That's what I like about the South
Have you ever read a book that you just wanted to "swallow" so it could be with you always? "Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden," by Emily Whaley and William Baldwin is like that. (By the way, some Whaleys lived in a cute stone house just east and north of Marion at one time.)
In the book, flowers, plants, and trees are much described but it is Mrs. Whaley's personal life and her own personality that shines through.
Mrs. Whaley could be Katherine Hepburn, Barbara Bush, and Martha Stewart all wrapped up into one. I think I must have some southern blood in my veins. I just love reading of the South, especially the people, their lives, and their romances. "Don't leave me, Rhett," as Scarlet might say.
The flowering trees around town are so gorgeous. My small back yard is decked out in grape hyacinths, jonquils, tulips, and some pretty lavender wildflowers. I need to have a garden tea party.
Last night I had a telephone call from Winnie Hartke from Branson, Mo. She wanted to tell me she couldn't come to my 100th.
Winnie and Merv dropped in on Marion several years ago, bought buildings downtown, moved their million-dollar music collection in, and invited us in. They also bought one of the larger places at the lake and redid it.
What a whirlwind! Winnie didn't know a stranger and Merv was there to back her up. Then just like the famous butterflies, they flapped their wings and flew away. I miss them.
— NORMA HANNAFORD
