Rest in peace cousin Ray.

Yesterday I attended the funeral of my cousin Ray Leake.  He had been diagnosed with bladder cancer  and underwent surgery December 11th to have his bladder removed.  Unfortunately the cancer had spread to the lymphnodes and chemo wouldn't help much.  Ray decided to go home and enjoy what little time he had left with his family.  Sadly, the amount of time he had left wasn't very long.  He passed away Sunday, January 17th and was laid to rest yesterday in Oxford, Mississippi.  It was a very sad day.  He was a very kind and gentle soul who loved his family very much.  We take comfort in the fact that he is no longer in pain.  Rest in peace cousin Ray we love you.

Cancer is such a mean and ugly disease.  I wish there were a cure for every kind of cancer so no one would have to suffer from it or lose loved ones. 

Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe. 

Retirement party for Allan McCluer.

Saturday night we attended a retirement party for Assistant Chief Allan McCluer.  The party was held at the Jackson Yacht Club.  The place was packed.  It was so good to see the fire family again.

Marc, Steve, Allan and John. 

Sidney and John.

Steven and Troy.

Marc, Steve and Allan.

Matt and Allan.

Members from the C-Shift past and present.

Another C-Shift picture.

We had lots of fun and great food. Lots of new faces this year. 

Last Friday we had a soft opening at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center.  We had seven visitors on Friday and 21 visitors on Saturday.  

My boss took a picture of me behind the desk.  I am not fond of the uniform.....it is a tuck in shirt and it wrinkles easily. Ugh!

Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe. 

Hello 2016

Happy New Year to all of family and friends out there.  Hope everyone had a safe New Year's holiday.   John worked at the mall New Year's Eve and then 10 hours New Year's Day.   He finally had a day off on Saturday.

On New Year's Eve I drove mom and dad to Oxford, MS to visit my cousin Ray who has been diagnosed with stage four bladder cancer.  Last month he underwent surgery to remove the bladder but unfortunately the cancer had already spread.  He has decided not to proceed with chemo or any type of further treatment.  After being released from the hospital hospice home services is seeing to his care.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Ray and his family during this difficult time. 

Yesterday John and I visited with his niece Amanda who is visiting from Florida.  It has been almost four years since we have seen her.   

John with his nieces Mary Beth and Amanda. 

Mary Beth, me and Amanda.

John's great-niece Brooke with Amanda.

Brooke with her mom, Mary Beth.

The warm weather we had at Christmas time has gone and has been replaced with much cooler temperatures.  The high for tomorrow is forecasted to be 49 degrees.  

Our granddaughter Shelby got a drum set for Christmas.  She is enjoying that noise maker. 

Shelby banging on the drums.

Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe.