Bumps, Ditches and Leftovers

Some days you wonder why you even bother to get out of bed.  That is, unless you happen to FALL out of bed....literally.
That is precisely what happened to me recently while I was visiting Mom in Shelby.

I always love to visit Shelby and sleep in the twin bed that has been my bed since I graduated from a crib to a "big girl bed."  Even though I share a king size bed with my husband, I find that little bed to be very comfortable and comforting.  I feel like a little girl again when I am in that bed.  I always sleep well in Shelby.  I guess it's dark and quiet and I don't usually have a big agenda.  I tell Mom I come to Shelby to get caught up on my sleep!

Well, I guess I was slumbering quite hard.  What woke me up was the thud my body made as it hit the ground and my head hit the metal wastebasket!  Imagine how startling it was to be awakened by falling out of bed!  I seriously haven't done that in 50 years.  I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

In spite of my rude awakening, I truly had a lovely day.  Porter and I had a movie date to see "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close."  It was a fantastic movie, and I love spending time with my nephew. 
Later that day, I went to visit my friend Kathy.  I love to go to her house as it is relaxing and comfortable.  She makes me feel welcomed and 'at home.'  She is a wonderful cook, and my diet never stands a chance at her house!  She invited me (or I might have invited myself) to have dinner with her and her husband.  We had lasagna, bread, salad and a pound cake warm from the oven.  All I can say about that is YUM!

We sat and chatted after dinner for a long time.  We filled each other in on our children, our spouses, jobs, parents, holidays, travels, hobbies, pets and all sorts of things.  We always end up talking about food, cooking and recipes.  That is the best part!
Realizing that I had probably over-stayed my welcome, I decided I'd better leave and go back to Mom's house to try to get a good night's sleep....without falling out of the bed!

I said my goodbyes and thank yous, and proceeded to get into my rental car.  I don't know why, but I have always hated navigating my way back down Kathy's driveway.  I had even considered parking on the road when I arrived and had it not been raining, I probably would have.  As I was leaving, it was quite dark.....I always notice how much darker it gets in Shelby than in Clearwater....seriously.  On top of it all, it was still drizzly and foggy.  I decided to back out VERY slowly and use my side view mirror to navigate.  I knew I couldn't see out any other way.  Upon nearing the bottom of the driveway, I noticed the mailbox looked much too close in the mirror, so I decided to pull forward and straighten up to avoid the mailbox.  Well, imagine my surprise when I smelled burning rubber!  I got out of the car (almost falling) and realized the back tire was hanging over a ditch and the front of the car was in the grass (now mud) and I was stuck!  Had it not been for the flower box built around the mailbox that the edge of the back tire was resting upon, my car would have really been IN the ditch. 
Oh law. 

Embarrassingly, I had to knock on Kathy's door.  Thankfully she was still in the kitchen just turning everything off.  She had to go wake her husband up and have him come out to rescue the damsel in distress. He had a tow rope and hooked my rental car to his truck and towed me out....and this not until the rope snapped and we had to do it a second time!  Fortunately Luke is a good sport and just laughed it off.  However, I'm not sure how excited he'll be to see me again! 

Again, I couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry when Kathy hugged me standing in the middle of the road at 11:15 p.m. on a cold rainy night in Shelby and said, "well, you started your day falling out of bed and ended it getting stuck in a ditch!"
It is amazing what wonderful memories I will have of the time I spent between those two incidences....quality time with my sweet nephew and an evening of conversation with an old friend.  Memories are made of this.

All of this is leading up to something in Mom's house.  This something isn't one of her beautiful antiques or unique pieces of art.  It's contained in Tupperware, foil, and Ziploc bags.  This something is leftovers.  Anyone knowing my mom knows how much leftovers are appreciated and are such an integral part of her home!

Mom swears that eating is one of her favorite past-times, but you'd never know it.  One, she's very thin and doesn't show signs of someone who loves cake, pie and candy.  And two, her kitchen has no food in it!  That's where the leftovers come in.

Everyone knows Mom doesn't enjoy grocery shopping or cooking any more.  I guess at her age she figures she's already done her share.  So, when people in Shelby cook, they happily package up some of the leftovers and take them over to Mom's house.  Safely getting out of the ditch at Kathy's house, I was able to get some leftover lasagna and pound cake as well as some chicken vegetable soup safely over to Mom's house.  Kathy, knowing my mom's love of leftovers (in particular homemade pound cake), loaded her up with some amazing food! 
If anyone in the family goes out to eat and can't finish their meal, we have them put it in one of those trusty Styrofoam containers and we take it to Mom's.  Sometimes we even decorate the tops of them.
It is sort of a standing joke we all use based off of that old commercial, "Give it to Mikey.  Mikey will eat it.  He'll eat anything!"  Substitute "Granny" for Mikey, and you've got it!

I am sure Mom would rather receive packages in Saran Wrap, Styrofoam carry-out boxes, Tupperware and Ziploc bags than those wrapped in shiny paper with fancy bows, in blue boxes from Tiffany's, or red boxes from Macy's.  She always tells us not to get her gifts......unless they are edible!

When we all worry about Mom and ask her what she is planning to eat that day, she always says she can find something in her house.......I guess that's because everyone is kind enough to keep her stocked with leftovers. 
And as Mom would surely say, "I never met a leftover I didn't like!"

Yummy Leftovers!



Soup for the freezer

Nothing better than homemade pound cake!

Leftover Lasagna



Decorated (by Madeline) take-out box





Granny's Car

Mom is and always has been a good sport.

When I was expecting her first grandchild, she and Daddy spent a lot of time thinking about and talking about what they wanted to be called by their grandchildren. I can assure you that "Granny" was not amongst the choices.  She was coming up with clever ideas like GrandBea, Gramby, or simply just Grandma.

At some point along the way, Madeline said something in conversation about "Granny."  Porter heard this and thought it was the funniest thing in the world! Porter was (and still is) easily amused. That is one of the things we love best about him. It works well for my family, as we are very much into teasing and joking, so when we have Porter around, it intensifies our affinity for such kidding around.

The car Mom drives seems to be the brunt of many jokes. I think I am the only person who willingly drives her car....maybe because it is often my only means of transportation when I am in Shelby! It is really a nice car, but we have all carried on about it so much through the years that it now bears this stigma....known simply as "Granny's Car." Just the mere mention of it can send Porter into fits of hysteria sometimes, and it always brings up a story or a memory.

One of my most recent memories of Granny's car was just a few months ago when I was visiting Shelby.  Porter and I drove Granny's car for one of our movie dates ("The Dolphin's Tale," I think).  Porter had his drivers' permit (thank goodness!) at that time, but I was the lucky driver of the car that day.
When the movie was over and we got in the car, I literally couldn't reach the gas pedal.  Mom's car has an automatic seat adjustment that moves up to a particular setting when you put the key in the ignition.  It is a great feature that allows you to easily get into the car, and then move up closer to the pedals.
Well, this particular day, the "automatic" part of this feature didn't seem to be working.  I had been having problems with it before, but had learned how to manually jiggle and wiggle to get the seat to move. 
After many attempts, I simply couldn't get the seat to budge.  There was no way I could drive home.  As I said, I literally couldn't reach the gas or brake pedals.
This is when I became very thankful that Porter is 6 feet tall and that he had his driving permit.  Otherwise, I would have been forced to call someone to come get us.  That would have been embarrassing!
As much as Porter hates driving Granny's car, he stepped up to the plate....or pedal, I should say.....and drove us safely home, since his long legs had no problem reaching the gas and the brake.
Along those same lines, many times I have had Porter turn Granny's car around in his driveway for me, so that I can get out.  It's hard to maneuver the driveway anyway, and in this monstrous car, it is nearly impossible!

Mom is very generous and offers to let people drive her car frequently.  No one seems to ever take her up on it!  I remember going to Atlanta a few years ago with Martha and Mom for the weekend.  Of course, Mom offered her car for Martha to drive.  Her car is bigger and doesn't have many miles on it (and I can see why!), so it seemed the logical choice.  I honestly believe Martha might have chosen not to go if it meant driving that car!  She hated it more than any of us.

Granny's car is the only car available to drive when any of us visit unless we rent a car at the airport.  When I do decide to rent a car, Bob teases me that it's because I don't want to drive Granny's Car!
Last summer Madeline flew from Philadelphia to visit Grandma for a week.  They had a  ball going to the movies, out to lunch, and simply just hanging out.  But, whenever Madeline wanted to go pick up Porter or go anywhere, she had to take Granny's car, as it was what was available.  Even though I wasn't there, I have heard this story more than once.  Apparently Madeline was driving the car and she and Porter went to pick up Porter's friend, Morgan.  I guess Madeline probably did look out of place driving that car, and backing out and turning around in Morgan's driveway seemed to amuse his mom tremendously.  Porter tells Madeline that Morgan's mom laughs about it whenever Porter mentions his cousin Madeline!

One time a few years ago when I was in Shelby, Sally asked me to drive up to Lake Lure for the day.  She was up there with her boys for a few days.  I decided to take her up on it as going to Lake Lure is always a treat.  It is such a beautiful place.  I borrowed Granny's car and drove to the lake.  After a lovely afternoon with Sally and her boys, a lunch of pimento cheese sandwiches, fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, fresh peaches and other wonderful delicacies that I love to enjoy when I visit NC, it was time to drive back to Shelby to spend some time with Mom.  I said my goodbyes and went to get in the car.  I tried to back out, turn around, whatever I had to do to get away from there.  I tried and tried to no avail.  In fact, I tried so hard that the car literally got stuck between two trees!  I think Sally's son, David, was about 14 or 15years old and I had to go get him to get the car out from between the trees.  Otherwise, I would have been stranded.

Granny's car has survived many speedy trips down Tickle Bee Hill.  It amazes me what a thrill that can be for a senior citizen such as myself.   After 50+ years of the speeding, bump, dip, stomach-in-your-throat thrill, the excitement is even more intense now.  There is something about being the driver with captive passengers that adds to the magic of the moment.  No wonder Daddy was always willing to take us for a ride down Tickle Bee Hill whenever we asked!  However, I don't think any car could be better or more thrilling than Granny's Car for such an adventure.  It is such a long car that it feels like the front flies up and stays suspended in air awaiting the back of the car to catch up! 
Just writing about this makes me anxious to do it again.  Maybe this time I'll get Porter to drive.

Granny's car has served us all well.  It has made many trips not only down Tickle Bee Hill, but also to Pizza Inn, Riverbend, Carolina Dairy for orangeades and lemonades, Boiling Springs, Sally's house, the airport, the Cleveland Mall, Sandy's Country Christmas, the movie theater, Wal-Mart, Charlotte, Shelby Cafe, Pleasant City Grill, the Yelton's house, Shelby City Park, Alston Bridges BBQ, Southpark, Central United Methodist Church, many friends and cousins' homes, and even to Johnson City, TN to see Joseph.  It must have been set on auto-pilot from Mom's house to the Sterling House.  Visiting her sister at 3:05 every single day was of utmost importance to Mom. 

The car has hauled luggage, Homer's plants, groceries, take-out food, donations for Goodwill and Salvation Army, a walker and a wheelchair, food for others, party supplies, shopping spree bags, gifts and hand-me-downs. It has taken family members to gatherings at holiday time, weddings, funerals, and drives around town to see the sights, look at houses and lovely lawns, and talk about old times and remembrances. 

Granny's car might be the brunt of many jokes, but the reality is:  the joke's on us.  The conversations that have taken place in that car, the laughs, the tears, the togetherness and the fun times will live on long after the car no longer runs.  And truly, memories are made of this.

Granny's Car in her carport

Footprints on Our Hearts

Mom has a wall between her kitchen and her breakfast room that serves as a tribute to my Dad.  I'm not sure if that was her intention, but whether subconsciously or consciously, that is what it seems to be.  The 5 items on that wall are very different, yet they all leave you with the same message:  Joe Porter was a wonderful, decent man who quietly left his mark on the world.

Since I was young, I have loved to make things.  When we were in Junior High School, my friends and I would make collages.  Some of these were known as "doodles."  We would take a piece of paper and write words, phrases, boyfriend's names, draw little pictures of flowers, peace signs, and add some squiggles and designs.  These were my favorite kind of collages because you could create them any time or any where.  The other kind of collages we made were with things we cut out of magazines or newspapers.  It was generally the same type things, but it was a bit more work since you had to gather magazines and get scissors and glue.   We would flip through the magazines and cut out items of interest for our collages.  Then we would glue them all over a piece of paper in a decorative and creative way.

The first item on the tribute wall is a collage...the cut out kind....that I made for my Dad.  I can't remember if I made it for Father's Day, his birthday, or retirement.  I do remember, however, that I was quite a bit older than Junior High age, so it took me back to a time of sitting in my bedroom making these collages.  Some of the things on this collage for my Dad say 'great family,' 'parents,' 'you deserve the best,' 'WOW,' 'Relax!,' and my favorite 'You're the King.'  Whatever the occasion, I think it is a fitting tribute to a great Dad.

The next item on this wall is a framed document that says:  "In Memory and Dedication, Joe Porter, His insight and vision contributed to our industry's progress.  Most important, his warmth and understanding encouraged all who knew him."  This is from The Board of Directors and Members of The Outdoor Power Equipment Distributors Association.  It is dated 1990.

Dad was very passionate about his work.  He and his brothers had a successful business and the above document pretty much says why and how their business DID succeed.  The Porter Brothers were very insightful as they foresaw a need for a business such as theirs in the area.  They took on products like the Weed Eater when it was in its infancy.  But as much as the insight, vision and passion for the business, I think the warmth, understanding and encouragement is what really made the business thrive.

Another item on this wall is not necessarily a tribute to my Dad as much as a tribute to my mom's brother, Donald....and really all honorable men.  It is a framed version of An Old English Prayer.  Although the initials are Donald's and the date, Sept. 30, 1972 is for Donald, it is penned in my Aunt Jessie's hand.  Her handwriting is beautiful, fluid and neat....just like she was!  I never realized how very important this prayer must have been to Mom for her to have it hanging in two places in the same room.  She has a decoupaged version of it next to a painting of a thankful, praying man in the breakfast room as well as this one that she found fitting to hang amongst my Dad's tributes.  All of the advice in this prayer is certainly advice worth following, in particular "Give us, Lord, a chance to be Our goodly best, brave, wise and free, Our goodly best for ourselves and others, Till all men learn to live as brothers."

I know that peace and harmony were of utmost importance to my uncle Donald and they were the aspects that my Dad found to be the foundation for his home, his business, and the world.

Another plaque on this wall is very official looking as it sports engraved brass plates and a real wooden gavel.  This plaque is from OPEDA to Joseph M. Porter "with greatest appreciation for outstanding and dedicated service to OPEDA as President," dated 1981.  Again, this is just an example of Daddy's willingness to serve and give of his time and talents when and where needed.

And the final piece on this wall is a framed, typed page from a Board Meeting.  It was presented to my Mom in August, 1988, just months after my father's death.  It was one, among many, things that were brought to her attention as a tribute or expression of appreciation for the things Daddy participated in.  This reads:  "The Members of the Shelby Branch of the Board of Advisors do hereby make the following resolution on behalf of Joseph M. Porter as a long time member of the Board of Directors for Union Trust Company, Board Member of Independence National Bank, and member of the Shelby Board of Advisors of BB&T.

Be it resolved that we do acknowledge his consummate involvement with and concern for this institution in all phases of its growth and development.

We appreciate his deep concern and constant effort on behalf of his associates, Board members, and employees to exemplify the highest and best efforts to accomplish the most good for themselves, the institution, and the community.

We resolve that his integrity and faithfulness to his office, his determination to be responsible, and his desire to excel in the ordinary duties be acknowledge with deep gratitude.

His dedication, loyalty and enthusiastic participation will be fondly remembered by the members of the board and employees of BB&T.

Therefore, we the Members of this Board, do unanimously submit this resolution to be a part of the permanent minutes of the Board of Advisors ~~ August 23, 1988".  

It is signed by the Chairman of the Board and the Vice President.

These types of honors often sound redundant and insincere, but the words used in this resolution are truly words to describe my Dad.  Words like loyalty, dedication and integrity.....these are more than mere words, and I am sure anyone who associated with Joe Porter in any capacity could attest to this.  I know it, not only from personal experience, but because these tributes that hang on the wall are a mere sampling of the multitude of others.  

I also know it from the massive amounts of cards, letters, phone calls, visits and personal testimonies received from business associates to young college students. To this day, I still hear stories of my Dad's goodwill, honesty and generosity.  Although Mom and I knew he was a wonderful man, it still amazes us to hear of things that neither of us ever knew about him.

As it has often been said of him....He was a quiet man.

Joe Porter might have been a quiet man who tread lightly, but he managed to leave footprints on the hearts of many. 

Wall of Recognition