The Mountain Eagle
WHITESBURG WEATHER

Everyone knew all the old sayings

Southern Ohio


Hello again!

Fall is here long before it should be. We sure have been having beautiful weather in this area! My flowers are so pretty this year as it hasn’t been so hot that it has burned them up. Even the mimosa trees are still looking so beautiful. I used to think that mimosa wouldn’t grow in this area. Now they are everywhere.

A group of us misplaced hillbillies have banded together on the computer with some old sayings that we all grew up hearing! Who remembers hearing the expression of tough as wang? Or tough as shoe leather, referring to trying to eat a piece of meat or something that was extra tough? How many can remember the butter knife of silverware being referred to as a case knife? I know there is a case pocketknife, that is not what I am referring to. The word gom, not gum, was used so much as not to make a mess.

I think the word poke got me in more trouble when I first left the mountains. When I would use that word, people would really make fun of me when I had to explain. I soon learned not to mention poke.

Mom and Grandma would say they were going to pick a mess of greens or sallet, not salad.

As I am writing this on the local television someone just said an old statement — if I had my druthers! Another person asked what did that mean? I guess it means if you had a choice, or your way! Or you rather do whatever.

It really is very interesting to spend time with these girls that we all have so much in common by being raised in those hills and hollows and small towns. We were basically raised the same, sort of ate the same food. Some had more than others and some less.

I wasn’t raised in church yet Minnie Whitaker took me to church with her. I still laugh when I think how I would go to church every Sunday as I heard a preacher say Martha Whitaker Mitchell was going to be thrown out of church as she cut her long hair. This little girl thought they were going to throw her out bodily, and I wanted to see it, so every Sunday you would find me going to church with Minnie for a long time.

Burchell and Catherine Jones used to have church in their home and I loved the singing so I would go there too.

Irene Jones Gibson used to play a guitar and sing a song that I wished I had the words to called “I Found it in Mother’s Bible”. I’ve tried to find the words to this particular song. I waited too late to get in touch with Irene. It is rather ironic how things can stick in your brain for so many years.

I talked to Ann Calihan. Please keep her in your prayers as she can’t seem to bounce back to herself. Ann has been sick for two months. She had a bad case of shingles, which is gone. She just can’t seem to get her stamina and strength back. I miss her laughter as we would reminisce of bygone years. I have always teased Ann and told her she blew the breath of meanness in me.

Many years ago there was an old wives’ tale if babies had thrash mouth, certain people would blow in a baby’s mouth it would heal. Ann was about 15 and I was six months old so Mom and Daddy took me to Ann’s house and she blew her breath in my mouth, and she and her kids haven’t heard the end of it yet!

Gwen Huff Farmer is having some problems with her legs. I haven’t talked to her this week.

Doyle and Betty Ison are still perking along. I went for a visit and I wanted to camp out on their deck but was afraid something would crawl in the sleeping bag with me. Each time I am there it is just so amazing to see the ability that Doyle has to build things. Doyle and Betty are very special and I’m glad to have them for friends.

I haven’t seen my extended family Les and Pat Wagner nor Larry and Becky Hasty and their daughter Polly. Les and Pat had family from the mountains for a surprise visit, two young boys, James and John Ison, and their parents. James and John got a surprise trip to King’s Island as their parents didn’t tell them where they were going. A great time was had by everyone. Les and Pat really enjoyed the visit as James and John are very special to them.

My sympathy goes out to the Darrell Caudill family of Hot Spot, who lost a loved one due to a traffic accident.

A close friend of mine lost her daughter and this evening I am going to the funeral home. Balinda was only 46 and was involved in a car accident. This upset me so bad that I stayed home Friday and Saturday as I couldn’t get in the mood to go anywhere knowing what Barb was going through. I did go to Rising Sun, Ind., to sit by the river and to write as it is always so serene to look across the river and look at the hills of Kentucky. So close and yet so far away. For some reason for several years this has been a favorite spot for me to go.

Sunday was Old Time Fiddlers and I had to attend as I am the one who gets everything ready. There was a good group of musicians though the crowd was small. This meets first Sunday of each month in the basement of the Miamitown Fire Department, Miamitown, Oh., from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Free refreshments.

I spent a couple of hours with my daughter Anna Nottingham and her family. Anna woke up two-yearold Kyle from his nap and I found out one thing, Kyle is a not a happy camper when he doesn’t get all the sleep he needs. He wouldn’t even look at me. Finally he gave me a kiss and said, “Ha ha, Mommy”.

I will be going to see my little sidekick Bennie Wiederhold Tuesday evening.

Come out for an afternoon of great bluegrass music September 1 at Milan American Legion, Milan, Ind. Bands that are scheduled are RR2 Bluegrass band, which features Gary Eldridge along with Wildwood Valley Boys, Joe Mullins and Radio Ramblers, plus the Grascals.

It won’t be long before the Letcher County Picnic, September 28, Harrison Community Center, 300 George St., Harrison, Ohio, 12-? Behind the community center at the big shelter. Bring a covered dish and a beverage. If you are a musician, bring your instruments.

Glenora Eldridge, I am looking forward to seeing you again.

Well folks, I am sorry this isn’t very interesting this week. My heart really isn’t in it and I am having trouble concentrating.

Until next time. Rose Ballard, 9110 Lawrenceburg Road, Harrison, Ohio 45030, email Bluegrassmama4@aol.com, telephone 513- 367-4682.



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