.
  At our table was Frances Martin and her mother-in-law—Daniel, another Lion, joined us when his tour of duty was completed. Kim Clark Pullen and John Lewis, along with one of Kim’s grands were other table mates.
  Across from us were Harold Hardy and his wife, Sue, from Georgia. It’s always wonderful to see and visit with them.
  As I ate those great pancakes, I wondered if they’d be the same when Ernie could no long be the pancake chef. Well, Friday night when we got the Lion’s hamburgers, there was a big hole in the serving crew—long-time friend and almost family member, Stan Crow. Burgers were still delicious and the service was great—the team is caring on admirably. Did miss Stan, though, as I know they all did.
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  After stuffing with pancakes, we went for a tour of the brewery. I’d told the staff, who’d tried to explain the process to me several times, that I’d have to be shown. Well our tour guide, Amos Harvey, did an excellent jog—think I could now join the brewing staff. He pointed out each station, explained what went in at every point (even had samples of the ingredients), told the time it would take in each tank and then how it would be bottled. The only thing I’d understood before the tour was the bottling process. They’re using an old Coca-Cola bottling line, very much like the one used in our plant on the corner of Main and Martin. Anytime they were bottling, and I had a spare minute, I’d run up and watch. Son Jim was called to duty when the line was running—they let him think he was the line watchman.
  After the tour everyone was given a sample of Root Beer. I knew I didn’t like this drink, but took my sample anyway—thought WV brewed might be better. Think  it was, but still don’t like Root Beer. However, I did hear from folks who do like this product that it’s very good.
  I was ask if I’d try the beer when it was in production—told them I would but I’m sure it will be the same—I just don’t like beer
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 Faye and I went out to Country Catfish for supper Saturday night and the food was delicious. I’m sure it’s been over a year since I’ve eaten there. Was surprised that owner, Louise, even remembered me. She did, and seemed glad to see me. Made me feel special. We ate way too much. Had remarked to Faye, that this was the first time I’d every been there and not seen folks that I knew. Well, on the way out I found them. Linda Maynor and her father, J. C. Winters, were in the front room. It was good to see them.
  Faye left early Sunday morning and I went on to church. Then it was off to mom’s to catch up on all I’d let slide on Friday and Saturday. However Bo, Rance, and Jimmie had prepared an excellent meal—don’t think they missed me.
  We did have to get in some planning for Mom’s 99th birthday party that’s coming up this Saturday, though. Her birthday is actually Thursday, the 8th.
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  School is back in session—that’s hard to believe. Know it’s here though, because I‘ve just set the lunch menus. I’ll also be out there with the buses in the morning while delivering papers.
  Also am selling ads for the football pages—we’ll be in the stadium soon. If you would like an ad on these pages give me a call and I’ll put you on the waiting list—we may have some openings.
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  As I’m completing this column, I keep thinking of so many folks that I saw at the Carnival. Did enjoy visiting with each of you—should have taken a pad and written down names.