with Dot Patterson
Greetings from Hickory Corner!
We had some snow on Sunday, but now we can look outside and seeing the sun shining with no snow.
When I was younger, I really did not mind snow, but today I am not a fan of it. It keeps me from getting out.
Elvis Presley’s birthday was Jan. 9. I saw where Graceland was celebrating Jan. 6-9 with various activities and packages for fans. Did any of you visit Graceland during this time? Let me know. Can you believe that in August it will be the 45th anniversary of Elvis’ death. He passed away in 1977 at the young age of 42. He really was the King of Rock and Roll and a great performer. I remember watching on the Ed Sullivan Show in the mid-50s, and he was only shown from the waist up because of his movements. Wow, we have come a long way on what is shown on television since that time.
My favorite songs by Elvis are “Love me Tender,” “All Shook Up,” “Hound Dog,” and “Burning Love.” I would have loved to have seen Elvis in concert, but unfortunately, I never had the chance. I did have one of his scarves draped around my neck once. I was working at Allen’s Vogue at the Pekin Mall (Pekin, Ill.) and was asked by a young co-worker to work for her because she had tickets to see Elvis at Assembly Hall in Champaign, Ill. It was on Oct. 22, 1976. Can you believe that tickets were only $12.50?! She came into work the next day all excited that she had got one of Elvis’s neck scarves that he tossed to her during his last song, “Can’t help falling in love.” We all touched her scarf, and I was able to put it around my neck before she snatched it away and put it back in a plastic bag. My niece, Brenda Bishop Berryman, was at Elvis’ ranch outside of Memphis many years ago, and Elvis was there. She was able to get a picture with him and even got a kiss! Wow, I would have fainted! Anyone out there been to an Elvis concert or met Elvis and want to share? Let me know.
Monday was a federal holiday to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech on Aug. 28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968 standing on his Motel balcony in Memphis at the young age of 39 years old. (history.com). He was known for peaceful marches and protests while an activist during the civil rights movement. A quote of his that is just as important today as it was then is, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Think about that.
I enjoyed lunch out last week with my niece, Dianne Newsom Connor. She is such a sweetheart. We exchanged Christmas presents and had a nice visit. I look forward to doing it again with her soon.
Remember in prayer Arlan Porter, Ann Bennett, Richy Butler, Ladelle Clark, Mildred Smith, Martha Autry, Ann Morrison, Bonice Martin, Peggy Whitman, Peggy Lard, William and Eddie Luttrell and Donna Lynch. Please continue to pray for all those who are dealing with sickness. Pray for our country. Also, pray for those who have recently lost loved ones. If you would like to add or remove a name from our prayer list, please call me.
If you would like to rent the HCC Center for your special event, please call Nancy Patterson at 608-1159.
Folks, this is your column. Please call me at 989-3315 with tidbits, birthdays, anniversaries, vacations or anything you would like to share with us. It is difficult to write this column without your help. I really need to hear from our community.
Make it a great week.
