Brownstown-Sefton News
Too Hot for Hot Dog (Josie)
All of the larger/outside critters on the Homestead (longhorn cows; Katie, the black lab/blue heeler mix; and the chicken roost inhabitants, namely Blackie and Rhonda) seem to be tolerating the weather temperatures ups and downs well.
However, Josie, the little 14-year-old “puppy,” cannot tolerate the outside heat for very long nor the hot bricks on the patio. Bill placed throw rugs down on the bricks, so they wouldn’t burn her little feet.
When I went out to water the trees, she went out with me. She didn’t follow me out on the grass, but stayed on her rugs on the patio.
When I returned just a few minutes later, she was already panting.
When we went back inside, she wisely got a drink from her water bowl, then surprisingly, went to the living room and sat down under the ceiling fan. We were not aware that she was aware of the ceiling fan’s circulating air, as we keep it on low.
She has certain spots she rests on and they are all in the vicinity of my work areas in the different rooms; examples: computer-just behind my left back, on the floor, next to the heat/AC vent on a cushion; bedroom-on the floor in front of the dresser on the floor on one of her folded-up baby blankets; kitchen-under a window, next to a vent and on her little bed; and bathroom-on the fuzzy throw rug.
We have put the cushions down after she chooses where she wants them.
When I am taking the bedspread off in preparation for bedtime, she sits on the floor waiting for her “Tinkerbell” large blanket to be put in place, then she walks over to be put on her blanket.
She doesn’t get around so good anymore, but she is still so funny and cute, and so loyal. She loves to go riding in the car and can really look depressed when she thinks we are leaving without her.
Farewell to David
We said a final farewell to a beloved cousin, David Oldham, last week.
David was my second cousin. His mother, Helen, was my first cousin, daughter of my aunt, Rose Weaver Thompson and Hugh Thompson.
We have special memories of special times spent on Hee Haw Acres, his and wife Susan’s home, which they shared with their pet donkeys and dogs. Many of their friends enjoyed the annual October Hee Haw Acres weiner roast and hay rides. Dave would always look until he found a suitable dead, hollow tree on the property and move it up to the bonfire area.
When it got dark enough, he would light the inside of the tree, which made a memorable sight as it burned from within the trunk. It created an atmosphere of the presence of the of past Native Americans, especially when a Native American music CD was played.
The burning tree, the hay rides, gathering the wood for the huge bonfire, decorating the hayride trail with scary things (to the delight of the kids) … all was a lot of work and trouble, but Dave enjoyed doing it for everyone’s enjoyment.
He would drive his tractor and pull the hayride wagon a long way over their fields and woods, giving all a good time and thrills as they came upon scary things placed in trees and along the trails.
This was repeated numerous times until all guests had their fill of the hayrides.
The Hee Haw weiner roast and hayrides have become a legend in the area and will be missed by all who attended.
Hummingbirds by the dozens were attracted to the Acres, and the public was invited to come to learn more about the little unique bird on designated days the past two years.
Dave was always willing to give a helping hand, with a smile and pleasant conversation. He was a hard, but cheerful worker, at home, at his job or helping a friend or neighbor.
He liked children. He was kind and caring toward animals.
If he spotted your car someplace, he would stop by and have a friendly chat, always leaving you with a big smile.
We didn’t get to visit as much as we would have liked to, but we treasure the times and memories we shared.
His smile and friendly personality is already being missed, and his absence is a great loss to all who knew him.
Our heartfelt sympathies and love to his wife, his brothers and sisters, and to all family and friends.
He was certainly a very special person here on earth, and we have no doubt that his presence in heaven is being celebrated there.
Announcements
Sefton Reunion
The annual Sefton reunion will be held Saturday at the Liberty Chtistian Church Fellowship Hall with a noon potluck meal.
Drinks and table service will be provided. For more information, call 347-2392.
Darnell Reunion
The Annual Darnell Reunion will be held Sunday at the Liberty Christian Church Fellowship Hall with a noon potluck meal.
Drinks and table service will be provided. For more information, call 347-2392.
Local celebrations
Birthdays-Lakin Evans, Randy Carpenter, Carol Ann Behrends, Tony Elam, Joseph Younker, Marilyn Eckhardt, Dale Henna, Jordan Evans and Sharon Harris. Anniversary-Gary and Judy Watson.
Tools for School
A program that provides free school supplies for all Fayette County in-need students kindergarten-junior college will be in operation on the following dates and times: next Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 16-9 a.m.-noon.
Tools for School is at First Presbyterian Church at 1221 W. Fillmore St., Vandalia. All students must accompany their parents or other adult for the supplies. Contact the church at 283-4937 for more info.
August Food Pantry Items
One box of breakfast cereal, one large can of fruit juice and one box of oatmeal. Anything would be appreciated.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Bette Stolte, pianist, played the prelude as the congregation gathered at Brownstown United Methodist Church. Hubert Williams and Jeff Kelly served as ushers. Emily Townsend and Jeffery Kelly lighted the altar candles.
Pastor Don Thomas greeted, shared the announcements, recognized the birthdays and anniversaries, shared the prayer list and led in prayer.
Thomas delivered the message, followed by Communion, given by Pastor and Marlys Thomas.
Children’s worship was led by Jenna and Zack Townsend, who served Krispy Kreme doughnuts and drinks for refreshments to the children.
Announcements
Emanuel Church Cookout …
… Sunday at 5:30 p.m.- Take something to share.
United Methodist Women …
… will meet at the church for business meeting to set pledge for 2015 and the election of 2015 business officers.