CHITCHAT CORNER

Sometimes, trouble just follows a person, or maybe it's the personality of that person that keeps them in trouble. Just this last week, I stepped into one of my favorite hangouts at lunch, to have Rose Gibbons announced to the owner of the restaurant, "She tried to still my little man!" I'm quite sure the owner realized by the confused look upon my face, I needed some quick bailing out as she said, "Oh, you would give him right back." Now, that everyone in the café was looking at me for being so daring anyway it dawned on me I had met Rose's 10 year old son the day before and she has fondly nicknamed him the "little man". I really think "little man" really needs to meet up with Cheryl Kelly's "Miss Thang." At least they are closer in age…

When you are born in East Texas, you return to East Texas. Such is the case with Ben Clark. He may be touring in the big leagues as banjo player for Taylor Swift, but, every chance he gets, he is slipping back in town. A few weeks ago, he was in our area with Gary LeVox, the lead singer of Rascal Flatts to initiate Gary on the likes and dislikes of hog hunting. The group considered it a little R&R before hitting the road again. Proof of the hunt was shown in Thursday's paper.

Speaking of slipping back in town, country singer Gene Watson was seen in town again last week. This time he was not in his tour bus and several around him did not realize who he was until someone walked up and asked for his autograph…

If you haven't turned your clock back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night you might be late for all the events lining up this coming week. Fall harvests, fall bazaars and good cooking is definitely in the air and will be with us throughout the remainder of the year.

This Thursday, November 6, this town will turn out at the World's Richest Acre to participate in the 16th Annual East Texas Oilman's Chili Cook Off. Last year, 80 companies competed for the title of Best Chili Cooker in East Texas. This year, that competition has grown and the chili promises to be even better than before. Plan now to meet us at the World's Richest Acre Park on Commerce Street to watch the participation begin.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Crisis Center, which serves Kilgore, Henderson, and Marshall. Where else can one find such fun, see people you haven't seen in months and enjoy such enormous amounts of chili and fixin's.

Save a little room for Friday as it is the big day for the 30th annual Soup & Pie Luncheon at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. The women at St. Luke's will be prepared for a bigger-than-ever crowd there, too, with homemade goodies found in their Country Kitchen.

Well, between turning clocks back, voting, and eating your heart's fill, take notes and let us know what is happening in your neighborhood this week. In the meantime, May His Love and Laughter Fill Your Hearts and Your Homes.

We can be reached at 903-984-2593 or at chitchatlinda@aol.com.