Addie Carver, a native of Monticello, Mississippi, was crowned Miss Teen USA in August, 2024. Carver is the first representative from Mississippi to win the crown since 1987. See story on pages 24–25. Photo credit Carlos Velez
Church Hill, MS
Natchez, MS Katie
Our Holiday Issue offers a double treat for your holiday fare— delicious, spicy, Moroccan recipes to celebrate Friendsgiving with work, neighborhood, and close friends as well as a Blending Traditions article with distinctive cultural recipes for Christmas and other seasonal gatherings. During November and December, preparing and cooking unique recipes, those from treasured times past and from treasured friends and relatives, along with those we try for the first time, enhance the enjoyment of the season. We hope Linda Smith’s Friendsgiving recipes and Cecilia Evans's recipes entice you to try something new and perhaps embrace a new tradition for your own household.
In our 25th Anniversary articles, Ross McGehee recounts a delightful and humorous story of “Pet Names for Hunting Spots”; and in one of her early stories “A Uniquely Scented Christmas Tree,” Alma Womack reminisces about an unexpected “fragrance” of the holiday season.
In the Garden explores the magic of creating fairy gardens. If you love to garden and want to bring a bit of enchantment to
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Bluffs & Bayous is published monthly to promote the greater Southern area of Louisiana and Mississippi in an informative and positive manner. We welcome contributions of articles and photos; however, they will be subject to editing and availability of space and subject matter. Photographs, comments, questions, subscription requests and ad placement inquiries are invited! Return envelopes and postage must accompany all materials submitted if a return is requested. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Bluffs & Bayous are those of the authors or columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. Bluffs & Bayous strives to ensure the accuracy of our magazine’s contents. However, should inaccuracies or omissions occur, we do not assume responsibility.
your garden spaces, you’ll enjoy our article by Dr. Eddie Smith. Also on a light note, the Along and Beyond section salutes Monticello, Mississippi’s Addie Carver as Miss Mississippi Teen and Miss Teen USA. She is enjoying her exciting reign and shared a bit of time with us so we could celebrate her achievements and show her off to our audience of appreciative readers near and far.
Our Legal Notes from Sam Gwin shares an important reminder that you should make a will and get your business and personal matters in order regardless of your age. A number of Social Scenes events take you to Brookhaven, Church Hill, McComb, and Natchez for fundraisers, educational gatherings, and birthday celebrations. To tempt you with destinations for your leisure time, Up & Coming details a kaleidoscope of seasonal events for you to excitedly revisit or to experience anew as you embrace life along and beyond the Mississippi. Happy Veterans Day, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanza, and blessings to all from the gang at Bluffs and Bayous magazine.
There’s no better time of year to break from old traditions (we’re thinking of you, green bean casserole) and experience the joy of dining out at one of Mississippi’s extraordinary restaurants. Our state has an abundance of locally owned restaurants with festive flavors that will make your holidays just a little more merry and bright. Learn more at VisitMississippi.org/Holidays.
The Brookhaven Animal Rescue League’s Canines, Cats & Corks Wine and Spirit Tasting was held at the Brookhaven Building, September 26, 2024, in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Co-chairing the event were Becky Doty and Gail Garbo.
Amy Mason and Valarie Oglesby Prentiss
Amye Howell, Rebecca Poole Burns, and John Burns
Anna Giust and Rockie Netherland and Noel and Austin Sinclai
Becky Doty and Dr. Don Doty
Dolores and Bo Jordan
Carl Craig and Caleb Wallace
Gail Garbo and Dr. Joe Garbo
Lori Ann Farmer and Cathy Wallace Ditcharo
McKenzie Brady, Jake Moody, and Dan Brady
Sabrina Garon, Barbi Cox, Shirley Allen, and Robbie Sartin
Talita and Michael Ruble
Ryan and Lori Costilow
Terry Pendley, Kevin Laird, and Robin Laird
Chris and Leanne Brady
Deanna and Tommy Howington
Ashly Gaines
Anthony and Kim Mullen
Mark and Anna Giust
Bryan Cavin and Therese Apel
If you come across an enchanting, miniature landscape that captures your imagination as a world fit for fairies, then you have found a fairy garden. These tiny gardens are meticulously designed in containers, garden beds, and unique spaces like old tree stumps and broken pots.
I recently visited Ross Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and found some whimsical and magical fairy gardens on their property. These feature small plants, moss, pebbles, and miniature accessories such as fairy houses, tiny furniture, and delicate bridges.
Fairy gardens bring a touch of fantasy to an outdoor or indoor space and offer a delightful hobby for gardeners of all ages, encouraging creativity and a connection with nature. Whether used as a playful project for children or a serene retreat for adults, fairy gardens provide a magical escape and a unique way to express artistic flair.
At the entrance to the Ross Mansion gardens, an old log planter with Creeping Jenny plants, Gerbera daisies, a begonia, and a few other plants sets the stage. An old bed headboard is the backdrop for the space, and various colored fairy houses are placed around it.
ARTICLE
| Dr. Eddie Smith
PHOTOS | Courtesy of MSU Extension Service
This whimsical article inspires with intriguing ideas to ponder now for crafting a bit of flair and fantasy for your gardens come next spring.
The area underneath the large oak trees has been transformed into magical fairy villages. The garden designers used moss throughout these areas along with other shade-tolerant plants such as hostas and ferns. Pea gravel and rocks represent roads and paths in the villages that wind their way through miniature bridges and tiny gazebos.
One of the highlights of these gardens is the collection of old birdbaths that have been transformed into fairy wonderlands. Each birdbath has a unique theme.
One features Winnie the Pooh and friends surrounded by delicate moss and a charming fairy house. Another depicts an underwater setting with Ariel and other characters from The Little Mermaid movie. Moss, succulents, and many other small plants are used in the birdbath areas to help create the wonderland setting. Each adds texture, character, and charm.
I love how antique, recycled objects have been incorporated into the Ross Mansion gardens to provide the perfect area for a village setting. An old wagon is filled with tiny homes, each with a little garden of miniature flowers and shrubs. An old wheelbarrow is used as a garden village and features a small pond made from a repurposed dish, complete with tiny lily pads and a bridge.
In addition to these charming features, the fairy gardens also include hidden surprises like tiny doors nestled at the base of trees, small benches made from twigs, and fairy swings hanging from low branches.
If you are ever in Hattiesburg, you should stop by Ross Mansion Bed and Breakfast to see their fairy gardens. They truly offer a unique glimpse into a miniature world of wonder.
1
BIRDBATH | Recycled objects such as this birdbath can be filled with moss, succulents, and other small plants to create a fairy wonderland.
Dr. Eddie Smith is a gardening specialist and Pearl River County Agent with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. He is also host of the popular Southern Gardening television program. Locate Southern Gardening products online at www.extension.msstate.edu/shows/southern-gardening.
STUMP | Tiny fairy gardens can be meticulously designed in a variety of settings such as this old tree stump.
Magnolia Blues BBQ Company, located in historic downtown Brookhaven, Mississippi, had a restaurant full of pet-loving people during its annual Barks & Brews event. Good food and cold drinks go best with a side of music; and Blake Scafidel, everyone’s favorite music man, donated his time, talent, and tunes for the evening. This year’s official Barks & Brews T-shirt was a barktastic hit with all the patrons. Carl and Anne Houston Craig, along with their Maggie Blues staff, did a great job generating funds for their furry friends at the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League. BARL is a charitable animal welfare organization located in Brookhaven. For info on BARL, visit barl.net.
Gail Garbo and Coney Lea
Katrina Furr and Bobby Fay Lea
Misty King and Laurie Sullivan
Carmen Petty, Dillon Lyle, Rick Lyle,
Jessie Ledet, Destiny Ledet, Kimberly Puckett, and Rusty Adcock in the window.
Eva, Rob, and Amy Mason
Nikki Rowells, Kim Mullen, Ronda Rowells, and Nathan Phelps
Carl and Anne Houston Craig
Mark LaBlanc
Blake Scafidel
Jackye Wiebelt, Debra Jackson, and Anna Giust
Misty King with Jodi and Maggie Flowers
Rusty Adcock with Will and Jollean Smith
Janet Spring and Melinda Bradford Lester and Chris “Elvis” Smith
Beth Adcock and Kay Kay Travis
Last fall, the Little Easy Tours family gathered for a special Friendsgiving feast, filled with the vibrant flavors I brought back from my culinary adventure in Morocco. After exploring cities like Fez and Marrakech, I was inspired to recreate some of the delicious dishes I learned during my trip.
Our Friendsgiving table was adorned with an array of traditional Moroccan dishes, each one carefully crafted to capture the essence of the rich spices and fresh ingredients that define the region’s cuisine. Among the highlights were these:
A beautifully fragrant dish in which tender chicken is slow cooked with briny olives and zesty preserved lemons, all spiced with cumin, ginger, turmeric, and more BEEF TAGINE WITH PRUNES AND ALMONDS
A mouthwatering combination of savory beef with the natural sweetness of prunes, topped with crunchy roasted almonds
SALAD AND HONEY
These vibrant side dishes added a splash of color and a touch of sweetness to our feast, perfectly complementing the richness of the Tagines.
A fun, flavorful addition to sprinkle on your plate or snack on as you go AND FINALLY
Couscous with Pumpkin and Zucchini
It was a joy to share these authentic Moroccan dishes with the Little Easy Tours family, bringing a bit of North African warmth and spice to our fall celebration. Cooking these meals was a wonderful way to reminisce about the amazing experiences I had in Morocco, and I look forward to making these dishes a part of our yearly gatherings.
If you’re seeking inspiration for your own Friendsgiving or fall celebration, I highly recommend adding some Moroccan flair to the table—it’s sure to be a hit!
Linda Smith, owner of Little Easy Tours, is a passionate cook who enjoys culinary arts as her favorite hobby and pastime.
a perfect blend of warm spices and bright citrus flavors, ideal for cozy fall gatherings
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or boneless thighs for ease)
2 preserved lemons, quartered (available in specialty stores or online)
1 cup green olives, pitted
2 medium onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
Fresh cilantro for garnish
1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, rub the chicken pieces with cumin, coriander, ginger, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. (You can even marinate overnight for a richer taste.)
2. Cook the Base: Heat the olive oil in a large Tagine pot (If you don’t have one, use a Dutch oven.) over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the pot, skin side down, and brown them lightly on both sides for a few minutes.
4. Simmer the Dish: Add the cinnamon stick, preserved lemons, green olives, and chicken broth to the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Finishing Touches: Once the chicken is cooked, uncover and let the sauce reduce slightly if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
6. Serve: This dish is traditionally served with fluffy couscous or warm crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Enjoy the richness of this cultural cuisine with family and friends!
Yield: Serves 6
Patty Carnette, Natchez, Mississippi
The William Dunbar DAR held its monthly meeting in the newly renovated Christ Episcopal Church in Church Hill, Mississippi, on October 7, 2024. The program—a slide show detailing the 1857 church’s recent restoration spearheaded by Tate Taylor— was presented by Carter Burns, Executive Director of the Historic Natchez Foundation. The church sits on a small hill donated by Colonel James Gillam Wood, a patriotfamily member and ancestor of William Dunbar Chapter NSDAR member Cammie Wood Dale.
Betty Jo Harris, Carter Burns, John Norris, Caroline Cole, and Tate Taylor
Beautiful heart-pine floors revealed after scraping and sanding dark paint that had been added decades ago
Historical information on a sign at the entrance to Christ Episcopal Church
Carter Burns
Restored beams and ceiling with stained glass
Juliette Cassagne, Betty Jo Harris, Carter Burns, Caroline Cole, and Susan Cassagne
Tate Taylor, Caroline Cole, and Mr. and Mrs. George Bates
Caroline Cole and Caroline Louise Cole
The entire nave of Christ Episcopal Church repaired and restored during the monthslong project
lending families through marriage and close relationships blends many things including holiday traditions. Perhaps nothing illustrates these changes better than the recipes and cookbooks of families along the Mississippi River. The river was the transportation infrastructure of the region until the 1950s and guided settlement patterns, family and community relationships, and even recipe development.
Author Mark Stowers of Jackson, Mississippi, states that Italian immigrants came to the Delta region in the late 1800s to work on the levee system and stayed to establish pockets of Italian culture in the area. This Italian influence is seen in the Delta region near Cleveland, Mississippi.
Kaelin Lofton Barlow’s family reflects this Italian heritage by making gnocchi, a potato-based dumpling, for the holidays. The Mississippi Delta’s growing environment provided a substitute for the white potatoes usually used in the recipe, and the family tradition of making sweet potato gnocchi was born.
4 wild ducks, cleaned and rinsed
2 quarts water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 large onions
4 ribs celery
2 large bell peppers
3 cloves garlic
2 sticks butter
Keeping up that family tradition into the fourth generation are Kaelin and her husband, Jake Barlow. Kaelin and Jake met as student-athletes at Delta State University and married in 2023. Their marriage brought another layer of blending to holiday traditions. Jake’s family is from Louisiana and serves duck and dressing in place of the usual turkey or chicken dressing seen on most holiday tables.
The basis of southern dressing is cornbread which leads to another serious relationship question—will the family prepare sweet or plain cornbread? The arguments on this tradition are strong, so we have included variations for readers’ choice.
The farther south along the river one travels, the more likely one is to encounter rice dressing instead of cornbread dressing. Rice dressing includes a variety of ground meats and is often served alongside the more traditional dressing and roasted poultry as part of holiday fare.
We hope that your family enjoys these recipes and has a marvelous and merry holiday season!
Reserved duck broth
2 pans prepared cornbread
½ loaf white loaf bread
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 quart chicken broth
Place ducks, 2 quarts water, and dry seasonings in a large stock pot. Cook over medium-low heat for one hour or until ducks are tender. Remove ducks from water and reserve broth. Debone ducks discarding bones, cartilage, and skin.
In a large skillet, add butter and vegetables. Cook until vegetables are tender. Transfer to a large roasting pan. Add canned soups, crumbled cornbread, and crumbled white bread. Add duck meat and reserved duck broth. Stir. Add chicken stock as necessary until the consistency of a heavy pudding. Adjust seasoning as necessary. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until the center is set and the top is lightly brown. Serve warm. Remaining portion keeps for up to three days refrigerated.
Yield: Serves 8–10
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4 large)
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup all-purpose flour (for mixing gnocchi)
Place butter in a large mixing bowl and let sit at room temperature until softened.
Using a paring knife, make four shallow cuts along the length of each sweet potato. Place the sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave until cooked through and soft, 6 to 8 minutes.
Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon into the mixing bowl with butter. Add salt and mash until mostly smooth.
Add 1 cup all-purpose flour, egg yolks, and ⅔ grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until just combined. Refrigerate dough for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, set up for shaping and cooking the gnocchi. Dust dough prep surface with 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl halfway with ice and water. Remove dough from refrigerator and cut the dough into 8 portions. Working with 1 piece of dough at a time, gently roll and press it into a ½-inch-thick rope about 18 inches long. Cut the dough crosswise into ¾-inch pieces. If the dough starts to feel too sticky at any point, freeze or refrigerate to firm up slightly.
¼ cup all-purpose flour (for rolling gnocchi)
4 large egg yolks
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (reserve ¹⁄₃ cup for garnish)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking gnocchi)
Cook the gnocchi in four small batches. Gently drop ¼ of the gnocchi into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, 2 to 3 minutes. Continue to cook for 1 minute longer. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the gnocchi into the ice water bath. Let the gnocchi cool for 3 to 5 minutes. The gnocchi firm as they cool. Cook and cool the remaining three batches of gnocchi.
Place the cooked, cooled gnocchi in a colander to drain completely. To prep gnocchi for serving, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the gnocchi in four small batches. Add the gnocchi and cook, shaking the pan or stirring only a few times until golden-brown on the bottom, about 6 minutes. Add additional butter if necessary. Place cooked gnocchi on a large platter. Sprinkle with parmesan and serve warm.
Cooked gnocchi keeps for up to three days in the refrigerator. Uncooked dough may be frozen and keeps for up to three months in the freezer.
Yield: Serves 8
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup corn meal (yellow or white as preferred)
4 teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar (may be omitted as preferred)
¼ cup cooking oil
2 eggs
1 cup milk
Place 2 tablespoons cooking oil in a large cast iron skillet. Heat skillet in a 425-degree Fahrenheit oven. While skillet is heating, place dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Add oil and eggs and mix well. Add milk and mix well.
Pour mixture into hot skillet and return skillet to oven. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. Turn out onto a plate and serve with butter and jellies. Wrap unused portion to store. Keeps at room temperature for up to three days.
Yield: Serves 10
- Continued on page 23
On September 14, 2024, Katie McCabe was honored with a 40th Birthday Party held at Smoot’s Grocery in Natchez, Mississippi. Family members and friends from the surrounding area as well as from Greenwood and Jackson, Mississippi, and from Birmingham and Fairhope, Alabama, joined in the food and festivities celebrating KatieFest 2024. All enjoyed music by Gunboat and by Kudzu Kings, the creative talent of caricature artist Chris Melton of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and a delicious Molly Manning Robertson cake— a strawberry cake with strawberry butter-cream filling—themed Grateful Dead and Phish.
Scott Slover and Katie McCabe with Grateful Dead/Phish Cake
Bubba and Katie McCabe
Al Johnson and Andrew Johnson
Al Johnson, Katie McCabe, and Debbie Johnson
Jennifer and Scott Slover
Melanie Hodges, Crystal Leigh Odom, Katie McCabe, Mary Parker Tribble, and Jack Garraway Kelly with Gunboat band members in the background
Renee Wall, Katie McCabe, and Abby Hobdy
Gunboat members Bubba McCabe, Will Freeman, JB Wise, and Harrison
Smith with caricature artist Chris Melton
Gunboat members Will Freeman, Bubba McCabe, and Harrison Smith
Jay Johnson and Katie McCabe
Amy Brown and Bubba McCabe
Allison Gee and Katie McCabe
Burrell Gee, Crystal Leigh Odom, and Jerry Dale Blackburn
Al Johnson, Katie McCabe, and Forrest Johnson
Will Godfrey, Devin Gammill, Jennifer Slover, Claire Winn, Scott Slover, and Sam Kirby
- Continued from page 21
2 lbs. raw chicken giblets
2 teaspoons black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt, to taste
1 clove minced garlic
1 quart water
¹⁄₃ cup cooking oil
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup onion, finely chopped
1 cup celery, finely chopped
2 cups cooked white rice
½ cup green onion tops, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Season giblets with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Place giblets, garlic, and water in a stock pot and cook until tender. When tender, remove giblets from broth and grind giblets. Reserve broth.
Meanwhile, using an iron pot, make roux using oil and flour. Stir constantly until a rich, dark brown. Add chopped onions and celery. Cook over medium heat until the onions are wilted.
Add ground giblets and broth to the roux. Cook over low heat until the mixture is the consistency of a thick gravy. Add cooked rice, parsley, and green onion tops. Taste to adjust seasonings.
Transfer to a casserole dish to serve. Serve warm. May refrigerate remaining portions up to three days
Yield: Serves 8
½ lbs. ground beef
½ lbs. ground pork
½ lbs. diced smoked sausage
½ cup chopped bell pepper
½ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped celery
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can onion soup
1 cup water
1 cup raw rice
Place meats and vegetables in a large Dutch oven, and cook over medium heat until the meat is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Add water and soups to the meat/vegetable mixture and stir to incorporate the soups. Bring to a boil and add rice. Stir. Remove from heat.
Transfer to a 9x13 casserole dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.
Serve warm. Remaining portions will keep for three days in the refrigerator.
Yield: Serves 8
Cecilia Stevens (B.A. LSU and M.ED. Louisiana Tech) resides in Concordia Parish, works for the LSU AgCenter, and is the parent of two adult children.
Monticello, Mississippi, native Addie Carver was named Miss Mississippi Teen, on April 6, 2024, and represented the state on August 4, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she was crowned Miss Teen USA 2024. When this seventeen-year-old Lawrence County High School teen wowed the judges and won this national title, she became the first representative from Mississippi to do so since 1987. This elite title, though, comes from long hours of hard work, work that seems to come natural to Addie, having already traveled 9,000 miles since her crowning.
Not new to the pageant world, Carver recalls her first pageant in the third grade, a school pageant; and then later in the seventh grade she competed in a statelevel competition. She enjoyed it so much she continued on with competition in the Miss Magnolia State Pageant where she competed for three years placing in the top ten and top five. Miss Mississippi Teen 2023 pageant found her first runner up to Claire Ulmer, a Natchez native, who was crowned that year as Miss Mississippi Teen. One year later, the title became Addie’s, a prologue to her winning the national title.
“Winning is a goal of every little girl. I looked up to so many crowned winners over the years, and now I have joined this legacy,” stated Carver. Her ease in talking about her path to this title is humble yet confident. Carver grew up in a dance studio with its on-stage performances. On her thirteenth birthday, she lost her father to lung cancer, a devastating blow that led her to her passion for dance that offered her a safe and comfortable environment in which to grieve and to grow. From this experience, she created a non-profit called Dance to Empower. Her vision is to inspire others to find their passions that can help them cope with life’s challenges. This program is continuing to grow as she shares her love of dance, an art that knows no background, no age, no race, and can save a life as it did hers.
This smart, savvy high-school student, now in her senior year, maintains her academic position in the top ten of her class; is involved in dancing, teaching, and choreographing with her dance studio Show Stoppers Studio of Dance; serves as a varsity cheerleader; is Vice President of her Beta Club Chapter; and is an active member of HOSA, the National Technical Honor Society, and the Student Council.
This young entrepreneur also has developed a social media company wherein she manages clients who also are pageant participants. In addition, of course, she stays busy with her numerous commitments as Miss Teen USA that include appearances throughout the country. This once-in-a-lifetime year is a hectic one, but one in which Carver excels: “I actually thrive off a busy life style,” she says. However, she is quick to acknowledge that she has a tremendous support team who help her, her biggest fan being her mother, Kristi Carver, who handles the calendar of events and serves as Addie’s manager, chaperone, and travel companion.
“The best way to predict the future is to invent it,” is a mantra Addie Caver endeavors to follow every day. She is a delightful, disciplined young woman who is creating her future and living her dream. Her pageant experience has given her the opportunity to meet so many people, to participate in so many events, and visit so many cities during her scheduled year of appearances as she all the while enjoys the excitement of her highschool senior year. Dreams do come true, and currently the dream
for Addie Carver is living life to the fullest and embracing her once-in-a-lifetime magic-carpet ride as Miss Teen USA 2024.
ARTICLE | Cheryl Rinehart
PHOTOS | Submitted
WINNING IS A GOAL OF EVERY LITTLE GIRL. I LOOKED UP TO SO MANY CROWNED WINNERS OVER THE YEARS, AND NOW I HAVE JOINED THIS LEGACY. –ADDIE CARVER
In celebration of Bluffs & Bayous’ 25th Anniversary year of life along and beyond the Mississippi, we revisit this article written by Ross McGehee and published in our December 2003 issue. In his many years as one of our “All Outdoors” columnists, Ross entertained readers with his down-home humor, candid camaraderie, hunter's savvy, frequent irony, and often enthralling tall-tale enthusiasm.
With the advent of hunting season, we’ve all been very busy working on deer stands and making those last-minute preparations so we will be able to finally escape our workday lives and relax in the woods. As the guides and I go through our checklist of all the chores that need to be done every year, I’m often reminded that someone standing aside and listening would probably wonder just what in the world we were talking about—mainly because just like every other hunting group, we have assigned “pet” names to different locations and deer stands. Some are interesting in their explanation, and some demand disclaimers.
We often assign stands, or hunting spots, to guests in the camp. Usually, Gus Perry and I will have stood outside for a few minutes, checking the wind and the temperature, the cloud cover, moon phase, and the Standard and Poors rating of the clients, before going back in and announcing what we think will work best that morning. For example, someone will be sent to hunt the “Hog Pen,” another to the “Feed Trough,” one to the “95,” and someone to the “Iron Man” or the “Little Motel.” If they’re lucky, they’ll be sent to the “Cat House.”
As I noted earlier, pet names are a part of the hunting camp experience. Some of the names outlast their original association, such as the “Leaning Barn Ridge” where the barn finally fell down 25 years ago but the name sticks to this day. Or if you hunt in the “Hamp Pasture” on my home farm, you won’t see Hamp or the pasture because he died before I was born, and the “pasture” has been in timber since the ‘40s. But they give us a sense of historical reference that is lost if the property is sold and the new owner has his or her own names to apply.
Anyway, back in the kudzu, we’re going to be hunting in some location that sounds less like a place to see deer and more like a place to get in real trouble. Where do these names come from?
Well, I suppose the “Hog Pen” is the simplest one to explain. At one time, one of the farms had a large hog-raising operation going on it. If you go along where the hog lot used to be 30 years ago and pass through a narrow neck of woods, there is a pretty little 4-acre clearing that the deer just love! If you didn’t know that hogs were there years ago, I suppose it would just be Stand #33. That’s no fun!
The “Feed Trough” stand is very much the same. There is an old cattle-feeding structure on one of the farms that is located on a deer crossing. Gus got caught in a rain while turkey hunting one time and got under the cover of the feed trough to stay dry. He noticed the deer activity, and we put a stand right next to the trough.
The “95” is somewhat different. At one time, John Deere made a combine or grain-harvesting machine that was their Model 95. I had one that was used up and salvaged for parts. We had a need for a deer stand that was weatherproof because it was to sit on a bluff, looking down 70 feet into a bottom. On a cold day with the wind blowing, it was going to be a miserable place to hunt without windows and walls. So we took the cab off the old combine, turned it around backwards on a ladder, and shot through where the grain tank used to be. It looks awful; but when the sun comes through all that glass, it gets warm on a cold day.
The “Iron Man” stand has a double reason for its name. It sits on a high ridge in the middle of a pipeline that runs northwest to southeast. We built it entirely out of steel components so it would last forever. It got blown over by a severe storm one time but didn’t bend a thing. So, if a stand is in-line with the prevailing winds during hunting season, so much so that it has been blown over, and the temperature is 30 degrees, what kind of guy would you put in it? That’s right, an Iron Man. Macho types leap at the chance to hunt in it.
Reyes Cavasos gave the “Little Motel” stand its name. It used to be referred to as “Will’s Stand” since we put it up for my son, Will, years ago. One afternoon, when I had dropped Will off to hunt, Mr. Reyes had driven himself over to hunt on the same farm; and I had gone back to the camp to make sure supper was going to come along for the guests. Mr. Reyes and I had agreed that we’d each check to make sure Will had a ride to the camp that night. I came by after dark, pulled into the trail leading to Will’s stand, and waited for a minute or two. He didn’t show up so I figured Mr. Reyes had picked him up already. When I got to the camp, Mr. Reyes was there, but no Will. He had done the same as I had—pulled into the trail but, when Will didn’t show up, he came on to the camp. Now, all of you overprotective parents don’t get all fired up! At least we had a plan and were working on it!
Six o’clock, Mr. Reyes drove back over to the trail, sat for a minute, blew his truck horn, waited, and then went in on foot to check. He climbed the ladder and peered over the side into the stand to find Will with his arms crossed across his knees, his head down, fast asleep! When Will woke up, he asked
Part of the magic of being out in the woods is the ability to depart from the constrictions of civilization and do things your own way.
what the time was since it was pitch dark. Mr. Reyes told him, “One o’clock in the morning. What do you think we’re running, a motel here?” Hence, “The Little Motel.”
The stand that we have to be careful with is the “Cat House.” Everyone wants to know how it got its name, especially the landowner who saw the sign in the woods directing hunters to the “Cat House.” She wondered just what kind of operation we were running! We have a farm that sits right behind a heavy machinery dealer that sells Caterpillar equipment. The deer stand is in a meadow right behind their shop. Since we refer to the dealer as the “Cat House,” well, it just made sense that we’d call the stand the same thing. The only admonition we issue is to dads who hunt the stand with their small boys. We have to make sure that the small boys don’t go home and tell Momma where Daddy took them!
Part of the magic of being out in the woods is the ability to depart from the constrictions of civilization and do things your own way. Part of that is to remember the things that hold you to the woods, your companions, experiences, and history. It is important for us to hold on to that so we’ll have it to pass along to the next generation. We just have to pick a name that sticks and also doesn’t get us into trouble!
ARTICLE | Ross McGehee
Ross McGehee, a lifelong resident of Natchez, Mississippi, and notable hunting guide, owns a diversified and far-flung farm operation.
IThis article, first published in our December 2003 issue, appears again for our readers in celebration of Bluffs & Bayous’ 25th Anniversary year of life along and beyond the Mississippi. In our Southern Sampler column, Alma Womack, who has been with us from the “get-go” with her entourage of loyal followers, continues to share her seasonal reflections and seasonless wisdom regarding life in eastern Louisiana with family and friends on and near her beloved Smithland Plantation.
t will soon be time to go to the tree farm to pick out a Christmas tree, something I must do this year since all of our family will be home for Christmas holidays.
Last year, I decorated the nine-foot weeping fig tree with white lights and figured it to be festive enough. Having no little ones about and having gone through a harvest season of two hurricanes, soggy cotton, rotten beans, and no pecans, I just didn’t have any cheerful holiday spirit. I know I was wrong to feel that way, for celebrating Christmas is not about your personal circumstances, but I am human and easily influenced by those things I can’t control. After Christmas last year was so absent of cheer, I promised myself to have a better attitude this year, no matter the crop outcome.
I still can’t start getting ready for Christmas in October, and am aghast that some people have all their shopping done, presents wrapped, food in the freezer, etc., by the first of December. It is probably the sensible thing to do, but I can never make myself start so early on Christmasing.
November means pecans to me, picking them up, cleaning, sacking, cracking, and selling them. I end up giving away a lot of cracked pecans to people who have been kind to me and mine. It’s not good business to give away your crop, but it is one way I have to show appreciation to people who have been willing to help me through the years.
Once the pecans are taken care of, I can usually turn my attention to Christmasy pursuits. I’ve always tried to keep the
holidays fairly simple because too much decorating, too much buying, and too much food tend to distress my naturally slow self; and life becomes un-merry in a hurry.
My holiday decorations consist of limbs, berries, grasses, fruit, vines, whatever I can scrape up by foraging around the lake and in the woods. Only the middle rooms of the house are casually decorated for Christmas, for I was never one to have my beloved books covered up with anything but more books. While others may consider my style of decorating puny at best, I think I am eminently sensible; for once the season is over, I can just put most of my decorations in the compost pile and not worry about having to drag them up to the attic.
Most of the tree smelled like a tree, but one certain spot was the source of the trouble. Suddenly, I knew what had caused the stinky tree: it had been marked by every dog that came into the carport. I sprayed the tree with Lysol, Clorox spray cleaner, and finally evergreen air freshener. Small improvement. I considered cutting out the offensive part, but I would have a seriously disfigured tree. Finally, I just rotated the tree so the worst part was next to the wall and passersby would not notice the odor. Also, a little pine oil cleaner was added to the water in the tree holder so the tree smelled more like a housecleaning project than a Christmas tree.
I do always buy a Christmas tree, and I have had my share of disasters where the store-bought trees are concerned. There have been trees that looked fine until they were brought inside; and instantly they became one-sided, crooked, and impossible to set straight in the tree holder. Artful placement of the tree could usually partially disguise the deformities, and we would always think that our tree was absolutely lovely once the ornaments and lights were in place.
Every year when buying a tree, I would put the tree in a five-gallon bucket of water out in the carport. There it would stay for a couple of days before being brought inside. One year, after leaving the tree out for two days, I brought it in; and we decorated it, turned the lights on, and stepped back to admire our efforts. Something was wrong. The tree smelled funny, not a soothing evergreen smell, but an awful smell.
How, I wondered to myself, did I manage to select a tree that smelled that bad, and not even know it until it came inside. Sniff, sniff – what in the world is that smell?
I kept the source of the smell from my finicky daughters for as long as possible, for I knew they would want to throw out this already-paid-for tree and get another one to replace it. By the time I admitted to knowing the truth of the tree, it was too late to change trees. Anyway, we were used to the strong, pine-cleaner smell by then, so we just toughed it out.
On December 26, the tree came down and was quickly taken to the field and burned. Since that year, each Christmas tree has spent its soaking time in the pool house, safely out of the reach of dogs. Crooked it may be; stinky it will not be.
Despite the disasters, we are always willing to try again every year; and since Liza will be here for Christmas, I feel certain that this year’s tree will be the best-decorated tree in the history of Christmas trees on Tupelo Brake.
Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all the faithful readers of Bluffs & Bayous from all of us on beautiful Black River, Catahoula Parish, Louisiana.
ARTICLE | Alma M. Womack
I want to write about a subject that I have harped on before: I see so much evidence of people still not understanding how important this topic is, and it should not be avoided. The topic is making a will.
I am certain that 100 percent of the people reading this are going to die. I know some people who believe death can’t possibly happen to them; and they, therefore, put off things like making a will. It can be an uncomfortable task because it makes them face their mortality.
I will discuss what happens if you make a will and what happens if you don’t. First, you can write out your own will; this is called a Holographic Will. A Holographic Will must be in the Testator’s own handwriting and cannot be typed and just signed. It needs to be dated, and (this is crucial) it has to be signed at the bottom. You cannot have someone else write your will for you; and if you have an afterthought and decide to add more bequests under your signature, then your bequests below your signature will not be considered. Also, there must be two witnesses to your handwriting.
There can be problems associated with a Holographic Will—problems such as was the Testator competent, is that the Testator’s handwriting, or no one saw the Testator sign it—so it may be questioned.
A drafted will or sometimes called an executed will is governed by statute. I won’t cover the requirements, but will say that if you have a lot of assets and a lot of family, it is in your best interest to go to your attorney and have him or her draft your will and discuss all of the ramifications. Your attorney should advise you on the best way to distribute your assets through a will or maybe even sell assets and distribute money instead. With a drafted will, you can ensure that your beneficiaries get what you want or don’t want them to have.
I was once called to the hospital to make a will for a dying man. When I got there, all seven of his adult children were lined up around the room. He started telling me who gets what. He stated, “Child 1 gets the house, Child 2 gets that bank account, Child 3 gets my cars, Child 4 gets NOTHING.” Child 4 burst out crying and asked, “Why?” The old man stated, “You know why.” Needless to say, it was a tense moment; but this man’s exact wishes were carried out.
Now, if you die without a will, this is called an Intestate Succession, and the laws of Mississippi come into play and decide how your estate is going to be divided. Basically what happens is that a spouse is treated as a child when it comes to distribution. For example, if you have a bank account, then the spouse gets a child’s share. Assuming there are three children, then the spouse basically becomes a fourth child.
The next thing that the State will require your heirs to do in an Intestate Succession is publish for unknown heirs and have a hearing called an Adjudication of Heirship for unknown heirs to come into court and prove their relation to the deceased person.
I once had a case in which a man died with no will and had a multitude of children by different women; and when we had the hearing, three more children showed up in court declaring the deceased man was their father. Well, what do you do, especially since the man had then been dead for almost five years? Under these circumstances, there was no choice for the court other than to have the man disinterred and have DNA tests conducted on his remains and on the three claiming to be his children. The tests were all positive, and three more people were added to this Intestate Succession.
Intestate Successions are also generally more expensive because of issues such as those I’ve pointed out. Also, you have the added expense of the Heirship Adjudication Hearing. Finally, making a will gives your heirs direction and usually causes full disclosure of assets so your spouse or children aren’t guessing what you had and where it is. I know I have sat down with all of my children together and told all of them what we have and what my will says. This is actually what I advise my clients to do as well.
Lucien C. “Sam” Gwin III was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1981 and has been practicing many aspects of the law at the firm of Gwin, Punches & Kelley in Natchez, Mississippi, ever since.
ARTICLE | Sam Gwin
On May 25, 2024, Alexis Brook Hodges and Evan Blake Webber exchanged marriage vows in a beautiful ceremony at the historic Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Clyde Ray Webber officiated the ceremony that included a heartfelt scripture reading by Whest Shirley.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. Jason Hodges of Wetumpka, Alabama, and Ms. Jolene McNemar of Alexandria, Louisiana. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronny McNemar of Alexandria, Louisiana; Mr. Edward Hodges of Vidalia, Louisiana; and the late Ms. Janell Hodges of Jackson, Mississippi. The groom is the son of Mr. Curtis Webber of Natchez, Mississippi, and Mrs. Tatia Vail of Bossier City, Louisiana. He is the grandson of Mrs. Linda Shirley; the late Mr. Robert Shirley of Vidalia, Louisiana; and Mr. Clyde Ray Webber, Jr., and the late Mrs. Gwen Webber of Ferriday, Louisiana.
Accompanied by her father, the bride dazzled in a stunning strapless sweetheart sheath lace gown by Allure, sourced from Blush Bridal in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her elegant look was complemented by a cathedrallength veil adorned with pearl trim, five-tier pearl earrings, a delicate pearl bracelet, and a breathtaking bridal bouquet of white hydrangeas and roses beautifully accented with baby's breath and crafted by La Maison de Fleur in Pierre Part, Louisiana.
Attending the bride were Sarah Webber, matron of honor, along with bridesmaids Ann Ward, Hannah
Perot, Wesley Anderson, Mackenzie Shirley, McKenzie Milligan, Keeley McDonald, and Morgan Taylor. Each wore a stylish, full-length crepe gown in sage with unique designs from Bird Grey. Hair and makeup were flawlessly provided by Wesley Anderson of Natchez, Mississippi, along with Delilah Donovan and Kristen Hamilton of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The groom’s attendants included best man, Will Sandel, and groomsmen Parker Rymer, Mark Iles, Wyatt Boothe, Jacob Sandrock, RJ Givens, Alex Weadock, and Christian Jenkins.
During the ceremony, music was beautifully performed by the bride's family. Grace and Gabriella Bolwahnn played the violin while Lynn McNemar accompanied on the piano. The bride made her entrance to a song sung by Joshua McNemar. Wedding coordination was handled by Whitney Landry with stunning floral décor provided by La Maison de Fleur.
After the ceremony, the bride's parents hosted a joyous reception at the Old State Capitol. Guests danced to music by Premier Sound Service while Carmen's Café catered the event. The exquisite wedding cake was crafted by Gambino's Bakery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The entire day was beautifully captured by Amellie Photography & Video of New Orleans, Louisiana. The couple has made their home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Evan is employed with the Clerk of Court while Alexis builds her career as a marketer and content creator for Home Instead.
Joshua on Highway 61 1488 Highway 61| Woodville, MS 39669
info and inquires email info@thejoshuaon61.com For reservations visit thejoshuaon61.com
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louisianatravel.com A great site for everything Louisiana
ALEXANDRIA / PINEVILLE alexandriapinevillela.com rapidessymphony.org riveroaksartscenter.com lagniappetheatre.com themuseum.org
BATON ROUGE visitbatonrouge.com lsumoa.org rivercenterarena: baton-rouge. tickets-center.com batonrougeballet.org Red Stick Farmers Market Breada.com brso.org lasm.org
Saturdays in Sept. & Oct. Red Stick Farmers Market 5th & Main Sts. 8 am–Noon
1st Saturday BR Arts Market 5th & Main Sts. 8 am–Noon
November 11
Turkey Trot Galvez Plaza turkeytrotbr.com
November 14
Red Rooster Bash
LSU Rural Life Museum & Windrush Garden 6:30 pm / $65 lsu.edu/rurallife/events
November 22
White Light Night Mid-City 6–10 pm midcitymerchangsbr.org
November 29–December 30 Zoo Lights Brzoo.org
FERRIDAY concordialibrary.org deltamusicmuseum.com
MONROE / WEST MONROE monroe-westmonroe.org
NEW ORLEANS neworleanscvb.com ogdenmuseum.org nola.org FB: nolajazzmuseum/live newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu neworleansfilmsociety.org neworleanscitypark.com
Every Saturday Arts Market
Great Lawn City Park 10 am–4 pm
Every Sunday
Crescent City Farmers Market
Tad Gormley Stadium neworleanscitypark.org
November 28–January 1 Celebration in the Oaks City Park celebrationintheoaks.com
December 14–15 & 20–21 The Nutcracker New Orleans Ballet Theatre Orpheum Theatre neworleansballettheatre.com
PORT ALLEN westbatonrouge.net westbatonrougemuseum.com
Throughout Nov/Dec West Baton Rouge Museum westbatonrougemuseum.com
November 10
Veterans on Parade Ceremony & Reception Museum Grounds 1:30 pm
ST. FRANCISVILLE audubonstatehistoricsite. wordpress.com explorewestfeliciana.com/ events stfrancisvillefestivals.com
St. Francisville Farmers Martet Every Thursday 9961 Wilcox St. 9 am–1 pm
VIDALIA cityofvidaliala.com concordialibrary.org
Wednesdays
Farmers Market
Old Court House N. Spruce St. 9 am–1 pm
Throughout November & December
Concordia Parish Library Various Programs concordialibrary.org
MISSISSIPPI
visitmississippi.org hikinginmississippi.com
BROOKHAVEN
FB: VisitBrookhavenMS visitbrookhavenms.com brookhavenrecreation.com brookhavenlittletheatre.com llf.lib.ms.us
November 1–2 Fall Fair
Exchange Club Park 6–9 pm / 5–9 pm
November 9
Christmas Open House 10 am–5 pm
November 15
Fall Concert Series
Keys vs. Strings Downtown visitbrookhavenms.com
November 26
Thanksgiving Farmers Market
Railroad Park 8 am – noon visitbrookhavenms.com
November 29
Christmas Tree Lights Downtown 6–9 pm
December 5
Christmas Parade Downtown 6:30–8 pm
December 6–15
Annie Brookhaven Little Theatre brookhavenlittletheatre.com
JACKSON dulinghall.com msmuseumart.org visitjackson.com jacksonfreepress.com/ calendarmsnla.org balletms.com msmetroballet.com operams.org downtown-jackson.com newstagetheatre.com
November 22–23
Handworks Holiday Market Mississippi Trade Mart handworksmarket.com
December 7–8
The Nutcracker Ballet Mississippi Jackson Preparatory School Fortenberry Theatre (Dec. 8 the Nutcracker Tea Party) balletms.com
December 14–15
The Nutcracker
Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center msmetroballet.com
December 20–22
Ballet Magnificat! Light Has Come: The Angels’ Story
Jackson Preparatory School Fri. & Sat. 7 pm / Sun. 2 pm 601.977.1001
McCOMB pikeinfo.com mccombarts.com mcrrmuseum.com
FB: McComb Farmers Market
Every Thursday
McComb Farmers Market 113 North Railroad Blvd. 7 am–1 pm 410.693.7701
November 7–8
Mistletoe & Magic Business Hours–8 pm pikeinfo.com
December 7
Christmas Parade 10 am
December 12–14
Annual Christmas Musical
Pike County Little Theatre Depot Theatre pcltmccomb.org
December 14
Winter Wonderland Ball
Pike County Community Safe Room Magnolia, MS 7–11 pm eventbrite.com ________________________
NATCHEZ
Live Music Events Calendar visitnatchez.org/full-eventcalendar visitnatchez.org natchezpilgrimage.com thetowersofnatchez.com natchezgardenclub.org natchezlittletheatre.com natchezfestivalofmusic.com FB Downtown Natchez Farmers Market
Saturdays
Natchez Farmers Market
Downtown 300 N. Broadway 8:30 am–Noon
November 1 & 8
Live @ 5 Bluff Park 5 pm
November 7–9
Angels on the Bluff natchezcitycemetary.com
November 9
Annual Rotary Chili Cook-off
Natchez Bluff
November 9
Allumer Downtown / Free Dusk–9 pm
November 10
Holiday Host & Toast Downtown Noon–4 pm natchezna.org/holiday-hostand-toast
November 15–December 31
Christmas Pilgrimage Tour of Homes natchezgardenclub.org
November 17
Natchez Festival of Music
Harmonious Traditions for Flute & Guitar
Temple B’Nai Iseral 4–6 pm / $35 601.807.4442
November 24–December 24
Christmas in Natchez christmasinnatchez.org
November 30
Art on the Bluff Broadway Street 9 am–4 pm
November 30
Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree Main Street 6:30–8 pm
December 3
Alcorn State University Choir Holiday Concert
Trinity Church 6–7:30 pm / Free
December 6
NGC Annual Christmas
Luncheon Soup & Casserole Sale
Magnolia Hall 11:30 am / $20 natchezgardenclub.org
December 6
Natchez Festival of Music
Christmas Cabaret
Natchez Civic Center 7–10 pm natchezfestivalofmusic.com
December 7
Wardo’s Rouxdolph Roll 5K/10K/Fun run
Wardo’s Poboy Shop 8–11 am danacdupre@yahoo.com
December 7
Annual Christmas Parade Downtown 6 pm
RIDGELAND/MADISON
visitridgeland.com madisonthecity.com craftsmensguildofms.org mscrafts.org
Tuesdays Farmers Market Main St. @ Caboose 3:30–6:30 pm
December 5–7
Chimneyville Arts Festival Waller Craft Center mscrafts.org
VICKSBURG visitvicksburg.com vicksburgartassociation.org vicksburgtheatreguild.com downtownvicksburg.org
November 2
Porchfest in Historic Fostoria Drummond St. 11 am–7 pm
November 9 2nd Saturday Downtown
November 11
Vicksburg National Military Park Fee Free 601.636.0583
November 14
Turkey Dinner Crawford Street UMC 11 am–1 pm 601.636.5612
November 21
Holy Trinity Turkey Dinner Church of Holy Trinity 601.636.0542
November 29
Christmas Tree Lighting Washington Street Park 5 pm
December 2
Reindeer Run 5K Catfish Row / 8 am raceroster.com
December 2
16th Annual Holly Days Arts & Crafts Show 1302 Adams St. 9 am–3 pm 601.631.2997
December 2
Vicksburg Christmas Parade of Lights Downtown 5 pm
December 7–8 & 14–15
O Christmas Tree Historic Home Tours 1–3 pm tickettailor.com/events
December 14
Breakfast with Santa Vicksburg Convention Center 8 am / $7
FB: Wesson Chamber Happenings
WOODVILLE woodvillems.org woodvillemainstreet.org
FB: Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association
