July 2019

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F RO M T H E P U B L I S H E R

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irlfriend friendships come in all categories, those from childhood, high school, college, and workfamily, to name just a few. Many movies have been based on girlfriend friendships— Steel Magnolias, Sex and the City, Mamma Mia, and most recently Wine Country.

Today, many girlfriends take week-long beach trips or long weekends to the lake just to hang out and relax. Sometimes, there are adventures; sometimes, wonderful dinners, boat rides, and card playing.

Some groups, once or twice or three times a week, play bridge . . . and most recently, the game of Mah Jong. Featured in this month’s Bluffs & Bayous, Taylor Horton describes some of his mother’s girlfriends’ weekly gatherings as they play Mah Jong, an addictive cardless game using tiles. His article is a refreshing read from a son’s perspective about his Vicksburg, Mississippi, mother and her friends.

Speaking of girlfriends, my longtime work-friendship friend and Bluffs & Bayous editor, Jean Biglane, recently was honored during Cathedral High School’s May Awards Assembly for her thirty-plus years of teaching high school English and Advanced Placement English. The Jean Biglane Scholarship Foundation was formed by her children, Derick Biglane, Rebecca Biglane Black, and Barr Biglane, all of whom she taught. A total surprise to her and her husband, Freddie, during the ceremony, appeared her daughter, Rebecca, who lives in Dallas, Texas, to make the presentation.

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was given to graduating senior Samuel Freiberger. Biglane, known for grading all of her years of papers with green ink, built a reputation for teaching literature and writing skills through her strict discipline, high goals, soft voice, and kind words with a smile even when your paper was covered in green ink and your grade was less than desirable.

I feel her green-pen corrections weekly as she edits our magazine and guides us with her kind and thoughtfully evoking input. I may not see those green marks, but I know them. I also had three children who were lucky enough to be taught by her and have a granddaughter who will be her student this coming school year.

Our monthly column G’s Fare by Becky Junkin, another longtime work-friendship girlfriend, is all about easy-prep brownies. She provides recipes for Easy Coffee Brownies, Brownie Cookies, Death by Chocolate, Symphony Brownies, and Pecan Pie Brownies. If you are a chocoholic, these sweets should satisfy your chocolate fetish. One weekend, she made them all and shared them with our Pilates class‌too tempting for a 7:00 a.m. class!

Try these recipes for some fun and easy baking one morning or afternoon to give as treats to family, friends, or neighbors.

Or have a friend over with her children, and guide them in baking some sweet treats for sharing.

With summertime often being moving time for many, Legal Notes offers important advice when purchasing a home. :KHWKHU \RX DUH D ÀUVW WLPH EX\HU RU D VHDsoned one, Sam Gwin touches on numerous aspects of buying a home before you sign the document—drawing up a contract, using a realtor’s legal forms, hiring an attorney to run the title, addressing the seller ZLWK VSHFLÀF TXHVWLRQV VHFXULQJ D KRPH inspection and termite contract, and avoiding all-too-common pitfalls.

Our July issue also includes Alma Womack’s recollections of delightful summertime life in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, and provides gardening tips from Dr. Gary Bachman, our Up & Coming July calendar of events, and some area social scenes to share with you. All of this month’s Bluffs & Bayous offers informative and enriching diversions from the recent river risings and the hot, humid days that pervade our summertime life along and beyond the Mississippi.

Above—Green Pen Award winner Samuel Freiberger with Jean Biglane Left—Family members and former students on hand for the charter scholarship presentation: Karen Biglane; former students Julia Rachel Kuehnle (niece), Lauren Biglane Middleton (niece), and Kerry Dicks; Rebecca Biglane Black, Jean and Freddie Biglane; Nancy Biglane Kuehnle; and Pat Biglane

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JULY 2019

F E AT U R E

Mah Jong? What’s That? pages 44 - 48

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JULY 2019

F AV O R I T E S

G’s Fare

Easy-Prep Brownies . . . Perfect for a Plethora of Occasions ........................... 12-15

In the Garden HibiscusVarieties Offer Tropical Color ............................................................ 32-33 Color-changing Hibiscus Blooms are Worth the Wait ...................................... 34-35 Hardy Hibiscus Boasts Massive Blooms.......................................................... 36-37

Legal Notes Buying the Homestead ........................................................................................18

Southern Sampler Grand, Forever Summer Days..............................................................................58

The Social Scene Easy-prep Brownies . . . Perfect for a Plethora of Occasions pages 12 - 15

Vicksburg Art Association’s Youth Art Show .................................................. 10-11 Vicksburg Art Association’s Annual Members Exhibition ............................... 16-17 A Brunch Fit for Royalty ....................................................................................25 KDMC Golf Tournament ............................................................................... 26-28 McComb Garden Club Annual Spring Luncheon ..................................................29 The Order of the First Families of Mississippi Spring Assembly 2019 ............. 30-31 Judith Robinson DAR Spring Meeting.................................................................38 50th High School Reunion.............................................................................. 40-42

The Wedding Scene Engagement Party for Heather Phillips and Sam Silverii................................ 20-21 Engagement Party Celebrating Elly Smith and Adam Turner ........................ 22-23

Hibiscus Varieties Offer Tropical Color page 32 - 33

Up & Coming Louisiana Up & Coming ................................................................................. 50-53 Mississippi Up & Coming ................................................................................ 54-57

ON THE COVER Every Wednesday, a group of friendly competitors make their way towards the Highway 61 Coffeehouse in downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi, to play Mah Jong, joining others across the nation in the growing Mah Jong craze. See Taylor Horton’s story on pages 44-48.

Photograph by Leslie Horton

Buying the Homestead page 18 Page 8 { July 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

PUBLISHER Cheryl Foggo Rinehart COPY EDITOR Jean Nosser Biglane GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jan Ratcliff

Anita Schilling

S TA F F P H O T O G R A P H E R S Tim McCary

Bill Perkins

Cheryl Rinehart

Lisa Adams Whittington

SALES STAFF Cheryl Rinehart

Donna Sessions

OFFICE ASSISTANT Blair Smith CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Gary R. Bachman

Lucien C. “Sam� Gwin III

J. Taylor Horton

Becky Junkin

Jennifer J. Whittier

Alma Womack

Cheryl Rinehart

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

Jean Biglane

Donna Sessions

Jan Ratcliff

Anita Schilling

Blair Smith

Tim McCary

Lucien C. “Sam� Gwin III

J. Taylor Horton

Becky Junkin

Jennifer J. Whittier

Bill Perkins

Alma Womack

Lisa Adams Whittington

Bluffs & Bayous is published monthly to promote the greater Southern area of Louisiana and Mississippi in an informative and positive manner. We welcome contriEXWLRQV RI DUWLFOHV DQG SKRWRV KRZHYHU WKH\ ZLOO EH VXEMHFW WR HGLWLQJ DQG DYDLODELOLW\ RI VSDFH DQG VXEMHFW PDWWHU 3KRWRJUDSKV FRPPHQWV TXHVWLRQV VXEVFULSWLRQ UHTXHVWV DQG DG SODFHPHQW LQTXLULHV DUH LQYLWHG 5HWXUQ HQYHORSHV DQG SRVWDJH PXVW DFFRPSDQ\ DOO PDWHULDOV VXEPLWWHG LI D UHWXUQ LV UHTXHVWHG 1R SRUWLRQ RI WKLV publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Bluffs & Bayous are those of the authors or columnists and do QRW QHFHVVDULO\ UHà HFW WKH YLHZV RI WKH SXEOLVKHU QRU GR WKH\ FRQVWLWXWH DQ HQGRUVHPHQW RI SURGXFWV RU VHUYLFHV KHUHLQ :H UHVHUYH WKH ULJKW WR UHIXVH DQ\ DGYHUWLVHment. Bluffs & Bayous strives to insure the accuracy of our magazine’s contents. However, should inaccuracies or omissions occur, we do not assume responsibility.

OFFICE 225 John R. Junkin Drive | Natchez, MS 39120 | 601-442-6847 bluffsmag@gmail.com | bbupandcoming@gmail.com www.bluffsbayous.com

Bluffs & Bayous { July 2019 { Page 9

THE social SCENE VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Vicksburg Art Association’s Youth Art Show he Vicksburg Art Association held its annual Youth Art Show on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at the Old Constitution Firehouse in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The show is open to Warren County students who are currently in grades seven through twelve, and the chair for this year’s event was Lisa Grant.

Participating schools included the Home School Association, Warren Central Junior High, Vicksburg Junior High, St. Aloysius High School, Porters Chapel Academy, Vicksburg High School, and Warren Central High School. Vicksburg High School’s Jasmine Rimsey won the Best in Show award for her 3D sculpture titled “Princess and the Frog.”

Photography by Janean Shirley

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1 Morgan Bailey, Nicholas Bailey, and Allison Bailey 2 Hunter Landers, Candi Hicks, and Tripp Curtis 3 Katie Nettles and Jasmine Rimsey 4 Lauren Butler and Virginia Gage Thames 5 Kedarrius Sims and Marquita Young 6 Tina Sellers, Madison Sellers, Brenda Sellers, and Al Sellers 7 Amy Starks, Sidney Doss, Sandy Doss, Jasmine Rimsey, Sidney Eatmon, Candy Eatmon, Dwayne Franklin, Sr., and Tracy Franklin 8 Dakota Manry and Katie Nettles 9 Ellis Jones, Jabari Jones, Vickie Holmes, Zariyah Jones, and Maya Jones 10 Katie Nettles, Jennifer Ratliff, and Lisa Grant 11 Ellis Jones, Zariyah Jones, Jabari Jones, Maya Jones, and Virginia Gage Thames 12 Dakota Manry and Margie Roberts 13 Abigail Barrett, Kelle Barfield, Lee Thames, and Frances Thames

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THE social SCENE

VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

14 Beverly Johnson, Jimmy Johnson, Carlie Blok, Jamie Johnson, Hunter Blok, and Richard Berryman 15 Front—Jean Blue and Sarah Johnson / Back— Vickie Holmes and Randy Jolly 16 Desiree Kapler, Kelly Kapler, Chandler Tucker, and Jaleigh Ehrgott 17 Desiree Kapler, Lisa Grant, Katie Nettles, Jennifer Ratliff (back), Virginia Thames (front), Melissa Humble, and Vickie Holmes

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Bluffs & Bayous { July 2019 { Page 11

G’S FARE

BY

Becky Junkin

Easy-Prep Brownies . . .

Perfect for a Plethora of Occasions

B

rownies—what is it not to like about them? So many variations on this dessert exist that you are sure to come up with a combination that will please everyone. I am not much of a dessert person, but I do like brownies. On Sundays when I was young, we had dinner at my grandmother’s house, and she would occasionally serve dessert. Usually, it was a small scoop of vanilla ice cream in a sherbet glass along with a one-inchVTXDUH EURZQLH 7KDW ZDV WKH VL]H RI RXU brownies; and when I got older and went

to someone else’s house, I was shocked that the world had larger pieces of brownies. Supposedly, when Better Homes and Gardens ÀUVW SXEOLVKHG WKHLU FRRN ERRN the recipe for brownies made sixteen.

Today, that same recipe serves six. I’m not sure if this supposition is correct, but our SRUWLRQ VL]HV KDYH GHÀQLWHO\ JRWWHQ ODUJHU According to online sources, brownies originated here in the United States at the end of the nineteenth century at Chicago’s Palmer House Hotel. It seems that the hotel owner’s wife asked the chef to come up

with a special dessert that was smaller than a piece of cake but like a piece of cake and could be eaten by hand for a special function. The chef’s creation supposedly was the beginning of the brownie. The original had walnuts and an apricot glaze on top.

The cake is still on the Palmer House menu and called the Palmer House Brownie.

All the recipes below use a boxed brownie mix so you can make brownies PRUH TXLFNO\ WKDQ WKH IURP VFUDWFK YHUVLRQV , KRSH \RX ZLOO ÀQG D UHFLSH DPRQJ these that will suit your taste buds.

If you are in a hurry and need a quick and different dessert, this is perfect. You make box brownies but substitute the coffee for the water. I had chocolate chips left over, so I spread them on the warm brownies as a topping. A scoop of Coffee Ice Cream would be another perfect topper, or you could even add both toppings.

EASY COFFEE BROWNIES (lovefromtheoven.com) 1 store-bought brownie mix or your favorite brownie recipe that calls for water as an ingredient +\URPU +VU\[Z *VɈLL Ă…H]VY VM `V\Y choice, brewed and cooled, in the same amount as the water called for in your brownie mix or brownie recipe (I used what was in the pot from the morning HUK P[ ^HZ Ă„UL.) 1 cup chocolate chips Dash of cinnamon Follow the directions on your box mix or brownie recipe, but replace the water called for with the brewed and cooled JVɈLL @V\ HYL Q\Z[ Z^HWWPUN [OL JVɈLL for the water. Add a dash of cinnamon to the brownie mix, or your brownie recipe’s KY` PUNYLKPLU[Z Q\Z[ WYPVY [V TP_PUN PU your liquid ingredients. Finish by adding a cup of chocolate chips to the mix. For baking, follow the directions on the box or in your recipe.

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I made these cookies to save for my grandchildren, but these brownie delights were eaten before the grands ever arrived! This recipe makes good chewy cookies that are crisp around the edges. They can last up to a week; but in my house, that doesn’t happen.

BROWNIE COOKIES (sugaransoul.com) 1 18-ounce box Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix J\W HSS W\YWVZL ÅV\Y 2 large eggs 5 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon water 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips 3/4 cup chopped walnuts optional 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

0U H SHYNL IV^S VY Z[HUK TP_LY Ä[[LK ^P[O a paddle attachment, combine all of the ingredients and mix well, scraping down the sides as needed. The dough will be very sticky.

3. Using a small cookie scoop, scoop out the dough and drop onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

4. Bake for 8 minutes to start. Cookies ZOV\SK OH]L H [OPU ÄST VU [VW [OL IH[ter should no longer be glossy, and you should still be able to see small ripples of darker batter. DO NOT OVERBAKE THESE COOKIES. They will cook up fast and can dry out easily if cooked too long. Every V]LU PZ KPɈLYLU[ ZV KV H ML^ PU H [LZ[ IH[JO to see how long they need to bake.

5. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for a couple of minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

6. Consume immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week (if they last that long).

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I have had this recipe for years. I used to serve these brownies to the football team for their Thursday night suppers. No matter how much I made, there was never enough for the whole team. Adults also like these brownies; and for them, you can sprinkle each layer of the brownies with Kahlua or Amaretto. I have also made this recipe with Devil’s Food cake, but brownies are the favorite. My recipe is the exact same from the early 1990s.

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE (allrecipes.com) 1 19.8-ounce package brownie mix 2 3.9-ounce packages instant chocolate pudding mix 1 16-ounce package frozen whipped topping, thawed V\UJL IHYZ JOVJVSH[L JV]LYLK ,UNSPZO [VɈLL 1. Prepare brownies according to package directions.

Let cool.

2. Mix pudding according to package directions.

3. In a glass punch bowl, layer in the following order: ½ VM [OL IYV^UPL JY\TISLK" Ăą VM [OL W\KKPUN" [VɈLL IHY crushed; ½ of the whipped topping 9LWLH[ SH`LYZ PU [OL ZHTL VYKLY :H]L [OL SHZ[ [VɈLL bar to crumble and sprinkle on top before serving.

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I originally got this recipe from my daughter Lari. She served this to her Bunko group, and I have served it several times to my bridge group. It is super easy, and I always use the Symphony bars with toffee in them.

SYMPHONY BROWNIES (thebudgetdiet.com) )YV^UPL TP_ Âś V\UJLZ +V UV[ I\` H TP_ [OH[ PUJS\KLZ MHUJ` Ă„_PUNZ SPRL JOVJVSH[L chips or a fudge packet. Get a plain family-size brownie mix for a 9x13-inch pan.

Water – amount according to your brownie mix directions Oil – amount according to your brownie mix directions Eggs – number according to your brownie mix directions Hershey’s Symphony Candy Bars (16 ounces) These candy bars come in a variety of sizes, but buy approximately 16 ounces, a little more or less won’t hurt. If you are able [V ÄUK [OL NPHU[ V\UJL IHYZ Ä[ WLYMLJ[S` 1. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions.

2. Spread half of the brownie mixture in the bottom of a parchment-lined 9x13-inch pan.

(The parchment paper, a bit longer to go up the sides of the pan, will make it easy to lift the brownies out for cutting; and you won’t have to clean your pan!)

3. Lay the Hershey’s Symphony Candy Bars on top.

4. Spread the remaining brownie mixture over the Hershey Symphony Candy Bars.

5. Bake according to package directions. If you use the Pillsbury family-size fudge brownie mix, you’ll bake the brownies for 30 minutes.

6. Cool completely, but do not refrigerate.

7. Lift the brownies out of the pan by grabbing the edges of the parchment paper.

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Below, is probably my favorite dessert recipe ever shared with our Bluffs & Bayous UHDGHUV , OLNH EURZQLHV DQG , OLNH WKH ÀOOing of a pecan pie, but I don’t like the crust.

This recipe combines two of my favorite things in one gooey, delicious dessert. The UHFLSH LV QRW GLIÀFXOW DW DOO DQG WKH UHVXOWV are fabulous. I have sent this recipe and/ or pictures to all of my family and friends.

0\ EULGJH FOXE WKLV PRQWK GHÀQLWHO\ ZLOO EH eating this scrumptious dessert.

PECAN PIE BROWNIES (canggih.net) 1 box brownie mix; it must have instructions for making in 13x9-inch pan + ingredients listed on the package 7LJHU WPL ÄSSPUN! 1 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup 4 eggs 1/4 cup unsalted butter 11/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped 1. Preheat oven according to brownie package instructions.

2. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, eggs, butter, and vanilla in a small saucepan; and cook over medium heat, stirring often.

3. Mix brownies according to package instructions.

4. Pour brownie batter into a greased 13x9-inch pan, and place in oven to bake for 20 minutes. See #7 below about additional cooking time.

(Z [OL IYV^UPLZ IHRL [OL ÄSSPUN PU [OL saucepan should thicken enough to coat your spoon (about 15 minutes). Stir the pecans into the mixture and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture reaches [OL JVUZPZ[LUJ` VM Y\UU` VH[TLHS @V\ want it to be loose enough to pour over the brownies but not liquid. >OLU [OL IYV^UPLZ OH]L ÄUPZOLK WYL baking, remove them from the oven; and WV\Y [OL WLJHU WPL ÄSSPUN V]LY [OLT ZWYLHKing it out to cover the brownies completely.

7. Place them back in the oven, and bake MVY TPU\[LZ VY \U[PS [OL ÄSSPUN VUS` QPNgles slightly in the middle when you move the pan.

8. Remove from oven, and let cool to room temperature before cutting.

Becky Junkin, mother of four and grandmother of eight, is a lifelong Natchez resident, a retired elementary teachHU RI WZHQW\ IRXU \HDUV DQG FHUWLÀHG 3LODWHV LQVWUXFWRU

Bluffs & Bayous { July 2019 { Page 15

THE social SCENE VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Vicksburg Art Association’s Annual Members Exhibition he opening reception for the Vicksburg Art Association’s annual Members Exhibition was held on Saturday evening, April 27, 2019, at Vicksburg, Mississippi’s Old Constitution Firehouse with the exhibit running from April 27 through May 1. Chair for the event was Jim Biedenbach, and judge was Vicki Niolet from Bay St. Louis.

First Place Best in Show was awarded to Randy Jolly for his acrylic painting “Delta Fishing.” B. J. Crawford won Second Place Best in Show for the mixed-media piece “Pears.” The Third Place Best in Show award went to Suzanne Talbert for her oil painting “A Cool Place.” Photography by Janean Shirley

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1 Jason Leasor, Randy H. Jolly, Jean Blue, Paul Marshall, and Sheree Collins 2 Charles LeBlanc, Julie LeBlanc, Sean Mickal, Pamela Fischer, and Crorey Lawton 3 David Matthews, Ashley Matthews, Trevor Hunt, Lucy Hunt, Aaron Matthews, and Keith Matthews

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THE social SCENE

VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

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4 Harold Blue, Kathe Lawton, Libby Beard, and Elke Briuer 5 Elisabeth Noel, Justice Burgemaster, John Roquet, Mitchell Noel, and Mark Noel 6 Suzanne Talbert, Elizabeth Croisdale, Sarah Johnson, Linda Renschler, and Jane Richards 7 Marisa Gaona, Janice Karcher, Kelle Barfield, Jim Biedenbach, and Monica Griffin 8 Fred Shirley, Kathe Lawton, Barry Cole, and Carolyn Johnston 9 Vicki Niolet, Becky Jolly, Janean Shirley, and De Loris Taylor 10 Dave Condlin, Emily Baker, Mary McHale, Kaitlynn Howard, Drew Loney, Ben Martin, Elissa Yeates, and Monica Griffin 11 Nicolette Brokaw and Jim Biedenbach

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Bluffs & Bayous { July 2019 { Page 17

LEGAL NOTES

BY

Lucien C. Gwin III

Buying the Homestead

I

t has been said multiple times that the purchase of a home is the largest investment that most Americans will ever PDNH 0\ ODZ ÀUP KDV FORVHG WKRXVDQGV RI home loans in over forty-plus years of its existence. In this article, I will cover some practical advice in discussing the steps one JRHV WKRXJK LQ ÀQGLQJ FRQWUDFWLQJ DQG purchasing a home.

2I FRXUVH WKH ÀUVW RUGHU RI EXVLQHVV LV ÀQGLQJ D KRXVH WKDW \RX UHDOO\ OLNH ,I \RX ÀQG WKLV KRXVH LV IRU VDOH E\ LWV RZQHU (meaning no realtor is involved), you, of course, need to contact the owner and then go see the house and inspect it yourself. Do QRW EH DIUDLG WR DVN WKH RZQHU D ORW RI TXHVWLRQV 6RPH TXHVWLRQV \RX VKRXOG DVN LQvolve the age of the house, the builder of the home or of any of its improvements, WKH FRVW RI WKH XWLOLWLHV DQ\ NQRZQ GHÀciencies, any repairs done, any past issues with the home, any known zoning regulations that could be ongoing, any property-line issues ongoing, the location of the boundary lines, the owner’s opinion about the neighbors, etc.

If you decide that you want to purchase the house at this point, then always, always, always contact your attorney and ask that he/she guide you through the buying process. Your attorney can then prepare a disclosure statement as well as a Buy/ Sale Contract. Never, never, never attempt Page 18 { July 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

to draw up your own Buy/Sale Contract!

(We lawyers love Google lawyers using do-it-yourself.com because we make more money cleaning up your mess when you try to do all of this on your own.)

Now, let’s address the situation if the SURSHUW\ LV OLVWHG ZLWK D UHDO HVWDWH ÀUP The realtor normally gets a commission of six percent of the sales price and will usually have the proper disclosure forms as well as Buy/Sale Contracts. The forms used by realtors are usually designed by an attorney and are very thorough. I can advise you that using a reputable realtor’s legal forms is usually very safe.

Once the Buy/Sale Contract is prepared, you want to be sure that it includes your right to have the home inspected by a liFHQVHG FHUWLĂ€HG DQG ERQGHG KRPH LQVSHFtor. Always, always, always have a home inspection that results in a full-blown, writWHQ DQG FHUWLĂ€HG UHSRUW , FDQQRW WHOO \RX how much litigation I have seen in past \HDUV UHJDUGLQJ GHIHFWV DQG GHĂ€FLHQFLHV that were discovered AFTER the sale.

Another critical element is obtaining a 7HUPLWH &HUWLĂ€FDWH 7KLV VKRXOG EH PDGH a part of the contract. Mississippi has a healthy batch of subterranean termites; and south Louisiana has a healthy batch of Formosan termites, which can demolish a home in six months. I also have litigated this issue for clients.

If you happen to be one of the few who can afford to pay cash for the house, then you have just saved a small fortune in bank closing costs. On the other hand, if you KDYH WR ÀQDQFH WKURXJK D OHQGLQJ LQVWLWXtion or bank, then you are about to enter the world of federal regulations run amuck!

Regardless, whether you pay cash or ÀQDQFH WKURXJK D OHQGLQJ FRPSDQ\ \RX must always, always, always hire an atWRUQH\ WR UXQ WKH ´WLWOH¾ RQ WKH SURSerty. This step is extremely important!

Examining the title will show you if the current owner has a mortgage or multiple mortgages on the property, a federal or state tax lien on the property, or a judgment enrolled against the owner that he/ she may not be aware exists. (I have seen this hundreds of times.) This is important because any outstanding encumbrances will trump your title to the property if you just purchased the property without makLQJ VXUH WKDW DOO OLHQV DUH VDWLVĂ€HG Another subject I must address is tax sales. I have literally seen dozens upon dozens of properties sold for taxes without the owner ever knowing, but this is a topic IRU DQRWKHU GD\ 6XIĂ€FH LW WR VD\ D SULRU WD[ sale would prevent you, a buyer, from acTXLULQJ FOHDQ WLWOH WR WKH SURSHUW\ 7KLV LV D part of the title examination.

Your attorney will be able to discover and disclose all of these issues in either a title opinion or a title insurance binder (another topic for another day). Your attorney should be able to guide you through this OHJDO PLQH ÀHOG DQG GHOLYHU \RX VDIHO\ WR \RXU GHVWLQDWLRQ ´WKH FORVLQJ ¾ The closing process usually lasts an hour to an hour and a half, depending on ZKHWKHU \RX ÀQDQFH RU QRW ,I \RX SD\ cash, you can expect the closing to take WHQ WR ÀIWHHQ PLQXWHV DQG WKH SURFHVV LQvolves only about ten pages of documents.

I closed a sale in May 2016 during which WKH EX\HU ÀQDQFHG WKH SXUFKDVH WKURXJK D ÀQDQFLDO LQVWLWXWLRQ 7KHUH ZHUH RQH KXQdred forty pages of documents to be reviewed, explained, and signed.

Lucien C. “Sam� Gwin III was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1981 and has been practicing many aspects of the law at the firm of Gwin, Punches & Kelley in Natchez, Mississippi, ever since.

B R O O K H A V E N ,

M I S S I S S I P P I

Bluffs & Bayous { July 2019 { Page 19

THE wedding SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Engagement Party for Heather Phillips and Sam Silverii amily and friends gathered to celebrate the engagement of Heather Phillips and Sam Silverii on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at the home of Senator Sally Doty in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Hostesses were Libby Hewitt, Glenda Robinson, Joy Johnson, Shirley Estes, Celeste Lowery, and Sarah Underwood. The wedding will be August 3, 2019, at First United Methodist Church of Brookhaven. Photography by Bill Perkins

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Heather Phillips and Sam Silverii Colby and Laney Bass Glenda Silverii and Amy Case Betty Ann Perkins and Don Perkins Linda Kavitz and Senator Sally Doty Glenda Silverii and Sue Carol Trantham Kevin Laird, Pat Lowery, and Celeste Lowery Heather Phillips, Sam Silverii, and Senator Sally Doty Laney Bass, Heather Phillips, and Candace Laird Kevin Laird, Robin Laird, and Glenda Silverii Heather Phillips, Frances Phillips, and Jim Phillips Amye Howell, Dr. Greg Howell, and Teressa Perkins C. J. and Candace Duckworth Glenda Silverii, Sam Silverii, Heather Phillips, and Anita Davis Glenda Silverii, Sam Silverii, and Heather Phillips

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THE wedding SCENE

BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

16 Front—Candace Duckworth, Heather Phillips, and Sam Silverii / Back—C. J. Duckworth, Laney Bass, and Colby Bass 17 Libby Hewitt, Glenda Robinson, Joy Johnson, Shirley Estes, Celeste Lowery, and Sarah Underwood 18 Charlie Campbell, Don Underwood, Dr. Greg Howell, Keith Kavitz, and Allen Sparks

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THE wedding SCENE NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

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Engagement Party Celebrating Elly Smith and Adam Turner

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elebrating the engagement of Elly Smith and Adam Turner, a cocktail party was held February 23, 2019, in Natchez, Mississippi, at Ravenna, the home of Melinda and Fred Kent.

Guests enjoyed the Mardi Gras-themed event and received pearl beads as they entered. Later in the evening, guests were entertained by the annual Mardi Gras parade of the Krewe de Who and their Second Line Band.

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1 Adam Turner and Elly Smith 2 Maddie Kirkwood and Elly Smith 3 Standing—Adam Turner with Wanda Smith, Elly Smith, Sherrill Byrd, Madaline Gibbs, and Laurie Byrd / Seated Row 1—Cheryl Rinehart and Blythe Smith / Row 2—Mary Ruth Caldwell, and Penny Daggett / Row 3—Marla Beard, Andrée Gamberi, and MelInda Kent / Row 4—Lisa Mayers and Jan Kirkwood 4 Valerie Bergeron, Wanda Smith, and Jan Kirkwood 5 Julia Dabdoub, Lily Claire Robbins, Mike Robbins, John William Robbins, Greg Cheek, Jessica Robbins, and Misty Cheek 6 Jan Kirkwood with Elly and Wanda Smith 7 Krewe de Who member and Elly Smith 8 Kerry Dicks, Krewe de Who members, and Carlen Sizemore 9 Dr. Barbara Dutrow, Adam Turner, and Dr. Darrell Henry 10 Alex and Davis Walton with Mattie Kirkwood and Ben Brakel 11 Adam Turner, John Wesley Smith, Gail McMullen, and Russ Szelag

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THE wedding SCENE

NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

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12 Sandy Taylor, Lyn Norris, and Pam Woods 13 Donna Callaway, Andrée Gamberi, and Penny Daggett 14 Henry Guzofski, Kennedy Daniels, and Magnolia Smith 15 Vanessa Vanicor, Amy Dean, and John Bonner 16 Ricky Smith

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THE social SCENE FROGMORE, LOUISIANA

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A Brunch Fit for Royalty uring Natchez, Mississippi’s Spring Pilgrimage, Lynette and Buddy Tanner held a brunch on March 23, 2019, honoring members of The Natchez Garden Club Royalty and Court and Pilgrimage Garden Club King Davis Sharp. The couple entertained in their historic home Frogmore Plantation across the Mississippi-Louisiana Bridge in Frogmore, Louisiana. Guests enjoyed a Mimosa Bar and then a delicious brunch.

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1 Cena Mullins and NGC Queen Elena Rodriguez 2 NGC King and Queen Christopher Chandler and Elena Rodriguez 3 Landon Havard 4 Vickie Stowers and Alicia Havard 5 John Chandler, Kristie Chandler, NGC King Christopher Chandler, and Cheryl Rinehart 6 Margaret Jordan, Don Branton, and Tate Branton 7 Cheryl Rinehart and Mary Lessley 8 Carol Ater and Davis Sharp with Sharon and Ken Williams 9 John Chandler, NGC President Jennifer Smith, and NGC King Christopher Chandler 10 Abby Brown, Mary Frances Sessions, and Emily Hootsell 11 Donna and Tim Sessions with Don Ater 12 Buddy Tanner, Ed Ater, Ken Williams, and Don Ater 13 John Chandler, Landon Havard, Josh Hargon, and Christopher Chandler

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THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI

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KDMC Golf Tournament ver eighty corporate patrons give their time and money to support the Kings Daughter Medical Center Foundation, which recently held its annual golf tournament. Each year, foundation members hit the links to have a good time and raise some money. This year’s event had a record year with participation and raised $23,000 for healthcare!

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1 Pat Smith and Mary Lu Redd 2 Accureg: Brent Leggett and Nic Ricceri 3 MHA Solutions: Brett Tucker, Wendy Knight, and Shae Moody 4 Health-One: Burns McFarland, Lee Peebles, and Robert McFarland 5 Shannon Miller, Melissa Leggett, and Jennifer Alford 6 Bank of Brookhaven: Brooks Hall, Tye Ferguson, Jeremy Norton, and Cody Jordan 7 Bank of Franklin: Robert Ard, Charles Caston, Roland Ross, and Ronny Ross 8 Broadway Linen: Larry Poole, Jerry Leach, Brian Leach, and Mike Etheridge 9 Broma’s/Mitchell’s/ Poppa’s: Aaron Tullos, Tim Tullos, Ken Dixon, and David Ballard 10 C Spire: Adam Panetta, Jacob Stewart, Chris Hemphill, and Will Brown 11 Co-Lin Community College: Craig Hennington, Bryan Nobile, Bradley Boykin, and Allen Kent 12 Compassus: Tucker Brady, Dr. Stephen Brown, Cory Leggett, and Tyler Thompson

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THE social SCENE

BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI

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13 Dungan Engineering: David Fields, Forest Dungan, Brock White, and Steven Patten 14 Fairway Mortgage: Robert Richard, Russ Ogburn, Justin Morris, and Al Watts 15 First Bank: Jeremy Winborne, Warren Hood, Clay Price, and Bryce Chapman 16 Franklin Collections: Bill Nesmith, Wayne Walters, Dr. Dan Boone, and Jerry Knighton 17 Franklin Telephone: James Conley, Jenny Conley, Janet Taylor, and Charles Chapman 18 Home LLP: Tyler Hester, Bob Meteer, Clint King, and Hayley Deer 19 Hurst Review: Rob Welch, Pat Lowery, Paul Henning, and Les Bumgarner 20 KDMC EMS Team: Tacoma Stricklin, Jeffery Nunnery, John David Paulk, and Josh Stricklin 21 Larue’s Drugs: Kevin Smith, Jason Barrett, Brandon Baker, and Tyler O’Neal 22 Leading Edges: Darrin Hirsch, Don Coleman, Dr. Ray Montalvo, and Johnny Monroe 23 Lowery, Payn and Leggett: Sharon Payn, Kyle Holloway, Will Hulon, and Sharon Hughes 24 MASH: Jason Snider, Matthew Bultman, Cohen Leggett, Chad Leggett, and Cullen Greer

Bluffs & Bayous { July 2019 { Page 27

THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI

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25 McLain Plumbing: Briar Scott, Darby Scott, Tanner Delcambre, and Clay Russell 26 Mike Whatley Honda: Chuck Holloway, Chris Terrell, Mike Wooten, and Darrell Easley 27 NuMedRx: Cory Leggett, Nick Smith, Cody Leggett, and Lee Barry 28 Positive Pest: Stan Winborne, Dylan Winborne, Brett Rutland, and Jonathan Kelly 29 R J Young: Clayton Massey, Justin Chancellor, Braxton Fondren, and Eric Saffle 30 Southern Credit Recovery/ Certified Bureau of the South: Perry Laborde, Mike Maggiore, Art Egan, and Austin Egan 31 Sta-Home Health: Wade Price, Dr. Matt Gaines, Brandon Goldsmith, and Reed Eiland 32 Supertalk: Robert Byrd, Donnie Sasser, Ben Sills, and Chandler Byrd 33 Trustmark Bank: Colby Calcote, Mark Mathis, Steve Fitzsimmons, and Christopher Gladden 34 Wellness Works: Tom Hood, Chad Netterville, Alvin Hoover, and Byron Speights 35 Wise Carter: Chris Grillis, Aubrey Mays, Jason Childress, and Randy Allen 36 WJTV: Bruce Leach, Richard Henley, Adam Morren, and Michael Kitchell

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THE social SCENE MCCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

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McComb Garden Club Annual Spring Luncheon

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he McComb Garden Club in McComb, Mississippi, held its annual spring luncheon in April 2019.

The meeting included the awards presentation, introduction of new members, and installation of new officers.

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Colleen Lally and Jillian Nettles Julie Fletcher and Aulene Flaccomio Courtney Richard and Stacey Bates Nikki Belote and Renee Belote New President Meredith Talbot with Parlimentarian Kindra Price Melissa Stringer and Hillary Freeman Sara Hemphill, Carla Stringer, and Denise Owen Laci Godbold and Hazel Baker Stephanie Ott and Rebecca Newman Alicia Reeves and Jeri Welch Gail Spinatto, Tina Riad, and Nancy Smith

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WESSON 601. 643.5101

NATCHEZ 601.442.9111

SIMPSON 601.849.5149

www.colin.edu

Bluffs & Bayous { July 2019 { Page 29

THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

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The Order of the First Families of Mississippi Spring Assembly 2019 he Order of the First Families of Mississippi held its Spring General Assembly 2019 in Natchez, Mississippi, during the weekend of May 31 and June 1. Forty-two members and guests gathered Friday evening for the Early Arrivals’ Dinner during which they enjoyed cocktails, conversation, and the splendid view of the Mississippi River before dinner was served.

Saturday morning, the traditional Welcome Party was held at historic Choctaw Hall, owned by David Garner and Lee Glover. Drinks were served on the back gallery; and serving tables in the hallway were laden with elegant fruit trays, dainty sandwiches, cheese straws, and cashew nuts. The highlight of the morning was the opportunity to view the beautifully decorated home and the owners’ fine collection of antiques and decorative arts.

The day continued at The Carriage House at noon with a luncheon, program, and business meeting, called to order

by Governor General Mark Henry of Brandon, Mississippi. Guest speaker was the award-winning author, journalist, and television host Richard Grant. Born to British parents in Malaysia, Grant grew up in London and now lives in Jackson, Mississippi. In 2012 on a whim, he moved from New York to an old plantation house near Pluto, Mississippi, to start a new life.

In his best-selling book, Dispatches from Pluto: Lost and Found in the Mississippi Delta, Grant recounts the fascinating array of characters he encountered in Mississippi. His luncheon program featured this book and copies were available for sale to members and guests.

Grant also has written for Smithsonian magazine, The New York Times, and The Telegraph (UK).

After the program, officers gave their reports followed by the introduction of new members. The meeting concluded with the installation of new officers for 2019-2021. Dan Johnson of Crystal Springs, Mississippi, is the newly elected Governor General. About 120 members and guests attended from Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Photography by Bill Perkins

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THE social SCENE

NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

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13 Mark Henry, Ann LaCour, and Wendy Cartwright 14 Lori Kincses and Vickie Wilson 15 Barbara Haigh, Candace Bundgard, and Benny Boone 16 Mark Henry and Martha Leese 17 Lee Glover, Vickie Netterville, Dan Johnson, Leasa Shorter, Joyce Shorter, and David Garner 18 Richard Grant, Charles and Betty Dixon, and Michael Crawford 19 Mark Henry, Wendy Cartwright, Charlie Carlise, Dan Johnson, and Vernon LaCour 20 Members of the Council: Dan Johnson, Governor General; Leasa Shorter, Librarian General; Vernon LaCour, Recording Secretary General; Ted Dear, Deputy Governor General; Becky Rhinehart, Corresponding Secretary General; Beth Herring, Treasurer General; Wendy Cartwright, Registrar General; Charlie Carlisle, Chaplain General; and Catherine Prince, Deputy Treasurer General

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Bluffs & Bayous { July 2019 { Page 31

IN THE GARDEN

BY

PART 1

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

Hibiscus Varieties Offer Tropical Color

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KLV FROXPQ EHJLQV RXU ´7RXU GH +LELVFXV ¾ IHDWXULQJ D WKUHH SDUW VHries about various hibiscus plants that provide great choices for our Mississippi gardens and landscapes. I don’t know any home gardener who can resist the colorIXO à RZHUV RI &DMXQ KLELVFXV SODQWV ZLWK HTXDOO\ FRORUIXO QDPHV OLNH +RRFKLH 3DSD 3HSSHUPLQW 3DWW\ DQG &UDZÀVK 3LH 7KHVH à RZHUV DUH VRPH RI WKH PRVW dazzling in my garden each year. The color combinations can seem almost impossible; but there they are, beautiful and complex, like random combinations from a box of Pantone color chips. The various selections feature bright yellows, pinks, reds, and whites. Blends and those with bright-red eyes are some of the more spectacular. The Cajun hibiscus selections with cool gray in the mix are a Technicolor

Page 32 { July 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

dream. The foliage is dark green and glossy and provides a nice background to display the colorful blooms. $GGLWLRQDOO\ WKH à RZHUV DUH KXJH having diameters easily over seven inches. There’s one disappointing issue: these JRUJHRXV à RZHUV ODVW RQO\ D VLQJOH GD\ Fortunately, Cajun hibiscus will almost FRQWLQXDOO\ SURGXFH à RZHUV IURP ODWH spring to the fall season.

Nearly everything in my garden and ODQGVFDSH LV LQ ELJ SODQWHUV OLNH ÀIWHHQ DQG WZHQW\ ÀYH JDOORQ FRQWDLQHUV 7KHUH DUH D couple of reasons for this growing strategy. First, the big container will hold more water and help keep the root system consistently moist, even on the hottest summer days. Second, some plants like Cajun hibiscus will not tolerate our winter temperatures, not even along the coast. If your

A colorfully named Cajun hibiscus, Hoochie Papa will bloom all summer long with proper care and sunny conditions.

plants are growing in containers, you can move them into a garage or shed ahead of the arrival of cold winter temperatures. )RU WKH EHVW Ă RZHULQJ EH VXUH WR SODQW Cajun hibiscus where it will receive at least six hours of full sun every day. This will keep the plant more tightly branched and intensify the colors. Good planting bed drainage is a must; this is another reason I grow in containers. Another option is to grow in raised beds.

Maintaining consistent root zone moisWXUH LV NH\ IRU &DMXQ KLELVFXV WR Ă RZHU through the season. A period of droughty ZHDWKHU ZLOO TXLFNO\ WXUQ RII WKH Ă RZHULQJ DQG FDXVH DQ\ GHYHORSLQJ Ă RZHU EXGV

The red eyes in the center pop on Gray Lady, an elegant Cajun hibiscus, which will need at least six hours of full sun every day.

to drop off, and it may be hard to get the à RZHULQJ VWDUWHG DJDLQ 7KH ZDWHULQJ needs will vary with the season—more in hot weather and less in the cooler months.

Overwatering can cause buds to drop beIRUH WKH Ă RZHUV IXOO\ RSHQ 7DNH KRPH point: keep a close eye on your watering. $QRWKHU NH\ WR PDLQWDLQLQJ WKH Ă RZering of Cajun hibiscus is fertilization. )ORZHULQJ UHTXLUHV D WUHPHQGRXV DPRXQW RI energy. I always use a slow-release fertilizer at planting and then water-soluble fertilizers as I water through the summer season.

Cajun hibiscus plants are perfect for DGGLQJ D WURSLFDO Ă DLU RQ D SRUFK RU SDtio. Combination-plant Cajun hibiscus with other tropicals, such as bananas and FDQQDV ZKLFK UHTXLUH VLPLODU FDUH DQG management.

Columnist Dr. Gary R. Bachman is an assistant extension professor of horticulture at Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.

,BUIFSJOF .J[F .PSUHBHF -PBO 0SJHJOBUPS /.-4 VIDALIA 1617 Carter Street Vidalia, LA 71373

FERRIDAY 302 Louisiana Ave Ferriday, LA 71334

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LAKE PROVIDENCE 40 Lake Street Lake Providence, LA 71254

NATCHEZ 173 Hwy 61 South Natchez, MS 39120

Bluffs & Bayous { July 2019 { Page 33

IN THE GARDEN

BY

PART 2

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

Color-changing Hibiscus Blooms are Worth the Wait

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his column in our hibiscus series focuses on a woody species, Hibiscus mutabilis or confederate rose. This plant is a green, woody shrub for most of the summer because it will not start to bloom until late August or early September.

But believe me—it’s worth the wait.

Other common names include cotton rose and cotton rosemallow. Its botanical name, Hibiscus mutabilis, refers to the VHHPLQJO\ HYHU FKDQJLQJ Ă RZHU FRORUV 7KH Ă RZHUV DUH KXJH DQG VL[ LQFK EORRPV in your fall landscape are a sight to behold. %HJLQQLQJ LQ ODWH VXPPHU WKH Ă RZHUV Page 34 { July 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

open nearly white, and then turn pink and ÀQDOO\ D EULJKW UHG DV WKH\ VHQHVFH DW WKH end of the day.

The plants produce literally hundreds of EORRPV SHU SODQW $V WKH ROG Ă RZHUV IDGH there are new ones opening. On a typical GD\ WKHUH ZLOO EH ORDGV RI Ă RZHUV LQ YDU\ing shades of white, pink, and dark pink.

Confederate rose has the potential to be a really big landscape plant, typically reaching greater than ten feet tall. This makes a nice specimen plant. In a normal winter, this plant will die back to the ground after a hard frost and will emerge

Confederate rose has the potential to be a really big landscape plant, typically reaching greater than ten feet tall.

from winter dormancy to shoot up eight-toten feet or more the next season.

In the coastal counties, it’s common for our plants to overwinter. At the MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center, we’ve begun to cut our confederate rose plants back to four-to-six inches in late winter to help maintain them as smaller plants in our landscape.

Confederate rose likes a consistently moist planting bed but does not like wet IHHW 7KH OHDYHV DUH ODUJH DQG IUHTXHQWO\ will start to look a little wilty on our hot Mississippi summer days. But not to worry—this plant will bounce back by the next morning as long as you maintain consistent soil moisture.

7KH ÁRZHU LV D JUHDW H[DPSOH RI DQ KHLUloom ornamental plant. Many of these heirlooms are also called pass-along plants, for they were commonly shared between neighbors and friends.

Cuttings can be taken now through the fall season; just be sure to look for newer growth. An old rooting method is simply to place the cuttings in a glass or bucket of water. I’ve read many times that modern gardeners are successful when doing this.

We ran an experiment where we provided cuttings to the public and asked them to

try to root them in a glass of water. Out of over two hundred cuttings distributed, only one actually rooted. I don’t call this a viable method of propagation.

In my opinion, a better way is to use rooting hormone available at your local garden center. Take a cutting four-to-six inches long and scarify (wound) the end closest to the roots. A potato peeler works very well for this. Dip the wounded end in rooting powder, and stick it into a good potting mix. Place the cutting outside out of direct sun, and keep it moist.

For more information and some very pretty video, check out the Southern Gardening television segment ´&RQIHGHUDWH 5RVH µ Columnist Dr. Gary R. Bachman is an assistant extension professor of horticulture at Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Bluffs & Bayous { July 2019 { Page 35

IN THE GARDEN PART 3

BY

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

Hardy Hibiscus Boasts Massive Blooms

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KLV ÀQDO FROXPQ LQ RXU KLELVFXV VHULHV IRFXVHV RQ WKH KDUG\ hibiscus, an easy-to-grow ornamental, largely unknown to many home gardeners. However, with the impact they can have in any landscape, I think every garden should have at least one hardy hibiscus.

The fact that home gardens don’t use a lot of hardy hibiscuses may result from these perennial plants being among the last to HPHUJH LQ WKH VSULQJ (YHQ %XWWHUà \ %XVK ZKLFK LV D ODWH VSULQJ grower, wakes up before hardy hibiscus.

Here’s an example of how late that is: I’d been growing WKHVH SODQWV LQ P\ KRPH ODQGVFDSH IRU DERXW ÀYH \HDUV DQG , DOPRVW ZDV FRQYLQFHG WKDW P\ ÀUVW KDUG\ KLELVFXV 6XPPHULÀF Cherry Cheesecake, didn’t survive the winter. What else could I think when there were still dry, dead-looking sticks on May 1?

However, I pruned and repotted the plant; and to my surprise, I started seeing new shoots pushing out around May 15.

The plant has a vigorous growth rate that more than makes up for the late start. This year with the milder winter my plant woke up about May 1.

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$OWKRXJK WKH\ HPHUJH ODWHU WKDQ PRVW SHUHQQLDOV WKH EHDXWLIXO Ă RZHUV RI KDUG\ KLELVFXVHV VXFK DV WKLV 6XPPHULĂ€F &KHUU\ &KHHVHFDNH PDNH WKHP ZRUWK WKH ZDLW

Hardy hibiscus is very different from Cajun hibiscus plants, which are extremely winter hardy with foliage not as glossy as hardy hibiscus. However, a trait the two varieties certainly share is the bright, EHDXWLIXO DQG JDXG\ à RZHUV Hardy hibiscus adds value to our summer landscapes by displayLQJ WKHVH HQRUPRXV à RZHUV $QG ZKHQ , VD\ KXJH , PHDQ WKH à RZHUV of hardy hibiscus are sometimes up to twelve inches across. In fact, they are often called dinner plate hibiscus. +DUG\ KLELVFXVHV DUH EXVK\ SODQWV UDQJLQJ IURP WZR IHHW WR ÀYH feet tall depending on the selection. Foliage colors range from light to medium green with some selections even offering my favorite—burgundy and dark purple leaves. So many are available in WKH QXUVHU\ WUDGH /RRN IRU 6XPPHULÀF /XQD DQG WKH ROGHU 'LVFR Belle series.

Hardy hibiscus adds value to summer landscapes E\ GLVSOD\LQJ HQRUPRXV ÁRZHUV 7KH ÁRZHUV RI WKLV 6XPPHULÀF 3HUIHFW 6WRUP UHDFK QLQH LQFKHV DFURVV

6XPPHULÀF &KHUU\ &KHHVHFDNH VWLOO LV D VWDU LQ P\ JDUGHQ 7KH ÁRZHUV DUH JRUgeous, seven-to-eight inches in diameter; and they can be confusing as to whether WKH\ DUH ZKLWH RU SLQN VLQFH WKH UXIÁHG petals have light-pink-tipped edges with pinkish veining radiating from the magenta eye. $QRWKHU IDYRULWH VHOHFWLRQ LV 6XPPHULÀF 3HUIHFW 6WRUP ,WV FRPELQDWLRQ RI ÁRZHU and foliage colors is as dramatic as a summer thunderstorm. This is a compact selecWLRQ WKDW LV KDSS\ JURZLQJ LQ D ÀYH JDOORQ container.

3HUIHFW 6WRUP ÁRZHUV DUH KXJH ,·YH measured some at over nine inches in diDPHWHU 7KH QXPEHU RI ÁRZHUV LV DOVR huge. My Perfect Storm has had more than WKLUW\ ÁRZHU EXGV DW RQH WLPH 7KH ÁRZers—white with a red eye—are displayed above the maple-like foliage of deep maroon-purple.

Hibiscuses love the sun and need moist, well-drained soil. These conditions ZLOO UHVXOW LQ ODUJHU ÁRZHUV DQG OXVK IRliage. In spring, cut back any remaining stems before new growth appears. I typically cut back hard to about six inches in the spring any time before the new growth starts to appear.

So, if you’re ready to feast your eyes on a dinner plate full of gaudy color, look at some of the different varieties of hardy hibiscus.

Columnist Dr. Gary R. Bachman is an assistant extension professor of horticulture at Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Bluffs & Bayous { July 2019 { Page 37

THE social SCENE MAGNOLIA, MISSISSIPPI

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Judith Robinson DAR Spring Meeting udith Robinson DAR members gathered at the beautiful riverfront cabin of Janice Brock on May 9, 2019, for their spring meeting.

Everyone enjoyed a potluck meal of pork loin, casseroles, various salads, desserts, and sweet tea. Chaplain Sonya Johnston installed new officers: Linda Young, Vice Regent; Mary N. Felder, Recording Secretary; and Ava Madison, Parliamentarian. The patriotic table centerpieces were floral arrangements with fresh Gypsophila and American flags.

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1 Linda Young and Janice Fortenberry 2 Row 1—Sonya Johnson, Janice Fortenberry, and Linda Young / Row 2—Carolyn Richmond, Janice Brock, Mona Ray, Virginia Zeigler, Gladys Blackwell, Mary N. Felder, Tammy Strickland, and Ava Madison / Row 3—Jackie Russell, Betty Penick, Ann Hobgood, Betsy Harrell, and Rita Brister / Row 4—Cathy Harvey, Beverly King, Jane Lawrence, Jane Ard, and Sue Boyd 3 Ramona Young and Robbin Sheppard 4 Installation of Officers: Vice Regent Linda Young, Parliamentarian Ava Madison, Recording Secretary Mary N. Felder, Regent Janice Fortenberry, and Chaplain Sonya Johnston 5 Linda Young, Janice Brock, Jane Lawrence, and Carolyn Richmond 6 From Top—Mary N. Felder, Sue Boyd, Ava Madison, Jane Ard, Linda Young, Beverly King, Sonya Johnston, and Janice Fortenberry 7 Beverly King, Janice Fortenberry, and Jackie Russell

On the River k On the River k On the River k On the River

Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Bluffs & Bayous { July 2019 { Page 39

THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

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50th High School Reunion lumni of the 1969 graduating class of Natchez–Adams County High School along with a number of graduates of Cathedral High School gathered for a weekend of fun from May 31 through June 2, 2019, at various venues in Natchez, Mississippi. Revisiting high school yearbooks and memorabilia as well as reminiscing with classmates were the highlights of the weekend gathering.

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Jerry Clark Jack Aubic and Jimmy Dale Williams Sheila Salvo Alwood and Richard Alwood Rebecca Odom Francis and Jeanne Crawford Ballard Mary Ann Fields Whitehead Mark and Bonnie Coffman Robert Murray, Joel Herron, and Martha Jane Ratcliff Sue Wilson with Craig Bradford and Lynn McNeely Bradford Pete Cantu, Diane Bonner Willard, and Rene Cantu Linda Gay Vermeulen, Pam Smith Harriss, and Debbie Leftwich Godard Joe Bonner, Robert Murray, and Glynn Laird Joel Herron, Sheila Salvo Alwood, Debbie Herron, and Mary Lou Sandel Laird

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THE social SCENE

NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

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13 Mary Katherine Parker Rawles, Milton Rawles, and Jimmy Neely 14 Carol Peterman Jones, Jack Aubic, and Janet Aubic 15 Sissy Junkin Allen, Diane Downer Laird, and Phebe Heard Winters 16 Mary Ann Fields, Janet Aubic, and Elise Dawes McKinley 17 Larry Kingsbury, Norris Edmonson, Ricky Edgin, Glynn Laird, and Ron Gardner 18 Mary Lou Sandel Laird, Phebe Heard Winters, Sissy Junkin Allen, Debbie Eyrich Bonner, Martha Jane Ratcliff, and Carol Peterman Jones 19 Cathedral High School graduates Sue Krueger Pate, Jack Aubic, Sheila Salvo Alwood, Kenneth Rodriguez, Mary Ann Fields Whitehead, Winky Freeman, Billy Abbott, and Anthony Tuccio 20 Debbie Eyrich Bonner, Pam Thompson Bouchillon, Elsie Davis White, and Mary Katherine North Smith 21 Mary McGaha Lloyd, Gerry Winters, Bobby Loyd, and John Berett

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

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22 Phebe Heard Winters, Teresa Risher Burns, Linda Gay Vermeulen, Mary Lou Sandel Laird, Pat Mullins Jonaitis, Pam Smith Harriss, Debbie Eyrich Bonner, Sissy Junkin Allen, Delores Lanehart Spinks, and Nancy Shealy Harveston 23 John Arnold, Pete Wilson, Lynn McNeely Bradford, Danny Rollins, Mary Lee Day Edmonson, Charlene Swanson Hodges, Rose Day Gardner, Jimmy Dale Williams, and Randy Herrington 24 Sharon Young Lambert, Charlene McClellan Bagley, Linda Dee Pearson Woodward, Kathy Hoggatt Guyer, and Joan Jones 25 Joel Herron, Glynn Laird, Jake Middleton, John Correro, and Diane Bonner Willard 26 Judy Strickland and Marty Tuccio 27 Carol Peterman Jones, John Correro, and Mary Lou Sandel Laird 28 Winky Freeman, Jack Aubic, and Anthony Tuccio

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Mah Jong?

What’s That? story by J. Taylor Horton photography by Leslie Horton

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arely is there a time throughout each week that I can’t expect my mother to answer her phone. We talk on a regular basis, at least every two or three days, no matter what is happening in our lives. Yet, I know better than even to attempt a call on Wednesday afterQRRQV 6KH·V SOD\LQJ 0DK -RQJ SURQRXQFHG Pl· ]K{ΰ·

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7RS )URQWÂł-R\ 0LKDO\ND /HVOLH +RUWRQ /LQGD 0RVV %HWK 1RUPDQ DQG -XG\ 0F0LOOLQ %DFNÂł Karen Miller, Mary Chaney, Janice Waring, Jeane %ODFNEXUQ &DURO\Q /DPELRWWH DQG 0DUOHQH McLaurin Above: Janice Waring, Carolyn Lambiotte, Jeane %ODFNEXUQ DQG -R\ 0LKDO\ND

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In the same way that people refuse to miss their favorite television show or weekly church service, the ancient game of Mah Jong has become a weekly priority for thousands of people across America, including my mom. And although she’s been playing bridge for over forty years now like so many others, Mah Jong is taking precedence over bridge and becoming more popular among all ages. Even young people seem to be gravitating towards this captivating tile game.

Every Wednesday, a group of friendly competitors make their way towards the Highway 61 Coffeehouse in downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi, on Washington Street. The group has evolved over the past two years, starting off with four; and now as many as twelve show up; and the appeal shows no signs of slowing down. No one must clean house for guests or cook a feast of food. They all come as they are, ready to play, all with hope to win! This group consists of some very smart women; two of them were my math teachers, Beth Norman and Marlene McLaurin. They all say it is fun and keeps their minds sharp.

It’s no exaggeration that Mah Jong holds thousands as true fanatics. Linda Moss, RQH PHPEHU KDG LQMXUHG KHU NQHH EXW ÀUPly resolved to hobble in, undeterred, to participate in the weekly excitement!

There are now scores of ferocious competitors participating across North America in a phenomenon known as ´0DK -RQJ 0DGQHVV ¾ Many groups lately have become regular gamblers of the game, but the Ladies of Vicksburg have yet to take up gambling although they haven’t ruled it out as an option. Secretly, I hope they leave that part out. A current bestselling book, titled The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo, has its main character working

two jobs to help her mother pay off her Mah Jong gambling debt. You can also see Mah Jong being played in the recent blockbuster movie Crazy Rich Asians or the popular Amazon Prime series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

7KH IDVFLQDWLRQ RI 0DK -RQJ LV TXLFNly spreading coast to coast, even with people from tour boats stopping in Vicksburg looking on, typically unfamiliar, yet compelled to observe this complex, beautiful tile game. One tourist even asked to have her picture taken with the Vicksburg group to send to her Mah Jong group in Florida.

Everything old is new again! The game of Mah Jong originated in China, sometime between 500 BC and AD 1875. This imprecision in time only adds to the mystery and allure of this ancient game. By the 1900s, it had spread all over the world; and in no way is this phenomenon losing ground.

Over time, it migrated to the United States by way of the Jewish community in New York City.

The game’s popularity seemed to have peaked with women in the 1950s and ’60s, EHLQJ FRQVLGHUHG D à HHWLQJ ´IDG¾ RI WKLV era. In fact, several women in Vicksburg still have Mah Jong sets that belonged to their mothers from this time period. Lesley Silver, owner of the Attic Gallery above the Coffeehouse, took the group upstairs to show them her mother’s ivory set.

While the game fell out of favor (in much the same way as Trivial Pursuit did in the V WKLV XQLTXH DOPRVW PHVPHUL]LQJ game is enjoying a profound resurgence in all age groups throughout the country. :KDW ZDV RQFH GHVFULEHG DV ´D PRWKHU¡V JDPH¾ LV VORZO\ EXW VXUHO\ EHLQJ LQÀOWUDWHG by men as well as youth.

Mah Jong is in no way dull or boring as, say, a game of checkers or rummy; yet LW¡V QRW TXLWH DV FRPSOLFDWHG RU GDXQWLQJ DV chess or bridge. Such is the complexity of LW WKDW RQFH JUDVSHG LW LV VWLOO TXLWH GLIÀcult to describe; yet American Mah Jong FRXOG EH H[SODLQHG DV D VRUW RI ´GXPEHG GRZQ¾ YHUVLRQ RI WKH $VLDQ JDPH ,Q DQFLHQW &KLQD SHRSOH NQRZQ DV ´SHDVDQWV¾ were banned from playing Mah Jong, the rulers fearing that the peasants were becoming too smart and might somehow overthrow their leadership! It’s an engaging exercise for the brain, and moreover it allows its players to enjoy each other’s time as friendly opponents on a weekly basis. Don’t be misled: these ladies visit; but as soon as the tiles are dealt, it’s every woman for herself.

Vicksburg’s Mah Jong group, which has slowly and steadily evolved over the past two years, began when Judy McMillin’s sister from a group out of Dallas, Texas, taught several members the basics of the game; and it took off from there, those few teaching others and all now participating in WKLV ´0DK -RQJ 0DGQHVV ¾ Every Monday morning a text, asking who can play Wednesday, goes out to the group from Beth Norman. Finding there DUH DW OHDVW WKUHH SOD\HUV VKH DIÀUPV WKH game is on. So far, they have not missed a Wednesday. Mah Jong is typically played by four players although sometimes three are enough for a rewarding experience.

Top left: Linda Moss Top right: Carolyn Lambiotte Above: Judy McMillin, Marlene McLauren, and Karen Miller

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7RS -R\ 0LKDO\ND -XG\ 0F0LOOLQ -HDQH %ODFNburn, and Janice Waring Above: Karen Miller and Carolyn Lambiotte

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Like the western game of rummy, Mah Jong is a game of precise skill, strategy, and calculation, involving a vague degree of chance. Many are now referring to it as D ´PLQG VSRUW ¾ ZKLFK LV DQ DFFXUDWH UHIerence due to the level of concentration one must exhibit to succeed at the game.

In ancient China, it was originally known DV ´SLQ\LQ ¾ PHDQLQJ 6SDUURZ ZKLFK LV still used in some southern circles. The tiWOH ´6SDUURZ¾ UHIHUV WR WKH FODQNLQJ RI WKH WLOHV GXULQJ VKXIà LQJ UHVHPEOLQJ WKH FODWtering of sparrows. This was a concern when the group decided to play at a public coffee shop, but the customers all have been understanding of and familiar with the regular Wednesday group.

7KH ÀUVW VHWV RI 0DK -RQJ ZHUH VROG

by Abercrombie and Fitch in 1920, which most now only know as strictly a clothing

company. In this same year, a Mah Jong rule book was composed, known simply as ´WKH UHG ERRN ¾ ZKLFK ZDV LQVSLUHG E\ DQ American writer during his stay in China.

He managed to simplify the game although now a few of the complexities have made their way back into the experience.

One of the many enticing facets of Mah Jong is its inherent beauty. Each tile has a GLIIHUHQW DUWLVWLF HOHPHQW DV D VSHFLÀF W\SH RI à RZHU RU VHDVRQ ZLWK SOXP EORVVRP DV winter, orchid as spring, chrysanthemum as autumn, and bamboo as summer. The match consists of four separate rounds, HDFK UHSUHVHQWLQJ D ´SUHYDLOLQJ ZLQG ¾ DOways beginning in the east. Once a player discovers her winning hand, she is free WR FKHHUIXOO\ FDOO RXW ´0DK -RQJ ¾ ZKLOH revealing her hand, an action sometimes NQRZQ DV ´*RLQJ 0DK -RQJ ¾ 1RW RQO\ can an individual draw a winning hand but also, at times, he or she can experience victory by stealing discarded tiles, again enDEOLQJ WKH SOD\HU WR H[FODLP ´0DK -RQJ ¾ No one knows when the conversion from cards to tiles took place, but the estimate of this transformation is sometime in the nineteenth century. Regardless, Mah Jong has become remarkably popular since its fever is now prevalent throughout nearly all cultures.

Many times, the excitement of the game can overtake an individual player; and it’s all too common for someone to FDOO RXW ´0DK -RQJ ¾ ZLWKRXW ZLQQLQJ WKH PDWFK 7KLV LV NQRZQ DV D ´)DOVH 0DK -RQJ¾ DQG DPXVLQJ RU QRW WKLV LQDFFXrate display of energy causes the unfortunate soul to forfeit her points to the other players. Such is the overwhelming display of commitment by each player to this game that is all too commonly becoming NQRZQ DV DQ DFWXDO ´VSRUW ¾ Though the Vicksburg Mah Jong players are no doubt becoming closer friends week by passing week, by now you must NQRZ WKDW ´0DK -RQJ 0DGQHVV¾ LV D UHDO condition, causing these amazing ladies to show up for the challenge no matter what!

But these Vicksburg Mah Jong ladies don’t take the game too seriously. After all, they are not gambling. At least, not YET. Stop by to see them any Wednesday afternoon; they can tell you all about it so that \RX WRR FDQ EHFRPH D SDUW RI ´0DK -RQJ 0DGQHVV ¾ ,I \RX VHH DQ\ PRQH\ RQ WKH WDble, please give me a call.

J. Taylor Horton is a musician and freelance writer, living in Orange County, California.

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JULY Louisiana Up & Coming! louisianatravel.com ALEXANDRIA / PINEVILLE Throughout July alexandriapinevillela.com rapidessymphony.org July 3 Fireworks over Buhlow Buhlow Lake 4:30 pm – Gates open 9:35 pm – Fireworks July 20 Christmas in July Shops throughout Central La. Various times 318.442.9546 BATON ROUGE Throughout July visitbatonrouge.com lsumoa.org rivercenterarena:baton-rouge.ticketscenter.com Every Saturday in July Farmers Market Various sites 8 am – Noon 225.267.5060 breada.org

July 4 Red, White & Blue LSU Museum of Arts 7 – 10 pm 225.389.7210 CLINTON eastfelicianachamberla.chambermaster. com FERRIDAY Throughout July concordialibrary.org deltamusicmuseum.com

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Louisiana Up & Coming! JULY

July 6 Lake St. John Flotilla Blessing of the Fleet Fireworks at Dusk 2 pm – Parade Donna Maroon / 318.481.0182 donnamaroon@aol.com July 13 Arcade Theater Hannah Belle TBA 318.757.4297 JACKSON felicianatourism.org MONROE/WEST MONROE Throughout July monroe-westmonroe.org July 6 Star Spangled Spectacular River Market 9 pm / Free 318.867.9985

Last Friday of July Ouachita Live Concert Horace Traham and the Ossum Express Antiques Alley 5:30 – 8 pm / Free

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JULY Louisiana Up & Coming!

NEW ORLEANS Throughout July neworleansonline.com neworleanscvb.com ogdenmuseum.org noma.org newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu

July 12 – 14 Running of the Bulls The Sugar Mill July 12 / 5 – 9 pm July 13 / 6:30 pm – 1:30 am July 14 / 10 am – 2 pm nolabulls.com PORT ALLEN Throughout July westbatonrouge.net westbatonrougemuseum.com July 4 Fourth Fest Riverfront 4 – 11 pm wbrcouncil.org ST. FRANCISVILLE Throughout July stfrancisville.us audubonstatehistoricsite.wordpress.com Every Thursday in July St. Francisville Farmers Market 9961 Wilcox St. 9 am – 1 pm 225.721.0591 FB: St. Francisville Farmers Market

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Louisiana Up & Coming! JULY

July 6 Audubon State Historic Site The Plantation Apothocary Noon – 3 pm 888.677.2838 July 27 Audubon State Historic Site Knitting Workshop 10 am – 2 pm / Free Pre-reg. 888.677.2838 VIDALIA Throughout July cityofvidalia.com concordialibrary.org Every Wednesday Farmers Market Old Court House N. Spruce St. 9 am – 1 pm

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JULY Mississippi Up & Coming! visitmississippi.org

JACKSON

BROOKHAVEN

Throughout July dulinghall.com msmuseumart.org visitjackson.com jacksonfreepress.com/calendar msnla.org

Throughout July facebook.com/VisitBrookhavenMS visitbrookhavenms.com brookhavenrecreation.com brookhavenlittletheatre.com Summer Library Events: Llf.lib.ms.us Every Tuesday & Friday Brookhaven Farmers Market Amtrak Train Depot Tues. 3 – 6 pm / Fri. 7:30 am – 12:30 pm 601.835.3460 FB: Brookhaven Farmers Market

July 15 – 26 Haven Kids Drama Camp Winnie the Pooh Brookhaven Little Theatre Haven Theatre 126 Cherokee St. Register now!

601.990.2243 haventheatre.org July 25 – 26 Winnie the Pooh Brookhaven Little Theatre July 25 / 6 & 7:30 pm July 26 / 11 am, 6 & 7:30 pm brookhavenlittletheatre.com FERNWOOD fernwoodcc.com

July 5 – 27 Gardensong Fabrics 2nd Anniversary Brookhaven Piecemakers Quilt Exhibit Garden Song Fabrics July 26 / Public Reception / 1 – 4 pm 1888 E. Lincoln Rd. SE 601.748.4870

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Every Thursday & Saturday in July Mississippi Farmers Market 929 High St. 8 am – 1 pm 601.354.6573 msfarmersmarket.com July 13 Neon Night Fundraiser &KLOGUHQ·V 0XVHXP 8 pm – 12 am mschildrensmuseum.org MADISON madisonthecity.com

Mississippi Up & Coming! JULY

MCCOMB Throughout July pikeinfo.com mccombarts.com mcrrmuseum.com Every Thursday in July McComb Farmers Market 113 N. Railroad Blvd.

8 am – 1 pm 410.693.7701 FB: McComb Farmers Market

July 18 – 21 Sweeney Todd Pike County Little Theatre The Depot Theatre July 18, 19, 20 / 7:30 pm July 21 / 2:30 pm FB: Pike County Little Theatre MEADVILLE Throughout July meadvillems.com NATCHEZ Throughout July Live Music Events Calendar visitnatchez.org/full-event-calendar visitnatchez.org Summer camps colin.edu/emily.williams@colin.edu natchezballet.com Every Saturday in July Downtown Farmers Market 100 Blk. of S. Commerce 8 am – Noon FB: Downtown Farmers Market

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JULY Mississippi Up & Coming!

July 4 4th Fireworks over the Mississippi Bluff Park 8:30 pm visitnatchez.org August 8 – 11 Mississippi Medicine Show Natchez Little Theatre July 8, 9, 10 / 7:30 pm July 11 / 2 pm natchezlittletheatre.com August 10 Food & Lifestyle Show Natchez Convention Center Sponsored by The Markets 10 am - 5 pm PORT GIBSON Throughout July FB: portgibson.chamber RIDGELAND Throughout July visitridgeland.com SUMMIT Throughout July pikeinfo.com summit.org VICKSBURG Throughout July southernculture.org visitvicksburg.com vicksburgartassociation.org tarawildlife.com vicksburgtheatreguild.com downtownvicksburg.org Summer Camps visitvicksburg.com southernculture.org

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Mississippi Up & Coming! JULY

Every Wednesday & Saturday in July Vicksburg Farmers Market Corner of Jackson St. & Washington St. Wed. / 4:30 – 6 pm Sat. / 8 – 11 am FB: Vicksburg Farmers Market

July 4 Fourth of July Extravaganza SP /LYH 0XVLF 'U =DUU·D $PD]LQJ Funk Monster 9 pm / Fireworks / Shot behind Old Depot Museum 1010 Levee St. / View on Washington St. between Jackson & Grove Sts. 601.630.2929 July 18 6th Annual Ritz on the River 1600 Mulberry Street 6:30 – 10 pm 601.630.2929 July 12 & 13; 19 – 21; 26 & 27 Gold in the Hills Vicksburg Theatre Guild July 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 26 & 27 / 7:30 pm July 21 / 2 pm vicksburgtheatreguild.com WESSON Throughout July Facebook: Wesson Chamber WOODVILLE Throughout July townofwoodville.com FB: Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association

%H VXUH WR FRQÀUP GHWDLOV RI WKH HYHQWV should changes have occurred since events were submitted.

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SOUTHERN SAMPLER

BY

Alma M. Womack

Grand, Forever Summer Days

W

hen Nub, Doug, and I were children, July was the middle of summer vacation. Back then, we were out three whole months for summer, June, July, and August; and the time seemed to stretch out forever.

Forever summer was a good thing for us; for we were outside children and gloried in our freedom those hot, sultry days. No tortuous sitting in classrooms and listening to the poor readers drone on and on, trying to get through a few paragraphs of a story. That was always the worst part of school to me, and I dreaded the read-aloud days. In summer, the only one reading aloud was me as I read to our baby sister, Helen, and Doug; DQG WKDW ZDV MXVW ÀQH %RRNV FDPH IURP WKH Bookmobile, our connection to the outside world in the summertime.

Summer was just full of endless possibilities to explore our surroundings. There wasn’t a barn or a shed that we left unchecked, and sometimes that got us into trouble. There was one little shed that we went in one day, but we came out a lot faster than we had slipped in. Stacked up WKUHH KLJK ZHUH FRIÀQV DQG RXU LPDJLnations let us believe that at least one of them held a vampire, sleeping through the day. That shed remained off limits until it was torn down.

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The big hay barn was a great place to hang out, especially after the new hay was stacked in as high as the men could reach.

We were young and nimble and thought nothing of climbing all the way to the top of the tallest stack. We never knocked the bales down, either; or we would have been banned from the barn.

2QH GD\ 1XE DQG , FRXOGQ¡W ÀQG 'RXJ :H ORRNHG DQG ORRNHG DQG FDOOHG DQG ÀQDOO\ resorted to getting Mama to help. While we were scouring the weed patches, Rambler Woods, one of the men working at the shop, FDOOHG RXW WR 0DPD ´0LVV %XQQLH 'RXJ¡V VLWWLQJ RQ WRS RI WKDW KD\ EDUQ ¾ The hay barn was very tall, especially WR D NLG EXW WKHUH VDW ÀYH \HDU ROG 'RXJ right at the tip top. Mama nearly had a hisV\ ÀW EXW VKH JRW KLP GRZQ DQG VKH DQG her peach limb convinced him not to do that again.

She didn’t have to worry about Nub or me climbing up that high. Ten feet off the ground on a limb of the crepe myrtle tree was as high as I could bear, and Nub wasn’t much better. We spent hours in that WUHH ZLWK 'RXJ XS KLJK RI FRXUVH ÀJKWing pirates and bad Indians, outlaws, and Yankees. If I had a dollar for every no good varmint that we killed, I could be driving a Range Rover instead of an F-150.

The crepe myrtle was our favorite refuge, and we thought we were invincible in that tree. We thought we were safe from a mad mama sometimes, too; but she fooled us one day. Nub had done something especially offensive to her (probably threw rocks at the chickens), and she got after him. Since we were a trio, we all ran to the crepe myrtle tree with her running behind us. We scampered up into the tree...but so did she! She got Mr. Nub out of the tree and spanked him for his transJUHVVLRQV 'RXJ DQG , ZHUH YHU\ TXLHW VR she wouldn’t get us, too. We were just amazed that a mama could climb a tree, even more so that it was OUR mama. It was so very impressive.

There was another Nub-and-chicken incident that would have gotten us punished if we’d been caught. We were throwing rocks at Mimi’s chickens one day to get them away from where we wanted to play ball. Ol’ sure-shot Nub hit one of the prize laying hens in the head and knocked her out cold. Mimi was a lot less tolerant of accidents than Mama, and we had to keep KHU IURP ÀQGLQJ RXW WKDW 1XE NLOOHG KHU hen. While we were discussing the possibilities of removing her from the crime VFHQH VKH MXPSHG XS VTXDZNHG DQG UDQ away. From then on, we’d just chase them away with sticks. , FRXOG ÀOO SDJHV ZLWK RXU VXPPHU DGventures being Robin Hood and Colonel John Mosby and Raphael Semmes and Davy Crockett. We enjoyed our freedom and took full advantage of those wonderful days of summer before air-conditioners were ever heard of in our world. A good breeze and a rocking chair on Mimi’s front porch served us well for reading our books, and Mimi would give us sweet tea to drink to keep us out of the house when she was taking her afternoon nap.

Once she woke up, the books were closed; and we had the outlaws on the run for the rest of the day. Life was grand.

Columnist Alma Womack lives on Smithland Plantation on Black River, south of Jonesville, Louisiana. In addition to her duties as maitresse des maison, she is the keeper of the lawn, the lane and the pecan orchard at Smithland.

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