Shirley Is In The Hot Seat

Shirley, I think of you as a Southern Belle.

Do you hear family stories that seem like this?

 

Sure, come on over any time.

 

No, Jim. My favorite way to cook collards is with a country ham hock then chop the meat up with the collards.



Mostly, though, I cook them with just a little Canola oil and a spoonful of salt. Gotta watch my cholesterol, you know. About once a year I cook a big pot full with a slab of fatback in it. Girls gotta live dangerously once in a while.

 

Regret implies that I had a choice and wish that I had made a different choice than I did. Given the life circumstances that I was, I don't regret any of the choices that I made. I WISH that I had had an opportunity to go to college but that wasn't possible.

The one thing that I do regret: A casual friend on mine became pregnant in our senior year. In a small southern town in the 60s, that was an unspeakable scandal. Think Scarlet Letter. If you even spoke to her, your reputation was ruined. I would cross the street to avoid speaking to her. She needed a friend and I wasn't a friend. I am so ashamed of that now. I deeply regret that choice. But if I could go back to that time and that place, I can't tell you that I wouldn't do the same thing again. I didn't have the courage to defy convention. That I regret.

Men or ladies? Hmmmm? Let me think about that one.

 

I'm not sure but I think daddy did.

I was one of fourteen children. Two died in infancy, leaving twelve of us. My older brothers were married and had homes of their own before I was old enough to remember. But we were always close. My oldest brother was my hero. We were close until he died. There are two brothers and four sisters left now.

 

The only thing I would change is to be able to do a lot of traveling.

 

I have only been to Canada and the Bahamas. I have visited Ontario and Niagara Falls. I have visited Vancouver Island and Butchart Gardens.

 

Ina, I don't think I ever believed in a fictional character. I loved school, everything about it. I think I was Daddy's girl. One of my earliest memories is him helping dress us for school. I remember him rubbing my feet after he had put my socks on. Somehow, I knew that that meant he loved me.

 

'Fraid not, Ruby. I did have a dress much like the one that is second from the right right but it was street length.

 

Shirley, can you whistle loudly, or do a cartwheel?

 

@Shirley Martin What is the best Birthday present you have ever received? Who is your favorite singer and favorite movie star?

 

Of course, I can

 

The best birthday present I ever received was a surprise birthday party including a dozen roses and lots of gifts.

Favorite singer - Alabama

Favorite movie star - Sam Elliot

 

Shirley do you usually take a nap?

I agree about Sam Elliot! He is a good looking man.

 

I don't think anyone has asked this yet. What is your favorite TV show? How often do you go to the movies?