OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine_February 2023

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Rahmah Hall, PA-C | Shelby Wright, MSN, APRN, NP-C, CWS | Elizabeth Carradini, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

OUR COVER

Ripley’s own, Bill and Lynda Grimes – if you don’t know them, you must be new to the area because many know the Grimes family. Kayla Dees, Assistant Publisher for OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine, knows them first hand as her grandparents. Bill loves to garden and Lynda is a great cook. They have and always will represent their Ripley school system. Their marriage of over 50 years is as special as they are!

Parents of Oklahoma Corridor writer, Regina Brown, Richard and Linda Manning were married December 4, 1970. They have been married for 52 years. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December of 2020 during COVID. Their children organized a surprise drive-by parade where friends and family came by to congratulate them and a local high school marching band even performed in their honor.

Richard and Linda have 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and one on the way.

PUBLISHED BY OKLAHOMA CORRIDOR MAGAZINE, LLC

PUBLISHER: Trudy Evans (918) 223-1044 okcorridor@gmail.com

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Kayla Dees okcorridor@gmail.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Cheryl Payne cherylpay@gmail.com

EDITORIAL ADVISORY: Rick Reiley, Diane Brown, Paul Ragle, Alana Owen, Allison Eldredge, Regina Brown, Shane Pratt and Emma Bryan

PHOTO by CRYSTL’S PHOTOGRAPHY

IN THIS ISSUE...

5 Editorial by Trudy Evans

6 COVER STORY: Bill and Lynda Grimes Celebrate 53 Years of Marriage by Regina Brown

8 Pastor Paul’s Passages by Paul Ragel

10 Notes on The OKLAHOMA Corridor by Rick Reiley

12 Local Drumright Native – Chef Shane Pratt by Regina Brown

13 From Emma by Emma Bryan

14 Delilah’s Dilemmas by Diane Brown

18 A Window Into Love and Relationships by Alana Owen

OUR FEBRUARY 2023

FEATURE STORY: Bill and Lynda Grimes of Ripley Celebrate 53 Years of Marriage

by Regina Brown / Page 6

258-5002 121 W 10th / Chandler

20 CUSHING HISTORY BITS Pioneer Couple Celebrated Golden Anniversary in Cushing

22 Avid Foodie Pages with Chef Shane Pratt

That romantic month is again upon us. What are your plans for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day?

We instantly think of our significant other. But what if some of our loved ones have left this earth before us? Some think of their children, but what if they don’t have any. Maybe others think of their fur baby. What if you are single or had a recent breakup? Regardless of celebrating who or what we love, it’s a special month. Memories are made, relived, tears are shed, and laughter happens. It should be a feel good month and I hope it is for all of our readers.

Since my husband, Brian, passed three years ago, I choose to celebrate my daughter, Kayla. But when my husband was living he always made me something for Valentine’s Day. The simplest thing was a framed photograph that he printed from the internet of an airplane covered with Mickey Mouse graphics – he knew that I love Mickey Mouse! The sweetest thing he offered one year was Mickey and Minnie vinyl decals placed on my steering wheel and the dash of my car so I’d see them when I went to work. He was a very thoughtful person. He even took our cat card shopping for Kayla and me and helped Spotty sign the cards as well. Sometimes he thought too much!

One of the most memorable gifts was flowers from the big box store. The next morning they were literally dead – fall over, petals falling off, DEAD! I asked him to not buy flowers from Walmart anymore and we both laughed!

Brian always wanted to take me out to dinner to a nice place on Valentine’s Day but, I didn’t enjoy the wait and the older we got, crowds were just not for us. So we would do a lunch or just stay home. One year I remember being so hungry and was so excited to go somewhere to eat, but every restaurant was packed. We ended up in Perkins, OK at Jalopy’s. I wasn’t overly excited then about that, but today I would love to have any meal with him anywhere, and I would not complain.

We had 22 Valentine’s Days together and I know in time we will celebrate them together again!

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day with whomever doing something you enjoy! Today only lasts today and you only have one chance to make it happen. “Love is so much more than just another four-letter word.” — Unknown

PHOTO by CRYSTL’S PHOTOGRAPHY

BILL AND LYNDA GRIMES OF RIPLEY, OK CELEBRATE 53 YEARS OF MARRIGE

Bill and Lynda Grimes of Ripley, OK celebrate 53 years of marriage. While they put down roots and made Ripley their home 44 years ago, they also briefly lived in Tryon and Agra in the early days of their married life. They raised their children in Ripley, and all three of their daughters graduated from there. They continue to enjoy the life they have built out in the country. Married for more than five decades, they are now enjoying the retired life by spending time with their family, enjoying each other’s company, spending time appreciating nature, taking scenic drives, and attending church. They are blessed with three daughters, three sons-in-law, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. They’ve always made family a priority, even raising their children frequently around cousins who lived nearby. The family-oriented couple spoke fondly of those days while reminiscing about the raising of their girls and appreciating the closeness of their family.

Lynda retired from Ripley schools after working for 37 years in the elementary office. Lovingly known as Miss Lynda at school, she watched many school children over the years grow from Pre-K through graduation. Also close to her heart are the years she spent working at the school and with the children, memories she still treasures. Former students enjoy running into Miss Lynda when they see her around town. Bill retired after 32 years with National Standard in Stillwater, OK. Since retiring, Bill now enjoys his title, Mr. Bill, while volunteering at Ripley schools in the greenhouse and demonstrating gardening to students of all grades. Over the years, they have enjoyed his gardening pastime. While Bill enjoys working in and growing the garden, Lynda has been known to spend her time in the kitchen canning and cooking the fruit of his labors. Their family has reaped the benefits of their efforts by enjoying delicious meals on the family’s table that were grown right at home.

Bill and Lynda’s simple love story began many years ago. Like many love stories, the way they met was simple, but set off a chain of events that brought them to where they are today. Bill, 7 years her senior, walked into the tag agency where she worked in Perkins. Dressed in his army fatigues, Lynda noticed him right away. Unfortunately, she had to turn him away more than once to get the proper documents he needed for the title he was seeking. After having to send him away so many times, she recalled thinking he wouldn’t like her after that, but he kept coming back and eventually got the title. He eventually got

the girl, too. Her friend set them up on a blind date and the rest is history. They dated for about two years before they married on July 18, 1969. Lynda appreciates that Bill is the sentimental type. He’s one to always remember important dates and she recalls the sweet gestures he’s made over the years, such as picking her roses from the garden he grew.

Love is present in the small gestures. They both believe the key to a happy marriage is found in working together and always talking things out. It hasn’t always been easy, but together they have worked hard to make their marriage stand the test of time. That has been the recipe for success in their relationship and has led to a life filled with love and prosperity.

Bill and Lynda on their wedding day, July 18, 1969

by PAUL RAGLE

Cookie Jar Full of Memories

I’ve been inspired by a friend who gave his wife a COOKIE

JAR FULL OF MEMORIES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY.

On slips of paper he wrote “Do you remember…?” followed by some of the couple’s most wonderful moments. I’m shopping for a cookie jar and I’m writing a brief poem with accompanying memories which are special to my wife and me:

Do We Have Some

CONNEE, MY VALENTINE FOR THE 40TH TIME,

Connee, my Valentine, remember when you attended my Sunday school class with Francis?

As delightful now as when we were young. We’ve given and received Valentines many, Love expressed through candy, cards, and gifts. Ensuring that our 40th Valentine’s Day is extra special I’ve searched and searched for a suitable way To say “I love you” in memorable fashion; And a friend gave me inspiration. Receive this cookie jar, Valentine mine, With cookies, memories, and love inside. Read each memory prompt inside and May you feel the warmth and fire of my Valentine’s love.

Connee, my Valentine, remember rummaging through my desk and discovering your engagement ring?

Connee, my Valentine, remember coming home early from our honeymoon because we ordered the honeymoon dinner at Tantara Resort?

Connee, my Valentine, remember me high-centering the blue Pinto on our honeymoon?

Connee, my Valentine, remember hiking in Palo Duro Canyon?

Connee, my Valentine, remember rummaging through my desk and discovering your engagement ring?

Connee, my Valentine, remember my serenade outside your window?

Connee, my Valentine, remember the coat-hanger dance?

LOVE STREAMING MOVIES?

What’s not to love about streaming movies? You get to pop some popcorn, cuddle up on your couch, and watch whatever your heart desires through a streaming service.

The last thing you need as a movie buff is buffering. To avoid the dreaded buffering wheel showing up on the screen, switch to one of our super-fast and reliable internet plans.

NOTES ON THE OKLAHOMA CORRIDOR

OLD RADIO DAYS AND THE SEARCH FOR NEW MUSIC:

Braden Hobbs

with RICK REILEY

Back in the 60’s when I was growing up and listening to AM radio – before FM mind you – I was always amazed when tuning in to AM stations after dark to see what ‘foreign’ stations I could tune in on any particular night. For some technical reason I don’t understand, when the sun went down AM radio signals changed and suddenly you could hear other channels from far away. Chicago and New Orleans were always prominent as were the religious stations out of Del RIo Texas offering autographed pictures of Jesus for mailing in a simple offering.

This was my late night weekend treat to myself, listening to such different and exotic music from other worlds and feeling like I was in on some sort of secret society.

Of course our local Oklahoma radio stations served us well, but we all know the grass is always greener somewhere across town, across the street, across the river, across the aisle, across the country. So those late night radio evenings were magical.

I bring this up because these days you can easily find new music from anywhere in the world by using your computer or phone.

On one of my recent ventures in search of local music makers I ran across the name Braden Hobbs from Tryon. It was a name I recognized from recent memory as a fel-

low who’d been to musical gatherings at our house on a couple of occasions and one I’d lost track of.

So I followed the link and learned he released an album a year ago simply titled, ‘Hobbs’ and has a brand new musical release coming up in February titled, ‘From Fourth’ consisting of songs written when he lived in Stillwater.

I listened to last year’s ‘Hobbs’ and began remembering those 1960’s late night AM radio ‘skips’ and got that old time feeling again. The feeling I had stumbled onto something fun and worthwhile. I’m anxiously awaiting the new release, ‘From Fourth’, on Feb. 2nd on all streaming platforms.

I followed links and asked questions. Here’s what I found out:

Braden Hobbs is a 25 year old mechanic by day, also a singer/songwriter, was born in Harrah, Oklahoma and resides in Tryon.

RR: Do you come from a musical family?

BH: I’m the only writer/musician i know of in my immediate family

RR: Who were your musical influences?

BH: My mother was my first influence I think. being around her always had the effect of introducing music to anyone’s ears. Whether she just sang out loud or sang along to the radio, she always loved music. Fleetwood Mac, Motown, anything that brought emotion with it. Another was the group of guys I spent time with in college. One of the ways we passed the time was playing music. It seldom sounded great, but we all got better at it that way. We learned through playing together.

RR: Do you recall a specific song or musical memory that grabbed you so hard you knew that making music yourself was a certain thing in your future?

BH: I remember my mom’s Fleetwood Mac greatest hits CD was always in her car’s cd changer when I was a kid, and I remembered how diverse the album was. I never thought about making music of my own until I picked up a guitar at eighteen, and thought I had something to say. We all do, really, and we all say things in our own unique ways…when I began to learn to appreciate my unique point of view and voice rather than compare it to everything else I heard is when I realized I could, and wanted to continue to do it.

RR: Can you tell me a bit about your musical journey, from early inspirations to now?

BH:I like to think of my music as an amalgamation of everything I’ve heard and been fond of all balled into one thing that comes out in little bits as songs. Tastes change, and what you listen to and like also changes, so what comes out of you is bound to change as well at times goes by…A lot of my earlier songs were more folky,

waltzy, and almost Irish at times when I listened to a lot of Benjamin Tod and Mandolin Orange. As I’ve gotten a little older and been exposed to writers like Jeffrey Martin, David Ramirez, and Noah Gundersen, who almost lean more toward alternative, I think I’ve picked up some of their influences and carried them with me as well.

Here are a few lyric samples from last year’s release, ‘Hobbs’.

From Love At the Laundromat

“When I look at you it takes me back to the day I fell in love at the laundromat..”

A sweet remembrance of love with green eyes.

And one from Others Call me Friend’

“It is what it is I am who I am Some call me unwelcome But others call me friend.”

It’s about folks who love you, warts and all. And vice versa. And these two lines from Vows

“I’m no smooth talker so I listen instead…”

“I’m twice as foolish as I am wise…”

That appears to me to be how wisdom is born. From observing and admitting one’s failures.

RR: Where do you perform?

BH: I perform mostly at smaller venues around Stillwater, sometimes Enid, and Tulsa. Wherever I can show up and play.

RR: How did your current recording project come about?

BH: I knew I always wanted to record a record of my own, so I got some basic recording equipment and spent some time learning how to use it…The record was recorded from my living room couch with one microphone. It was one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had…

This album, From Fourth, is just a collection of songs written by a kid trying to find his place in the world, growing pains and all.

From what I’ve heard from him so far, I’m sure this new work will find a quite willing and welcoming audience!

RR: Do you have a list of upcoming performances?

BH: As of now, I only have one performance scheduled for Zannotti’s in Stillwater on April 29th from 8-11, but other shows can be seen on my Facebook page when they’ve been booked.

RR: How can folks find out more?

BH: Listen to the music I’ve got out there, and get in touch with me through Facebook or email. All of my contact info is on my Facebook page, Hobbs Music. OC

LOCAL DRUMRIGHT NATIVE

CHEF SHANE PRATT

Shane Pratt is a self-taught chef from Drumright, OK. If you are a fan of the Food Network, you may recognize him from his appearance on the Holiday Baking Championship:Gingerbread Showdown.

by REGINA BROWN

Shane was featured on Season 2, Episode 4 entitled Christmas Parade. He was featured alongside his friend and fellow baker, Beth Veneto. Beth, who goes by Ginger Betty, is a bakery owner from Boston, MA. Beth and Shane met professionally five years ago in Washington, D.C. When she was contacted by the show and asked if she would like to par ticipate, she knew exactly who she wanted for her partner and assistant on the show. As Ginger Betty refers to him, Sugar Shane and she worked well together and connected on a personal level. Besides the fun they had to gether, and the energy they exuded together as a team, what made Shane such a natural fit for the position was his gift for baking.

On the show, three teams of two competed in a gin gerbread baking challenge. It was filmed over two days with more than 10 hours of filming, and in addition, hours of interviews. It was a lot more work than Shane had anticipated. It was a stressful, exciting, and wonderful experience for him. He was pleased with how well the producers were able to capture their personalities on camera and he felt the entire crew was incredible. Shane was grateful for the opportunity to team up with Ginger Betty and have this experience of a lifetime.

Shane got his start cooking and baking at the age of nine. Spending time in the kitchen has been one of his pastimes for as long as he can remember. After growing up experimenting in the kitchen, he went on to attend culinary school at Oklahoma State University. He then completed an internship in Denver at a bakery before moving on to Tulsa and Stillwater where he continued to bake and manage kitchens. More recently, he worked as a pastry chef in Orlando, FL for three years training and recipe testing. After the pandemic eliminated his position in Florida,

he switched gears and moved to Dallas, where he currently resides, and became a business advisor with PHP. In this capacity, he successfully helps clients with an array of services including life insurance, annuities, 401K rollovers, debt solutions, and more. You can find more information about Shane and the professional services he offers in his business ad inside this issue. Also inside this issue, you’ll find recipes from Shane’s kitchen that he’ll be sharing with OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine readers monthly!

While Shane no longer resides in Oklahoma, he still has ties to Cushing and Drumright and considers it to be home. His family still lives in his hometown and he loves to come back and visit them and also his friends. We are excited to welcome him to the OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine. Be sure to check out his business ad and recipes right here each month.

Shane got his start cooking and baking at the age of nine. Spending time in the kitchen has been one of his pastimes for as long as he can remember. After growing up experimenting in the kitchen, he went on to attend culinary school at Oklahoma State University.

Emma from

by EMMA BRYAN

Love is in the air.

Hello again readers! It’s me again...Emma! I hope your New Year has gone well this far? Can you believe it’s 2023 already? My goodness how time flies. It’s February now and that means some things! This specifically is about the month of love! That’s right everyone, February 14th is Valentine’s Day! Now while my favorite holiday is Halloween, Valentine’s Day comes as a close second. They’re pretty much opposites but I can’t help it, I’m a hopeless romantic!

Not everyone likes Valentine’s Day for a number of reasons. Maybe they’ve had something happen to them on that day that wasn’t good and they don’t want to remember it. Maybe they’re single and simply feel hopeless. Or there’s even the chance that they just aren’t interested in romance. I have a few friends like that – just simply not into it, which is perfectly fine! So long as they’re happy I don’t see that it’s a problem! But that’s not the point today. I’m here to talk about people like me who love love! It’s personally one of my favorite things about humanity. We have the chance to spend our lives with the person or people we love. There’s not just romantic love out there either. There’s familial and platonic love, too. There’s so much to go around that it’s hard not to get excited just thinking about it!

I wonder, what’s your favorite thing to get on Valentine’s Day? Lots of people celebrate differently, but one thing often seems to be the common theme. Gift giving! Oftentimes people get flowers or chocolate for the people they care about. I’ve been able to experience that before, too. A couple of years ago I gave brownies to my boyfriend at the time. We’re not together anymore but we’re still really good friends. I got lucky that way! Love is such a cool concept to me. Everyone experiences it differently and it’s so unique. Everyone has their own ways to express their love and affection for others. It’s truly exciting to find out how people show they care about you.

Here’s a joke: What did the farmer give his wife on Valentine’s day? Hogs and Kisses!!

I hope you all have a good Valentine’s Day no matter how you celebrate or who you are!! Have a lovely day and I’ll see you next month!!

OC

“I don’t know. That’s weird. That’s just creepy.”

JAYDEN

Jayden is in the 2nd Grade in Mrs. Amy Corter’s class at Cushing Upper Elementary.

DELILAH’SDILEMMAS

“Ðid you insure my engagement ring?” Delilah asked, disregarding any pleasant salutations the instant Eli answered her call. There was a slight pause. “You didn’t lose it, did you?” Eli finally inquired.

o,” Delilah replied with a sigh. She cut an accusatory glance at her mother. “Hannah,” she continued sarcastically. “Decided to have it appraised. Because . . . you know, she thought you’d been chintzy. I think chintzy was the word you used, was it not, Mother?”

“Delilah!” Hannah cried.

Eli laughed. “I’m curious,” he said. “How much did it appraise for?”

“Over a hundred thousand dollars,” Delilah said.

“Huh,” Eli said. “Not bad. You do realize I didn’t pay that much for it, right? So, Hannah can go right on believing I’m chintzy.”

“Eli!” Delilah exclaimed, losing her patience. “Did you insure it?”

“Yes, I insured it,” Eli growled. “But try not to lose it.”

While Hannah drove from the jewelers to the hospital, Delilah updated Eli on Buford’s’ condition, and then Eli went over the list of ranch chores on the schedule for the day. The call concluded as Hannah parked the Mercedes.

Once inside Buford’s hospital room, Delilah felt more at ease about her father’s condition. While he looked a little peaky, he seemed in good spirits, and had already been for a couple of walks down the hall with no trouble. However, the doctor was not ready to release Buford just yet, as his blood pressure had not stabilized to the doctor’s satisfaction.

The following morning, before breakfast was served, Dooby was at the Beauregard’s front door.

“Have you got your phone off?” he asked Delilah when she answered the door bell.

“Oh, fiddle,” she said. “I turned it off when we were at the hospital yesterday, and forgot to turn it back on.”

“Have you had breakfast yet?” Dooby asked.

“No,” Delilah replied, inviting him into the entry hall.

“Let’s go out,” Dooby said.

He didn’t have to twist her arm. Five minutes later they were on their way to a little diner Delilah was unfamiliar with.

with DIANE BROWN

It had high-backed, bench seat booths with red vinyl upholstery and red checkered table clothes, that went down the side of each wall. There was an old-time jukebox. A visual cliché that was no less charming.

They had finished their breakfast. Dooby placed a twenty and a ten on top of the check, and the waitress scooped it up and quickly walked away from the table.

“Oh, heavens!” Delilah said under her breath, looking over and beyond Dooby’s shoulder. “Shondra Eggleston. You remember her? The biggest . . . ”

“Delilah Leigh Beauregard!” Shondra screeched in a Georgian drawl that would rival that of Scarlett O’Hara’s. “As I live and breathe.”

“Shondra, how are you?” Delilah said with a welcoming smile, as the average height, slightly heavy-set woman with short ash-blonde hair and blue gray eyes reached the table and bent to kiss Delilah’s cheek.

“Oh, thunderation!” Shondra exclaimed, becoming aware of Dooby’s presence. “Vernell Kelly.”

“Dooby,” Dooby clarified. He hadn’t gone by his given name, Vernell Hezekiah Kelly III since he was six years old, when a five-year old Delilah had given him the nickname. When his mother would tell him to, “do be looking after Delilah, now,” or “do be sharin’ your lemonade with Delilah,” etcetera, Delilah had thought his name was Dooby. It stuck.

“So good to see you both.” Shondra said. “Where have y’all been? I haven’t seen either of you in so long. It’s like you just dropped off the face of the earth. There’s been nothing in the social section of the Macon News. Well, you know, since the unfortunate death of your, what was he, your fifth, or was it sixth, husband?”

Shondra patted Delilah’s arm, indicating her intent to sit down. Delilah scooted over while confirming in a low voice that Jeremy was her fifth husband. It was then that Shondra caught sight of Delilah’s engagement ring.

“Oh, my golly gosh!” she trilled, taking Delilah’s hand to get a closer look at the ring. “Y’all are married! I knew it. I always said y’all would wind up together.”

“We,” Dooby began with a slight shake of his head.

Delilah gently kicked Dooby’s leg under the table to stop him, but it wasn’t necessary because Shondra interrupted him before he could finish.

“I told Troy,” Shondra said. “You remember Troy? My Husband? We married right after we graduated. I told Troy, I said, ‘Troy, that Delilah and Vernell . . .

“Dooby,” Dooby said under his breath.

“’Are going to wind up together. You mark my words.’ That’s what I told him. I just knew it,” Shondra finished.

Just kidding!

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sort of known something was going to happen, especially with couples, and children, too,” she blathered.

“You were always so clever,” Delilah said sardonically.

The sarcasm was totally lost on Shondra as she steam-rolled on with barely a breath. She smiled and actually batted her eye lashes. “Well, thank you for sayin’ that. Shame Troy’s not here to hear that. He thinks I’m silly. You must be lovin’ Oklahoma. Didn’t you inherit a farm from your uncle?”

“Ranch, Aunt,” Delilah interjected before the next stream of verbal diarrhea began.

Dooby’s eyes narrowed. Hadn’t she just asked

where they’d been? Delilah kicked him again, and his expression lightened while Shondra continued her discourse of epic proportion. They learned about the extra marital affairs of three classmates, and the questionable practices of two doctors, which segued into the medical history of practically every teacher at the Kimberland Middle School where she taught English.

“Why did you tell her we were married?” Dooby whispered as he watched Shondra finally walk away.

“I didn’t,” Delilah said. “I didn’t tell her we were married, Dooby,” Delilah continued in answer to Dooby’s puzzled look. “If you will recall, she just assumed we were married. She scarcely took a breath, much less left me opportunity to confirm or deny it.”

“She’s been here over two hours,” Lauren, the waitress, said as she returned to the table with Dooby’s change.

“Really?” Dooby said.

“What? You think you were the only table she took hostage?” Lauren asked.

Dooby laughed.

“Most of Macon knows when they see Shondra’s Buick in the parking lot, to drive right on by and have breakfast at Uncle Betty’s Diner, two miles down the road,” Lauren said. She quickly checked the invisible light bulb over her head. “Unless of course, she’s at Uncle Betty’s, then they come here.

“How’s Delaney?” Lauren asked Dooby. “If you

don’t mind me asking.”

“How do you know Delaney?” Dooby countered. “If you don’t mind me asking.”

“We were in the same class at Westside,” Lauren said. “She was such a hoot.”

Dooby laughed. “She still is,” he said.

“Well, ya’ll have a good day,” Lauren said. She looked toward the front of the building. “I think the coast is clear.

“She’s been known to ambush people in the parking lot,” Lauren said in answer to Delilah’s puzzled expression.

“Good to know,” Dooby said.

When Dooby returned Delilah to her childhood home, they were met at the front door by a flustered Hannah.

“What is wrong?” Delilah asked, taking Hannah by the arms. “Is Daddy okay?”

“I just got a call from Mabel Thorn who asked when it was that you and Dooby got married,” Hannah cried.

Delilah’s eyes went wide and she started laughing. Dooby was simply thunderstruck. He looked at his watch.

“Are you kidding me?” he said. “It hasn’t even been thirty minutes.”

“That’s got to be a record,” Delilah said. “I mean, the skinny-dipping incident, which coincidentally never occurred either, took about three hours to get back to Mother. And I thought that was fast.”

“Well, there’s cell phones and social media now,” Dooby said.

“You two think this is funny, don’t you?” Hannah snipped.

“Well, yeah,” Delilah said.

Hannah took a deep breath. “It’s time to go get your daddy,” she said. “Are you going with us, Dooby?”

“Yes, Ma’am. Be glad to help,” Dooby said.

“Good,” Hannah said. “We need to talk about Delilah coming back to Macon for good.”

“We?” Dooby said under his breath with a look of shear terror on his face.

DOES HANNAH THINK DOOBY CAN PERSUADE DELILAH TO DO ANYTHING?

Would Dooby want to persuade her to stay in Macon?

Stay tuned for another installment of Delilah’s Dilemmas in the next edition of OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine.

OKLAHOMA CORRIDOR Kids

“Love means giving somebody something like a chocolate heart.”

KEEGAN

Keegan is in the 2nd Grade in Mrs. Amy Corter’s class at Cushing Upper Elementary.

PETS OF THE M NTH

MEET TASSEY

This sweet girl is about 8 months old. She is a little shy at first but warms up once she feels safe. She has lived with other cats but does great by herself Tassey is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated and is Negative for FELV and FIV. You can adopt her for $30.

MEET LOBO

Meet Lobo. This handsome boy is 1 or 2 years old and currently weighs 50 pounds. We think he is a Shepherd/Boxer/Heeler. He is very smart and loves everyone he meets. Lobo seems to be ok with most of the dogs at the shelter when introduced correctly. Lobo is not good with cats. Lobo is neutered, microchipped and Vaccinated. He is $85 to adopt.

MEET HOPPER

This Cur mix pup is 8-10 months to a year old. He’s full of energy so he will need a big secure yard w/an active family to keep him out of trouble. Picked up as a stray and went unclaimed. He is a friendly and playful pup. Gets along with other dogs but we aren’t sure what he thinks about cats. Hopper will need some work on leash manners. Neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and heartworm negative. Currently weighs 26 pounds and is $85 to adopt.

MEET DAMON

and is Negative for FELV and FIV. You can adopt Betty for $30.

This shy boy is about a year old. He is used to being an outside cat so being in a cage at the shelter is a very scary place for him. He is going to need a very special home. Damon is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and he tested Negative for FELV and FIV. You can adopt him for $10.

MEET DODGE

This handsome boy is about a year old. We aren’t sure what breed he is but calling him a Lab/Heeler mix. Dodge is about a year old and weighs 47 pounds. Gets along with other dogs and is VERY interested in cats so we aren’t sure if living with a kitty would be a good idea for him. He’s an active and smart boy so he will need a big secure yard and a family to take him on new adventures. He is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and is Heartworm Negative. Dodge is $85 to adopt.

HUMANE SOCIETY of STILLWATER

1710 South Main Street / Stillwater

Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

ADOPTION FEE: CATS - $40 / DOGS - $60

Love and Relationships

by ALANA OWEN

My husband claims this special day in February, along with other holidays, is nothing more than a conspiracy from giant retailers to take your money. I am sure many others agree, but do not worry. This holiday does not require you to empty your bank account. Simplicity in today’s times can be comforting for many. A trip to an nostalgic drive-in theater, a quiet dinner out, or even spending the night at home are all wonderful options.

Over Christmas, a men’s group that I facilitate discussed gift-giving. The men often felt frustrated and confused about what to get that special someone, so they would procrastinate with less-than-ideal results. My advice to this group was identify something the other person is passionate about. There is a meme circulating on social media showing a man with his wife blindfolded by the Christmas tree and a new vacuum just beyond her reach. That likely would lead to disaster for many. However, if someone has wanted a new vacuum or mentioned how terrible the current vacuum is, then that gift would become something very touching and appreciated.

This year I bought a yogurt maker in the hopes of saving some money and implementing some subtle healthy practices. To my surprise my husband has made the transition (mostly) over from a bowl of ice cream to a mini cup with yogurt and fresh fruit. Other similar ideas could be a gym membership, a new exercise item, or a heart scan to identify any issues that may need to be addressed.

Many relationships stand the test of time because of the couple’s ability to do things that are sometimes less than desirable for the sake of their partner’s happiness. The first thought that came to mind was my husband agreeing to a trip to Pawhuska to visit the Pioneer Woman’s Mercantile and lunch establishments.

Be adaptable and flexible, realizing that even the most well planned and thought out day can be ruined in an instant by weather or other issues. Hint: keep your hot chocolate and marshmallows on deck.

Families with small children in the home often stay home and cook a special meal together or have a stay-uplate movie night. The circus is in Oklahoma City during the month of February. What fun that could be as a family!

I thought it would be interesting to interview a licensed professional counselor. Avian Reid has such a practice in Shawnee, OK, and I have had the privilege of working alongside of her and meeting her delightful family.

Avian met her husband Assif while she was in gradu

Valentine’s Day is already here. While many may scramble frantically to obtain the perfect gift, this task can be as easy as finding something truly heartfelt that the other person is passionate about.

PHOTO PROVIDED

ate school in Tulsa at Oral Roberts University. Avian, who is friendly and outgoing, was shy at the time and felt herself behaving differently around Assif. She knew he was the one after much prayer. She added, “I felt he could see right through me into my soul or something, so I had a hard time looking straight at him.” Avian was able to spend time observing her future spouse in his work and church environments, although they both were working hard on their advanced degrees and not looking for a relationship at the time.

I wondered what would motivate someone to go into the field of professional counseling. Avian explained that she was entering law school when she heard the call to professional counseling. She became a confidant to many in her social circle because she was easy to talk to, so the transition was a natural. Avian then obtained her master’s degree in counseling.

Avian and Assif went on to have three children. She described, “One is a mini-me, one is a mini-him, and the other one is a natural blend of the two of us.”

For Valentine’s Day, the family will share a special meal together and personal heartfelt notes. She purchases a small personal item for each of the kids. Her husband will often warm dinner up when he hears her coming home or even fix a fancy dinner requiring much time and effort to prepare.

I asked Ms. Reid to explain the most challenging is-

sues facing couples today. She said that many people are simply afraid of being vulnerable and to “just do it.” When asked what makes a relationship strong, she advised, “Friendship, fun, and a willingness to put the other person first for the sake of the relationship, because sometimes you have to lose to win.”

Her advice to families facing stress is to slow down, rest, and “trim the fat” (take away unnecessary activities). Her children participate in one special activity each, allowing the family time to stay rested.

Avian advises spending time to try something new together as a couple. It presents an opportunity to learn something together which may create a team effort.

I had to ask Avian how she sees technology is impacting couples today. She said that intimacy seems sacrificed as instant gratification robs us of the pleasure of anticipation. In her words, “To some extent it has taken the mystery out of the waiting game. No anticipation of the person’s likes, looks, or anything. You can even see them before meeting in person and learn everything about them on social media.”

I share her sentiments that there was much to be gained in waiting for that long-anticipated phone call or letter in the mail.

Enjoy your special day, friends. Spring is just around the corner waiting to reveal a new season of outdoor activities and new experiences.

“Love means to me you love something so much you don’t want to let go of it.”

Micheal is in the 2nd Grade in Mrs. Amy Corter’s class at Cushing Upper Elementary.

CUSHING OK HISTORY BITS

Pioneer Couple Celebrated Golden Anniversary in Cushing

(The following information was obtained from an article which was published on the front page of the Cushing Daily Citizen’s April 20, 1944 edition. It was written by Hattie Mae Lachenmeyer. Only the quotes are verbatim – the remaining information has been revised)

Submitted by PATTI HARRIS Cimarron Valley Historical Society

A big celebration was held April 19, 1944 in Cushing. A pioneer couple was marking 50 years of marriage, all of it spent in the same town. And their family would continue to leave its mark on the city for decades to come.

According to a newspaper article published in 1944, a young C.C. “Charlie” Walters had arrived in Sac and Fox Territory in time for the 4th of July picnic in 1892. The Indians made bread and it was a “gala occasion.”

It was there that Miss Maude Fuson, daughter of a Baptist minister, met Charlie. The pair talked but then went their respective ways.

Charlie had come to the new territory with his cousin, Ed, from Iowa. He bought a relinquishment northeast of town and set about farming and helping out in a general store.

Maude’s family had come from Siloam Springs, Missouri to the Sac and Fox lands in October 1891 one month after had it had been opened to settlement. Her father, organizer of the First Baptist Church of Cushing, bought a relinquishment and settled on a piece of property 2 ½ miles south of town near the present day Cushing Regional Airport.

“I used to date quite a few of the girls at first,” Charlie told the newspaper reporter. “Ed and I would put a couple of springseats on that little spring wagon and get about considerable. But I finally settled down to the one handiest.”

Maude countered with “Don’t you believe it. I had beaus, too, and I settled down to him but for another reason.”

The couple courted for about a year before being married on April 19, 1894 in the home of the bride’s parents with Maude’s father, Sylvester W. Fuson, officiating. The bride wore a gray wedding dress but never liked the color.

Gray material was the only color the general store had that was suitable for a wedding dress. In honor of her 50th wedding anniversary, she wore blue – the color she couldn’t have on her wedding day.

Maude described the wedding as “really lovely. There were bouquets of white dogwood blossoms picked in the woods. My father knew how to have a nice wedding. He used his nicest ceremony and I had two attendants, Mrs. King Berry and Miss Nan Suman.” Charlie’s cousin, Ed, was his best man.

Charlie said Maude’s plain gold wedding band, typical of the rings of the 1890s, cost $4 which was “quite an investment with the license of $2. I was glad her father was a preacher and we didn’t need to pay him.”

“Why, my ring was $5,” Maude countered.

“Aw-w-w, Mother, that is just what I told you,” Charlie replied.

Gifts consisted of additional cakes and food for the wedding feast but as Maude pointed out “Charlie had everything. He had hams, chickens and a garden planted and up even with fruit trees and that was more than lots had in those days.”

Charlie related how he had been “batching over here on my claim with my cousin, Ed, when Maude and I were married. We had just two cups, two saucers, two knives, two forks and two chairs. When we got married, I bought one more of everything except the chairs. We didn’t need that for a while.”

By July, the couple had finally saved up enough money to take their honeymoon which turned into a month-long excursion to Iowa to visit Charlie’s folks.

“We had $10 cash and I threw 10 bushels of oats in the

wagon bed to feed the mules, racked up a grub stake for the two of us and we set out for Iowa,” Charlie explained. “It was hot weather but we didn’t seem to mind the heat.”

That journey took 16 days. After a short visit, they made the trip back to Cushing in slightly less time.

Even after opening his own business (Walters Furniture and Undertaking), Charlie farmed for several years and they continued to live on the claim 2 ½ miles northeast of Cushing in a 14x18 weather-boarded house.

“We had a fine house,” Charlie said. “Bedroom, dining room and kitchen – all in one room!”

No one could recall just exactly when the young family outgrew that house and a side room eventually had to be added on. Three of the children were born in that house.

As the furniture and undertaking business expanded, the family moved into town and eventually settled into a

house at 721 E. Broadway. All of their children would go on to assist in one way or another in the family business their father founded.

The children were: Alma Maude (Mrs. W.I. Usher), Gay (Mrs. George F. Bolinger), Louis Carl, Edward E. “Buster,” Irene N. (Mrs. W.C. Allder), C.C. Jr. and John F. “Jack.” All through the years, the Walters family was known for its close family ties. Charlie visited his family back in Iowa at least once a year and they would visit him here, too. But the young man who went pioneering to Oklahoma weathered the good years and the bad years without ever sending back home for help.

“I would have once though, but fate intervened,” he said. “One summer, there was no crop. The wife was not well. There was just no money left in the country. I didn’t see how we were going to make it. We had one nickel left. I wrote a letter home asking for help. But when we started to the post office, we dropped the nickel. It rolled through a crack in the floor and under the house. To have found it, we would have had to tear the whole floor out. We just decided to get along without the loan. That was a close call though.”

When asked by the interviewer about the length of time the couple had lived in Cushing, Maude responded with “Well, I don’t know where else anyone would want to live or how else one would want to be except married. I have had a happy life right here. It seems to me that I have had such a full, happy life right here in Cushing. I can’t imagine it being any better anywhere else in this world.” OC

“We had $10 cash and I threw 10 bushels of oats in the wagon bed to feed the mules, racked up a grub stake for the two of us and we set out for Iowa,” Charlie explained. “It was hot weather but we didn’t seem to mind the heat.”

Chef Shane Pratt

For some reason when I think of love, or Valentine’s Day, my mind always goes to pasta! I don’t know why, as I haven’t eaten pasta in quite some time, but anytime I hear those two words, BAM! That’s where I end up. So, I’m thinking a good Alfredo & a Red Velvet Whoopie Pie recipe to help make your Valentine’s Day perfect!

ALFREDO SAUCE

(To go over your favorite pasta):

Now, you don’t want to cut any corners on this sauce, when it comes to the fat content... I know it’s not the healthiest, but you really need to use good quality, high fat ingredients for Alfredo sauce!

1 Stick Salted Butter

2 Fresh minced Garlic Cloves

2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream

2.5 Cups Finely grated Parmesan cheese

Melt your butter in a sauce pan. Add the fresh garlic cloves & cook for about a minute. Next add your heavy cream & heat to a simmer, whisk in all parmesan cheese & cook on low 5-10 minutes, continuously whisking so it doesn’t burn. The sauce should thicken & be very creamy! Serve quickly with your favorite pasta!

This is most frequently served with fettuccine, but you can use whatever pasta you like or that you have. I personally enjoy it with tortellini! You may also add whatever protein or veggies you’d like with this dish as well. Chicken, beef, shrimp would all be delicious!

RED VELVET WHOOPIE PIES

1/4 Cup White Sugar

3/4 Cup Brown Sugar

1 Egg

1 Teaspoon of Good Vanilla

1oz. Bottle Red Food color Gel

(MUCH better than the liquid)

1 3/4 Cup All Purpose Flour

1/4 Cup Cocoa Powder

3/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

1/2 Cup Buttermilk

FILLING:

16oz. Jar Marshmallow Fluff

8oz. Package Cream Cheese

1 Stick Unsalted Butter

*Make sure your egg, butter and cream cheese are room temperature before baking*

Preheat your oven to 350. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

FOR THE CAKES:

Cream together your butter and both sugars with the paddle attachment until light & fluffy. This will take about 5 minutes on medium speed, scraping down the bowl in between.

Add your egg, vanille & red color gel to the creamed butter/sugar and mix to completely incorporate.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Add this dry mixture to your wet mixture until just combined. Add the buttermilk & mix just until a smooth batter forms. Do not over-mix. Portion these out on the baking sheet with about 1/4

cup. You can use a large spoon, a #16 scoop or an actual 1/4 Cup. Place them about an inch apart, to allow for some spreading.

Bake 10-15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out smooth.

FOR THE FILLING:

Place the cream cheese & butter into your mixing bowl. With the whisk attachment, whip both until light and airy, scraping the bowl periodically, about 5 minutes. Then add the marshmallow fluff and whip to incorporate. The filling should be very fluffy!

Once the cakes are completely cool, put about 3 Tablespoons of the filling onto the flat surface of each cake and top it with another, flat side on the filling, Serve immediately or store in an airtight container up to 4 days... IF they last that long!