Andi I found my username and password. So I don’t need it anymore.

Also the Cubs are gonna win against the Stros tonight so sorry about that Joe.
And another thing; Even though this should be clear to everyone I still feel compelled to point out that the Bears are gonna go undefeated this year and then go ahead and win the Super Bowl up there in Detriot. There really isn’t anything else to say about that.

Born in 2000!

Yesterday I ran across this letter that Mom sent me years ago. It’s dated March 5th and considering the content, I believe it was just before they moved from the farm. Some of you guys will know exactly the year I’m sure. Thought it might be interesting to post as she mentions several of you. Here it is:

Dear Mary,
Well, I called you this morning and got someone else. It was a guy and he sounded like Bill. Finally he answered me when I said “who am I talking to?” I think he said Simmons, but I’m not sure.

I have been thinking about you a lot lately. I was going to tell you that I was afraid you had gotten so thin, the wind blew you away. ha.

Just talked to Jim and they 5 or 6 inches of snow. We missed it and was sure glad. They had ice under it. We have a white frost this morning but the sun is shining. I think I wrote and told you that John and Robin were here last weekend. We kept Daniel. He sure was good. John still feels sure they will move back here. Says he can’t afford to stay out there. His payments are atrocious. Dad is bugging to move. He can’t stand it to be here and can’t do anything. I told him I tho’t he should consider me a little. He didn’t like that. John wants us close as he will be traveling. So not sure what will happen. I am dreading to put in garden. My back just don’t take much anymore and I never did like to plant garden. I don’t mind it after it is up. Ronnie plowed the garden last fall so will maybe plant it early this time. Hope so, as we always raise more then.

Donna is working too many hours and is so tired. Wish she wouldn’t do it. But you know Donna. Loves misery. ha. Jessica is O.K. now. She had chicken pox about like Jeanie did. Joshua hasn’t had them so far. Maybe won’t get them.

I started getting a bad cold yesterday. My head feels awful. We haven’t had a cold all winter, so is disgusting. Sure hope Dad & Doris don’t get it.

Lorena wants Florence to bring us, Blanche & Jessie over there for a day. They will most likely go now while I have this horrid cold. Lorena is making a quilt of all the states with the state flowers & state bird. She is painting hers. I have the blocks cut out & will get them stamped soon. I think I will embroidery mine. I just made the “basket quilt” and have it ready to take to Hulda. The green 9 patch Lorena & I quilted is sure pretty. Yesterday I made Jessica a Sun Bonnet Girl, doll quilt. It is sure pretty. Wish I had made it larger. I just love to make quilts. My new frames are real nice.

Ronnie didn’t go to California last weekend. Went to Ohio Thurs. & would run into ice. Danville had 9 inches of snow. Dad stays about the same. Gets upset because he can’t work. Dr. told him to enjoy feeling like walking around. Doris said if he fools around doing stuff & gets bad again, he can just lay there. ha. Well, it isn’t funny. The reason they don’t want him to do anything is because they aren’t sure what happened before. He wants to go somewhere every day. I don’t always do it. I feel I have to be home sometimes. Well, I do hope you are all O.K. Spring will be here, so soon. Take care. We love you.
Mom

Married in 1977!

I’ve been messing with BBQ pork this summer. Hooked up with a good old South Carolina man who gave me a few tips.

Select a big fresh pork shoulder—the bigger the better. And the kind with the hide still on it is really the best. Wrap it tight in heavy foil, place in a baking pan and bake it in 250 degree oven for about 6 hours.

The smell will begin driving you wild a little before it’s done.

Take it out of the oven, unwrap and cool slightly. Pull the pork while it is still warm. Discard fat. Chop or shred meat to desired size. Add a sweet BBQ sauce and simmer. A brand I found to be an excellent choice is “Sweet Baby Rays”. You may also leave the meat plain and serve the BBQ sauce on the side.

If you want to be really “southern”, serve the meat on a bun and top it with cole slaw. Add a side of baked beans and you’ll be in hog heaven. M-m-m good!