Well , Webster’s defines [Resolution – 1. a firm decision to do or not to do something.] To DO or NOT to do !!! Oh , I been doing this all wrong ! I been making them to – exercise more , eat healthier , be kinder , and on and on ! I could never stay on track . But I know that I can stick to a resolution like – not exercise too long or or not sit on the first pew or not to be twice as kind as I was yesterday ! So I been going at this the wrong way ! So with the new year fast approaching , I am ready to do my part in making this the best year ever for family , friends strangers and yes , even for me ! Not too much of a stretch considering 2020 and 2021 were so outta kilter and hard to navigate . Here’s wishing you and yours a very happy , peaceful New Year !
So the early morning of the Day After Christmas finds me stuffed , but thinking bout leftovers . Slice of ham on a couple of biscuits sounds purty good right now ! But what to do with all the other leftovers ! I know that the pies will disappear first . Then the casseroles and finally the cranberry sauce . What the world needs now is a cookbook of recipes for holiday leftovers ! Send me your favorites .
The weather has been beautiful ! Warm and dry . Best I can tell according to my NEW weather station (THX Raymond Easley) it was 80* . Now officially from Ft. Smith it was only 76* . BUT that still broke a record for Christmas temp that goes as far back as 1889 ! And what a blessing it was too . But I have found that Mother Nature has a way of balancing the scales so look for some cold wet days ahead ! Plus that’s what the Farmers Almanac and the persimmon seeds predict !
Before I git to the party section for New Years , let me shout out a few thanks . I have written several times of request and reminders bout the “Sick and shutin folks” in assisted living arrangements and nursing homes . There are a lotta folks that I know that take music into the homes and brighten the long lonesome days of the residents ! I am limited in making music nowadays but the Good Lord gave me an opportunity to help a lil’ bit . Anne Caldwell is a regular reader of “Live Music” and resides at the Oakes in Poteau . We talk often . She made me aware of the need for a Cowboy hat as a Christmas gift for a feller named Robert . So , I reached out and had many offers of donations . Some nice hats that were too big or too small . My very good friend Linda James told me that Jody Herbert had two straw and a nice felt hat that was just the right size . A trip to Wister , a good sitdown for a long overdue visit with Linda , and ‘fore ya knowed it , I had a back seat full of Cowboy hats . I made time to go see Ann , got a nice card and two pair of much needed socks from her . Thanks , Ann . Then we went on the hunt for Robert . He tried the hats on and picked out a nice straw that fit and offered a big thank you to Team Santa . All I have to do is “be willing to be kind’ and the Good Lord gives me an opportunity ! I recommend it to everyone !
We are in the stretch for New Years Eve . And all the Hoopla that goes with it ! The parties and dances that was always a lotta fun are still there , just not in as many places . I can remember the thrill of playing to a packed house , 500-600 dancers in several of the bigger music hall and Honky Tonks . From the git go , the noise makers and horns were heard from all corners . Cowboy hats off and lil’ colorful tall pointed hats were strapped on . Everybody was in a festive mood while we all waited for the countdown at midnite ! Then we sang Auld Lang Syne , got a long lingering kiss from a loved one or two and it was a new calendar year ! To the day , this will be my 70th celebration . I am looking forward to passing another mile marker but may stay home and just sit this one out . Let them younger folks enjoy the Holiday . Please , have fun , be safe and have a designated driver if ya drink . So here are the New Years Parties in our area – all Sat. the 31st ! First , Connie Abbott and Country Pride will host the dance at the Ft. Smith Senior Activity Center on Cavanaugh rd. Music will start at 7 pm with a potluck supper at 8 pm . Connie has been in high gear fixing decorations and party favors . It will be marvelous . Dave Abbott and Bob Garrett will be doing it all . Hanging shiny thangs , setting up equip and providing the best in Classic Country for the two-steppers and linedancers to Ring in the New Year at Midnite ! Big Dance Floor and plenty of seats so make plans to be there !
Grannie’s Nightmare will be Rockin’ in the New Year at one of my favorite places , Ed and Linda’s 128 bar . Just a mile East of Heavener on Hwy 128 , I have some great memories of New Years past making music there ! These guys play awesome Classic R&R for ya to shake a tailfeather or shake your booty and have a good time ! Music from 9 pm til 1 am . Get there early to get the best seats . It will be a blast !
Country Express will be playing music for my Mom , Wanda , and Raymond Easley at the Spiro Eagles . Great place to dance and Country Express plays the perfect music for this crowd . Line dancing , two stepping and waltzes to Classic Country music ! Music starts at 8 pm and goes til 12:30 am ! Ring in the New Year at the Eagles . just 3 miles East of Spiro !
Got to go in Monday morning for a lil maintenance . Heart needs minor adjustments .. I should jump higher and run fast when I get out of recovery ! I prayed about it and it seems that all will be well ! My Savior will steady the surgeon’s hands and heal me if it is His will ! I will advise of the outcome . Prayers appreciated !
For info and queries , contact 918-647-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com !
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