I am grateful for the visits I’ve had to New York City. Thanks to JoAnn Rainwater for inviting me and to Christine Lynch for letting us stay in her East mid-Manhattan apartment. Christine and her friend, Jennifer Falk, graciously and patiently carried us to all the sights and sounds of NYC. It is an unforgettable experience! I love to talk with young people who have been to NYC for the first time to see their reactions. So, when I heard Lindsey Chandler had been to New York City with her aunt I asked her to write me about it. Following, in her own words is her reaction:

“As long as I can remember I have wanted to go to the big city of New York. In fact when I was in 5th grade I remember Mrs. Nita Hurley asking me if I wanted to sing in the musical production of ‘Annie’ that she was getting together, and of course I agreed. I was very young, so I didn’t get to play Annie, but I did get a solo singing part of the woman who goes to New York City and is absolutely amazed at how big and bright everything is there, and just how many opportunities she truly has now. I know exactly how she feels.

This January I got to experience the trip of a lifetime! I was blessed with the opportunity to fly to New York as my “senior trip” gift from my aunt Stacey and my parents. Everything, from the little things like packing and flying, to the big things like Times Square and Broadway, was such a memorable experience. While packing I remember thinking, ‘I have no idea what they wear in New York! I’m going to look like I just stepped out of a barn!’ So needless to say, Google was my best friend. Come to find out, I did fine packing what I had packed all by myself, and I managed to fit it all into two bags! That’s pretty good for a girl going on a week-long trip to the stylish city of New York. There were no complications or delays in our flights, so they were perfect if you ask me. We got picked up from the airport in NY by a limo, which was a surprise to me. As were many things on this trip…

“Something that you HAVE to do when you go to New York is SHOP!!! I’m not sure there is anything left after we made the trip though. We shopped every day we were there! From Soho to China Town we made the rounds and cleared the racks. We shopped so much that we didn’t even get to go to the Empire State building, Ellis Island, or Ground Zero. We did however frequent the best restaurant in New York every other day (which definitely beats Mexican food… I strongly advise against this). We went to our restaurant once for breakfast, once for lunch and once for supper. It was called The New York Luncheonette, and it was walking distance from our hotel which meant we didn’t have to ride in a cab. You have to ride in a cab if you ever go to New York, no matter how sick or close to death you come. One of the most memorable things that we did do was Broadway! That was absolutely the most amazing thing I have ever seen in my entire life. I cannot explain the feeling that comes over you when you have fourth row center seats and the show ‘WICKED’ starts. I felt like I could reach out and touch the actors on the stage we were that close. Everything was so perfect and I will never forget how amazing and special that truly was to me. Aunt Stacey and I agreed on the flight home that that just meant that we had to go back… soon!

“There is so much to do and so little time to do it. Always remember that if and when you go to the beautiful city of New York. The things I did get to do were all wonderful experiences and I don’t regret any of them … except the Mexican food, but that’s just a learning experience. I also learned that New York really is great, but nothing beats coming home.”

Lindsey is the daughter of Eric and Lacey Chandler and the big sister of Bridget, all of whom live in Pine Valley, outside of Diboll.

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TicToc McClintock made his retirement from the sawmill official last Friday. We at the RT and his wife Charlotte are trying to determine who will see him the most. Our thanks to Freeland White for the fresh mustard greens he gave us. Andrea used them to make a delicious “wilted” salad which was served with fresh turnips from Roy Lyles’ garden, yellow squash from the freezer, hot cornbread and mother’s recipe for Three Layer Dessert. It was awesome.

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Lots of events coming our way: Dennis Ivey’s Texas Opry “Fifty’s & Sixty’s Rock and Roll” will be at the Crockett Civic Center this Saturday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. The following week, Feb. 13, Project Graduation will have an Enchanted Evening at 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church’s fellowship building; $25 a couple or $15 for singles. Call Susie Martel at 671-0221 or Donya Stifle at 366-1896 for more information. The same evening (Feb. 13) The Angelina County Go Texan Committee will have a Valentine Dance and Steak Dinner 7-11 p.m. at J.R.’s Barn. Tickets are $50 per couple and available here or from any committee member. Either of these events would be a nice treat for your Valentine.

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James “Big John” McGuire wasn’t a daily visitor to the RT but always took time to sit down and visit when he did come in. He was quiet spoken and earned the respect of everyone who knew him. He was known for always doing something for someone else and will be missed. Our condolences to his wife Lillie Mae and every member of the family.

Come see us…’round the table.