The U-Haul backed up to the house in “Strayhorn Heights’’ last week and Sara, three of my sons and I unloaded just about everything I own into that brick house on Highway 4.
My grown boys from Texas and Indianapolis were impressed with the place. The Texan talked about the big, tall pine trees and green grass. The one from Indy said he liked how quiet it was.
When I was younger and had less stuff, moving was not that difficult. As I’ve gotten older, picking up boxes loaded with books, clothes and junk is not as easy.
I’ve used professional and expensive moving companies in my last two moves. This time I talked my two oldest sons into giving up a weekend and help me move.
I bought their plane tickets and we went to Woodchucks in Senatobia Saturday night for a delicious meal. We even played some pool, watched the axe-chunkers and listened to the band.
We made the trip back to Clarksdale Sunday to clean up the house — Ingrams always try to leave it better than we found it — then Sara and I hugged each other and thanked the Lord for the good memories and promised to leave the bad one in that old house.
New Neighbor Truck
We lived in a fast growing community at one time and my son Daniel came in the door one night telling us there was a “New Neighbor Truck’’ down the street. You know, one of those big box trucks that is orange and black and has something weird painted on the side.
The next time you see one, remember this: No matter what you do for a living or what you are going through, those new neighbors might be the people who make your life a little bit better.
To a mechanic they are probably at least one or two cars that need fixing.
To a carpenter they are a newly remodeled kitchen and to a furniture store at least one new chair and possibly a bedroom suite.
To a dentist, Sara, Daniel and I, are 96 teeth.
To doctors we are three new patients and to every restaurant in town we are regular Friday-night-out eaters who tip well.
A look at you
Sara and I did our homework on you before we moved here.
Tate County has an interstate and good roads. I was told there are less than 15 miles of gravel roads in the county. The Roundabout is a nice touch and another one is on the way. I don’t like the speed bumps, but I don’t live on those streets and just try to avoid them.
You’ve got a good selection of dentists, optometrists and a hospital. Towns larger than Senatobia often don’t have that.
Sara and I are not bar-hoppers, but we do like a nice meal in relatively quiet surroundings served to us by people we get to know.
We’re Baptist and have seen a lot of Baptist churches around here. We’re looking for one that is not too mean, not too wishy-washy; one that is just right!
I’ll soon need a new truck and a place that can fix the one I've got until then
Sara needs a hair stylist and friends who sell cosmetics, clothes, cookware and those other girly nick-nacks that make me grin.
A look at me
I'm beginning to get my feet under me and starting to learn the culture and flavor of Senatobia and Tate County.
I’ve met a few sweet people and even some salty ones. I’m looking for those strong spicy types who leave a good taste in your mouth.
I’m still learning the places, the politics and the people of your community.
I hope you will always enjoy our little eight-minute visit each week with your neighbor.
Floyd Ingram is a 30-year newspaperman and editor of your Tate Record. He has moved around this great state and country. Call him at 662-562-4144 and let him know you are his new neighbor.
