A word for 2016, memories of Dr. Delezene and a fantail update

While strolling, I wondered whatever happened to Dean Covington.

Happy birthday to Tina Horton, Mark Schultz, Bennie McClain, Ed Renaud, Linda Wessel, Marc Sadler, Corrie Montgomery, Angela Holland, Clay Moore, Becky Smith, Sara Stagoski, Marilyn Lindy, Karen Griffith, Carl Estes Jr., Victoria Viall, Sue Campbell, Debbie Cook, Jordan White, Mildred Chapman, Debbie Eichhorn, Jean Moss, Christy Seyer, Tripp Dacus, Laura Halter, Becky Hahn, Michael Nation, Clifford Barlow Jr., Dennis Miller, Amy Nordin, Jack Wessel, JoAnn Stovall, Brenda Miller, Mindy Hendrix, Amy Oberman, Ruth Sadler and Trenton Horman. And special belated birthday wishes to Darrell Chapman and Laverne (Greer) Keller!

Happy anniversary to Jeremy and Mallory Dohogne, Mick and Linda Wessel, Gary and Betty Proffer and Dean and Shirley Sullinger.

January is National Blood Donor Month, Hobby Month, Oatmeal Month and Soup Month. This second week of January is Letter Writing Week, and today is Houseplant Appreciation Day.

Lots of special events this weekend in celebration of Elvis Presley's 81st birthday!

New Year's resolutions

Are you still sticking to 2016 new beginnings? Studies show if you want to accomplish your goals, you increase your chances by writing them down, word for word. Jan. 17 is Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day, so if you want to quit, you can be off the hook to everyone but yourself.

I asked readers for their word for 2016. There were the traditional ones, but nonetheless heartfelt of peace, joy and health. My sisters Ruth offered "inspiration" and Jo, "patience."

Remembering Dr. Delezene

We asked some time ago if anyone remembered where Dr. Delezene had her office back in the day. We thank Avis Wolfe for telling us she remembers going to Dr. Delezene as a very young girl. At that time, in the late 1930s, the doctor's office was on Yoakum next to Dick Finley's pharmacy. She adds that on the other side of the pharmacy, at the southeast corner of Yoakum and Main, was the Building and Loan. Avis said they lived in Rockview at the time, but she is pretty certain that in prior years, Dr. Delezene did office out of her home near Main and Elliott.

Avian update

Here is an Indian Fantail update! The three birds that were in sick bay are doing fine. All the birds are being treated for 10 days with an antibiotic. After confirming with the owners from whom we bought the Mookees that there are no health issues, we have let them hang out with the Indian Fantails. Meanwhile, the spoiled orphan now named Muffy, due to his feathered feet, is growing and doing great, all while very attached to Richard, as he is to Muffy!

Casino fun

Speaking of the Grand Casino Hotel in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where we attended the pigeon show, had me thinking about the Isle of Capri in Cape. As I mentioned, the machines in Cape are much fairer and more fun. We had a nice dinner at Farraddays, and I saw a guy consume what may have been the biggest steak I have ever seen! Afterward, our party of four went upstairs to see the barges cruising down the Mississippi River -- a delightful sight at night, indeed.

Holiday home run

I hit a home run this year on gifts for Richard for Christmas and his birthday that soon follows. My sisters routinely ask for a progress report at Thanksgiving, since I am always challenged. I did have a few ideas, but was really inspired while watching "The Dan Patrick Show" on NBCSN, a sports show I enjoy during treadmill time at the gym. He had added a huge lava lamp to his collection of lamps, so as soon as I got home I called the original lamp people in Chicago and ordered one. When it arrived, I was further challenged getting the boxed 27-inch, 30-plus-pound lamp into the house. Wanting to keep it a surprise, I wrapped it in the doorway and later scooted it to the side of the Christmas tree. The lamp has turned out to be a big hit!

Final thoughts

Remember to tell those special people in your life that you love them -- those three words mean so very much.

Given the storms and flooding we've had, we hope everyone is safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with those missing loved ones, our homebound, those in hospitals and nursing homes and those undergoing cancer treatments. Please email your news and comments to darbuck2@airmail.net or leave a message at (573) 887-6430 or (214) 207-7839.

And then ...

Then there was the beginning of the NFL playoffs.