What a life! Turnip greens, turnips, sweet potatoes, and Scott apples. I pity the guys that have those sweet young things that think real food comes from the frozen food box in the deli. Of course, there is a cook or two in the family that thinks that Al Freddy stuff with bow tie pasta is the cat’s meow. Would a cat eat some of this stuff? I thought you wore bow ties to a black tie dinner. I haven’t been to one of those either.

Really this is a favorite time of the year. Cool, crisp air, election campaigning and all that. I love the social functions that go with the season. When the schools in each community were done away with, it took away from the close knit, cohesive, family feeling. Feels like a divorce. Those that have worked hard to maintain their traditions of community spirit are to be commended.

We attended the benefit for Don Street at the Howell Hill Community Center last month. Four hundred tickets had been sold for the chicken dinner plates. That isn’t counting the pies & cakes sold. So much hard work for a good cause.

We always look forward to the Mimosa Chicken supper on the first Saturday night of October. Not only is that a beautiful drive but being with and seeing old friends is great. I had been really sick with all the cold, congestion stuff but I was able to attend. I had really used all my remedy and nursing techniques so I could be recovered enough not miss to it. Over 750 tickets were sold.

As usual there was a wide array of friends from all parts of the county there. We saw several city slickers that we know and love, too. Some relatives showed up.

A young man from Columbia, Tenn. was just enthralled with the history and how well the building was maintained. He commented how well he had been treated as he was there to campaign for a State Senator. He said it is not like that at some events. He is well mannered and did not make a nuisance of himself. I love election time. Part of our freedom is to have honest dialogue and debate. Meet, greet, hear all sides. It is so petty and childish to take signs from yards and where legal. Doesn’t change anyone’s mind. Wouldn’t you hate for those kinds to serve on anyone’s jury? Could they be fair and balanced? Not all dictator types are in the Middle East.

I am still a cancer survivor and just so proud to be here. I believe we could go to Nashville blindfolded. Haven’t seen much scenery, just staying between the 18-wheelers. Last trip we visited Ernest Tubb’s record shop and listened to music on Broad. Good Lord willing, I am going to be ready for 2007.

Our oldest son Todd came Sept. 26 and went back to California on the second. He loved the 30-year class reunion.

Seems yesterday that the class of 1976 marched onto the football field waving those small American flags. Now he has some silver white threaded thru those waves and curls.

Yes, God has been good to let us watch our children grow. The aging should be just as interesting.

I have missed my writing.

God Bless

Maple Ferguson