Opinion
 By  Staff Reports Published 
4:01 pm Monday, October 29, 2018

Homefolks U.S.A.

Homefolks U.S.A.

Hi folks,

So many of the stores in larger cities – and some even in smaller towns – are already
gearing up for the Christmas season.

We really need to be thinking about the Thanksgiving season.
This is a holiday I really enjoy, and I know others enjoy it as well. This is a day when
we should pause and really count our blessings. We really should do this every day.
If times are passing too quickly, maybe it’s because we are living in the fast lane.
Let’s all enjoy the next real holiday, Thanksgiving Day, and then get ready for
Christmas.

Many years ago, while traveling the Delta in Mississippi, it was amazing to me how
some of those poor people were enjoying the Christmas season. The houses in the
Delta are small, and a lot of people would refer to them as shacks, but I know that
happiness was in every household.

One house in particular caught my eye. On the front porch was a wringer washer –
most were Speed Queen and Maytag. Wood-bottomed chairs were present, and a
porch swing was in place at the end of the porch, but what made me really take
notice was a Christmas tree in the window. Some Christmas lights were lit in the
window, and the children were running and playing on the porch and in the yard.
You could see happiness on the face of everyone who lived in this small house. I
really think these were some of the most beautiful sights I have ever witnessed.
Maybe we should all slow down, count our blessings and enjoy the season – and
really make it a family event. These scenes are still in my mind today, and I know
that most of those children are grown adults now, but I feel sure they have passed
that tradition on to their children.

The yards were never well maintained, but that’s OK, as long as everyone was
happy.

I always wonder what was under those Christmas trees, as far as a gifts were
concerned. I can almost see those children’s smiles while opening their presents on
Christmas morning. It would be wonderful to make a trip this year just to see if that
tradition was still taking place.

My prayer is that we all slow down, count our many blessings and enjoy every day
as we really should.

I hope our story this week finds everyone feeling good and enjoying life. Our time
here is short, so let’s make the most of every day.

Thanks for reading each week. I hope and trust that so far 2018 has been a good
year for all.

Til next time,
Your friend,
Bobby

Also on Franklin County Times
Oliver wants 5% pay hike for his staff
Main, News, Russellville
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
August 12, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE – Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver hasn’t seen much turnover within his department lately and he wants to keep it that way. Oliver ...
Flock council policy faces vote Monday
Main, News, Red Bay, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
August 12, 2026
RED BAY —A second Flock Safety automated license plate reader has been installed as the city prepares for a special meeting Monday on a proposed polic...
Local water systems have security measures in place
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
August 12, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — As cyberattacks on U.S. water systems climb nationwide, local officials say a combination of rigorous safety protocols and old-fashione...
Heat advisory for the Shoals starts Wednesday afternoon
Z - News Main
By Kevin Taylor For the Franklin County Times 
August 11, 2026
FLORENCE — The Tennessee Valley Area, including the Shoals, will be under a heat advisory starting at 1 p.m. Wednesday through 7 p.m. Friday. Heat ind...
Russellville business burning off propane
News, Russellville
Griffin Traylor 
August 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Suburban Propane, which is located at the intersection of Alabama Highway 24 and U.S. Highway 43, is in the process of burning off prop...
Successful paving plan draws Florence’s interest
Main, News, Russellville, ...
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
August 5, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Pondering whether Florenceshouldestablish its own paving department, officials only had to look about 20 miles south to see the benefit...
Mills named principal at West Elementary
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
August 5, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Gayla Mills is beginning her 31st year in education and her first as West Elementary’s principal. Mills taught third grade when that gr...
Disciplinary point system gets ‘amped up’
Main, News, Russellville
By Ella Seaton For the FCT 
August 5, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — As Alabama students head back to school, there is a new incentive for staying out of trouble. This school year, school disciplinary pro...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *