Pine Bluff News
By Pat Matheny
Everything was rather quiet in PB this week. Old man winter has been pretty easy on us so far. The temperatures have been mild and we haven’t had any major white precipitation episodes…yet. I hesitate to mention it, but the snow blower hasn’t budged from its place on the breezeway since I parked it there three months ago.
Thursday afternoon I kept an appointment at the Clarksburg VA. I was seen five minutes before the designated time…can’t beat that. I love the valet parking and the attendants are very nice and considerate to the Veterans.
Friday I drove over to the Shop N’ Save in town to pick up some essentials…donuts, cokes, cookies, sno balls, pizzas, etc. The first person I ran into was Tommy Greaver of Enterprise. We didn’t mine any coal this time; we just talked about our medical maladies while people were trying to shoot the gap between our carts.
The second aisle I went down, I ran into Cousin Jo Moore. Her mother and my grandfather Matheny were siblings…I think. She told me that she had moved into a house along Meadowbrook road last month. She formerly lived in a house just down past Bices Run for years. Jo said she likes the new residence, but her cat ain’t too thrilled…you’ll have that with felines.
When I made it outside the door with the loaded cart, I ran into #1 Grandson Michael. He had just gotten off work and stopped by to pick up a few things. We laughed and joked for a half hour while I was about freezing to death…I’m delicate. He showed me his latest tattoos that cover both arms (Personally, I just don’t get it).
On the way back through town, I stopped at T & L to pick up some hot dogs. While there, I ran into Gary Jordan; he and I go way back. We were UMWA officers for local union #4019 at the old Williams Mine, plus we’d been known to have ‘downed a few’ together. Then, I went salary and he ended up as an arbitrator for UMWA District #31. They picked a good man for the job and I bet over the years he made quite a few mining officials stutter during proceedings. Funny thing is, we didn’t mine any coal either, just talked about our medical issues…getting old sucks. And Susie wonders why it takes me so long to run over town.
Around noon Saturday, Susie’s sisters Debbie (Ding dong lady), Berni, and Wendy with her grandson Dante showed up to spend the afternoon; all they did was laugh. We dined on spaghetti and Susie’s homemade meat balls. We both enjoy it when her sisters show up. I can say one thing – the Godfrey girls know how to cook.
Sunday we drove over to the Sunset-Ellis Restaurant for the breakfast buffet. It was good to talk with employee Chrissy Goad. She’s the daughter of our back alley neighbors Ray and Sue Ketterman, so we watched her grow into a beautiful lady. Also, it was good to chat with Dick Kesling. We were co-workers at the M & H Zinc Plant in Spelter and later at the Williams Mine. Then, Dick was employed at the Martinka Mine where he worked with Susie’s dad and brother.
On the way back, we stopped at the PB United Methodist Church. Julia Martin put together a little birthday party for Scott Delaney in the basement … And the roof didn’t fall in!
I wish they would paint some lines on Big Bingamon road.
Until next time, have a great week and remember our Veterans.
Pat