Sheb Wooley - Purple People Eater - No. 1 in 1958

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9H_cI_WCnE

Do you remember the words to this? Remember singing this silly song?

A Big Welcome to Jimmy Lewis

We have another new member!!! Everyone welcome Jimmy Lewis. He quietly came upon the scene and posted his autobiography a couple of days ago. Suddenly he had joined us. What a delight to have the Vice President of our class here. Let's give him a different kind of a hug.

A Big Welcome to Peggy Edwards

We have a new member!!! Everyone welcome Peggy Edwards and give her a big bear blog hug. Peggy persevered, struggled and never gave up. She has made it across the finish line and joins the ranks of those who dared and won.

Links to Gustav Hurricane News

TO ALL IN THE DANGER AREAS

STAY SAFE - EVACUATE - GO NORTH

BE PREPARED TO BE AWAY FROM HOME TWO WEEKS OR MORE
(REMEMBER KATRINA)

Bob Breck of Fox News 8 New Orleans: http://bobbreck.blogspot.com/

Link to Gustav Hurricane News on wunderground.com
Link to Gustav Hurricane News on AccuWeather.com
Link to Gustav Hurricane News on crownweather.com

* * * * * * * * * *

6:30 Sunday night. Lynne Johnson Grimes and Sam and Ouida Landreth Tomlinson and Tom are not evacuating. We are staying in Diamondhead. We pray that all classmates in Louisiana have gone north and are safe. If anyone has news about anyone, click comment below and let us know.

From the Graduation Scrapbook

Jimmy Lewis - Autobiography

Since the last time I saw most of you I have retired from my practice of OB-Gyn. This occured just over a year ago. I am enjoying doing the things that I now want to do at my own pace. My wife, Laura, and I have been married for eleven great years and we spend a lot of time in Orange Beach, AL where we have a second home. I have nine grandchildren and number ten is due in September.

Two years ago I had tragedy in my life when my oldest son, Jim, was killed in an airplane crash. My three living children are all successful and have been a great comfort to me.

I plan on coming to the reunion and will take a part in the entertainment with the band. Denman Powers has done a great job in getting the band together and I believe everyone will enjoy the entertainment.

See you at the reunion!!

Jimmy and Laura

From the Yearbook

Message from Beth

I received an e-mail from Beth a few minutes ago. She is working very hard to get the Reunion Book ready. It does have to be printed and she is still waiting on some people to send their bios to her. She is doing a job that not many would. The following is part of her message:

We are going to have quite a few people with just their name in the book. All I can do I guess is to use their last address we had, and maybe put what they had in the last booklet (if they had anything at all). If they haven't sent their bios to me I need them a.s.a.p. I at least need them by Sept 1st. (that's 5 days.)

Short and Simple is Great

Dear Classmates:

This is written especially to those who have not posted. Do not be held back from posting because of a misconception that posts have to be long, beautiful essays that one has labored over for hours or days. Nor do they have to dazzle and wow, shock and awe, as some say. They could be a few lines. In fact, most blogging advisers say short is better because people like to read a blog post quickly and move on.

Joe Burnett - Autobiography

During the 50 years since graduation, I learned how to be and then was a chemical engineer. I earned my BS in chemical engineering at Miss. State in 1962 and my PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Texas in 1966. My working career began with Monsanto in Pensacola, FL in 1966. I was employed by Monsanto for 27 years and worked in Pensacola, FL; Decatur, AL; and St. Louis, MO. The last 8 years of my working career was with Huntsman, a privately held chemical company. With Huntsman, we were located in St. Louis and Austin, TX. I retired in October, 2001. Jane and I currently live in the St. Louis area where we can be close to our children and grandchildren. We have been blessed to have two fine children, Mary Beth and Bob, and five fine grandchildren.

Southside School Reunion

This information was sent to us by Ronnie Adams:

Southside School Reunion

Southside School was a Meridian school located in Southside that was in operation from 1888-1966. Former classmates are trying to hold a reunion for all students and family of students who attended the school at anytime.

If you attended Southside School or had family who did, you are invited to attend. The Southside School Reunion is to be held at St. Patrick's Family Life Center, Saturday, October 11, 2008.

For more information contact: Dolores Thomas at 601-644-3763 or Jimmy Gossett at 601-485-4751.

A Franciscan Celebration by Ouida

A slideshow of the canonical establishment of my Franciscan fraternity on August 23, 2008. Great music, especially "Down by the Riverside," by St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, MS. This choir often performs at the New Orleans Jazz Fest and other events. The Mass at their church is truly a celebration in this mostly black church.

Click links. #links

Or go here: http://littlescribe.blogspot.com/

Password Trouble?

Just a quick note to those who may be having problems with their password. The password is case sensitive. If you registered using all lower case, it will not recognize the same letters in upper case. I just tried using my password in all caps and it was not recognized. Please try again.

Eyewitness Account of Confrontation-KKK and Freedom Riders

During the early spring of 1961 I rode the bus to Birmingham to visit Ella Kappes. She was working in the city and I was attending MS State College for Women (now MSU for Women). Sunday afternoon, after a delight weekend, Ella took me to the Greyhound Bus Depot to return to the "W."
The station was eerily empty with only thuggish men carrying paper bags. They paced, watched the activities on the street, walked around the building several times and finally gathered in the station when the ticket clerk announced the bus would soon arrive. We both thought it was my bus so we too stood to say our final good-byes. The bus circled the block to enter from the back where boarding and unloading occurred. There were large, aluminum, swinging doors at the base of a slight decline that opened to an incline to the outer bus stalls. We were at the top of the incline when the doors swung open and the passengers that disembarked from the bus entered the station. At that moment the thugs pulled lead pipes from the paper bags they were carrying and began to beat the passengers, all of whom were people of color. You can imagine the chaos that ensued with people screaming, crying for help and thugs cursing the passengers. Ella and I turned to the ticket clerk pleading for him to do something and his only comment was, "Miss, just go outside the front and get on your bus in the back." The bus headed for Columbus had arrived and ready for boarding.
My trip back to college was one spent in extreme pain, pain for the people who had endured the kind of violence I had never seen and certainly didn't understand. The crying, both audible and in my heart, would not stop and for days I couldn't concentrate on anything other than this horrific display of cruelty between men. Each day for the next 3 weeks I searched the "Birmingham News" for some report of the event with nothing forthcoming. Finally, on a back page of the paper, there was a small paragraph about "a confrontation between local men challenging the black bus riders who demanded using the facilities of the bus station. On the outskirts of the city the bus riders were again pelted with rocks that damaged the windshields of the bus."
For the next 25 years I often thought of that confrontation. Until a chance meeting with one of the bus riders, there had been no closure or understanding of the horror that we experienced in the bus station. One of the riders, actually the youngest one on board, as you had to be 17, was now married to a faculty member at Webster University. As adjunct faculty at the university I was invited to the President's annual Christmas party where light conversation with a gentleman turned to more indepth discussions about our backgrounds. It was one of those providential encounters that to this day leaves me breathless. He filled in the gaps of the Birmingham experience.
The Freedom Riders were on their famous trip from Montgomery, AL to Washington, D.C. to demand equal opportunities when they stopped to refill and take care of personal needs. Their stop had been exposed and the Ku Klux Klan were there waiting. After the highway assault their bus limped into D.C. in need of extensive repairs. He told me they didn't dare stop again; they had escaped death once but feared another encounter would be deadly.
We lived through an historic time, not really understanding the conflicting forces that were stirring in the hearts and lives of us all. I'm amazed that the part we played in that progress is only now being appreciated. The demands we made to have the musicians out of Memphis and New Orleans be an integral part of our lives surely impacted what was to come in our society.

Chick Steak

Millie wanted to share this information and asked me to post it. This recipe is as closely guarded as the Coca Cola formula hidden away in the vault at Sun Trust Bank. Kudos to Millie for keeping the secret.

My dad, Lamar Majors, helped to create the Chick Steak, along with Glen Phelps. Dad and Mr. Phelps spent many hours perfecting the sandwich. Dad managed the Triangle Restaurant for Mr. Phelps and later opened his restaurants, Ludie's and the Lamp Post. My parents didn't feel it would be fair to share the recipe with anyone. Anne's recipe sounds as if it would be great; however; it's missing an ingredient that Dad and Mr. Phelps used. Dad and mother had a sandwich called the Doublegood that was very much like the Chicksteak. They also made those wonderful Dutch Apple Pies. We had a pie kitchen that was separate from our regular kitchen in our home. Dad would make apple pies and lemon pies every day. He had a commercial apple slicer and it was nothing for him to make 18 pies or so in an afternoon.

Mother said dad taught her to cook. Once she had "tried" to cook turnip greens using a new pressure cooker. Dad came in and mother told him dinner was almost ready. She told him to look up at the ceiling and part of his dinner was on the ceiling. She was a fast learner and I don't think that disaster happened any more. She ended up being a fantastic cook. It was always a race with the two of them to see who could outdo the other one.

TRIANGLE CHICK STEAK

How many of you savored the chick steak sandwich at Triangle Cafe' in Meridian's heart, next to the bus station? Anne Stallworth McKeown, noted food editor for the "Magnolia Gazette," sends this famous recipe for us to prepare, bringing back those great memories of date destinations after the movies. Enjoy!

Triangle Café Chik Steak

½ pound good quality ground beef
2 tablespoons water
* salt and pepper to taste
1 egg
¼ cup milk
¼ cup self-rising flour
* peanut oil for frying

Mix beef, salt, pepper, and water and form into 4 patties. Beat well one egg and ¼ cup milk. Dip patties in milk, then in flour, then dip in milk mixture again. Fry in really hot oil, deep enough to cover patties. Serve with lettuce and tomato on bun that has been buttered and browned on the grill. Serves 4.

DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT . . .

DO NOT CREATE YOUR OWN BLOG when attempting to sign into our blog or to sign up for our the blog. This is the most frequent error for newcomers. It is not fatal. Simply come back to your invitation letter or our blog, and start over.

"When I click sign in," one class member says, "it takes me to something asking me to create my own blog. I can't seem to get back on the MHS blog."

Everytime you go to the blog and click sign in at the top right corner, you will come to this page. Ignore part about creating your own blog. Look to right, towards top. It says: "Sign in to use Blogger with your Google Account." Sign in with your user name (e-mail address) and password. This will take you to the Dashboard. Click view blog or create post.

A Big Welcome to Nancy Collier Ranager

We have a new member!!! Everyone welcome Nancy Collier Ranager and give her a big bear blog hug. Nancy persevered and made it across the finish line with her great post. She joins the ranks of those who dared and won. It is of these that the poets sing their songs:

"Come, my friends,

'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.

Push off, and sitting well in order smite

The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds

To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths

Of all the western stars, until I die. . . .

Though much is taken, much abides; and though

We are not now that strength which in old days

Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are -

One equal temper of heroic hearts,

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."

From Ulysses by Tennyson

MAGICAL FAIRY RING

If You See a Fairy Ring

If you see a fairy ring
In a field of grass,
Very lightly step around,
Tip-Toe as you pass,
Last night Fairies frolicked there
And they’re sleeping somewhere near.
If you see a tiny fairy
Lying fast asleep]
Shut your eyes
And run away,
Do not stay to peek!
Do not tell
Or you’ll break a fairy spell.

(Author unknown)

I just had to share this sight from my front lawn with you. Does anyone know if they're edible? Comment below; click on the word "Comment."

I think I've figured this out!!

And if I can...anyone can!! This has been a wonderful diversion for me this miserable summer at my house; so you mustn't let it die!!

I have some trivia questions....

1.What kind of car did Coach Owens drive?
2. Who was Miss Meridian from our class?
3. Who was our valedictorian?
4. What were the great sandwiches called at the Triangle?
5.Where could you get a black lemonade?
6. Where did the carhops skate to the cars?
7. What were the girlie parties called when most of the guests arrived in pjs.
8.Who were the award winners from our class?
Marks Rothenberg Science Award?
Jas.H.Skewes Trophy?
Ben F. Cameron Award?
Alex Loeb Trophy?
Pilot Club Award?
Phi Kappa Award?
Maude Smith English Award?

A Few Posting Points

These instructions concern what to do when in the window to compose a post.

1. Insert a title, but under the title, where it says "link," leave that blank.

2. If you want to save your post as a draft (but not publish), click the blue button at the bottom which says "save now." At this point, if you are finished, then click "view blog" near the top to exit.

3. If you want to publish your post to the blog, click the orange "publish post" at the bottom.

4. If you want to edit after your post is posted, click the pencil after the post. If the pencil is not there, go to the top of the blog and click "new post." Then click "edit posts" at the top left. You will find your post here. Follow directions on the screen.

5. A post is very similar to an e-mail. It is easy.

6. You cannot hurt anything. Nothing is fatal. You, Jinny or Ouida can always delete or edit your posts.

7. If you have questions, please leave in a coment after this post.

The 50th - My Opinion

Some of our classmates were gone by the 40th, never to attend a reunion again. Some of the Haves are now Have-Nots: wearing a pacemaker...can't golf like I used to...doctor said it was too much steak and booze...he died in a car accident...sure miss some of the ones that are gone now.

Then comes the summer of the 50th reunion. A bittersweet time in our lives, perhaps the last time we'll all be together again. It may be the last reunion, the last time we'll see our high school friends, the last time we'll dance to the music of Buddy Holly. It may be the first time that it doesn't matter to anyone who has what or who never had it to begin with.

The joy of having material things loses ground as the years evaporate like a silent ghost in the night, leaving changes that far overshadow what we "have." If we live long enough to attend a 50-year reunion, it's truly a gift that we can still travel across the country or the world to see classmates and friends from another lifetime.

It was with those once tender young hearts that we learned one of the most valued lessons in life: Friends, and the memories of what once was, are the priceless possessions. There isn't a price tag. We wouldn't trade it for anything. It's the one thing we all have.

You may not remember me, but I remember you, perhaps only because I'm looking at a familiar teenaged face on a name tag. And it's good to see you. I don't care how you lived your life. I care only that you're here and that you seem happy. I don't care that we are fat or thin or rich or poor.

I care only about the years that are gone and the friendships we once had. I care about a time long ago, a time that we can no longer reach out and touch. It took nearly a lifetime for us to understand the real value of yesterday.

Perhaps now we will better cherish the promise of tomorrow.

While these are my thoughts, this was written with the assistance of an anonymous author whose opinion is similiar to mine. I cannot take credit for every word.

You're missed!

OUIDA - YOU'RE SORELY MISSED! WE CAN't FUNCTION WITHOUT YOU!
COME BACK SOON. OUR HEART CRIES FOR YOU, DIES FOR YOU. PLEASE COME BACK TO US. THINGS HAVE COME TO A SCREECHING HALT SINCE YOU'VE BEEN AWAY.

Happy Birthday, Jinny, From Patsy

I remember being at Jinny's and walking up to Cooper's and eating watermelon by the slice. I remember Jinny's Mother in the kitchen with all the shelves and cabinets since she was feeding so many children. Good memories. Happy Birthday, Friend. Looking forward to seeing you in Oct.

Patsy

Guess Who?

Mary Ruth Cullum Jones

Decatur MS 39327

I married James Haggard in 1958, had a daughter Teresa Haggard in 1959, went to work in 1970 for Bell South, retired in 1995. Married Gary Cullum in 1992 and moved to Decatur MS in 1994. I keep busy with volunteer work, member of Chamber of Commerce, Decatur Progressive Woman’s Club, and Relay for Life. Loved to travel until my husband died in 2004. Still love to go when I can. I love to travel, camp, estate sales, working with stain glass when I have time and read.

Patsy Craven Carlisle - Autobiography

Meridian MS 39301

Nothing has changed. I am older, bleached blonde, and blondes don’t have any more fun. I am still with the same husband, Robert D. (Delma) Carlisle. We went through breast cancer three years ago with lots of complications. I am better now. I have one great grandchild. We still have two young grandchildren and they are a blessing. Wish we could see all of you. Have fun.

Ralph E. Abraham - Autobiography

I have lived in Hattiesburg since 1975 where I am practicing general and thoracic surgery. Mary and I have been married 40 years as of August 17th, 2008. We have two children, Ralph Jr, who is married and has three children and lives in Hattiesburg; and Jennifer who lives in Los Angeles.

Lady Walker Pfeifer - Autobiography

We are looking forward to seeing everyone. We are still living in Pineville, LA, retired and enjoying our family. We became great grandparents last year. It doesn’t get any better than this - God is so good! Thanks for all the hard work.

Al Trussell - Autobiography

LaVerne CA 91750

I have three daughters and 11 grandchildren. I have lived in China for the past 10 years where I taught economics and international business at a Chinese University. I am also Vice President of Educational Services Exchange with China, Director of the International Business Institute and Professor of Economics and Business at Tianjin Foreign Studies University.

In September 2005 I moved to Chiang Mai Thailand, where I plan to retire at the end of 2008. I still manage the education program in China from Thailand, but life is much better and easier in Thailand than in China. I travel to China for about two months each year and to the USA for about two months each year. Chiang Mai is in northern Thailand in a very beautiful area. I enjoy riding my motorcycle through the mountains and valleys of northern Thailand.

Hope to see many of you at the 50th reunion in 2008.

Unforgettable

Martha & Harry Hopkins and family

The Dog With The Hat

The Granddog of David James

(He was left on cutting room floor during video production.)

What A Wonderful World

David James & Family

Sweet Memories - Class of 1958

Revised August Video With New Music and A Few More Photos

Go here: SWEET MEMORIES - CLASS OF 1958 VIDEO

or use this: http://www.concordiaministries.net/meridianhighwildcats58page4

Unique Canes

Thought I would show you what my husband

Ed does in his spare time. He makes hand

carved diamond willow canes. He also makes

his own handles. Am adding a few pictures

so you can see how pretty they are. They are

very unique and there are no two alike. Here

is my web site if you would like to go in and

look at it.

http://webnow.com/canes

or if that link does not work try

http://www.nebsnow.com/canes

We have had this website on the internet for a

little over 10 years.

Making the canes is Ed's hobby and it has paid off.

Carolyn Falcon coming to you from North Dakota.

email: develin@myway.com

Bobby Joe Toland - Autobiography

New Port Richey, FL

Diane and I still reside in Florida. She is still working (administrator at assisted living facility), and I am still retired. I play golf (ha-ha) and fish when the weather permits. We travel a good bit and see the kids - Bob Jr., Nicole, and Kris, in Atlanta often. Also see the grandkids when we can catch them. The grandson is in second year college, and two granddaughters graduate from high school this year and start college in the fall. Our little granddaughter 6 yrs old just started school. I look forward to seeing everyone in October.

William T. (Bill) Tatum - Autobiography

Still working as Medical Director at Blue Cross in Atlanta, where we’ve been for 19 years. Plan to work, health permitting, at least another year. Lyn and I celebrated our 40th this year at Hilton Head, the same place we went on our honeymoon. I have 4 children, Amanda 46, Barry 44, David 38, and Steven 33; 5 grandchildren ranging in age from 22 to 2; and two great grandchildren, Nathan and Gavin Lopez. No great retirement plans. Hope we can be there. If we are able to come, I will not be playing golf

Carolyn Tanner Kozman - Autobiography

Meridian, MS

Things have not changed very much for my husband and I in the last 10 years since the 40th reunion. Did not go to the 45th class reunion (sorry to say). Looking forward to the 50th reunion. My daughter, Jo Carol Livingston, will be attending with me. We are planning a great time. Thanks for everything.

Clyde Searcy - Autobiography

I retired from private engineering practice in 1995 and have become a bum. I still play golf about three times a week and paint, travel and goof off.

My wife, Nellie, and I have three sons and 13 grandchildren scattered all over; one in Italy in Air Force, one in Abiline TX at Abiline Christian College, eight in Kansas City, Kansas, two in Atlanta and one in Nashville.

Am looking forward to the reunion and seeing/visiting with classmates.

God's Minute

1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a

At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter. Then the LORD said to him,“Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by.” A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire—but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.

Bless the Lord, my soul,

and bless God's holy name.

Bless the Lord, my soul,

who leads me into life.

Taize
(click)

James R. (Jimmy) Satterfield - Autobiography

Conroe TX

Hello to all ‘58 classmates and am looking forward to attending the big 50 reunion. Special thanks to the reunion committee for all your hard work in organizing what am sure is going to be an exciting event.

My wife, Natasha, and I have a home in Huntsville, Texas while continuing to work internationally on financial sector assignments. At the last reunion we were working and living in the Republic of Georgia (Joseph Stalin’s birthplace). We finished work there in 2004 and went to Bulgaria where we lived and worked until mid 2006 when I went to Baghdad, Iraq to work while Natasha went to our home in Texas. In January 2007 we returned to Sofia, Bulgaria till July. I then went to work in Juba, South Sudan in the fall of 2007 and completed that assignment in March of this year.

We are thinking about slowing down a bit and spending more time with family - my five children and their families which include 16 grandchildren and one great grandchild all of which live in Texas. Hopefully, golf will become my major job while also continuing to work on short term international assignments and as time permits to be campground host volunteers in National or State parks in the USA.

Gay Love Rawlings Elliott - Autobiography

David and I have been married for 49 years and have four children and eight grandchildren. We started out in Meridian when David worked for Meyer and Rosenbaum. He entered the priesthood, and ever since then we have lived throughout the South from Mississippi to Tennessee. He retired in August 2007, and we are enjoying our years and lives together. Our main focus now is visiting grandchildren and having them visit us. We enjoy all of us getting together at the beach at least once a year.

Aradasa Purvis Johnson - Autobiography

Mountain Home AR

After my husband of 45 yrs, Sidney, retired at Alpharatta GA in 2002, we relocated to Mountain Home AR. We have been active in the local Gem & Mineral Club. I have made many wire wrap pendants and gem trees from colorful natural rocks. We were the club’s and MWFS’s “2006 Rock Hounds of the Year.” We host the meetings of Micromount group from the club. We enjoy rock hunting field trips to IL, MO, FL, TN, KY and AR (Arkansas Quartz, Dolomite, etc. mines). We enjoy the quiet lifestyle of the Ozark Mountains and live two miles outside of the town. We also like fishing, wood crafts (I asked for and got a wood turning lathe for Christmas a few years ago). We do lots of gardening. I ’can’ much of our vegetables and fruit (5 apple trees, plus peach, pear, cherry, plum, pecan & walnut trees), and also take a large quantity of the garden produce to the Senior Citizens’ Center.

We have two children, a daughter and son. Our daughter and husband and three grandchildren live in Illinois, our son and wife live in California.

Denman Powers - Autobiography

Gulfport MS

After high school I played in a band (Flares) and didn’t attend college until 1960. I went one year to MJC and the next two years at Orlando College in Orlando FL. I did work at the Meridian Star as an ad layout man/sales for about two years, and then moved to Jackson where I worked as an Engineer’s Aide. This is my second marriage (new wife Connie), to whom I’ve been married for 35 years. I have four children and three grandchildren. After Orlando College I spent the next 25 years with a company based out of Houston, TX where I was a Board ops/coordinator. At age of 62 (2002) I retired to Gulfport MS where we bought an acre of land, which is covered with trees, and put a small house right in the middle. I spend my time now with hobbies such as astronomy, motorcycle adventures, recording in a small studio I have in my house, and play the sax on spot gigs in the many casinos we have on the coast. And, currently, I hope to live happily ever after.

My South

Shhhhhhhh, don't tell anyone from the north about this!!

This was written by Robert St. John, executive chef and owner of the Purple Parrot Cafe, Crescent City Grill and Mahogany Bar of Hattiesburg , MS . (Chef, Author, Restaurateur & World-Class Eater)

Thirty years ago I visited my first cousin in Virginia . While hanging out with his friend, the discussion turned to popular movies of the day. When I offered my two-cents on the authenticity and social relevance of the movie Billy Jack, one of the boys asked, in all seriousness; 'Do you guys have movie theaters down there?' To which I replied, 'Yep. We wear shoes too.'

Just three years ago, my wife and I were attending a food and wine seminar in Aspen , Colo. We were seated with two couples from Las Vegas . One of the Glitter Gulch gals was amused and downright rude when I described our restaurant as a fine-dining restaurant. ' Mississippi doesn't have fine-dining restaurants!' she insisted and nudged her companion. I fought back the strong desire to mention that she lived in the land that invented the 99-cent breakfast buffet.

I wanted badly to defend my state, my region, and my restaurant with a 15-minute soliloquy and public relations rant that would surely change her mind. It was at that precise moment that I was hit with a blinding jolt of enlightenment, and in a moment of complete and absolute clarity it dawned on me -- my South is the best-kept secret in the country. Why would I try to win this woman over? She might move down here.

This is my South: My South is full of honest, hardworking people.
My South is the birthplace of blues and jazz, and rock n' roll. It has banjo pickers and fiddle players, but it also has BB King, Muddy Waters, the Allman Brothers, Emmylou Harris and Elvis.

My South is hot. My South smells of newly mowed grass. My South was kick the can, creek swimming, cane-pole fishing and bird hunting.

In my South, football is king, and the Southeastern Conference is the kingdom.
My South is home to the most beautiful women on the planet.

In my South, soul food and country cooking are the same thing. My South is full of fig preserves, cornbread, butter beans, fried chicken, grits and catfish.

In my South, our transistor radios introduced us to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones at the same time they were introduced to the rest of the country.

In my South, grandmothers cook a big lunch every Sunday, so big that we call it dinner (supper comes later).

In my South, family matters, deeply. My South is boiled shrimp, blackberry cobbler, peach ice cream, banana pudding and oatmeal cream pies. In my South people put peanuts in bottles of Coca-Cola and hot sauce on almost everything.

In my South the tea is iced and almost as sweet as the women.
My South has air-conditioning.

My South is camellias, azaleas, wisteria and hydrangeas.

In my South, the only person that has to sit on the back of the bus is the last person that got on the bus.

In my South, people still say 'Yes, ma'am,' 'No ma'am,' 'Please' and 'Thank you.'

In my South, we all wear shoes....most of the time.

My South is the best-kept secret in the country. Please continue to keep the secret....it keeps the idiots away!

Thanks, Classmate Bloggers

We recently added many new posts to our MHS blog. Thank you for sharing your bios. We truly enjoy hearing from each and every one of you. Now we have a real feast of life stories. If you haven't posted or sent yours in yet to Ouida, let us hear from you, classmates!

(Thanks to Martha for this idea and the text)

Ronny Pfeifer - Autobiography

Married to Lady Walker Pfeifer. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. We are still living in Pineville, LA, retired and enjoying our family. We became great grandparents last year. It doesn’t get any better than this - God is so good. Thanks for all the hard work.

Mary Anthony McLemore Weaver - Autobiography

Akron OH

Immediately following graduation, I completed a degree at University of Mississippi and later completed graduation hours at OSU and KSU. In 1970, I moved to Ohio when my previous spouse, Bob Weaver, joined an Ohio law firm after completing law school and 6 years in the USMC. I currently reside in Akron, Ohio.

Since 1994, I have owned and managed Mary Anthony Weaver Administrative Services. Long-term clients are 2 foundations, the downtown Rotary Club and Mobile Meals, Inc. Before 1994, I worked as Director of Training in the corporate world after working as a private and public school teacher when my children were young. I have 2 sons and 2 grandsons.

Currently I serve as a CASA/GAL for the Juvenile Courts, in a women’s leadership organization raising money for local not-for-profits and as a Chalice Bearer and Eucharistic minister for my church. I recently purchased a villa in a local retirement resort complex where I will reside when I retire. I dislike January and February weather in Ohio but have decided to remain in the area which will allow me to be near my SO of the past 9 years. My last bit of news is I have a 5-pound toy Yorkie who is the ‘best of the best’ roommates - she does not borrow my car, eat out of my fridge or ask for a loan; yet, she is always there to greet me and follow me around any time of day or night.

I'll do a personal video for you

For the first five people who send me 10 to 15 photographs plus three music choices to select from (Youtube source if you have), I will make a 30 second video for each. If you have your music preference in mp3 format, send it. There is no cost to me for 30 seconds. The program requires a minimum of ten photos to produce the free 30-second video. Cannot promise that the program will allow any above ten but may. It will be similar to Millie's. You will be able to download the video to your computer which I will post on our blog.

Millie Majors Jones

George & Millie Majors Jones & Grandchildren

Pansy McCarra Mosby - Autobiography

I am still married to Joe Mosby, Jr. We both are now retired. He has a few cattle and keeps up with his investments, so he is still busy. We have six grandchildren and four great grandchildren, so I am VERY busy. We are going to Disneyland with two of the grandchildren. Hope we live to tell about it? Looking forward to seeing everyone again. Love to all…..

Millie Majors Jones - Autobiography

I have lived in Meridian since we graduated in 1958. I have a son and two daughters, six grandchildren. My husband, George, is retired after being in the insurance industry for 40 years. I worked briefly as a secretary to the Supt. Of Education. We are members of Poplar Springs Dr Baptist Church. I am a Sunday School Teacher for first graders. I’ve been involved with volunteer work for 25 years at one of the local hospitals. We enjoy spending time with our grandchildren. Four of them live in Brookhaven, two live in Meridian. Best wishes to all of you.

William E. Hudson - Autobiography

Wow! 50 years went by in a blur. Looking forward to seeing everyone. I have one wife, 4 children and 5 grandchildren. Life has been good. Located in Plano, TX (Dallas area). Working harder now than ever. Insurance Business for over 45 years is still good, plus the Golf Business for last 5 years. Name of my Golf store is Golf Etc. Plano. Best little golf store in Texas. Visit our website http://www.golfetcplano.com/

Donald P. Massey - Autobiography

I am married to Glenda A. Keen Massey. We have three sons, Eddie Massey, Donnie Massey and Nic DaValle Massey. I still live in the country outside Union MS. I retired in 2005 after a serious heart attack.

Laura Horton Edwards - Autobiography

Mobile, AL

I am a very fortunate person - being blessed from the beginning with wonderful loving parents and three siblings (Linda who lives in Meridian)(John now living in Florida)(Larry regretfully deceased 4/26/07). Now I have a fabulous husband, James, a beautiful daughter, Laura Lee and her husband Chuck, and the greatest grandson in the world, 10 year old Chase. We all live in Mobile. In addition I have a second family living in Meridian, a beautiful step-daughter, Janice and her husband, Doug, and her mother Leola. She has three children (each with a spouse) and four lovely grandchildren. James and I are retired. He was an electrical contractor (working in various part of the U.S.), and I worked with him in the business as estimator/accountant. Our busy lives now revolve around our treasured family and friends. Family, friends and faith, to us, bottom line. That’s what counts. Good life! Great God!

Dorothy (Dot) Frazier Beasley - Autobiography

Meridian MS

Since the last reunion Bobby and I have slowed down a good bit. Several years ago, we decided to downsize and move to the country; an oxymoron in the truest sense. No grandchildren to pamper, so we’ve adopted homeless dogs (7) who think they are grandchildren. I am still active in my church and enjoying life.

Marty Davidson - Autobiography

Meridian, MS

I have been Chairman of the Board of Southern Pipe after making my son President. We have three grandchildren, and we are extremely fortunate to have two of them in Meridian. I am reducing the time I spend at work and trying to spend more time with my grandchildren, traveling with my wife, Linda, and playing golf.

Richard A. Brown - Autobiography

Paula and I celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary in March. We have been in Huntsville, AL for 35 years where I have been a Family Physician. I plan to practice at least three more years before I retire. Paula has been very active in our community activities. Most recently she was chairperson of our Visitors and Tourism Bureau. She has also spearheaded efforts at our church, founded the floral guild and helping with the interior decoration efforts. We have two grown children and two grandchildren. Our daughter, Allyson, is a plastic surgeon in Atlanta and has two precious children; Emma Stewart Maske, age 4 and Jamison Davis Maske, age 2 ½. Her husband, Jim Maske, is an account manager at Goldman Sachs. Our son, Christopher, is single and lives and works in New York City as a photographic artist and computer software consultant. We have a lakeside home in Tennessee about an hour away. We spend time there when we can and enjoy the atmosphere. I love to get out on the water whether the fish are biting or not. Paula has developed a wildflower and native plant garden. She sponsors a summer camp for our grandchildren and grand nieces and nephews.

Shirley Broadhead Hamilton - Autobiography

Still in Oxford. Daughter, Christian, is Bond trader in Chicago. Alexandra is still in media relations in Memphis. I am still teaching my same handicapped student in Oxford.

William A. Betts - Autobiography

Brentwood, TN

I lost my wife of 26 years in 1992 and have not remarried. I have two daughters, well educated, thanks to poor Pop. One's a journalist/lawyer, the other first, a former teacher and later a computer program instructor with the Hospital Corporation of America and the world's greatest Mom. Both daughters are married and are living in the Nashville, Tennessee region. I’d love to tell you about my 4 year old grand daughter.

Education: Bachelor of Science: Science and Education, Mississippi State University, August 1961; Master of Public Health: Environmental Health and Public Health Administration, University of Minnesota, June 1966; Doctor of Public Health (Preventive Medicine), Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, June 1969.

1961-1962 Teacher of Mathematics, Chemistry and Science, Greensboro High School, Greensboro, Florida

1963-1965 Malaria Specialist and Rural Health Advisor, Republic of Viet Nam, Binh Tri Thien, Quang Nam-Da Nang, and Nghi Binh Provinces.

1966-1967 Faculty, University of Hawaii, on a special project to train Peace Corps Volunteers for public health work in the US Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

1969-1998 United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (U.S. Uniformed Services). Progressive assignments in the Indian Health Service, international research assignments and US Public Health assignments under the direction of the USPHS Surgeon General. Career Assignments were in the United States and travel outside the United States, working at local, regional, national and international levels. As US Project Director, worked closely with the Government of Yugoslavia on an eight year health education/rural health research program which resulted in the development of Yugoslavia’s first modern rural health system based on the US Indian Health Service model.

Assisted approximately 25 Native American tribal governments in developing their primary health delivery systems for the first time. Developed quality assurance programs and evaluated health programs throughout the Indian Health Service (HIS) system nationwide. Retired from IHS in 1998, with the rank of Scientist Director and awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the highest decoration of the service for ‘Distinguished, exemplary service to the nation.’
1998-Present Consultant to Native American Tribal health programs (Pro bono). Senior Health Consultant for International Volunteer Services, worldwide (Pro bono).

PUBLICATIONS: Approximately 25 articles/publications in public health and preventive medicine.

The Classs Reunion

Thank goodness we are not in the same condition as this 50th Reunion Bunch!

THE CLASS REUNION
Every ten years, as summertime nears,
An announcement arrives in the mail,
A reunion is planned; it'll be really grand;
Make plans to attend without fail.

I'll never forget the first time we met;
We tried so hard to impress.
We drove fancy cars, smoked big cigars,
And wore our most elegant dress.

It was quite an affair; the whole class was there.
It was held at a fancy hotel.
We wined, and we dined, and we acted refined,
And everyone thought it was swell.

The men all conversed about who had been first
To achieve great fortune and fame.
Meanwhile, their spouses described their fine houses
And how beautiful their children became.

The homecoming queen, who once had been lean,
Now weighed in at one-ninety-six.
The jocks who were there had all lost their hair,
And the cheerleaders could no longer do kicks.

No one had heard about the class nerd
Who'd guided a spacecraft to the moon;
Or poor little Jane, who's always been plain;
She married a shipping tycoon.

The boy we'd decreed "most apt to succeed"
Was serving ten years in the pen,
While the one voted "least" now was a priest;
Just shows you can be wrong now and then.

They awarded a prize to one of the guys
Who seemed to have aged the least.
Another was given to the grad who had driven
The farthest to attend the feast.

They took a class picture, a curious mixture
Of beehives, crew cuts and wide ties.
Tall, short, or skinny, the style was the mini;
You never saw so many thighs.

At our next get-together, no one cared whether
They impressed their classmates or not.
The mood was informal, a whole lot more normal;
By this time we'd all gone to pot.

It was held out-of-doors, at the lake shores;
We ate hamburgers, coleslaw, and beans.
Then most of us lay around in the shade,
In our comfortable T-shirts and jeans.

By the fortieth year, it was abundantly clear,
We were definitely over the hill.
Those who weren't dead had to crawl out of bed,
And be home in time for their pill.

And now I can't wait; they've set the date;
Our fiftieth is coming, I'm told.
It should be a ball, they've rented a hall
At the Shady Rest Home for the old.

Repairs have been made on my hearing aid;
My pacemaker's been turned up on high.
My wheelchair is oiled, and my teeth have been boiled;
And I've bought a new wig and glass eye.

I'm feeling quite hearty, and I'm ready to party
I'm gonna dance 'til dawn's early light.
It'll be lots of fun; But I just hope that there's one
Other person who can make it that night
Author Unknown (Or prefers to remain Anonymous)

Will Hudson - New Grandson

August 1, 2008, a third generation Hudson boy
came into the world, weighing a big 9 pounds.
This is me and my youngest son Eric with Nicholas Lee Hudson.
A very happy occasion!

August 2008 Video

MISS MINER'S 2ND GRADE CLASS

Here is Miss Miner's 2nd grade class at Witherspoon Elementary School. We stayed with her through 4th grade, part of a new educational theory. I guess it worked, for just look at us now! Double click on photo to enlarge.
Row 1: Sue Strong, Shirley Wilson, ?,?,Sandra Pulliam, Peggy Sellers, Peggy Gamble, Charles Kellum, ?
Row 2: Gloria Brown, Millicent Price, Sally Merrill, Sue Powell, Pansy McCarra, Mary Ann Williams, Martha Ann Markline, Joyce Bragg, ?, Jerry Boles
Row 3: M.L. Warren, Russell Starker, ?, Thomas Crane, ?, ?
Row 4: ?, Joe Morgan, ?, Tommy Poole, Lionel Whitehead, ?, David James, ?

Does anybody remember who the others are?

MISS MINER'S BANANA BOAT FIELD TRIP

Here we 4th graders are at the Mobile docks for the purpose of viewing the banana boats from Central America unloading - a creative learning experience, right?
Row l: ?,?,?,Charles Kellum, ?, Sandra Pulliam, Peggy Sellers, Patsy?Gamble, ?
Row 2: Shirley Wilson, Pansy McCarra, Sue Strong, Thomas Crane, Joyce Bragg, Mary Ann Williams, Sally Merrill
Row 3: ?,?, David James, Martha Ann Markline, ?, Sue Powell
Row 4: Miss Miner, ?,?, Mrs. Merrill, Mrs. Markline, Virginia Ballard, Mrs. Sellers

Double click on photo to enlarge.

MHS GRADUATION 1958 ARTICLE

Now you know that I save everything! Hope you enjoy reading this. We were quite a large class. There was a 2nd page to the article, but it was not saved, for some reason. Double click on the article to make it large enough to see easily.

God's Minute

Isaiah 55:1-3

Thus says the LORD:
All you who are thirsty,
come to the water!
You who have no money,
come, receive grain and eat;
Come, without paying and without cost,
drink wine and milk!
Why spend your money for what is not bread;
your wages for what fails to satisfy?
Heed me, and you shall eat well,
you shall delight in rich fare.
Come to me heedfully,
listen, that you may have life.
I will renew with you the everlasting covenant,
the benefits assured to David.

Mississippi Child Abuse and Puppy Mill Case

Mississippi Child Abuse and Puppy Mill Case (click link to post on Poppy's Page for full story)

This spring, outside of New Albany, Mississippi, a two-year child died of extreme child neglect which led to the discovery of a puppy mill being run by the same child abusers. The descriptions of living conditions and treatment of the children in this household and the animals are difficult reading. This case proves the point, as do many others, that where there is animal abuse, there is child abuse. We are their voice - the voice of the small and defenseless.

Announcement!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!