Smoke Signals and other news
Weather Monday night for Byhalia’s Christmas Tree Lighting was clear but so very cold. Still, folks came out for the fun of seeing Santa and the Grinch, for free hot dogs and pizza, cookies and milk, gifts for the kids, and free wrapping paper. The Bean on Brunswick was open with hot drinks available and outside a free cup of hot tea that was good. They also had a nice fire going to give attendees a chance to warm up.
My daughter and her husband have finally closed on the house they had for sale. They had an offer on the table after it was on the market two days, which they turned down. On day six they received another offer they did accept. They worked so hard prepping it for sale to make it shine as we knew it could. They still have work to do to make the contents of two houses fit into one. They have sold, given away, or trashed many items but still have a few things to go. Now that their son has graduated college and is headed home, they will have to fit in more items until he has found where he will find a job and if he will be moving into his own place.
Watching him graduate was bittersweet. He was born just a couple of weeks before my mother passed away. She was so determined to hang on until he was born and when she knew he had arrived safely, she was ready to go. I’ve watched him grow from that little baby boy to the intelligent young man he has become. I’ve seen his interest grow from childhood toys to designing and building complex items. It will be fascinating to see where he goes from here as he navigates life. If you know someone who needs a Mechanical Engineer with internship experience, I know one. Instead of going to a crowded restaurant for dinner, some of his fraternity brothers invited our family to a delicious dinner they prepared at the Fraternity House. It was such a sweet and caring gesture and awesome to watch the interaction. I enjoyed listening to the honest opinions of college age young adults. (My first time in a Fraternity House.)
Thursday as I was finishing up the last errand for the day, I chose a route I don’t frequently take to get to the last stop. As I passed by a local business, I saw the truck backing out of a parking spot. I stopped as quickly as possible, but he didn’t until his vehicle hit mine. As soon as I decided I wasn’t bleeding or broken, my next thought was this car is supposed to take me to Starkville tomorrow. Though in pain, I did get to go with my daughter and SIL to see graduation and hug my college graduate.
Byhalia’s Christmas Parade on Saturday night was one of the longest and best I have seen in many years. Organized by the newly formed, Byhalia Main Street Association, there were nearly fifty entries with kids, adults, horses and even a few pets wishing onlookers Merry Christmas and throwing out lots of candy. The sweetest little boy made sure I got candy. He saw I was busy making pictures, and he said it was easier for him to reach it since he wasn’t as tall as me. He didn’t even point out he was much younger than me.
Merry Christmas everyone and remember Jesus is the reason for the season.
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.