Smoke Signals and other news
We blinked and suddenly it is November. The long hot summer days are behind us for now. The week was a rainy and cold one for sure. We were only able to be on the ball fields one night. We decided not to make up the only rained out adult coed softball game that had not been played and called it a season. One team, “Droppin Bombs”, coached by Allen and Tracy Wilson, were undefeated earning first-place. It’s been one of the best coed seasons yet with everyone displaying good sportsmanship and encouragement to each other.
We will complete the soccer season this week. Our older teams are finished. We have cancelled the rest of the games for the little ones since the weather has turned so cold. Our six- to eight-year-olds have only two games left. We will hold an award’s night this week with a potluck dinner hosted by the parents and medals furnished by the Town of Byhalia. The kids have had a great time learning soccer, playing the game and making new friends.
Byhalia’s Church Street Trick or Treat was a lot of fun. I don’t have trick or treaters at my house, so I sit outside Byhalia Nutrition Shop and pass out candy with an employee. There were so many adorable kids, teens, adults, and even dogs out looking for treats. If I do this again, I will have some doggie treats available. There were hundreds of kids. We gave out nearly 1200 pieces of candy in a two-hour period. It was disappointing that there was not a police presence as there usually is. If you enjoy Halloween and haven’t visited the “Halloween House” near the end of Church Street, you have missed a treat. The entire house is decorated inside and outside and is open for tours. They will take it all down this week and prepare to do the same for Christmas.
On Friday I got one of those dreaded phone calls. My stepson, Michael, had passed away. Although his health had been declining, no one expected to lose him so soon. He lived with us for a while a few years back when he was “starting over”. I often arrived home to dinner prepared and some chores done. He cheerfully worked in the concession stand at the ball field and helped with other duties there. He loved animals, especially cats. He was always ready with a joke or something to make you laugh. Keep our family in your thoughts and prayers, especially his mom, sisters, and children.
My daughter and her husband finally have their house on the market in Olive Branch. When they inherited his parents’ home, they had to choose which house to keep and with the decision finally made, they began the task of emptying one.
I would love to report your news. Call or text me at 901 246-8843, message me on Facebook at Clair Wagg, or email me at jchwagg@gmail.com.