| Farm Fresh Memories | |||||
| “CHRISTMAS MERRIMENT”!!! |
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Notes, Quotes and Sayin’s from the Slim had called me on my portable cellular phone and summoned me down to The Store for (in his words) my commentin’ on his two thousand ought eight "Christmas Merriment" wishes from The Store. I moved through the old double-front doors and directed myself personal t’ward the rear near the old pot-bellied heater. I was greeted with a ‘bout-time-you-got-here "howdy" from Slim. Bro., Ms. Ida and the Widow Cora all near jointly offered up a single "hello," while almost at this same precise instant Essex stepped in with Slim a plate full of supper vittles. Just as she removed the checkered cloth napkin, there was a pure wealth of flavorful aroma that launched itself t’ward me, Bro., Ms. Ida and the Widow Cora. I attempted in my brain to separate the flavorfulness, as Essex commenced to offerin’ up her sorrowfulness for only a-bringin’ one settin’ of supper vittles, further explainin’ she had cooked up plenty of turnip greens, skillet-cooked sweet taters, pork chops, hoe cakes and even a fresh baked apple cake. Slim moved t’ward the end of the counter where Essex had set his vittles with a glass full of sweet milk on the rocks, offered up a short prayer and started tukin’ into his supper meal. Bro. noted ‘bout all Slim’s "Christmas Merriment" (notes, quotes and sayins’) from near ‘bout all of Flat Rock folks. There on the back wall, behind the old pot-bellied heater, was strung two six-foot long pieces of white butcher paper. In red and green marker was all their Christmas Words. The wall carried variable words, some as special holiday wishes and others as wantin’ type requests, while others were total funnin’ words. The variableness in words included… Santa Claus is comin’ to town, I been very good, Slim’s been naughty, Essex has been nice, All I want for Christmas is (carried a full list) — deer rifle, companionship, ATV, cheap gas, good health, new set of car tires, mossy oak camo clothes, freshened milk cow, watch, cash, on and on, from a varied degree of folk. Other Christmas words … The store’s "Christmas Merriment" list carried several more words and wishes to long to pencil down full. ‘Bout this time, Estelle entered from a full day of "beautifyin’" over to her hair factory and Harley Hood stopped in on his way to a Friday night musical gig over to the National Guard Armory. Slim finished off his full supper meal, moved back over b’hind the counter and settled into his old recliner. There with a full-mouth grin, he rubbed his tummy and commenced to pickin’ his teeth, takin’ on this "I’m in ‘total comfort’ mode" appearance. Essex invited me, Bro., Estelle, Ms. Ida and the Widow Cora over for to polish off the rest of her supper vittles. So much for all them folk still lingerin’ out in the deer woods…they’re gonna miss out on some fine supper eatin!!! I noted to Slim as I prepared to exit The Store that I thought Flat Rock folks appeared to have "Christmas Merriment" for ought eight covered with their "notes, quotes and sayins’" type words… Ms. Ida concluded with her special "Christmas Merriment" words from all The Flat Rock General Store regulars— For each individual person to be blessed with good health, happiness, prosperity and the love of family throughout two thousand ought nine!!! "MERRY CHRISTMAS Joe Potter is a former vocational agriculture teacher, FFA advisor and retired county agent (Colbert County). |
