Smoke Signals and other news
What is the reward for driving for nine hours across three states with your faithful little dog as your traveling companion? The elated expression on your grandchildren’s face makes it all worthwhile. Mom and Dad graciously let them stay up a bit late to see Grammie when she arrived. After a few minutes of hugging and unloading the necessities out of the car, it was off to bed for everyone as they still had school and work the next morning. My body was so tired it was difficult to sleep but finally sleep came and rest restores the body. I got to go to some school activities, see Christmas lights, play games and will get to watch them open Christmas presents a couple of days early so we could travel back to Mississippi in time for family Christmas there. Most meals were prepared by my awesome son-inlaw, Matt with Ellen baking a few of her special treats along with a loaded tea delivered every day.
Only one small mishap with the dog took place along the way. We stopped at a rest area. No pets were allowed around the building, so he waited in the car while I went inside. I then got him out of the car to go to the dog walk area and suddenly I was holding a lease and collar without a dog attached. He is a fairly well-behaved dog and walks well on his lease, but something about being suddenly free was more than he could handle and off he went to explore this new area. Just as you are picturing this, he was off on an adventure with me “chasing” behind and calling out commands that he chose to ignore. Finally, he responded to “come” and then to “sit” when he got close enough, and I quickly replaced his collar and lease and back to the car we went. He normally wears a harness when we travel but I never got it on him before we left home. Lesson learned. He will also be getting chipped upon our return.
Of course, I got sick and basically spent 48 hours in bed and could not eat or drink much at all but I had excellent care and am on the road to recovery.
My medicine got approved this week at a cost of $99 per month. Since it is the only FDA approved medication for the liver disease I have, I along with my doctor and family have decided to try it. Of course, there are possible side effects but still better than the outcome without it. Any prayers you want to send my way will be appreciated.
As the year winds down, think ahead to next year. There will be baseball, softball, and tball opportunities in Byhalia, Potts Camp, and parts of Benton County for your children. I have not yet heard from Holly Springs as to whether or not they plan to have a program. I would suggest you contact your aldermen and mayor and let them know you want the program reestablished for 2025. Registration for those participating should began January 2, 2025.
Remember the Reason for the Season.
I would love to report your news, activities, etc. Please share your news with me either at jchwagg@gmail.com or text or call 901 246-8843. You can message me on Facebook as Clair Wagg.