Thursday, April 15, 2010

The Matthews looked something like this when we met them.
The last couple days have been very busy. We met with our pastor and his wife from the 1958 time frame. I had joined the Air Force and we were sent to Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Mississippi. Bishop Matthews, (we used to call most church folk Brother and Sister, seems like everyone’s first name was Bro or Sis.) Anyway Bro. Matthews met with us and drove us around looking for an apartment. Funny thing, back then we could load everything we owned in the trunk and back seat of our car. So we were looking for a furnished apartment. He was very gracious and helped us find a place the first day.
We looked something like this.

(Charlie Hugh and Eloise Matthews today)
We grew to love them and we have stayed in contact off and on over the years. We met several lasting friends in Biloxi, I have mentioned Fred, who comments on the blog. As life goes we all went our separate ways. Both The Matthews and the Brannens went on to be missionaries. Bro & Sis Matthews are now nearing their eighties, but are still going on missions trips. They were in this area to speak at a half-way house ran by another retired missionary, Sis. Newsome. She is in a wheel chair but still gets around. Some people who are ‘giving people’ continue to give until they die. Others, try to enjoy retirement.


We had breakfast with them this morning.
Retirement is not for everyone. My advice to anyone in good health is, if you do not have plans to travel, or have a hobby that you can give your time to, there is no reason to retire. Some folk love their work, and hate to give it up. Probably most folk would be content with an extended vacation.
Today we washed our motor home. This thing was filthy because we have not had the weather to get out and wash it. I am tired.
Thanks for coming by the log,
Nite Shipslog

PS:
It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world. Thomas Jefferson




14 comments:

betty said...

I think it is neat you have friends from all these years ago and still keep in touch with them and visit them too; that is awesome!!!

I can never imagine washing a motor home; that does seem like a daunting task indeed!

betty

Coffeeveggie addict. said...

you got real freinds before and now,im so happy to know that after years of on and of your friendship lasted for years....your so lucky to have them and they are too.have a safe journey always you and sherry.



hugs,
blue

Dar said...

Lasting friendships are a true Gift. I'm not at all surprised that you hold friends dear to your heart. Bless You Both
Hey, did you bake?

Rose said...

Great advice on retirement.

Forever friendships is truly a gift to treasure.

Love your photos.

My son is here visiting so I have not been online much........too busy rattling the pots and pans and making huge Italian Feasts!

Hugs, Rose

Paula said...

Like the picture of you and Sherry in 1956. You look like kids but that was the year I first got married and I guess we looked like kids too. We lived in the oddest first apartment. Paid $35.00 a month rent. lol Then after our first daughter was born we moved up the street behind the landladies house in what she called a bungalow for $45.00 a month. It was odd too.

Jen said...

What a handsome couple you were! I visited Biloxi during spring break. That is a fun town.

Lindie said...

I spent the summer of 63 in Biloxi while my husband was in tech school there. We had a furnished apartment too. It was half a block from the laundromat which was right on the beach. The best thing about that apartment was the screen porch. (besides the beach!)

Lucy said...

Retirement is not for everyone, but if you like to travel and are ABLE BODIED, I say go for it. You do have lasting friendships and that is truly a blessing, since you are not in one place very long.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jack and Sherry...well I enjoy retirement even tho I don't do much of anything but what I enjoy doing at the time I am doing it LOL...I do believe hubby is still trying to get used to retirement...to settle in so to speak...and I think it is great you keep in touch with wonderful friends from the past...after I lost my hearing we seemed to drift away from many friends...most folks don't know how to handle being around a "person with hearing problems" or so it seems to me...pardon me while I get mauldlin here for a few seconds LOL...hope the pool is shaping up...and I power washed the front porch and breezeway..it looks nice...but what a job...but a motor home...wow...now that would be a job within a job LOL...God Bless...hugs and lovin to you both...Ora..and him at the racetrack....

Anonymous said...

Friendship - what a wonderful mean to measure time.

Please have you all a nice start into the weekend.

Fred Alton said...

It's great to see the pictures of Charlie and Eloise Matthews! I hope I'm still active when I get to be old. ☺ He was the BEST pastor - and she was great leading the ladies in cooking and selling fried pies!! I GUESS you must be right about retirement not being for everyone - but I'm thoroughly enjoying mine so far. Maybe the cabin and my hunting/fishing qualifies as a hobby. I DO STILL enjoy the times I am allowed to teach the Bible and/or preach.

Anonymous said...

SHERRY AND JACK,
I SPENT SOME TIME IN TRAINING AT THE LAUREL ARMY AIR BASE, IN MISSISSIPPI, WONDERFUL PEOPLE IN THAT LITTLE TOWN, TREATED US AS WOULD THEIR OWN CHILDREN.

WE DEPARTED FOR NEW GUINEA AFTER I HAD FILLED SEVERAL 'SOCKS' WITH PECANS WHICH WERE FALLING BY THE THOUSANDS FROM THE MANY TREES ON THE POST.
LUCKY TO HAVE THOSE PECANS IN NEW GUINEA. sam

shirl72 said...

Glad you are seeing some of your old friends.
God love them for still doing missionary work
in their 80's. I love retirement.

Shirl

Y said...

It's hilarious that the quote about paying debts was by Thomas Jefferson, one of the most profligate spenders in American history. I'm not sure that his children ever finished paying his debts.

I think that as long as we're breathing, we have something to give back to society.