Sheldon Kaiser

Their are times in our lives when we have few opportunities to get to know people, due to distance and work requirements. But, often, you learn much about the real person from the comments made at their funeral. Such is the case of our daughter's father-in-law, Sheldon Kaiser.

Sure, we met before the wedding and for a few minutes at the reception, but due to his business at home and in Natchez, MS, trips to our home or to visit his son, daughter-in-law and twins at their home in Memphis, TN, didn't happen. To visit with all four of them required a trip to Natchez, MS.

Here's what I learned about Sheldon Kaiser at the funeral that made me wish we could have visited many more times. It was said of Sheldon that the majority of people that were members of their church was due to Sheldon inviting them personally. Their minister even mentioned that on one trip with Sheldon to meet a new family, they went to the door, knocked and found out they were at the wrong house! Not a problem for Sheldon, he invited them to church, said goodbye and went to the original house they had planned to visit. They tells me much about a quiet, hard working man who loved God and the church.

Sheldon was a lifetime resident of Natchez, MS. Thus, he knew just about everyone in town. When help was needed, if Sheldon knew about it, he was the one to provide the assistance. I was told that after Hurricane Katrina, he donated two, large tanks of fuel at no charge to those in need. That gives me just a little bit more insight about this man.

When you live in a smaller town, you get to know people and they get to know you very well. Many of the local police and sheriff's departments were at the funeral and standing at the entrance to the cemetery. The sheriff's department personnel had their white cowboy type hats off and held them over their heart in respect for Sheldon and his family members. That tells me just a little bit more about Sheldon.

As I mentioned earlier, Sheldon was a hard working man. The minister at the funeral said, "Now Sheldon can have some rest." Another bit of information about Sheldon.

Sheldon is now buried in the large, City of Natchez Cemetery, which local mystery writer, Greg Illes, named one of his books, "Turning Angel". Our son-in-law took us to the "Turning Angel" and gave us the insight into how it got its name. It seems that many years ago, when you walked or drove around the cemetery, it seemed this angel would turn toward you.

There is much to learn about this cemetery that was established in the early 1800's. I'd like more time to learn about this historic cemetery, the people buried there and if this cemetery could talk, what fascinating stories could she tell? The same is true of a well loved man from Natchez, MS..........Sheldon Kaiser.

The images I added to this blog were taken outside Sheldon and Kim's home. They depict the quiet, late sunset evening, created by God, that Sheldon would have seen each day. And, those words remind me of what I learned about Sheldon on a normal day, Monday, November 11, 2010.

Cooper, Man's Best Friend

Some familes when their children are small agree to having a pet at home. When our girls were young, we agreed to bring Kalico, the cat, into our group. She was low maintenance to keep, and the girls took turns taking care of her food and other needs, for a short period of time!

Our next animal at our house was Cooper, the dog. Amy found Cooper, or Moose, as he was called at the Abilene Humane Society's facility. She changed his name to reflect one of the area high schools Abilene COOPER High School. She kept him in her one bedroom apartment the fall of her senior year in college.

The following spring, Cooper had to move to our home. We didn't want a dog smell in our house. The only time Cooper came in the house was to go into the back to play and smell the air, trees, bushes and bark with other dogs in the neighborhood.

He first resided in the garage in a cage large enough to give him room to move around. As he matured, we kept him on a lanyard to give him more room in the garage and partially into our driveway.

Once Amy completed college, she moved back into our home. Now routines included walks around the neighborhood, which I called the cling and jerk routine and visits to the local vet for annual checkups. Amy also leaned that if you asked Cooper a question he would cock his head. Two of the images with this blog give you that "look".

As time moved forward, Cooper and I had other routines that were fun and enjoyable to watch. We first began playing in the breakfast area. I'd separate my legs and he would stick his head between them. He would look side to side to see which hand would get within range. At first, Cooper didn't understand that his teeth and toenails could and would cut my arms, hands and legs. As he matured, he knew to "pretend" to be biting my hands, and let out with his attacking growl. Just a routine for him to burn off some energy and have fun.

There were the trips to recycle our newspapers, plastic items and aluminum cans. Both back windows were down for Cooper to smell the air with his head outside the window. (A normal position for all dogs while in a car, SUV, or truck.) Afterwards, we would walk the paved trail thru many trees, plants and places for him to sniff and leave "his mark".

We then added trips to the bank drive-thru to deposit checks. It didn't take Cooper long to realize that this "building" would provide him with a treat each time. Sometimes the treat came before the deposit was completed, and sometimes at the end of the transaction. But, that didn't stop Cooper from smelling my hands to see if the treat needed to be passed on to his mouth.

Cooper liked coming into my office to look around, sniff papers and files, and take a nap. This was where Cooper wanted to be during thunderstorms and lightning. However, when I got up from finishing my work, he jumped up ready to leave this refuge.

Each time I drove into our driveway, Cooper could tell it was me, he would make one complete counterclockwise circle, and would stretch his lanyard as far as possible. I would roll down my window and stop to stroke the bridge of his nose and head. He would wait for me to say "OK', to come into the garage.

On Monday, October 18, 2010, Amy commented that Cooper wasn't acting normal. We went thru our normal day's routine. Tuesday morning, Amy noticed, then I noticed he didn't want to get up for anything. Totally not normal.

After my morning workout I took Cooper to the vet for an exam. On the exam table Cooper stood still for all of the "tests" a vet takes. Cooper and I were face to face during that time. No problem with Cooper even though the vet's assistance was concerned Cooper might bite me.

The vet put Cooper on an IV with liquids. Amy saw Cooper on Wednesday and he was his normal self, bouncing around with tons of energy. However, on Thursday afternoon, Amy and I went to the vet's office and Cooper was very slow in his walking, but wagged his tail when he saw Amy.

Amy and I sat on the floor to make it easier to pet and talk to Cooper. You could tell he had lost several pounds on his frame. When we came home I told Dianne, "Cooper's in trouble".

Friday morning, the 22nd, Dianne received a call from the vet that Cooper died that morning. For some unexplained reaaon, the white blood cells considered the red blood cells as anti-bodies and began killing them this week. Cooper's oxogen levels were dropping as a result. His last breath he sighed and died.

Such an unexpected and sad event to experience. Cooper, who would bark when anyone was walking in front of our house, or driving up in our driveway. The dog that when a light went on in the washroom, would signal to him to sit and look inside the door glass to wait and see if he would be invited into the house. The animal that shed hair during the spring and summer months in our garage and house. (There were times I could have knitted an afgan for our family to use during the winter months!) The dog that enjoyed being rubbed on a daily basis, was now gone forever.

Man's best friend had been a part of our lives for several years, and now the garage was quiet, and our usual routines with Cooper stopped. I thought about walking the trail the next time I took the recycle material to the large, green bins. But, I knew it wouldn't be the same without Cooper. The tug and jerk routine would be missing.

I catch myself moving my left index finger toward the controls to roll down my window driving into the driveway, then realize there isn't a dog named Cooper to greet me. I look out the door glass to the garage and Cooper isn't looking at me. I make bank deposits by myself, not getting a treat for Cooper or the response from the bank teller, "He's a good looking dog."

Even a friend who came to our house and garage to pick up his pressure washer made the comment, "It sure is quiet in your garage." Yes, he right about that for sure.

Our daughter made the decision to have Cooper cremated. She hasn't decided yet whether to bury the white box with the blue ribbon in the back yard, or to spread his ashes in the back yard that Cooper enjoyed or something else.

For now, the white box with the blue ribbon sits on my desk in the office. His lanyard, collar, walking leash, and sleeping bed are in my office. There are times when I smell the collar to remind me of Cooper.

How ironic. Cooper always smelled us when we were home and liked being in my office. Cooper is in my office, for the time being, and I smell his collar often. Before I finished this paragraph, I smelled his collar and yes, the scent of Cooper still remains.

Man's best friend, Cooper in this case, still remains, but in totally different material, shape and size. Goodbye my friend. You have been a joy to be with.

Melanie and Adam Fowler's Wedding

I met Melanie at church one Sunday morning. A delightful lady with a mile wide smile and bubbly personality. She grew up in Charleston, MS, and graduated from Strider Academy. Melaine has two wonderful children, Jordan David Musgrove and Carmen Rae Musgrove.

Adam grew up and still lives in Greenwood, MS, and has one sister. From what I am told he is an avid Ole Miss sports fan.

After a few weeks, I learned she was engaged to an Adam Fowler who lived in the Greenwood, MS, area.

So, if Melanie lives and works in the Jackson, MS, area how did Melanie and Adam meet? A mutual friend introduced them and their first correspondence was by email on October 16, 2007. For three years Melanie would spend weekends in Greenwood, MS, to get to know Adam better and the same for Adam toward Melanie. During the week nights, I learned from Melanie, they would talk on their phones for a long period of time.

Three years later, to the day they were introduced, they married at the Old Union Church of Christ building which recently celebrated its 100th year as a church.

I had heard about this church, but hadn't had an opportunity to visit. A wonderful, small church with a cemetary that goes back to the 1800's.

The wedding day couldn't have been better weather. Clear day and moderate temperatures, with no wind. One humerous conversation was with Adam's dad of 80 something years of age. Since this was the first wedding for either of his children, he said "Greg, I don't know how to act as a father-in-law!" I suspect it will be very easy for him.

Following the private wedding ceremony, the wedding party travel to downtown Greenwood for lunch at an old famous cafe. A wonderful lunch and time to visit with family members, minister and his wife.

The reception was held at the West President Church of Christ in Greenwood. A wonderful gathering of friends and family congratulated the bride and groom. In one sense it was almost like a family reunion!

The caterer did a marvelous job in both the food and arrangements. When I wasn't taking digital images of the event, it was a treat to see the excitement and fellowship everyone had at this reception.

After a week's honeymoon in along the South Carolina coastal cities, Melanie and Adam will live in Brandon, MS, until Melanie retires from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in five years. Their residence will then change to Oxford, MS, home of Ole Miss!

Labor Day Weekend - 2010

Labor day of 2010 found Dianne and me traveling to Cordova, TN, to visit our daughter, Jennifer, her husband, Joel, and our twin grandchildren, Sterling and Mary Presley. What a grand time we had!

Friday night was spent just relaxing and getting to be with all four of them and some playing with the grandchildren. I've had to catch myself calling them babies when in fact they are toddlers.

Saturday was a delightful day to enjoy. The weather was cooler than we had been experiencing in July, August and the first week of September. Couldn't have asked for a better temperature range from morning to evening.

J0el directed me to a meat shop approximately 18 miles from their house. Fantastic prices for meats, fries, vegetables, etc. My only problem was we brought the smallest cooler with us and it was back at the house! So, next weekend trip to Memphis, we'll have a larger cooler to take advantage of this business.

Saturday evening Joel cooked great steaks for dinner. Then it was on to Mississippi State football on tv.

Sunday morning was a trip to the church they attend in their newly constructed buildings. Quite nice to see what the inside looked like instead of just driving around it by means of the parking lot!

The remainder of Sunday was prime time visiting. Sterling and Mary Presley were great entertainment fast walking from one place to another. That evening Joel inflated a tunnel and tent combination play toy the twins could crawl thru to the tent area. Then out and back around to the tunnel several more times!Monday after lunch was travel day for us back to Jackson. But, what a wonderful way to celebrate Labor Day 2010!

Ann and Ryan Case's Wedding

Dianne and I have known Ann Mize for many years, along with their parents, Tom and Joan, and their brother and sisters. Our children went to rival schools-the Mize family at Brandon High School and our girls to NW Rankin.

Ann and Ryan met at orientation for Hinds Community College. Ryan and Ann met due to Ryan's roommate. Ryan asked Ann out on a date and she accepted on September 11, 2003. Their date was to see the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl". Their dating continue all thru college, Ann at Ole Miss and Ryan at Mississippi State University. Ann then worked on her master's degree at Mississippi State University.

Ann and Ryan's big test came when Ann worked for Walt Disney World college program. They came thru that long distance fine.

Ryan proposed to Ann on Halloween night in 2010 and set their wedding date for their first date anniversary, September 11, 2010, so that they would always remember the day their relationship began!

Ann and Ryan's rehearsal, wedding and reception was held at the Castle Hill Pavilion and Park, south of Jackson, MS. Their rehearsal dinner on Friday night was at Penn's Fish House, in Jackson, MS.

I had never been to Castle Hill Pavilion until this wedding. A wonderful place to have a wedding and reception. Outside the main building, that includes dressing rooms and kitchen, you walk down several steps to a wood walkway to a gazebo.

The wedding was standing room only in the gazebo that was set up for approximately 100 people.

Yes, the bride's cake and table arrangements had the Disney World theme!

The wedding location was beautiful, the bride and groom were exited about their wedding day and ceremony, I just wish there had been more clouds to reduce the heat and humidity! Oh well, it was in early September in Mississippi.

Ann and Ryan now live in the Houston, Texas area, where Ryan's work is located. Ann continues to search for a school teaching job in that area.

Tara and Jackson's Wedding

Tara is the daughter of Tom and Joan Mize. We have know this family in Brandon, MS, for many years, including church and in 2006 an Alaskian cruise to celebrate Tom and Joan's 30th wedding anniversary. Little did we know at that point Tom and Joan would move and work in Juneau, Alaska, in 2007!





We met and learned to love Jackson Cline. Jackson also lived in the Jackson, MS, area, but attend a private school instead of Brandon High School like Tara. This wasn't the only different school they attended. For their college degrees, Tara attended and graduated from Ole Miss in Oxford, MS. Jackson attended and graduated from Mississippi State University. Two big time rival schools in Mississippi.









After a brief time in Arkansas, Jackson determined he wanted to teach high school Physics. This decision took him to Hattiesburg, MS to accomplish that goal.





Tara, Jackson, family members and friends made their way to Columbus, MS, for the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception on July 2, 2010. The rehearsal, wedding and reception were held at the famous Hickory Sticks Mansion. The rehearsal dinner took place downtown Columbus, MS, at J. Broussard's.


Jackson and Tara now make their home in Hattiesburg, MS.

Barber's Museum

One of my dear friends is Retired Lt. Colonel Michael Hooten. His responsibilities now are to make sure the commercial plane he is 1st officer takes passengers from one point to the next on a safe and unevent flight.

Mike and his wife, Sarah (my twin sister from a previous lifetime!), love to ride motorcycles. They have taken several trips from Jackson, MS, to the west coast of Florida, The Blue Ridge Parkway and other spots in the United States.

In 2007, Mike mentioned to me there was a wonderful museum east of Birmingham, AL, tucked away in Leeds, AL, by the name of Barber's Museum. This museum was created by one of the Barber's Milk family in Alabama.

The main structure is five floors, which take you through generations of motorcycles, bicycles and race cars with the actual product in view. You get close enough to many of these pieces of equipment you could touch them, but are requested to leave along and view. There is a small fee to enter this incredible building, but worth the price to see this collection.

This isn't one of those you see it once and you don't ever want to go back again. No, the museum changes their collection, from time to time, so you'll see something different each trip.

There are thousands of vehicles in this collection. Some motorcycles are mounted on "trees" which display more of them in a smaller amount of space.

I mentioned there are several floors to walk thru the history of these vehicles. The only floor you aren't allowed to walk is the bottom floor which houses their mechanical and body shop activities. Yes, you can look down from the other floors and get a peek at the work process on floor one, but that's as close as you get unless you have special priviledges with the museum.
One additional aspect to this museum is behind the main structure. That is the concrete race track. During my trip to Barber's museum, there were seven silver Porsche two-door vehicles on the track during their "learning process" in handling a sports car similar to the one the drivers recently purchased. I don't know the cost for this track experience, but anticipate a large sum of money.

This track is also used for both car and motorcycle races throughout the year. There is a grand stand area to sit and enjoy the races. And you can walk around the outside of the track, at a safe distance, to take incredible shots in the turns and straightaways.

Sturgis, South Dakota enjoys being the birthplace of motorcycle events and race track activity. However, the wonderful, newer conditions found at Barber's Racetrack is growing in popularity and lapping the competition, so to speak!

In the fall of the year they have their annual racing event and have several vendors which sell different motorcycle items. Haven't made that weekend yet, but hope to in the near future.

If you are on Interstate 20 east of Birmingham, AL, and have some free time, Barber's Museum would be an excellent place to visit.

Tara and Jackson Cline Wedding

Two of our dearest friends in Jackson, MS, are Tom and Joan Mize and their extended family. We have seen our children grow up for babies to college graduates, to getting married.

In 2006, Tom and Joan celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They asked if we would travel Alaska with them on a cruise since we had been two prior times. We agreed, not knowing two years later they would move to Juneau, Alaska! I'm jealous!

On Saturday, July 3, 2010, their middle daughter, Tara, and husband-to-be, Jackson, married in Columbus, MS at the famous Hickory Sticks. This home was built in the 1820's and the first President of Mississippi Agriculture and Mechanical College (later changed to Mississippi State University) lived here.

A beautifully kept home located just north of downtown Columbus, MS. Sitting majestically at the top of a hill, on three plus acres of magnolia trees and various other trees. Being shaded and on a hill, the hot, summer day was cooler with a breeze.

Tom had two eventful days prior to the wedding he would just as soon forget. On Thursday before the wedding, one of the shutters on the front of the house fell, hitting him on the bridge of the nose. Nothing broken, just a great, red bruise.

Friday afternoon before the rehearsal and dinner, Tom had piled up a large amount of brush and tree limbs to burn. He covered the wood with gasoline and, like a good boyscout, made his fire trail. As he lit the trail, he remembered he had cleaned the paint off his legs mineral spirits. Yes, the flame flashed and Tom suffered 2nd degree burns on his right leg below the knee.

After the rehearsal dinner, Dianne and I drove Tom and Joan to the local emergency room of the hospital. The doctor cleaned out the wound, applied medicine, and finished the process with a bandage.

Pain medication had Tom sleepy and wobbly the day of the wedding. But he was prepared for the big event that afternoon.

Tom now cleans the wound twice a day with soap. His doctor in Juneau, Alaska, complimented Tom on how well he is taking this chore seriously. Hopefully, total healing will occur quickly.

Following the wedding and reception, Jackson and Tara flew on their honeymoon to Quebec, Canada.

Congratulations to both of you and enjoy Quebec and your life together as husband and wife!

50th Wedding Anniversary

Following my work with the UMMC Donors Guild event, I was asked to photograph a couple's 50th wedding anniversary celebration. So, this past Saturday, I met the extended family at a local subdivision's clubhouse.

This is a delightful couple with three sons and two daughters. Add in the grandchildren and friends and it was a marvelous group of people.

While most of the digital images were taken inside, we did venture out into the heat and humidity to take advantage of the beautiful reservoir and and trees. Since it's June, there will be heat and humidity!

With all of the conversations taking place, it was obvious that everyone had a delightful time.

I have completed my work in processing all of the images, producing a DVD video clip with background music and special effects and placed the images on my web page. All that is left is for the family members to select their prints, determine print size and place their order.

Abilene, Texas Trip

With our parents aging, it becomes even more critical to plan trips to Texas (Ft. Worth and Abilene) to visit with them and other family members.

Our trip took us from Jackson, MS, to Ft. Worth, Texas the first evening. The first mission of the trip was for our youngest daughter having her bi-annual visit with her doctor in the Dallas/Ft. Metroplex. This is two days of alergy testing to determine the correct shot mixture. After visiting with my parents and two sisters it was time to move on.


The middle of the week we left Ft. Worth for the drive to Abilene. Dianne and I attended Abilene Christian University and received our degrees there. Dianne's dad, step mother and sister's family live there.




Wednesday night we left the church building to find a wonderful rain storm and an incredible rainbow. Have camera, will shoot!






Thursday was visiting day on the ACU campus to see the most recent building - the Bob Hunter Welcome Center. Wonderful facility for recruiting students, Alumni Association and other offices.


This same day became very special for me - visiting with the Business Dept. Head when I was a student. Dr. Overton Faubus is now ninety-six years old and bed bound. But, his memory is as strong as a twenty year old! A wonderful time to visit and talk about the past and current experiences. Hopefully, there will be a return visit to Abilene that will include another conversation with Dr. Faubus.

Friday was travel day from Abilene back to Jackson, MS. As if the ten plus hour drive wasn't enough, Dianne and I had tickets with another couple to see the play "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" which is Neal Sedaka music with a story line. Fine acting and incredible music.

MCSB Final Band Concert 2009/10 Season

Saturday night, May 22nd, was our last Mississippi Community Band Concert for the 2009/10 season. We had special plans for those who attended!

Since this concert fell between to military type holidays, it was decided to invite an active military person from each branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard) to participate in the concert.

We had Sgt. Major Dusty Reynolds (30 yrs. veteran) from the U. S. Army, Chief Petty Office Christopher Zeigler form the U. S. Navy, Sergeant Curtis Jones from the Marines, Col. Glenn Taylor from the U. S. Air Force, and BM1 Shawn Sappington from the U. S. Coast Guard. Each were in dress uniform with medals and ribbons.

Our band president purchased each branch's flag and the fun began at the beginning of the concert when Captain Curtis Jones presented the U. S. Flag for the playing of the National Anthem. It was so quiet with the 600+ people attending that you actually could have a pin drop!


Having all five branches with their flags in unusual to see at one time. Only at Presidential innaugurals and funerals do you typically see all five together. So this made the event even more special. And probably some people had no idea what the branch flags looked like in person.


The second to the last song had all five hymns for the branches. The five military men came to the front of the audience section with their flag. When they hymn was played they raised their flag and did a figure "8" with it. People in the audience who either served or currently serving in that branch or have a friend or family member were asked to stand at that time.


The final number was "Stars and Stripes Forever". All five men were now on stage in front of the band. When the last strain was played and the confetti cannons were fired, all five military men saluted the audience.





Our band director is retired U. S. Air Force and he now had his military uniform on and turned to salute the audience.

There were definitely tears in many people's eyes this night for this celebration of our military people.


Next year we're considering adding the MIA/POW flag to the concert!

Following the concert, the band celebrated its 6th birthday with a reception for all band members.