WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 31, 2008
2:36 PM
Another year has almost gone. It has been a good year for me. I have had some unique experiences that I will probably never forget. Because of some unusual situations I have learned some new information that will help me be a better mayor in the future.
There will be a big change in the sanitation department next year. The way the city handles trash is going to change drastically. I hope that everyone adjust to the new system in a short time. I appreciate the attitude of Carol and Jerry about the changes. They are the employees who are going to be on the front line for the new system. I have tried to encourage them as we enter this new phase. I feel confident about their handling of the changes. I hope that the citizens cooperate with the city in this new method of collecting trash. The 96 gallon containers that we purchased earlier in the year seem to be working out well. We have had only minor problems since the new system was implemented. A majority of the comments to me have been very positive about the change.
I went to Colt today for lunch. I met Pat and a group of Woodruff employees for lunch. We met there to have lunch with Richard. He is in town to close on his home in Wynne. I hope that everything goes well. A deal is never closed until the check clears the bank.
I will not stay up and see the new year in later tonight. I am too old to do that now. I will go to the courthouse in the morning to witness the swearing in ceremony for the elected officials. The city will have two new council members next year. One council member chose not to seek election and another was defeated. I look forward to working next year with the two new members and the eight who will be returning.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
MONDAY DECEMBER 29, 2008
9:00 AM
I have been off work for five days. The official days that the city hall was closed was last Wednesday an Thursday. I also took off on Friday.
Pat and I went to Jonesboro to eat out for our anniversary. We had a delicious meal. Pat did a little last minute shopping for Christmas. We did not do anything special on Wednesday or Thursday. On Christmas day we had a big breakfast and that was about all we did. Pat did get me a few shirts and wrapped them up for Christmas. I did not get Pat anything for a gift this Christmas. We plan to buy a flat screen TV sometime in the next few weeks. We have been looking for several weeks and I think that we have made a decision on which one to buy.
I called Mother and David on Christmas day. This is the first time in several years that we have not had breakfast with my family on Christmas. We did not go to Mississippi because Amy had to work on Christmas day and the day after.
We went to Amy's on Saturday and spent the day and part of Sunday with her. She is off for three days. We had a good visit. We also took her the gifts that we had bought her for Christmas. While we were in Memphis we went to Graceland to look at the Christmas lights on Saturday night. That is the first time in years we have visited Graceland at Christmas.
It is back to a more normal routine now that the holidays are over. We will be off on new years day. I will probably go to the courthouse in the morning to watch the swearing in ceremony for the elected officials. I will probably spend a lot of time watching the bowl games over the next several days.
9:00 AM
I have been off work for five days. The official days that the city hall was closed was last Wednesday an Thursday. I also took off on Friday.
Pat and I went to Jonesboro to eat out for our anniversary. We had a delicious meal. Pat did a little last minute shopping for Christmas. We did not do anything special on Wednesday or Thursday. On Christmas day we had a big breakfast and that was about all we did. Pat did get me a few shirts and wrapped them up for Christmas. I did not get Pat anything for a gift this Christmas. We plan to buy a flat screen TV sometime in the next few weeks. We have been looking for several weeks and I think that we have made a decision on which one to buy.
I called Mother and David on Christmas day. This is the first time in several years that we have not had breakfast with my family on Christmas. We did not go to Mississippi because Amy had to work on Christmas day and the day after.
We went to Amy's on Saturday and spent the day and part of Sunday with her. She is off for three days. We had a good visit. We also took her the gifts that we had bought her for Christmas. While we were in Memphis we went to Graceland to look at the Christmas lights on Saturday night. That is the first time in years we have visited Graceland at Christmas.
It is back to a more normal routine now that the holidays are over. We will be off on new years day. I will probably go to the courthouse in the morning to watch the swearing in ceremony for the elected officials. I will probably spend a lot of time watching the bowl games over the next several days.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
TUESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2008
10:37 AM
Today is my anniversary. Pat and I have been married 40 years today. It does not seem like we have been married that long. I gave Pat a card this morning, she placed her card for me on her blog. Very Sweet...
It is much warmer here today. At the present time it is raining, but there are a few ice spots around. The temperature should rise enough that ice will not be a problem.
10:37 AM
Today is my anniversary. Pat and I have been married 40 years today. It does not seem like we have been married that long. I gave Pat a card this morning, she placed her card for me on her blog. Very Sweet...
It is much warmer here today. At the present time it is raining, but there are a few ice spots around. The temperature should rise enough that ice will not be a problem.
Monday, December 22, 2008
MONDAY DECEMBER 22, 2008
8:26 AM
I spent a quiet weekend at home this past two days. Pat and I went to the fire department Christmas party on Friday night. There was a good turnout and the food was excellent. A few minutes before the party was to end the alarm went off. It is still amazing to me how quick the firemen can go from enjoying a party to be gone from the station to a fire. I appreciate the work and dedication of the members of the Wynne Fire Department.
I went to the coffee shop on Saturday morning. They were very easy on me.
Later in the day I washed my truck. Well, I did not wash it, I went to the automatic car wash. It looks much better. Later in the day I went to Wal-Mart with Pat. They were very busy, but we were in and out very quickly. The checkout line was short when we were ready to go home.
We stayed in yesterday, except going to Sunday School and church. Last night the choir had the Christmas music. It was very good and the length was very good. We had a business meeting before the service and then the music. The program was over by 7:00 PM.
It is very cold here now. A few minutes ago as I was coming to work the temperature was 12 degrees. The high today is forecast to be only 30 degrees.
8:26 AM
I spent a quiet weekend at home this past two days. Pat and I went to the fire department Christmas party on Friday night. There was a good turnout and the food was excellent. A few minutes before the party was to end the alarm went off. It is still amazing to me how quick the firemen can go from enjoying a party to be gone from the station to a fire. I appreciate the work and dedication of the members of the Wynne Fire Department.
I went to the coffee shop on Saturday morning. They were very easy on me.
Later in the day I washed my truck. Well, I did not wash it, I went to the automatic car wash. It looks much better. Later in the day I went to Wal-Mart with Pat. They were very busy, but we were in and out very quickly. The checkout line was short when we were ready to go home.
We stayed in yesterday, except going to Sunday School and church. Last night the choir had the Christmas music. It was very good and the length was very good. We had a business meeting before the service and then the music. The program was over by 7:00 PM.
It is very cold here now. A few minutes ago as I was coming to work the temperature was 12 degrees. The high today is forecast to be only 30 degrees.
Friday, December 19, 2008
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19, 2008
10:44 AM
I have been busy this week. I have had a number of city problems that I have had to deal with. The problems have still not been resolved, but hopefully a solution can be found soon. I have learned a lot in the last few months about dealing with people. Sometimes they disappoint me. It will all work out in the end and I will be prepared the next time these problems come up, and they will come up. I think that I have the necessary regulations in place to deal with them in a better way when they come up again.
Pat and I attended the Woodruff Christmas party last night. Pat stayed after work and made pictures at the party. I went early and visited with the employees while she was making pictures. The party went well. This year there was no entertainment, but I do not think that anyone was disappointed. As usual they gave away several door prizes. Pat was lucky and won one of the gifts. She won some candles. I think that she will have to give them away, because the smell bothers her.
Tonight we will go to the Fire Department party. They always have a good meal and I enjoy visiting with the people who attend.
10:44 AM
I have been busy this week. I have had a number of city problems that I have had to deal with. The problems have still not been resolved, but hopefully a solution can be found soon. I have learned a lot in the last few months about dealing with people. Sometimes they disappoint me. It will all work out in the end and I will be prepared the next time these problems come up, and they will come up. I think that I have the necessary regulations in place to deal with them in a better way when they come up again.
Pat and I attended the Woodruff Christmas party last night. Pat stayed after work and made pictures at the party. I went early and visited with the employees while she was making pictures. The party went well. This year there was no entertainment, but I do not think that anyone was disappointed. As usual they gave away several door prizes. Pat was lucky and won one of the gifts. She won some candles. I think that she will have to give them away, because the smell bothers her.
Tonight we will go to the Fire Department party. They always have a good meal and I enjoy visiting with the people who attend.
Monday, December 15, 2008
MONDAY DECEMBER 15, 2008
3:32 PM
It has been several days since I did a blog. I will try to catch up on what has been happening.
We had an unusual situation in one of the city departments last Friday. The bottom line is that the situation was a no win for anyone involved. We made a decision, but I do not think that everyone was happy. I contacted an individual who is an expert in the field, but as of now he has not responded to my request for assistance.
Friday night I performed a wedding for a former student and his bride. The couple was Ray Lawrence and Rose Bridges. The wedding was at New Hope Baptist Church. The wedding went very well. Pat went with me and we stayed for the reception. There was a good crowd and I knew most of the people who attended. I enjoyed the ceremony and visiting with the guest after the wedding.
I went to Benton on Saturday. I would like to have a 1946 Chevrolet pickup. There was one for sale in Benton. I had called about it earlier in the week, but I could no go to look at it until Saturday. I called the owner in the morning and he said that he still had the pickup. I told him that I was on my way. He had described the truck very good, but after looking at the truck, I decided that I was not interested in that particular truck. The owner of the truck and I had a good visit. He showed me some of his other cars that he had restored. One of them was a 1948 Buick convertible street rod. It was really an nice car.
I got a call after I returned home on Saturday about Lynn Blake. He had chest pains and had been taken to Jonesboro. They had performed some test and planed to conduct more on Sunday morning. The did the other test on Sunday morning and had to place a stint in one of the blockages. The other could be treated with medication. He had though that he would be coming home today, but this morning he was informed that he would have to stay at least one more day.
Pat and I attended my Sunday School class Christmas party last night. We had an excellent turnout and Pat and I both enjoyed the food and fellowship.
On my trip to Benton I used a GPS. I simply typed in the address and I had perfect directions to the address where I was going. I am probably going to buy one for myself. I do not really need it, but what the heck. Lets go first class.
Pat is at home today. After the party last night she had a terrible headache. She went to bed and was not feeling much better this morning. I went home at lunch and she was feeling much better.
I had been scheduled, if fact I had been requested, to attend a committee hearing at the State Capitol tomorrow. The weather here is not good and there is a good chance that we will have ice in the morning. I called the office that requested my appearance. They called back and told me not to come. Another person that had been requested to appear had a conflict, so the meeting will be scheduled for a later date.
3:32 PM
It has been several days since I did a blog. I will try to catch up on what has been happening.
We had an unusual situation in one of the city departments last Friday. The bottom line is that the situation was a no win for anyone involved. We made a decision, but I do not think that everyone was happy. I contacted an individual who is an expert in the field, but as of now he has not responded to my request for assistance.
Friday night I performed a wedding for a former student and his bride. The couple was Ray Lawrence and Rose Bridges. The wedding was at New Hope Baptist Church. The wedding went very well. Pat went with me and we stayed for the reception. There was a good crowd and I knew most of the people who attended. I enjoyed the ceremony and visiting with the guest after the wedding.
I went to Benton on Saturday. I would like to have a 1946 Chevrolet pickup. There was one for sale in Benton. I had called about it earlier in the week, but I could no go to look at it until Saturday. I called the owner in the morning and he said that he still had the pickup. I told him that I was on my way. He had described the truck very good, but after looking at the truck, I decided that I was not interested in that particular truck. The owner of the truck and I had a good visit. He showed me some of his other cars that he had restored. One of them was a 1948 Buick convertible street rod. It was really an nice car.
I got a call after I returned home on Saturday about Lynn Blake. He had chest pains and had been taken to Jonesboro. They had performed some test and planed to conduct more on Sunday morning. The did the other test on Sunday morning and had to place a stint in one of the blockages. The other could be treated with medication. He had though that he would be coming home today, but this morning he was informed that he would have to stay at least one more day.
Pat and I attended my Sunday School class Christmas party last night. We had an excellent turnout and Pat and I both enjoyed the food and fellowship.
On my trip to Benton I used a GPS. I simply typed in the address and I had perfect directions to the address where I was going. I am probably going to buy one for myself. I do not really need it, but what the heck. Lets go first class.
Pat is at home today. After the party last night she had a terrible headache. She went to bed and was not feeling much better this morning. I went home at lunch and she was feeling much better.
I had been scheduled, if fact I had been requested, to attend a committee hearing at the State Capitol tomorrow. The weather here is not good and there is a good chance that we will have ice in the morning. I called the office that requested my appearance. They called back and told me not to come. Another person that had been requested to appear had a conflict, so the meeting will be scheduled for a later date.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 10, 2008
9:54 AM
I am sitting in my office waiting to have an exit conference with the state auditor. The conference was to begin at 9:00 AM but one of the officials that has to participate has a last minute conflict. We will begin when that person is able to be here. He should be here in a few minutes.
The city council met last night. The meeting was not very long. The council passed ordinances that adopted the 2009 budget and the revised 2008 budget. They also approved the final plat for a local developer. The plat is for 20 lots. The council spent several minutes discussing a request for insurance benefits for an alderman. After much discussion the council took no action. I think that their decision was based on an opinion from the city attorney about the matter.
I went to Memphis yesterday morning. I have hired an individual to do some repair work on Amy's home. The individual and I traveled to Memphis and he looked at the work to be completed. He will complete the work over the next few weeks. The job will not take a long time, but the individual will only work part-time to complete the job. He and I stopped at her job and I introduced them to each other.
9:54 AM
I am sitting in my office waiting to have an exit conference with the state auditor. The conference was to begin at 9:00 AM but one of the officials that has to participate has a last minute conflict. We will begin when that person is able to be here. He should be here in a few minutes.
The city council met last night. The meeting was not very long. The council passed ordinances that adopted the 2009 budget and the revised 2008 budget. They also approved the final plat for a local developer. The plat is for 20 lots. The council spent several minutes discussing a request for insurance benefits for an alderman. After much discussion the council took no action. I think that their decision was based on an opinion from the city attorney about the matter.
I went to Memphis yesterday morning. I have hired an individual to do some repair work on Amy's home. The individual and I traveled to Memphis and he looked at the work to be completed. He will complete the work over the next few weeks. The job will not take a long time, but the individual will only work part-time to complete the job. He and I stopped at her job and I introduced them to each other.
Monday, December 8, 2008
DECEMBER 8, 2008
2:10 PM
This past weekend I did not engage in many activities. I went to the coffee shop on Saturday morning to get caught up on the latest news in Wynne.
I went to Parkin on Saturday afternoon to participate in the Parkin Christmas Parade. They had a good turnout of parade participants and there was a good crowd to view the parade. I enjoyed my participation. Ms Joanne has called me for the last several year inviting me to participate. I have enjoyed going over the years. She is really working hard to improve Parkin.
I spent the remainder of the time enjoying football on TV. There were several games. I was in Parkin for most of the Alabama and Florida game. I went to Parkin in my Avalanche, so I could listen to the game on XM.
On Sunday Pat and I went to Sunday School and church. The rest of the day I spent on the couch. My back has been acting up and I could lie on the couch with much less pain. I took a few naps and enjoyed pro football. At the end of the service Sunday night the church had a live video and audio hookup with Kirk Owens. It was good to see and hear from him live. Pat and I have been keeping up with him through email, but it was good to see and hear him live.
I told Brother Matt yesterday morning that he and I were going to have to give our schools more money now because they both fired the football coach and both have to pay them off. He said that he was shocked that Auburn had fired their coach.
I have been busy here at city hall for most of the day. I have now hit a short window that allows me to write on this blog.
2:10 PM
This past weekend I did not engage in many activities. I went to the coffee shop on Saturday morning to get caught up on the latest news in Wynne.
I went to Parkin on Saturday afternoon to participate in the Parkin Christmas Parade. They had a good turnout of parade participants and there was a good crowd to view the parade. I enjoyed my participation. Ms Joanne has called me for the last several year inviting me to participate. I have enjoyed going over the years. She is really working hard to improve Parkin.
I spent the remainder of the time enjoying football on TV. There were several games. I was in Parkin for most of the Alabama and Florida game. I went to Parkin in my Avalanche, so I could listen to the game on XM.
On Sunday Pat and I went to Sunday School and church. The rest of the day I spent on the couch. My back has been acting up and I could lie on the couch with much less pain. I took a few naps and enjoyed pro football. At the end of the service Sunday night the church had a live video and audio hookup with Kirk Owens. It was good to see and hear from him live. Pat and I have been keeping up with him through email, but it was good to see and hear him live.
I told Brother Matt yesterday morning that he and I were going to have to give our schools more money now because they both fired the football coach and both have to pay them off. He said that he was shocked that Auburn had fired their coach.
I have been busy here at city hall for most of the day. I have now hit a short window that allows me to write on this blog.
Friday, December 5, 2008
FRIDAY DECEMBER 5, 2008
3:41 PM
This has been a very busy week in the city. I have been busy everyday. I have had a number of meetings. This morning I attended a Workforce board meeting in Forrest City. Yesterday I had a long staff meeting and then the rest of the morning, I attended the Solid Waste Board meeting. The meeting was held in Wynne.
Wednesday I traveled to North Little Rock and attended the Executive Committee meeting of the Arkansas Municipal League. We had a very good meeting and I got a chance to visit with friends of mine from around the state. It was a long day but a very beneficial day.
The department heads and I have had to deal with a number of employee situations this week. Enough on that subject.
Last night Pat and I had chili at the fire department and then I participated in the Wynne Christmas Parade. The parade was very good and the turnout was excellent. As usual the weather was cold. I think that the first Thursday in December is always cold in Wynne.
I did not get a chance to check my email until a few minutes ago. I did not get to go to lunch till 1:00pm because of work that had to be completed here at city hall.
I shaved by beard off last night. I told people that I grew it in recognition of Mississippi State beating Arkansas in football. It was the first time State and won in 9 years.
Have a good weekend.
3:41 PM
This has been a very busy week in the city. I have been busy everyday. I have had a number of meetings. This morning I attended a Workforce board meeting in Forrest City. Yesterday I had a long staff meeting and then the rest of the morning, I attended the Solid Waste Board meeting. The meeting was held in Wynne.
Wednesday I traveled to North Little Rock and attended the Executive Committee meeting of the Arkansas Municipal League. We had a very good meeting and I got a chance to visit with friends of mine from around the state. It was a long day but a very beneficial day.
The department heads and I have had to deal with a number of employee situations this week. Enough on that subject.
Last night Pat and I had chili at the fire department and then I participated in the Wynne Christmas Parade. The parade was very good and the turnout was excellent. As usual the weather was cold. I think that the first Thursday in December is always cold in Wynne.
I did not get a chance to check my email until a few minutes ago. I did not get to go to lunch till 1:00pm because of work that had to be completed here at city hall.
I shaved by beard off last night. I told people that I grew it in recognition of Mississippi State beating Arkansas in football. It was the first time State and won in 9 years.
Have a good weekend.
Monday, December 1, 2008
MONDAY DECEMBER 1, 2008
10:30 AM
It has been several days since I have written. I will try to catch up on this blog.
Last Thursday Pat, Oscar, and I went to Mississippi to celebrate thanksgiving. We had lunch and visited with my family at aunt Ginny's. We then went to Mike's and ate a little bit more and visited with Pat's family. We left Wynne about 7:30 AM and got back about 8:30 PM. A long day but we had a good time and good visits with family members.
I raked leaves on Friday morning. I finished about noon. I hope that is the last time for the year. Pat and I then went to Jonesboro. She had some merchandise that she needed to return. After she returned the merchandise, and went to the bookstore, we had dinner.
On Saturday we went to Memphis to celebrate thanksgiving and Amy's birthday. We took her out to eat lunch and give her our gift . We had a good time visiting with her.
Sunday we did not go to church. I could not get Pat up in time. I think that she was catching up on lost sleep and rest time for the previous three days.
10:30 AM
It has been several days since I have written. I will try to catch up on this blog.
Last Thursday Pat, Oscar, and I went to Mississippi to celebrate thanksgiving. We had lunch and visited with my family at aunt Ginny's. We then went to Mike's and ate a little bit more and visited with Pat's family. We left Wynne about 7:30 AM and got back about 8:30 PM. A long day but we had a good time and good visits with family members.
I raked leaves on Friday morning. I finished about noon. I hope that is the last time for the year. Pat and I then went to Jonesboro. She had some merchandise that she needed to return. After she returned the merchandise, and went to the bookstore, we had dinner.
On Saturday we went to Memphis to celebrate thanksgiving and Amy's birthday. We took her out to eat lunch and give her our gift . We had a good time visiting with her.
Sunday we did not go to church. I could not get Pat up in time. I think that she was catching up on lost sleep and rest time for the previous three days.
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