DOGWOOD ACRES, 08/24/09

DOGWOOD ACRES, 08/24/09, ELANE CRUM

Hello friends. The little dog is definitely keeping us on our toes. Rick took her to visit Jeff and Janet Dalton and she came home with a new name, Little Fox. That same day they also went through the bank’s drive-thru and she got a doggy treat. I think Little Fox likes all the special treatment.

Besides riding in the pickup, she rides the 4-wheeler to assist Rick on his scouting adventures in the woods. Friday evening I got home just in time to go with them and we traveled wooded trails that most people would never identify nor could even follow. Eventually we got to an old road that went to the home place of Grandma Nettie’s ancestors.

Due to recent rains, there was water in the branch that would eventually run into Bull Creek. The rusty wire fence that marked property boundaries was barely hanging on to rotten old posts and dead trees. Most likely, I am one of the few who may see these old landmarks. It was a nice way to clear my mind of cobwebs that can accumulate in a day’s work.

It was growing dark when we got home and found Grandma Christie and Madison waiting for us. Madison had completed her first full week of riding the big yellow school bus to Taneyville School.

Colby came over Sunday night to borrow a bundt pan. He was baking an angel food cake for his anatomy class and said something about studying cells. I don’t get it, but any excuse for a cake always works!

Coming out of the supermarket last week, I saw Alice Wyman and had a good visit with her. She looks great and is preparing for the next round of meds recommended by her doctor.

White River Valley Historical Society’s “New Harmonies” Exhibit is off to a big start. I went in on Thursday afternoon to work my shift as a “Docent”. Although it would be much simpler to just say guide, here is what the dictionary has to say about the word that dates back to 1630-40 “ "a person who is a knowledgeable guide, esp. one who conducts visitors through a museum and delivers a commentary on the exhibitions”.

Bob Griffiths was the guest musician, singing many wonderful old classic tunes while I was there. I had a nice visit with Ida Harmon and also got acquainted with the other “Docent”, Dr. Tom Collins. I will be back on duty again this week, same time, same place; perhaps I will see some of you there.

After missing services at Sandy Church last Sunday, it was good to be back this week. Pastor Neal preached good sermons from the Book of John. Sunday Dinner at Bill and Mary Lou’s was almost all homemade or homegrown. There was fresh grape juice, fried zucchini patties, fried potatoes, sweet corn cut from the cob, sliced tomatoes, hot rolls and chocolate cake that was one to dream about. Bill fried fresh fish, Martin made ice cream and Neal sliced the yellow spotted heirloom watermelon that he and LeaAnn grew in their garden.

Ronnie Bilyeu emailed me a classic picture of VBS at New Haven Church. It was taken about 40 years ago and with 45 kids looked like they had a good VBS that year. Pastor Elmer Davis is in the picture, “little Elmer Davis” was holding the Bible and Donna Bilyeu Maples held the American flag. Several of my aunts, other relatives and old friends are in the picture, but I wish we had names for all of the kids. I have put the picture on myblog,www.dogwoodacresOnline.blogspot.com . Perhaps some of you out there can take a look and help identify the kids. I would really appreciate it! Bye for now.