With so much to be sad and concerned about, Joseph McJames was not about to end his day unpleasantly. Writing to his daughter Mary Ellen, he could not wait to tell her about his possum.
The letter Mack received from Mary Ellen was filled with disappointment. There was the illness of Mack’s wife, too, that concerned everyone. Mack still had his house keeper Clary to rely on. At the age of 82, soon to be 83, this “fine Kentucky gentleman” as Mack was called was still in control. That discipline extended also to his possum.
10 o’clock
Coffeyville, Oct. 2nd, 1901
Dear Ellen,
Have just read your letter. So sorry, so sorry for you and dear Maggie. And sorry Annie did not come. I feel sure they could have gotten a wise position. I could have gotten it for them.
Don’t be uneasy about your dear mother. If any difference, she is a little better than when you left. I am watching over her both day and night. Clary is here and won’t leave until you get back home. And if she does, I will find someone else.
Everything is going right. Don’t be uneasy. Bring Maggie with you.
I will see Mr. Hunt and will box up all in safe condition.
Send a postal often. Tell us of all things. Clary is all right.
Will have a fine possum for dinner. I caught (it) in her house stealing eggs.
Affectionately,
J. Mc. James
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Sift from Stray Leaves on Facebook
Our James family cousin Jamie Harmon reports about the virus from his family's worldwide tour:
Day 214. New Zealand is under national lockdown. We are completely fine and overall happy to be stuck here. But it is serious: rules enforced by police - who can question you if you go for a walk and officially have the power to enter your home (but they probably don’t do that much). We are 5 days in, and it is minimum 28 days. When the government announced the lockdown, they gave everyone 48 hours to plan. Our hotel told us it was closing, and we scrambled to find a house to rent. We are in a good spot, but we did have to cancel the hotels and flights for the last 100 days of our trip. Many of our countries cancelled on us because they imposed travel bans. Sad to see those go, but our problems are small compared to many. NZ imposed a national grocery store limit of 2 of the same item per person, but we have enough food. The country is not out of toilet paper, but they are out of flour for some reason. Regarding the picture, this is actually from 6 weeks ago in an airport in Asia. We were in Asia for about 2 months when Asia was the center of all this, and Hazel in particular has been really scared of the virus. We have been wearing masks in airports and the few crowded places we went. But we mostly felt safe by being in small hotels that were out of the way. We have been so sad to watch the virus spread in the USA. Such crazy times. Stay safe out there!
DID YOU KNOW? Country music star Tim McGraw is an 8th great-grandson of Hans Jost Heydt and a 4th cousin of the brothers Woot & Tuck Hite of Quantrill's Raiders. Tim's father Tug McGraw was a professional baseball player with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.
IN SILENCE & STILLNESS...
While recovering
our national health,
it's useful
to use silence
to see
who we are
in stillness.
We are made
of love and grace.
Now is a good time
to plan
for what still
we will become.
Subscribers to Stray Leaves learned earlier this week about "The Eyes of Jesse James."
Most people know the eyes of Jesse James from his famous wedding picture. Few people know that Jesse’s eyes still exist and are plainly visible among his living descendants today.
Moreover, Jesse’s eyes have continued to appear throughout five generations of his family. See the eyes of Jesse James now on Stray Leaves.
The Eyes of Jesse James – S t r a y L e a v e s
ericjames.org
The eyes of Jesse James as they appear genetically in him, his brother Frank, and in three generations of their descendants.JAMES HEREDITARY HEALTH & COVID-19...Our James family suffers from chronic gastrointestinal problems. Probably not all, but certainly many. The latest research shows evidence that GI patients may be at greater risk. GI issues may appear prior to the onset of traditional Covid-19 warning symptoms. Being knowledgeable and wary is your best defense.
About Half of COVID-19 Cases Show Digestive Signs
www.webmd.com
About Half of COVID-19 Cases Show Digestive Signs By Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, March 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Diarrhea and other digestive symptoms are the main complaint in nearl...