Greetings once again!
As you all know it is still hot weather. We have gotten a few showers of rain which helps out a bit. As usual, I've been picking up limbs and cutting grass. By the way, I've been to school. We do have some new students and new teachers. My first day to sub was Wednesday, August 15th for Mrs. Grace Magee. I also was there three other days. It was great getting to see everyone.
Hard Times For Our Area
This time 21 years ago, we were out of electricity for weeks. Surely you all remember that devastating time when Hurricane Katrina visited us and left her mark. Houses and barns were damaged, trees were uprooted, twisted off and debris was everywhere. Friends came to help my boys, Ken and Bryan clear the roads so traffic could pass.
One thing I'll never forget is that we were out of electricity for weeks. Being late August, it was still hot weather. I was thankful to have rural water and a gas stove. We could have a bath and food to eat. Everyday I cooked peas, corn and corn bread trying to eat the frozen foods before spoiling. Very little ice was available. Word came that we could get one bag of ice per family. It helped to keep our food.
We sat outside with candles helping to keep the mosquitoes away. It was like a picnic at my house. Since I had water, several came for a cold shower and ate with us. Now I have an electrical stove and cannot cook anything without electricity.
I remember when a truck load of ice came to Clifton Baptist Church and we could get what we needed. That was the first day we had good ole iced tea and cold water to drink.
Other states came to extend a helping hand, bringing bottled water, canned foods, baby supplies, cleaning supplies and etc. We got needed items from First Baptist Church of Franklinton. Someone from Rutter Rex brought a trailer load to our church, Mt. Pisgah, for our church family and community. We got it late in the evening. Charlie and Chris Burch came that night to help me unload and display on tables in the church fellowship hall. I was at the church the next few days to assist with the needs. I was really thankful to have Charlie and Chris help me. There was no way I could have unloaded the trailer myself.
Even if you had money, you couldn't buy things because they were not available in the stores. Gas supply was limited.
I pray we never have another Katrina or any of her kin visit us again. It was a long time before things were back to half normal for us. Some places never looked the same.
During this time, church pews were full and people came together, helping each other. Through times like this we are strengthened with "His" mighty love. Let's give thanks for what we have. It can be taken away quickly.
Happy September Birthday to the following special ones: My great granddaughter Emily Watkins, my great grandson Emmett Watkins, my niece Alex Ingram, my nephew Nik Ingram, my great nephews Johnny "Hank" Herring and Jessie Nathanael Nickel, my great granddaughter Keely Athey, cousin Eric Ingram, cousin Erica Ingram, Cherie Smith, Asia Dillon, Jessica Spears, Judy Hughes, Fred Scott, Wyatt Stringfield, Micah Breau, Frank Hazen, Richy Spears, Allisyn Taylor, Bobby Burris, Isabella Miller, Kimber Brumfield, Makennah Brumfield, Justin Guy, Billy Knight, Jean Pate and Sierra Stafford Martin.
Take care and try to keep cool. I'll visit with you next week - Same Time, Same Station. Keep Smiling, Prayerfully Nell
