NANA NOTES

LUCKY NEEDS A HOME

Last Friday Megan and I took Libby to Natchez. We dropped her off for an appointment and ran some errands. At a red light we saw something moving about on the highway.  Of course I stopped and we both got out of the car and looked around--only to see nothing.  We went on to the store and looked under the car--still nothing.  We picked up our items and Libby called.  We picked her up, told her our story and went to lunch. [We were all starving!] We kept on talking about looking for the kitten we had seen dodging car tires and hoped it was ok.  We got in the car and backed out of the parking place. Yes, you guessed it--there was the little black and white kitten huddled against the sidewalk.  I ran into the restaurant and got a box and a pair of gloves. They gave me water and came outside with me after I "made a long story short".  I picked up the kitten and put him in Libby's car. From there I called the vet and she said, "bring it on".  She cleaned him up and guessed that he's about 10 weeks old. He's eating well and is litter box trained.  She wanted to name him "Budweiser" since I brought him home in a Bud box but I told her I thought his name should be Lucky since he had survived the highway and a trip across Natchez under a car.  Here he is: 

Today Ben went to the allergy doctor.  He is allergic to cats, dogs and horses plus everything else that grows or flies through the air.  The carpet has to come up in their house.  None of us want to get rid of him but Ben's health comes first.  They won't be getting rid of their horses and their dogs stay outside. But absolutely NO cats!  Somebody please take pity on us and take this sweet baby.  He's too precious for some sweet family not to have him.  Email me [[email protected]] or call me [601-384-7192] or comment on the blog.

EMOTIONS ARE RUNNING HIGH

Emotions have been "touch and go" around here for a week or so.  We've had lots of things happening in our community.  Our little community is so small than when something happens to one it pretty much affects all.  There's a Lady Antebellum song [One Day You Will] I was listening to today that made me feel better about some of the "stuff".  Here is part of the chorus.

"But down the road the sun is shining
In every cloud there's a silver lining
Just keep holding on (just keep holding on)
And every heartache makes you stronger
But it won't be much longer. . . 
I know right now that's not the way you feel
But one day you will."

Maybe we should be listening more to Jeremiah 29:11:  For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Or maybe Romans 8:28:  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Maybe that's why God invented country music--sometimes the words just fit the situation.  I do know first hand that all of this is true and "that may not be the way you feel, but one day you will."

FEAST OR FAMINE--with blog topics (and everything else!!)

There are lots of things going on here--it all comes at one time.  I want to blog it all but time prohibits and the subject matter gets old.  Sunday was a special day at our church and for lots of families in our community (ours included).  We had THREE christenings at our Sunday morning service--they were all cousins less than a year old and it was the sweetest thing ever.  Brother David said he didn't remember ever having that happen since he's been in the ministry.  It hasn't happened at our church.  We had two one time and I think it was Graham and Sally Katherine (cousins again-even if distant!)  Anyway---here are some pictures of the sweet babies and their parents. 

I had to use this picture because little Ms Callie Rivers Sullivan was waving to her public.  She is a doll!  She is the daughter of Stephanie and Chris Sullivan.   

Charles Vern Sullivan or as Jennifer lovingly calls him "Charlie Bug" is the beautiful son of Vista (Sullivan) and Bret Herring.  He was the calmest of the three--laid back like all the Herring's!  :) 

 

This handsome guy--Kale Sullivan Thomas-- is the son of Scott and Summer Thomas. Summer's mom was a Sullivan. This little guy was a chunk!  He enjoyed every minute and tried to help Brother David with the water.  Chris, Vista and Summer are all cousins.

 This was the fun part--trying to get a picture with everyone "acting right".  I can't wait to see Stephenie's pics.  I'm sure she got some good ones. 

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.  So now I give him to the Lord.  For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord."                             I Samuel 27-28

 

TRIBUTE TO MY FRIEND

Karen Reynolds

What do you say about a friend you've had for almost forty years?  Karen and I have spent many hours working in concession stands, sitting at ball practice and ballgames, attending cow shows--freezing and sweating--having bake sales, arranging flowers--you name it and we've probably done it at one time or another.  One thing I didn't want to share with her was cancer.  During the times I was sick she was faithful to call me and send cards of encouragement.  I wasn't as faithful as she was in that department but I prayed for her daily.  We talked a week or so ago and she was tired.  Today she is healed and home with her God.  Her family and friends will miss her, but our memories are sweet.  Karen, from here on all your arrangements will have blue ribbons--you deserve it!

FOR MY FRIEND

I was taking some pictures out of a frame yesterday and found a note that my Mom had written probably thirteen or fourteen years ago.  Why it was in that frame hidden behind the pictures I will never know.  I don't know if she put it there or if I did.  It doesn't matter--what matters is that I found it at a time when I really needed to hear the words.  My friends needs this note.  This is for you with the same love I'm sure she wrote it with for me:

"I pray for the very best for you but when you have nights filled with sleeplessness and days dark with discouragement and you can't read or pray, just sit still and let God love you."

Need I say more.  I love you.

Barbara

PROUD TO ANNOUNCE!

The animals at Cotton Branch are proud to announce a new addition to the family! A wonderful friend of ours arranged for and delivered an eight week old Scottish Terrior to me this afternoon.  She knew how heart broken I was when we lost Dooley in January.  Welcome Sadie! 

She has the same parents as Dooley and the same sweet, awesome personality.  She played with everyone today even after a long plane ride and trip from New Orleans.  She arrived in a red dress with rhinestones but Ed wouldn't let me show that.  Our pets don't wear clothes!!  Melanie said it was a joke and to take it off anyway!  She's passed out now right here beside me on the bed.  Once we get through the "potty training" part, I think we're going to have a great time together.  Stay tuned for more pictures as she grows.  And to our wonderful friend, thank you will never be enough!!

PROUD OF MY BOY!

Jennifer and Shelly's #1 son graduated last night--an honor graduate who's made us all proud.  He's been my heart since the day he was born and will continue to be so until I am no longer here.  I'll leave the details for Jennifer to blog but here are a few of my candid shots.  Jeanne and Jennifer have much better ones I'm sure.  They had the "big" cameras out.

As he was coming in to the Processional.

I never tire of seeing the flag flying and hearing the National Anthem.

It's official--diploma in hand!!

 

When I left them Ryan and Haleigh they were very happy and deciding where they were going. I pray for all of them a safe and happy life.

God bless and I love you.

Nana

TIME HAS MOVED WAY TOO FAST

It seems like only yesterday that Ryan was born.  There are so many memories. I wish we'd written all those things down--like Jennifer and me riding him around at three in the morning to get him to sleep and our cell phone ringing--it was just some kind of phone check.  Kindergarten programs, first bike rides, singing for the Cotton Branch cow sale when he was about five--and I could go on and on.  We had a party for him and Haleigh last Sunday with mostly family. With our two families that ended up with quite a few people. And it was FUN!!  Haleigh graduates on Thursday of this week--Ryan on Friday.  And then they are off to new adventures.

Tim said he wouldn't be wearing an apron but I did get him to pose with it. He and Papa cooked our burgers.  They were delicious.  Handsome cooks, don't you think?? 

Haleigh and Ryan are really sweet about having their pictures taken.  Both of them have mother's who are photographers. They are used to "posing"!  Now, you know they are cute!

All four grandmothers were at the party. I'm glad Dona wanted to get this picture.  It's special.

Part of the crowd before the blessing--they were ready for the burgers.   

The pool was a popular place for all the children.  Ella loved it. Come back soon, Ella!

 

 

 

Footnote:  On Awards Night Ryan received Honor Cords, his Four Year Beta stole (in three years), an ACT scholarship, the Billy McGehee Scholarship, a Franklin Education Corporation scholarship and a Herring Gas Company scholarship.  Haleigh had her Awards program on Friday and I know she received a Herring Gas Company scholarship. She didn't tell me anything else.  They both had bacculaurete at their churches and schools today.  Graduation for Haleigh is Thursday and Ryan's is Friday.  Congratulations to you both.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER!!

Thirty five years ago today I woke up needing to go to the hospital. The story is a funny one but I'll spare you that.  The story is also a sad one and I'll spare you that.  Bittersweet things can often bring you big blessings.  Thirty five years ago today Ed carried me to Jackson [in less than an hour] and left me with my parents [after passing my dad standing under "No Name" bridge in Byram] at the old Baptist Hospital. I gave birth to Jennifer before he had time to get back home to be with his mother.  He and Carol Boteler Waid named her and she was born with a broken arm.  Her whole life has been that kind of whirlwind.  She is in constant motion all the time.  She has a wonderful husband, four terrific boys and a good life.  My prayer for her is that she can enjoy what she has now and always.  Happy Birthday, dear daughter.  I love you very much.  Mom    

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW. . .

We woke up this morning like any other Sunday, had breakfast and were getting ready for church.  Tiffany called from town and said if we hadn't left yet--don't! The weather was awful and it was raining, hailing and a tree had fallen on the house we own next door to them.  I told Ed and he said "change your clothes." Before we could leave Tiffany called back and said another tree had fallen and it was raining horribly and hailing at our house.  Ed's sister's husband called and said a tree had fallen toward his house and barely missed his truck and tractor.  Off we go in the rain.  This is what we found. 

The master bathroom and closet of "Maw's house" are destroyed. Ed and I bought the house after his brother died.  We redid it and have it rented.

This oak tree at the side of the driveway has stopped many skateboards and bicycles as the children rode down the hill. As it fell it took out a beautiful camellia and a pine tree.

 

 This is the tree that barely missed Tommy's tractor!  It also took out the electricity on that block! 

As word spread the HGC family came running to help. Jody's friends came by and helped.  Gary Jones called in a wrecker to help lift the tree and Ryan used the backhoe to move it.  We had our own parade.  Praise God there was no one home when this happened.  No one was hurt that we know of and there were lots of homes damaged around the county.  A house can be repaired.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FRIEND

I know you've heard the story about when I went to chemo for the first time that if I hadn't had my friends with me I don't think I would have made it.  No one talked to me except the nurse and the room was full of people.  I decided right then and there that as long as I was going to that room that no one would experience that feeling.  They were feeling bad enough, they didn't have to feel alone too.  Our friend Skeeter went for his first treatment on Monday.  I knew that his wife would be with him but I really wanted to be there to support him.  Being my "crafty self" I made a sign that said "Skeeter is going to kick cancer's butt" with a kicking donkey on it.  Off I went on Monday and got there before he started.  He didn't know whether to laugh or cry and I think we did a little of both. 

This is Tiffany giving Skeeter his first stick.  I told him I had "magic cream" out in the car if he needed it.  He said he thought he could handle it.  The treatment that day would last six and one half hours.  He started at 8:40 AM. [I found out later that the last drop went through at 4:15 PM].  A very long day for them!!  

This was shortly after the Benadryl bag got started.  I guess Skeeter will be a "sleeper" instead of going hyper like me.  He got quiet.  I hope he gets to rest. 

Deb was filling out papers because somehow theirs had gotten lost.  She came to the line that said "referring physician" and she wrote down "Barbara Herring"!  I had almost insisted that Skeeter use Dr. Jack.  They are glad to be in a clinic that cares so much for their patients.  This picture also shows how much they believe that Skeeter is going to do well with his treatment.  God is in control of this situation and is guiding Dr. Jack to do his best for Skeeter.  Please pray for this family as they go through the months ahead.  God bless you Skeeter; we love you! You too, Deb!!

OUR GRANDSON IS GRADUATING!??

It's just not time for Ryan to be a senior--literally and figuratively--but it's happening and we can't stop it. I realize he's not going far away just yet but I'm already missing him.  Friends gave him a party this Sunday night and here are some candid shots. 

Phillip, Katherine, Ryan and Haleigh--Katherine and Ryan were born just a few days apart.  They've been in school together all these years.

 

Sam, Ben Abbey and Emily with the Strouds and Halfords in the background. 

I think I interrupted Papa and W. H.'s supper. MiMi looked happy though. You can see the rest of the family in the background.  Supper was delicious.

 Anna and Lindsey had to pose. Cute girls, huh? Lindsey is Ryan's cousin.

And here's Ms Carmon Claire!  She was calling Ryan on the cell phone.

Can't believe he only has about three weeks left in school.  He graduated on May 22; Haleigh graduates on May 21.

Oh, the places they'll go!

RYAN'S SENIOR PROM

How could it have been a year ago when I was standing on the porch with Ryan and Haleigh taking prom pictures? There were more tears than smiles--probably because of the circumstances--but there was more love than you could imagine.  This year there were lots of laughs and "wise cracks".   Kim, Cody and Haleigh got to the house before Ryan and Haleigh had on shorts, a guy's shirt and bling on her eyelids!  Cute, huh?

Haleigh and Ryan did the traditional "putting on of flowers". Haleigh always knows exactly what she wants and Ryan does a good job of getting them!  :)

I'm so blessed that the kids really want to come here to take pictures and to see us before they go somewhere important.

This is probably my favorite photo of the night.  Ed looked at it and said "Howdy, Mam!" I agree totally. Aren't they just the cutest couple.  God bless them and all the kids who are out tonight having their last senior prom.

 Check out Jennifer's blog for more pictures and more of the story! 

HIGH ROAD SHOWS UP AND SHOWS OUT!

  Anna Grace and Sarah came to Meadville this weekend to do a couple of concerts.  I went to Natchez to hear them and as usual I wasn't disappointed.  I told them I needed new CD's because I know every word on the one they have out. The good news is they are working on one. These girls are so precious to me-such genuinely awesome good girls.

 

Anna Grace

 

Sarah

 

 

 

 

 

Keep your ears open for "High Road" on the radio--it's coming soon to a Christian station near you!!  It's already happening here!

NASHVILLE: THE FINAL INSTALLMENT (or is it?) I hope not!!!

I can remember when I was little my grandfather would sit in his chair by his little green plastic radio and listen to the Grand Ole Opry--Ernest Tubb, Little Jimmy Dickens and the list goes on.  I had never been to the GOO and was excited to learn that someone got us tickets--all nine of us!!  As it turned out it was in the old Ryman Auditorium that night because of another function in the new building.  Ok by me--it was the real thing.  A woman dressed up like Minnie Pearl came out and said--you guessed it--"Howdy, I'm just so proud to be here!"  She told a few jokes to warm up the crowd. She was funny but she wasn't Minnie Pearl. There was only one of those. 

 

The GOO Square Dancers were good--those guys could really move their feet! (Sorry about the back of the guys head!)

There was a long list of entertainment for the night. Those of you who have been there might know that it's a radio show and they have breaks and commercial announcements.  You see all of that on stage and the guys moving the equipment around.  Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys and Darryl Worley did the first set.

 

 

 The Whites were good.  Jan Howard only sang one song.

Kathy Mattea sang "Where've You Been" a song I remember from a long time ago.  I still cried.

 

Mike Snider was one of my favorites.  He was funny and I really enjoyed the music.  

 Everyone remembers "Mississippi Squirrel" by Ray Stevens and "It's Me Again Margaret".                                  

  Stonewall Jackson sang a song or two.  You may know him--we did not. Connie Smith also performed.

 Restless Heart finished out the night and it was time to go. When we went outside it was freezing cold.  Someone had blocked our car but the guys did a great job of getting us out.  We actually got to bed before midnight!!

An early wake up, a quick breakfast and off to Brentwood UMC for a very good service.  The "AG Crew" filled up a whole pew.  Then it was off to lunch and Lee Pittman greeted us at the door.  Lee is a friend of AG's.

Isn't he a sweetie? [Sorry Lee if you're reading this!! But it's true!] We had a fun time at McAllister's Deli and hated to leave. A long drive awaited us. Time for one last group photo and then on the road back home. 

This had to be one of the most fun weekends I've had in a long time. We were on the go constantly and heard more good music than most people hear in forever!  I hope I get to go again and I want to be going to a show with these two as "headliners"--High Road! 

  And when I do, AG is going to be famous and she's going to know ME!!   :)

THE GREAT RECITAL WEEKEND [NASHVILLE OR BUST!]

Ed and I left on Thursday for Nashville and drove to Birmingham. We had a great dinner at J Alexander's and a good night's sleep. After breakfast we headed for Nashville.  We got there in time to order flowers and rest a little bit before Anna Grace's recital at the Massey Performing Arts Center on the Belmont Campus.  We met up with Susie, Bob, and John Robert and rode together. The first person we saw when we got there was Sarah Crosby. She and Brother Johnny had come and we were pleased to visit with them.  The "Anna Grace" crew filled up two rows. The auditorium was full and folks said that more people attended that recital than any they had seen in a long time.  Music students are required to attend a certain number per year but are not told which ones to go to.  She had friends and family from Meadville (us), Starkville, California, Brookhaven, Iowa, Ohio and more. 

She wowed everyone with her music, her poise and personality.  I know there were some professionals in the audience who really enjoyed the show.  We all could have sat there much longer.  Doesn't she look beautiful?  Ed loves "Baby Girl" and is so proud of her. His appreciation of music has grown because of her. So has mine!! 

Sarah and her mother had prepared and set up a wonderful barbecue reception following the recital.  It was delicious.  Sarah had baked four cakes, made baked beans, delicious potato salad and had veggies and dips. The barbecue was very good and everyone had a great time.  There were lots of photo ops.  

This photo is Anna Grace with "Corn" and RJ. "Corn" played the bass and RJ came out for the final number and sang like WOW!!!  These guys were good!

  Sarah's parents were delightful--Scott and Kathleen Davison--how could they not be having raised such a beautiful and sweet girl as Sarah?

I probably could sell this picture--in fact I told Andy that I probably would!  Two of the guys play with the "Time Jumpers" [Joe Spivey on the left and Andy Reiss on the right] and the guy on the right of Susie is Bob Colvert who introduced AG to them.  She plays with them sometimes at the Station Inn on Monday nights. 

 

These folks are pretty important in AG's life.  John Robert is Anna Grace's brother [far left], Holli-her older sister-and Pascal, Holli's husband from Belgium.  Allin was missed [he was working but wanted to be there badly.] 

We all enjoyed meeting and getting to know Cosima and Chris Luther from California (by way of Colorado). They and their dad run the Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp that Susie and AG attend each summer.  They are smart and funny and great people.  I hope some day they come here and you can meet them.  

I told Susie that there wasn't any need to be hugging on Bob. All the money was gone--spent on the education and recital! Bob laughed and agreed!

 

Leave it to AG--RED SHOES!!  "It was Valentines, Ms Barbara!"

There is still lots more to this post but my computer says  "Not tonight".  Stay tuned for part two of the Nashville trip-Sarah's gig at The Stage on Broadway and the impromptu concert!!

TODAY'S A GREAT DAY!

This is what the face of a woman looks like who has just been told that all of her scans are clear and that her tests are all negative!  She will have to come back every three months for checkups and she is a healthy woman!!  No more treatments--no cancer at this time. Praise God for His goodness and thank everyone of you for your love and prayers.  I have felt the "wings of angels" surrounding me for the last year.  I love you all!

 

 

UPDATE ON GRAHAM

Ed and I took Sam and Ben to see Graham after lunch today.  He was eating Kentucky Fried Chicken his Aunt Carol brought him.  He was going to save the lunch we brought him for later.   While we were there the Physical Therapist came in and got him up.  The boys and I left the room and Papa stayed with him. He used the crutches to get up and walk across the room.  The only part that hurt was turning around.   Tomorrow she's going to work with walking on crutches and climbing stairs. Then--he may get to come home.

He wasn't in a very good mood but who could blame him. I think he's been a real trooper throughout this whole ordeal. One minute he was having a good time riding a horse and the next minute he was in the back of an ambulance headed to a hospital for who knows what!

 

Graham really didn't want me to take a picture of his leg but this is what it looks like.  No cast! Just a great big bandage covering the incision. 

Please keep Graham in your prayers--his recovery will be several months.  He's a real outdoors guy and will be hard to keep "penned"!  Lots of his friends have called or come to the hospital. I just hope he remembers it.

LIFE IS NEVER DULL ON COTTON BRANCH

Following a nice lunch after church everyone settled in for their afternoon activities.   Ed and Vin were going hunting, Cathleen was watching football, I was blogging, and the Cowarts were roping in the pen.  We got a frantic call saying that I was needed over at the Cowarts--Graham had broken his leg and Jennifer needed help.  I called Ed and told him.  Then another call came in a more frantic manner that she REALLY NEEDED HELP!  I once again called Ed and he got there before I did.  I called the Dr. to see who was on call and see what needed to be done.  He said get an ambulance and head to McComb.  When I got to Jennifer's the EMT's were there and an ambulance was on the way.  They thought the bone was through the skin and would not move him.  We made it to McComb [Shelly in the ambulance with Graham, Chonda driving Jennifer and me following behind]. There's a really long and gruelling story inserted here but I'll spare you that.  Just know that the "Herring" came out of Jennifer and me and the police were sent to get the Dr. on call after an hour and a half of paging him.       

Chonda took the picture of the xray over Shelly's shoulder. I can't tell much about it but I did see the xray and his femur is broken in two and the two pieces were side by side.  He was lying on the bed after they gave him the first pain med. Someone had to be touching him the whole time-Shelly rubbing his head or me holding his hand.  They cut his "almost new" boots off his feet and totally destroyed his jeans.  I promised him a new pair of boots!  :)  The last pic is one of his leg as it was stabilized to the board.  They had straightened it a bit before this picture.  From his knee down was turned inward.

I talked to Jennifer a few minutes ago and she said that he had a good night-he slept for about four hours. He woke up hungry. That's a good sign.

Please keep Graham, Jennifer, Shelly and the other two boys in your hearts and prayers in the days to come.  Learning to deal with crutches and limitations for the months ahead may be stressful.

BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR WEDDING

On Saturday Ed's cousin's wife went with me to Allan Southerland's wedding.  Ed asked her to be his "stand-in" since we had company.  Cathleen and I bundled up since it was an outdoor wedding. Finding Rosswood was not a problem. This was the sign on the highway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The front of the home was decorated with grapevine and lights.  Two big urns held calla lilies, roses and hypericum berries.  The musicians sat on the side of the porch.

The music started playing and the wedding party began to come from behind the guests.  Eileen and Tub made a very handsome couple [and Eileen is more beautiful today than the day she got married!]. 

Her dress was gorgeous and the coat she had on was just as beautiful. I know she was warm.

The bridesmaids were "chilling" in their chocolate brown floor length dresses.  Jordan's was strapless since she was Maid of Honor. They carried cala lilies with hypericum berries. [Sorry for all the heads in front, but didn't feel like I should stand up to get a picture as the bride was coming in!]

 

Jordon was glad to be inside and have food! She threatened her Dad if he touched her plate while I took this picture.  Wasn't she a beautiful Maid of Honor?

 

 

 

Their going away car was an old model Cadillac and this guy got "busted"! I couldn't tell what was inside, but I saw white paper, rice and vasaline!!

Congratulations Allan and Timothy Byrd!

And don't worry Eileen and Tub---they never leave, they just come back and bring more with them!!