Betty’s Week
Celeste and Jim arrived just before lunch Wednesday—in time for us to dine at B.T.C. Celeste had the plate lunch—fried chicken, mac and cheese, green beans and cornbread—enough food for all three of us. Jim had a bowl of bean soup, with a half sandwich, and I just had the bean soup with cornbread. All of it was delicious.
We browsed in the antique and grocery departments—bought some wonderful plums and peaches. Saw several things I wanted among the antiques, but had Jim with me and his rule is if I buy anything, two pieces have to come out of the house—the house is very crowded. Didn’t have anything I was willing to give up so I’ll just had to let the goodies stay at B.T.C.
On Thursday we helped get the office ready for my big day on Friday. Counters and desk tops were cleared—everything got tucked away and I doubt that it will ever all be found. Had customers come in and I had to look for a pen and paper—receipt books were never found, and if you needed change you looked in your billfold.
Today (Monday) one cash box has reappeared. The office sure does look better, but it’s not very convenient—think it’s going to have to go back to messy.
Friday morning Celeste and Jim decided to take me out to breakfast—thought I’d done enough cooking. Again, we went to B.T.C. Celeste had taken one of the free books and she had one she wanted to donate. I ordered my usual—one egg over medium, sausage, a biscuit with sausage gravy and a diet Coke, was good and I didn’t have to cook it. Celeste had Red Velvet French Toast and chocolate gravy, which she pronounced , “out of this world,” and Jim had grits and gravy, something I don’t cook and he really likes. He said they were the best grits he’d ever eaten.
We probably gained a couple of pounds at B.T.C. Friday morning. Then we went with Betty and Al Davis to Taylor Grocery for catfish Friday night—it’s a tradition to eat catfish and barbecue while in the south. The food was excellent and it was such a joy to visit with long-time friend, Kay Nelson, who was working there.
Jim and Celeste had barbecue in Arkansas. so we didn’t make it to Dunn’s. Saturday it was family dinner at Bill’s and Jimmie’s, with all the southern vegetablesß, especial fried okra, pot roast, ham, and lots of desserts. When they left early Sunday morning, they declared that if they were staying longer they’d have to buy a new wardrobe. Mom would gladly pay for new clothes. House sure was empty after they left. They spent Sunday night in Cleveland, Ohio, then it was on to Niagara Falls for Monday, and on to their final destination in Canada on Tuesday where they’ll vacation for a few weeks.
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The open house held for me on Friday was delightful. So many friends and family, Main Street neighbors, and my Woodland Hills Church family, came by, along with a few folks I didn’t know. Trusty Diner had catered the food and several friends and family also made food, Glenda Gordon of GG’s decorated the office, with longtime friend Guy Dale Shaw and Brother Rance and his wife, Ginny, sending beautiful arrangements. I was hoping for at least 10 to attend, but I’m sure I had hundreds—never have I felt so special.
And in addition to coming by they said so many wonder things about me—not deserved, but certainly appreciated. I still have trouble believing that I’ve been on Main Street 60 years, but long-time Main Street friend, Snooky Williams, says he knows that I have because he was here three years before I got here and he has a good memory.
Snooky and I have enjoyed each other’s friendship for all these years and still do—his parking place is on the south side of the parking lot, right across from me on the north side, and many mornings we arrive at the same time.
Thanks to everyone who came by, brought gifts, wrote notes, and called to acknowledge my milestone. My Water Valley family is wonderful—wouldn’t want any other.
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Sympathy is extended to the family of Brenda Henderson. For many years Brenda was my first customer on Thursday morning. She’d stop by for a paper on her way to work at Big Yank and we’d enjoy a short visit. After she retired I missed her weekly visits. Then when Glenda opened her business next to us, I saw her occasionally. She was such a sweet person and I know Donald, Glenda, Melinda, the grands, Sister Linda, and all family members are going to miss her so much, as are friends and her long-time co-workers.
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Sunday we were without our organist, Barbara Warren. Barbara’s mother, Sue Brummett’s, home in Taylor suffered the loss of many trees during the storm Thursday night. While Billy and others were clearing up some of the debris, Barbara was out and got tangled in either wire or limbs, fell and broke her wrist.
We did miss her so much, but pianist Sammie Cobern did a fine job with just the piano. Barbara’s daughter-in-law, Michelle, brought our special music and it was beautiful. Bringing the message Sunday was Bro. John Monteith from Oxford. When speaking to him after the service, I asked where he was from and was surprised at his answer. He grew up on Eureka Road in the Eureka Community—an area I pass through at least once a week and sometimes several times. Said he was a farmer and had intended to make it his life’s work, but the Lord called him to preach, so he was obeying.
His wife, Linda, is a native of Virginia, another beautiful state, and they have two of the cutest children, Parker, age two, and Abigail, age six, and a third child due in December. We did appreciate Bro. John sharing God’s message with us.
Sunday night we began Vacation Bible School and the program is very educational and entertaining. We had the usual processional, pledge to the flags and Bible, a mission moment, a skit, and some very lively music, during assembly. After breaking into age groups, there was Bible study, crafts, recreation, and snacks. I think everything was enjoyed by both the students and the staff. VBS will continue through Thursday night, which will be family night.
