The Last Class

Today I went to Eighth Grade Promotion--they don't call it graduation in the Bolivar District. I decided I wanted to go because this Class of 2013 is my last group of Second Graders. I can't believe that it's been six years since I left the classroom.

It's not always easy for me to identify former students because I have them early in their school years and as they grow older they change. But I did recognize most of the class today. They were such an awesome group of kids! We, or at least I did, had a lot of fun together. There was a group of four girls that I nicknamed my "Sweetie Pies" because they were so good. I really had names for all of them, not just these four! I still chuckle at one little boy who, when rearranging groups, wanted to be in with the Sweetie Pies--and they wanted him in their group! It was a perfect group of students to close out my career.

I was only able to make contact with a couple of them today. After the ceremony I met one of the Sweetie Pies with her family. She was so excited to see that I had come and before I left them, there were tears in our eyes. Then I saw another student at lunch. We had a nice visit also. I chuckled when he said that I wasn't as tall as I used to be! But I am still taller than he is!

As each name was called today so many memories came flooding back. It seems as if it were only yesterday when we were all a 'family' in room 8 at the primary school. But it wasn't just the ones that were in my home room, memories of reading class also filled my mind. My reading class was all well above grade level, reading anywhere between 6th and 12th grade levels. It was a challenge to keep them challenged. I didn't really need to teach reading, so with the blessing of the administration, I focused a lot on writing skills. We finished the year with each child publishing their own book.

I am very proud of this group of students. I am honored that I had the privilege of being their teacher. You can bet that I will be there in four years when they graduate from high school.

The Outhouse

We didn't get indoor plumbing until the summer before I was a senior in high school. So going to the bathroom in less than ideal situations is nothing new for me. Yesterday was one of those days. I didn't think about not having a place to stop to use the restroom. My two cups of coffee, glass of water and bottle of Coke finally caught up with me while at the cemetery in Dunnegan. Thank goodness there was an outhouse! It wasn't in bad shape, just some spiders and webs and not too many of those. And since I don't have a sense of smell, that wouldn't have bothered me either. I really didn't care! I think I probably would have just squatted behind some trees if the door had been locked. I was that desperate! I will remember next year to make sure and take a pit stop somewhere along the way.

I sent some research off to China today. We received a query at the gen. library from a diplomat in China who was helping a cousin do some research and found our website. He wanted some obits and some copies from one of our collections on the archives floor. Last year we had researchers from England. We are definitely noted around the world!

I also had a conversation with a loyal supporter from California. He has donated several books on Polk County families and also donated all his research papers he used in compiling the books. He just finished a book and today we got his papers. He called because he couldn't find a folder that contained names and money and thought maybe he had inadvertently mailed it to us. It wasn't there. He emailed us later and told us he did find it. I sure know how he feels. I seem to be losing, or is it misplacing, more and more things all the time. Senior moments are becoming senior minutes!

Memories

Today was a day for memories. As you know, I am really in to genealogy these days and collecting pictures of the tombstones of my ancestors is an ongoing project. I decided that I was going to take flowers to the grave sites of each of my grandparents, great grandparents and great-great grandparents. I went to four cemeteries today to do just that. I was really looking forward to it and it was just a wonderful day.

I started at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery south of Aldrich. Buried here are many of my Mann and Stiles ancestors. My great grandparents Willis and Ethel Mann are here. I remember Granny Mann quite well. She was a diminutive white haired lady who lived in a house on the corner of some street in Fair Play. I was 11 years old when she died. I was only 2 when Willis died so I don't remember him. Also buried here and just a couple of rows away are Ethel's parents Oliver Perry and Mary Ellen Stiles. I never met either one of these but I've read lots of stories about them. O. P. was a Justice of the Peace and I have been able to find some of the cases he heard. There are quite a few other relatives buried here including my Granddad's brothers Orval and Elva and his sisters Gracie and Dorothy. I remember all of them well.

Next I went to Lindley Prairie at Bear Creek where my grandparents Harry and Mary Mann are buried. I can't say enough about these two people. What fun it was to listen to Granddad tell his stories about hunting, fishing and trapping. He was one awesome guy. And Granny was such a good cook. She always had a plate of cookies on the table when we visited, usually molasses or banana cookies. Boy were they good. Granddad was a blacksmith, first in Fair Play and then in Caplinger Mills. Granny was his helpmate. Also buried here is Granny's grandmother, my great-great grandmother, Hannah Cowan. Again, there are many other relatives in this cemetery, including my Mom's brother and her brother-in-law. I discovered another Campbell in this cemetery today. Don't know how I missed it before--it's my Granny's uncle. After leaving this cemetery I stopped by my aunt's house and visited for a while. I surprised her! I wasn't sure that I would stop so I didn't want to tell her I was coming. We had a nice visit and she identified some pictures I had with me.

I then drove on to Caplinger Mills where my grandparents were living when Granddad died. I hadn't been there for probably 25 years. It really hadn't changed much except that several of the buildings were in bad disrepair. I took pictures of the blacksmith shop, or what was left of it anyway. It was so much smaller than I remembered it being! While I was taking the pictures an elderly gentleman came up to talk to me. He told me all about the building, who built it, what kind of businesses had been in it. When I asked his name I was shocked to hear who he was, Fred Mitchell. He and his wife were friends of my grandparents! I never dreamed that I would meet someone there who knew them. I have cards that they sent to my grandmother! What a joy it was to talk with him! I then went to the bridge to look at Sac River. I remember walking from my grandparents house many times to walk across the bridge and watch the water go over the dam. I never played in the water because I was scared of it! The house that my grandparents lived in burned down a couple of years ago, according to Fred. I was disappointed in hearing that. I had been thinking about making this trip for quite a while. Now I wish I had done it sooner.

My next stop was the Dunnegan Cemetery. Many of my Campbell ancestors are buried here including my great grandparents, George W. and Flora, and great-great grandparents, Matthew G. and Sarah. Also here are some of Granny's sisters and brothers as well as a couple of her uncles. In fact, there is just a whole bunch of Campbells all buried in a row. There's even a marker for a little black boy that must have belonged to one of the Campbell families. Yes, my ancestors did own slaves. All of these cemeteries were beautiful as people had been decorating the grave sites in preparation of the holiday.

I then drove back toward Bolivar and stopped at the cemetery in Rondo. This was my first visit to this cemetery as a genealogist so I was excited to be here. My dad grew up in this area and there are several of my Morris relatives buried here. Also laid to rest in this cemetery is one of the Mann brothers and his wife. My grandfather, Marion Matthews, died when my dad was only 2 so we know very little about him. Some of my cousins bought a stone for his grave. Buried right next to him is my great grandfather, Felix Henry, who was Marion's father-in-law. Felix was a Civil War veteran and must have been quite a fellow. He was 30 years older than my great grandmother. They were married for 22 years. When she applied for his Civil War pension she found out that he had not divorced the wife before her! She could not receive the pension.

My final stop of the day was back at my Mom and Dad's grave site. This story wouldn't be complete without a picture of their graves, too. I have wonderful memories of many of the people I visited today, either by actually spending time with them, hearing stories about them, or reading about them. I am proud of my heritage!

I left Bolivar this morning about 10:30 and got back home at 4. It was such a fun day for me! And I will definitely do this again!

Home Again

Charles made it back home a little after 4 this afternoon. I am glad he's back! It's not that I didn't enjoy my time at home but I really didn't like spending the night alone. An evening of him being gone is one thing---4 days and 3 nights is another. When we first got married he was working in Oklahoma and was gone for up to 2 weeks at a time, but that was different, too. I'm used to him being here. I'm used to hearing his C-PAP running. It was too quiet in the bedroom!

I had kind of expected him home earlier in the day and when his sister called saying she couldn't get him on the phone I began to worry. I tried his phone, too, and got no answer--worry a little bit more. So I called Valary to check on when he left, and I didn't get her either. I figured, though, that she was at work and so I left a message. She called back almost immediately and while we were talking Charles called her to let her know he was almost home. I tend to worry too much. But we are both feeling the effects of aging and both have some health problems and I just not ready for something to happen. He is really tired and has several bruises from leaning over the tub they were installing. But at least he is home safe and sound. He had to turn around immediately and get ready for a lodge meeting tonight. I hope he sleeps well.

I didn't do anything special while he was gone. Read a lot and got to watch TV from the comfort of my chair rather than in the back bedroom. We don't like to watch the same programs! I had thought about going shopping in Springfield, or getting up early and eating breakfast out, or heading over to Fair Play for the weekly sale. But I didn't do any of that. I went to a wedding on Saturday, Church on Sunday, and the library on Monday. Today I bought flowers and took them out to the cemetery for my parents. I bought enough to take to my grandparents and will do that Thursday afternoon. I have retired teachers meeting Thursday morning. I've never decorated any other graves but my parents, but I thought it would be nice to do other family members. I just have to decide how many I want to actually do.

a wedding and home alone

I can't believe it's been a week since I posted anything. I have been pretty busy but also haven't felt all that good. I'm having my dizzy spells when I get up in the morning and when I go to bed at night. It's just like last time so I expect this will pass. The doctor said it was a virus in my inner ear and I will just have to let it work itself out. Sure makes me not want to go to bed at night or get up in the mornings, even though the spells last less than 10 seconds.

I went to a wedding this afternoon. It was nice. Two of our young people at church got married. Kathryn's son, Mark, was the best man. I worry because the couple are awfully young (18), but I know they love the Lord and their marriage is grounded in their faith.

Charles is in Kansas City with Valary. They are working on installing a new bathtub in her renter's bathroom. I knew if I went I would just be sitting around while they worked and I would be in their way. The sacrifice's I make! When Charles left this morning I told him I wish I had decided to go with him, but I get to go up by myself sometime in the future and leave him home. I'm looking forward to that mother-daughter time. So I am home alone for a couple of days. It is too quiet already! I enjoy my home alone times but it's been a long time since I've spent the whole night alone! Guess I'll have to sleep with the cat!

A Day in the Sun

Yesterday was the first ever "Art in the Alley" day sponsored by the Bolivar Downtown Association. What a wonderful event! It was so much fun--and all I did was sit at the end of an alley. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It began with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club. At 6:30 they sure tasted good. Now, I don't usually even get out of bed before 7:30 so you can see I made a sacrifice for this day! By 7 I was situated at the alley and waiting for artists to check in their art work. It would be hung on some fencing brought in for the event. Due to the horrific storms on Friday and the cloudy skies we were concerned as to whether or not people would bring their work. But come they did. We only had 2 pre-registered artists who didn't come. I ran home and pick up three of my paintings to display even though I hadn't registered. (It pays to know those in charge!)

By noon the sun was out and there were many people walking through exhibits in two alleys. I was watching the adult work on the east side of the square and the west alley had children's work and activities. There were booths set up at the end of the east alley as well as musical entertainment on the 'back porch'. Artists were featured in various businesses as well as in the Court House. A loft walk was also held. Everyone had nothing but good things to say about the event. I had so much fun talking with the artists as well as those who came to see the art work. I got to see so many people I knew and hadn't seen for a long time.

I didn't think about getting a sunburn, especially at 7:30 when I needed a blanket to wrap up in because the wind was cold. But sunburn I got and I am quite red on the arms and neck, but I think it was worth it because I enjoyed myself so much. So I will suffer for a couple of days--and next year remember the sunscreen!

I don't think of myself as a very good artist and really hadn't planned to display any of my work but there were some empty spaces so I did. A sweet lady who came to the event asked me if any of the work displayed was for sale. We had allowed people to put a price on them if they wanted to but this lady really wanted one of my pieces! But because I see so many faults in them, and I have no idea how to price one, I wouldn't sell. She left disappointed and I felt honored that someone thought it was worthy of purchasing.

I haven't painted in years but I really want to begin again after this event. So maybe I'll get my brushes out, buy some new paints and try again. My only problem is--do I have the time?

Water

What a morning! We had almost 3 inches of rain this morning between 8 and 10. It rained hard and it blew hard. Thank goodness we didn't have any damage. Can't say that about some of the neighbors. One had a big tree down, just barely missing their house. Trees were down all over the area. For the first time that I can remember in the almost 20 years we have lived here on the hill, our driveway flooded. There have been times when water might have covered the drive but nothing like this morning.

There are little pieces of leaves plastered all over the west side of the house, but there were only a couple of small branches in the yard. Water was blown under our dining room door and the garage had quite a bit of water. All in all, we were very lucky again.

When I left for town, I got as far as what we call Mile Branch and couldn't go any farther. The branch was flowing over the road and a car had been floated off the road. There was a fire truck and police there. Stupid people were still driving up to where the water was. I stopped at the top of the hill, turned around and found another way in. If I had been 30 minutes earlier I imagine the route I took would have had places under water.

There was no power anywhere in town. We all just sat at the library and visited until we all decided to just go back home. By that time Mile Branch had receded and I didn't have any problems getting home. A very interesting morning to say the least. Now the sun is out and it is a beautiful afternoon. What crazy weather!

Fire!

There's nothing like opening the oven door and seeing fire! I was baking some biscuits for supper and when I opened the door to check on them smoke billowed out and a fire was burning in the bottom of the oven. Scary is all I can say! I hollered to Charles and he came in and threw baking soda on it. We had to open doors and windows to allow the smoke to clear. Now I have a huge mess to clean up. There had been some spill in the oven for several days but I didn't think it would be a problem. I should have run the 'clean oven' cycle but the last time I did that, I had to have my oven repaired and the repairman said it would be better not to use that feature. So I had let the oven get dirty. I've got to get some oven cleaner and a scrub brush but I have learned my lesson. It will be clean! I even have an oven liner that I just hadn't gotten around to using. It will be in the oven the next time I use it! This will not happen again.

I cleaned out my closet the other day. Every piece of clothing that I haven't worn in the last year was taken off the hanger and will be donated to the clothes closet where I volunteer. I have four large garbage bags of clothes and one of shoes! My closet looks much better. Charles informed me that I was not to replace the clothes I took down. I don't think that will be an issue for a while. I get a couple of catalogues all the time and order from them once in a while but he doesn't have to worry. I don't need any new clothes. I have plenty still hanging in the closet! Now shoes might be another story! The closet looks good and will look even better tomorrow when I take those bags to the center.

Company

We don't invite people over very often. In fact, hardly ever at all. I am ashamed to say it's because I am afraid I will be embarrassed by my lack of housekeeping skills. While the house is not dirty, it is cluttered with piles of things here and piles of things there. Usually the kitchen counter is covered with dirty dishes, empty milk jugs, and soda cans/bottles. If we do invite someone over, I clean for a week before they get here and am still afraid I forgot to clean away all the cobwebs and dust. But tonight my brother Keith, and his friend Connie, came for supper. They live in Kansas City and had come down to put flowers on Mom and Dad's graves as well as go through the house to get see what was left of our parents' things. I knew for two weeks that they would be down today. To be perfectly honest, I was feeling very uneasy about this visit. I hadn't seen Keith for over a year and I really didn't know how things would go. I wasn't sure how I would feel about having him for supper. He had never been to our house--we've been in the house for almost 10 years. I've come to realize that the past is the past. We can't change what has already happened. And family is important. Praise God that He has helped me see this more clearly. We had a good visit tonight. I fixed a big meal that was enjoyed by all, and I am very glad that I invited them for supper. I fixed "Granny's Meatballs", a dish that our Granny made a lot. There is no real recipe--it's just some of this and some of that, but it's a dish that has passed from generation to generation. We all really like this dish. We also had corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, salad, hot rolls and dewberry cobbler. I think my other brother, Glenn, will be down in a couple of weeks. I'll have to get him to stay for supper, too!