Happy Father's Day

Today is the day that we celebrate the men in our lives who are fathers.  I know it is hard for my father to believe that his only daughter is 60 years old, and as many other fathers, wonders where the time has gone.  I'm not sure either, but I know for these 60 years of my life on this earth my daddy has always been a part of my life.

My father is a humble man who I don't think has ever had a mean thought, at least that I know of.  He worked hard all his life and provided for his family honorably.  He cut a penny out of my tummy (not really but made it seem like he did); tried to teach me how to ride my bike despite my protestations; saved my life (again I'm sure I was not in as much trouble as I thought) when I was caught in a current in a creek where we were swimming; taught me how to drive; and gave his permission for Lance to marry me.

He has been a wonderful Poppa to Laura and Taylor to his great grandsons.

He has slowed down as his 84 years have caught up with him but still is as humble as ever.  HAPPY FATHERS DAY to my daddy.

Just Another Day in the Delta

My Aunt and Uncle from Denver are here visiting my mom and dad.  We have enjoyed having them here so much, and I will be sad when they go back home to much cooler weather; for that I don't blame them.

Left to right:   My Dad and Mom (married 62 yrs.)  and Virgina and Joe (married 52 yrs.)

My mom (80) and Virginia (72)

These pictures were made in Greenwood at the Alluvian Hotel.  We ate lunch at the Delta Bistro and then walked around downtown and had the Greenwood/Viking experience.  Then we took The Help tour around Grand Boulevard.  Just another day in the Delta.

Happy Anniversary

On Friday Lance and I will be married 38 years. I'm not sure how he has put up with me all this time, and I know I got the best end of the bargin. Happy Anniversary, Lance. Here's to 38 more!

Mont Helena Drama

Last Thursday evening Lance and I went to the play at Mont Helena in Rolling Fork.  If you are not familiar with the play, you should check out the information here . We traveled with the Planters Partners and had an enjoyable bus ride, along with a wonderful supper including mint juleps. During  intermission we again enjoyed food prepared as part of the play.  The friends of Mont Helena produce this event for five weeks during the Spring on Thursday through Saturday evenings.  They selflessly give of themselves during these five weeks, i.e. they do everything without pay.  The citizens of Rolling Fork have joined together to produce a wonderful event.

 View of Mont Helena from the bus as we arrive

 The front facade of Mont Helena

 Arriving on the front porch

 Mantle and chandelier in the front parlor area

 Staircase--The play took place here.

 Dining room table

 Dining room mantle

 Family memorabilia

 Portriate of Helen Johnstone Harris

If you look closely, you can see the ghost of Helena Johnstone Harris on the widow's walk.  I have a new camera and still have not figure out all the ins and outs of the settings, so this one is not the best to see the "ghost."

 Drew and Dianne McDowell; Mark and Elizabeth Atchley

 Drew, DK and Lance riding up to the house

DK and Drick Rogers--Mr. Rogers is the owner of Mont Helena.  It is through his efforts that Mont Helena is being restored.

It's That Time of Year

Well, we ate the first cucumbers,squash, potatoes, and green beans of the season! Lance is at it again; the garden is planted and growing! 250 tomato plants this year.

Cherry Tomatoes

Onions

Squash Blooms

 Zinnias and Sunflowers

 Green Beans

 Potatos

 More Tomatoes and Cucumbers

Blackberries

Pears

Figs 

Plums 

Watermelons or Cantaloupes--not sure

I think my farm manager is two-timing me! 

It's Up!

My cotton seeds have popped their little heads through the soil.  Looks like I may have to fill in some places, but over all I still say I am going to have a bumper crop.  I will have to check with my farm manager.

L & DK Farms

Last summer when I drove by the Blue Biscuit in Indinaola I would always check on the progress of Trish's cotton she had planted on the south side of the restaurant.  I cleaned out a flower bed and decided that I would plant cotton this summer.  So, L & DK Farms was born.  Lance is a great farm manager, and I predict I will have a bumper cotton crop this fall.

 Two rows tilled and ready for the seed

 The seed goes into the ground

My state-of-the-art pivot, aka a watering can

Premier fertilizer, aka fish guts

I plan on applying for my farm subsidy as soon as I talk with my nephew Walter so he can give me advice on how to get the most for my labor.