Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Lilies and Rabbits

If there's two things we have an abundance of at the farm, it's lilies and rabbits. . .They're EVERYWHERE. . .I'd love to share some lilies with someone. . .and rabbits. . .literally. . .This Spring and Summer has been a wet one. . .Everything is multiplying. . .the grass. . .the weeds. . .the wild flowers in our open field. . .and the day lilies--an overabundance this year. . .They are the one flower that grows well in the Delta. . .no matter what the weather. . .or who's growing them. . . .green thumb or not.
 
 
Mom had beds of yellow day lilies, orange day lilies, double day lilies, tiger lilies, surprise lilies. . .Well, you know where they wound up. . .Right here at the farm. . .We had enough lilies to put at the corn crib, at the garden house, in the front flower beds and at the barn. . . .After eight years of growing and multiplying--and a rainy year--it's time to thin them out. . . .I don't dare ask John to plant more in another area. . .I think the usually mild-mannered man might turn hostile. . .He likes lilies. . .but 'how many lilies does one farm need?'. . .He has a point.
 
How I wish I could send each one of you a bunch or two. . .along with maybe a few wild rabbits. . .
They're everywhere, too. . .until I grab a camera. . .They play right up to me when I'm sitting on the porch but let me grab my camera and they are nowhere in sight. . . I counted eight outside the kitchen window at dusk last night. . .Every year John swears he's gonna have rabbit stew in the winter but when it comes right down to it,  he's too much of a softie. . .
 
I've been sitting here on the porch. . .rocking away. . .gazing at the lilies and wondering what to do with them. . .thinking about the rabbits and how many we have this year. . .Lilies and Rabbits. . .Is there a connection here? . . .(grin). . .Do you think they're kin somehow? . .(double grin). . .
 
LIFE IS GOOD. . . .
 


Monday, July 21, 2014

Sharing the Delta Story in Song

Some people record history with words. . . .some with photographs. . . .some with music. . . .
Johnny Cash wrote many songs from his own Delta memories. . . .So, too, writes another Mississippi County native son. . . .Joe Chipman. . . .His newest album CD ARKANSA IN ME-KEEPING IT DELTA is on sale now. . . .and look who's on the cover with him. . . .
 
Cover Photo by Dwight Booth--L to R: Joe Chipman, Bob Rothfus, Jeff Knowlton, John Holt, Dru Duncan and Dale Blaylock at the C. A. Smith Grocery located at the Widner-Magers Farm Historic District.

 Yep, that's our store. . . .It was an unusually warm January day when these photos were taken. . . .The sun was shining and there were no clouds in the sky. . . .So the guys put on their best overalls and Sunday-go-to-meeting shirts, grabbed their musical instruments, and headed our way. . . .Now, you can't get such talented musicians together without a pickin' and singin' session. . . .I'm afraid John and I weren't as talented, but they did come up with some instruments for us to play. . . .John played a washboard--I played a whiskey jug. . . .

That was such a fun day. . . .All the musicians are super gentlemen. . . .
You'll never meet a nicer bunch of people. . . .or more talented. . . .


Speaking of which, I thought you might like to learn a little more
about the song writer--the one who made it happen. . . .the talent behind it all. . . .
 


Bio by Revis Blaylock

ARKANSAS IN ME-KEEPING IT DELTA is Joe's second CD. . . .and already in demand. . . .In fact, KASU radio, 91.9 FM is currently featuring a few of Joe's songs on their Arkansas Roots program. . . .The program airs each day at noon, Monday through Friday.

 
Not only does Joe have stories to tell in song, he also has a deep passion for collecting Delta history and loves sharing it. . . .It's always a thrill when he stops by just for a chat. . . .I've learned so much from him that has helped us with the farm history. . . .and to top it off, Joe has also donated many items to our museum. . . .Just an all around nice guy. . . .a true born-in-the-Delta Southern gentleman.
 
 
 ARKANSAS IN ME and TAMING MISSISSIPPI COUNTY are sold at:
 
 
Hop on over there for information about both CDs and a list of the songs. . . .
But first, how about a sneak preview? 
 

From the Album: Taming Mississippi County
Narrative and lyrics by Joe Chipman
Vocal by Jeff Knowles
 
 

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Gearing Up For Fall

The weather these last two days has been perfect. . . .cool. . . .dry. . . .feels like FALL. . . .so unusual for us in July. . . .I know it won't last, so we're soaking up every bit of it that we can. . . .John has finished the porch. . . .You'll get to see it soon. . . .I've gotten my not-so-green-thumb working--potting plants for now and later. . . .And, in John's spare time (chuckle), he's making birdhouse to sell this FALL. . . .when tours begin. . . .I love the Popeye ones and may just keep this one for myself. . . .

 
 
Looks like we will be open for scheduled tours starting the last of September. . . .The dates haven't been firmly set, yet. . . .but probably around September 22, M-W-F time slots for groups. . . .I'll tell you more about it soon. . . .If you have a group who would like to visit, email us and we'll put you on the list. . . .We already have several signed up, so don't wait until the last minute. . . .Even those who visited before might want to come again. . . .We've restocked the Smith Grocery Museum and have some surprises there. . . .vignettes will be set up around the farm, and the log house is coming along. . . .We'll have our rag rug looms for sale and other special items. . . .as well as some antiques. . . .I'm hoping to have a few baked items for sell, too. . . .Such as Old-Fashioned Molasses Cookies. . . .and Grape Nuts Bread. . . .Fun for everyone!
 


Time to get back to work. . . .Just wanted to pop in and say "HI" while I rested a little. . . .This afternoon I'm tackling the front flower garden. . . .We've had so much rain that the weeds are taking over. . . .Not my favorite job. . . .but it should be a lot more pleasant with the cool weather. . . .Maybe I can talk John into helping? . . .grin. . . .LIFE IS GOOD. . . .

Just a Footnote: Joe Chipman's newest album ARKANSAS IN ME--KEEPING IT DELTA is now available at OUR OLD COUNTRY STORE. I'll also be posting more about it on this blog soon. . . .It's a great album. . . .and our Smith Grocery is on the cover. . . .Til next time. . . .

Friday, July 4, 2014

Long May She Wave


On this special day. . .Let's all
Pause a moment and remember the principles this nation was founded upon. . .
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. . .
But above all:
ONE NATION, UNDER GOD


To Everyone. . .
Have a Wonderful and Safe Fourth of July Weekend. . .
and May God Bless America