Brownstown-Sefton

By Editor | January 23, 2013 |

Josie & Callie – Faithful Nurses?
The malady that has been affecting so many people lately hit the Homestead feminine human (me) suddenly Friday evening, requiring close and unfettered access to the emesis basin, bathroom and bed, and continued on until later Sunday morning.

Throughout it all, Josie, the little doggie, and Callie, the kitty, stayed by my side, leaving only when nature called them and then only for brief times.
Of course, Bill was the initial, head caregiver, offering tea, water, and juice at intervals. (Solid food was out of the question until Sunday.)
It must be said also that as though realizing the need for peace and quiet, Josie and Callie did not bicker over positions or attention. They simply stayed with me for silent, sympathizing support, important ingredients for recovery.
It is a well-known, proven fact that some animals can sense when all is not well with humans, physically or emotionally.
Many lives have been improved with the presence of a dog that senses and warns of oncoming attacks and episodes that can disrupt the normal functions of an individual’s activities.
Of course, Josie and Callie’s actions do not fall within those noble categories, but they both stayed with me throughout, night and day, no doubt sensing I was ill and refusing to leave my side.
A Chat with Fleeta
Fleeta Guffey called recently and asked about Rhonda and Blackie, the Homestead chickens. She said that she really likes chickens, but due to a safety problem (for the chickens), she cannot have them. We had a nice chat about this and that, which I really enjoyed. We both write “from the woods,” albeit different woods, so we have a lot in common. (The “girls” were pleased that Mrs. Guffey had called to ask about their health.)
Spelling Bee at BES …
… for fourth- and fifth-graders is this Thursday at 8:30 a.m. in the elementary school gym.
Coming & Going
Dee Dee, Lois & Carolyn’s Travels
Dee Dee Diveley, Lois Jackson and Carolyn Grames (aka The Three Musketeers) traveled east to Effingham last Wednesday to buy DeeDee some new shoes. The shoes were unavailable, but the day was not wasted. They ate lunch at Ryan’s, then shopped before returning home.
DeeDee & Lois “On the Road Again” …
… but this road led to Northside Christian Church in Vandalia, where they listened to the Rev. Carl Rhodes preach, then returned to Lois’ place, where they ate lunch and played rummy cubes for about three hours before DeeDee headed back home.
Surprise Birthday Party for Glenn
The Brownstown and Emmanuel Methodist Churches have been having suppers together, so when Glenn Gurtner arrived at Emmanuel Church on Sunday evening for a soup supper, he was prepared to enjoy an evening of good food and good fellowship.
What he wasn’t prepared for was the chorus of “Happy Birthday, Glenn,” the signs bearing the same greeting and the big birthday cake on the decorated table. There were 40-50 people on hand for the soup supper and to eat birthday cake and ice cream. Wife Pam had laid her birthday surprise plans so well that Glenn didn’t suspect a thing. The next supper will be hosted by the Brownstown United Methodist Church.
Homesteaders Visit Woodyard Kinfolk
The (outnumbered), human inhabitants of the Homestead, namely Bill and Panzi, traveled south to Woodyard Weaver Country on Friday, where they visited in the workshop with cousins Jim and Loretta Weaver, and Sherri (Weaver) Miller. It was an impromptu visit, so I was very surprised when Loretta presented me with the following gift.
Loretta Has Book Published
Sometime ago, when visiting Loretta Weaver’s home, I was looking through her childhood memories notebook, which she had also illustrated with drawings that, while modest and unadorned, struck me as being purely truthful and right from her heart through her hands onto the paper, as were also her brief and entertaining narratives. She not only shares childhood memories, she also gives glimpses of life in the foothills of Missouri and Arkansas.
She was very hesitant about letting me write about her notebook, thinking it was unworthy, but finally gave me permission. Imagine my surprise on Friday when she gifted me with a beautifully published version of the notebook, drawings and all!
The Bunco Club Rides Again
Sandra Braasch hosted the legendary bunco club at her home recently. Participating were Shirley Klitzing, Flo Allen, Lucille Fisher, Joyce Fisher, Edna Wright, Bonnie Kramer, Karen Hunter and Braasch.
The next meeting will be held on Feb. 5 in the home of Edna Wright.
Brownstown-Emmanuel UMW meet
The Brownstown-Emmanuel United Methodist Women met last Thursday in the afternoon at the Brownstown Church. The club president, Carol Severns called the meeting to order. The UMW purpose was read in unison and cards were signed to send to a missionary and to those ill or shut in.
Upcoming Conference and District meetings were announced. Carol Henna distributed the list of 2013 meetings for the local unit. The treasurer’s report was given by Connie Green. The call to prayer and self-denial program, “Living Stewardship: Creating Financial Literacy” was given by Louella Christensen. Refreshments were served by Connie Green.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Bette Stolte, pianist, played the prelude as the congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered for Sunday morning worship
Jarin Evans and Elaine Voelker lighted the altar candles. Jeff Kelly and Hubert Williams received the tithes and offerings. The Rev. Don Thomas delivered the sermon.
Announcements
• Feb. 13 –Ash Wednesday-Beginning of Lent.