April 3, 2017

 

The Donald Capps bunch gathered this past week-end to celebrate birthdays. They would not let Billie Jean (Baker) forget she turned 75 on March 31.  She is still being reminded about the historic milestone in her life.  (Three quarters of a century.) Donald had to be reminded that he is 4 years older and remains at 79 until next February 13.  Hayden Flynt, grandson, celebrated his 16th birthday.  Joe Jones, son-in-law, has a birthday on the 5th and they will not reveal his age.  There is always lots of fun and laughter going on when this bunch is together and of course, lots of work in the 4S orchard and around the 5 acres. Donald always appreciates their help.  It blesses the lives of the aged ones and helps keep up with all that needs attention. This family plans to gather again soon to celebrate more birthdays in April.

My friend and classmate, Betty Hendrick, sent me news about her recent trip with her friends who own the CD Tour Company in Longview. There were 23 in the group that traveled in the comfort of a 40 passenger bus and handled all the details of the trip, including the luggage. The trip was from March 27 through April Fool’s Day. Following is Betty’s email about the trip.   I have friends who are sisters that own the tour company and put together one of the best trips I have ever seen.  My neighbor asked me if all we did was eat—-I made a promise to use moderation at the restaurant choices and did well.  Two of the places off the beaten path were The Hungry Hill Billy and The Flying Cowboy (that last one was near a WW 2 Airfield and the good menu was typically ranch type food. Other places featured comfort food with which we could identify!    One of the favorite stops was the dinner/show cruise aboard the Georgia Queen.   Shrimp and grits was a feature on the buffet—mercy, those were good.  I think Hole in One in Lufkin has those on their menu.  The music was well done from the 50’s and 60’s—some of our group go line dancing regularly; they stole the show!

Pat Tuttle, a native of Savannah, was on our bus as the city guide.  What a great city, and a wonderful guide! Highlights were Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the historic district with those gorgeous homes and more trees than East Texas, especially live oaks. Did we visit Paula Deen’s restaurant? No…lines were too long and they don’t take reservations. A very interesting stop was Tybee Island with the beautiful lighthouse near the famed Crab Shack.  We also dined at The Pirate House, a one-time hangout for pirates when they came to Savannah. Yes, the bench is in Savannah where Forest Gump said “Life is like a box of chocolate; you never know what you will get!” The impressive cemetery from “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” made us wish we had time for a ghost walk!   Savannah has so much history from Revolutionary Days as well as Civil War times—stories abound about General Oglethorpe as well as William T. Sherman who liked the city so well he did not make his army set fire to it on his much hated march through Georgia.  Other fires and hurricanes have done their worst in typical ways, but this jewel of a city stands ready for tourists.  The people are very friendly—“Bless your heart!” came from their lips pretty often.  We had good weather and good health…arriving back in Longview and to Lufkin before the storm blew through.

          Dwaine Brown is officially retired from G-P but has no plans to travel except around the ranch, enjoy his horses and relax. Kevin Richardson was in town for a track meet and stopped in for pickled quail eggs and .22 mag shells. JoAnn Anderson sent Thomas to the store to purchase caladium bulbs. Did you see pictures of her Victorian “she shed” in The Journey that Thomas built for her? Thomas said she has now added a garden path. Jesse and Suzanne Bradford were in getting fishing licenses. Larry and Judy Poe stopped by on their way home from a good report in Houston. Patsy Rivers came in the store, remember when she worked at LaNita’s and later at Clark’s for 13 years?

          News is still coming in from winnings at the Houston Livestock show. Cooper Bendy from Chester won his class and Reserve in the Red Brahman 2-year-old bull division. Timber Wright took time off from her nursing studies to exhibit the Champion Beefmaster Heifer in the open show. Congratulations to both of you.

If you need fish to stock a pond mark your calendar for April 26th when the Fish Truck will be parked in front of Pouland’s between 12:15 and 1PM. don’t be late. He will have a variety of fish available on the truck but the 4-6” channel catfish will be $40 per hundred.

Are you ready to ride? The Angelina County Trail Ride will be April 22nd. Gather up your horse, tack, coggins and meet at 8:30 in Old Orchard Park in Diboll. Bring a sack lunch. The ride will end at the Expo Center in Lufkin. For more information, call Jim Hightower, 632-5313 or Kenneth Wilson 632-2016.

The Diboll High School Class of 1977 will be having their 40th Reunion April 22 at Behannon’s Warehouse in Lufkin.  They invite all of their classmates and any who would like to visit with them for this event.  The meal will be served about 5:30 and there will be someone there any time from 2pm until about 11pm.  Any wishing to join for the meal will need to RSVP to Charlotte Morris Carter at 936-675-1310.  The cost per meal is $20/each. It will be catered by the Red Tulip Bistro. The 1977 Classmates are chipping in on the building rental. Any teachers of this fun group are invited and their meal will be covered by their favorite group of students. The dress is casual!

The Diboll Lumberjack Band reminds you to eat at Whataburger near Walmart next Tuesday, April 11th between 5 and 8 PM. When you order please let them know you are there to support the band and 25% of the sales will be donated toward funds for the band’s trip to Disney World.

Coming up this Friday, April 7, is a scholarship fund raiser for the Burke Chapter of the Eastern Star. This group will be selling pulled pork sandwiches at the lodge in Burke until they sell out. You are welcome to eat there or carry it with you. They will deliver within a 15 mile radius with 5 orders or more. For more information call Suzanne Fitts 635-5474; Mary Wells 671-9557 or Sue Johnson 676-7467.

Come see us…’round the table.