The Holidays - 2017

Football continued right up till December 21. We did make it to ATT stadium, where Rick and I went and watched three games in one day. After 31 wins, we met at team better than us (Newton). It was a great fun ride. We played in Denton, Springtown, Vernon, and Royce City (two times) for the play off games. Rick and I also went to the Frisco Star stadium to watch two other teams play.

Thanksgiving - since Chad and Tara were here for Ashton's wedding, they went to MccAllen to her grandmother's place. They stopped and visited with Jerry while they were there. We had a meal with the girls at Brandi's on Thursday, and then we had our traditional turkey and dressing meal with the Ferguson's on Saturday. Rick and I painted on one of his rent houses while he was off during the daytime.

Chad in his Meowy Christmas sweater!

Christmas - Jerry came home. Chad and Tara came in. Chad actually came to the Football playoff game and was in and out during the week.  Greg and the girls never came home during the holidays. Christmas Eve we had our Christmas with the Di's family. The boys cooked steaks on the grill, and this was a big hit with everyone. We played games for gift cards. However, during the holidays our favorite game was a game Keelie had that she used to play with her grandmother - Crazy Bee Rummy.  This year I did not get to go to Rick's girls for Christmas, since it was the same time as ours.    Chad and I put together three puzzles while he was at the house. This is always a favorite of mine.

The holidays were fun with all the little ones - Molly, Marlow, and Jackson. When Santa appeared, Marlow's reaction was priceless. We all love our time and pictures with Santa - a tradition started many years ago at my grandparents house before Diana and I were even born. Pa and Ma Henderson may be smiling that we are still carrying on this 60 year tradition.

There is Going to be Another Davis

I can finally say something - or post something. Chad and Tara are going to have a BABY - A BABY.

Yes, we were all shocked with the announcement - even them. That was the special present at Anja's birthday party; but because they had not told work and other family members. Now for the rest of the news - It is a BOY. The Davis name will go on. The due date is May 12. They are already in the second trimester.

The pictures are from Ashton Lay's wedding.

Photo Walk

Saturday I participated with 35 North Texas photographers in a Scott Kelby Photo Walk. This was the 10th anniversary with 1000 walks world-wide with over 20000 participants.  I was a little intimidated at first, but I got over it. Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

Symmetrical

Stripes or lines

Older than me!

Reflection and vintage

Squares and rectangles.

Vintage

Some cloning in the processing

Blow out the background.

Evidently I like doors. I did not realize I shot so many doors that day.

Fall Family Fun

On our way home from the sprinkler show, we met up with Greg, Lisa, and the girls. We brought the girls to Gunter to babysit while their parents, Chad, and Tara go to Tech for a football game. In Gunter, Diana already had Marlow and was ready for a fulfilled weekend with homecoming activities, pumpkin farm, and family dinners.

Thursday night was bittersweet, because not only did we all get together, but we sent Jerry on his way  in his new truck and camper to South Texas for the winter. We had all the families over to tell him bye.

Friday, we did Andrea's for lunch and the homecoming parade. Rick and I took the girls to the Sophomore BBQ. We ate with Rick's girls. Isabel went to Diana's, and Anja went to the game with us. Zach was crowned Homecoming King. We had two BLOW OUTS - the game and Anja. LOL

Homecoming Mums made by M.e

Saturday was the Pumpkin Patch and a hot dog lunch there. After naps we went to Diana's house for a meal. This is actually Anja's birthday so I made her a cake, and we had a simple party for her at Di's.

Pumpkin Patch Fun

Antique train from her Dad's day!

Sunday was the Gunter Park. After nap time, Greg, Lisa, Chad and Tara drove in together from Lubbock for another birthday party for Anja. I made her another cake and a meal. More family time with PRESENTS and time with everyone. On Monday I had to take them to the airport, but knowing that the holidays are just around the corner definitely helps.

The Family

Las Vegas - Sprinkler Show - 2017

This year Rick's sprinkler show was in Vegas, which was fitting because 10 years ago after we go married this is where we went first with Teresa and Roger on our way to the sprinkler show in Phoenix. Our trip was nostalgic in its own way with the activities and shows that we chose.

We flew in on Sunday afternoon and started with the Mob Museum downtown. Later we checked into the Bellagio Hotel with a great view of the fountains from the 20th floor. I was obsessed with watching these every chance I got, and they did go until midnight each night.

View out my window!

Monday was our tourist day. We started off with a tour of Wayne Newton's estate - Shenandoah. Wow! The history at this place was unbelievable and the highlight of our trip. We then drove out to Hoover Dam to see the complete Pat Tillman bridge, which we walked over. Then we went to see the Hollywood Car museum, which was replicas of cars in many of the movies. For our entertainment, we finished the day off with Wayne Newton in concert. He can't sing like he used to, but he doesn't do  the entire concert in music. It is mainly stories and videos of his life with the many people he knew and performed with. It was a great way to end the day. He finished with "I Did it My Way"!

Wayne Newton's historical Red Room.

Pat Tillman bridge we walked across at Hoover Dam.

Tuesday started Rick's work day. We had a business lunch at Margaritaville with the best Coconut Shrimp ever. He worked, and I played. Great day!

Wednesday was another work day for Rick. He worked, and I played. Great Day. We did get in a concert with some friends to see the Righteous Brothers. Even thought Rick and I have seen them several times before, Bill Medley can still sing and puts on a great concert. He finished with "You Lost that Lovin' Feeling" and "Unchained Melody". Later that night we went to the awards banquet for the sprinkler show. The entertainment was a tribute to the Rat Pack. This was another great concert. They finished with "What a Wonderful World".

Our trip to Vegas was great and memorable. It breaks my heart that three days later, the worst massacre in the United States took place right down the street from where we stayed and 59 innocent people were killed enjoying a concert.

Happy Anniversary to Us

Ten years ago on September 21, 2007,  Rick and I were married in my backyard. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was perfect for us. We were surrounded by family. Most people say that we have had our "ups and downs" etc... but not us (unless you count the first few months when he was miserable away from his home - he hates change). It has been a great ten years of marriage that has past very quickly. The saying is that time flies when you are having fun - is oh so true!  Rick and I are now like a lot of old couples - it takes us both to remember something, a story, or a name. What one of us forgets, the other one remembers. what one of us loses, the other one finds. Our families have blended well together, and both sets of kids accepts the step-parent and are glad that we are there for each other. The grandchildren accept us as Papa and M or M.e.

(Picture coming of wedding - I just realized that wedding pictures are not backed up on external hard drive.)

There are several factors that make our relationship so good.
1. We are very compatible with very similar interests. We enjoy doing the same things and being together - doing whatever the task is at hand, whether WORK or FUN! I am his side-kick.
2. We communicate well, ( even though I am getting deaf and it seems to me that he sometimes mumbles) and we do try to meet each others needs.
3. God has always been part of our marriage.

I have to say that these 10 years with Rick have been an adventure. I will never earn the "Streetman" name as far as being athletic or a dare devil, but we have had some great adventures. We have had the privilege of being able to travel and enjoy many sites in the United States. Another one of our blessings is that we have got to enjoy many concerts together. Music has been a major part of our entertainment these past years. Rick is not a foodie, so going out to eat has not been a highlight of our years together, but we have made up for it in concerts.

Thanks, Rick, for a wonderful 10 years. You have been the best. I can't wait to see what the next 10 bring.

Love you,
Marilyn

Bennie Scoggins - June 21, 1923 - September 10, 2005

This is a little late for her birthday, so I decided to be early for her passing away date.  Most of this came from blogs that I have previously written. As stated earlier, she is the reason that I am who I am today.

1. Mother was the epitome of a Christian. She read her Bible, she prayed before every meal that she every ate, and she did not miss church until her health declined. She went three times a week or as we used to say - every time the door was opened, she was there. She did not ever drink, smoke or cuss. Her ministry was to send words of encouragement through the mail. Proverbs 31 was written with her in mind - "Her family will rise and call her blessed" (paraphrased as usual).
It is said that when you are squeezed or down -what is inside comes out. Well good things came out of Mother. The last time that she was in the hospital for a lengthy stay, we were with her almost around the clock. One of the nights that I stayed with her and she was a little disillusioned, she literally said her good night prayers all night long. Every time that I encouraged her to let's go to sleep, her response was that we had to say our prayers. She would say her prayer, and would pray for everyone by name and what she wished for them or for blessings for them. Thirty minutes later the whole process started over.

2. Mother was a great cook, and she did cook a lot of food in her life. Some of the sweets that she was known for are: pecan pie, coconut pie, chocolate chip cookies, a chocolate scotch cake, seven-minute frostings, and banana pudding. We always had a homemade birthday cake with the seven-minute frosting on it with the candy sugar decorations. Anything she cooked it was good. We always had a dessert with every meal. When we were in school, she made our lunch for us. The other kids were envious because we had such good lunches. Also when we got in from school, we knew that there would be a home-cooked meat waiting on us. You never left the table of Bennie Scoggins hungry.

3. Mother took great pride in the way that she always dressed. She would get up early and get her makeup and clothes on. She loved clothes and like to dress up, even if no one was going to see her or not. She went to the beauty shop on either Saturday morning or Friday. She took care of her hair so that when she went into the beauty shop that her hair was still in place. No one every saw her hair messed up. Her old clothes were better and looked nicer that most people's good clothes. When she was outside working, her clothes still looked like she was headed somewhere important. In the 50's she had hats and high heels to match all her dresses.

4. I have told this story many times, but it is worth repeating. One day after school when we were probably in the 4th and 5th grade, Diana and I came in from school to find the china and crystal out. The table was set. Of course our first thought was who is coming to dinner. No! Mother decided it was time to teach and practice our table manners. 
This is just one of the many things that she did to make sure that we knew right from wrong - down to our table manners.

5. Bennie Scoggins believed that cleanliness was next to godliness. I can assure you that our house was never dirty or messy. Dishes were never left in the sink. Clothes were never left in the dryer. The bathtub nor commode never had a ring around them. You could eat off the kitchen floor. Beds were always made. I am sure that you get the picture. This ended up being a blessing for us in the end. When Mother was at the Howard Apartments, she would get up and go outside and dust her car before everyone else got up and about. She did not need to be driving, so instead of us having to take the car away from her; she was ready to give it up so that she would not have to dust it everyday.

Bennie Scoggins, this child does rise up and called her blessed. Thanks for everything you did for me.

Portland -2017

Rick, Diana, Rickie and I went to Astoria, Oregon for another King Salmon fishing trip. Rickie and I did this last year, so this was our second year to do this. We flew into Portland, Oregon on Saturday afternoon and then drove to Astoria on Sunday. We were disappointed that the Tillamook cheese factory was closed for remodeling, but we did find an air museum in a war blimp hangar to tour (which was neater than the cheese factory for the guys.) We stayed in Gearhart with Brian and others in a 5 bedroom house. He cooked steaks and the fixings Sunday night. We got up at 4:30 AM to go fishing. This year I was prepared with plenty warm clothes. However, I did forget sun screen and my face did burn beet red. Fishing was a little slow so we stayed out 6 AM to 4 PM. Two business associates and Brian's brother also went with us.

My first fish of the day!

I did get two Salmon, Brian got two salmon, and Rick got one - the biggest catch of the day. We went out to eat this night in Seaside. I had  shrimp - my favorite. On Tuesday Rick F. went fishing with Rickie and the rest of the guys - more business associates. Rickie and Rick each got a fish today. Diana and I stayed at the house and went to Seaside to get something to put on my sunburned face. After the guys cleaned up we left Gearhart and drove down the coast line to Lincoln City for the night. Little did we know that in one week this town of 3000 could possibly have up to 200,000 thousand people watching the total eclipse of the sun. Rickie, Diana, and I went to a casino. On Wednesday we were back to being a tourist. We went to Washington to Vancouver National Park, we went to the Vista House, the falls, and the fish hatchery. Another fun trip in the books!

August 5, 1957 - My 60th Birthday

We celebrated my birthday in true fashion with family and food. Diana and Rick were camping at Joe Pool Lake and had planned my party at Jenna's, so I went down on Friday with Justin and his family. We had our lunch at Rosa's, and then all the girls went to experience a Chinese massage and foot rub near Jenna's. By late afternoon Chad had arrived. He was supposed to have surprised me with Greg and Isabel, but they could not get out of Tennessee. All the planes had been delayed or canceled because of weather. We had pizza for dinner. Tara drove in Saturday morning. All the kids went out on the lake and enjoyed all the water toys. That afternoon Rickie and Jerry drove down for the meal. Diana had Cain's chicken catered, since it is my favorite. She had made homemade ice cream and cake balls for dessert. It was a great meal. Rick surprised me with a new iPhone. Rick and Jerry came home, and I stayed another night in Mansfield. Sunday morning after donuts for breakfast, we all went our separate ways. They made it special with family and good food. When I got home, I through together a quick meal so that I could then spend time with Mindi, Brandi, and kids.

Jerry Lynn Scoggins - July 29, 1947

This is another one of those that is hard to write, because Jerry is a complicated, but oh so simple person. Jerry is ten years older than me, so he was gone from home by the time I can really remember  details of us growing up.

I do remember a few details growing up - mainly him trying to teach me to drive. At this very young age, we did not realize how bad my eyes were. He would tell me to watch the road, and I would tell him I was (while my head was turned toward the ditch. My right eye was very dominant.)

My first airplane ride was when I was a Junior in high school. I got to fly to Houston for a weekend visit while he was living there. 

After he retired and finished college, he relocated to Gunter part time. Then the wanderlust kicked in and he started going to Asia. He spent the next years roaming around different parts of China, Thailand, Cambodia, and many cities that I can't pronounce or spell. He has always enjoyed traveling, which is something that we all enjoy. He has many stories of his traveling adventures that he should really write down.

The negative influence of living abroad ten years is that he lost his ability to drive fast and furious (as he did in Houston). He is known to be putting around going down 289 on the shoulder of the road. 

He has a few "quirks" that makes us laugh. One of the funniest is that he gets up during the middle of the night and eats a snack. He has no idea he is doing this. Diana finds crumbs where he has been in the sweets. Even though he eats pretty healthy - sweets are his weakness. He says he loses all self-control with sweets at night. 

Jerry does not like any part of cold weather. He says it hurts his body. That is one of the reasons he loved Asia. He is in his element on a warm sunny beach. This year we are hoping that was his last long season abroad. He is planning on spending the trip in South Texas this winter. He has done this in the past and it was a pretty good compromise for not going abroad. He has a brand new truck and camper, but has never had the camper hooked to the truck. He sees no need to practice. Some Sunday morning, he is going to hook them together and creep to south Texas on the back roads. 

He was gone while our kids were little and never really experienced their childhood. However, he has been much more involved with our grandchildren.  Marlow learned "Bub" really fast and knows that she can convince him to go see the geese or "bull".  Diana had to get onto him, because he was calling the horse the "bull" just to please Marlow. During the fourth, he did put his time in helping with the grandchildren. Bub and the rhino were great entertainment for the children.

Today is his 70th birthday. We will have a simple birthday meal to celebrate this occasion.
Happy Birthday, Jerry!

Diana Scoggins Ferguson - July 25, 1956

Happy birthday to my twin sister, (who just happened to be born 12 months before me), my best friend, my traveling buddy, and my partner in crime. I am so blessed to call you all the above. Although Mother had thoughts about having two of us girls so close together, God knew what He was doing. Diana is a good Christian Southern girl that made even Bennie Scoggins proud.

I find it easier to just list qualities and characteristics about my loved ones So these are in no certain order but just a few things about Diana.

• She cooks, cleans, cans, and quilts. She is a great homemaker with a house that always welcomes family, friends, and Bible study groups.
• She loves and cares greatly for her family. She is truly the Matriarch of the Ferguson clan. She is a great "Nana" to all her grandchildren.
• She is a great Christian woman with a heart for God. She leads our Women's Ministry at the church. and leads one of the Bible studies.  She is one of the most faithful followers that you will find. She has carried on the work of many of our ancestors that were instrumental in Baptist churches. She stayed on course to the faith. 
• She loves God's nature and to travel to witness the beauty of His creation. I am fortune to get to go on  three ladies' trips a year plus some family trips to discover new places and things. She is a great traveling partner. Even the few trips that she has been sea sick on or rough airplane rides that upset her stomach - she is always a trooper - ready to do it again.
• She truly is a trooper. All you have to see to believe this is see her driving the big red truck pulling their fifth-wheel down the road. Whatever the challenge is - she is ready for it.
• Diana is prim-and-proper. She may have Daddy's looks and features, but there is no doubt that she has Mother's grace and style. 
• She was my "boss", two times in my working days. When we 18 and 19, we went to Gainesville to open a clothes store. She was the manager - my boss. I joked that I was the "maintainance" man that did all the dirty work. Years later she was my boss again - Principal of Gunter Middle School. I may be prejudice, but of all the principals I taught under- she was the best. As a Principal her main concern was always - what was best for the student!

But there is so much more than just this. She is my best friend. She gets "me".  WE enjoy a good strong Diet Coke like no other, and she knows her Diet Cokes. We think a lot alike,  and we have the same taste in many things. Where you see one of us, the other is not far behind. Retirement life is so much fun, because I know I have someone that is up for the challenge or the meal of the day.

Diana gave me a book 13 years ago with great "classic" pictures of us that is worth sharing portions of it, because it sums our relationship so well.

Crazy About My Sister... And Glad You are Mine

I am crazy about my sister, because

• she has stuck by me through thick and thin.
• she and I have always been great at sharing. (food, gum, cokes, etc..)
• we know how to make each other laugh.
• of all the wonderful talks we had as little girls ( and the many games of riddle, riddle marie)
• we both savor life's simple pleasures.
• she has a wonderful sense of family values.
• we were always such angels together.
• because of her zest for life.
• we both love the holidays.
• we both picked up a few "quirks" from our mother.
• we have survived ups and downs together.
• she sees past my faults.
• of our shared memories that will last a lifetime.
• God knew that we needed each other.

Diana's family

I was tempted to put one of those really cute pictures here, but she has always threatened me with paybacks. So here is one of her and her family that she will be ok with.

Love you and I can't imagine life without you,
Marilyn

July 4th - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

     This is one of the few times that we have all our family in and out for more than two days. This year it was for two weeks that we got to hang out with the family. Greg and Isabel came first, then Lisa brought Anja to us, but Lisa went back to Tennessee for work. Jenna, Marlow, and Jackson came next, then the rest of the kids came in and out for the two weeks. Basically for 8 of the 14 days I had two babies attached to me. The joys of little children is indescribable, especially with 5 babies under 3 years of age.

The Girls

 













   Not only did we entertain babies, we did our normal cooking and gardening.
   

Chad and the Jeep

Highlights were -

• Taking the babies to McCalisters (3 times) and other lunch spots. People would think that they were all Jenna's babies. 
• The various friends and family that came to visit and hang out with us. 
• Great firework shows.
• Swim time and Uber time on the Rhino with Jerry ("Bub" to Marlow)
• The cousins together picking on each other is always a favorite.
• The Willys Jeep
• We celebrated Isabel's first birthday before they went home (with a three-song concert by David Dunn). 
• Diana and I got to hangout with just Chad in Plano the last day, before he left town. 

The Group

     God blessed us with cooler than normal temperatures with even a couple of showers.

The Shooters

Canada! Oh, Canada!

Diana, Cheyrl, and I went on our summer girls' trip. We went to the Montreal and Quebec City area. We did walking tours of both cities. We absolutely fell in love with Quebec City. The city is so rich in history.

Money exchanging proved to be no problem. Because of previous trips and experiences, the Canadian one-dollar and two-dollar coins (loonies and toonies) were a breeze.

However, we did find it interesting and sometimes challenging to speak to people in the different areas. French and English languages are not too similar! The most difficulty proved to be putting gas in the rental car. Sounds like it would be easy, but trying to read those pumps and follow their directions (in French) forced us to sometimes make new friends at the pump.

Some of the Montreal highlights included:  Rue St. Paul Street, Notre Dame Basilica, and the Old Port.

Quebec City highlights included:  Our Lady of the Cape Shrine, the Chateau Frontenac, The Wall, Montmorency Falls, Saint Anne-de-Beaupre,  and the Funicular Elevator (which takes you from the Lower to the Upper part of Old City Quebec).

We had several authentic French meals. I did have to watch to make sure that I was not eating mystery meat. Pastries were my favorite, and Cheyrl and us did get our ice creams several places. Ice is scare in restaurants just like when we were in France. McDonalds was our go-to place for dollar Diet Cokes (which with the Canadian exchange rate was 75 cents US money) and free Wi-Fi, even though most of the time it was slow.

Diana and I were off the grid, so we had to save up our Google questions until we could get to a Wi-Fi establishment. I did keep a translator app on my phone that entertained me for hours as we were driving. I would read billboards and signs, then translate them. 

(Some of this was copied from Di's post and pictures may come later.)

Behind Again - Catch up!

Well, I got behind again. I guess I am just "too busy".  That is the line that Rick always says about me facetiously.

So a quick update!

Baseball Fever!
Zach and Peyton made it four rounds into the playoffs - 10 games. Nine of them were nail bitters down to the very last out. I know that you are not to do the "what ifs", but this year we could have made it to the state level - "if only". However, we have a lot to be thankful for. It was a great year for the Gunter Tigers. As always they were fun to watch.

Zach and Peyton 2017 Baseball

We did have to drive to almost the Louisiana border for one of the playoff games on a Thursday, so Rick and I took the opportunity to go on to Shreveport/Bossier City for the night. We stayed at the Horseshoe and played at several "boats" before we drove back home.

The Clairvoyants
Last season we watched "America's Got Talent" and got familiar with The Clairvoyants. So when they were in the area we went to see them. Oh my gosh! All night long we were continuously saying, "How did they do that?'

Memorial Day
We worked out at Brandi's on her decks and porches. Family time with the Fergusons. Chad and Tara came into town on Sunday and Monday. Mindi and her kids played baseball so we did not get to see them.

Canada, Oh Canada - the Ditzy Dolls were not the road again. This event gets it own post.

Hank Williams, Jr.
This was another concert that we did not know what to expect; but as usual,  it was FUN. He came out an sang for 30 minutes without stopping to talk. Then he started talking and singing about people that was important to him along life's way. He is a great impersonator, so as he spoke about one of these guys, he would change his hat or cap and sing a song that made that person famous. He played numerous instruments (the fiddle and piano were my favorite two).  He truly is a "rebel" that can put on a "rowdy" concert with his friends.

Rickie Joel Streetman - May 24, 1950

Today, Rickie turns 67, and it is only fitting that I do a post about him. It did take some thought on how to write this, knowing that he would eventually see this. Many things come to my mind when I think of Rick, so these points are in NO order - just random thoughts of the man that took my heart after a difficult time in my life.

• Rick is a hard-working man. He believes in work from sun-up to sun-down. If he does not have something to do, he will make something to do. 
• Rick is a classic. He loves music and knows the words to many songs from the 60's and 70's. Also he loves classic cars from this time period. His dream car is a 67 GTO that he had when he was young. He has a vet from this time period, but he still wants the GTO.
• Rick is a good, kind, simple man. He helps those in need and is kind to animals and bugs. He likes his cows and the land. He does not like those people that think they are important. He likes to wear faded blue jeans, plain t-shirts with small decals or logos - nothing flashy. He wears only a few colors - blue, grays, and greens ( all muted colors). He likes his food simple and plain, not too many seasonings or spices. 
• Rick is proud of his heritage. He loves old "Gunter" and has lots of great stories of when his family had the hardware store. He knows the Bible. He listens to it by audio everyday. This year is the about the fourth time he has listened to the entire Bible read to him as he goes to work each day.
• Rick loves and enjoys his girls and grandchildren. He likes to watch the sports they are involved in. He sometimes may be critical - the coach in him comes out. He sometimes acts like his mother and Jack at ballgames.
• Rick is in great physical shape. He can outwork, move, climb, jump, run, etc better than men half his age. He thinks he is indestructible.  
• Rick hates change - mainly technology. He does not like phone updates, new operating systems, or new printers. Passwords drive him crazy (and me, trying to keep up with his banking passwords). However, he does love some aspects of technology and gadgets. We have all kinds of surveillance cameras and high tech toys that must be working or he goes crazy. LOL 

However, there is one driving source behind Rickie Streetman that can be summed up in Alabama's song:

"I'm In A Hurry (And Don't Know Why)"

I'm in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I'm in a hurry and don't know why.

Don't know why
I have to drive so fast
My car has nothing to prove
It's not new
But it'll do 0 to 60 in 5.2.

Can't be late
I leave plenty of time
Shaking hands with the clock
I can't stop
I'm on a roll and I'm ready to rock.

I hear a voice
That say's I'm running behind
I better pick up my pace
It's a race
And there ain't no room
For someone in second place.

The song mentions a few other characteristics of Rick. He is always in a hurry, whether he is at work at TMC, the farm, or home. He drives fast and if you are in front of him, he will ride your bumper until you pull over or he can pass. Last, he does not like second place in anything. He believes in winning - whatever it is.

If you work with him, there are several sayings that you will hear from him that also goes with these other themes:

• "Hurry every chance you get!"
• "Can't see it from my house!"
• I will end with the third one, "It's good enough for who it is for!"

Thanks for loving me and making me smile. I love you, Rick Streetman. 

SaveSave

Jackson - 2 weeks

Last week Diana and I had the opportunity to go spend the night with Jenna and Jared to help take this little guy to some doctor appointments. We had a mini-vacation for 30 hours. We had three great meals, a foot massage, and great family time. I also got to take my camera to take some shots of Jackson. He was a perfect model.

Jackson is having to see specialist because he has been diagnosed has having kidney reflux. More tests and doctor appointments are in the very near future.

The Great Hanging at Gainesville

A unionist "peace party plot" aimed at revolt against the 
Confederate government in Texas was discovered in Sep- 
tember, 1862, in the North Texas area including Cooke, 
Grayson, Wise, Denton, and Collin counties. Prompt action by 
local authorities broke up the organization in October, 1862. 
Following a declaration of martial law in Cooke County, a "Cit- 
izens Court," or jury, of twelve men composed of army officers 
and civilians was formed at Gainesville. It found thirty-nine of 
the participants guilty and sentenced them to be hanged for con- 
spiracy and insurrection. Three other prisoners who were members 
of military units were permitted trial by court martial as they 
requested and were subsequently hanged by its order. 

This was copied from a document about an event that was hidden for many years or not talked about. However, in my genealogy research I came across this and was greatly fascinated by this. The reason being that it is so intriguing is that my third great grandfather Arphax Dawson was one of the 42 men hung in Gainesville.

The State 

vs. 

Curd Goss, Wm Anderson 

John Miller, Ar[phax] Dawson, 

and M. W. Morris. 



Disloyalty & 
Treason. 



These prisoners all acknowledged their guilt, giving the signs, 
grip, and password, and were active members of Capt Ramey 
Dye's company. 

All found guilty and hung. 

"There are signs, grips and passwords in the Order which will 
afford protection when the Northern Army comes in, and by which 
the members know each other ["].

Arphax had three sons who fought in Confederate units.  According to a descendant, Ephriam A. Dawson was serving in a Confederate Texas Cavalry unit on the very day that his father was hanged by the confederates in Gainesville . Ephiriam is my second great grandfather. 


Here is a great blog that has many resources about this event:  http://gainesvilletx1862.blogspot.com

It looks like we missed an opportunity to go to a dedication for the memorial in Gainesville. On a side note one of the speakers at the ceremony was a History teacher Diana had at Cook County College back in 1976. (Her husband taught my History class.) We will be going to Gainesville to get pictures of the memorial site.

Jackson Joseph Hermann

May 2, 2017

1:47 PM

7 Pounds 11 Ounces

20 Inches in length

Less than an hour old - both mother and son- Beautiful!!

He is perfect in everyway. 

Dad, Mom, and sister are doing great!

Thanks for letting me be a part of this birth and family time.

28 hours old and headed home!

Lawrence Welk : a-one and a-two - Revisited at a Concert

     Rick and I went to a concert last week; and it was very nostalgic for both of us, since we both grew up watching Lawrence Welk on Saturday night. We went to a Paul Anka concert, which took us back in time. When I first saw the stage, I knew we were in for a treat because of all the music stands. I am thinking a big band. The stands were just like Lawrence Welk had on his show, but instead of the LW on the front these had PA on them. When the band came out to start the concert, I then noticed not our typical band. The men all had suits and ties, and the women were in long black dresses.
      The start of the show started with a video on the big screen with old black and white clips from the Ed Sullivan shows, American Bandstand, and Johnny Carson shows introducing Paul Anka and giving a little history of the "kid". When he started singing his first hit, "Diana", we knew immediately that we were in for a treat. It was not a band, but an orchestra with a very big sound that was going to provide us with great entertainment.
     Throughout the two hours, he told stories of working with the Rat Pack and other stars. He had clips from the different shows he did and told stories of how and why he wrote many of the songs. One of my favorite stories was how Frank Sinatra was getting ready to retire. He called Paul to come to Vegas that he wanted him to write a song for him before he quit. Paul went home and wrote a song for Frank. He went back to Frank and said I got it for you. He started singing "My Way". This became Frank's signature song. Elvis used it, and this year President Trump used it at his inauguration.
    Another favorite of mine was the song he wrote for Kodak, "The Times of Your Life", with a video of his life and family. Several times during the night he directed the orchestra with a little wood stick just like Lawrence Weld used for his show.
     This was just a feel-good nostalgic concert that I felt a little guilty for enjoying in my blue jeans and loafers. Rick and I both left going, WOW! what an experience!

April 11, 1941 - Good Friday

Bennie Henderson and 

Kennith Marlow Scoggins

were united in marriage

on the porch of

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Tioga, Texas

on April 11, 1941

They were married 49 years and 3 days before he passed away. As extreme opposites as they were, they complemented each other well in their family life.

Cousins Reunited

The Cousins

On Saturday, April 1, Jerry, Diana, and I went to Cleburne, Texas to meet three of our cousins and their families for a mini family reunion. In February when we found out that one of our older cousins had passed away, Diana and I decided we would try to make contact with all of our living cousins on Daddy's side. Uncle Eustice's family was thrilled that she made the contact and wanted to meet up with us. Mary Jo, the  middle lady, is our oldest living cousin at 89 years young. She came all the way from Michigan with her daughter to meet up with us. Jane came from Branson, Missouri. Jimmie Charles and several of his children came from Burnet, Texas.
It was an enlightening experience to hear the many stories they told about growing up and stories about the different family members and our grandparents. Our favorite story was how they came to Texas from Michigan two years after their mother died. Uncle Eustice and Thelma had been married 21 years with five living children and one stillborn child, when Thelma died during childbirth with number seven. Around 20 years old Mary Jo, with Eustice and the three youngest children, drove the family to Texas in a Model A  for them to be with the rest of the family. The story is amazing of the trials and hardship of this journey.
Also they told stories about our Granny and Papa. Everyone thinks of their grandmother as the sweetest, loving person alive. By the time I came along, she was; however, she was OLD. (I am the youngest grandchild of all eleven living children. So I do not remember much about her.) But the truth of the matter is that Granny Scoggins showed favoritism in a big way. She raised eleven children and had her brother-in-law, Uncle Jesse, living with them, and a son or grandchild along the way staying with them. Uncle Eustice also lived with them after he came back to Tioga. So she really did have a busy difficult life on the farm. The stories told were how she treated her own children differently from each other and how she had favorites amongst her grandchildren. If she liked you, you got a present or an envelope with money in it for Christmas; if she didn't like you, you got nothing. Evidently she passed the envelopes and present out in front of all to see. They also said she spoke her mind and would tell you exactly what she was thinking or thought about a situation.
As always after spending time with others and hearing stories of the family, it just makes me more curious to talk to others to get more details.

Anja and Isabel

Greg, Lisa, and the girls came to Texas for a quick visit. Greg and Lisa went to Houston to meet up with Chad and Tara for them to go to Round Top Antique Show. Before they left on Sunday we had a breakfast party with ALL the family (except Chad and Tara). Oh what fun with all four babies - Anja, Marlow, Isabel, and Molly.

Anja and Lisa got to stay with us while their parents went to South Texas. We all had so much fun with the girls. M.e thinks that these two girls are pretty special.

California - Spring Break 2017

Our spring break trip this year consisted of 1100 miles of California. We flew into San Jose, California and made a big loop. Highlights of the trip were:

• Highway 1  coastline - including Carmel, Monterrey, and Pebble Beach
• Hearst Castle
• Sequoia National Forest and King Canyons National Park (still with snow)
• Muir Woods
• San Fransisco city tour with all the sites and history 
• Tor House and "someone's" mission
• the best and worst of hotel rooms
• the best bakeries and diners - Trip advisor never disappoints us on food.

The weather was perfect while we were there. 

Perigan (Perry) Taylor 1761 -1827( MY GGG Grandfather)

Perigan Taylor (1761 -1827) - Sarah Nelson (1764 -1821) buried Wilson Co., Tenn

John Nelson Taylor (1805 - 1862) - Cary Ann Shepherd (1812 - 1865) buried Wilson Co., Tenn

Thomas Leland Taylor (1829 - 1900) - Margret Nelson Hulme ( 1850 - 1911) buried Howe, Texas

Sallie Lucille Taylor ((1881 - 1976) - George Marlow Scoggins (1873 - 1967) buried Tioga, Texas

Kenneth Marlow Scoggins (1920 - 1990) - Bennie Henderson (1923 - 2005) buried Sherman, Texas

Marilyn (Me)

Perigan Taylor was born in 1761 in North Carolina, the son of Ms. Elizabeth and Thomas Taylor. He had three sons and seven daughters with Sarah Nelson. He then married Mary Williams on February 7, 1822, in Wilson, Tennessee. He died on March 23, 1827, in Wilson, Tennessee, at the age of 66, and was buried there.

Original house

Perigan Taylor was a cabinet maker by trade, who was born in North Carolina and through Virginia moved to Tennessee and settled in an adjoining county, not far from “the Hermitage”, General Jackson’s home.  Perigan Taylor was a small, active, high strung, excitable man, very dark complexioned.  His wife, whose was Sarah Nelson, was said to be a very beautiful woman of the pronounced blonde type, with a sunny disposition.  What a fortunate thing this was, otherwise she and Perigan might have had many a “scrap”.

(copied from one of his grandaughters off Ancestry.com)

Perigan Taylor was a fine builder. He built a double log cabin six miles north of Lebanon, Tennessee and is in perfect state of preservation.  The cabin is made entirely of cedar logs of good size, the bark all taken off, and look as sound as the day they were put in the cabin. 

Photo taken by me on February 16, 2017

A letter written by Perigan Taylor:

State of Tennessee, Wilson County

July the 9th, 1826.

Dear Children;

I embrace this opportunity of writing to you to inform you that myself and family are well at present, hoping that these few lines will find you all enjoying your healths.  I received your letter bearing the date the 11th of June, 1826, and was very much gratified to hear that you were all well.   I have been very sick last fall.  I was taken sick the 13th of October and was given out by the physician on the 15th, I was sick about ten weeks.  I was perfectly reconciled to go.  I started to go to Mr. McCorkles and met Matilda (Afflack) and she informed me that her father was killing her mother.  I immediately started and in going so fast overheated myself, which I think was the principle cause of my indisposition, and I have not recovered my health perfectly since.  I have had several attacks, but they were not so severe.  I am at present in a declining state of health and my difficulties that I have to encounter with is more than I ever expected, and death to me would be a welcome messenger.  I should be very glad to see you all once more, but unless I recover my health and if I should, I do not expect to stay here.  I should be very glad to see James Bowman, Henry B. Maxey, and Elihu Maxey  (edit- his sons in law- rmt  dec 2009)  if it could be convenient and have some conversation with you all, which if I ever recover my health I hope to see you this fall.  I wish to inform you that crops are very promising, tobacco from $2.50 to $5.00, cotton from $6.00 to $10.00 per hundred, corn $2.00, pork $2.50, beef $3.50 to $4.00 per cwt.  There has been several deaths since I heard from you all, Benjamin Warren has lost his little son.  James Thomas departed this life the 4th of July.  The neighbors are very sickly.  Miss Sallie Davis is very low.  I wish to inform you that I still hold my integrity in hopes the last day I will find a better world and hope that you will all prepare to meet me.  Through all of my trials and difficulties I have universally kept my religious tenets in view.  I once knew what it was to enjoy pleasure but that time is past and I am constantly in torment.  Tell my daughters Polly, Peggy, Elizabeth, and Evalina that I think of them often times and their amiable mother that is now no more and I have wept and shed tears at the thought.  The spot of ground where your mother lies is sacred to me.  I often visit the place with tearful eyes and sad remembrance of past happy days which I enjoyed while she was living.  James will give you this letter and I want you to try to please James and get him in the notion to move, and write to John all the encouragement you can and if you can only get them in the notion to move to that country and then every difficulty will be removed.  If I conclude in James return to move, I will write you for help.  I want you all to write me every chance.  I have been sick and not able to work and I have no way to make money and my expenses are (?)considerably(?) more than my income.  I want to be with you all and enjoy your company with pleasure for I have no enjoyment here.  Remember me to all my children and grandchildren.

Nothing more at present, but remain your loving father until death.

Perigan Taylor

N.B. I want you to show this letter to all and anything that they want to know that I have not written , they can inquire of James and he can give them the necessary information.  I want you to remember me to William Maxey and family, Thos. Casey and family, Abram Casey and family.  I remain with the highest respect and veneration your loving father until death.

Perigan Taylor

Wilson County, Tennessee

This letter was written to Elihu and Burchett Maxey, who married his daughters Evalina and Peggy(Margaret-rmt).  James was his son who brought the letter from Tennessee and John spoken of in the letter was another son (John Nelson Taylor – rmt).  Perigan died not long after writing this letter and never even visited his children in Illinois.  The latter part of his life was pitiful.  His beloved wife gone, his children, most of them, in Illinois and he sorely afflicted.  No wonder that he said in his letter “Death would be a welcome messenger”.  This original letter, now the property of Horace Maxey of White Water, Kansas is well preserved and very beautiful writing when we consider it was written by an old man severly afflicted.

Perigan’s wife, whose maiden name was Nelson, belonged to an influential well-to-do family in Virginia, an Uncle of hers, Major Nelson, visited them in Tennessee when my grandmother was a little girl.  He took a great fancy to her and wanted her parents to let him take her back with him to Virginia.  He said he would educate her and make a lady of her.  Perigan Taylor and his wife had a big family, seven or eight children, and were poor, living in the wilds of a new country with no opportunities for their children, but they had none to spare.

“***Which shall it be?

I looked at John; John looked at me.”

Did you ever read that poem?  If not get it and read it; then you will read it again.  Your heart strings will be touched and you will know why my grandmother was not given to the rich Uncle.

In a little grave, on the old Tennessee farm, about a quarter of a mile from their cedar log cabin,  lie the remains of Perigan Taylor and his wife, in the peaceful valley of the Cumberland.  They died poor, but raised a large and respectable family and kept them together until they were married.  

(This also was copied from Ancestry.com)

We tried to locate the grave last month. We did find one possibility, but will definitely check it out again.