January 18, 2016

Bradley and Carlye Morris along with their three children Logan, age 15; KK, age 12 and 6-year-old Cash were looking forward to a winter vacation in Colorado. Their plans included zip lining over Royal Gorge, riding the Santa Express up Pikes Peak, touring Garden of the Gods, ice skating and visiting a mountain zoo. Everyone was excited upon arriving early at the Bush airport for their flight that was scheduled to leave at 10AM. They were told the flight was delayed until noon; then 12:30. At 1:30 they were told that Denver International airport had canceled over 300 flights due to 8” of snow falling in a short amount of time. This family could have cared less about the fact that this shattered an old record set in 1897!

AT 2PM Carlye headed to the ticket counter to get a refund for their tickets. After waiting in line for 3 hours and seeing the disappointed looks on their kids’ faces she told the airline to put them on the next available flight going anywhere and they would make the best of it! They found five seats available on a plane destined for Las Vegas at 8:00 PM so she reported to the kids “we are Vegas bound”. At 8:00 PM the flight was pushed back to 10 PM due to heavy winds. At 10 PM it was delayed until 11:50 PM. They finally boarded at 2:45 AM and after being stuck at the airport over 15 hours entertaining three kids, playing numerous card games and all catching a nap on the plane they finally landed in Las Vegas!!!

Carlye answered the question many times when asked, “What do you do with kids in Las Vegas” She replied, “Well, we zip lined down Fremont street; rented a car, toured the Hoover dam; drove two hours to the Grand Canyon skywalk in Arizona; visited the Hualapai Indian reservation in Peach Springs; hiked to the top of Guano Point; played in the snow; visited the popular TV show, Pawn Stars; toured the Mob Museum and went ice skating at the top of the Cosmopolitan. In the end, it wasn’t Colorado but it was a good learning experience for our kids that given whatever situation they may be in sometimes you just have to roll with it. We had a great time and looking back I’m glad things ended up the way they did.”

While having lunch at Los Jarritos I visited with Sandy Hendrick who just happened to have a photo of the newest member of the family. Miss Aniston Ray Youngblood was born January 11th weighing 8 lbs. 8 ozs. And 19” long. Her proud parents are J.R. and Alaryca Youngblood and her big sister is Brynn Maxwell. Her grandparents are Bob and Laurel Youngblood and Richard and Alaura Shelton of Lufkin and her great grandparents are Don and Sandy Hendrick of Diboll.

Sandy Hendrick was part of a group that was also eating at Los Jarritos, not sure if they call themselves a group but they meet the second Tuesday of each month to eat and visit. I noticed they were all retired from the school district and included Alice Deaton, Frances Tucker, Theresa Farrow, Dianne Gipson and Sandy Hendrick.

Dianne Gipson reported she ate with another group later in the week at the Cajun Oaks which has moved into the building that was formally “Pete’s Place” on 69S. This group gathers about once a month to celebrate birthdays and this meal was in honor of Kathy Martz’ birthday. All of these were also associated with the school district, mostly retired teachers. Those attending included: Gloria Gregory; Sue and Joe Baker; Becky and Charles Donahoe; Marie and David Cochran; Polly and Jim Leavell; Gala Canada and friend; Dianne and Mike Gipson and everyone was glad to see and visit with Ray Carswell whose wife Martha was one of the four original teachers that started “The Lunch Bunch” monthly meeting. Dianne reported the food was very good.

Dianne Gipson helps me tremendously by sharing news. She wanted to tell everyone about how impressed she is with “Brandy’s Mutt Hut” a place to board your pets. Brandy has experience from working in veterinarian offices and loves pets. Dianne said she has kennels decorated for those who are Dallas Cowboy fans or Princesses for the young ladies. There is also a large secure play area for the pet-guests. Dianne’s princess “Zoey” rated the facility A+ the Mutt Hutt is located in Pollok at 336 Aldridge Circle and the number is 635-9117.

The Super Seniors of Diboll First Baptist gathered and traveled to “My Place” in Livingston for a delicious meal and a time of fellowship. Chris Walker drove the van and got us there and back safely. Enjoying the trip were: Pastor Kenny Hibbs, Peggy Burt, Bettye Greer, Garvis Baldree, Ruth Mullins, Mary Lou Havard, Kathreen Chuck, Earl & Joyce Carr, Elaine Winfrey, Dianne Gipson, Betty Capps, Betty and Bryant Page, Ginger Capps, Betty Kee, Geneva Ard, JoNell Placker, Camille and Leonard Robison, Jr., Joe Miranda, Sue Beaty, Bess Andrews, Polly and Jim Leavell, John Ralph and myself. Those of us who know Bro. Kenny could not believe he ate a meal without ANY dessert! Peggy Burt came home wearing an attractive black floppy brim hat she purchased at the restaurant. These young-at-heart Super Seniors meet the first Tuesday of each month for a noon meal and short program at First Baptist Church. If you’ll admit to being a super senior, you are welcome to come join this group February 2nd.

Jan Albritten brought information about Crimson Christian Academy’s Spring Golf Tournament which will be at Neches Pines Golf course in Diboll on April 29th at 1PM. Crimson Christian Academy is an accredited school offering k through 12th grades. The school is growing and needs your support. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please call Jan at 936-639-1222 for more information. For anyone waiting to enter, the cost is $75 per player and we have Team Registration forms here at Poulands’

Mark your calendars for the Fifth Annual Black Tie Bingo on February 20th in the Lottie and Arthur Temple Civic Center. This special event that supports Diboll’s Boys & Girls Club includes a meal, silent and live auction, bingo, casino games, live entertainment and more. Individual tickets are $65 for dinner and bingo or $45 without the bingo packs. To be a sponsor, reserve a table or for more information, contact Patsy Colbert at 829-3543.

February 13th is the date for “Dining Delight by Candlelight” an evening to enjoy great food, entertainment and dessert auction. Proceeds benefit Project Graduation and tickets are $25 for one or $40 per couple with a choice of ribeye or chicken breast. Your elaborate table awaits you at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall at Diboll First Baptist.

Dortha Jackson, a website guru, has been working to improve the www.poulands.com website and if anyone is interested, past issues of The Round Table News are available to read and print from the website which also has a resource tab for fast reference links to Diboll and Angelina County.

Come see us…’round the table.