All in Columns
At the beginning of July, members of the extended Parker family converged on Kinston for our biennial Parker Family Reunion. When John, my brother, and I were growing up, our huge family gathered at a city park in Roanoke, Virginia, for what was then the Parker-Brown Reunion. That reunion was named for the descendants of my great-grandparents, Peter Parker and Judia Brown Parker.
Ever since I was referred to the North Carolina Governor's School by Mrs. Sarah Flanagan, my French teacher and the principal's wife at Savannah High School in Kinston, people referred to me as intelligent. I paid it little attention. I just like to read, and I love words.
The heat of summer sends us searching for a yummy frozen treat! If you want a simple and easy frozen treat, try these recipes that don’t need a churn just a good old freezer!!
On behalf of the veteran organizations of Kinston, allow me to introduce your veteran leadership:
In 2009, board members of the CSS Neuse Foundation decided to do something special to raise funds to place a monument for Alton “Doc” Stapleford to recognize and honor the work and supervision he provided during the construction of the CSS Neuse II. That fundraiser proved successful. The next time you visit the Neuse II, check out the memorial honoring Alton.
Fresh cut watermelon is a “must have” on the menu at most summertime picnics and gatherings. Watermelon is natures perfect sweet treat that is also nutritious and tasty!
I am not sure how Bill Molyneaux came to know about our part of Eastern North Carolina, but once he discovered us, he became a frequent visitor and friend in our efforts to preserve our local history.
The saga of Duplin, also known as the dog with a jug on his head, appears to be coming to an end if a post on social media is to be believed. The post announced the dog’s imminent euthanasia and was then shared with various news outlets, including ours. The outrage is building online as I type this. Unfortunately, the outrage is misplaced.
Dill is a super versatile herb, it is generally easy to grow and is especially used in lots of summer recipes, as well as pickles! Dill makes recipes taste fresh, bright and extra flavorful!
Once upon a time, the telephone at our home hung on the hallway wall. It had a long, coiled cord attached so the receiver would reach to my room. I would rush home from school and finish my homework so I could call Jean Chapman to discuss all that had happened that day at Savannah High School, particularly on the playground.
Two programs on back-to-back Saturdays will highlight different aspects of North Carolina’s maritime history during the Civil War.
We are at the point in the summer where the heat feels oppressive and even the plants flop over in the afternoon, and I can relate. Many believe that there is nothing to be done in the garden in the heat of the summer besides keep the weeds and bugs at bay and harvest what you planted in April.
Share your American pride with red, white and blue recipes for July 4th! Patriotic foods add more excitement to your celebration table.
Since the Pandemic, I have generally stayed in since meals and groceries can be easily delivered right to my front door. I still wear a mask when I do go out, and I most enjoy sitting on the deck over the ocean to let the salty air breeze blow over me then.
One of the women I admire, at an event we were both attending, took a few moments to tell me how much she enjoyed reading these columns. My writer’s heart explodes with joy every time I hear, or read, those words. Then she proceeded to say I am much too hard on myself.
