Rain!

At this writing, (3:44PM) we in Smith County are getting some much needed rain at this moment. The rain is pounding on the metal roof so hard until it sounds like hail! I KNOW my yard looks so dry--that is all changing now. To the right is a radar imagery

from the Brandon Radar site in Brandon. You see Taylorsville and Raleigh. I am located between where cell "Q5/YELLOW SQUARE" and cell "D6" is. That yellow square indicates hail. Now I haven't seen or heard it but radar has picked it up. This is the last of the rain I believe but I haven't panned over to Louisiana, yet. Now it has all let up sounded like but on the way home from school, my headlights turned on. And the flip of the wipers every now and then.

My camera is on the fritz. If you see a good deal anywhere, please let me know!!

Have a great afternoon

Educational debt rising, shocking

As I plan to graduate from high school year after next (school year's), I tend to look at the cost of college and all the little things about it. As I was catching up on the news this morning, I came across this story...

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070501/NEWS/705010382

...and I was totally shocked. I couldn't believe what other colleges charged besides MSU. I know all about MSU because that is where I will be attending college. It is ashame that in 1993, students only had to pay out $9,000 compared to $15,000 or so today.

This post is mostly on the link I gave above so take a look abd get shocked like I did. Some of the comparisons are just unreal!!!!!!!!

Itchy Weekend

This weekend can be summed up into ONE word---nightmare.

Yes, I said nightmare. You ask why? Well, Friday afternoon, I cam home and started working on our project in our backyard (see posts between today and March(not sure which one)) and I got busy with it! I was working around an azalea bush and the day before I noticed this vine growing out. Now the bush was dead and I think the "vine" killed it. Anyhow, it must had rubbed my upper arm. So, that afternoon, I started a terrible itch under my arm. The "vine" turned out to be poison ivy!!!!

So, all afternoon the itch got worse and worse. Not only did I NOT know every good what p.ivy looks like, I didn't know not to scratch. Well, the scratching caused a flowing effect. I had the rash all over from a line from my neck down to hips. This was no funny situation.

Saturday came and I couldn't take it. I had to get help and some relief. I went to Wal-Mart and stood in line at the consultation counter at the pharmacy for about 30 mins. while I was scratching the fire out of myself. The kind woman told me that I had p. ivy and I needed Calamine lotion and a few other items. So, I made my purchases and came home, soaked in baking soda, and rubbed all the lotions on my.

It didn't work! All it done was aggravated it. I got to searching on the Internet and I read where the best thing to do was stand under the shower head the the water as hot as you could stand it for as long as you could stand under it. So that I did---it worked! I busted all the oil pockets from the ivy. I was itch free finally that night. I continue to shower with HOT HOT water (and will for a while) and nothing has re-occurred.

So, to all my friends with poison ivy, the best solution---HOT HOT HOT water. It really worked! PROMISE!

Have a wonderful day!

WDAM weatherman Jim Gibbon dead at 76

For over 40 years, many people of South Mississippi have tuned in every morning to watch Jim Gibbon give the weather. I watched him all my life---until satellite tv only brought Jackson locals and regular "rabbit-ears" was long gone in the mid-90's. He has been a long time legend at the WDAM-TV7 studios. Today we remember Jim...

====================================================================== From WDAM-TV7:

WDAM and the Pine Belt lost a dear and trusted friend Wednesday night. Longtime weathercaster Jim Gibbon passed away at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel after a massive stroke. He was 76.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 3 to 6 pm at Jones Funeral Home in Ellisville. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

After 43 years as a news anchor and weathercaster, Jim announced his retirement in February after a stellar career in the Pine Belt.

Born in Dallas and raised in Mississippi, Jim worked in radio for about 15 years before joining WDAM in 1964. Over the years he hosted programs, forecasted the weather and delivered the news.

"I found it fascinating because everything newsworthy in Jones County, in Forrest County and surrounding counties would wind up here at the station," he told Colleen Donovan in a March interview.

"We were ground zero, so it was fascinating meeting these people who would come in for interviews, and guest shots on programs. I got to meet some celebrities sometimes: Art Linkletter, who was one of the big names in radio and TV broadcasting."

Jim Gibbon was a big name here in the Pine Belt. Many people grew up watching Jim and invited him into their homes every day.

"This wonderful relationship with people," Jim told Colleen. "There is a love, almost, that you are a part of their lives."

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.

==============================================================================

For more on Jim, go to www.wdam.com. Videos and stories are there for viewing.

Have a great weekend.

Rain, Rain, Rain

I hope you all were thankful for the much needed rain we received on yesterday. I know I am and it rained for several hours last night. I know it was lightning a lot during the night because the flash of light woke me up numerous times.

I put out our potted plants in hanging pots and set them in the yard and let the rain gave them a goooooood and much needed soaking. They looked so much "lively" while ago when I got in. I put them back in their respective places or on their hangers and came inside where it was cool. I can enjoy this warm weather with my much needed haircut, too!

Hope you all have a good day tomorrow!

-Freddie

Rain, Rain, Rain

I hope you all were thankful for the much needed rain we recieved on yesterday. I know I am and it rained for several hours last night. I know it was lightning a lot during the night because the flash of light woke me up numerous times.

I put out our potted plants in hanging pots and set them in the yard and let the rain give them a goooooood and much needed soaking. They looked so much "lively" while ago when I got in. I put them back in their respective places or on their hangers and came inside where it was cool. I can enjoy this warm weather with my much needed haircut, too!

Hope you all have a good day tomorrow!

-Freddie

Stress Level & Severe Weather

As of this morning, we are through with English II testing which means my stress level is NORMAL---for a week or so anyhow. Next, finals kick in! So, I can now be commited to blogging until finals kick in.

As for tomorrow and tomorrow night, we are expecting some much needed rain as well and some severe weather. A system is moving in from the west and has caused flooding and damage in the central plains. Watch your local forecasts and have your NOAA WX Radio on so you will be updated of the latest watches/warnings.

100% Exhausted

This week has not been a energetic week for me---I have been so tired.

Yesterday, today, and Monday we are working on English II remediation for MCT testing on Tuesday. I think I am going to be close to having a perfect score.

Monday and Tuesday had an explanation. Yesterday was a very bad day. This certain person at school is starting up trouble again and I won't get into it on here. Then Will broke his glasses at football practice. He called home and down to our grandmothers but all were gone and he didn't know anybody's cell phone number. Why didn't he ask me ME???

So, after school, I had to go get him some new frames for dad. I just hate going to Laurel. But, Will got his glasses there across from Wal-Mart...

Will update on Monday...promise!

God bless and have a safe weekend!!!

Satan at work, God in control

I was needing a break yesterday, and I promise I will be back in full force....promise!!!!

The title of this blog lived up to its name yesterday, as it does everyday. Surely by now you have heard about the terrible news from Virginia Tech. yesterday as a gunman was in the co-ed dorm and rang out shots killing 32, injuring 28+, and then turning the gun on himself committing suicide. It is hard to believe how we can let Satan take control of our thoughts and actions and once the damage is done, he is getting the laugh out of the deal.

From my understanding, it was over his girlfriend breaking up with him over another guy at VT. I personally am not going to let a girl do that to me. Getting away from personal talk and back to the main subject, he really let Satan get to him when he kills and injures that many including killing himself. I wonder if he had a mental problem, too? This is all in God's hands now and he will be the decision maker on this.

Another touchy subject is the way VT handled it. I personally think they done a wonderful job. There is no exact way of knowing that somebody is going to come in and start killing people. This is the medias way of coming up with a story---not all but most and in the end, somebody will most likely loose their job. This is where we need to come in with open arms and pray for the men and women that were killed and injured as well as the families that are suffering from this tragic, history making episode.

Satan may try to knock us down, but God ALWAYS gives out helping hands and helps us get back up...ALWAYS!

Severe Weather UPDATE

We are expecting some severe weather late tonight into tomorrow. Looks like Taylorsville/Smith County will be getting the greatest threat as indicated by tghe picture on the right. For all your weather needs and update, go to here to the Taylorsville-NWSJackson site. Have your NOAA Weather Radio on and set to alert you.

Stay safe and see you back here on Monday.

MHSAA Band Festival

As I told you in recent weeks post that tomorrow the MHSAA Band Concert Festival would be held in Pearl. We will be leaving very early because we play so early... More in a minute.

Sorry, I didn't post yesterday. We had after-school practice until 4:30PM and by the time I got home and done what I needed to do, I forgot about this.

Back to tomorrow..
We have to be in the band hall in Taylorsville at 6AM in the morning! Yikes! Yeah, I thought I would post today's this morning because I will have to be in bed fairly early. Anyhow, we perform in the auditorium at 9AM in Pearl. Before that we go to our warm-up room. Then after concert, it is on to sight reading. I just hope and pray we do good---we have worked so so so so so hard and Mrs. Suzi, band director, has lost so many hours of sleep. Keep up the good work, Mrs. Suzi!!!

Today, we have to stay until 4PM today in band. We are going to have a dress rehearsal. No, we aren't dressing up, just going to run through the procedures at school for tomorrow for the beginner players in the high school band this year.

Will be late posting tomorrow if I even post but will update you on how everything went!

Weekend Review

First off, I hope each and everyone of you had a blessed Easter. I know I did with some very good food back-to-back yesterday. I am glad school isn't in secession today---need time to deflate!!

So, Saturday wasn't much of anything---went to Wal-Mart for some things with mother to make her part of Easter/Sunday dinner at my grandmother and grandfather's in Center Ridge. Then later on in the afternoon, we went to the movies and saw "Are We Done Yet?". It was boring at first, but then it came to better than what we anticipated!

Sunday, we had a BIG day. We all were up since 4AM cooking at my grandmothers. We all pitched in and helped her. Everyone arrived around Noon or so. We all had a grand time---and the food was out of this world. But, I didn't over eat because I am still on my diet. I only ate one plate and another with just a slice of ham. The banana pudding had to hold off because I was hoping it was going to get ate up and I wouldn't be tempted, but only a scoop was left so I just got that last scoop. HA!

Then, Will and I came back to daddy's and we had to go to my grandmother next door. Thankfully, it wasn't a big load of food there because I thought I would just be sick...

All in all, we had a wonderful time and hope you did too.

Have a WONDERFUL day!

4-Day Weekend

As most kids in the area are, we are having a 4-day weekend! YAY! Oh yeah, we all need this final holiday as we are in the closing of school. I hope you all enjoy it.

I am going off for a couple of days. I will be back on Sunday. Hope you all stay safe and have a blessed Easter holiday!

God bless, Freddie Harrison

DIY at the Harrison's

During the past few weeks, we have been very busy here in our yard. We are completing a new wood shed, still trying to clean up Hurricane Katrina trees in the woods, and kick off our new landscaping project (That is my project!) . School and band is putting a major hold onto my part. As I said, the landscaping project is mine.

I am just mainly going to talk about my project...if that is OK with you all. During the past several days, I have been taking pictures, looking on the Internet, reading books, and all kinds of stuff to give me ideas on this project. It is going to take place in the back yard where the flower beds were heavily damaged by Katrina. The Azalea bushes and flowers are all dead and I can't stand to look at. My and my friend, "Jane" (for blogging purposes), are always sharing ideas, tips, and anything we know about yards and flowers. Well, I love to work with flowers and yard work. I have my plans all set and the demolition will be underway soon. As of right now, we have been through the gigantic back flowerbed with the tractor and have done some major cleaning.

It is a lot of work but I guarantee it will pay off. Next, I am going in there with marking tape and flag all the things I want out. Then daddy and Will are going to go in with the chainsaw and whatever else will be needed. Then that is where I come in. Then I am working my way to the garage side of the house. Right now we have our winter wood supply in the carport with a tarp on the side. We built this house in 1989---enclosed carports were not popular on brick homes. We plan to take all the tarp off, either extend the car port into a two-story garage or just buy a portable carport and add on the side. The options are endless but we will see. We just don't know yet.

Looks like I won't be bored this summer....:))

Long Night Ahead

Today has been a very good day. All is well and hope it is with you too.

Will be short today---going to a baseball game tonight. Little League openers are tonight.

Will see you all again here tomorrow!

-Freddie

Compliments to Freddie

Sorry my post is so late. I was having problems trying to sign in through Google. Seems like I finally got in here...

As I told you early last week, on Thursday, we had Pre-Contest at JCJC in Ellisville. Lets just say Thursday was a WILD day! I was going in every direction all day long. I live about 10 minutes from school and I had an hour, 3PM to 4PM, to get home, shower, get dressed, and then travel back to the band hall. I made it and got back at school 20 minutes to 4. Talk about making good time!

We made it to Ellisville and our tennis team is made up of several band students. We went into the warm-up room and warmed up. Our "usher" people took us then several people came in and out of the room from time-to-time. I was so tired and ready to get home. Even though I was only 20 minutes from the house, I was still ill about the whole deal.

We ended up having to go on out on stage. The system was ahead of schedule and it left us with a lot of time to wait for the tennis players; however, they made it and was almost late. We proceeded with our concert. I was very pleased with it. On one song, Follow the River, I play the Euphonium part---we have no Euphonium. It has a "solo" type part half way throughout he piece and I play practically by myself. I just prayed to God the whole time to help me and he did! I done so well on my solo. The judges and my band director, Mrs. Suzi, complimented me. Just made my droggy Monday so much better. I was out Friday (see Friday's post for more) and didn't hear the comments and tapes. We went to sight-reading and we went home.

April 12Th, next Thursday, we travel to Pearl for the "real deal". Please come and support you THS "Tartar Pride" Band! Our concert will be at 9AM. I will clarify that on tomorrow.

Funky Friday II | Contagious or not?

As Barbie Bassett called it in her March 23rd post, Funky Friday, I am having the same thing today.

I woke up around midnight in terrible pain. Will spare you the details, but let's say I was not fit to go to school. I woke back up around 6AM or so to get ready (having going to school in my intentions). I just couldn't get the "get-up-and-go" to get around. So, I went and told my father. He said he was waiting for that, meaning he knew I been up several hours throughout the night. So, he told me I needed to stay and not pass it around. I tried to lay back down, but it didn't work. Since I had to stay home, I had to send Will on the bus.

Some severe weather in Texas this morning. I have been watching the NWS radar all morning throughout Texas' radar sites and it is looking very nasty. Check out the story here...

As far as we here in Central Mississippi are concerned, our best chance of rain will be this weekend; 40% chance of storms and showers during the day and a 100% chance of rain from afternoon into Sat. night. Chances for more rain are good into Tuesday. Have your NOAA Weather Radio on and ready to alert you!

Have a wonderful weekend!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today: Partly cloudy, with a high near 85. South southeast wind between 10 and 15 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. South southeast wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Saturday Night: Periods of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1am and 4am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4am. Low around 61. South wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Busy Week: Part II

To start this off, I would like to mention that a lot of people recieved rain yesterday. I didn't get any here at my house--but it was a answered prayer for I was trying to finish cutting the grass!

No after school band practice after all for me but still a busy day.

Short post, but just nothing to say today! HA!

Have a good day!

Freddie's Busy Week: Part I

7:12AM CST Here I am writing to you all on this soon to be busy Tuesday. At 8:00AM, we should be starting out English II Writing Test (STATEWIDE). No telling how long it will be; hopefully it will last through a good part of the day. Then the last 2 hrs. of the day is band with after-school practice followed at 3:25PM. I will update when I come in this afternoon.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

00:00PM CST NO BLOG POSTED FOR THIS TIME FRAME YET

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOMORROWS POST: Freddie's Busy Week: Part II

SUPER Busy Week Is In Store

We all say we are going to get some rest during the weekend---not with me. I was super busy. Saturday, I was in Laurel all day at Belk's looking for some clothes. Just about spent the whole day in Laurel. Then Sunday, just tried to rest--some.

This week hold a week full of band and MS state tests. Today held nothing for me. Tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday, I won't be getting in until very late. For the next two days, I have after-school practice for band. On Thursday afternoon, we have MHSAA Pre-Festival concert competition at JCJC-Ellisville untill about 8:00PM. Pray I can keep my strength!

This weeks posts:

Tuesday: Freddie's Busy Week: Part I

Wednesday: Freddie's Busy Week: Part II

Thursday: NO POST

Friday: Busy Week Comes To A End

God Bless!!!!

Does Mississippi Not Have Good Enough Job's?

As I was catching up on the news on the Clarion-Ledger website, I came across this story...


http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/BIZ/70322008

...and was almost shocked when I read it. Mississippi has some of the most intelligent people in the country. Some may think I was stretching that last sentence kind of far but it's true. We may have the smarts, but sometimes I do wonder whether the jobs here are good enough or not for the ones with the degree(s). Is pay, benefits, etc. the problem? On this post, I would like to see what you have to say. Post your comment(s) and just take it from there...

80 Years Young and Still Going Strong

My grandmother, Helen, as everyone calls her, just had outpatient surgery today in Laurel at South Central Regional Medical Center. She had a "stunt" removed from her bladder. Two weeks or so ago, at 79 (Mar. 12Th was her birthday so now she is 80) she had a hysterectomy. All was the result of having a tumor on one of her ovaries. Now, take into consideration her age--all 3 of her sisters had this procedure done but mawmaw, as I call her, was born in the Great Depression era and well...they just didn't understand all that as they grew up. Her mother never had it done, either.

Also, in 2006, she had a mastectomy at SCRMC-Laurel. That went fine as well. All this was mentioned to say this---God has put a strong woman on this Earth. For what all she has been through, God still has her on this old earth? Yes, God has a reason for everyone to be here. If he isn't ready for you, he won't let you go. That is the way he is with my grandmother. As much medical problems and two-strikes of possible cancer of the breast and ovarian cancer, she is still holding on and going strong.

My brother and I came in from school today and got out of the car. My father told us several days in advance that he may not be home when we get in today. We know how the procedure is when Will and I are home alone---lock the doors and stay in, only answer phone numbers for whom we know, and let NO ONE in!!! They left to head from Taylorsville to Laurel at 6AM! She had her outpatient surgery with no problems. When they came home around 5PM, she went straight to her back deck to look at the pond. We live right by my grandmother. The only thing that separates us is a small patch of woods and we live up on a hill. Daddy walked up and couldn't believe she was already up and going! I love my grandmother; she doesn't let anything or anybody get in her way. That is the way we all should be.

Dear Lord, please let me and my family be as strong as this woman is. Amen...

Satan Vs Schools and Lives

In recent years, violence in schools(Taylorsville in particular) hasn't been very bad---the average fight here and there. I am a sophomore and never have been in a fight in school my entire school career. Some say I am a "chicken", etc. But, I just try to let God handle my daily battles as much as I can. I am saying what I am saying because now in schools, the violence is HORRIBLE. This year alone in area schools, they have seen their highest violence rate in school history. Most kids don't attend church regularly, parents getting divorced/separated, and many, many other things to cause problems. They don't think what effects it will have on their child.

Not going into details, but, my parents got a divorce in 2005 and I didn't let it change me for the worse. I let it make a better person out of me---as a matter of fact, it made my relationship with God 100% stronger. Two and a half years later, I realize I didn't let Satan take over my emotions and get in control of my life like some other kids have (or it seems like it). You may say "Wow, this kid thinks he knows it all". Well, I don't. I have been there and done that, as you may say. If we let Satan take control of our emotions and actions just like at school, work, ball games, or ANYWHERE, he has succeeded and we can make other lives miserable when our life is just as miserable.

If we trust in God all day and every day, we won't have anything to worry about it.

And that's the truth!

Is it spring??

Most of you can agree with me---it feels just like spring! The high officially at the airport in Jackson made it to 76*F. According to local forecast and computer models, the highs throughout the rest of the work week will be at or if not on the 80* mark. This warmer weather and dry conditions are brought to you in part by a area of high pressure and our next rain chance isn't predicted until this weekend.

Last week, Smith County Schools(as well as many other Metro-Jackson school districts) had the joy of spring break. I know I didn't get the rest I was hoping for; I was mostly in the yard working and planting flowers! Smith County School's next scheduled school vacation is Easter (April). I know this is a short post, but this is my very first post!!!

Be good and keep God first at all times...

Member:
Facebook
MySpace