Wow! It will be June 1st in a couple of days! The month for celebration at our house! Howard's birthday is June 15, our 62nd wedding anniversary is June 20, and my birthday is June 27! What were we thinking!Well, as kids, who knows?
When we lived in New Orleans, many of Howard's customers celebrated June 19 as Juneteenth. I really never knew what that meant until I looked it up. It was held annually as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day when the United States celebrated the end of slavery. Abraham Lincoln's General order on June 19, 1865 in Texas, announced the freeing of slaves.
With all the social-distancing and rules in place these days, we were glad to finally go to Cracker Barrel for a meal. Our son, Mark, had sent me a Mother's Day card with a generous amount to be used at The Old Country Store, which had been swamped with customers waiting outside when we went there on Memorial Day. But we so enjoyed eating there yesterday in a spacious environment with our granddaughter, Bethany, our chauffeur!
A special treat is coming up in a few weeks as we plan to visit our kids in Texas and Oklahoma, airline courtesy of our children! Meanwhile, Howard has a new venture. He is planning a newsletter to be sent to friends and family, for which he has bought a printer. Besides his own contributions, he is collecting thoughts and articles from others who like to share.
Wishing all a beautiful day, Thelma June!
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
As I See It:
Hey, it's good to be back home again! Since living in Tennessee, I've thought of my past and have been reminiscing over the 82 years that I am today. Emblazoned on my conscience are the words of a plaque that hung over the desk of Mrs. Brawley, the office secretary when I was a student in Junior High school:
"Only one life, 'twill soon be passed, Only what's done for Christ will last."
David says in Psalm 37:25 "I have been young, and now am old: yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."
Yet, I have seen tornadoes in Oklahoma, hurricanes in Louisiana and Mississippi, and only one pandemic! Following Hurricane Katrina, I was standing on the corner of Winn-Dixie parking lot in Picayune, Mississippi. Winn-Dixie was still standing, but damaged.
I was standing with a small group of kids, when we heard a Semi-truck, a big 18-wheeler filled with ice! It was Mississippi hot, and we needed the ice! The young people I saw near Winn-Dixie looked worried and despondent. I felt as if God spoke to me and said, "This is what it will be like following the Rapture, and as if they missed the Rapture!"
I am reminded of hymns of hope: "Coming again, Coming again; Oh what a wonderful day that will be, Jesus is coming again!"
I Thessalonians 4:17, "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds ,to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
Attached: Words from Trevor Summers and Mackenzie Stockstill.
Supper's on the stove! God bless, Howard Summers
"Only one life, 'twill soon be passed, Only what's done for Christ will last."
David says in Psalm 37:25 "I have been young, and now am old: yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."
Yet, I have seen tornadoes in Oklahoma, hurricanes in Louisiana and Mississippi, and only one pandemic! Following Hurricane Katrina, I was standing on the corner of Winn-Dixie parking lot in Picayune, Mississippi. Winn-Dixie was still standing, but damaged.
I was standing with a small group of kids, when we heard a Semi-truck, a big 18-wheeler filled with ice! It was Mississippi hot, and we needed the ice! The young people I saw near Winn-Dixie looked worried and despondent. I felt as if God spoke to me and said, "This is what it will be like following the Rapture, and as if they missed the Rapture!"
I am reminded of hymns of hope: "Coming again, Coming again; Oh what a wonderful day that will be, Jesus is coming again!"
I Thessalonians 4:17, "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds ,to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
Attached: Words from Trevor Summers and Mackenzie Stockstill.
Supper's on the stove! God bless, Howard Summers
Thursday, May 14, 2020
The Joys of an Ordinary Day
"Mimi, I will take you to Paw Paw's doctor appointment," sweet granddaughter Bethany offered.
We accepted, but first, a favorite, special-order drink from Dunkin' Do-nuts was enjoyed and fortified for the road by our driver and a coffee for our special patient.
Pretty soon we arrived at our destination, although with all the various medical buildings on both sides of the street, it was a little hard to remember which one it was! The visit didn't take long, however, with everything looking good, so we set out for Walmart for a few things.
By this time, lunch pangs were setting in, and after suggesting and ruling out various eateries, Bethany suggested Royer's, the mountain top store/deli/meat market that we had visited once previously.
We ordered roast beef sandwiches with sour dough bread, lettuce and tomato. Sitting out on the porch with a spacious table, we dived in and couldn't believe how delicious everything was, washed down with ice-cold bottles of pop.
Just when we thought we could not eat another bite, our adventurous guide pointed out a do-nut and pretzel trailer nearby. "The do-nuts are this big!" she told us, measuring a good six-inches across. Sure enough, they were huge and tasted like Krispy Kreme do-nuts with the sweet, delicious coating.
We all had to try out the unique, curvy, handmade, wooden rocking chairs sitting side by side on the porch, each of us in turn exclaiming in surprise at the comfortable, perfect fit for relaxing.
The afternoon, cloudy and cool earlier, had turned into puffy white clouds and blue skies by the time we got home, luring us to a porch of our own, perfect for examining mail and poring over scriptures in the Word, the best news of all!
We accepted, but first, a favorite, special-order drink from Dunkin' Do-nuts was enjoyed and fortified for the road by our driver and a coffee for our special patient.
Pretty soon we arrived at our destination, although with all the various medical buildings on both sides of the street, it was a little hard to remember which one it was! The visit didn't take long, however, with everything looking good, so we set out for Walmart for a few things.
By this time, lunch pangs were setting in, and after suggesting and ruling out various eateries, Bethany suggested Royer's, the mountain top store/deli/meat market that we had visited once previously.
We ordered roast beef sandwiches with sour dough bread, lettuce and tomato. Sitting out on the porch with a spacious table, we dived in and couldn't believe how delicious everything was, washed down with ice-cold bottles of pop.
Just when we thought we could not eat another bite, our adventurous guide pointed out a do-nut and pretzel trailer nearby. "The do-nuts are this big!" she told us, measuring a good six-inches across. Sure enough, they were huge and tasted like Krispy Kreme do-nuts with the sweet, delicious coating.
We all had to try out the unique, curvy, handmade, wooden rocking chairs sitting side by side on the porch, each of us in turn exclaiming in surprise at the comfortable, perfect fit for relaxing.
The afternoon, cloudy and cool earlier, had turned into puffy white clouds and blue skies by the time we got home, luring us to a porch of our own, perfect for examining mail and poring over scriptures in the Word, the best news of all!
Monday, May 11, 2020
Mother's Day
Mother's Day! What a blessed day I had yesterday! We arose early and got ready for church, eager to be there since we were away last week, visiting daughter Amy and family in Georgia. We were pleased to see so many out for this special day of worship, and honoring mothers as well. The interior of the church has recently been renewed and tastefully decorated with paint of a soothing, calming shade of grey and new carpeting, with comfortable, padded chairs being ordered.
Driving in from church, we saw our granddaughter, Bethany, and kids visiting with family in the yard in the beautiful, glorious, sunshine. I hurried in to fix lunch, inviting Beth and kids to eat with us. It was so good to have family on Mother's Day! I had been getting presents and remembrances through the week, but being together in person makes the day special.
Soon, the phone calls came from our children living far away: Amy, from Georgia; Trevor from Waxahachie, Texas; Mark from Austin, Texas; Greg from Oklahoma; and finally, Jamie, from Cypress, Texas. Of course, daughter Julie, living close, comes by, too.
Our great-grandsons, Jaxon and Mason, asked if they could watch TV while we were getting lunch ready, and picky eaters as they are, mostly explored and examined Mimi's surroundings. A photograph album was brought into the kitchen to peruse and identify the photos of kin folks, most of which they didn't recognize. Almost-4-year-old Mason entertained himself by lying on the porch, enjoying the sun, and dropping things through the cracks of the plank floor.
The sunshine brought us to the porch, too, where we visited, and Howard and Bethany discussed biblical truths, preachers they liked, and the goodness of the Lord, while I listened appreciatively.
The kids brought me gifts of special hand creams, jewelry, thoughtful mementos, wall and kitchen decor, a special card with a 4 year old's drawing and a generous gift card for Cracker Barrel from our first born, Mark! Now if Cracker Barrel would open up, my happiness would be complete!
Driving in from church, we saw our granddaughter, Bethany, and kids visiting with family in the yard in the beautiful, glorious, sunshine. I hurried in to fix lunch, inviting Beth and kids to eat with us. It was so good to have family on Mother's Day! I had been getting presents and remembrances through the week, but being together in person makes the day special.
Soon, the phone calls came from our children living far away: Amy, from Georgia; Trevor from Waxahachie, Texas; Mark from Austin, Texas; Greg from Oklahoma; and finally, Jamie, from Cypress, Texas. Of course, daughter Julie, living close, comes by, too.
Our great-grandsons, Jaxon and Mason, asked if they could watch TV while we were getting lunch ready, and picky eaters as they are, mostly explored and examined Mimi's surroundings. A photograph album was brought into the kitchen to peruse and identify the photos of kin folks, most of which they didn't recognize. Almost-4-year-old Mason entertained himself by lying on the porch, enjoying the sun, and dropping things through the cracks of the plank floor.
The sunshine brought us to the porch, too, where we visited, and Howard and Bethany discussed biblical truths, preachers they liked, and the goodness of the Lord, while I listened appreciatively.
The kids brought me gifts of special hand creams, jewelry, thoughtful mementos, wall and kitchen decor, a special card with a 4 year old's drawing and a generous gift card for Cracker Barrel from our first born, Mark! Now if Cracker Barrel would open up, my happiness would be complete!
Saturday, May 9, 2020
A Day Out
Yesterday was a cold, rainy day, but that didn't stop our granddaughter Bethany's plan to take us for an outing. She bundled her boys, Jaxon, 7, and Mason 3, in the back seat beside me while Paw-Paw sat by the driver.
It was around noon by the time we left, so a drive-in lunch at Sonic was in order. We had been enjoying the ride to town on unaccustomed roads, but Bethany knew the twists and turns on every one of them. It was fun just relaxing and enjoying the scenery, everything in emerald green with new leaves blanketing the roadside.
After our orders of choice, burgers or corn dogs and plenty of onion rings and much conversation going on in the front seat as well as the back, our driver wheeled us down the road to get milk shakes, which were half-price by 2:00 o'clock. At some point, Howard needed coffee, so a stop at Dunkin' Donuts filled the bill.
I liked sitting by Jaxon, who pointed out sights along the road, keeping me busy looking out the window, while young Mason busied himself with a toy and singing loudly at times.
Bethany was taking us to a place we had never been, called Troy's. We didn't know what to expect, although we had heard it was a good place to buy meat and/or things you might not see in other stores.
Wow! We were blown away at the building! I'd thought it was an ordinary, unremarkable store, but it was huge! Gigantic even! A mountain-cabin looking structure with heavy beams and a spacious front porch where some sat at a big, round table eating lunch, while others from dozens of cars mingled or went inside.
Turns out it was an Amish-type store, the young cashiers wearing Amish-style bonnets and longish print dresses. They were pleasant and friendly and quite hospitable. We couldn't wait to explore the mammoth store, and wandered back to the meat market. The prices! This was not your ordinary supermarket!
We did find some of their specialty items and got a gallon of milk to take home. The interior was impressive with framed art work and decor with catchy sayings in artistic black print on white backgrounds.
Finally, the children were tired, and the rain was getting heavier and colder, so we ended our excursion, happy to get back in the warm house with warm thoughts of our hostess and her kindness. Thank you, Bethany!
It was around noon by the time we left, so a drive-in lunch at Sonic was in order. We had been enjoying the ride to town on unaccustomed roads, but Bethany knew the twists and turns on every one of them. It was fun just relaxing and enjoying the scenery, everything in emerald green with new leaves blanketing the roadside.
After our orders of choice, burgers or corn dogs and plenty of onion rings and much conversation going on in the front seat as well as the back, our driver wheeled us down the road to get milk shakes, which were half-price by 2:00 o'clock. At some point, Howard needed coffee, so a stop at Dunkin' Donuts filled the bill.
I liked sitting by Jaxon, who pointed out sights along the road, keeping me busy looking out the window, while young Mason busied himself with a toy and singing loudly at times.
Bethany was taking us to a place we had never been, called Troy's. We didn't know what to expect, although we had heard it was a good place to buy meat and/or things you might not see in other stores.
Wow! We were blown away at the building! I'd thought it was an ordinary, unremarkable store, but it was huge! Gigantic even! A mountain-cabin looking structure with heavy beams and a spacious front porch where some sat at a big, round table eating lunch, while others from dozens of cars mingled or went inside.
Turns out it was an Amish-type store, the young cashiers wearing Amish-style bonnets and longish print dresses. They were pleasant and friendly and quite hospitable. We couldn't wait to explore the mammoth store, and wandered back to the meat market. The prices! This was not your ordinary supermarket!
We did find some of their specialty items and got a gallon of milk to take home. The interior was impressive with framed art work and decor with catchy sayings in artistic black print on white backgrounds.
Finally, the children were tired, and the rain was getting heavier and colder, so we ended our excursion, happy to get back in the warm house with warm thoughts of our hostess and her kindness. Thank you, Bethany!
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Four Days Away:
Home again after our wonderful visit to see daughter Amy and family in Georgia! We had a great time seeing granddaughter Rachel and their little grandson, Kaden. What a busy, active little two-year-old! Later, we went to see our other granddaughter, Laura Corrin, and her husband, David, the newly-weds who live in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Everything was so enjoyable, from supper on the deck at Amy's when she made a festive spread on the table with candle light, to the tasty schis kabobs of steak, chicken and veggies. Everyone enjoyed a couple of them, but there were two left over, so Howard brought his total to four!
The weather was beautiful, and sitting on their wrap-around front porch, visiting, enjoying Kaden, and just relaxing was our main activity. The craziest thing happened when we arrived at their house late on Thursday evening! We were walking up the steps, Howard and I behind Amy, when suddenly we were falling! Howard lost his footing, and I was holding on to him, when instantly I hit the paved driveway at the foot of the walk!
I got a bump on my head and a scrape on my leg, but thankfully, a quick recovery. Howard was a different story. When we got into the house he kept asking how we had got there! He was disoriented for 15 minutes or so, as we kept explaining things. Soon he was his old self and had a restful night after our long trip.
Corrin had asked us to come to their house for lunch before we hit the road for our return trip. She made a delicious meal of salmon, brussel sprouts, a rice dish and luscious dessert of ice cream with all the toppings.
After lunch and conversation, David, who is a gifted pianist, filled the room with his amazing skill from the piano he had in childhood, recently re-located and returned to him. We had time for a tour of their campus where both had met, graduated and got engaged, followed by their gorgeous wedding last fall. A trip to remember!
Everything was so enjoyable, from supper on the deck at Amy's when she made a festive spread on the table with candle light, to the tasty schis kabobs of steak, chicken and veggies. Everyone enjoyed a couple of them, but there were two left over, so Howard brought his total to four!
The weather was beautiful, and sitting on their wrap-around front porch, visiting, enjoying Kaden, and just relaxing was our main activity. The craziest thing happened when we arrived at their house late on Thursday evening! We were walking up the steps, Howard and I behind Amy, when suddenly we were falling! Howard lost his footing, and I was holding on to him, when instantly I hit the paved driveway at the foot of the walk!
I got a bump on my head and a scrape on my leg, but thankfully, a quick recovery. Howard was a different story. When we got into the house he kept asking how we had got there! He was disoriented for 15 minutes or so, as we kept explaining things. Soon he was his old self and had a restful night after our long trip.
Corrin had asked us to come to their house for lunch before we hit the road for our return trip. She made a delicious meal of salmon, brussel sprouts, a rice dish and luscious dessert of ice cream with all the toppings.
After lunch and conversation, David, who is a gifted pianist, filled the room with his amazing skill from the piano he had in childhood, recently re-located and returned to him. We had time for a tour of their campus where both had met, graduated and got engaged, followed by their gorgeous wedding last fall. A trip to remember!
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