Marian's Hunting Stories, etc., etc., etc.,

Commemorative "Living Portraits"

2013-06-19T13:29:00.000-05:00

My historical hometown of Vicksburg, Mississippi, just celebrated the sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War that was fought here and this is a video put together by the Vicksburg National Military Park capturing "living portraits" during the commemorative activities that took place between May 22 and May 27, 2013.

Saying

2013-06-18T11:26:00.000-05:00

I really like this saying!

Supplies For M/V Miss Kris

2013-06-17T21:32:00.000-05:00

I could barely see the towboat pushing the barge because it was so close to the Louisiana edge of the MS River at the Louisiana Circle on June 14, 2013.

As I zoom in I was able to get the name of the towboat, M/V Miss Kris, of Marquette Transportation.

All of a sudden out of nowhere came this supply boat...

...heading for M/V Miss Kris!

This is how they get their supplies while traveling up and down the MS River. My brother used to get the supplies ready for the boats when he worked at Ergon and called in their orders. They can't get in a vehicle and drive to Wal-Mart like we do because their road is the mighty Mississippi and they get their supplies from the tug boats delivering goods.

Here he is trying to line up/catch up with M/V Miss Kris!

Just about to pull along side to drop off the supplies.

Done! Now they can continue on with their voyage.

In Memory of My Dad on Father's Day

2013-06-16T17:59:00.000-05:00

I love this picture of me taken with my Dad in November 1986 and unfortunately he died the following November. This was my very first deer that I shot, a 6 point buck, on opening day after a big thunderstorm. After taking pictures we loaded my deer at his camp, Jasper Bottom Hunting Club, in Claiborne County and went by my sister's home where my Dad was recuperating from being in the hospital, to show him my deer. He was so excited for me and he even thanked my husband-to-be, Bob Phillips, for teaching me how to hunt. I love and miss you dearly Dad!

How Cute Is This?

2013-06-15T17:25:00.000-05:00

Fawn sticking it's tongue out!

My Backyard Magnolia Blossoms

2013-06-14T22:12:00.001-05:00

My Magnolia tree is loaded down with bulbs and blossoms and here are two shown at different angles and lighting. I wish you could smell the sweet aroma coming from our State of Mississippi Flower. Enjoy!

This one shows a shadow of a heart on the petal to the right.

Another Queenly Stop

2013-06-13T11:03:00.001-05:00

Took this picture yesterday of the Queen of The Mississippi in town with a boatload of tourist to visit our fair and historical city. A very hot an humid day in the low 90's but at least it was not raining on their parade. You can also see some of the beautiful Vicksburg Riverfront Murals on the floodwall.

Tomorrow, June 14, is Flag Day and the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Railroad Station is all patriotically decked out. The building is home to the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vicksburg Main Street and The Old Depot Museum. In three weeks it will serve as a backdrop for music and fire works at the annual July 4 celebration.

Driveway Mushrooms

2013-06-12T11:06:00.002-05:00

I noticed yesterday afternoon while walking our dog, Millie Jane, these two mushrooms coming up out of the ground next to our driveway. I know mushrooms can pop up anywhere and was surprised to see them there. Never before noticed mushrooms growing in this particular spot in the 22 years we have lived in our home. So far I have not run over them. What a difference one day makes in their appearance!

~Yesterday~

~Today~

Ambition

2013-06-11T20:42:00.000-05:00

Backyard & Frontyard Finds

2013-06-10T12:22:00.000-05:00

Magnolia bulb getting ready to bud out in my backyard.

I have two Magnolia trees in my backyard and one is loaded with bulbs. This is a pullback picture of the one taken above. My other Magnolia tree does not have any bulbs.

This Magnolia blossom is almost filled out!

One little wild flower all by it's lonesome in my backyard.

A flower pot full of these pretty white Begonias that survived the winter and came back.

A mushroom in my next door neighbor's yard. Looks like another small one in the background.

Close-up picture of the same mushroom.

Flowers in my next door neighbor's yard.

Simply beautiful!

Alligator In Town

2013-06-09T17:57:00.001-05:00

This past Wednesday there was a write-up in The Vicksburg Post on how an alligator is "dispatched" depending on the size, and anything over seven feet is considered unsafe to relocate.

The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks officer who shot a 9-foot alligator five times on Warrenton Road this past Monday followed agency protocol, the chief of law enforcement for the department said Tuesday. "If you cannot safely remove an alligator, you have to dispatch it," Col. Steve Adcock said.

The alligator was shot by master Sgt. Charlie Gross after it was reported in a yard off Warrenton Road.

Adcock said officers use their discretion when animals are reported.

"I have reviewed what the officer did and I believe he did what he needed to do. You can get people hurt playing with alligators and we will use our best judgement to make a location safe," Adcock said.

"It's not like the tame alligators on TV," he said.

Gross would not say where the animal was taken for disposal.

With the Mississippi River's level above flood stage for more than a week until its drop began last week, and increase in wildlife has been found in areas outside natural habitats, Director of Warren County Emergency Management John Elfer said.

Warrenton Road runs parallel to the Mississippi River.

Permits for public alligator hunting are by special permit only and applications for an opportunity to hunt alligators may be submitted electronically through June 17 at http://www.mdwfp.com

Each person who gets drawn for a permit must attend a Mississippi Alligator Hunting Training Course in order to qualify for their Permit to hunt and harvest an alligator in Mississippi.

Happy 19th Birthday, Ethan

2013-06-08T15:52:00.002-05:00

Today, June 8th, is my grandson, Michael "Ethan" Kelly's Birthday. Ethan is stationed at Pope Field in North Carolina. It's formally known as Pope Air Force Base. The facility continues to be used by the U. S. Air Force but is now operated by the U. S. Army as part of Fort Bragg, NC.

I really like this picture of him standing inside the Air Force archway. He has really grown up so fast and it seems like it was only yesterday that I was taking him hunting with me. I'm so proud of my grandson serving his country and wishing him a very Happy 19th Birthday! I love and miss you very much! Gran Gran

A Navy Circle Treat

2013-06-07T09:20:00.000-05:00

Yesterday while running errands I decided to go by the Navy Circle near the Mississippi Welcome Center at the bridges instead of the Louisiana Circle. I hit it just right as towboats were busy on the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, MS.

Just as I pulled up this towboat was coming with a huge tow.

There was no name on this big towboat.

Heading under the bridges while a small boat is seen near the embankment on the Louisiana side.

The General tugboat.

Another towboat was coming under the bridges pushing barges near the Louisiana embankment.

As I looked towards the north here comes another working towboat.

It is the M/V Ann Elise

Coming and Going

M/V Harry M. Mack making it's way under the bridges.

Passing by Vicksburg, MS!

M/V Harry M. Mack making it way towards the bend in the Mississippi River at Vicksburg.

In the far distance you can see another towboat pushing an empty barge. As I was leaving it looked like it was headed towards the Yazoo Diversion Canal going to the Port of Vicksburg. Ameristar Casino is to the far right.

Right To Bear Arms

2013-06-06T13:37:00.000-05:00

THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED

And in support of that position, I offer the following quote by one of America’s most beloved icons.

“Well, there's no use prodding around.

I'm willing to die trying to keep 'em. The question is, however, are you willing to die trying to take 'em.

Now I'm cold and hungry wet and tired and a bit

short-tempered. So, get on with it!”
~ John Wayne ~

The Silence

2013-06-05T22:03:00.001-05:00

Two Queenly Visits

2013-06-04T20:51:00.000-05:00

I had to run an errand to town to pick up some medicine at the drug store this afternoon and I'm so glad I grabbed my camera on the way out. Usually the steamboats dock on a Tuesday and I was so happy to see them back in town. You could see a lot of tourists walking around downtown and also taking bus tours to sites around Vicksburg. Here are a few pictures that I took today that you might enjoy looking at.

Queen of the Mississippi

American Queen

Boat making it's way pass the American Queen for some fun in the sun and the Yazoo River!

Another boat coming in and one heading out into the Yazoo Diversion Canal off the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, MS.

One of three buses taking tourist to sites in and around Vicksburg, MS.

You can see the American Queen docked at the waterfront near the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley R.R. Station. The old depot museum features the world's largest collection of WBTS ship models and a collection of riverboat models and Naval vessels with Mississippi names. Also the offices of Vicksburg Tourism.

MS Wildlife Extravaganza 2013

2013-06-03T15:52:00.000-05:00

Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza 2013

August 2-4 at the Mississippi Trademart

The Kick off to Hunting season

Come gear up and have fun at the 27th anniversary edition of the MWF Wildlife Extravaganza. More than 200 exhibitors from all over North America and Canada will be at the ‘Ganza as we kick off the hunting season with demonstrations, events and more. As the MWF’s largest fundraiser you’ll also be supporting our efforts to preserve Mississippi’s Wildlife Legacy.

Friday, August 2, Kid’s Day 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, August 3, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Winners of the Big Buck Contest will receive a ribbon, a certificate and will be photographed to be included in MWF’s magazine, Mississippi Wildlife Announcement of the Big Buck Contest winners, gift certificate winner and cash-drawing winner will be held on stage, Sunday at 4:00 p.m.

For merchandise from OpenSeasons.com, $50 gift cards from C Spire, $50 gift cards from Academy Sports and Outdoors, and tickets to the Ganza. A couple of winners each week will be picked until the show August 2nd-4th.

Text WILD to (601) 627-4067 for prizes and inside info on the Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza!

Above and Below

2013-06-02T19:37:00.000-05:00

Awesome picture!

Landfill Harmonic

2013-06-01T17:34:00.000-05:00

“ …Life without music..,

… is liken to a body without

a soul.”

Click here to listen...

Moom Rising

2013-05-31T16:25:00.001-05:00

...on May 22, 2013

Deer Hits Vehicle

2013-05-30T17:58:00.002-05:00

A whitetail deer lies on Indiana Avenue near the Vicksburg city limits after it crashed into the windshield of a 2006 Silver Honda Odyssey just before 11 a.m. Tuesday. The driver, Sara McKenna of Vicksburg, received minor injuries and was treated at the scene. Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said deer lately have been plentiful on roads and streets across the county. Eli Baylis - The Vicksburg Post

Today's River Scenes

2013-05-29T18:17:00.001-05:00

As I drove by the Louisiana Circle today I could see no towboats in site but this bird was sitting on top of a dead tree trunk and decided to take some pictures of it. Right when I zoom in to get a closeup, it flew away. It was taken out of the windshield of my GMC Sierra truck.

I love the colors of gray/white on the tree trunk matching the bird as a storm was approaching the city.

I noticed this object in the MS River and at first I thought it was a tree trunk floating and when I zoom in I saw three guys out fishing, I presume. The wind had picked up pretty good and did not know at the time that a barge was coming up the river under the bridges and they started to move over to the MS side of the embankment to avoid the waves.

These guys are nuts to be out there with the wind blowing like it was and a storm brewing.

I would not be out there in a little boat like that!

You can barely see them in the MS River to the far left.

M/V Dan Javorski making it way passing through Vicksburg today and headed for the bend in the MS River.

M/V Dan Javorski

A nice pulled out shot of M/V Dan Javorski and how huge it was up against the small boat in the water!

Portraying "Old Douglas" In Siege of Vicksburg

2013-05-28T20:44:00.000-05:00

My hometown celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War last Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday with bands, concerts with special guest, country singer and actor, Trace Adkins, re-dedication of memorials, wreath laying, and parades. Overall, it is estimated 4,500 people showed up for all the events.

One of the highlights was a pair of camels portraying "Old Douglas" who was in the Siege of Vicksburg. Here are a few pictures I took of Abraham and Richard on Saturday afternoon before the big concert featuring The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra at 7 p.m.

Company A of the 43rd Mississippi Infantry had a camel, an honest-to-goodness real camel, and his job was to carry band instruments."

Old Douglas played a minor role in the Siege of Vicksburg, but the animal was so well remembered that veterans still shared his story at Civil War reunions.

Douglas was killed during the siege and he had a headstone at Soldiers' Rest in Cedar Hill Cemetery. (see below)

Abraham the camel is considered the photo-bomber of the pair.

Say Cheezz!

How do you like my teeth?

Did you know that I want spit on you!

Park Ranger, Adam Wilson, with 10-year-old Abraham.

17-year-old Richard portraying "Old Douglas!"

Doug Baum, owner of Texas Camel Corps, talks about the history of “Old Douglas” during the Siege of Vicksburg. - at Vicksburg National Military Park.

Richard plays the role of Old Douglas quite convincingly. Old Douglas was killed by a Union sharpshooter at the siege of Vicksburg. Not to worry however, Richard is fine, he’s just resting after a long day on the battlefield. - at Vicksburg National Military Park.

A camp site near the camels.

Douglas "the mascot" camel

Taken January 20, 2012

A Memorial Day Memory ~ Thomas B. Huff

2013-05-27T11:17:00.000-05:00

Thomas Blanchard Huff was an artillery sargeant in the 104th Timberwolf Division of the U.S. Army during World War II. He was born in 1915 and his father died when he was 8 years old. He started working as a pharmacist's assistant at that time and worked steadily until he was in his 70s. Thomas, along with the Timberwolves liberated Nordhausen Concentration Camp. The memories of this place haunted him until the day he died. He was a member of Amvets, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. He held offices and was commander of these organizations. Along with his wife, Josephine Rice Huff, he served his community through these organizations for a long time after he served his country in Europe. He was a brave soldier and a good friend. Above all he was a Godly man, a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. His good nature, sense of humor and gentle and generous heart caused him to be loved by all who knew him.

Words from his daughter, Tomi Lynn - On Memorial Day, I like to remember my father, Thomas Huff. He was the best man I have ever known. He was a loving father, a faithful and loving husband, a devoted son and a great friend to everyone who knew him. He was also a brave soldier during World War 2. He helped liberate Nordhausen the Nazi concentration camp. His father died when he was 8 years old. That is when he went to work as a pharmacist's assistant. I will always be grateful to him and will miss him until I take my last breath.

Note: My late grandmother, Della and my cousin Tom's grandmother, Myra, were sisters. This is my way of honoring a good man that fought for his country and what a character he was! I love and miss him so much!

Trace Adkins Performance @ Vicksburg National Military Park

2013-05-26T18:18:00.000-05:00

Last evening my daughter Kathy and I attended the Vicksburg Sesquicentennial Commemoration Concert and The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra with featured special guest, Trace Adkins. My daughter, Debra, her new husband, Matt, with granddaughter, Lucy, also met us there. It was a very memorable and moving experience and a great event for my hometown, Vicksburg.

About 3,000 were on their feet when country music star Trace Adkins took the stage as part of a free concert at the Vicksburg National Military Park, but did not perform his scheduled song and left without completing his performance The Vicksburg Post said.

He was set to perform "Til the Last Shot is Fired" with the orchestra, but instead he took the stage alone, singing "If the Sun Comes up," over what sounded like a karaoke track.

He also was slated to recite a famous letter from Union Maj. Sullivan Ballou but, at the last minute, it was announced that Walt Grayson of TV's "Mississippi Roads" would perform the reading.

I knew something was strange because it was not time for intermission according to the scheduled they gave out and all the people in the orchestra left the stage. All of a sudden while everyone was taking a break they announced him. Everybody came running up towards the stage, taking pictures and clapping. The Vicksburg National Military Park declined to make an official statement on why Adkins left, but several people involved in producing the concert said Adkins had a dispute with the sympathy Friday.

Adkins great-great-grandfather fought here in the Siege of Vicksburg. His name was Pvt. Henry T. Morgan of Company E of the 31st Louisiana Infantry. "He was wounded and taken prisoner of Vicksburg," Adkins said during a press conference when he was elected in 2011 to the board of trustees for the Civil War Trust.

Trace said that the first time he ever came to Vicksburg, he got to stand where he knew he was within 100 feet or so of where his great-great-grandfather was positioned in the battle.

He spoke of the sacrifices made by all members of the military, including his great-great-grandfather. "Their main concern was us," Adkins said. "And that is why they went and did what they did from the Revolutionary War through today."

Trace Adkins performed in his great-great-grandfather's memory without pay.