…is what we have. We have a small town and a big family – and we need them both now more than ever.

This week, my dad was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus after not being able to speak for three months. We’re  confused and scared now but we’re trying to let hope overcome that.

I have been posting updates on Facebook for our friends and family. If you’d like to friend me, I use my name there – it’s Jennifer Griffin Warthan.

If you’d like updates by email my address is:  jennifer@thecottonwife.com 

Your well-wishes and advice are appreciated!

Whenever I visit a doctor, the office people are always very VERY interested in my employer.

I always write “Self” since well… we’re self-employed.

Once in a while the doctor will take a gander at my chart and ask what I do.

Apparently doctors harbor secret desires of being farmers because rather than rushing me out, they always want to sit and talk about what we grow

and the price of beans

and how many acres we have

and what brand of tractors we use

and if we irrigate

and how we irrigate

and (here’s the biggie)… if we hunt our land.

So I always come out of appointments with lots of facetime with the Big Man (or Woman) and leave behind an invitation to “just come on down any ol’ time – we’ll be happy to show you around!”.

Needless to say the anesthesiologist in the Labor and Delivery unit would get homecooked meals, accomodations and heck – I’d even throw in a foot rub.

If the doctor is happy, then I’m happy.

One of my favorite things is having everyone together. That happens a lot around these parts. Growing up in a small community means that I’ve known all of these folks my whole life …

and most likely I’m related to some of them (that’s my mom and dad)…

or married into their families (there’s three out of four of the Cotton Sisters).

This past Saturday we held our annual community supper. The menfolk  showed up early to cook venison. Well – those guys aren’t cooking,

but these guys are (that’s Farmer Roger, who brought over our enormous pumpkin last year).

The families came later that evening… the ladies bearing desserts. Lots and lots of desserts. And I had a really good excuse to eat as much as I want.

The chilluns all had a big ‘ol time running around and listening to the band

We spent the evening catching up, swapping stories from the good old days and reminiscing about who isn’t with us.

At the end of the night, everyone left with full bellies and  promises to get together soon.

‘Til next time, Vernon!

*Winner of the Duke’s Mayonnaise giveaway to be announced this afternoon – it’s not too late to enter!