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. . . .

 



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:

 

 OUR OLD COUNTRY STORE. . . .

 

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

 

 

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. . . .

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

 



One of the Best Quick Breads I've Ever Made

From Grape Nuts. .Yes. .You heard me right. .Grape Nuts. . Don't rule it out until you try it!

 

 

To tell you the truth, I would NEVER have tried it myself if I hadn't found half a box of Grape Nuts from who knows what year in the pantry. . .I have enough Scottish blood in my veins that it is almost impossible for me to throw anything out. . .that and I was raised by parents who went through the Great Depression. . .I mean, how stale can Grape Nuts get? . .They're hard as a rock to begin with.

 

I remembered a vintage recipe I'd seen in my cookbook collection for Grape Nuts Bread. . .I also remembered questioning, "How good could that be?" as I put the cookbook back on the shelf. . .This was my opportunity to find the answer to my question. . .I'll try anything once. . .Let me tell you, you could have knocked me over with a feather when I tried the first slice. . .I was utterly surprised. . .It was very moist and light, just sweet enough, and scrumptious. . .There's no other word for it. . .I could have eaten the entire loaf right then and there.

 

This one's a keeper. . .Seriously. . .

 

NOTE: ADD OIL INTO THE WET INGREDIENTS ALSO

 

We're diligently at work here on the farm but one day this week, I'm having time out for tea (iced tea, of course), slices of Grape Nuts Bread and maybe homemade peach jam on the side. . .Won't John be surprised? . .Tea Bread to stave off hunger til supper. . .Yum. . .

 

LIFE IS GOOD. . .