Labor Day 2014

Depending on whether you count from the first Labor Day or from when it became a Federal Holiday. This Labor Day is the 132th or 120^th. It was originally intended that the day would be filled with a street parade to allow the public to appreciate the work of the trade and labor organizations. After the parade, a festival would be held to amuse local workers and their families.

In later years, prominent men and women held speeches. This is less common now, but is sometimes seen in election years. One of the reasons for choosing to celebrate this on the first Monday in September was to add a holiday in the long gap between Independence Day and Thanksgiving.

It is largely a day of rest in modern times. Many people mark Labor Day as the end of the summer season and a last chance to make trips or hold outdoor events. This Labor Day marks the Second Anniversary of moving into what we call our Forever Home. Just three short years ago, we moved from Florida into the little house on the Bluff (condo) then built and moved into this house 11 months later. 

The past three years has been full of ups and downs with making new friends and losing a few as well. We have been blessed with a whole new Tennessee/Kentucky Family. They have been a great addition to our lives and we love them all. 

Larry B., My Line Dance Instructor Persona, is finally a resident instructor at Murph’s Country Music Barn in Cedar Hill, TN.  As of August 27, 2014, I started instructing a Line Dance Fitness Class at Austin Peay State University (APSU). Now starting in September 2014 will be instructing an Absolute Beginner Line Dance Class also at APSU.

Paul continues enjoying the life of a retiree. He has become a great house/personal manager for us.

Also living in the same city with my only blood sister has been an added bonus and blessing. We have gotten closer than ever and support each other in all endeavors. Plus Pop has a one stop place to see both kids and has actually been spending more time in Clarksville when he does visit.

We could not be happier in our home and continue to make additional improvements in back yard to add more living space. We have also added a Garden and fruit trees to complete the back yard.  

Keep Dancin’ Larry B

The Official Folk Dance of Tennessee

I was doing research on origins of different dance style and came across and interesting fact.  In 1980 Tennessee designated the Square Dance as the official state folk dance. Legislation stated: "Among the traditions of our ancestors that have survived intact is the Square Dance, a uniquely attractive art form that remains a vibrant and entertaining part of Tennessee folklore."

Further research uncovered that 22 states have passed legislation to declare the square dance as a state symbol and more than 30 bills have been introduced at the federal level proposing the square dance as the national (folk) dance of the United States dating back to 1965.

Every region has folk customs - they give people a special sense of identity and belonging to a group. The square dance is uniquely American because it is a true blend of folk dance movements and terminology brought by early emigrants from other countries to the United States.  Square Dance has bits of French Quadrilles, Irish Jigs, English Reels and Spanish Fandangos blended together. The square dance provided pioneers with recreation and social contact with neighbors - and is still doing that today.

The sad thing about the Square Dance is that a lot of the knowledge regarding the origins, variances of the dances was never properly recorded. It is speculated that these were the dances of country folk, who kept all their essential knowledge written only on the uncertain pages of memory. They were the dances of folk who didn't tell all they knew even under questioning. They were often the dances of secretive folk who were somewhat jealous of their special talent and special knowledge. ... So all we have to go by in our speculations is the internal evidence presented by the dances themselves.

This dance for four couples, or groups of four couples, is performed in a compact framework of a square, each couple forming a side. Traditionally accompanied by a fiddle, accordian, banjo and guitar, the couples perform a variety of movements prompted by the patter or singing calls (instruction) of a "caller". Cooperative movement is the hallmark of well executed square dancing.

Square dancing is to be distinguished from related dances called contra or longways dance where couples stand double file in a line and from round dances where couples stand in a circle.

So now we know…

Keep dancin’ Larry B

 

 

 

Weekend in Southeast Missouri

We just returned from spending the weekend with my Dad. As always, it was a great visit with a Dad, and as many other family members we can see in a 24 hour period. It seems that now when I visit something always triggers a memory from my youth. This time was no different; the trigger was a beautiful clear crispy January morning.

As we were cruising the back roads between Benton, MO and Charleston, MO on our way back home, the only thing in the blue sky were jet vapor trails. I instantly recalled sitting in the back of my Dad's pickup after tossing bales of hay to the cattle on another clear crisp January looking at vapor trails and wondering what wonderful places all those people were going and I wanted to be one of them. Of course, at the time all I saw in my immediate future was another school year interrupted by a summer of working on the farm.

As I grew older I knew I wanted more than what I thought the rural area could offer me. I jumped on every opportunity to get away from SE Missouri. After college, I started heading east till I got to Lexington, KY then spent over 20 years in Tamarac, FL before returning to the Midwest. I have been in 14 countries to date. I have been one of those people in the jets leaving vapor trails over other rural areas.

Yet it was not till we moved back did I fully realize that the area I felt could not offer a young Missouri farm boy anything was exactly what I was missing. It is true you can never return home, but you can go back for those special memories. To reflect on your life and the choices you made to get to where you are in your life.

I would not change much in my choices over the years; it was those choices that have placed me where I am today. It all started in a pickup in a field on a cold winter day in Southeast Missouri.

 

Keep dancin' Larry B.

 

2012 a Year of Loss

I can honestly say I am happy that this year is finally coming to an end. It has been a year filled with great loss for my Florida Family.  We lost so many great family members this year, and it was difficult to be so far away during their time of need. I know they understand we were there in spirit and our prayers were with them throughout.

Being here in Tennessee has it draw backs as far as we are no longer next door and able to participate in their everyday life.  Our Florida family will always be an important part of our lives. They are the family we chose and not our blood family but there is no difference in our hearts.

So I wanted to pay tribute to those of our Florida family that have left us this year.

Louis Lozito, Uncle Louie to my dogs.  Louis was the kindest, sweetest man that I have ever met.  He was big softie when it came to animals. He would watch over my two or three whenever I had to be gone during the day. It was also common to see the wild ducks following him around because they knew he would sneak them treats as well. Connie Lozito, the Grand Mother of our group, always ensuring everyone was okay and doing what they needed to do to stay safe and healthy.  Connie would show up with home-made soup if she saw your car in the drive way for two days. Connie and Louis lived across the street and I never had to worry about my house when I was away for Connie was always on watch in our little corner of the neighborhood.  The best times where on Friday afternoon when all would gather on Connie’s Corner; catch up on everyone’s week, plans for weekend, and simply enjoy each other.

 

John Persico, a man’s man, good friend and who had a heart bigger than the East Coast. If you ever needed something John was there to assist. John was always full of life and could always make you laugh; yeah I will admit it even for a Yankee he was okay.  I mean we supposedly share Connie’s front yard one night or so our Florida Family would claim.  …

 

I know Paul and I will always have a special place in our hearts and in our home for these three wonderful dear Florida family members. They may no longer be participating in our gathering, or our cruises but we know they are always going to be part of our lives.

So as we had a wonderful Christmas here in Tennessee. Our family was together and remembering those that are not with us.  We had the Evelyn tree, the Elizabeth angel lit and the memories from the Christmas past.  Each holiday is more special as we get to spend it with Dad and Sister but our Florida family will always be in our hearts and thoughts.

Keep Dancin’

LB

Homeward Bound

Well it has been a hectic week in South Florida, it was great to see old friends and to be in the office. I always enjoy being in the office and seeing all my fellow co-workers even though I have to admit I get more work done in my own little office in Tennessee. I mean after 20+ years of working alone in my home, the concept of dressing and driving to an office is just so foreign to my mindset.

I got the chance this week to teach some line dancing, and dance with a large number of the field staff. Now that was a fun day and I have the video to use for blackmail if the need ever arises.. Just kidding.. or am I .

I also got to surprise my International Line Dance Instructor, Stella Cabeca. I was able to announce in her Thursday night class that because of her encouragement, support and mentoring; I will be signing a contract with the City of Clarksville, Tennessee to provide an International Line Dance class at the Crow Community Center starting in February, 2013.

Yet as I sit here at the Ft. Lauderdale airport; a calmness has come over me for I know I am heading home. What a difference a year makes in one's life, for over 20 years South Florida was home. Now it is a place where the office is located and long time friends live.  I know I am always welcome down in South Florida but I also know it will never feel the same, it will never be home.

It is simply too busy, too crowded and just too hot for me now. I am a Tennessean now and could not be happier.  The pace of life is slower, people are friendly and a whole lot less of them to deal with than here in South Florida.

So yes it was a good week in South Florida but can they load this plane any faster. My body and soul needs to be back in the hills of Tennessee.  

Keep Dancin'  LB

Ms. Honey's Great Adventure continues part 3

Hope everyone had a great Halloween.  After a hectic 2 weeks, it was time to slow down with Monday, October 29^th relaxing in.  Okay its getting colder so I enjoyed the toasty fireplace which I’m not able to do at home. Breakfast, lunch and a wonderful  dinner finished off a nice slow paced day.

On Tuesday, Paul took me shopping but I forgot my roller skates to keep up with him. Home in time for have a great steak dinner prepared by Chef Larry on the grill. I must say this was one of my best vacations ever.

We celebrated Larry’s Birthday on Wednesday with a dinner and cake, which is not on their diet.  It is still on my diet. I have dropped another 2 pounds and can’t believe it. No wonder all the celebrities can lose weight when they have great chefs cooking for them all the time.  I will surely miss that when I get back to reality.

We had Larry’s Birthday Dinner at the BlackHorse Pub in the downtown historical district of Clarksville.  Larry’s Sister, Cindy joined us in celebrating Larry’s Birthday. I was so pleased to see Larry order a martini, he sure needs it after working so hard. To heck with the diet on your Birthday, we all came back to the house for a piece of Sweet Potato Cake. Paul even relented and had a piece of cake.

Thursday, the deck awning was installed and another great feature to this already beautiful home. We did have some very sad news this morning from Florida, a very dear friend and neighbor passed after a long battle with cancer.  John Persico was a community Icon in Greenhaven 12^th.  Larry was the first person John met when he and his wonderful wife Irene moved to the community.   He will be dearly missed by the three of us here. I personally shared many wonderful times with John and Irene on several cruise and many parties. Rest well our dear friend.

Tomorrow is my last full day here in Tennessee and I already know I am going to miss being treated like the Queen and waited on by Paul and Larry .

Thank you for allowing me to share my wonderful vacation experience in Tennessee.

A lighter Ms. Honey.

Ms. Honey's Great Tennessee Adventure continues

Well week two started off nice and warm, Monday, October 22^nd, Larry cooked on the big new grill on their deck, Cindy, Larry’s sister joined us for a great steak dinner. Did I mention I am following Larry and Paul’s diet program?  It is really good and lots of food, I cheat a little; it is hard teaching an old dog new tricks.

Tuesday, I went shopping with Larry, who took the day off from his hectic work. It was nice to be able to take my time and wander up/down every aisle in the stores. Paul is good to shop with if you have roller skates. But I love him anyway.

Wednesday, Paul and I went to Kirkland’s where I did a little Christmas shopping. He even consented and took me to the Dollar store which he hates to do but endures it for my pleasure. Thursday, it was off to buy a lovely electric fire place, an early birthday gift from Larry to Paul. Great news, I have lost three pounds since arriving and following the boys diet program.  I think I will keep this up.

Friday was icy rain and cold. Larry’s Dad surprised him by showing up that afternoon with his sister for the weekend.  Larry took us all to the Catfish House again and I had the best Fried Oysters I have ever had. No weight watchers night for me.

Saturday, October 27^th, Larry took us to the Nashville Flea Market at the Tennessee Fair Grounds. This is one of the largest flea markets in the country and held the fourth weekend of every month.  It was cold and windy but we did make it through two of the buildings, I could have spent all three days there.  Larry took us to a great Sushi/Japanese restaurant on the way home. Everyone has seen the lovely photo of Paul and I passed out in the back of the van on the trip back to Clarksville. I still have to get Larry for that one.

Sunday, Paul made a wonderful breakfast for everyone. We visited with Larry’s Dad before he left to go back to Missouri. Larry prepped a casserole for dinner and then the three of us then did the Sunday Schmoozing to Sam’s and the boys bought another electric fireplace for the master bedroom. Then it was home to relax at home while Larry created a new flower bed on the west side of the house for the mums to take residence and mowed his lawn.  Chef Larry then finished up the casserole for dinner, a wonderful Butternut Squash Shepherd’s Pie. They are sure making it hard for me to go home. One more week to go and I have lost another 2 pounds.

Till next time

A Thinner “Old Southern Belle” Ms. Honey

Ms. Honey's Tennessee Adventure

I am turning the blog over to Ms. Honey for a few entries. She stated part of my Birthday present she would do a few articles on her great adventure to Tennessee.

Hi, it’s me, Ms. Honey, on the morning of Sunday, October 14; I was picked up at home for a great adventure, a trip with Tony, Keith, Rosie and Molly to visit my extended family in Clarksville, Tennessee. We had been invited to be house guest in their beautiful new home, none other than Larry and Paul.

They had asked me to visit for three weeks and I thought that might be too long for them to put up with me. They insisted it was not an issue. So Tony and Keith asked me to drive up with them to visit my adopted boys. I graciously accepted as I had never seen that part of the country, especially in the fall. Unfortunately, Keith and Tony could only stay for 4 nights since Keith had to be back to work the following Monday.

The road trip was very nice with the changing of seasons from all green to the most spectacular colors of fall. Rosie and Molly were great company for me during the long drive. We stayed overnight in GA and were up the next morning for a great breakfast then back on the road again. We arrived about 2:30 pm Monday at Orchard Hills Drive in Clarksville to Paul and Larry’s beautiful home. Larry had the outside decorated for fall and Halloween.

We were greeted by my two dear friends of whom I’ve missed dearly. Right then I thought 3 weeks would not be long enough! We were served by Paul our Chef for the day a wonderful meal. Our accommodations were”Five Star” . I had my own lovely room especially decorated for Ms. Honey, private bath complete with a crown over the commode. I knew then I would be treated like a Queen.  How true that was and this was just the beginning.

Tuesday morning, we were off to Nashville to sight see and enjoy the beautiful fall day. We had dinner at the Catfish House which was great. Wednesday was warm enough to sit on the beautiful deck overlooking the colorful woods in my bikini. Okay, so I forgot the bikini... Later in the day we toured Clarksville which is a lovely city and out to the property that Larry and Paul own out in Palmyra TN.

Thursday, it was off to Lambert’s Restaurant in Sikeston, Missouri. It was a great 3 hour ride and well worth the trip to this renowned Roll Tossing Epicurean delight. So much to see and eat. This place has been featured on the Travel channel and other TV shows as the countries pig-out place. It was an experience I won’t forget. We stopped at a place called Boom land on the way home and did a little tourist shopping.

Friday was cold, so much for the “bikini” weather. Dinner was at O’Charley’s and then off to an outdoor concert in historical downtown Clarksville. Lots going on here.  I started wearing layered clothing.

On Saturday, it was off for a beautiful ride to Lake Barkley in Kentucky. We went Antique Shopping in lovely little town of Cadiz, Kentucky the Ham town.  Then a great country buffet at the Lake Barkley Lodge with a window table overlooking the lake.

We made it back home for a respite then it was off to Tiny Town Bingo for a night of gaming. Larry was a winner brining home $250.    Sunday we stayed around Clarksville and the boys did their weekend shopping and took me to another great antique place called Aunt Lucille’s. Sunday reminded me of my weekends with the boys when they were in Florida. I called it schmoozing with my boys.

This was just the first week and I have two more to go.  More to come from your “Old Southern Belle” Ms. Honey.

 

 

Press Release-LineDanceNews.com

Clarksville, TN-8/10/2012- LineDanceNews.com announces the New International Line Dance classes by Larry B at the Clarksville Athletic Club, 220 Dunlop Lane, Clarksville, TN. The classes start September 10, 2012 at 8 pm.  Classes will be on Monday and Wednesday evening and currently will run for three months.

Larry B. has been dancing for 10 plus years and has been teaching International Line Dance for 5 years. Larry B moved to Clarksville from South Florida in 2011 and has been actively seeking a place to call home for his Line Dance classes.

International Line Dance for the Social Dancer is not your typical Line Dance Class. Classes consist of dance choreographed to Country, Hip Hop, Jazz, Rock N Roll, Gospel and Pop. International Line Dance is a fun socialization activity and a great exercise program. International Line Dance is for all ages and all levels of physical endurance.

The above is a preliminary new release that I am working on for release this weekend. I so excited to have found a new venue to host my International Line Dance Classes.  The arrangement is for 3 months to see what the response will be at the Clarksville Athletic Club. I have been told that if the Classes are successful then I will be offered a position on the Clubs schedule.  I foresee a long rewarding relationship with the Clarksville Athletic Club.

Moving to a new location has been a challenge in regards of getting into the local scene and establishing a venue for teaching.  My Sister, Cindy, asked us to attend a July 4^th celebration for her Softball team.  Tammy, the team coach asked what I enjoyed doing in my spare time and of course, I said teaching Line Dance. She was excited to hear and stated she wanted to take my class. I explained that I had not found a venue to host my classes since moving to Clarksville. She stated she would introduce me to Heather Evetts, a member of Cindy’s Softball team who just happen to work at the Clarksville Athletic Club.

I have also been given a new lead with the Clarksville Parks & Recreation Department and will be reaching out to them as well over the next few weeks. Yes, I can say things are definitely on the upswing here in Tennessee, new house nearing completion, new venue to host my classes and possibility of making a deal with Parks & Recreation. 

Keep Dancing... Larry B

I Hope To Say The Magic Word!

Well my clip art gives away the magic word. On Thursday evening when visiting Dad in Missouri that word is “BINGO”.  At least that is what everyone at the KC Hall in Kelso, Missouri is hoping to yell out. I will be sitting across from my Aunt Dorothy with Paul by her side. Taking Aunt Dorothy to BINGO is one of the activities we look forward to the most when we visit Missouri.

I, personally, caught the BINGO fever after joining my Mother and Aunt Dorothy many years ago. It was our social interaction with local community. BINGO is not just a group of games for money prizes. BINGO is the place you go to catch up on neighbors, friends and yes, even family.  Winning money is just the Bonus of BINGO. 

Aunt Dorothy will give Paul and I the update on the family, friends and of course, the BINGO Buddies. We will know all the local news in the 3.5 hours for this group of BINGO Buddies and have a fairly good update on the family.   It is just another night of fellowship, laughter and love.

BINGO is a very important part of the local community.  At BINGO, you talk, you share, you snack and yes you either win or lose. Odds are that most of the times you never get to scream out that wondrous word "BINGO".  It really doesn't matter; it is the camaraderie that BINGO creates among all the participants.

The only person at risk at a BINGO hall is the ball caller. They have to have nerves of steel to sit up on the platform and call out numbers. For any slip of tongue or hand will immediately be chastised by the unity of the crowd sitting before them. 

Yes, BINGO with Aunt Dorothy is a special time for us when in Missouri. We see old BINGO Buddies, cousins and friends.  They see our Tennessee tags in Dad's driveway and our seats are saved upon our arrival to the hall.  That is Midwest hospitality. 

Now if I just get to yell BINGO… Especially on the Progressive cover-all game, the jackpot is over $5000.

Till Next Time... LB

Working the City of Clarksville, Tennessee

I am lucky to have a great Boss, who allowed me to take a PTO day, today. Thanks Elaine...

I spent the majority of the day traversing the City of Clarksville, Tennessee.  International Line Dance Flyer and business cards in hand, I worked my way from Ajax Senior Center to the YMCA.  I have a tendency to be a stubborn Missouri mule with a single mindset to accomplish an objective. Currently, that objective is to establish at least one line dance class of my own in Clarksville.

Although I did not finalize a host for a class today, I did get my name is out there and my goal is known. The Senior Center has a Tuesday night class taught by a physical therapist from Ft. Campbell, I will meet with her in March and see if we can work together at the center.  The proceeds for this class go to help the center with operating cost. So this would be a great way to give back to the community.

Melissa at the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department was encouraging.  They currently do not have a program but she thought it was a great opportunity for the 2012 calendar. She was in budget discussions this week and would discuss with her department. She stated she would have one of the staff contact me in within the next two weeks to discuss the possible opportunity.

The YMCA was more receptive today, especially since I informed them at present, I am not interested in being compensated but looking to establish myself here in Clarksville.  This time I got a business card and a promise that my information would be given to Amanda, the Executive Program Director.  So I will see if I get a call back from Amanda or this Missouri Mule will be making a call next week.

The Rainbo Roller Rink is still a possibility but not until summer. They have a Rhumba class and do special projects for Special Olympics and feel they just don’t have the space to start a Line Dance Class at this time. They would be interested after school is out and advised that if they could get a feel for the type of response they would get from hosting a Dance Class, then it could be a summer program. I will put this information on LineDanceNews.com in the next week to get the word out.

Over all I feel good about the day’s activities. I will continue to work on researching other locations to investigate for possible host locations for a dance class.  The one accomplishment for the day is I am not a registered voter in the Great State of Tennessee.  Till Next time... LB

The One Thing That is Guaranteed

I am a weather watcher and just being outside watching the clouds is such a relaxing and invigorating thing for me mentally.

As everyone knows 99% of the year, it is hot, humid and Sunny especially in South Florida. When I lived in Florida, I was a walking dripping sweat machine. I could not walk out of my house without a handkerchief in my pocket to wipe my head dry every few minutes.   I was constantly in a state of wetness from my over productive sweat glands.  I really don’t care for constant hot weather and yet I lived there for over 20 years. Go Figure...

It has been nearly 90 days since we relocated to Clarksville, Tennessee from South Florida.   I can say it is heaven for me here in Tennessee. Of course, moving here during the fall and winter months was the right time to do it. I have yet to walk out of my house and immediately break out in a sweat. I have not had to use my collection of handkerchiefs since arriving.  What a pleasure to walk around outside and not be dripping sweat.

I grew up in the Midwest and it is a pleasure to be back in the area where Season changes can be seen and felt. Not like in South Florida where if you did not have a calendar you would not know whether it was summer or winter.  

Just this week as Paul and I were out walking the dogs as usual I was watching the clouds because we were expecting a quick change in weather.  We started the week in the 20’s with a dusting of snow to nearly 70 and tornados/thunderstorms.  I remembered something my grandmother would say to us kids when we complained about something-“the only thing that is guaranteed in life was that the weather will change”.  Here in Tennessee that can mean AM versus PM weather. The Midwest has not changed much since my childhood and I can honestly say I could not be happier.