In a message dated 12/21/00 1:18:03 PM Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: > Thank you so much for a little humor this time of year! Now here is a little > of my own. > Thank you, I will add Reindeer Poop to my recipe page. Chip

Thank you so much for a little humor this time of year! Now here is a little of my own. Title: Reindeer Poop Description: A rare Holiday treat!!! Ingredients: 1/2 c. butter 2 c. sugar 1/2 c. milk 2 tsp. cocoa 1/2 c. peanut butter 3 c. oatmeal (not instant) 1/2 c. chopped nuts - optional Directions: Mix butter, sugar, milk, cocoa together in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper and let harden. They will set up in about 30-60 minutes. They will keep for several days without refrigeration or up to 2 weeks in refrigerator and 2-3 months in freezer Put in ziplock bag and attach the following note: I woke up with such a scare when I heard Santa Call "Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!" I ran to the lawn and in the snow white drifts those nasty reindeer left these "little gifts" I got an old shovel and started to scoop neat little piles of "Reindeer Poop!" But to throw them away, seemed such a a waste! so I saved them, thinkin- you might like a taste As I finished my task, which took quite a while Old Santa passed by and he sheepishly smiled. And I heard him exclaim as he was in the sky "Well they're not potty trained, but at least they can fly!" God Bless You Everyone

Now, surely you all didn't think I'd let a Christmas pass without telling you all a Christmas story did you? For those of you who know me, you know I do this every year on my lists. So if you're a Grinch just delete it. I am one of those idiots that wait until the last day before Christmas to go to the mall. Oh no, my wife has all the shopping done months ago, I go to the mall to see the last minute idiots. There are the kids with their last minute attempts to brainwash Santa into forgetting that day in June and what they did, in hopes of making the "Nice" list before it's too late. I have no doubts that some kids resort to bribery, personally I prefer extortion. When I was a kid I went to Grants (extinct department store) one day with Mom and Dad. There in the store was a store Santa walking around. Grants was taking his picture with kids. He hugged up with this 30 year old woman smooching him on the cheek and the manager took the picture. Everyone laughed about it but the picture turned out with a blue spot in the corner. The picture was remade and the first thrown in the trash. As we were leaving the store this kid comes out carrying the trash on his way to the dumpster. He sits the can down and as Mom fumbles for change for the Coke machine I find in the trash that picture of Santa and the lady smooching him. Well, of course when the employee turned his back, I swiped it. Later that day we went to West Town Mall. There was Santa sitting in the mall and kids telling him what they wanted. I got in line while Mom shopped. When it came my turn Santa sat me on his lap and asked have you been a good boy this year? I simply stated..."Okay lets get to the point...I want a lot of stuff and I don't think you want Mrs. Claus to see this!" I presented the picture of the lady smooching Santa at Grants. I don't know who told Mom what I did, but at first she laughed, then I guess she got afraid that Santa would blame her for my behavior and lectured me all the way home. She predicted I would get coal for Christmas but I knew better. Yep, Santa brought me my first train set that year. He knew I had the evidence on him. Now I know there are tons of Night Before Christmas parodies out there but I figured I'd jump in with one of my own: Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the store, each section was brimming with Christmas decor. The muzak was blaring an off key carol, and the fake snow was falling in ladies apparel.   I'd driven many miles to shop on this day, to buy a Poke-Creature at each stop told "no way." I'd come to these stores for but one reason,   to determine for myself what happened to the season. Someone shouted an order to "turn the tree on!" And also the noel in blinking neon. Way up high, hanging from twin gold supports, four hundred pink angels flew over mens shorts. Towering over the stack of mint fresh Listerine,   was a 12 foot glow in the dark Nativity scene. The clock on the wall said five minutes to Nine, the blue clad associates proudly stood there in line. I watched while the manager gained determination, and called out his command "man your stations!" When out on the street there arose such a clatter, the doors began to strain I thought they might shatter. It sounded like a jackhammer drilling, or maybe another drive by killing. I looked at the doors, and there against the glass, was a yelling, screaming, hysterical mass. I felt from the tone of each scream and each curse, the spirit of Christmas had changed for the worse. The clock had chimbed nine, and the door opened wide, the great human herd thundered inside. More scary than Sherman attacking Atlanta, came parents and kids each shouting Santa! In front stormed the mothers, from their arms handbags hung, as deadly as any cheap sawed off gun. With gusto they swung them, the better to smash, the ears of thick headed associates, and stupid cashiers. >From the example of their parents, the kids had one aim, to get to the man who was using Santa's name. They mobbed him and mauled him, and began their plead, for the presents they sought in their frenzy of greed. The manager watched with a glint in his eye, as he thought of the toys that the parents would buy. Of all Christmas come ons, this crowd would attest, that a visit to Saint Nick was clearly the best. It was all too much for me to condone, I let out a most horrendous moan. I've had it, I tell you, with money promoting, gimmicks and all the businesses gloating. This terrible display of commercialized greed, Is so very UnChristmas, it makes my nose bleed! Or maybe it was that old ladies pcketbook. Note to self: "Not a good idea to pick up an action figure during a Blue Light Special." Merry Christmas you all! Chip

I apologize for it taking me so long to get back to you all with my Annual Christmas foolishness. I have several excuses, but the largest of which, the newspaper didn't print my material last week. Last year I shared my Rudolph story, this year I thought I'd do something different. It will be in two parts with this being the first. This year I would like to read to you from some of the Letters to Santa myself (Maynardville.Com) and the Union Newsleader processed for ol' Saint Nick. Believe me, if he can decipher some of these he really is a Saint. I swear to you these were all either sent to Santa through my Maynardville.Com or sent to our Newsleader Office. Now, for the winner in the most Bizarre Santa Letter this year: Dear Santa, I want a teddy bear, Barbie, Cat Dog, Horse, Porn, Pokemon. Your friend (Name deleted) If you didn't see it read that one again. Yes indeed this kid has asked Santa for some porn. I hope it was something else that was misspelled, but it really says porn. I can see my kid pulling a stunt like this one day. What gets me is that our newspaper didn't catch it. There it is printed on page 8 for all the world to see. Don't run out and buy one either, I already sent a copy to Jay leno. There was a close runner up in this category by a kid who simply asked Santa for a pair of wings. Now, I don't know who this Wilbur and Orville wanna-be is, but I hope his mom and dad have good health insurance. I'm pretty sure Santa won't get him any wings, so he'll probably make his own. I see a broken arm in his future. The winner for the most undecipherable letter: Dear Santa, I would like it if you would bring me a Barbie cash register. (Chip's note: so far so good) And a Diva star, and a mowahe. (Chip's note: anybody have any idea what a mowahe is? I know this kid's parents and Santa needs a little help on this one) And a grich getaway car. And a one herd doles doll. (Chip's note: A one herd doles doll? This kid seems to want a herd of Bob Dole dolls) The runner up for this category was: Dear Santa, I wot a big clat for Christmas. I wot a hblk for Christmas. Satclos my bast fren n I wot a big truc. The saddest letter award goes to: Dear Santa, I would like my daddy to call sometimes and spend time with me. (Chip's note: That one is for real folks it was from a little girl) Runner up in this category goes to: Dear Santa, You are a nice Santa. I won't for people as in orphanage to have more kids off the streets, and some shoes for them and some blankets and toys for them. Thank you all. There are tons more great ones, that we received. If you get a chance buy this week's newsleader and read them for yourself. You can order a copy from them at: http://www.maynardville.com/newsleader And this weekend when you're out trying to buy last minute presents at Walmart and people run into you and scream and curse. Remember this last little kid's letter to Santa. For what he lost in diction, he certainly made up for in sentiment. May we all remember the spirit of the season as he did. We took a minute to create you all a Christmas Card. To view it go to www.maynardville.com and enter this number in the slot and click GET MY CARD: b56b4e205 God Bless you all and Merry Christmas. Chip

From: Rae <[email protected]> Atlanta got snow and you know how we are here, everything is closed that can be .. As of yesterday at noon we had had 100 accidents. LOL I believe every word of it, Rae! My hubby is a truck driver & he has been in Atlanta when they have gotten a light snow. He told me that those people down there don't know how to drive in a snow & that he sure wouldn't want to be there if they got a BIG snow! LOL But, hey! If they are not used to it, then that makes a big difference, I think! Bobbie

Well Chip, Atlanta got snow and you know how we are here, everything is closed that can be .. As of yesterday at noon we had had 100 accidents. Most of them were probably at the entrance of the Kroger store. If we think there is one loaf of bread or one gallon of milk left on the shelf we are going for it...My son arrested 2 women fighting at one of the grocery stores over the last box of moon pies. Thought you might like that one. It is true, he called me last night to tell me about it. From what he said they were going at it pretty good and the store had to call the police because when the store manager tried to stop them, one of them hit him....LOL Not all people in Atlanta are crazy, just most of us...LOL Rae Davis-Smith http://www.angelfire.com/tn/sexton/index.html

Posted on: Union Co. Tn Query Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Tn/Union/847 Surname: Inklebarger ------------------------- I don't know that there is any way to correct census records. If you want to correct information that is my message I suggest you post a correction to my message. That might be helpful for anyone else that is researching this line.

Posted on: Union Co. Tn Query Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Tn/Union/846 Surname: tharp, johnson ------------------------- i am looking for someone to do a lookup for me,1880 census. the name: samuel milton tharp,wife elizabeth. I would like to know if there is a johnson family nearby. elizabeth's maiden name was johnson,and trying to find out who her parents were. she was born in 1862. she married milton in 1879. they lived in union co till 1910.

Posted on: Union Co. Tn Query Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Tn/Union/845 Surname: Inklebarger ------------------------- Yes this is the correct family, however, after talking with my family I have realized that some of the information is incorrect. How do I get that fixed or can I ?

Posted on: Union Co. Tn Query Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Tn/Union/844 Surname: hamet, butcher, kidwell ------------------------- I am searching for information on a sally hauley hamit,married to william hamit,they had daughters,mary e. hamet smith,and nancy hamit kidwell. they were from union co. sally would have been born around 1830,and died before turn of century. had son,lee butcher,also.

Who is your cousin , Hazel???? Milly WARD Piros "My Mind Is Like Lightning ... One Brilliant Flash and ............Poooffffffffffffffffffffff It's Gone"! http://www.geocities.com/millyella/sitemap.html

"Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house       Not a creature was stirring, not even my spouse.         The dining room table with clutter was spread With pedigree charts and with letter which said ...                      "Too bad about the data for which you wrote   Sank in a storm on an ill-fated boat."                         Stacks of old copies of wills and the such   Were proof that my work had become to much.                Our children were nestled all snug in their beds,     While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads. And I at my table was ready to drop,                        >From work on my album with photos to crop.  Christmas was here, and of such was my lot,         That presents and goodies and toys I'd forgot.  Had I not been so busy with grandparents wills,      I'd not have forgotten to shop for such thrills. While others had bought gifts that would bring Christmas cheer,     I'd spent time researching those birth dates and years. While I was musing about my sad plight, A strange noise on the lawn gave me such a great fright.                          Away to the window I flew with a flash,Tore open the drapes and I yanked up the sash.                    When what to my wondering eyes should appear,       but an over stuffed sleigh and eight small reindeer.                      Up to the house top the reindeer they flew,     With a sleigh full of toys, and ole Santa Claus, too.                    And then with a twinkle, I heard on the roof,         The prancing and pawing of thirty-two hoofs. The TV antenna was no match for their horns,         And look at our roof with hoof-prints adorned.                  As I drew in my head, and bumped it on the sash,         Down the cold chimney fell Santa -- KER-RASH !                  "Dear" Santa had come from the roof in a wreck, And tracked soot on the carpet, [ I could wring his short neck ! ]                      Spotting my face, good old Santa could see,         I had no Christmas spirt you'd have to agree.              He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,     And filled all the stockings, [ I felt like a jerk ! ]          Here was Santa, who'd brought us such gladness and joy,             When I'd been to busy for even one toy.                    He spied my research on the table all spread.     "A Genealogist!" He cried [ My face was all red ! ] To night I have met many like you, Santa grinned     As he pulled from his sack a large book he had penned. I gazed with amazement - the cover it read,           "Genealogy Lines for Which You Have Plead"                        "I know what it's like as a genealogy bug,  He said as he gave me a great Santa hug.            While the elves make a sleighful of toys I now carry,         I do some research in the North Pole Library !. A special treat I am thus able to bring,        To genealogy folks who can't find a thing. Now off you go to your bed for a rest, I'll clean up the house from this genealogy mess.            As I climbed up the stairs full of gladness and glee,       I looked back at Santa who'd brought much to me.            While settling in bed, I heard Santa's clear whistle,   To his team, which then rose like the down of a thistle.                  And I heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight, "Family History is Fun ! Merry Christmas !   Goodnight !"

Posted on: Union Co. Tn Query Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Tn/Union/843 Surname: Dyer, Hill, Vandergriff ------------------------- Could someone find this family in 1870/1880 Union County. I am looking for the parents names. Ladonia Palestine Dyer Samuel Dyer Joe Dyer Booker Dyer Bouge Dyer Sallie Dyer (Mrs. Hill) Unknown (Mrs. Will Vandergriff) Unknown (Mrs. J. E. Dixon)

A cardinal rule for doing US research is to look for your family members in EVERY census they would have appeared in (even if you think you've got the information that you need.) It's amazing how many information holes can be filled about the families when you do that. You may be able to find your information about Lucindy's family by looking in the 1880, 1870, & earlier censuses. (It also works in other countries that did census records regularly.) One case in point in Union county: Benjamin Franklin Booker, I was told, had at least one set of twins that "died young". By looking in every census at all the relatives (since my family was in the area by 1804 & earlier on some lines) I often find other pieces to the same puzzle. In 1870 those twins Collumbus & Lindy Hester were listed as 4 years old. They were not listed in 1880. I had names & approximate dates for the rest of the family & they aren't my direct line. Had I not been looking in EVERY census for the ones I'm related to, I wouldn't have names for those two. Karen

In a message dated 12/16/00 11:26:38 AM Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: << http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Villa/6122/Christmas/xmas.html >> Nice Memories.. Milly WARD Piros "My Mind Is Like Lightning ... One Brilliant Flash and ............Poooffffffffffffffffffffff It's Gone"! http://www.geocities.com/millyella/sitemap.html

Happy Holiday to each and everyone of you, I read the list and feel I've known some of you forever! Chip thanks for all the laughs throughout the past year. Last year I gathered my chat friends and said to them.. I would like your Christmas Memories.. I'd like to share them with y'all!! http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Villa/6122/Christmas/xmas.html Gale Prince Nash Aurora, CO

Wishing I had this genie!! *Laughing* A magical genie appears and agrees to grant your any one wish, and you ask that the 1890 census be restored. Gale Prince Nash

Posted on: Union Co. Tn Query Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Tn/Union/842 Surname: Collins, Saylor, Wood, Robinson, Welch ------------------------- Lucindy Wood is listed in the 1900 Union Cty. Census living with her daughter, Betty Robinson and son-in-law Joseph Robinson. Also listed is Matilda (T)Saylor, probably Lucindy's daughter and Betty's sister. Lucindy is 34 years old and has only been married 4 years. I looked up her marriage record and found her married to John Wood. Her maiden name was Collins. Since Betty and Matilda's maiden name is Saylor, I think Lucindy was married to a Saylor before she married John Wood. Betty is 16 and Matilda is 14 in the census record. I would like to know if anyone has info regarding Lucindy. Who was the Saylor she was first married to? Betty has said she was raised by Grandma Collins. Who was this Collins? Any ideas anyone?

Nina, I saved your info. If I hear of anything, will let you know. Joyce

I'm hoping that someone can help. Everyone is so helpful here. Well, it goes. I need info. on a Robert Dunn. Don't have anything other than the name. He is supposed to be the father of my grandfather Lon Seymour b. 21 Jan 1895; d. 2 Mar 1966 buried in Luttrell Cem. along with wife Gertie Reagan Seymour; Mother, Arminda Seymour and Aunt Polly A. Seymour. The information I am getting from family members is that Arminda and Robert never married. I was told that her father would not permit it. Why?, I'm not sure. I have a copy of my grandfather's death cert. in father's name it is listed as Robert Dunn Seymour, mother is listed as Armindy Seymour. I was also told that Robert lived with his mother until her death. I hope someone can help me with this. Anything would help. Shonda Seymour Haggard