January 4th

 

there should be a flag waving somewhere today. My sister Fleta is 77 years old today.

 Fleta was the fourth child born to my parents. She's right in the middle of the eight of us. She is always been a forced to reckon with all of her life. 

Fleta was born on this farm, but not in this house it was being built at the time she was born my parents lived in the old house up by the cave. I know daddy was there, of course mama,grandpa Powell come over, and I guess Dr. Purdy delivered her.When Fleta came out with that red hair, it was a big laugh that grandpa Powell said he guessed George Hampton had been visiting. George Hampton was our neighbor and he had red hair. 

Fleta has done a lot of things in her life. She is traveled and lived more places than any of the rest of us that was because her husband was in the service. she lived in Alaska and several other states. Fleta moved back to the farm to look after Daddy, Mama, and Debbie. For that job, which was a big job. They gave her the place that is where fleta has lived ever since. 

She taised her two boys here and she has raised her two youngest grand kids right here on the place. Since George died a few years ag, she has carried that weight solely alone. This will be her most two precious jewells in her crown one day soon.

 Although Daddy gave her the place, I guess it didn't make much difference. Brother Clayton lived here rent free for over 20 years. Right here in this house. When he died I moved right in. Now I have lived here for 12 rent free. Neither one of us paid the taxes. Jr has to pay them now. I always tell him doing things for people makes a person feel good. He should feel really good. 

Fleta broke leg late last year, in September.She is still walking with a little limp, but I hope she gets over that soon because she does love to walk. Our poor mama walked with the limp all her life. Well,since Clayton was a baby anyway.

 It's really cold here today and is going to be for the next few days. I don't believe any of Willis Powell's children ever enjoyed winter. We just sit here and think of spring and wait for things to grow green. So today, I'm just sitting here in the house covered up with an electric throw thinking about spring and how grateful I am for my oldest living sister.