AUGUST: National Catfish Month (Yes, Really!!!)

August is: NATIONAL CATFISH MONTH

DID YOU KNOW:

*Farm- raised catfish is the largest aquaculture industry in the United

States.

*Arkansas, in 1963, was the first state to produce farm-raised catfish on a commercial level amd Mississippi was not far behind when it began its production in 1965.

*After 1970, rapid expansion of catfish production in the Mississippi Delta occurred, and Mississippi has led the catfish industry ever since.

*Today, more freshwater aquaculture is found in the Mississippi Delta than in any other region of the United States.

*Mississippi State University was the first institute to study the nutritional requirements of catfish.

*Fried catfish remains a favorite in Southern cuisine.

SOUTHERN LIFE

If you want a glimpse of Southern life,

Come close and walk with me

I'll tell you all the simple things

That you are sure to see

You'll see mockingbirds and bumblebees

Magnolia blossoms and dogwood trees

Caterpillars on the step

Wooden porches cleanly swept

Watermelons on the vine

Strong majestic Georgia pines

Rocking chairs and front yard swings

Junebugs flying on a string;

Turnip greens and hot cornbread,

Coleslaw and barbecue;

Fried okra, fried corn, fried green tomatoes

Fried pies and pickles, too.

There's ice cold tea tht's syrupy sweet,

And cool,green grass beneath your feet;

Catfish nipping in the lake,

And fresh young boys on the make.

You'll see all these things

And much, much more,

In a way of life that I adore.

Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

JULY-Family Reunion Month

JULY is traditionally Family Reunion Month with family gathering taking place all ove the country..especially during 4th of July weekend.

Let us take the time to reflect on, appreciate, cherish and celebrate the "gift" of family.

The Family Tree

We are a glorious tree

With beautiful branches outstretched,

Reaching toward the heavens;

Offering our various gifts

And fruits of our labor.

We share common roots,

That run deep in ancestral soil;

Nurtured by

Common purpose,

Faith, heritage and hope.

We hear the whispers and shouts

Of those gone before.

We hear the voices

Of that great cloud of witnesses,

Ever urging, prodding, coaxing ;

Giving meaning to our race,

Shedding light on our pathways

We carry a certain knowledge

Deep within us

Embedded within our very bones

And marrow;

Encoded in the blood,

That runs between us

Among us and through us;

Carrying a sacred message

Imparted across generations.

We stand united,

Singing praises

To the One

Who made us,

Gathered us,

And bound us

Into a

Strong,

Proud,

Distinctive

Family Tree

Patricia Neeely-Dorsey 2009

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

JUNE- Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day this year- June 21, 2009

DID YOU KNOW: In the USA, UK and Canada, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, since being made a national holiday in 1966.

This month's blog is dedicated to my father

Dr. James H. Neely

who was a practicing physician in the Tupelo/Lee County area for almost 35 yrs and still remains the best "daddy" ever.

COUNTRY DOCTOR

My Dad was a country doctor,

And I have such memories galore;

I even remember the house calls,

As he literally traveled 'round door to door.

Sometimes, on Saturday mornings,

When I was just a young thing;

My daddy would let me go with him,

As he did all his doctoring.

He'd have his black bag in one hand,

And his stethescope wrapped 'round his neck;

He was most definitely the captain,

And I was his first man on deck.

We traveled way deep in the country,

And there were always such sites to see;

Believe you me, I noticed them all,

Down to the last bumblebee.

I'd always meet really kind people,

As I stayed by my daddy's side;

He'd always give my introduction,

As he stood there beaming with pride.

Many of the people had no indoor plumbing,

And most of them were all very poor;

So my daddy would let patient's pay him,

With whatever it was they'd procure.

Sometimes, he took brown eggs or slab bacon,

Fresh vegetables, hams and the like;

All of this was so amazing to see,

For me as such a young tike.

The old women, he'd always call "young lady",

But old and young all addressed him as sir;

We'd make so many stops on our journey,

I'm quite suprised that it's not all a blur.

I remember learning about all these people,

And all of the crops that they grew.

Each time, I'd learn something different,

Each time, I'd learn something quite new.

My eyes would grow wide with excitement,

As I saw all the animals and stock;

We'd see so much beautiful scenery,

As we'd drive to the next door to knock.

My dad had such a busy schedule,

I can't imagine how he got it all done;

All I remember is I loved tagging along,

And all I remember is fun.

Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

poem from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems

www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

author's note: Dr. James H. Neely received his Bachelor's degree in 1955 from Kentucky State University, formerly Kentucky State College with a major in chemistry and a minor in math and French.

He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College in 1960.

MAY- Mother's Day Celebrations

MOTHER'S DAY - May 10, 2009 DID YOU KNOW: On May 8,1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as National Mother's Day, emphasizing the role of women in families.

THANKS MOM(S)

A special thanks goes to every mother,

From every daughter and son;

Remembering and appreciating you,

For all the things you've done.

You've supported and encouraged us,

To dream and reach so far;

You've always helped us to believe, That we could reach that farthest star.

We thank you for protecting us,

From our ownselves,sometimes, it's true;

And always being there to give wise counsel,

As just a small part of all you do.

Thank you mothers for blessing us,

With a love strong, fast and true;

There could never be words in all the word,

To express what's owed to you.

Patricia Neely-Dorsey

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!