Queen of Gospel

 

Friend Kay and I attended a book talk at ATU where Janis Kearney spoke about her life and her new book, Only on Sundays.  The book is about the life of the queen of gospel music!  Just finished the book and enjoyed learning about Mahalia! Janis’ life is an interesting one!  She was born in Varner, AR to a family of 18 children.

Volunteering

Sister Helen is a friend of the library.  She is spearheading a fund raiser for the children’s department.  She got some neat donations and is going to have a raffle.  
 

These jonquils are blooming along the side fence.   

Thursday

This is Sigrid and Lane.  Lane came to ATU from Colorado.  She isn’t staying. She’s had accidents in her car and she’s a long way from home.  She’s transferring next school term probably.  It’s a small world.  Her great grandfather and I were teachers at the same school.

My friend Mary sent me this blessing in the mail.  It’s wonderful.  Mary is my friend who is 94.  When I visited her Monday, she had me sit in her most comfortable chair.  It’s a glider and she could not recall that word.  Yesterday she called me as she remembered glider.  I can’t think of words often.  What will I be like when I’m 94!

Moon over Crow Mountain—it’s called the Snow Moon.  Picture with my old phone is not a good one.  Glad we’re having spring and not snowy weather.  The Snow Moon is named because of the typically heavy snowfall that occurs in February. On average, February is the United States’ snowiest month, according to National Weather Service. Lots of other names for this month’s Moon—Hunger Moon, Eagle Moon, Bear Moon, Raccoon Moon, Groundhog Moon, and Goose Moon. February’s full Moon is also a “Micromoon” this year. The opposite of a “Supermoon.”  This full Moon is at its farthest point from Earth (not the nearest point). In astronomical terms, this is called “apogee.”  February’s Micro full Moon is about 252,225 miles from Earth. The moon doesn’t orbit the earth in a perfect circle but it’s elliptical making some full moons farther away than others.

 

Mossy Rocks

Yesterday Phinnie and I walked to Pop’s pond!  Lots of moss covered boulders dot the landscape.

 

Maran Egg

Yesterday I got a Maran egg.  It’s the really dark brown one!  It’s too pretty to eat!  These pretty hens are Asti’s!

 

More of Treat

Laura made Mary a pretty pot holder.  It matches Mary’s yellow kitchen.  Mary heats with wood.  Her small house is two stories.

Mary has a small bathroom and bedroom down stairs now.  Her original bedroom was upstairs.  Her children worried about her going up and down the stairs so her sons enclosed a back porch and made a small bedroom and bathroom.  It’s walled with cedar.  No termites and it smells wonderful.

Treat Hollow Mary lives high on the mountain above Treat.

 

Treat, Arkansas

Old Humphrey house and barn 

Laura didn’t have school today—Presidents’ Day!  She said she’d take me to see my friend, Mary!  Off we went to Treat, AR!   Treat is at the top of the world near Piney Creek.  This time we didn’t get lost.  It was great to see Mary.  I’ve been lying about Mary’s age—saying she is 93.  Today I learned she’s already 94.  When I get to feeling old, I think about Mary and realize I’m really young! 

Treat, AR is a very old little village.  It had a post office from 1898 until 1952.  At one time homes dotted old hiway 7 and the road to Treat.  Now it’s mostly forest land.  Granny’s Uncle Joe Humphrey once lived where Mary does.  Joe Humphrey married Anna Waterman.  Their daughter Gladys Humphrey Yeager lived on the farm after her parents passed away!  Bill and Mary were the next owners.  Each piece of land has a history just like people!

 

Ethel’s Sourdough

This recipe is for me.  I asked Laura to share it with me and she sent these images.  This is Larry’s Mothers’s recipe and the bread was so delicious.  If I get brave, I’ll be able to locate the recipe with a search.

Another Painting Class

Laura and Astrid took another painting class.  This one was water color.  Astrid is painting an owl.  Water color is really hard to master.  Laura did not share what she painted.  

Eric cooked us a steak last night.  It was so good.  I saved half for today.  The grilled vegetables were good too.  Laura made that sour dough bread.  It was all heavenly.
 

Join a Gym

My little weight weighs 18 pounds.  I lift 2 or 3 times a week.  I try to walk daily at least 30 minutes and ride my bike during jeopardy for 20 minutes.  I still find myself weaker as each year slides by.

Astrid got a gym membership from Logan for Christmas.  She told him the one she wanted.  I lift weights, but it’s nothing like this workout!

 

17-3

The Harrison High School basketball coach feted Greta and her teammates with donuts to celebrate their successful season! 17-3! Track has started and Greta is a thrower—shot and discus! 

Carrying Gifts

Helen got new glasses in AZ.  I may pick some like them this year.  Maybe not quite as big of frame.  

Laura said this was Aunt Helen coming home.  She had her little car loaded.  Lots of gifts for everyone.

Yesterday, about 1:00, she headed to Coin, AR.  She arrived safely.  Greg helped her unload her car.

I’m glad Sister took I 40 rote and stayed with me.  She said this is likely her last drive to AZ.  It was difficult for her.  She will join the 70 club in August.  I know our other Sister will be glad to have her back next door.

Two of my gifts were fruit. Sweet, sweet oranges and lemons she picked by the road.  Also, flowersshe potted in clay pots.  One is an orchid.  Hope I can keep it alive.