Congratulations to great niece, Aria, on her baptism
Sunday morning.

March 9, 2020 - Monday morning

53 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Meador Road - Laurel Mississippi

Though we went to church Sunday morning, it wasn't to Aria's baptism. We sure hated to miss it, but the timing just wasn't there. I'm sure the rest of the family filled in for us and know it was truly a joyous occasion.

We did go to church and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Garry and I went on ahead a bit early so we could meet some of the other men before Sunday School.

Jody and Sargie seem to think the informal meeting of the church's somewhat elderly male group is more of a half hour gossip session than anything else. Then, to add insult to injury, both say men are as bad or worse than women about making small community talk. 

I think that's kind of harsh, don't you?

We did laugh a great deal and I felt right at home. Some of the boys I've met in past years. Others, I felt as though I'd known forever. The pre Sunday School occasion made me miss Uncle Bobby, Rod, and the rest of my daily Coffee With The Grandpas clutch in Sitka.

Sargie and I both loved our Sunday School classes. Jody had to prepare to direct her preschool choir for the upcoming church service, so Garry's sister, Annette, adopted Sargie and they went to the women's class. Garry and I meandered to the men's group. Once again, I felt at home and the hour flew by.

Church was just as wonderful. Brother Richard preached a message on temptation and after listening to his rather emphatic and passionate delivery, I don't believe Sargie or I will ever be tempted to sin again.

At one point, I glanced over at Sargie. The look on her face said, "We're not in Kansas any more!"

It was my bride's first sojourn into a Southern Baptist Church, a contrast in worship from her Catholic upbringing. 

I've been to Indian Springs Baptist Church on multiple occasions in the past and as always, I left feeling as though we made an entire congregation of new friends. I don't care if one is Catholic or Baptist, Methodist or Presbyterian, from the far north or deep south, we all worship the same God and He loves us all.

Amen.

Indian Springs Baptist Church

Miss Jody's warbling munchkins gave a stellar performance. As is the case with all four and five year olds, we didn't know exactly what to expect, but they came through with flying colors.

In family news, Grandson, Coleman, continues his winning ways. He wrestled up fifteen pounds from his normal weight division and emerged victorious.

I'd like to say he gets his physique from his Grandpa P, but then I'd be lying.

Now that Grandma Sargie is retired, we hope to attend one or more of Coleman's meets in future years. I'm fearful that he'll give Grandpa a heart attack while watching. That's my little grandson out there on the mat!

And finally, Ross sent this short clip of a herd of deer crossing in back of their home on Ice Lake in Iron Mountain. Looking at all the water on the ice, I'd say spring has finally arrived in the North Country.

Closer to home in the deep south, we enjoyed one of Miss Jody's Sunday meals after church. What could possibly be more delicious than sitting down to a meal of roast beef, black eyed peas, butter beans, hot rolls, and rice and gravy? 

Eat? Man oh man, we feasted. When it comes to cooking, Miss Jody could have her own show on the Food Channel. I'm getting fat. Just paint me red, white, and blue, call me Tommy Tubby, and roll me down the street like a beach ball.

The afternoon was spent playing tourist, letting Garry and Jody drive us around the area looking at different lakes and area homes.

No tour would be complete without learning the history of an area. Here, Garry's talking about the Masonite Lake, an impoundment that was created specifically for those workers in the areas Masonite factory. At one time, it employed over 4,000 workers.

My kind of fishing
Enjoying a warm sunny Sunday afternoon

A giant agave plant

We saw multiple lakes and impoundments and some of the most beautiful countryside in the south. It was a beautiful, lazy, warm, Sunday afternoon.

We weren't the only ones enjoying the perfect weather.
Around every corner lay a puppy dog or ten.

Having local knowledgeable guides has its advantages. Garry and Jody took us to the latest of Ben and Erin's (Home Town) projects located several miles out of Laurel and will be featured on one of the upcoming shows.

Sunday evening was spent talking and laughing and bedtime came early. All the we did yesterday must have been the magic formula for a good night's rest as I slept straight through for the first time in several years. I didn't awaken once until this morning.

Garry and I have been up for a while this morning. Miss Jody just walked around the corner and Sargie won't be far behind. It's time to get this uploaded and get the day started.

The scourge of the south, FIRE ANTS
Garry stepped in a nest of these last year and thought he'd have to chew his leg off before the pain subsided.

After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road, via Laurel, Mississippi...