Mississippi

It's where I'm from . . .

A place I love with people I adore . . .

It's home.  That just doesn't do it justice . . . it's HOME and I think of it often.

No matter how far away I live or how long I've been away, there's just no better feeling than returning home, and now that I have children, it's important to me that they experience this wonderful place too.

This is my Papaw. He's 93 years wise. There's nothing he can't do.  He lost his beautiful bride 2 years ago - they were married 65 years. I miss her. He's worn these green work clothes for as long as I've known him - to see him in anything other than a suit on Sunday or pajamas at night would be awkward and unnatural.

This is my Noona - my Papaw's baby sister. Born Mayme, but christened Noona by my Papaw when she was born - he looked in her crib and said "Oh, Look! It's a little Noona."  Guess that stuck.  Noona is the craziest, happiest person I know. She's completely full of life and fun.  She taught me to water ski and drive a car. She was never one for formality - she insisted we call her Noona. Coming from a culture where everyone is "Ma'm" and "Sir" and "Aunt", etc... she cringed if we called her Aunt Noona - She's Noona - plain and simple (although there's nothing simple about her).

My Papaw has an old dairy farm in Mississippi. The cows are long gone, but it's fun to walk around the old farm and see what treasures we can uncover.  We found lots of fossils of snails and clam shells. I found many old amber bottles and a few china dishes. My favorite score was an old iron bed - headboard, footboard, & one bed rail (although my cousin called and thinks she found the other one!). Can't wait to get that back and cleaned up with a mattress on it.

This is my Grandaddy. He lost his beautiful bride about 8 years ago. I miss her too. She made the best cornbread you've ever eaten, and try as I might, I just can't ever make it like I remember her making it.  Grandaddy is headstrong and set in his ways, and I love that about him. I wish I lived closer.

My Aunt Sissie & Uncle Allen.. . .I feel so fortunate to have them in my life - they love my kiddos to no end and would do anything for us (even giving up their room when we come to visit).  They are my home away from home and such generous people. . . Again, I wish I lived closer. 

The Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge is pretty much in our backyard in Mississippi. We spent a short visit at the Goose Overlook and Nature walk before heading to my Papaw's farm one morning.

And here's my Dad & his little lady Roxy. Much to my dismay (and my children's enjoyment), he insited that the kiddos help him shoot this rifle on New Year's Day. My boy's year just got made - all on the first day.

So glad they got to experience this place and it warms my heart to hear them talk about the fun they had.

Goodbye, Mississippi - until next time. I'll think of you often. :)