Marian's Hunting Stories, etc., etc., etc.,

She's Back In Town

2012-05-27T13:18:00.000-05:00

Yesterday after our grandson's graduation from St. Aloysius at the Vicksburg Convention Center, we drove only a few blocks to see the American Queen Steamboat docked at the city waterfront. Buses were being loaded for tour trips to the Vicksburg National Military Park and some went walking downtown after climbing a hill. I hope they also got to go by the Vicksburg Farmer's Market that was from 8:00 to 11:00. Downtown was really packed with all the activities going on.

Congratulations John Gregory!

2012-05-26T15:43:00.001-05:00

John Gregory Phillips

The Vicksburg Convention Center held the commencement exercises of the Class of 2012 for the Vicksburg Catholic School (St. Francis Xavier Elementary/St. Aloysius High School) this morning. John Gregory, my step-grandson, graduated with honors from the class of 38 students. Bob and I are so very proud of him and he received two more additional awards at the ceremony. John plans to attend Mississippi State in the fall. Below are some pictures I took at his graduation.

John received the Service Award and another award later in the program.

John standing up to receive his diploma.

Getting his diploma!

Changing of tassel.

Leaving the stage with all his awards. They threw their hats up in the air but was not quick enough to get a good shot.

Step-son, Greg, with his Mother, Camilla, who flew here from Santa Fe, NM.

Bob with grandson, John Gregory.

Myself with John Gregory.

Great Grandson's 5th Birthday

2012-05-25T10:36:00.000-05:00

Today is my Great Grandson, Tidus', birthday. Tidus lives in Great Falls, Montana and haven't seen him in three years. So sad that he lives so far away but I'm wishing him a very Happy 5th Birthday. With lots of love and hugs, Great Gran Gran xxoo

My favorite picture with him!

Tidus David Barnhart

The Beauty of Pollination

2012-05-24T13:30:00.000-05:00

Congratulations, Michael "Ethan" Kelly!

2012-05-23T13:50:00.002-05:00

The Mississippi Coliseum, Jackson, MS.

Ethan and I before the ceremony of his graduation from the Class of 2012.

I took this picture of Ethan before graduation. Ethan has joined the Air Force and will report to duty sometime in September at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. I'm so very proud of him wanting to serve his country. May God Bless him and keep him safe during his tour of duty.

Class of 120 from Raymond High School.

Receiving his high school graduation diploma.

Happiness is seeing and holding my great grandson, Ian, at the graduation ceremony.

Ethan with his sister, Lucy and oldest brother, Stephen.

Daughter, Debra Ann, granddaughter, Lucy, grandsons Ethan and Stephen with their Father, Jay.

With his cousin, Ian!

Ethan with his best friend, Michael, who is celebrating his 18th birthday today.

Ian playing a game in trying to get his cap on top of the sign...and he made it!

Grandson Graduates Today

2012-05-22T11:45:00.000-05:00

Michael Ramson "Ethan" Kelly

May 13, 2012 in Learned, MS.

My grandson, Michael "Ethan" Kelly will graduate this afternoon at 5:00 at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson. He attended Raymond High School and was a member of the ROTC for four years. He has joined the Air Force and will report either in September/October in San Antonio, TX. Terry High School will also be graduating at the coliseum after Raymond High School.

I'm so very proud of my grandson who has chosen to serve his country and wish him well as he turns another chapter in his life.

MS Deer Management Workshop

2012-05-21T14:29:00.000-05:00

A two-day workshop on managing white-tailed deer has been scheduled at Mahannah Wild Life Management Area in Valley Park, 1379 Anderson Tully Road. The hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. June 1-2.

Topics will include camera survey picture analysis, food plot management, the science of harvesting deer, scoring antlers, aging deer and meat handling and processing. On day two of the workshop hands-on techniques for topics discussed in the first day will be offered.

The cost is $95.00 per day or $180 for both days and includes registration, materials, lunch and a T-shirt or cap.

To register go to: www.cfr.msstate.edu/workshops/deer2012/index.asp. For more information call 662-325-8141

Sleepy Old Town With Old Stores

2012-05-20T13:49:00.001-05:00

Here are a few pictures I took on our way to Learned, MS last weekend to visit my family. We past by this old church called, Bethesda Presbyterian Church (PCA), which was founded in 1826 before the Civil War and the Siege of Vicksburg. I'm sure the handicap ramp was not there at the time. A piece of past history still alive with a cemetery in front of the church that I would like to walk through one day.

It sits sideways from the road as you are passing by.

Old store in Learned, MS that recently got a new porch.

Another store that looks like it got a new paint job...

...with an old chair on the porch.

This store is still in service and actually a restaurant as well - serves on Thursday, Friday and Saturday's.

Sign reads, H. D. Gibbes & Sons

Doors closed up tight on Sunday.

Come and sit a spell.

Really liked this store with the old rocking chairs and the old barrel.

Worn with time.

His and Hers rocking chair.

Looks like the original floor and footings to hold the building up off the ground.

Flowering Bush

2012-05-19T11:25:00.002-05:00

While getting ready to go downtown to take pictures of the American Queen steamboat this past Thursday, I noticed how pretty the bush from next door was hanging over in our driveway. I took a few monents to capture these pictures. I'm not sure what the name of it is but remember having one in our front yard while growing up. Please leave a comment if you know the name. Wishing everyone a great weekend! It's a beautiful day in our neighborhood!

M/V Bruce Darst Heading South

2012-05-18T11:58:00.001-05:00

This past Wednesday while I was out and about, I drove by the Louisiana overlook and as soon as I pulled up, I saw a towboat coming. There is a big tree blocking the view of the MS River that I wished they would cut down. It sure would help the visibility of the river plus the view.

Scenic view of the M/V Bruce Darst as it passes by the Vicksburg Riverfront Park below.

M/V Towboat Bruce Darst making it's way past Vicksburg.

A small boat coming up behind M/V Bruce Darst.

M/V Bruce Darst going under Hwy 80 and I-20 bridges.

Small boat may be taking food supplies to the M/V Bruce Darst as it makes it way down south with it's loaded barges.

Two birds flew by to visit me!

Today is the first anniversary of the flooding at Vicksburg when the river stages made history at 57.1 feet, compared with the previous record in 1927 of 56.2 feet. (click on this and watch a video)

The Queen's Back In Town

2012-05-17T13:38:00.000-05:00

I saw on Visit Vicksburg Facebook page that the American Queen was back in town. I went downtown to the top of one of the parking lots to get this view of her docked at the city waterfront. I had planned to go behind the flood wall's after I left the parking lot but the entrance was all blocked off. I can see why with all the tourist getting off to climb the hills to visit downtown or to go on a tour. It will be much safer for them all.

One of the tour buses waiting to take passengers and passed one in town headed back to the ship loaded with tourist. It has American Queen written all over it like this ONE!

Close up of the paddle wheel...

...and stacks!

She will leave town around 7:00 tonight and be back in Vicksburg on May 26, 2012. She is always welcome here. God Save the Queen and long may she reign!

ROTC Major/USAF Bound

2012-05-16T11:01:00.000-05:00

My grandson, Michael "Ethan" Kelly, will be going into the Air Force in September and will be a Private 1st Class, E-3. He was in the ROTC for 4 years at Raymond High School and is shown here in his uniform as a Major upon graduation. He is thinking about aerial gunner or pararescue. He will be graduating on May 22, 2010, at the Mississippi Coliseum from high school. I'm so proud of Ethan for wanting to serve his county and wishing him a safe and successful career in the armed forces.

A Sweet Smelling Magnolia

2012-05-15T10:42:00.000-05:00

I took these pictures this morning in our backyard of a very sweet smelling magnolia bloom. We have two Magnolia trees and this one is located near the back wooden fence. We moved this tree from Springridge Drive after it had been in the ground for 2 years at that location. We were flooded out from a subdivision and FEMA bought the house/homes and was torn down. We save this tree and a Japanese Magnolia tree that we also put in the backyard. The other magnolia tree is located at the side gate entrance to the backyard. I planted it from a seedling that was in our front flower bed. I was surprised it took off and is almost as tall as the one near the back fence. I also planted a cedar tree from a seedling from the front flower bed and put it in the backyard. It really makes for a very shady area, which I like.

This is the same magnolia before it blossomed. It had been raining a few days ago and after the rain I took this picture. I really like the way the raindrops are laying on the bulb. I may enter this one in an art photography showing this fall with the Vicksburg Art Association.

Candid Shots On Mother's Day!

2012-05-14T12:24:00.000-05:00

I really had a nice Mother's Day and after church Bob and I went to a Mexican Restaurant with my sister, brother-in-law and nephew. I received calls from all four of my daughters, my step-daughter, step-son and a granddaughter in Santa Fe. Also, a call from my bestest and closest friend, Jeanette. My daughter, Debra Ann, had planned to come and visit me but plans had to be rearranged so we headed down to Learned, MS, to visit her instead. When we got there my granddaughter and Kelsey were playing on the four wheeler with my grandson, Ethan. After awhile Ethan had to leave and Lucy and Kelsey had fun riding through mud holes and getting down and dirty. They had so much fun and I enjoyed taking their pictures and watching them. Below are some candid shots I took of our afternoon visit.

My grandson, Michael "Ethan" Kelly, who will be graduating on May 22, 2012, at the MS Coliseum from Raymond High School, has recently joined the Air Force and will report to duty in September.

Granddaughter, Lucy, with Kelsey driving and having a blast on the 4-wheeler.

Going through a mud hole while Jasper watches over.

Riding through the pines.

Look what a mud fight will do!

Trying to clean up!

Jasper taking it all in...

Some pretty flowers to share with you that I took...

At the Louisiana overlook on the Mississippi River after arriving back home to watch the sun set on a beautiful and very nice Mother's Day in our great outdoors!

Why Mississippi Cows Are The Happiest

2012-05-13T15:10:00.000-05:00

Mooooooooooooo It's really true!

Step-Grandson Graduating

2012-05-12T11:54:00.001-05:00

Congratulations John and hoping your graduation is a happy celebration!

With lots of love and hugs, Gran Gran

PS: John will be attending college at Mississippi State.

Joining The Air Force

2012-05-11T12:39:00.000-05:00

Just got news that my grandson, Michael "Ethan" Ransom Kelly, has joined the Air Force. The picture above was taken while in the Air Force ROTC in the 9th grade, Raymond High School (2008-2009) at 14 years old. He will be graduating on May 22, 2012, from Raymond High School at the MS Coliseum and will report for duty sometime in September. My congratulations to Ethan for wanting to serve his country and wish him the very best of luck. The family is so proud of you and we all love you so very much!

Looking handsome for prom night recently.

Facebook profile pix.

Family Golf Pro?

2012-05-10T09:29:00.000-05:00

My step-granddaughter, Laura Phillips, who attends St. Aloysius High School, played in the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) state girls' golf tournament at Canton Country Club this past Monday. St. Al is second in the Class I tournament with a team score of 200, just four strokes off the pace of tournament-leading St. Patrick. Laura Phillips led the Lady Flashes with a 96. Anna Fletcher shot a 104 and Beth Newman carded a 108 for St. Al. Tuesday and today St. Al tournament is being held at Tupelo, Mississippi.

Bob and I are so proud of Laura and wishing her the very best of luck playing golf. She could possibly be a pro one day! Our congrats Laura!

Laura with her team members holding the trophy.

Happy Birthday Karen!

2012-05-09T11:48:00.000-05:00

Today is my step-daughter Karen's 44th birthday. The picture above was taken of us back in September 2009 when she came to visit. She is so sweet and caring. Bob and I are hoping to make a trip out to see her next month in Santa Fe, NM, and visit family that has grown in the last 3 years. Happy Birthday Karen and enjoy your special day! With lots of love and hugs!

Need A Laugh Today?

2012-05-08T13:14:00.000-05:00

...and my favorite

...and as soon as this happens....retire with dignity.

Pansy Picture Published

2012-05-07T12:43:00.000-05:00

I'm always humbled by the fact that my pictures are good enough to be published in our paper, The Vicksburg Post. I had sent this particular one in a month ago and forgot about it and opened the paper yesterday morning and saw it. The caption under the pictures said - Marian Love Phillips snapped this close photo of a pansy as it bloomed openly in the waning days of cool weather in Vicksburg.

On Facebook I belong to a group called, The Southern Artist Group and Glenn Fought, a "self taught" artist and photographer, asked us to go within 200 ft of our home and take a picture. This was in my next door neighbor's flower box that hangs on their white picket fence. I received some good feedback on it and decided to enter it in our paper.

Glenn Fought and I at his showing recently at Christ Episcopal Church.

The Vicksburg Post will accept for publication photos submitted by readers. The photos should be current and of interest to the public, either because of their subject matter or their oddity, or the photographic skill shown. Submitted photos should be accompanied by complete caption information and include a phone number for the photographer. It should be submitted electronically or in person at the Post Plaza or by mail.

A Gecko?

2012-05-06T13:40:00.000-05:00

Saw this guy out my computer window w/shudders and grabbed my camera. I'm surprised he did not turn pink while sitting on our handrail. He would not have been so brave if our cat, Alley, was on the back porch. We do have a lot of lizards that hang out on the steps though. He's a pretty line green color and so cute!

Youngster's Fishtails!

2012-05-05T12:38:00.001-05:00

Justin Glass, age 7, caught this 6-pound bass out of a pond in Warren County. Justin was fishing a green zoom worm under a bobber. Look at those happy faces! My congrats to Justin and to Braxton in our great wild outdoors.

Braxton McCurley, age 7, caught a 3-pound bass with a cricket in a pond in Hinds County.
(The Vicksburg Post)

Salute to Skylar!

2012-05-04T10:18:00.000-05:00

Our MS Idol was voted off last night but this is only the beginning for Skylar and she is an absolute pro already. I heard on Miss 103 this morning while talking to her Mother that she will be on the Jay Leno Show tonight. Next week, The Today Show, Ellen and Live with Kelly Shows. She has gotten a lot of exposure on American Idol which has now launched her career. My best wishes go out to Skylar! You have made Mississippi so proud!

Backyard Critters & Flowers

2012-05-03T08:27:00.000-05:00

Lizard in a light rain from my bedroom window.

Alley