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.

Thirty four years

Thirty-four years ago I was very busy trying to get all the last minute details organized for my wedding. When I look at these pictures and think about how hot it is - I have to wonder 'what was I thinking with long sleeves and high neck' - but that was more the style of that time. Plus, I always broke out in big red blotches on my neck when I got nervous so I was just 'covering up.' Why we chose August had more to do with schedules - ours and our friends - people just didn't travel for a quick wedding weekend like they do now.
Our actual anniversary is Friday, August 4th. Tommy South performed the ceremony and his wife, Linda and Neal Anderson sang for us. I remember we had "Sunrise, Sunset" for the parents to walk in and "One Hand, One Heart" when we lit the unity candle. Strangely enough I don't remember what I walked down the aisle to - just that it was a song I hated but Steve insisted on because it was traditional. I had three bridesmaids, 4 junior bridesmaids, and a flower girl & ring bearer. I remember when I was walking down the aisle the lace on my veil kept catching on the runner and I thought sure it was going to just get yanked off my head before we could get up front. Patty Wareham made my cake and we had a small reception at a small hall rather that the traditional cake & punch in the church basement. (We did, however, have a pot-luck rehearsal dinner in the church basement.) I asked the elders wives to serve the punch at the reception so there would be no questions as to what the ingredients might be. We spent our honeymoon night at the Viking (at Lindbergh & Watson) and spent maybe 2 days at Branson as our honeymoon trip. Actually, I think we stayed in Springfield because we couldn't find a room in Branson - didn't know anything about making reservations back then - and then drove to the Branson area. We decided to head home earlier than planned because we still had to move into our new house on Friar Tuck before we'd have to go back to work.
Weddings are a lot more complicated and EXPENSIVE now ( my dress & veil was less than $100) but we got the deed done. I had about $6000 in my bank account before we got married and we spent it all on the wedding (Daddy bought my dress but the rest was my responsibility) and on furniture for the bedroom, living room, and kitchen. Thirty four years makes a big difference in the price of things. Anyway, we may not be those same young kids (21 & 23) but we have a lot to be thankful for in all those years - Happy 34th Anniversary Steve!

Window fans and front porches

I know you are all probably tired of hearing about the storm but we finally have our electric back on so this is the first chance I've had to get on the computer. We did have about 12-15 hours of electric last night before it shut down again but we were only home about 30 minutes of that time.
Anyway - aside from the fact that it was hot and we lost all the food in the refrigerator - I was just thankful that we still had plumbing, no small children, pets or elderly sick ones to worry about, money to go out to eat with, plenty of gas in both our cars, and 2 kids who never lost power and 1 who only lost it one night. Thanks kids for the a/c days and nights!
But atually the heat just made me think about my childhood days. We didn't have a/c for a long time but at least we did have electricity - and the most wonderful window fan in the world. The only thing that would compare is an attic fan. Flipping the switch on the fan before bed was just part of the "going to bed" ritual. I'd lie there in my bed with the gentle breeze the fan pulled in fluttering my curtains, brushing my skin, and actually making the room chilly by morning sometimes. But the best part was the constant rhythm of the fan. Sometimes when I have trouble sleeping I try to pull that sound from my memories - it just lulled you to sleep so easily.
We spent two nights at Stevie's house in the city and that stirred up a lot of old memories too. With no electric, people were sitting out on their porches like we always did in our neighborhood and neighbors would walk by and stop to chat on the front steps. I use to love taking night time walks around the block or up to the ice cream stand. Sometimes daddy would bring home a watermelon and we'd sit out in the back yard and enjoy that. As kids, we played out in the front up and down the block until "the streetlights come on." That was every kids' signal it was time to go home. We didn't watch a lot of tv (of course there were a lot fewer choices to watch) but we visited relatives for a few hours or just sat on the porch and watched the world go by - not a bad way to spend an evening at all. What we didn't do back then was take very many pictures - so this me in front of the porch in my 8th grade graduation dress - I figure we could all use a good laugh after this past week - and
Jimmy, Nancy, Joe, and I on the front porch before we put the house up for sale.
I hope everyone is back up and running real soon - but if the electric is out and you think there's nothing to do - just use it as an excuse to relax and daydream - it'll be good for you.

Almost Family Reunion Time

Nancy tells me she got an email this week reminding us it's almost "McCoy Family Reunion" time down at Reelfoot Lake. The pictures are 1- Reelfoot Lake with what's left of the old dock in the state park. It use to go out further and there would be lots of people out there fishing. Daddy told me on one on his last trips down there that the fish in that lake were not edible anymore and the restaurants use farm fish now - but we use to eat those big ole' catfish! 2- this picture is also of the lake but you can see all those stump looking things - those are 'cypress knees' - at least that's what we call them. They look like tree stumps but they are really part of the existing trees - like the roots. These trees build themselves up so they can grow out in the lake. There use to be zillions of trees out over the whole lake but they have slowly died off. 3- a picture of one of those rare reunions that we got Steve to go to and some of the kids who were too young to have a choice. I guess Stevie is the only one who hasn't ever been. 4- this was the FIRST reunion but it wasn't at Reelfoot - it was at an uncle's farm - we had a fish fry - don't you know Steve was excited!!. 5- Jenny would listen to Aunt Nancy and I talk about all the fun we had on these trips so she decided she would come along by choice once - but it was only once. She was a good sport but once was all we ever talked her into. At least she got a t-shirt!
The reunions are a good time to share memories and hear stories about momma & daddy that we never knew. Saturday we have a lot of laughs, lots of catching up with families, and a good home cooked country meal. Sunday morning we worship with the family (who are all Baptist) - complete with a preacher (Uncle Jesse) and sometimes an organist, take some pictures, and then we go make ourselves sick on every imaginable fried food there is: fried fish, chicken, onion rings, french fries, hush puppies - add a little very salty country ham, beans, slaw, apples - makes your mouth water, doesn't it?

Jen's Birthday Party

I remembered to take some pictures last night at Jen's 30th Birthday Party so I thought I'd share a few. We went to 1111 Mississippi for dinner and then back to our house for some yummy 'free' ice cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery. We had a nice celebration but Nate wasn't able to join us because Samson had to have 'cat surgery' yesterday so he stayed home with the patient.

Happy Birthday to Jenny

Tomorrow- Monday, July10, 2006 is Jen's 30th Birthday! Seems like it was only a few years ago that we brought her home from the hospital so I don't know how she could be 30 already. But my first beautiful tiny baby has grown into a beautiful young woman. The day she was born I got side swiped on my way to my doctor's appointment. The doctor was sure my pains were a result of my anxiety and that I would not deliver for at least another week. But he was wrong and she came that evening. They told Steve to go eat dinner because I wouldn't deliver until morning - but they were wrong again and he almost missed the whole event. Jenny has always been on the stubborn side when anyone tries to tell her what to do - just kidding. Happy Birthday Jen - I love you!

Spencer's First Over-Nite

Spencer came to stay over nite with Nana & Popo last night. It was his first time away from Mommy & Daddy and he did great. We took him to Lion's Choice for dinner cause he likes "turkey, and bun, and fries, and milk" and sometimes he would remember to add "and ice cream". After Popo and Spencer watched a little ballgame (I think Popo was already asleep), Nana and Spencer read a few books and said our prayers. He was so good - he laid right down (as soon as Nana promised him she was sleeping right next to him) and in 10 minutes he was out. He's a restless sleeper just like his mommy was at his age but he slept until 7:30 am so Nana was happy. Spencer was the perfect over-nite guest and I'm glad he enjoyed it so he can come back again.

Family Get-together

It was good to see Joe & Sandi last week and that also meant we got to see Kelly, Joe, & Karli - we missed Rachel because she's a working girl now. We never see enough of this group and I know it's hard for them to get to St. Louis very often
(I guess we could all go to Colorado??)
But anyway - no one has changed much except the girls - they are really grown up! Joe & Sandi are still the same - lots of fun and silliness! Of course - silliness goes well in this family - and it's not genetic. That's Karl showing Sandi how we pose for pictures in St. Louis and Karli is showing us that she has learned some of her grandpa's tricks. Sandi & Nancy are the sweet innocents - yeah right! And don't let that sweet picture of Joe & Kelly fool you - they are just as silly and as much fun as the rest of them. One more thing - Monday is Kelly's birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLY!!!!!