Hoar frost dominated the landscape through mid-November with temperatures below freezing in our hometown where folks are scurrying to get ready for Thanksgiving and the big Black Friday shopping sprees.

Home again for Thanksgiving

Last week we toured the new home of Robert and Kate James after a fire burned their home of 40 years in late April. They walked away with the clothes on their backs. The few things recovered later or brought back are so closely attached to their home they mean a lot to her, said Kate, who still misses the way home and life was before the fire. Yet the new home is full of light and brightness by painted walls, white tile, and open living areas.

The fire-damaged home, which was the James's second on the Shady Grove farm-the first frame house still stands on their farmland-had more walls dividing den and the formal livingroom. It was rarely used and the upstairs was not completely finished. It is now with a bedroom and bathroom.

Robert, who is 85, and showing the years of active farming-cattle, tomatoes, tobacco-has some health problems. In fact, he had to go to Newport Medical Center last week. He said in some ways he's glad to be back where his home life had been for about 40 years, yet "I don't look forward to winter."

As much as having a new home of their own means to Kate and Robert, they agree that what is more important is to have survived the fire, been aided by their family, and strengthened by Shady Grove Church members plus the kind and generous neighbors at their sides along the way to rebuilding a future.

Robert and Kate also look forward to the Thanksgiving visit at their new home with their son, Denny James, who lives and works in Indianapolis. Denny arrived earlier to help his parents and share the holidays with sister, Barbara Cureton. He is vice-president of quality, research and development for Royal Food Products. Denny began his career as a food industry chemist but prefers his mother's good country cooking. Don't we all.

A surprise gift arrives

You recall some weeks ago we talked with Allen Freeman, who has since retired as a senior loan officer at National Bank of Tennessee. I related that he had served in the US Marine Corps during the early 1960s. One of our readers saw the article. Major Marty Messer sent a package to NBT President/CEO Keith Ketterman, who presented it to Allen last week. Allen and Betty were at the main office to pick up the gift package. Maj. Messer, who joined the USMC in 1989, is stationed at Camp Lejeune NC where Allen was also stationed for about two years during his four-year stint. "I thought he might enjoy some Marine Corps memorabilia from Camp Lejeune, NC," wrote Maj. Messer. Although none of us know him, we suspect he is related to the Del Rio Messer family. Perhaps you know him and them?

Brian's back in town

Most of the time as we drive along the highways we are unaware of changes unless these or of large magnitude such as the construction that has been taking place all summer at the Newport Best Western. You will soon see a story after I talked with the owner, Mike Shuler, about the mega renovation and new business, Brooklyn Pizzeria. Because thousands of people come and go from I-40, the improvements will speak well of our city. Further north on the Cosby Highway I noticed the car lot at Mooney Ramsey's full of vehicles. Yes, Mooney has been dead many years but we still refer to the property as his car lot. After pulling in there on Thursday, I found Brian Ramsey, Mooney's son, at work. He has planned to try to make a go of the used vehicle business again in Newport. Brian is interested in sharing some of the stories and history of the era that Mooney related to him and I will share these with you.

Many of you know Lenny Zmich because he has done repairs or new construction on so many homes and businesses, such as the Plain Talk, during the past 30 years. And you probably know he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a couple of months ago. He and his wife, Debbie, a physical therapist with VIP Therapy are placing purple ribbons around town to call attention to this killer disease. I have talked with Lenny at length and will share his story soon.

Birthday boys in their 80s

And last week was birthday time for a couple of men you've known because of their important business work in Newport. I have used both men's services and one was associated with the Plain Talk for more than 30 years. Elza E. Painter celebrated his 83rd birthday November 15. The same day, barber Edsel Hall turned 82. I've chatted with them on and off during the past years because of their interesting memories of the past from the 1940s through more recent decades.

Edsel Willis Hall has been a barber for 60 years, "a premier barber," as he jokes. He is an accomplished musician too. Born on Hall's Top in 1930, like Elza who was born in 1929 just after the great stock market crash and ensuing Great Depression.