Junie's Place: April 2006

Sunday, April 30, 2006

Farm Life of the Past: Cotton Shed



I will be posting some little stories from my husband's early life growing up in Alabama,1930s-40s

I will identify all of these with 'Farm Life of the Past: ...'
This will all be about my husband's memories of growing up in Alabama.

Hope some of you will find something of interest here! (It's been kinda fun writing - so far!)
~~~~~~~~~~

The Cotton Shed

My husband, Charles, grew up in north Alabama, in a farm family of 10 kids. He was number 8 in the line-up, having 3 older brothers and 4 older sisters. He would have 2 sisters born after him.

He has so many stories of his early life, growing up in the country in a family that farmed for a living, as most did at that time in the rural south. The stories are entertaining in the re-telling but not, necessarily, in the living through them.

Charles has memories of living in several different locations during his early life, but all in the general area of north Alabama, Limestone Co.

The home place of this remembrance of my husband was what the family always referred to, in later years, as the frontier place. The house and all the outbuildings were made from rough-cut logs! Even in the late 1930s, that farm had to have been old! The time of this account was when my husband was about age 4 -as near as he can determine - probably in 1939. He was born in April, 1935.

The family grew cotton, with all the kids, as they grew old enough, doing their share in the fields and around the farm. Old enough, in those days, was by age 6 or so. The fields were plowed in those earliest days, not with a tractor, but with a plow pulled by mules! (Joe and Nell are 2 Mule names I remember hearing!) Between the planting of cotton in the spring and picking of the cotton in the fall, came the hoeing and thinning of the growing crops; a dreaded job, I have been told.

Cotton was the main crop, however a garden was always a necessity, too, with 12 people in the family, to feed. They always had cows for milk and butter…chickens for eggs and meat…and hogs for lard and sausage and other meats!

(And that’s another story for later!) :) *Jake*

In 1939, Charles was not yet old enough to work but tagged along after the older brothers around the place.
I suppose it was fall because they were harvesting cotton. It was stored - just loose cotton- in a shed (cotton crib) built just for that purpose - a building about 16x16 ft. Like all the buildings of the farm this small building was made of logs, but unlike the house, it had small spaces between the logs not filled in with mortar! Breathing spaces…which would come in handy!
Being near the end of harvesting the building was 2/3 full of fluffy, loose cotton;
to a height of 5 feet or more.

The older brothers, in fun, decided to dig a hole in the pile of cotton, and put the little brother down in it… face down, flat on the floor, with his nose against a breathing crack between the logs! They did this and then covered him with the cotton, completely… telling him to keep his nose to the crack and lie real still! Miraculously, this little boy did not panic but did exactly as his brothers told him to do.
I feel sure they didn’t leave him like that for long, but to a little boy, it had to be scary! Dangerous too!

…However, it ended well. You’ve all met my Charlie! :) Country boys CAN survive! (his own words!)

Every July we visit the folks in Alabama, and we always ride out and see all the old places of my husband’s childhood. On this particular place, the only building still there is the cotton shed! I have taken pictures of it a few times and we have even talked of trying to buy it, dismantle it and bring it to our place here in Ocala, Fl., and re-assemble it. I would love that!
It would make such a wonderful addition to our place here…for a garden shed! Or just for the HISTORY of it!

The shed (crib) is still the same except now it has a tin roof. In the early days all the buildings had wood shingled roofs.

Photos:
#1- a recent pic of the cotton shed
#2- another original building, from that time and place,
with the wood shingled roof)
This was the smoke house. The baby is Charles’ youngest sister, Mildred!
(This photo, late 30s)

June Kellum
2006

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Saturday, April 29, 2006

Interesting blog!

This is a very interesting Blog entry!

HERE:

http://talltalesandtruisms.blogspot.com/



Juniper

New Poem -4-29-06

Poem posted at my poem site-with sunset pics.

(see side bar)

Junie

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We're Back!!



We took a little trip for our anniversary!
... Just to Tarpon Springs...located not far north of Tampa...so- no more than 100 miles from home! It was so nice to get away if just for this short trip!
Pics:
Our first stop of the morning...
Charles - filling the gas tank
Junie - Well, I can't turn down a Hardee's Chicken Biscuit, you know!
~~~~~~





We spent time in the Greek shopping village of Tarpon Springs...a fun way to spend the afternoon.
~~~~~~
Our main plan was to catch the sunset over the Gulf...so we had to find the beach we wanted to view it from in the afternoon to be able to know just where to go at sunset! We did! :)
Pictures at the beach in the afternoon and at sunset!




~~~~~~

Charlie gave me these roses before we went out to dinner!
~~~~~~
On the way home I entertained myself with 'Sneaking' pics of Charles and getting 'Mug Shots' of myself! :)



We had a fun time! :)

Junie

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Poem: My Love



To Charles, on our 45th. anniversary!

My Love

These years we’ve been together,
down this road of life…
through calm or stormy weather…
through the pain and strife…

through the happiest of seasons that, so, out weigh the rest…
sharing what we’ve treasured…time has been our test!

Both learning, as time passes, the craft of compromise…
how, overtime, things change a bit, may take us by surprise.

Sometimes change feels threatening, seems like the winter’s wind
that howls in it’s persistence, impatient to come in.

Changes are just ripples, can’t touch us, you must know,
or break the bond, created, all those years ago.

June Kellum
2006

Photo:

Our 12th. Anniversary in 1973

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Let It Be ...Naked

...had the urge for some Beatles late last night!
I Listened once again to 'Let It Be...Naked!

This is the 'unpolished' version of 'Let It Be!'

...as is printed in the notes...
' So here it is at last, 'Let It Be...Naked'
-the bare bones of the Beatles' music heard in January, 1969.'

On several of the songs I like this better than 'Let IT BE' ( the original one! )

I finished my night with 'Please Please Me'

...a very good Beatles night!

~~~~~~~~

Junie

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Brian




Our second grandson came up for a little visit today!
He had his 21st. birthday recently but we were unable
to get together to celebrate it with him.

It was good seeing him and being able to give him his
little B.D. card with the $$$ in it!
Being a college student,
we know what he needs most! :)

Here's a picture I have always loved of Bri!

My grandson-Mr.Cool! :)

Photos:

In Mar.'89-just a month before his 4th. Birthday-

and-recently! Brian with his music!


Junie
aka Ginga

Monday, April 24, 2006

George & Ben


This is an old family photo I have always treasured!

I still think it's cool after all these years. :)

These 'COWBOYS' are my dad, George Hodges
( The one on the right as you view the pic)
and my mom's cousin, Ben Burttram!
This photo is undated but Dad was born in 1904,
so this was probably in the late 20s-early 30s
Just guessing...wish I knew!

Of course they were not real cowboys.
This is one of those FUN pictures!

;) They do look pretty MEAN, though!

Junie

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Daniel

This afternoon our oldest grandson came to visit us
and he stayed for a few hours.
Oh, what a joy, visiting with Dan! (SMILE)

This is Dan -Then and Now!






Dan-age 4-stopping to smell Ginga's roses. (Miami, Fl '87)
Dan-NOW-Age 23 (Mar. '06 Ocala,Fl )

Junie
AKA-Ginga :)

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Looking back



As our 45th. anniversary approaches I find myself reflecting backward to our earliest days!
I realize how blessed we have been with so many happy years-so many good times with our family.
And-still- some good years ahead! :)

Happy Anniversary, Charles!

Those Days



This is from my journal of last year-just some memories of my little girls.

http://journals.aol.com/juniper5541/JunipersWorld/

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Those Days

Remembering…those days of sunny skies…
of little girls with Barbies, on blankets spread
beneath the tree in their own front yard.
They’re watched, protectively, and lovingly
by Mom inside. She can’t sit long, engrossed in reading,
without getting up to look, just once more,
making sure they’re still there - and safe.

See how the sun tries to compete with the gold that is their hair?

No CONTEST!


Remembering my little girls…


(Remembering on Sept.11, 2005)


Junie

Friday, April 21, 2006

4-21-06...continued...

My shopping day was fine...I pampered myself by buying little things I love...like flowers for the garden and scented candles! LOL- I even bought the expensive clothes dryer sheets instead of the store brand!
(lol- big spender that I am!!)

I also searched the CDs section, looking for anything to buy that I might like! All that caught my eye was a BYRDS cd. I have been wanting to hear their music, since friends on the music forum have often mentioned them! The CD I bought is called 'America's Great National Treasure.' Not knowing a thing about the Byrds I don't know if this is a good representative selection of their music, or not! I'm listening now and sounds very nice...but I need to find lyrics to read before I give my complete seal of approval! :) Has a bit of country sound, at least some of the songs do!

(Also bought some country CDs for my husband, for our anniversary -6 days from now!!)


It's 5:10 here now and has started to rain...the sky prematurely dark. We need the rain so I won't fret about it and as 'they say'...April showers bring May flowers!


Here's a happy song about that!



April Showers
(Al Jolson)

Life is not a highway strewn with flowers,
Still it holds a goodly share of bliss,
When the sun gives way to April showers,
Here is the point you should never miss.

Though April showers may come your way,
They bring the flowers that bloom in May.
So if it's raining, have no regrets, Because it isn't raining rain, you know,
(It's raining violets,) And where you see clouds upon the hills,
You soon will see crowds of daffodils,
So keep on looking for a blue bird,
And list'ning for his song,
Whenever April showers come along.



NOTE:

Yes! Yes!!! on this Byrd's CD! :)


Junie

Another day (...and it's good!)

Thankfully, I am feeling a lot better today and I will be going out soon to do some shopping.

The tides come and go... and will forever! That's the way of my life.

It's a beautiful day here and I have been watching the birds dine in the feeder from my kitchen nook window; Cardinals and the little wrens. Life is good today!

Last night I had a special time with my music.
I played Jackson Browne first...ending the night with Sarah McLachlan!

These are two of the best songwriters that I know of! Mind you, I may not be a musical expert but I DO know what I like, personally!

Both Jackson Browne and Sarah McLachlan please me with their poetry...POEMS that would touch one, even without music!
Good lyrics are important to me with music. I've had that over the years with Jackson Browne and Dan Fogelberg (my 2 favorites for the past 30+ years) and just recently, with Sarah!

The great lyrics with the soft rock sound of these three performers can't be beat, IMO!

Junie

Thursday, April 20, 2006

New Poem on my poem site (4-20-06)

New Poem here:

http://just-poems-from-june.blogspot.com/

Today ( a weird kind of day )

I awoke at 7 , an hour before my usual getting -up time, this morning...eventho I was up very late. It was almost 2:00 AM before I found sleep last night!
We recently bought a new bedding set and , tho, it suits my husband fine- I hate it! The mattress is much too soft and I have the feeling of drowning or smothering in a pile of cotton from the moment I lie down to sleep! I awake hurting all over-totally unrested!

I can get a better nap, lying on the couch during the day than I ever do at night! Funny thing is- this was a very expensive bed set! So -what am I to do? I'm thinking of setting up my own bed in there-if I can make room for one...buying a mattress of my choice! I need rest!!! :(

I don't know what's going on with me...just normal changes, I guess. Anniversary and birthday around the corner and I have this feeling of time slipping away. All those years passed...and ... looking forward I have to know there are not that many years in our future for Charles and me- for us separately - or for us together!

Lol- The only good part of my birthday coming up is that I will be able to be on Medicare!
(Good!!-I have been without ANY health ins. for awhile now)

Today I find it hard to move myself along...mentally or physically!

A few years back I had this horrible attack of something finally given the name of Neuropathy. I was unable to do anything except sit for over 3 months. For that long time I was unable to sleep in my bed, had to sleep in a chair for all that time...The worst pain I have ever endured in my life. I have a bit of that feeling in my legs today. Have this heaviness... and it seems necessary to put extra effort into just making my legs work to move me from one spot to the next! But the searing pain and the electric shock feeling is not present-so- hopefully it is not the Neuropathy again!

(" If so- someone please, just shoot me!" < ------- , says Junie, half jokingly!! )


~~~~~~

The most enjoyable times I have these days-and nights- are my music listens. Last night I again played 'Moody Blues' a greatest hits collection - and ended the evening- Very late- with George Martin's-'In My Life! ' I got this one this past Christmas and have enjoyed it so very much!

The music - the highlight of my life at this time!

~~~~~~

I need to go shopping but will I make it?
Not sure!
...If not we will just have to fake it at dinner time -Lol- I always have cans of soup to open!

Sorry- but if I can't complain to my blog- who CAN I go to?

:)

Not to worry- Tomorrow is another day! :)

Junie

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Poem: Lovey-Dovey










...a poem about farm life... :)

This is for my kids who shared knowing Lovey-Dovey!


Lovey-Dovey

Lovey-Dovey was a chick
that we all grew to love.
She was all white and fluffy-
never bigger than a dove.

She was hatched, as children peeked
inside the box we’d fixed!
Such wonder on each little face
as eggs turned into chicks!

Right away, she caught my eye,
this tiny, fluffy ball.
I saw, beside the other chicks,
she was, indeed, so small!

She never seemed to fear our touch,
as other hatchlings would.
The children gave
her cuddles, too,
as often as they could!

They held her, oh so gently,
being careful not to squeeze.
And if they ventured out with her,
would shield her from the breeze.

We called her Lovey-Dovey, almost from the start.
That name was perfect for her, for the way she touched each heart!

Time would come when I would have to put her with the rest
…this little hen that we had grown to love the very best!

Still, I’d visit her each day, and she’d always come to me.
She’d coo, just like a little dove, this hen that I’d set free!

I’d cuddle her a little bit, before I put her down.
Much as a little puppy, she would follow me around.

She liked the treats I’d bring her…the corn - and this - as well…
chilled eggs I’d give her from my fridge! She sipped, right from the shell!

In the evenings I would check to see her safely perched.
Sometimes a light was needed as among the leaves I searched.

I had this dread of losing her - and knew how sad I’d be!
But the pain and pleasure balanced out, for letting her live free!


June Kellum
2006

Photos:

Alli and Zach (grandkids) holding Lovey

Lovey-about to have a chilled treat! :)

Lovey and Big Boy!
She was a TINY hen - and he was a BIG rooster!

I found a coffee cup with the name ' Lovey-Dovey' on the inside!

I got this little fluffy hen as a Christmas gift from my sister this past Christmas!
She reminds me a lot of Lovey-Dovey!


Junie

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Tuesday, April 18, 2006

New Spring Calves (and... WHO?)




...A new calf came yesterday or most likely, the night before! I named her April! ( Duh! very creative, Junie! :) ) Charles lets me name them all...Lol- but he gets the $$$ when we sell them after a few months!

...But -my influence has prevented them from becoming dinner on our table anyway...for how could we eat a baby calf I had named? We sell them and I convince myself the buyer wanted each and every one for a breeder or pet-ONLY; not for the steaks and roasts and ground-up parts! That's just me, folks! Anyway, the little amount of meat we eat , we can buy...and I am not bothered by remembering this paticular hamburger as part of that cute little calf I named and photographed as a baby!

Here's our latest spring babies!
(we lost one a few weeks back-at birth!)


Photos:

Beautiful black and white boy -Cedric... (mom cow-Pansy)

Little light tan girl of yesterday -April... ( mom cow-Lexie)

Mom cows are very protective of new babies.
Lexie had April hidden quite well, among the brown leaves, but we finally spotted her!

~~~~~~~

Who?? (you ask)

...Just the greatest rock band EVER!! :)

I topped off my good day yesterday with a 'Who' listen, late into the night. I played 'Then and Now', ending with part of the MSG concert of 2004. I wanted to compare the live versions of some of the songs to the studio recordings! The live versions won, even tho the guys are ' getting on with it' as far as age goes! They still have the energy and ability to do the job well!! IMO-the best!

I would love, more than anything, to be able to see them in concert!...but-won't happen!


JunieRose

Monday, April 17, 2006

Poem: Today I'll Open Up My Heart

a poem...


(ALSO-New poem here!!) http://just-poems-from-june.blogspot.com/




Today I’ll Open Up My Heart


Today I’ll open up my heart.
The words will flow, to you from me.
All the feelings, guarded, so,
now are clamoring to be free.

No longer can I hold it in,
this all-consuming love that’s here.
Now, like a bird, it’s taking flight;
no longer can be caged, I fear!

In time it’s grown to overflow,
the flimsy space I thought secure!
And now the words, in freedom fly!
I can’t contain them anymore.

I’ll bare my heart to you, my love.
I’ll take my chances, risk the pain…
relying on the old cliché
of ‘Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained.’


June Kellum

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Sunday, April 16, 2006

Then and now












Hope everyone has had a Happy Easter day!

Ours was missing some family members
but we enjoyed being with the ones who WERE here!

~~~~~~

Those missing...
Dan-Tammy-Terry and Zach! ;(

A pic from the past-1970 (Me and my kids)

And some from today...

Alli, Brian (grandchildren)

June and Charles (US)

Marc, Tina (daughter & son-in-law))

Chris & General (my son & my cat)

Easter Greetings

Easter Greetings!


I got this in an email...so... just to bring smiles I'm putting it here!

~~~~~~

After the egg hunt on Easter Sunday, the young farm boy decided to
play a prank. He went to the chicken coop and replaced every single egg with
a brightly colored one.

A few minutes later the rooster walked in, saw all the colored eggs,
then stormed outside and beat up the peacock!


Happy Easter!


Junie

Saturday, April 15, 2006

The Real Junie is back!


























OK-The Real Me is back! No more Beatles Look-a-Like!

These pics are of the Chili cook-off -party we went to today!
You can see my chili in a bowl- but it didn't win! :(
Should have ! It was GOOD! :) Lol- I'm sure they All were, tho!
There were probably 10 enteries!

Anyway, we had fun.
Charles enjoyed visiting with old friends that he doesn't
see often, from his police days!

Now-I am doing eggs! Yep, even tho I have no kids to
hunt them I am doing them anyway!! I miss those old days!


Photos:

Charles and me at home (with my hair back to normal)
Several scenes at the party
Allison and me!!

Junie