Smoke Signals and other news

I have had reports of sightings of four bald eagles in our area or at least nearby. One was sighted and photographed just outside of Booneville, one was sighted near Olive Branch, and two have been sighted on Highway 269 near the “long bridge.”

One of the opinions I have heard suggests that since Arkabutla Lake has been drained, the eagles that made their home there may be seeking new habitats and feeding grounds. Please remember these magnificent birds are a protected species. Enjoy their beauty and take steps to keep small pets safe.

I continue to resolve issues concerning the passing of my husband, Doug. Honestly, it has been hard to cancel doctor appointments that were made before he passed away. I know the heart takes a long time to heal, but the mind still wants to cling to the possibility that somehow it’s all been a horrible nightmare from which I will eventually wake.

Thank you if you have sent a card or text message, commented on Facebook, called me, or seen me out and about (which I am only doing when necessary) and expressed your condolences. I had the sweetest call on Thursday night from a reader expressing her condolences and telling me she always reads my columns. This truly warmed my heart as sometimes I wonder if the words I put on paper make a difference to anyone.

The paper mâché’ elephant made his debut on Thursday night in the play “Around the World in 80 Days,” presented by the Theater Department of Desoto Central High School. These students always amaze me with their ability to memorize the many lines and the extra effort they put into every show. My granddaughter, Mary Claire Herring, was in charge of the set and did an excellent job collecting and presenting period pieces. My front porch pews made numerous appearances during the play, along with other pieces from my house and her mom’s collection. They have even requested that they be used in their next play. As always, she did an excellent job on her parts in the play.

I have recently been blessed with help from two hardworking young men (they prefer to remain anonymous) who have taken it upon themselves to clean up a large portion of my yard that has long been in need of more work and attention than I could provide. Doug had not been able even to cut the grass in almost two years. It had been a job he enjoyed when he was able but had fallen to me. Neither of us could handle the weed-eating but had been able to hire others to do that part. They have removed overgrown brush, scrub trees, broken fences, and fallen limbs. Their hard work should make my grass-cutting much easier next year.

The Town of Byhalia has erected all Christmas decorations that were still usable. Businesses have made the effort to display many beautiful decorations to celebrate the season. Illuminate the Night was well attended and enjoyed thoroughly by those who could be there. Due to the inclement weather on Saturday, the Byhalia Christmas Parade had to be rescheduled to this past Monday night. Hopefully, you were able to attend and enjoy these events.

On Saturday, my son-in-law, Matt Gehrke, and granddaughter, Olivia, flew to Memphis from Springfield, GA., to visit me at their home. Although I could have driven myself (except maybe for that Atlanta traffic), having them do this was a blessing. The miles went by much quicker, and my little dog, Charlie, was able to get out of the kennel most of the way. If I am driving, he insists on sitting in my lap, which isn’t safe for either of us. I have been unable to visit them since they moved two and a half years ago.

I am looking forward to a wonderful visit for several more days.

On Sunday, we went to the beach at Hilton Head, SC. It was a bit cool, but I was able to walk on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, watch the waves attack the beach and roll back out again, hold a live starfish, watch the seagulls and sandpipers play, and observe the grandchildren play and build sandcastles.

We found a great Italian place open for lunch and returned to the ocean for a bit. I will forever be a proponent of wheelchair-accessible beaches and beach wheelchairs, as I would not have been able to walk to the beach area without those and a great son-in-law to push me! On the way home, a large deer ran directly in front of us, but Matt managed to miss him by a couple of feet.

Please share your news with me at jchwagg@gmail.com or text or call 901 246-8843. You can message me on Facebook as Clair Wagg.