Halloween Guessing Game

Halloween is coming soon! Can you guess which one is Jenny, Becky, or Stevie?

Past Neotez Retreat

This weekend is McKnight's Neotez family retreat. We decided to opt out this year but it sounded like they were going to have a good turnout. The first 3 pictures is from the first time we ever took the kids down to Neotez - also, the first time we meet a lot of McKnight people since we were attending Southside at the time. I think this weekend helped us make the decision to become a part of the McKnight family.
The other pictures are just some of my pictures from other family fall retreats or when I was working down there in the summer. We always had a good time and enjoyed the nature walks and beautiful colors up on Inspiration Point - almost wish I was there.

Jessie's Shower

Yesterday we got to shower Jessie & Stevie with wedding gifts. Janice D. very kindly opened her home and had it all festive with fall decor. First we had some very yummy food and then watched Jessie open her gifts. We had a good group turn out - about 25-30 - to wish Jessie & Stevie best wishes and they got a car load of very nice gifts. Beth ( Jessie's mom) and Sarah (her good friend and one of the bridesmaids) was also able to be there. We had a great time. Jessie is a real sweetie and we love her and are very happy to add her to our family. And we know her family loves Stevie too - (her mom told me so.) Just a few more weeks and they will be Mr. & Mrs.

ps - Stevie wouldn't hang around for the shower but he showed us his car packing skills after the shower as he worked every package into one car - I'm just going to assume they all made it there safely!

Pumpkin Patch

We haven't bought a REAL pumpkin in years - not since Stevie went off to college I guess. Although Steve & I didn't go all the way to the Pumpkin Patch - we decided to go up to the Farmer's Market this afternoon and pick up a few pumpkins for the yard. I won't bother trying to carve one for Halloween (my big fake one is perfect for me) - but buying the pumkins reminded me of all the years we took the kids out to the Pumpkin Patch and let them each pick out a pumpkin to carve. Of course the payoff was that they had to let me take dozens of pictures of them with their pumkins or playing on the old time fort & tepee that was set up there. Even though they would complain about all the posing I think they had fun. I think the one below has been our all time favorite:


Now it's neat to just sit back and look at the pictures that Jen & Karl take of Spencer at the Pumpkin Patch - I'm glad the tradition lives on! Happy Pumpkin Picking guys!

October

I love fall - especially October when there are chilly nights and the colors all start appearing in the foliage. I have tried for years to capture those colors but have finally decided it's not within my skills - and a picture is never as great as seeing it for real when the breeze is rustling the leaves and you can just smell that 'autumn' smell. Steve and I took a long walk in Whitecliff Park this morning and the leaves haven't changed much yet but it's obvious that autumn is in the air! Although Steve hates them (he is the 'yard' man) I even love all the leaves on the ground. He insists they have to be raked up at once but if it were up to me I'd just leave them for awhile - I think it makes the yard look warm and welcoming. I guess I'm just like a kid cause I still love to walk through them and hear them crunch - I wish it was still legal to burn them - that was a fragrence you never forget. Even if you can't find time for a stroll or just a drive - use the time on your way to work or errands to enjoy the scenery. It's lovely this time of year.
ps - Happy Belated Birthday Kelsey Taylor and Happy Birthday coming up to James Stone, Greg Haupt, and Shawn Stone.

Reelfoot Lake

We had our McCoy Family Reunion down at Reelfoot Lake last weekend. Nancy & I were the representatives for the James McCoy clan. It was a small gathering this year due to a couple of sick folks but we're hoping for a bigger turnout next year. And of course, we had a good time anyway. The first picture is Nancy in front of the Ridgely Historic Museum. When we first get to the lake we always do a little tour of Ridgely & Tiptonville to see what still exists from our family's history. The house Joe was born in has been torn down and one of the houses Nancy lived in has burned down. Our grandparents house (Cloud side) is still standing -but just barely - as are a few other relatives' houses and a few of the other houses my parents lived in. The house that daddy & grandpa Cloud built is still looking pretty good although Nancy thinks the yard has shrunk. On our tour we always try to get into this museum - but it's always locked and closed. Nancy is sure they have some artifacts about her in there - like when she was in the Strawberry Festival Parade - I'll have to see if I can find that picture.
The second picture is Nancy on the deck of a 'banquet room' at our motel. This is a 'fisherman/hunter" world so the lodging accomadations are not top notch but they were clean and we even had a phone & tv. The banquet room is where we have our Saturday nite potluck dinner and usually our Sunday morning Baptist worship service. This year Uncle Jessie (preacher) had a revival so he couldn't stay for Sunday and Uncle Hartsel (song leader) is taking chemo and was not well enough for the trip. Our cousin, Elaine, had her keyboard with her but she was also expected at her own congregation Sunday morning as organist.
The last picture is over at the park - Reelfoot Lake has always held a certain fascination for me - I think it's really neat how the cypress trees grow up right out in the middle of the lake. The lake was formed by the 1811-1812 earthquakes when the Mississippi reversed and filled the chasm formed. They say the lake is very shallow - 18 feet at the deepest but averages about 5-6 feet. The old forest that was covered made a natural fish hatchery - therefore - a fisherman's paradise. But I just think the lake is picturesque even though a lot of the trees are starting to die off. By the way, there was an earthquake while we were there but we didn't even feel it. Oh look - I found the picture - can your pick out Nancy?

Happy Birthday Little Brother

September 11, 1956 was the day my little brother, James David McCoy, was born and knocked me out of 'the baby' spot. So do the math - guess who is 50!
We have always teased Jimmy about being momma & daddy's favorite - it's for very good reasons - but you would have had to been there. For example, I can remember locking myself in the bathroom because he was kicking me in the shins with his boon dockers (heavy boot shoes) - and who got in trouble??? -ME - I was told to leave HIM alone.
When he got old enough to help, we use to have fun shoveling the walks and then playing on the icy street - but that was before he knew to be embarrassed to be with his big sister. I remember when I was old enough to drive him places he'd always duck down if he saw any of his friends.
The best part is he's turned into a very excellent brother and I think he's great. He's fun to be with even though his job as a fireman has given him a weird sense of humor at times. And he's been real good about taking Stevie fishing and boating since Steve isn't much into that kind of stuff. There are times Stevie reminds me a lot of Jimmy - and it's not just the bald head.
I haven't gotten to see him much lately because of jobs, kids, and he switched to Mid-County - but I get that occassional goofy email and I'm hoping they'll come back to McKnight soon. Jimmy, I love you very much and I hope you have a FANTASTIC Birthday!!!

Daddy

James David Alason McCoy was born on September 8, 1915 in Hornbeak, Tennessee to Mary Clara Opal (Story) & Willie W. McCoy. He was the second of 12 children, the oldest son. He had 7 sisters and 4 brothers: Winnie, Thelma, Horace, RD, Rrean, Ray, Rachel, Grace, Martin, Betty, & Bobbie. He graduated from Ridgely High School in May 1933 and married Mama on December 31, 1937. When Nancy was almost 5 and Joe was barely a month old he was inducted into the army on April 8, 1944. He was trained as a rifleman and sent overseas on September 27, 1944 where he spent most of his time in Italy where he was involved in the battles of North Appennines and Po Valley. He received an honorable Discharge as a Private First Class in Comapny B 337th Infantry Regiment of the 85th Division in December 1945. Decorations and citations included: European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. Since his birthday is this week I'm posting some of my memories of him.

• When I was a child he would never go to church with us but he drove us there every Sunday and would come pick us up after. After I was married he started attending with Mom and not only was baptized but was a deacon before he died.

• He was a very dedicated hard worker. He was never off on Saturday and his 'day off' was usually spent working around the house. He is the one who taught me that no matter how menial your job is, there's no excuse for not doing your best work.

• Although he sounded kinda gruff sometimes- he was really a tender heart. I'm sure I made him angry at some point but I don't ever remember him discipling me. I'm told he swatted me once for running out in the street and it broke my heart. When I had my first car accident I was so upset that I just kept crying. When daddy showed up and assessed the situation he asked me if I was hurt and I assured him I was not. He said, "then quit the crying". It sounds harsh but you have to know daddy. I stopped and felt so much better cause I knew he wasn't mad and he would take care of everything.
  

• Although at the time he wasn't a Christian, he followed Christian principles. When the snow was deep he made sure the old german couple down the street had groceries and that we kids treated them with respect. He also taught us that shoveling snow included the walks for both the widows on either side of us. He was always very honest and a good neighbor.
  

• Although he was never a violent man, I'll never forget the time he picked me up from work downtown and 2 troublemakers started following me and making nasty remarks. I had my head down because I was embarrassed when I heard them curse and run off. I looked up to see daddy running towards them with a crowbar waving above his head.
  

• We always teased him about our trips, like the time we couldn't stop in New Orleans on our way to the beach because he couldn't find a parking place. He liked to get up early (like 3am) and toss us in the back seat so he could get a head start before the traffic.

• I remember him teaching me to drive a clutch in Tower Grove Park. That was fun- ha!
  

• He taught me how to swim by taking me to the end of a pier and throwing me in the lake - of course Joe was waiting in the water just in case.
  

• Daddy was never much on showing affection which is probably why I so clearly remember the one time he kissed me before Steve & I left for our honeymoon.

• I remember how he liked to play with the kids - he especially liked to tease them by taking out his false teeth.

• I remember when he wasn't able to drive himself to the doctor anymore he always insisted we stop at Wendy's for lunch on the way home. His other favorite place to eat was Happy Joes.

• He took me fishing and let me tag along down at Reelfoot Lake.

• He made sure I knew enough basics about car mechanics that I wouldn't be stranded helpless somewhere.

• Daddy wasn't a gabby person but it wasn't unusual for him to start up a conversation with anyone he came across.
  

• Daddy sometimes liked to stir up trouble but even when he was being cantankerous he did it with a twinkle in his eye. I remember him giving nurses in the hospital grief about something and then winking at me. Of course they knew he was just a tease.

• Daddy taught us independence and responsibility. I knew I would be expected to pay for anything other than food and housing once I hit 16 - including college and my wedding. But I also knew he had complete confidence in me that I would be fine.

I remember daddy listening to the Cardinal games and watching HeeHaw - going to bed by 9 or 10 but getting up at 4 or 5am- eating oatmeal, fried eggs and bacon every morning for breakfast ( until the doctor forbade him) - drinking black coffee and the strong black coffee he would make - and smoking Camels for years until after a sudden visit to the hospital when he just stopped cold turkey. I'm sure there's more - but what are some of your memories?

September 2

Tomorrow is Jen & Karl's 6th Wedding Anniversary. They look so young here - but they really haven't changed much since then - except they have Spencer now and therefore a little less sleep. Spencer gets to hang out with Nana & Popo tomorrow night so they can go out and celebrate. We will also have Charlee (Stevie & Jessie's dog) and we get to check on Becky & Nate's cats (Jonah & Samson) and their fish. Spencer is a little afraid of the cats but he likes to feed the fish. On September 2, 2000 I never would have guessed this is what my September 2, 2006 would be like! Happy Anniversary Karl & Jenny - you're a beautiful couple and wonderful parents and I love you.

I Miss REAL Letters

I've never been much of a telephone chatter person. I use the phone for making appointments or for a short conversation with someone that lives nearby and I'm more likely to see a little more often- like Stevie who refuses to answer emails.
I know that email is a good way to keep in touch and I do use it often. When I have some quick question late at night (at my age I'm always afraid I may forget it by morning), or I don't really have much to say but just want to 'touch base' with someone. It's great when you would have to make multiple phone calls for the same message to a group or you just want to hear from someone as often as possible - like your kids. Becky was great at emailing almost everyday while she was in Nashville, Jen wasn't too bad - she usually answered about every fifth or sixth one of mine. Getting an email from Stevie was almost too good to be true. I think I've gotten maybe half a dozen emails from him ever - maybe it's a guy thing. He was always good about calling though.
But I really miss walking out to the mailbox and getting a good old fashioned letter from someone you haven't heard from in months. The closest we ever get to that anymore is from a friend of Steve's -Bill Walker - who very kindly includes me in his greetings. We usually get postcards from him - from all over the world. And I love that kind of mail and really miss it. When I was a kid we use to have penpals or I had a friend who moved away that would write for awhile. I can remember when I was at OCC the highest point in the day was checking the mailbox. Mama wrote me at least once a week and my brother Joe would write now and then. For years after high school I would often get letters from old friends or some of the new ones I had made in Oklahoma. After I was married I still had several friends and one big brother that would write now and then. I was looking through some old pictues and stuff from my younger years and I found a few letters I had kept - if I had known they were going to be a thing of the past I probably would have kept a lot more of them! Now I know what you're going to say - I should write letters to some old friends so they will write me back - I've tried that. I've either been ignored completely or they email me - which isn't bad but I really would like to find a letter in my mailbox sometimes! Well, I don't know what I think whining to those who read my blog will do - but I'm curious - do you guys get real mail or is it truly a thing of the past?
Maybe I should write a bunch of letters and see if I can start a new fad.

Flotkens Market

Steve has been on a health kick lately which includes a lot of walking. He's been very diligent about taking a walk everyday. It's still too hot & humid out there for me so I do the treadmill - I probably wouldn't be able to keep up with his long legs anyway.
Anyway, the last few times we've needed a few items from the grocery store he's been walking up to the Farmer's Market up on Watson and it brought back memories of walking down to Flotkens Market where Daddy worked when we were kids. I remember when we were too young to go on our own we would walk down there with Mama. She had it timed so she could do her shopping during the last hour of his shift so he could drive us and all the groceries home (mama didn't drive).
While she did the shopping I (and probably Jimmy) would follow daddy around as he worked in the produce. I loved going back to the huge refrigerator and watching him sort out any bad produce before he'd come out and restock the bins. I can remember a lot of the customers stopping to chat with him and ask for his help picking out produce. He really spoiled us - he always brought home the best fruit & veggies. Sometimes he would charmingly tease one of his regulars - usually an older lady who loved the attention- and after they were out of earshot he'd tell us he did that cause they were such old crabs. If he was really busy and we were underfoot he'd send us over to visit the bakery where the ladies would give us a free sugar donut and we'd visit there until mama was ready to check out.
The store was one of those little friendly family owned stores and the owners treated us like family. When I was a bit older I would sometimes go down there just to stop and chat with daddy. Mr. Flotkens helped me set up a stand in his store to sell my product from Junior Achievment and he came to my wedding - I still have their wedding gift.
At some point they moved the store out to Olivette. The Flotkens were Jewish and they could cater more to that clientel out there. I do remember daddy complaining that they all took off for the Jewish holidays and the Christiam holidays. Jimmy worked for them there (that was how he avoided Miss Hullings) so he probably has a more mature memory of the store and family. But walking down on 'grocery shopping day' was always a treat to me - as was walking to the library, Famous-Barr, Hampton Village or taking the bus to Cherokee street. I guess if gas gets too high we may have to start having those types of adventures again.

Weekend Theme

I just finished reading a good book, "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls. It was a memoir of her life starting when she was 3. Jeannette was one of four children raised by seemingly intelligent but unresponsible, lazy, and selfish parents. She knew what it was like to have food on the table one day and to dig in the trash for food for weeks. She did a really good job of not dwelling on some of the misery she went through - she gave you enough to get the idea without making you feel real depressed and she gave you reason to cheer now and then. It was a quick read and well written - but about hard times.
This morning Steve & I went down to Kimmswick to check out the shops and (of course) to eat lunch at the Blue Owl. Kimmswick looks like it has really fallen on hard times. A lot of shops were closed, some were vacant, and the ones that were open had very little business. Blue Owl was doing a good business though. We didn't indulge in any of their famous pies but they sure looked good.
This afternoon we went to see a movie that has been out for months, Prairie Home Companion. It was a cute movie - but again it was about old days and the closing down of a radio show - hard times.
Tonight I watched a Miami CSI repeat - and wouldn't you know it was about IRS agents getting killed for turning people out into the street - more hard times.
Are you seeing the theme of my weekend so far? I'm not sure if I want to go watch the news! But really, I'd recommend the book, the movie, and CSI is always good even if it is a repeat - however, I'd only go to Kimmswick if you want to eat at the Blue Owl - the rest of the town is rather sad. I already know tomorrow will be more cheerful - worship with family & friends is always good times. Hope your weekend has been full of very good times!

Stevie's birthday party

We celebrated Stevie's 25th birthday last night by going to Sam's Steakhouse where Stevie got a HUGE steak (see Becky's blog) and then to the old homestead where we had cheesecake or brownies. I think he had a good birthday - next thing on his list is a wedding.

Stevie's Birthday is coming up!

Thursday, August 17 is the birthday of my baby boy – Stevie. He’s going to be 25 years old! At this post he has not yet decided how we are going to celebrate his birthday. As these pics show, he always went with the ‘superhero’ or ‘sports’ theme as a kid – but since he’s a mature adult now (sorta) he thinks more in terms of a good steak. Stevie has always been good to his momma and he gives the best hugs! HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVIE – I LOVE YOU!

Super Sleuth

Tonight is our anniversary and we were just going to go see a good movie and out to eat. However, there are not any movies out that I cared anything about seeing. So my next idea was just to go out to a nice dinner to someplace we haven't been before. I've always wanted to go to the Lemp Mansion and so Steve was going to call to make reservations - I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Turns out we were at one of those "murder mystery audience participation dinners". Somehow I got lucky and didn't get picked on (which would have been really bad because my bio said I loved to sing) but Steve had to perform- but I think he liked it. I was Helen Rump and he was Roswell somebody. Out of all of us who guessed the right perpetrator - Steve got the trophy - hurrah!!

It was an interesting evening. The 2 actors were fun - of course it was all corny but we had a good time. The food wasn't bad - but not excellent either. An appetizer plate had an ok selection. (One strawberry, one melon bite, one chicken strip, one cabbage roll, one tostito, and 2 cubes of cheese.) The salads had that Mayfair dressing with the anchovies - yuck! But the chicken was good with cheesey potatoes, a glass of wine, one roll and one pat of butter -and they gave you a generous slice of cheesecake for dessert. The other entree choices were prime rib or tilapia.

The house itself is pretty interesting - it's suppose to be haunted but we didn't see any ghosts - we did see a wedding party though (I wouldn't recommend a reception there - you're in about 6 different rooms)
A very different type of anniversary dinner for me but it was fun and now I can say I've been to Lemp Mansion. Maybe I'll go back for lunch someday - without the mystery theater.