It is officially the beginning of Labor Day Weekend which is really hard to believe because I feel like summer was only a few weeks.  But with Labor Day, we begin to get in the “fall mode” which I love and look forward to each year.

There is lots going on this weekend as usual but even more with it being a Holiday Weekend.

Beginning with today, it is another Football Friday so the streets will be busy later this afternoon all around Scottsboro and Jackson County.  Good Luck to all the Football Teams, Band Members, Cheerleaders…..

Captian D’s Crew in wearing their “Pink”.

Don’t forget if you have not purchased your “Pink Fire Shirt” from the Scottsboro Fire Department, that you need to do that today or you can get yourself one at Art Sunday.   As of yesterday, 105 businesses have already purchased t-shirts.  The numbers seem to keep getting higher and higher which makes you see PINK everywhere.

The staff at Big C Drugs looking good in their “Pink”.

The $10.00 t-shirts can be purchased at Fire Station One (off the square), or businesses may call 256-912-0537 to order shirts. All proceeds will go to either the Susan G. Komen Foundation or The Beauty and the Beast, a local non-profit organization to aid those living around us battling this disease.

This will be the BIG First Monday Weekend so the square will be a ‘Happening Place’.    Should be great weather to stroll around the square and see what all the vendors have for sale.

As for lunch on Sunday, the Scottsboro High School Wrestling will be having their annual “Art Sunday Lunch” and this will be taking place at Caldwell Elementary School (lunchroom).  For $7.00, you will get BBQ, slaw, baked beans, roll and tea.  Lunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  You are welcome to dine inside the the Wrestling Team or take it with you to Caldwell Park.

This will not be just another Sunday in Scottsboro but rather the 37th Annual Art in the Park Sunday which is hosted by the Scottsboro Three Arts Club at King Caldwell Parkin Scottsboro.   Make plans now to attend this wonderful and fun event. 

There will be MANY talented artists at Art in the Park and you will not want to miss out.  Perfect time to do a little early Christmas Shopping.  (above is a photo of Mr. Dennis Hutchinson’s creative birdhouses.)

The Friends of the Scottsboro Public Library will be hosting its Annual Book Sale  in conjunction with the Three Arts Club Art in the Park.  The Book Sale will be held in the Library parking lot adjacent to King Caldwell Park.  You can start looking and purchasing books at 8:00 a.m. and you will have all day to keep looking until 5:00 p.m. that afternoon. You can find a little bit of every type of book you can think of….  If you are not a reader but maybe you are looking for some hardback books to display on book shelves- so it appears you are an “avid reader“- then this is a sale that YOU need to go to also.  Ha!    All proceeds will benefit the Scottsboro Public Library.

How cannot I not mention the Jackson County Fair which will be taking place beginning next Tuesday(September 7th) and running through Saturday (September 11th).  This is the 75th year for the Fair which takes place at Veterans Park Fairgrounds.  ARMBANDS will be available EVERY NIGHT of the Fair this year!  The gates open each night at 6:00 p.m. (except for Saturday and they open at 5:00 p.m.) and close ………….. (that means, ‘whenever’).

Local Merchants will be offering $5 coupons so make sure to listen to the local radio stations daily and check the newspapers next week.

If you have not signed up for this years PHP 5K, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Goose Pond Colony, then please do so.  Many know this as the “Carlos Serrano Event”.   The Entry fee is $20 for the 5K and $5 for the Fun Run. All the proceeds will got to Jackson County Christmas Charities.

For more information, you may go to www.PHP5K.com and there are also Registration Forms at all the area gyms (Rec Com, Kramer’s Gym, Anytime Fitness, etc.)

This is a 5K for walkers and runners so make it a family, friend or group event.  I can assure you that you will not be disappointed and will feel a great sense of accomplishment when you cross that finish line.

Purse Advertisers:

This will be the last weekend out in the sun for many and there is no better time than next week to call and make an appointment with New Image Laser Solutions. 

That is an appointment for a Laser Genesis Skin Rejuvenation.    Remember, this laser treatment is to help you with tightening up those pores, skin, sun damage, “lines“, etc.   During your FREE consultation, they will be able to determine how many “treatments” you will need or want to reach your “goal” that you are wanting to reach when it comes to your skin.   The procedure took about 20  minutes.

Don’t put it off another day, call  New Image Laser Solutions today 575-0918 and make yourself an appointment for your FREE consultation.

It is officially September and to me that means that you can begin enjoying some Fall Decorations.  The Market has go so many cute home and yard decor that will make this time of year even better than it already is….Fall is definitely my favorite time of the year and when I see pumpkins, scarecrows, leaves, etc., I seem to smile allot.

These garden stakes will go great in a pot of mums or even in a wreath on your front door. 

The Market has all of their KAVU bags 40% off right now.  If you are wanting a new bag/purse for fall, this is the time to get yourself one.  These make very nice gifts for all ages and you could even buy now and put up for a Birthday or Christmas.

Cloverdale Manor knows their ’stuff’ when it comes to providing the best Physical Therapy to their residents.  Physical Therapy is a type of treatment you may need when health problems make it hard to move around and do everyday tasks.  The goad is to restore normal movement and function while attempting to resolve problems such as pain.

TheTherapists at Cloverdale Manor place special emphasis on working with the families in conjunction with the resident to ensure that the plan of care developed for the resident is individualized and designed to offer the resident the best opportunity for a successful rehabilitation.

If you are interested in additional Therapy Services that Cloverdale Manor offers, you may go to their website and at www.cloverdalemanor.com (or of course, you could always give them a call at (256) 259-1505).

Just because summer is winding down and most vacations have been taken, does not mean that you will not be taking some weekend trips.  I love the colorful luggage that I found at The Wimberly House.  Luggage is also a great gift to give others because it is not something that we usually just go and buy  on any given day.

The Wimberly House has got some good-looking outfits for you this fall.  Love this one that is in their front window.

Also, ALL the Shoes at The Wimberly House are 50% off right now so if you have had your eye on a pair of shoes but not brought yourself to purchase them, this is the perfect time.

Until Tuesday, Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend!!

This post will wrap up Louise’s story about their visit back to Tehran.  Thank You Louise for sharing these emotional journey’s with me so that I might share them with my purse readers.  You definitely have provided a much needed ‘view’ to this place that many of us have had negative feelings and thoughts toward…..

The cemetery is so large that there are actually streets throughout and each street has plots number written on the sign.  There were cemetery maps available. Otherwise, no one could find graves.  The first street was for Khomeini’s monument.  The next street was the one we turned right on.  Yes, this was the street that their graves were located on, almost in the shadow of Khomeini, not quiet, but close enough.    As we approached the graves, I felt Hooshang literally shaking.  I was not sure if he could go further.  Fortunately, it was not a long walk from the street.  None of Hooshang’s feelings are out of fear, no, his are grief and anger.  I have enough fear for all of us.
 
On this street, we found the graves.  They were in the shade of three evergreen trees.  It was the five graves as I had seen so many times in my dream.  The marble was shining in the sun and each slab was seven foot long.  I held tight to Hooshang as we approached and then he sit down beside his father’s grave and showed no sign of leaving.  As his brothers and sister joined him, I had to distance myself.  I could not bear to watch.  I stood back and took in the site of the graves.  Trying to imagine the last seconds on the plane.  I glanced down the row of graves and there was all the 119 bodies of the plane crash.  Since they were declared martyrs because the plane was going to the Holy city of Mashhad, these were the best plots in the cemetery.  What a sight.  The newly wed couples’ graves were next to mamon and agha-jan - thirty couples.  They had just started their lives together and it had all ended too quickly on the plane to Mashhad to have their marriages blessed.
 
My eyes drifted back to the grave of agha-jan.  On his marble slab was his picture and name, along with a beautiful piece of poetry written by a family friend.   Next to him, was mamon-jan.   Hers was simple with her name and that she was the wife of agha-jan.  The next one was where my trouble started.  Why the sister?  Her beautiful picture was there.  She was so young.  Then if that was not enough, next to her was her young son, Nema, and next to him, was her two year old daughter, Tina.   At the head of their graves was the young husband and father and even after a year, his heart was still breaking.   He had aged and looked like an old man.  For the last year, he had visited the graves everyday and the hard four hour commute had taken a toll. His nights were sleepless as he heard again and again his daughter’s screams in the airport for him to take her home that morning.   Zahra was kneeling beside her sister, slowly patting her grave.  She comes to the cemetery many times a week, trying to accept that it did happen and they were dead.  Zahra was a couple years older than her sister.  They were so close and Zahra took care of the children while her sister worked in the family business.  Therefore, Zahra’s children felt like they had not only lost a beloved aunt but a brother and a sister.  They all had a big hole in their hearts.
 
I looked at Hooshang and my heart ached.  The sobbing had stopped but his face said it all.  I could see that he still could not believe that were dead.  It was a start but it was still unbelievable.  The family had a man to recite poetry at the graves.  They had enough of modern day mullahs and religion.  And I am sure that agha-jan was thanking them. 
 
There were many people in the cemetery.  It was as busy as the city.  And the custom is, each family passes out dried figs or dates to other mourners.  It is a sign of sweetness for their deceased in the other world.  Zahra is giving to other mourners at the plane crash dried fruits on behalf of our family.  The washing of the graves begins.   The graves are watered down and with a little broom all the dust of the desert is washed away.  Rose water then covers the graves with a beautiful sweet smell.  The blooms of the flowers are broken from the stems and as each flower is placed, a prayer is said.  I prayed for strength with each flower I placed.  After an hour, Hooshang needs to walk around the cemetery by himself.  He walks for awhile as we wait.  When he returns, the family asked me if I would recite something from the Bible.  Muslims  believe in the Bible as a Holy Book and in Jesus.   We all join hands and form a circle around the graves and in the middle of the cemetery, in the shadows of Khomeini’s grave, who had changed all our lives, I started to recite from childhood.  I said the 23rd Palsm or well as the Lord’s Prayer.  In the background,  the call to afternoon prayers (meaning Azan) for Muslims was being chanted as we stood together reciting from the Bible.  Other Muslims in the cemetery came to stand with us.  Strangers but they wanted to listen to comforting words.  They did not care which Holy Book the words were from.  Because their God, even though he is called Allah in their language, is still the same God as Christians worship.  And you know what, the call of prayer for Muslims and the Lord’s Prayer seemed to go together very well.  I know that because it brought comfort to me, my husband, his family and strangers.  For a moment, there is peace in the world because in the cemetery, we are all God’s children.

Louise’s email address is lmoghani@hotmail.com

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This is a product that you may have not used or even heard of but I bet most of you have had aching muscles and joints at one  time or another and have used BioFreeze.  Well, Big C Drugs has got Freeze It in stock at their stores and it is ONLY $7.50.  So if you are one to have these type aches, you need to give this therapy gel for muscle, joint and pain relief at try.  You can get it in spray, roll on or gel.

Open MRI of Scottsboro is not one of those Medical Offices that you should be stressed about going into.  As soon as you walk through the front door, you will see for yourself what a relaxed atmosphere they offer in their waiting area as well as the “MRI Rooms”.  The staff is not only extremely friendly, but they are there to offer you assistance in completing your paperwork, answering questions and especially putting your ‘worries’ to ease….

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So if you should find yourself or a family member in need of an MRI, there is no reason to wonder where you will go….Open MRI of Scottsboro is the  place to take care of that need.

Catalog Returns Plus is having a HUGE Labor Day Sale that is going on NOW!!  You will not have had any better prices all year than what is being offered at this time.

You will be able to get an EXTRA 10% off already reduced prices like Headboards and Beds (excluding mattresses) and also on some really nice Gazebos.

The prices are the amazing with you being able to take an EXTRA 20% off already reduced prices like Law Mowers, TV Stands, Ceiling Fans, Microwaves, Range Hoods, Desks, Dishes and Outdoor Patio Umbrellas.

Remember, Catalog Returns Plus is located in the Village on Broad Street and are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..  Their phone number is (256) 259-0224.

I have already shared several pieces of patio furniture that Catalog Returns Plus has in their store but I wanted to remind you that they have so much to choose from.  I love black wicker and these pieces are really good looking.  You will not want to miss the opportunity to take some of their furniture home with you this weekend.

If you see this vansitting in some one’s driveway or at a business, it usually means that there are some plumbing problems going on…  BUT, it also means positive things too.  It is just another person who trusts Mr. Rooter Plumbing for their plumbing needs.

Whether you are in need of plumbing repairs or have new construction going on, Stacy Ledwell and his crew can make all your plumbing problems go away.   They are there for you 24 hours a day and seven days a week.    Emergency calls are just another ’service’ for them but with no extra charge.

If you have looked at any lady’s wrist this summer, you have probably seen one of these wonderful watches (I call them rubber watches because of the material the band is made out of).  Electric Tan has got in some of the new colors and styles.  I love the brown and navy blue ones and the square ‘face’  give it that ‘added’ touch….

Until tomorrow… (I will be sharing many festivities that will be going on this Labor Day Weekend.)

Louise takes up today with where they visited with family and making plans to go to the cemetery after arriving in Tehran.

When we awoke in the afternoon, it seemed like we were caught up in a time warp.   We were in Tehran that was clear from the smell of saffron rice cooking and kebabs and the fresh vegetables vendors shouting from the street their goods.   It was the duty of the oldest brother living in Iran to have dinner for us and to invite all the family and friends.  We were very jet lagged but went to his home.   Dinner is usually served in Iran about 10:00 p.m.  Not only is the time change difficult for us but also the eating habits.  We all gathered at Bagher’s house.  It was a strange feeling as it was a celebration that we had finally returned to Tehran but at the same time it was a funeral again not only for the family but for the loss of a way of life.  Our presence made the yearning for the life we all had when we were there, even more.   Although, at the time, I did not realize what that meant but in the days to come, it would become clear.   Hooshang’s family could have left their country years earlier to live anywhere in the world, but they were very patriotic.  Five of them had gone to school abroad.  After seeing the world, what had happened to their country was a tragedy for them. 
 
Finally, that night, I was awake enough to realize that there were nieces and nephews and in laws that we had never seen.  All we had seen of the weddings and births was pictures.   Zahra had twins and it was wonderful to see them, but at the same time, there was two missing.  Funny, their presence was felt more than the children in the room.   I was happy to meet the new brother in law, Zahra’s husband, but at the same time as I looked around the room, the other brother in law is devastated.  Every positive charge in the room has a negative.

 
Hooshang wanted to go to the cemetery.  That was pressing.  The next morning, we would make the two hour journey to Behesht Zahra, the main cemetery, in Tehran.  In reality it was to be a funeral.  All the family and friends would be joining us.  I woke the next morning with an uneasy feeling.  If it had not been the main purpose of the trip for Hooshang, I would have not gone to the cemetery.  It was a frightening thought to me.  I did not want to see it or maybe I was so unsure how my husband could handle it.  Anyway, it was enough for me to try to take in the empty house feeling.  It was so sad.  But how could I even voice this?  I was there for him to go to the cemetery and I was there to console the family.  In the Iranian culture, the cemetery is very important and respected.  It is a place for reflection and therapy.   No, I had to go.  Through my thoughts, I heard a man singing beautiful poetry out in the street.  Then I knew my strength would come from somewhere.  I went to the window as I had done many times when I lived in Tehran to listen to him.  His voice was like an angel and  I could understand that he was singing of wisdom and strength which I had neither of this morning.  So I decided to use his and I get dressed to go to the cemetery.
 
I was happy when Mo made sure we were in the same car.  I was not sure if it was because he needed me or he sensed that I needed him more.  All the cars were ready, and I begin to see the city in the light of day, the place that I had called home.  The streets looked the same, in fact, some new ones had been built.  But all the names of the streets that had anything to do with the Shah (previous King) had been changed.  As we drove, there were too many cars and far too many people.  When I had left Tehran, the population was 4 million, now the city had swollen to 12 million.  The traffic was tremendous and the further we drove to the south and left the north part of the city, the pollution was terrible.  In the south part of the city, the big bazaar loomed in the distance, the heart of the business section but at the same time, the poorest people lived here.  I saw a mother, father, and two to three children on a motorbike.  I was told that this was a common thing these days – entire families on motorbikes.  The streets were so busy and crowded and again, they all had dark skin, black eyes, and black hair.  I pulled the scarf to cover my blond hair and my sunglasses covered my blue eyes.  I also checked my black socks to make sure I had them on.  These people looked different.  They did not look like the Iranians that I remembered.  What was wrong?  All of these thoughts had to be put in the back of my mind, because we were now about 30 minutes from the cemetery.   South of Tehran is the start of the big desert and now we are on the edge.  We had left the north part of the city with the beautiful mountains.  The landscape has flatten out and women are washing carpets in the streams.  Yes, these are Persian carpets that are being washed in water and it works.  I see camels, herds of sheep and all sorts of fruit being sold by the road.   The flower vendors are plentiful and they are selling irises to put on graves.  The cemetery is near and we pull over to purchase flowers and rose water.   Rose water is used to wash the graves which all families do for their loved ones.  
 
I looked toward the cemetery and see guards surrounding the entrance and checking cars.  I am near panic level when I looked up and see a huge ramp crossing the entrance with lots of guards and guns.  Then I see why.  On the right side of the cemetery is a huge complex.  I asked my sister in law, Zahra, what it was as I pointed to it.  Then I knew for sure that my feeling that all was not right was true, as she told me not to point in that direction.  Keep in mind, that I was in the car while pointing but still I should not take a chance. There was Khomeini’s grave and monument.  It was massive and probably covered an acre or more.  A huge solid gold dome glistened in the sun.  It was not bronze, brass, silver or copper.  It was solid gold.  I asked no more questions about it because I was there was a different purpose and I could not be deterred by anymore fear than I already felt.   I held to Hooshang firmly as we came near the entrance.  Of course, his mind was not on Khomeini’s grave or the guards.  He was already with mamon and agha-jan.  The lead car of our caravan was stopped and the guards surrounded it with guns.  Bagher was in that car, and now I know why,  he told them we were the family of victims in the plane crash and they let us all pass through without further checking.  Thank God.  The cemetery has grown 10 times from the last time I had seen it.   It has been expanded many times and is almost full again.  This told the whole story of what had happened in the country.  Revolutions and wars are ugly and you can count on finding the good people in the cemetery.

Louise’s email is lmoghani@hotmail.com

Purse Advertisers:

Goody 2 Shoes has got all the bags and backpacks that you could need for the fall and winter.  These are great for those who are ‘future’ hunters or just enjoy the camo (which is my Jimmy and MM).  These would be good Christmas gifts if you have boys (or girls) to buy for….

Goody 2 Shoes has some great Auburn and Alabama Pictures for those fans.  I am being really nice and showing you the Alabama version. Ha!  If you are wanting to get yourself in the football mode….you will find just about anything and everything for your home or body at Goody 2 Shoes that you could imagine when it comes to Auburn and Alabama

Harbin Ford and Chevrolet’s  HUGE Sale that they had this weekend may have ended but they still have many cars and trucks with 0% interest.  This will not last too much longer so don’t wait around. 

Don’t forget about Harbin’s Prospector’s Club where you can find New Car Pricing, Used Cars for sale, Hybrids, Ford parts, Auto Repair Service specials or get a Pre-Approved for Auto Leases and Car Loans Online.

Snow may be the last thing on your mind these days (even though cold weather sounds really good), but these Alabama and Auburn ‘Snow Fans’ that I found at Talk of the Town are too cute to not share with you.  These will be gone when we are thinking ’snow’ this winter so if you like what you see above, you need to head to the Village on Broad and take one of these home with you.

If you are getting ready for a Party, Tailgating, Homecoming Events or just need to stock up on some paper goods, Talk of the Town has just got in a HUGE shipment of new plates, napkins, cups and flatware.  Any color you could imagine.  If you are wanting your “Team Colors”, you can find those there too.

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Tomorrow, I will share the remaining story of Louise’s visit back to Tehran.  She will share with you what it was like going to the cemetary.

Today, Louise will tell you about their trip back to Tehran in 1994.

On March 30th, 1994, we landed in Tehran at 1:30 in the morning and finally at 3:30, we stepped outside the airport into the warm night air.   I was exhausted.  The trip was over a period of two days and the time change was ten and a half hours.  Add this to the emotional factors and fear of returning to Iran after the revolution, it was draining.  Fifteen years is a long time.  The family structure has been changed as much as the government.  It was all mind boggling and I had only been there two hours.
 
The family is welcoming us back as well as trying to help us deal withthe magnitude of family deaths along with the changes in the country.  We are unfamiliar withthe new laws that could be life threatening.  I felt as though they were rushing us to leave the airport.  We are numb and want to take in the moment of returning to Tehran after all these years and just looking at the family.  It seemed both Hooshang and I needed a little more time to get over the fear inside the airport and believing that we are in Tehran.

Vehicles are lined up, bags are loaded and we are quickly guided to the cars.  Hooshangand I are separated into different cars.   I am in the car with my sister in law, Zahra.  There are many armed guards leaving the airport and she seems nervous.  Along the highway going to mamon’s house, I see black Mercedes SUVs.  The cars got my attention because there are so many of them.  I remember asking her what were these cars.  Were these new taxis service?  With no answer, she turned my attention to something else.  And due to the exhaustion I felt, I dropped it.  Also, I had my mind on being prepared to face the family home without mamon and agha-jan, the sister, her children and Behrouz.  I was worried about Hooshangbeing in another car and how he would respond at home.  Probably I should have been worried about how I was going to deal with it all.
 
When we arrived at home, most of the cars had arrived from the airport.  I was relieved to see Hooshangbecause even though I was tired, I was still aware that all was not well on the streets.  Something was wrong in the city.  But at this moment, we had to face what we came to Tehran for in the first place:  dealing with the deaths of the family.
 
After all these years of waiting to return to Tehran, I did not want to go inside the house.  I am sure it was nerves but the thoughts of facing the reality of it were overwhelming.  As long as I did not see they were not there, maybe it was not true.  But then the door opened, the Mercedes black car drove by, and we were all quickly inside the house.  At 5:30, on Monday morning, I held Hooshang’s hand as we walked into mamon and agha-jan’s house without them there to kiss and welcome us back home.  We had left Tehran during the revolution thinking we would return in a few months.  We did not know it would be fifteen years later and we certainly did not imagine returning and no mamom and agha-jan. 
 
I felt Hooshang shaking as we took our shoes off at the front door.  Could this be a bad dream and everything is okay?  We went in and sit together to have a cup of hot tea.  Then the tears started.  There was so much to say, so much his siblings needed to tell Hooshang.  They needed him to know all the details of the plane crash, the brother’s death, but they also needed to tell him what they had lived through.  Their lives and struggles to get married and raise a family through the revolution was too much.  Add to this the bombings of Iraq, the destruction of their country and how difficult life was for them.  It seemed not only he was their oldest brother returning, but he was also like a foreigner to the troubles they had faced.  They needed the world to know what had happened to their lives.   They needed the world to know how they had to live.  It seemed we were there just to witness their story.  I could barely comprehend or listen to the pain and I just stopped hearing the words.   I was not strong enough to listen. 
 
I begin to walk around the house and touch the things that I was familiar with.  I was trying to find some normalcy in an abnormal situation.  I went to every room and made sure to touch the pictures, the furniture, even the bed linens and towels.  I went to the kitchen where I had spent so much time with mamon during the good days.  She had showed me how to cook Iranian food and I watched every move she made.  Was I just so tired that I had thought I could see her or at least hear her voice?  I was truly lost in another world as the past circled me.  I could see Behrouz, the brother, when he was a child and I went to touch the books that I knew were his.  I saw Fahrideh’s sewing machine.  The sewing machine that she and I sewed and laughed together while she created patterns.  There were no pre-made patterns, just magazine pictures to use.  She would sew the clothes for me that agha-jan would not let her wear.  Not because agha-jandemanded it but because he knew the culture demanded it.   She was not married and had to be very conservative.  She would sew the shortest clothes for me.  The things that she wanted to wear but could not.   She painted my fingernails the brightest of red colors.  The colors and clothing would have looked beautiful on her.  And I remember letting her do whatever because it made her so happy.  She was not unhappy with the way she lived because she understood the culture and agha-jan.  I could see her smiling face.  She looked just like Hooshang. 
 
I could only remember one person at a time.  I found if I tried to remember too much, I could not deal with it.  I had not gotten to agha-jan until I heard Hooshangcalling me to come and have tea and hot bread.  I went to join the family for the Iranian breakfast that I loved so much.  The bread stores were opened and the hot flat wheat bread was brought to the house in sheets.  The goat cheese was the best along withwalnuts, permission jam, and boiled eggs.   After eating, we went to sleep as the extended family went home, but his sister and brothers stayed with us.  They knew when we woke up, the real shock of it all would be waiting.  They were not ready to share too much of what had happened to them, because they knew they had to tell us slowly.  First, they had to help us adjust to a completely different Iran than we had known.  There was many ‘couldsand could-nots’ that we had to know.  But they were wise enough to do it witha little humor or we could not deal with it.  It was matter of fact to them – this is the way life had become.  Yes, they had learned to adjust and cope to stay alive.   And so would we.

Tomorrow, we will pick up with what happened beginning with waking up that afternoon…..

You can send Louise a message or comment at lmoghani@hotmail.com

If you have been looking for some rain-boots that are different, then you need to check these out that The Grapevine has…. These are way to cute and basically you could wear them with just about anything because they have every color imaginable…

Whoever thought that in 2010 that we would have so many unique coolers to choose from?  You can get them in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes and this one that I found at The Grapevine is one of my favorites.  I love the shape, the fabric and it has the really good “insulation” material on the inside.  Add some monogram to this and you will be having people ask you everywhere you go, “Where did you get your cooler? I love it!”

If you are wanting to get ready for the beginning of Auburn and Alabama Football Season, you can start by purchasing one of these Auburn or Alabama “A’s” from The Jewelry Box.  These are made out of wood and are ready for you to hang on your door.  No better way to show your team spirit than putting it on your home for everyone to see when passing by.

These are some of thesoftest, snuggliest naby goods ever and The Jewelry Box is the place to get them.  These are perfect (and useful) Baby Gifts and I cannot imagine any baby not wanting to sleep with one of these.  You may not think of The Jewelry Box as a place to buy baby items, but this jewelry box is one place that you can….

The Toad Stool have these nice looking shirts which are great to wear to church during the fall or should I say ‘football season’.  If you look closely, you will see that they green shirt is the ‘football field’ with that yard lines down the side.  Greta (owner of The Toad Stool) has some very nice clothes for the boys and she makes sure that she always has some for those who are (or think they are) too old to wear the cute clothes. Ha!  If you are going to be getting pictures made any time soon, you will find the perfect outfit here.

We cannot forget the girls either when it comes to cute clothes for fall.   You could wear this for more than just Halloween.    I am one that is a believe in that pumpkins be worn throughout the fall (up to Thanksgiving).   The Toad Stool definitely has the most amazing selection of kids clothes.  Remember, they go from infant to size 16 in children.

Tomorrow, I will share the rest of Louise’s story, Fifteen Years Ago….

High School Football begins tonight! 

If you are not able to go to one of the local High School games or would rather just stay at home and relax…You can always listen to some football  on the radio or turn to Channel 10 or Channel 98 on Scottsboro Cable.

Beginning at 5:00 p.m., WWIC  will be having live updates from the Wildcat Walk and the QB Club Tailgate Party at Trammell Stadium.  Then at 6:00 p.m., you can listen to the Coach Swane Morris Pre-game Show with Robbie Copenhaver.

After the Football Games, the Clarion Friday Night Scoreboard can be heard on WWIC (AM 1050) and Paul Finebaum will be the shows special guest.

If you go into Harbin Ford between now and Saturday you can register for some great prizes.  Someone is going to win a Big Screen TV, a Laptop and $1000 CASH!   YOU  could win one of these great prizes! GO IN AND REGISTER!

Brownwood Elementary School Staff

Over 3000 Pink T-shirts later, The Scottsboro Fire Department’s goal  has been more than reached but there is still MANY shirts that are ready to be sold to you.  They would like to see 3000 more citizens in Scottsboro and Jackson County (or really anyone) to join them in “going pink” on October 15^th.   

WalMart purchased 100 shirts for their employees to go pink.

They are encouraging every business and organization to allow their employees/members to wear these pink shirts on Fridays throughout the month of September, and of course on October 15^th.  

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office wearing their pink.

It is not too late to get your BBQ Plate tickets for tomorrow (Saturday) night.  The Scottsboro Cumberland Presbyterian Church are selling these BBQ Plate tickets and the proceeds will benefit  Buddy Phillips and Sadye’s Fund for Hope.  If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, you may call the church at (256) 574-2575.

 Saturday, August 28th between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m., you may pick up your BBQ plates at Scottsboro Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

The weather is getting cooler, humidity is lower and it is the perfect time to start preparing yourself for the 4th Annual PHP 5K which is now called (as of last year) the Carlos Serrano Memorial PHP 5K.   This is a Walk and/or Run which is 3.1 miles and there will also be a 1 mile Fun Run added to the event this year.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 18th and the event begins at 9:00 a.m. at Goose Pond Colony.  The Entry fee is $20 for the 5K and $5 for the Fun Run. All the proceeds will got to Jackson County Christmas Charities.

For more information, you may go to www.PHP5K.com and there are also Registration Forms at all the area gyms (Rec Com, Kramer’s Gym, Anytime Fitness, etc.)

This is a great opportunity to do something “good” for yourself and to help those in need at the same time.  Perfect event  to do with family, neighbors, church groups, or co-workers.  You can enjoy a nice and beautiful morning walk or run, great food afterwards and the door prizes are the best.

I realize that SHS Homecoming is that weekend but the 5K is on Saturday morning and it would be another fun event for those who are coming into town for Homecoming to participate in….

Turning Point Pregnancy Center’s 7 on 7 Flag Football Game will be tomorrow (Saturday) beginning at 8:00 a.m. and will wrap up around 4:00 p.m..  This will take place at the Scottsboro High School Practice Field. 

Anyone 16 years and older may put a team together for $75 (per team).  For more information on Turning Point Pregnancy Center, you may go to www.turningpointscottsboro.com  If you are not up to playing, I am sure it will be alot of fun to watch…

 Purse Advertisers:

The Toad Stool are getting in the Halloween clothesand they are soooo cute.  Several of the outfits can be enjoyed not only at Halloween but throughout the fall.  These will not last long so don’t wait until October to buy them.  They have cute Halloween T-shirts too (for the girls and boys).

There is nothing more cuter than to see a little boy in a John-John and The Toad Stool feels that way too.  This Football JJ is cute but not too “sissy” (as many dads will say) for those boys.  I love the Halloween shirts that Greta has for the boys too.  There is no way I could show you a picture of ALL that she has in the store when it comes to Fall and Halloween clothes. You need to go check them out in person.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing has got you covered when it comes to just about anything when it comes to water….  First, it is locally owned and operated by Stacy Ledwell who has a great reputation in the plumbing business and as a genuine and honest person.  He is hard to beat…

Then, you add in that  they can take care of Residential, Commercial and Industrial plumbingand what more could you say?  So, the next time that you are in need of someone to help you with Sewer and Drain Cleaning, New Construction, Grease Trap or Septic Tank or any Plumbing Repair Service- just remember that Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the number that you need to call….(256) 574-4710.

Summer may be winding down but there are many weeks left for those feet to be wearing open toed shoes and flip flops.  If you are wanting to treat yourself to few minutes of relaxing and making those feet and toes pretty, you need to call Kim Nails and make yourself an appointment for a pedicure. I promise you will not regret it.  Make your appointment today by calling 218-3933. 

Fall is one of my favorite (more like, IS)  times of the year and I love fall photos.  If you have not had a portrait made of your children or family, you need to give Misti and Brent at The Portrait Collection a call.  The studio is located on the Downtown Square in Scottsboro and are all about creating beautiful portraits of Families, Sporting Events, Graduates and Weddings.

Cloverdale Manor is your home town nursing home and they are providing services and rehabilitation to people all over Jackson County and North Alabama.  Even though  they have over 170 employees, they still manage to provide the highest quality care and with a personal touch at that.

Cloverdale Manoris committed to providing residents with an individualized plan of care which is designed to meet each individuals physical, social, and emotional needs.  They know the importance of quality care and that means that they must and will assess and create a care plan tailored to meet the individual goals of their residents and their families.

If you would like more information regarding Cloverdale Manor, you may go to www.cloverdalemanor.com or call (256) 259-1505.

Until Tuesday, have a great weekend!!  Make sure to check out the Calendar of Events for other events coming up.

More about the founder of  Scottsboro, Alabama….Robert T. Scott.  Today, I will share his political career with you and I am borrowing this information from the book, The Story of Scottsboro, Alabama by Mr. Jerry Gist.  I am not a ‘political person’ at all and usually I do not find myself comprehending allot of the vocabulary in ‘political stories’ but this was very interesting.  I hope you will find it that was as well.

“The year was 1830 when Scott announced his candidacy for the Alabama legislature and was elected by an overwhelming majority for a period of two years.  Scott served the people of Madison County well during this term and was re-elected for two more years in 1832.  Scott gained many friends in Jackson County during his terms in the legislature.  Realizing the business possibilities of the newly-selected county seat of Bellefonte, he left Madison County for Bellefonte in 1834. 

Shortly after arriving in Bellefonte, Scott purchased a large farm and an adjoining hotel-tavern which he called “Belle Tavern.”  This tavern was the scene of many prominent social and political gatherings in the early ante bellum Bellefonte days.

Scott soon became prominent in all public matters and was considered a leader of the “plain people”.  His first venture into politics from Jackson County proved to be unsuccessful for he was beaten badly by Governor Chapman for a seat in Congress.  In 1836, he was elected to the Alabama legislature by the people of Jackson County.  Scott was destined to serve the people of Jackson County eight times in the Alabama legislature.

In 1838, Scott was elected circuit clerk of Jackson County and while holding this office was elected to the legislature in 1839.  When the Alabama legislature convened in Tuscaloosa (Alabama capital at that time), Scott was sworn in as a member, but a group of political enemies in Jackson County raised the constitutional point that he could not hold two public offices at the same time.

After much debate, it came to a vote with the legislature voting to deny him his seat and ordered a new election to be held in Jackson County.  Scott, being a very determined man, returned to his people again as a candidate for the legislature.  He was again elected and returned to Tuscaloosa where he presented his credentials.  He refused, however, to resign as circuit clerk and the legislature again denied him a seat and ordered another election.  Scott was again elected and again the House refused to seat him.  He was saved further embarrassment by the final adjournment of the legislature.  This incident was remarkable in the sense that a man was elected three times to one session of the legislature.  An event of this type had never occurred in Alabama before; no has a similar incident occurred in the many years that have followed.

After this, Scott remained in private life, pursuing the practice of law until 1842, when he was again elected to to the legislature.  Scott carried to the to the aid of the House strong native talents, matured and strengthened by experience.  At this session, he introduced a bill for the investigation of all extra allowances made by bank directors since 1835, giving power to the governor, if he should deem it expedient, to institute proceedings for the recovery of such unauthorized applications of the public money.

Scott was again elected in 1847 and was very active in that session.  In 1853, he was returned by the people of Jackson County to the legislature and discharged with ability and efficiency the duties of Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.  This ended his connection with the legislature.”

Mr. Scott did continue to be very involved in the ‘political arena’ and spent allot of time in Washington.  Scott deemed it necessary to drop from the public eye just before the Civil War because of his feeling toward sectional issues and secession. 

Scott was known as a superior business person and that his mind was well-cultivated.    I will tell you more later on about Robert T. Scott and his “coming” to Scottsboro. 

Purse Advertisers:

Many of you have ask me about New Image Laser Solutions and what makes it really good to me?  Well, beside the quality of work that you they do, I would have to say that the personal service is what really impresses me.  I will be going back for another Laser Hair Removal treatment in a couple of weeks so you will hear from that after that visit but know that I highly recommend it.  The services that they offer come in a variety….

One that I do not need at this time but will probably some time in the future is Vein Therapy. New Image Laser Solutions provide CoolGlide Vein Therapy for the face and body.   It treats a broad range of vessels from tiny spider veins to deep blue reticular veinsquickly, safely and effectively.  Patients with dark, light or tanned skin can experience outstanding results with minimal bruising or blistering.

This is one of those treatments that you will learn so much more about with a FREE consultation.  I will tell you that as for seeing results….. Most patients find that the majority of the treated veins have shown significant improvement within two to six weeks of treatment.

If you have ever been in doubt of what to get the female on your gift list, you need to always remember that jewelry is a girl’s best (or at least one of them. Ha!)  The Jewelry Box is getting in new necklaces, earrings and bracelets each week so you never know what you are going to find in this ‘jewelry box’.  These two necklaces will go with any outfit and I cannot imagine anyone not being excited about opening this gift up.

I shared with you the Tooth Fairy Pillows that The Jewelry Box had in their store a few weeks ago.  Well, those sold fast and Elaine has already got in some new ones.  I love the dragon ones and these make great baby gifts or even that First Birthday.  It is a gift that will be loved and USED.

Big C Drugs is getting in the football mode and they have got some wall clocks that are sporting their favorite football team’s names and colors.  This would be a very good gift for guys or girls.  If you are wanting to find some Alabama or Auburn goods, you need to make a trip to Big C Drugs because their shelves are full.

In just a few more days, you will begin seeing these flags flying for cars and trucks everywhere.  Big C Drugs has them ready for you to purchase and put on your window.  You do not have to go all over the store to find them either, they have made them very easy for you to find….As you go in front door of Big C Drugs,you just need to look to the right.

FNB Bank is constantly making banking with them easier and easier.  It does not matter where you are at the moment, you are going to find an FNB location close to you.  They have TEN convenient locations and basically, they are spread throughout Jackson County.

Their latest location is in Morgan City.  Below are all the FNB locations and you can see for yourself that they have pretty much all of Jackson County covered and then a few more….

 Main Office ● Jackson Square Office
● Five Points Office ● Bridgeport Office ● Henagar Office ● Pisgah Office
● Section Office ● Skyline Office ● Woodville Office ● Morgan City

Many of you may not know that The Wimberly House can take care of you in the ‘home departement’, as in bedding, curtains, pillows, etc.  They will customize any thing that you may came up on your own or if you are clueless as to what colors, fabrics, styles you would like, they can give you some great  suggestions.  Above is one of their bedroom creations.

The picture of these bags do not do them justice.  I found these at The Wimberly House and honestly I believe my Lily could fit in one of them.  These would make perfect bags for you to put all the odd and end ’stuff’ that you take on trips or if  are taking food or goods somewhere, you could put it ALL in one of these colorful JUMBO bags.

If you are wanting something a little different for yourself or for a friend, this Iron fixture may be just what you are looking for.  Talk of the Town have some unique home decor and this is just one of them.  You could hang this from the ceiling in your screen porch, put old wine bottles on the ‘arms’ and then take some pillar candles to finish it off.  How great is that?

These are just a few of the handmade (one of a kind) necklaces that Talk of the Town has in their store.  These are made by a local artist and will find at least one (if not more) necklaces or pendants that you can relate to….I got one of these for my birthday last year and I love it.  I get compliments on it every time that I wear it.  If you have not been to Talk of the Town lately, you need to take some time and enjoy a “walk through” and look at ALL that fills this store. 

Until tomorrow…..

Today, I am sharing more from the book, The Story of Scottsboro, Alabama which was written by Mr. Jerry Gist and was published in 1968.   I never really even thought about who founded Scottsboro, when it happened and how it all came about….that was until I read Mr. Gist’s book.  Below is a little about Mr. Robert Thomas Scott, the founder of Scottsboro and I will continue sharing more about this person and his family in the coming days.  It will take several posts so just ’stay tuned…’.

“Robert T. Scott was born in 1789 at Greenville County, Virginia, and was the third of five children.  His early life was spent helping his father on plantations in Virginia and North Carolina.  He received his early education in the common schools of North Carolina at Raleigh and Chapel Hill, and studied law at Franklin, Tennessee. 

Immediately upon completion of his education, he accompanied his father into Madison County where he purchased a farm.  Because of his zest for adventure and his activity in political affairs, he was soon to become one of the most prominent citizens in the county.

It was Robert Scott’s original intention, as land records bear out, to establish a town near the present community of Brownsboro.  The records portray the original plan, the land was subdivided with ample streets bearing the picturesque names.  Family descendants have been unable to learn why this project failed.

In 1826, Scott returned to his native state to marry Elizabeth Ann Parsons of Moven, North Carolina.  They were married in the latter part of that year at Sneedsboro, North Carolina.  Scott and his new bride returned to Madison County where he continued to increase his land wealth and popularity with the people.”

Tomorrow, I will tell you about Mr. Scott’s political career which lead him to coming to Scottsboro, Alabama.

Purse Advertisers:

You see these address plaques on homes all over Jackson County but many people have no idea where you can buy them.   The Market has a great selection of styles, colors and sizes for you to choose from at their shop.  These make great gifts to for those who have moved into a new home or even for a Christmas gift.  The Marketis across the street from Piggly Wiggly and beside The Grapevine.

I have showed you the Pumpkin Decorations that I found at The Market but they are getting new goods in weekly.  I love the pumpkin chalk board and it could be enjoyed through the end of November (until you put up your Christmas decorations).  Don’t wait around and miss out on these cute fall and Halloween decorations for you home and yard.

The hot summer months will be winding down soon (hopefully), and this is the perfect time of the year to have your automobile check-up.  Rousseau’s Auto Service is the place that will take very good care of you (Did I say that would be my dad?).   Don’t wait until you are stuck on the side of a road or out of town to get those problems ‘fixed’, do it while you can drive it to the shop. 

Leaves will be falling soon and the yard work is far from being over for the year….  Catalog Returns Plus has anything and everything that you could possible use in the yard.  They could stock a garage or tool shed from top to bottom and you cannot beat the prices.  Men, if you have not been in the “Tools Area” at Catalog Returns Plus, you are missing out.

There is no better time than the fall to sit outside and have dinner.  So, if you have been looking for a new table and chairs for your patio or deck, I would suggest that you go to Catalog Returns Plus and look at all they have to offer in outdoor furniture.  Not only are these very nice pieces of furniture but there are many that you can purchase individually and not the entire set.

Open MRI of Scottsboro which is located at 305 Parks Avenue has been awarded another three-year term of accreditation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging as the result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

The ACR, headquartered in Reston, VA, awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of the practice.  Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field.  They assess the qualifications of the personnel and the adequacy of facility equipment.

The ACR is a national organization serving more than 32,000 diagnostic and intervention radiologists, radiation oncologists, and nuclear medicine and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

This is just another one of the MANY reasons that you should choose Open MRI of Scottsboro when the need for an MRI comes up.

Until tomorrow…. Don’t forget if you have not purchased your BBQ Plate tickets for $10.00, you need to call LuAnne Tubbs at (256)259-5505.  The proceeds from this event will go to Buddy Phillips and Sadye’s Fund.  Great food and great cause!!

Today, I wanted to share some more information from the book, Reflections, that was published in 2000.  Remember, this was up to date information then but 10 years later, you could say it is a little ‘history’. Ha!  You will see some old photos that I got from the book as well as some information on a business that we all have heard of…. Harbins. (The information written below is from the book so I cannot take credit for any of the research, just sharing what I enjoyed reading.)

HARBIN! Serving You Since 1939

Plans for serving you for the next 61  years.  Future Building on Highway 72 & Highway 35 in Scottsboro.

When Hoyt Harbin’s grandfather first went into the automobile business in 1939, the dealership showroom and shop was located in Scottsboro, on the courthouse square.  The showroom wasn’t very big, a new Ford or two on display would certainly command what little space there was.

Early photographs of Harbin Motor Company showed that Henry Ford’s early statement still rang true, “You can have any color you want, as long as it’s black”.  Out front, you could have your car filled with gasoline, air added to your tires, or top off the radiator with no water.

There was no such thing as self-service.  If you chose to get out of your car, it was to get a cold Coke our of the nearby machine.  The price was five cents for the Coke, and 16 cents a gallon for the gas.  Of course, air and water was added for free.

During the 50’s, Hoyt’s father, Buddy Harbin built a brand new facility for the dealership on East Willow Street, less than a mile from the original site located on the courthouse square.

Post-World War II brought expanded space for service and repairs, parts, showroom, customer lounge, areas for office and administrative staff, plus individual sales offices.

Outside, there was more than an acre of well-lighted and paved area for display of new Ford cars and trucks.  Lincoln-Mercury was also added to the options for Harbin customers.  There was room for used cars and trucks as well.

Today, Hoyt Harbin is making plans to follow in the innovative footsteps of his father and grandfather.  Land has been purchased and plans are being drawn for a brand new ultra-modern automobile facility for Harbin Ford Lincoln-Mercury to be built on the corner of US Highway 72 and Alabama  35.  The Harbin expansion is located adjacent to the new Super Walmart and Trotters Centre development.

“We’re really excited about the future,” says Hoyt Harbin III, “not only for this dealership but the opportunities for Scottsboro and Jackson County as well.”   

What makes Harbin Ford Lincoln-Mercury the number one dealership in Jackson County?  Without hesitation Hoyt Harbin says, “Our people, they make us what we are.”

As you all know, the Harbins now have Harbin Ford and Harbin Chevrolet.  Harbin Chevrolet is located on Highway 72 and Harbin Chevrolet is located on the corner of Laurel Street (right off the downtown square).

Circa 1955, the used car lot of Harbin Ford as it appeared in those days.  The facility was located at its present location on Willow Street in 1955.  The house in the background was later purchased by Harbin and the size of the dealership was expanded.

Hoyt Harbin Sr. and Hoyt “Buddy” Harbin, Jr.

Hoyt Harbin, III

Hoyt “Win” Harbin IV and Tanner Harbin

One of the first race cars in Scottsboro, at the old service station on West Willow Street in the early 1950’s.

Mac Allen, John H. Olinger and “Tot” Jones with a load of Volkswagons for their car lot on Willow Street, circa 1959.

Purse Advertisers:

These are some of the new “rubber” watches that Electric Tan has recently go in the shop.  They also have black and gold watches too.  These are so much fun to wear and remember, watches do not have to match what you are wearing….So, go bright and you will not only never loose your watch but you will get lots of compliments too.

I love these T-shirts that I found at The Grapevine.  All ages can wear these and they ’sayings’ are interesting too.  (makes you stop and think)  There are several different colors that the T-shirts come in too.

Picture frames come in all shapes, colors and sizes but these unique frames that I found at The Grapevine, are way too cute.  The colors are wonderful and any photo would look perfect in them.  Cannot go wrong with  a picture frame for a gift.

With the rain that we got last week, my girls realized that we needed to ‘trash’ a few of our umbrellas because they were broken.  So, when I saw these colorful umbrellas at Goody 2 Shoes, I thought I would share them with you.  (You may have discovered the same thing at your home with umbrellas that we did….)  Umbrellas are a ‘good’ that you really need to have but is sometimes very hard to bring yourself to purchase.  With that said, you may want to consider giving an umbrella the next time you are in need of a gift for someone.

These orange jackets at Goody 2 Shoes are not going to be hanging on this rack long….If you are an Auburn fan, you could get lots of good wear from this jacket at those football games.  This is one of those jackets that could be casual or dressy.  You will want to wear it all the time….

Tomorrow, I will be sharing with you about a family that you have heard the name of many times but I will tell you a little about this family who is responsible for founding Scottsboro, Alabama.

 I wanted to share with you some information that was sent to me regarding the old photos (from the Reflections book) that I posted last week.  I will give you the ‘info’ (under each photo) that was shared with me.  I received several emails from people and each of them gave almost the exact same information so I think you could say, what you read below is pretty accurate.

It is thought that the Macedonia School continued to operate until the late 50’s (maybe a little longer).  The Principal was Agee Strickland who later worked for the Board of Education (think Scottsboro).  In the 50’s, he lived in a house next door.

Mountain Street where George Washington School was located is around the North Houston Street.  In the 50’s, it was the last street that connected to North Houston Street.  The last principal of the School was a Mr. Weatherly.  Everyone is pretty sure that they school closed around 1959-1960.

This was the Scottsboro Elementary School and you could see this view of the school from where the Broad Street Church of Christ is located now.  The enrollment of students had out grown the building around 1950-1951.  The grade levels at ScottsboroElementary School was 1-6.    After the enrollment grew, there was a small building that had been a garage apartment on Broad Street and this along with the Old Recreation Hall (where present Rec Com on Parks Avenue) was converted into four classrooms.

Later, this building was renamed Central School and that could possibly have been the year that Caldwell Elementary School opened its doors.  Several people thought that the grades at  Central School were 7th and 8th.  Do some of you remember when you or your children would walk to the old “Page School” gym for P.E.? (I cannot imagine children walking to another school for P.E. Ha!)

The caption under this photo in the book had read that it  was taken in 1945.  BUT, many (everyone that responded to this photo) agreed that Caldwell School was not built until around 1954 (what is now Ashmore Lane) so there was no way that the ‘1954 statement’ was accurate.   All grades (1 through 6) were located at the Elementary School on Broad Street. 

This was Jackson County High School until 1957.  That was the year that it was transferred to the Scottsboro System and became Scottsboro High School.  The first class to graduate from Scottsboro High School was the Class of 1958.

Caldwell Barn was located where the First United Methodist Church stands today (on Broad Street).   Several people told me that they remember playing in it and have great memories of it.  The barn was torn down sometime in the 70’s.

Now, I wanted to tell you about a few events that are scheduled to take place and also remind you about a few events….

Wimberly House Wine Tasting

Friday, August 27, 2010

6:00 p.m.

$15.00 per person

Call for reservation

(256) 259-5416

Jackson County District Attorney’s Office wearing the “Pink”

The Scottsboro Fire Department is uniting with other firefighters across the nation to raise support and awareness for the cause. Trading in their traditional blue uniform for PINK during the month of October ~ Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Dr. Reece’s office showing their support…

Their goal is for the citizens to join them in “going pink” on October 15^th.   They are encouraging every business and organization to allow their employees/members to wear these pink shirts on Fridays throughout the month of September, and of course on October 15^th.   They have already sold over 1300 T-shirts….

The $10.00 t-shirts can be purchased at Fire Station One (off the square), or businesses may call 256-912-0537 to order shirts. All proceeds will go to either the Susan G. Komen Foundation or The Beauty and the Beast, a local non-profit organization to aid those living around us battling this disease.

Scottsboro Cumberland Presbyterian Church are selling BBQ Plate tickets and the proceeds will benefit  Buddy Phillips and Sadye’s Fund for Hope.  You may purchase a ticket prior to the event and then on Saturday, August 28th between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m., you may pick up your BBQ plates at Scottsboro Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  If you would like to purchase a ticket, you may call Cumberland Presbyterian Church at (256) 574-2575.

 Calvary Baptist Church is continuing the shoe drive through August 31.   Donated items should be for children and teens.  Due to customs regulations, shoes and socks need to be brand new.  For those who prefer to make a monetary donation; $25 will be a new pair o shoes and covered distribution costs.

If you have any questions, you are welcome to call Susan Hicks or Calvary Baptist Church at (256) 259-0385.  You can also visit the website for more information, www.shoesfororphansouls.com .

I also had some information sent to me about a new restaurant that will be opening in Skyline, Alabama tomorrow (Saturday).  Mark and Debbie Mason are the owners of Masons.  They will be having an “All You Can Eat” Breakfast Bar that morning for  $4.99.  That night, you will be able to enjoy an “All You Can Eat” BBQ Hot Bar which includes a salad bar.  There will be smoked chicken, BBQ Pork, Pork Tenderloin, Baby Back Ribs and Beef Brisket with many sides for only $9.99.

If you love Ice Cream, you will love the Cold Marble Slab Ice Cream Parlor which has MANY different toppings to choose from….This will be a day that you will want to skip lunch and either enjoy breakfast or dinner on Skyline Mountain.  As for location, you cannot miss it when you get to Skyline Mountain.

 If you are in the Fackler area, the Jackson County Clean-Up Truck will be at the Fackler Fire Department tomorrow (Saturday) from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m..  Remember, no waste, tires, paint, batteries, household trash will be accepted.

Cruise In at the Hardees

Saturday Night

on Broad Street beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Custom Cars, Hot Rods, etc. will be there.

For more information, you may call (256) 259-3225

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Last week, I told you about some of the MANY services that Cloverdale Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center offers to their residents.  I wanted to tell you about some additional ones that are very beneficial to so many in this area.  I don’t think there is anyone that would not agree that when you are considering a “home away from home”, that you want to make the transition as easy and comfortable as possible.  The following relate to so many of the families:

Alzheimer’s facilities equipped to reduce the risk of wandering.

No charge for television cable service.

No more than two residents in any room.

Admissions at your convenience, any day of the week (including Saturday and Sunday) any time of the day.

Mental Health Services

School may have started but there are still School Supplies (or accessories) that you can always purchase throughout the year.  One of those are these cute Binders that I found at Goody 2 Shoes.  You could even put it up for a Christmas gift and probably by then, there will need to be another binder bought from the other one being worn out. Ha!

Goody 2 Shoes has clothes and accessories for all ages and this top, vest and necklace (which is sold separately so if you do not like one of the pieces, you just do not buy it) are good examples of that.  This could be ‘dressed up’ or ‘dressed down’ and I am pretty sure you would get some very nice compliments when you were seen in this…..

There are many things that I like about Big C Drugs but one that my girls LOVE is that they can choose what ‘flavor’ that there medication is….Of course, MM still has to have liquid and may until she is married (I was the same way so I cannot give her a hard time. Ha!).  When you have medications that are bitter and taste like poison, it is almost impossible to take without spitting it out or getting sick.  You do not have to worry with that at Big C Drugs because their Pharmacists know how to make ‘bad things’ become ‘good and tasty things’.

Don’t forget that Big C Drugs also offers a delivery servicefor those people who cannot get out much or for those parents who cannot leave a sick child at home to get what they need at the pharmacy.  You just really cannot go wrong with Big C Drugs with the amazing Pharmacists, Staff, services they offer and I cannot forget all the good toys and merchandise that they have for ALL ages.

Many of you may not be banking with FNB Bank at the present time but are interested in ’switching’ your account over to FNB.  This process has been made so simple and you do not even have to go from bank to bank to make it happen.  

FNB has created a program called Switch Kit.  All you have to do is click here for more information and you can even get printable version or you can always stop by any of their offices to pick one up.

If you have not had the opportunity to look at FNB’s new “website look”, you need to take a few minutes to see all that you can learn on this site.  You will want to put it in your favorites.  Click here.

The Toad Stool are getting the cutest FALL and WINTER clothes in for the kids these days.  They have something new in the store each week.  It may not be time to wear those clothes right now but it will only be a matter of time before there will be cooler weather and you are going to want something that is warm to take out of the closet for the kids to wear.

My Lily got one of these Towel Wraps for for a gift a while back and she loves it.  They are great to wrap up in after you get out of the shower.  The Toad Stool has them in several fabrics and they are way too cute.  If you have granddaughters, this would make a wonderful and useful gift for them.  You could even have it monogrammed if you wanted to make it more personal.

I know that many of you are looking at photo this and wishing that you could feel this confident with wearing shorts, flip flops and “putting” your legs out there with not having to worry about what your legs look like.  Well, if you are one that has  spider veins, large blue leg veins or even facial veins, New Image Laser Solutions, is the place for you to call.  They can take care of all of those problems and you will be so happy that you made that call. 

There is still lots of days that shorts will be a part of your wardrobe so do not think it is too late in the summer to get those veins taken care of.  You need to call (256) 575-0918 and make an appointment for your FREE consultation today.  New Image Laser Solutions is located on Broad Street across from the Scottsboro Police Station.

With Electionstaking place in Scottsboro on Tuesday, make sure to take some time to review all the candidates who are seeking office.  The Clarion had a very informative ‘Question/Answer’ section in this weeks paper that you should read.  Also, Channel 10 on Scottsboro Cable have had a couple of programs regarding the candidates that you could take in.

Until Tuesday, have a great weekend!

Today, you will find out what happened on Louise’s return trip to Iran- beginning with boarding the plane.  If you have not had read Part 1 of this story, please scroll down to the post titled, “Returning to Iran, Part 1″ and read that before beginning this post.

The final announcement came and we started toward the ramp and I begin to see only dark skin, black eyes and black hair people boarding.  No one had blond hair and blue eyes.  Believe it or not, that frighten me.  It has been fifteen years since I left Iran and I certainly had forgotten how foreign I did look.  And then it happened, the sign to me that we should not go.   The Iranian Minister of Oil was escorted to the plane with lots of black suit bodyguards and I froze.  We should have already been on the plane because the oil man was going first class.  Finally, the lady working the flight asked Hooshang what was wrong with me.  He told her that we were going back to Iran after all these years and I was frighten.  This lady was an angel and she understood my fears of returning to Tehran.   She was very patient but told me, nevertheless, I had to get on the plane if I was going.  They were waiting for me to close the doors.  Hooshang was already at the plane door, waiting for me.   I was still safely five steps from the door of the plane on German soil.   The lady came over to me with a kind smile and told me that she was going to put us in first class for the final leg of our trip.   She assured me that there were not many people in first class and maybe I would have time to calm down during the 6 hour trip.  I do not remember if the first class offer had any influence on my decision but I do remember Hooshang saying that he was going to Tehran.  Then he held out his hand to me and like so many years ago, I took his hand on faith.  I still do not know what made me cross over to the plane side but it was if I had a little push.  I knew all too well that the final stop of this flight would be on Iranian soil.  This was the point of no return.   We went to our seats in first class.  I felt as if everyone on board knew that I was the problem.  First class looked great to me but there was one problem.  Guess who we were sharing it with?   The oil man and several other mullahs.  God help me.  For once in my life, if the grape juice at my seat had been wine, I would have happily consumed it all.
 
This plane trip was certainly different from any trip I had ever been on.  First, Lufthansa could not show any movies that may have any language, women not covered from head to toe or any influence from the west.  That left us with a documentary on animals in Africa.  There was no liquor served on board.   Classic music was on the earpieces.  No pork was to be served as well.   I was not calm and thought that I would probably never see my kids again.  The plane made the familiar route toward Tehran, a route that I had traveled many times.  As we were turning into Turkey, the sky was black and stars were shining.  I fixated on a blinking star and a calmness came over my body.  All of a sudden, I realized that I had to have a little faith and this trip was not about me.   It was about my husband and hopefully, how he could learn to deal with this tragedy.  That was why I was on the plane.  Then I refocused and decided to try not to let fear take over this very important trip for my family and our family in Tehran.  I was trying hard.
 
The stewardess announced that we were in the Islamic Republic of Iran (the name change of the country sounded hard and strange) airspace.  My mind went back fifteen years at the happiness we felt on another plane, when the announcement came that we were out of Iranian airspace.  Just two women stewardess were on this plane, the others were men.  She announced that by order of the Islamic Republic of Iran that all women were required to wash their faces with wet towels that were being passed around.   All makeup had to be removed.   Also, women had to cover their hair completely.   I put a black headband around my hair and then put on the black scarf and black socks.  All coats had to come below the knees and were to be loose fitting.  No fingertip polish.  I was a stark sight with my face getting paler by the moment.  Women were instructed not to make direct eye contact with any security men in the airport.  As we glided over the Alborz Mountains that surround Tehran, the city looked beautiful.  Flat buildings with beautiful lights beamed brightly.  This was the Tehran that I had known.  It looked the same.  From the sky, I could nothing in the city that was fearful.  Little did I know.  Jolted back to reality, the stewardess concluded by saying that women who had not conformed to the rules of the Islamic Republic of Iran, could not deplane.  It would cause Lufthansa trouble with the Iranian government.   She came to my seat and asked me why I was coming to Iran.  I answered bravely that I had come to see my family.  She mentioned that my family must be very special for me to be in Tehran.  Fearful my voice would be shaking, I did not tell her that they were special, my husband was special, but most important, all the ones who had been killed were very special.  In fact, the good people of Iran were special that had been caught in the middle of this nightmare that had brought their country down.  As those thoughts flooded my mind, she was saying that the women that worked the flights to Tehran always spent the night on the plane.  She wished me luck.   Of course, the disadvantage of first class was that we got off first.  I took my time and made sure that we were the last of the first.  
 
When I stepped on the tarmac in Tehran, I knew I could not show my fear.  I would keep my face covered.  I would not stand out in the crowd as to cause any attention that may bring any more hardship to our family.  I then noticed Hooshang had put on a tie.  I told him quickly that his tie showed support of the west and while it was not against the law, no other man had a tie on.   Take if off.  He told me that this was the only way that he had to quietly rebel against the system.   I do not know how long he had planned this but he would wear his tie.  And I had one more thing to worry about.
 
After deplaning on the runway as all foreign air-crafts had to do, Iran Air was the only airline with the ramps,  there was no time to take in the moment of returning before the bus arrived to take us to the terminal.  But I felt the tears and emotion of just being back.  The plane was guarded by armed guards and everyone was looked at closely going into the airport. 
 
There were three critical security check points inside the airport.   The first one was international security.  It was well known if you were called to the side here that probably you would not be heard from again.  It was as if you were taken away at this first station, not even God could intervene.   I held my breath as Hooshang stood calmly looking directly at the man.  After looking at his computer for a long time, he motioned us to go to the next station.  This one was to check all documents and ask questions about why you were out of the country.  We survived it.   We were not asked any questions but the stares and the quietness of the man behind the glass was enough to make anyone feel and look guilty of something.  The last thing you wanted was these men to talk to you.  The third one.  This station was domestic security.  We knew that they knew about his brother and other extended family.  I was worried.  He checked the computer and motioned us to go but then he asked Hooshang, ‘who is that woman’?  My God, he was pointing to me like I was a dog that wandered in.  I was so frighten and did not look in his direction.  The man knew who I was because he had my documents and life before him.  He did not know or care, but I could understand every word he said.  It was a slam.  Mo turned and said this woman is my wife of 30 years and the mother of my children.  I almost fainted because I did not want Hooshang to get upset and he was.  As I looked in Hooshang’s eyes, I could see that their eyes had locked.  There was nothing I could do.  I could not touch him or take his hand.  I prayed.   After moments I am sure, Hooshang in defiance, took my hand and we walked away.  The man had insulted me and Hooshang decided to call his hand.   Bear in mind, that I did not make that decision and thought my husband was insane.  If that man had called us back, I would have probably died at the third station in the Tehran airport.
 
At this point, neither of us knew that his brother could see us from a glass box upstairs. He with a friend, who was a General in the airport and there was a possibility that he may have been able to do something, if necessary, at this last check point.  His brother could also see the seriousness of the moment.  I got a brief glimpse of the stress Iranian people were living under.  Later, I thought about the stress his brother must have felt that night and he had just recently survived a life threatening aneurysm.
 
We were in the airport and had to go through customs.  This was the only kindness I had seen in the airport that night.  The man asked Hooshang why he was coming home.  He told him about his family and the airplane crash which he had not wanted to use, but now was the time.  Luckily, the man had some compassion and got up and took us personally through customs with no checking.   He said all the people on the plane that crashed were martyrs because they were on a pilgrimage to Mashhad.  Thank you, agha-jan, for showing this man the way.  And I would like to point out here that this is the kind of people I remembered in Iran.  The others I had encountered, I had never seen before.  Power and fanatics of any cause can change people but I did not recognize these people as Iranians that I had lived and worked with.
 
What a bitter/sweet reunion!  There was a bus load of the family to welcome us home.  It is Iranian tradition to meet family at the airport and bring flowers.  And tonight was even more special because agha-jan’s oldest son was returning home.  We rejoiced and cried.  I did not know how emotional this trip would be for Hooshang until we were outside of the airport.  He went to his knees and the crying was uncontrollable.  I think he realized he was finally home and just how many of his family was not there.

Louise’s email is lmoghani@hotmail.com 

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Even if I am not an Alabama fan, these are too cute to not share with you.  The Grapevine have these canvas that are covered in hounds-tooth fabric with initial embroidered on them.  They would look great hanging or even on an easel.  These would make nice and unique gifts to those “Roll Tide” friends.

What better time to either buy a new door mat or purchase one for that door that you have nothing in front of?  The Grapevine has Auburn and Alabama Door Mats.  These would be nice Christmas gifts too (but don’t wait around to buy one because they will be gone).

Perfect for Fall Decorations for the outside and inside of your home.  The Market has some of the cutest pumpkins, scarecrows, etc. for fall…  One of my favorite is this “Pumpkins” sign.  Need to go check all of the goods out.

There are so many uses for the cute Alabama and Auburn buckets that The Market has right now.  You can never have too many galvanized containers.  You could use these for years and they would never go out of  “style”.  Perfect for food, beverages or even could be used to put a flower arrangement.

Until tomorrow…. (I will be sharing some old photo ‘updates’ with you too along with some other news.)