Patricia White (Watson)

What a great photo. I wonder who that fine photographer could be?

Kenneth Davis

  T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N   

     Give yourself room to make mistakes because you're human. We've got to make mistakes, and allow ourselves to make those mistakes. Anything that's really grounded in humanity and is real, but just happens to be faux pas, or just really shouldn't be funny, I like it. I love dark humor. I love things that are so grounded in life, but just happen to be just a little bit twisted because my sense of humor is a little bit twisted. I love jokes that shouldn't be funny, but are. Those types of things just really make me laugh. 

~Rockmond Dunbar~

IT'S TIME FOR

JUST JOKING MONDAYS

     Few people know what a Navy Quartermaster does. So during my aircraft carrier’s Family Day, I demonstrated a procedure called semaphore—I grabbed my flags and signaled an imaginary boat. When finished, I pointed to a little girl in front and asked, “Now do you know what I do?” “Yes,” she said. “You’re a cheerleader.”

~Danny Sullivan~

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

In September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a History teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock, did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks in her classroom. When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there were no desks. 

'Ms. Cothren, where are our desks?' 

She replied, 'You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn the right to sit at a desk.' 

They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.' 'No,' she said.

'Maybe it's our behavior.' She told them, 'No, it's not even your behavior.'

And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period. Still no desks in the classroom. Kids called their parents to tell them what was happening and by early afternoon television news crews had started gathering at the school to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room.

The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the desk-less classroom. Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he or she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you.'

At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it. Twenty-seven (27) U.S. Veterans, all in uniform, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the wall. By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned.

Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. They went halfway around the world, giving up their education and interrupting their careers and families so you could have the freedom you have. Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it.' 

This is a true story. The teacher was awarded the Veterans of Foreign Wars Teacher of the Year for the State of Arkansas in 2006. She is the daughter of a WWII POW.

Let us always remember the men and women of our military and the rights they have won for us.

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

Kenneth Davis

     Let's be about leaving this world better than we find it each and every day. Our life is a testimony and through us divine loving is becoming more manifest. Greater good is calling upon us here in this world to be done this day. One of my rallying calls is let's go out and do some good. This is who we are. This is what we are about.

~John Morton~

Lillian Marshall

Hi Kenny,

It was so good to see you at the picnic! You asked me to let you know when I visited our web page, so here I am, trying to be obedient. As usual, you are doing a remarkable job. I had no idea, it was so much useful info on the site.

This is the first year I planted a few veggies, in pots though. The information about gardening is so helpful. I have always had a flowerbed. I haven't seen any results yet, but I will keep you posted if I get good results. I love tomatoes, so I planted some heirloom plants. After reading about growing heirlooms, the articles were somewhat discouraging, but they didn't know a warrior was reading them. 

I remember growing up, my sister & I loved tomato sandwiches. She's no longer here, so I'll have to eat hers for her.  (lol) It's just a shame they have changed the way tomatoes tasted back in the day. We now must pay extra to get that wonderful taste I remember. Anyways, don't get me started about plants, I love them! I get so much joy & peace in sowing & reaping your harvest, whether beauty or food! 

I will stay in contact, Kenny & again it was wonderful to see you! 

Kenneth Davis

  T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N  

     One moment can change a day, One day can change a life and One life can change the world. Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. The secret of health for both mind and body is...live the present moment wisely and earnestly. The way to happiness is: keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, give much. Fill your life with love. Do as you would be done by.

~Gautama Buddha~

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY

Zinc is an important nutrient, but get it from food, not supplements, experts say....Daryl Austin Special to USA TODAY

     If you're among the 38 percent of people who lost your sense of taste after a COVID infection, you know what it's like to bite into a crunchy taco or lick your favorite flavor of ice cream and know something's missing. For most of us, savory and flavorful foods are among life's great pleasures − mouthwatering experiences enriched, in part, because of a little mineral called zinc. Of course, zinc has much more to offer than improving one's sense of taste, it's a nutrient that "plays a key role in over 100 actions in our body," says Kate Zeratsky, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

What is zinc good for?

     Zinc is an essential mineral found in cells throughout our bodies; but it isn't produced in the body and must be obtained through supplementation or food and drink consumption. It has a host of health benefits, and "is necessary for the activity of over 300 enzymes that aid in metabolism, digestion and nerve function," says Uma Naidoo, MD, director of nutritional and lifestyle psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and the author of “This is Your Brain on Food." Zeratsky says such enzymes, along with proteins and genes, are essential for healthy "growth and development," and for the "maintenance of a healthy immune system, skin, hair and nails." 
     Zinc also plays a major role in the creation of DNA, cell growth and the healing of damaged tissue. Its lozenge form has often been associated with preventing or improving symptoms of the common cold, but Zeratsky says such research is not robust. Zinc is, however, "an effective treatment for acute diarrhea in children," she says. Research shows it may also slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration − an eye condition that decreases sight in some people. As mentioned before, zinc is also involved in the diffusion of taste stimuli in one's taste buds and is sometimes used as a treatment for taste disorders as a result. 

What are the symptoms of a zinc deficiency?

     Beyond affecting one's ability to taste, symptoms of a zinc deficiency include a weakened immune system, hair loss, impotence, eye problems, and "several studies suggest an association between low levels of zinc and the risk of depression," says Naidoo. She adds that zinc deficiencies are associated with ADHD in children as well. The good news is, The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says zinc deficiencies are rare in the United States. Even still, because zinc is a trace mineral, Naidoo says it can be hard to detect a deficiency unless it's being looked for specifically. "If you are concerned about being deficient in zinc, your doctor can order the correct test to check this," she offers. 

Is it good to take zinc every day?

     Because consuming too much zinc can interfere with copper or iron absorption and may even "become toxic," Naidoo says, it isn't frequently suggested to be taken as a regular supplement. The NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements recommends for adult males to get 11 milligrams of the mineral daily, and for adult women to get 8 milligrams of zinc over the same period of time − more for women who are pregnant or nursing. 
     Most people obtain such levels through a balanced diet. Foods rich in the mineral include seafood − especially shellfish − along with beef, poultry, pork, enriched milk and yogurt, rice, eggs, cereals and oats, lentils, and pumpkin seeds. "Food is recommended over supplements," echoes Zeratsky. "That is, unless someone is working with their health care provider to correct a deficiency or has a health condition." 

Kenneth Davis

Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary. 

~Margaret Cousins~

     Thank you so much Lillian, for returning to our website. It was an awesome experience to see you and everyone else at the picnic also. I'm looking forward to your "Gift of Presence", on September 16, 2023 (more to come) when the class gets together once again. Your compliments and encouraging words will continue to inspire the website administrators, as we daily attempt to motivate, revitalize and entertain classmates with our posts. Many of our classmates are "SMG's" (Social Media Ghosts), who do not use social media (Facebook , Twitter , Instagram etc...) to communicate. 
     The combining effort of your visit with words of encouragement, reassures others that you're still among the living and doing well. As you may have noticed, each weekday has a theme. Just recently, Saturday has been devoted to gardening. We have a few gardeners in the class who've acknowledged their passion for what I call "playing in the dirt". Tomatoes are a mainstay of our gardens and heirlooms can indeed become difficult to grow. In memory of your sister and our love of a good tomato, I'm dedicating this plant and it's growing season to her. May you continue to maintain an attitude of  joy & peace, while sowing & reaping your harvest, whether for beauty or food!!! Stay safe, be blessed and check in when you feel the desire.....suggestions are welcome.....

Kenneth Davis

Jeffrey Arnold
10/17/1960 - 05/03/2023

Obituary For Jeffrey Arnold
Jeffrey Arnold of Memphis, TN passed away Wednesday, May 03, 2023 at his residence in Memphis, TN.

The family will receive friends Thursday , June 1, 2023 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at RS Lewis & Sons 2944 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, TN 38111. Funeral service will be Friday, June 2, 2023 12:00 noon at New Harvest Baptist Church 2532 Warren St, Memphis, TN 38106

Interment will be immediately following the service at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd, Memphis, TN 38125

Kenneth Davis

  T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N  

     All things in this vast universe exist in you, with you, and for you. We are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision. And God said, Love your enemy, & I obeyed Him & loved myself. Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it. Keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life.  

~Khalil Gibran~

IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER

Alberdeen Clayborn

Kenneth, better late than never the interview with the young Pizza delivery man was absolutely awesome!!!

James Stone

Kenneth Davis

     If you're going through hell, don't stop, keep moving! If you only talk to a person's head and not their heart, people won't listen to you. Align yourself with people that you can learn from, people who want more out of life, people who are stretching and searching and seeking some higher ground in life.

~Les Brown~

CALLING ALL PRAYER WARRIORS

     Prayers are requested for Carolyn Parker, who was recently discharged from the hospital. Please pray for a speedy recovery of health. A "Get Well" card has been sent on behalf of the class...

     Continue to pray for Mr. Willie Armstrong, the husband of Delores Booth Armstrong. He was hospilitized last month and additional information hasn't been received, indicating a change. Keep Delores uplifted in prayer as well, while she endures this life changing event...

     Continue to pray for Tommie McKinney and family, as well as William Arnold and family, during their season of bereavement...

     De' Clayborn, thanks for giving me the credit my friend, for the Military Homecoming interview. However, I can't except the credit. Although your website administrators think alike, Joycelyn posted the video. I hadn't reviewed it until today, so I was caught off guard. Having served myself, the absence of a Military Father can become a traumatic event. Fortunately, the son handled the situation well. Thanks Joycelyn and De', for an early "Fathers Day" reminder...

     "Shout Out" to Delores Booth Armstrong, Alvin Howlett, Maurice Hunt, Audrey Johnson and Patricia Dennis Manning. Thank you for your revitalized enthusiastic attentiveness to our website. You have increased the statistics for classmates who login to view the site. Thank you Robin Houston and Jimmie Powell for consistently being the "Early Birds" reading from the website. On behalf of your classmates who attended the "BTW All Classes Picnic", we thank you Jimmie once again for the books that you distributed...

     Thanks to all classmates who continue to read the daily website posts. Chime in every now and then with a comment, so that others will know you remain among the living. Take care of yourselves, stay safe and be blessed....

Kenneth Davis

      T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N   

    My future starts when I wake up every morning. Do not fear mistakes. There are none. Don't play what's there, play what's not there. If you hit a wrong note, it's the next note that you play that determines if it's good or bad. See, if you put a musician in a place where he has to do something different from what he does all the time, then he can do that - but he's got to think differently in order to do it. He's got to play above what he knows - far above it. I've always told the musicians in my band to play what they know and then play above that. Because then anything can happen, and that's where great art and music happens.

~Miles Davis~ 

WELCOME TO 
SMOOTH
 CONTEMPORARY JAZZ 
FRIDAYS

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

June Birthdays

Warriors born in June are considered social butterflies because they are charismatic, talented and good looking! They are very intelligent, extremely inquisitive and have a childlike nature. They are great communicators and can easily draw everyone's attention.

There are studies that suggest that Warriors born in June have a lot more to be cheery about because they are healthier and more optimistic.

They are known for having a curious nature and the ability to seamlessly adapt to different environments. In addition, these Warriors are known for being empathetic, nurturers and are emotionally intelligent.

Our classmates born in the month of June are lucky enough to have three birthstones to call their own. June is one of only three months (the others are August and December) that has three birthstones, pearl, alexandrite and moonstone.

Roses and Honeysuckle are both known for being the June birth flower. While specific rose colors carry a variety of different meanings, red roses and honeysuckle are both tied to love

Famous people born in June are Faith Evans, Morgan Freeman, Pam Grier, Lauryn Hill, Gladys, Knight Lenny Kravitz, Lionel Richie, Octavia Spencer and Venus Williams.  Tupac, Prince, Ice Cube, André 3000 and Maxwell are included in the list.

Kenneth Davis

   T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N   

     Still others make gardens because it is part of a full life. To live happily they must invest their hours and aspirations in the activities of another world. And they draw the interest of delight and refreshment according to the measure of their investment. These are usually quaint folk, other-worldly in their manner, but capable of comprehending the idiosyncrasies of Nature as she displays them in a tree and bush and passing season, across the skyline and in the infinite zenith. These, moreover, are the successful gardeners.

~Richardson Wright~

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIMMIE POWELL

Why Tomatoes Split and How to Prevent It from Happening
Story by Kim Toscano • Southern Living

Why Do Tomatoes Split?
     The short answer–water. Tomatoes crack or split when rapid changes in water availability cause fruits to expand faster than their skins can stretch. The most common cause of tomato splitting is a heavy rain following periods of relatively dry weather. Although natural rainfall events are typically the culprit, uneven irrigation can also result in splitting. Some studies suggest high humidity, calcium deficiencies, and excess nitrogen in the soil can contribute to fruit cracking as well.
     Tomato splitting typically occurs in ripening fruit, though green tomatoes can be affected. The split follows one of two patterns: radial cracking and concentric cracking. With radial cracking, a vertical split opens along the side of the fruit. This is the worst type of damage, as the crack exposes the fruit to disease. Tomatoes with radial cracking should be harvested and used as soon as possible, as the fruit will likely rot if left on the vine. Discard any tomatoes that have a sour smell or pus along the crack.
     Concentric cracking occurs as a series of rings circling the stem end of the fruit. These rings typically do not expose the flesh of the fruit, reducing the likelihood of disease. Fruits displaying concentric cracking can be allowed to ripen on the vine unless the flesh is exposed. Keep an eye on fruits as they develop.
How To Prevent Tomatoes from Splitting
     Tomato plants require a lot of water to ripen fruits, as much as 1 to 2 inches per week. But just as important as how much water the plant receives is the rate at which it receives it. Avoid large fluctuations in soil moisture by providing consistent irrigation, especially during times of drought. It is best to water deeply a few times a week rather than providing small amounts of water daily. You can conserve soil moisture between watering's by applying a layer of compost or organic mulch.
     Watch the weather report during periods of drought or dry weather. If soils have been dry or inadequately irrigated, consider harvesting nearly ripe fruit prior to rainstorm events to avoid cracking. You can finish ripening fruits on the counter, though they will not have as much flavor as vine-ripened tomatoes. Another option is to tarp the area where tomatoes grow, collecting the rainwater in buckets for later, more even irrigation. Some serious tomato growers in dry climates grow tomatoes under plastic hoop houses so they can manage irrigation and avoid periodic storms from cracking fruits.
     Finally, maintain plant fertility during flowering and fruiting with regular applications of a balanced fertilizer containing calcium. Avoid applying too much nitrogen, which can cause excess foliar growth at the expense of fruits. While some varieties are marketed as crack resistant, all tomatoes, including cherry and plum varieties, can develop cracks when conditions are right. Careful irrigation practices can help you avoid problems no matter which tomato you grow.

Margie McRae (Reed)

Good Evening Classmates!

Ah!!!! Last week this time, I was on the way from our picnic, full from good food and good fellowship!!! Thank you organizers for an excellent job.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself!!!

... And I plan to see if I can return in September.

It's so good to have the "Three Warriors"  (trois amis, in homage to Madame Fields) writing again.  You educate, entertain, and uplift us on a daily basis! Missed you Joycelyn. I brag about our class website on a regular basis.

I agree with Ken - It's so good to see new names joining in to our website.

Have a blessed evening everyone!

Margie

Margie McRae (Reed)

Forgot.

In reference to Depression prices:

When we first moved to Greenville, SC in 1989, I went to buy turnip greens.  The price at the store said $3.95 per pound.  I was bewildered and decided to check another store - same price.  I decided to try another side of town - no change.  I drove around that day trying to find greens that were priced reasonably.  I was used to Easy Way, 3 big bunches for $1.00!   I don't cook a lot of greens still - I think now they are $2.49 per pound and collards are about $4.00 per bunch.  And I don't do canned greens!

I know the gardeners are going to tell me to grow my own.  I am just not an outdoor person!

Kenneth Davis

  T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N   

     Stop being tomented by everyone else's reaction to you. Put your expectations on God, not on people. We suffer much agony because we try to get from people what only God can give us, which is a sense of worth and value. Look to God for what you need, not to people. Patience is not simply the ability to wait - it's how we behave while we're waiting. Words are so awesome. Words are containers for power. They carry either creative power or destructive power. Encourage everyone you meet with a smile or compliment. Make them feel better when you leave their presence and they will always be glad to see you coming.

~Joyce Meyer~

Kenneth Davis

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS

TO

MARILYN BURTON WRIGHT

     Know that you are a spark of God and can exist fully only within the realization of that profound truth. As such, you are a light and inspiration to others.

~Harold Klemp~

Kenneth Davis

     Extending condolences to Alvin and Jackie Casey on the transition of his brother Jerry Mosby. Please keep The Casey Family in your prayers, during their time of bereavement.

     Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties. Bereavement is a universal and integral part of our experience of love.

~C. S. Lewis~

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

John Thomas

Hi All,

In References to Margie’s prices on greens:

Gardening is not cheap or easy. It is time-consuming and can be a little dirty. But it does have great rewards after spending time planning, cultivating, and harvesting your crop.

After retiring, I had a lot of time on my hand. I have friends that golf, fish, and travel to enjoy their time which is not cheap either. Gardening does that for me. The difference in gardening not only helps you physically it helps your diet and nourishment.

You mention greens. Well, I have Collards, two kinds of Mustards, two kinds of Turnips and Kale all from seeds. Which is the cheapest way to grow plants because buying the plants can be expensive. I have a friend that gives me seeds and if anyone wants some, just contact me.  Greens are easy to grow.

From Bottom to Top:  Broccoli, Turnips, Mustard, Collards 

John 

Bonnie Pippin (Mills)

Hi all, Margie I remember momma going to the Easy-Way on Cooper late Saturday afternoon and getting a box of a variety of bunches of greens.  Most would cook greens separatedly, not momma, we would have a green picking good time when she brought those greens home.  The flavor with the mixture of greens in one pot was FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!! The box of greens cost was $1.00.  All four of my children liked greens so when I decided to cook greens I cooked no less than 12 bunches at a time.  I guess those days of a box of greens costing a dollar are long but our memories will always be remembered.  Thank God for those memories!!!!!!