Chitln Dinners 11AM

I don't know why I have a fascination with these stanky things? Whenever I see something about chitlins, I snap a picture. I am so happy to have a camera phone. What did we do before we had them??? Well here's what had happened. I was walking along, minding my own self business, and I saw this message to the community at First Trinity COGIC. I didn't know you could get a "chitln" (their spelling, not mine)dinner outside of a person's home? You learn something new everyday. Let me be perfectly clear, I am not planning to purchase one of those dinners. I don't eat chitlins -- YUCK!!! I'm just a little concerned for the smell going all throughout the sanctuary. Leave it to me to be concerned about chitlins stinking up the house of the Lord.

Happy Birthday, Vicki

Last year was the big seventieth birthday for mom, Ethel Victoria, or Vicki to all that know and love her. This year we celebrate her seventy-first birthday. I came home and immediately got in the kitchen to help Toyia with the meal. While we were getting the meal prepared, mother decided she wanted to have a cocktail. I stopped and made what I THOUGHT was a light drink. Turns out it was a strong one. Mother enjoyed her Grey Goose screwdriver with an extra shot of the Goose. By dinner time, Mom was feeling lovely. She finished her ONE drink and sat at the head of the table to preside over her birthday dinner. I must admit I enjoyed having the entire family together. Oh, Toyia did what she does best, she worked a few nerves. All her insanity aside ('cause she crazy and I know it), a fun time was had by all. I have a feeling mom will be happy with her one pound box of See's Chocolates. You can never go wrong with a box of See's Chocolates. Don't tell the others, but I'm her favorite child.

Yes, I Listen To This Type Of Music

I admit, I like some rap music. Now, at forty-three years old, you will not find me saggin. I don't believe in all that. I like the sample of the old skool tracks into rap music. This song here, "No Vaseline" samples "Dazz" by Brick. Ice Cube tells it as only he can. It may be a bit strong for some folks ears. He's cussin. I'd suggest you pass this one by. Don't listen to it. Now, if you want to bop your head to the beat, take a listen and give it a little volume. I think you'll like it.

Happy Birthday Maria Elena!

Okay, so here's how this one happened; I forgot. I feel the best thing to do is be honest. It does not mean I don't love my cousin. Nah, not at all. There's been much happening, but I intend to set the record straight now. The great-great-great-granddaughter of Lacy and Aggie (Lewis) Cooley and John and Sarah (Crowden) Johnson was born on Sunday, March 14. 1965 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Maria's home of Jamestown, North Dakota is many miles and a few states away from the hometowns of the Cooley's (Coaling, Alabama) and the Johnson's (Jasper Township, Missouri). It may be a little late, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARIA!!! Peace, Joy, Wealth, Love and Happiness are all yours to claim.

Their Special Day

It is safe to say this dynamic dual in the photograph share more than the same birthday. Anna Belle Burns was born to Victoria Cooley and Lee Burns on Tuesday, March 19, 1904 in Bevier, Missouri. J. Walter "Hague" Thompson was born to Edward and Anna (Lowery) Thompson on Sunday, March 19, 1911 in Lawrence, Kansas. Their life paths would come together in Des Moines, Iowa when Anna Belle's cousin, Veltirea Cooley married "Hague." The marriage did not last, but their friendship endured the rest of their lives. For Anna Belle's 106th and "Hauge's" 99th birthday, we honor their birthday.

Edward Johnson

Sometimes I will teach myself a lesson. I was checking the blog, because I like to do that from time to time. In "DATES TO REMEMBER..." I noticed today is Edward Johnson's birthday! I would have been pissed if I missed acknowledging his day. Edward was the first child born to John and Sarah (nee Crowden) Johnson. The family lived in Jasper Township or Vandalia at that time. Edward would marry Pinkie J Doolen in 1899. They would have three children; Ethyl, Helen and Rex. After Pinkie's death, Edward married Orpha King in 1908. Together they had four children; Henry, Beatrice, Edward Jr and Hardin. Edward moved his family from Vandalia, Missouri to Enterprise, Iowa in 1914. Edward's children would marry and have families of their own. Of course those children married and had families of there own. The descendants of this man are spread all throughout the United States and parts of Europe as well. Wow -- it all started in 1872 with his birth! I am the great-great grandson of this man, born one hundred thirty-eight years ago. Let us honor Edward on his day.

For Grandma

Thank you for being you.

Press the play button to view the slide show.

Our Lives Changed...

It's amazing how quickly eight years have gone by. We discuss Grandma regularly. There's always some story to tell or special memory to share. I like that we do this and we do it often. I share as much as I can remember about Grandma with my 15 year old nephew, Maurice. I remember Grandma telling me about her experiences with her Grandfather, Edward Johnson. I want Maurice and ALL of the family to know the stories and in turn, know the people in the stories. On March 1, I celebrate my Grandma's life and not focus solely on her passing. She lived 84 great years and in a time that we now read about in history books. Veltirea Leonia was truly a PHENOMENAL WOMAN.

You're in pain, huh?

Watching this clip taught me something. What I learned was, the man in the clip and I "thought like Lit." Now if you don't the way Lit thought, I will tell you he didn't think correctly. In fact, he was dead wrong. I never imagined an outcome like this one. If you've not seen this before, you're in for a treat. All I'll say is, Veltirea taught me to NEVER lean with your chin. He needed her sage advice.

Happy Birthday, Kevin!!!

Take a moment out of your day to extend birthday greetings/wishes/prayers to Kevin on his birthday. He is the grandson of Ethyl (Johnson) and Edward Cooley, and the son of Frank and D.Maxine. Happy Birthday, Kevin.

Aunt Bessie

I'm not sure why, but I had to have a picture of Aunt Bessie's Chitterlings - aka "chitlins" to those in the know. I know when I was a kid I would eat chitlins. One Thanksgiving I helped Grandma and Mom clean them. Then it happened -- someone told me the part of the hog where "chitlins" are located. That was it for me. I stayed as far away from those things as I could. It was years later when I decided I would try eating them again. One forkful with a little cha-cha and a half a chew was all I could do. I spit them out and vowed to not eat them again. As I'm typing this I'm frowning, because I don't miss the flavor or smell. YUCK!!! I will say this, if you enjoy eating them, knock yourself out. Be kind and NEVER offer me a plate.

This picture was taken more than a few years ago. We were together at Toyia's house for a family dinner and this picture was taken. We'll not physically be together on sunday, but we'll all be supporting the Minnesota Vikings. Go Vikings!!!