Smoke Signals

Hello from hot, sunny Georgia. I understand it is just as hot in Mississippi. Just as if I were home, I only go outside if necessary. I am grateful for air conditioning, something I grew up without. I have had a couple of summers in my current house without air conditioning, and it was not pleasant. For those of you experiencing frequent and long-lasting power outages, my thoughts are with you. If infrastructure had been maintained over the years, you probably would not be in this situation. I am fortunate to have Northcentral Electric Cooperative as my provider, and on the rare occasions our power is out, it is quickly restored.

Charlie has had a great time in Georgia, receiving plenty of extra attention from everyone here. When he disappeared into the woods one morning, I was quite concerned; this is copperhead country, and a busy highway borders the other side of the woods. He wears a collar with a beeper, but he either ignored it or was out of range. When he finally returned, I watched him actually use his paw to slip the collar off. The next day, the collar stopped working and I had to order a new one.

I played chauffeur for Olivia several nights, picking her up from tennis practice and delivering her to softball hitting lessons or softball games. Thursday night brought a doubleheader where she pitched several innings of both games. From a little girl who didn’t think she wanted to play the sport to one who never wants to miss anything softball-related, it has been a privilege to watch her journey.

Olivia came home with unexpected news Friday: Her homeroom chose her to represent them on the middle school homecoming court. She is quietly excited, except for one detail – she has to wear a dress. At nearly 12 years old, she wears dresses only when absolutely necessary.

Friday night, I was especially happy to attend the local high school football game where Landon made his first varsity start. I have watched him play from pee-wee football until now as a sophomore, where he has earned his spot on the varsity team on Friday nights while still suiting up Thursday nights for the junior varsity team. He works hard at whatever he sets out to do. He is a quiet young man who avoids flashy flair and simply gets the job done.

Travis Hunter of the Jacksonville Jaguars was also on the sidelines watching his younger brother play on Landon’s team. Teenagers were in awe, tracking his every step from as close as they were allowed.

Fortunately, I have family at home who continue to feed my host of hummingbirds. I bought 10 pounds of sugar before I left and mixed three gallons of nectar. The remaining sugar has been used, and more will be purchased today now that my nephew knows how to mix it. Sadly, he found one hummingbird that got its head caught in one of the feeders and did not survive. I have never had that happen before.

I would love to report your news. Call or text 901-2468843, email jchwagg@gmail.com, or message Clair Wagg on Facebook.