Smoke Signals and other news
Scammers are all around. I’m pretty good at sniffing them out, but one recently nearly got me. I received what appeared to be a legitimate text from T-Mobile telling me I had accumulated enough “points” to claim one of several nice gifts. I even sent it to my daughter for her to see if the kids needed one of the items. Life was busy, I was sick, and we missed the December 31 deadline, so I just moved along. Then we both got the message again with an “extended deadline.” It did cross my mind that T-Mobile had never done this before, but, hey, after all the years I have been with them, getting a free gift would be nice. No matter how I tried to claim the gift and enter the information to pay the “shipping” (which should have been another red flag), it just would not work. Ellen checked Reddit and discovered it to be a complete scam. Now to watch the credit card I used for the shipping – AT&T customers are not getting the same scam text. Beware.
Finally, I am beginning to have a sense of smell and taste. That brief experience was unpleasant for sure. I realize some people never get those senses back after COVID. I can only imagine the aromas they have missed-fresh cut grass, the outdoors after a summer shower, fresh baked bread, flowers. The list is endless. But what about smells that warn us of danger – smoke, skunks, chemicals? A couple of times cooking while I had no sense of smell, the kitchen filled with smoke when I wasn’t paying attention, and I did not smell it at all.
It is time to sign your kids up for Spring baseball, softball, and baseball. The Town of Potts Camp has opened registration. Holly Springs will be accepting applications soon. I understand Hickory Flat is planning to revitalize their program. I have had no news from Byhalia.
Monday afternoon the celebration of the birthday and legacy of Ruth B. French at the Old School Commons gave many of us a chance to reminisce about our high school days. Mrs. French, along with other teachers, helped to shape our lives and foster a love of learning. We may not have realized at the time the influence these caring teachers had on us. But it was there.
My porch camera let me know there was motion there. Looking, I saw the beautiful gray cat happily having dinner. The camera kept indicating a motion much longer than the cat usually stays. Another look revealed a healthy-looking raccoon finishing off the cat food. He would scurry away when I startled him through the speaker or turned on the siren. But after a few minutes he would return. After emptying the bowl, he looked around to see if he had missed any other opportunities, and then went on his way.
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.