Dear Friends,

‘Having people in’ is an old Southern expression and one that has taken on a different meaning during the pandemic. It harkens back to iced tea (sweet, of course) on the front porch or a fried chicken Sunday dinner or a picnic on the grounds. During these last two years such meetings and gatherings, for both families and groups, have been curtailed. Professionally and personally there have been fewer social interactions, including UTIA Retirees gatherings.

While the world is still in flux in many respects, when I asked for input from some association members in January, the response was positive from many—let’s meet! There were suggestions for change, including having a boxed lunch and perhaps scheduling a little later in the spring—but there was enthusiasm for getting together. In this newsletter you will find information about the meetings that are scheduled at this time. Please remember that all retirees are welcome at any meeting in any area of the state. We hope that by fall other opportunities for in-person gatherings will be announced.

When I hear someone say that they are ‘having people in’ I automatically think of the late Ruth Hale, wife of long-time Extension director Bill Hale, of Bradley County. She used the phrase often and she enjoyed entertaining groups both small and large. For many years she resisted having help with food for her meals, but later in life she welcomed both help and contributions. I vividly remember my last meal around her table in Charleston, Tennessee, shortly before she moved to her independent living apartment in Cleveland. There were six of us present on that day and I had taken food, including deviled eggs. Part way through the meal I passed the food again for seconds. When I got to the egg plate and held it in my hands and offered them, Mrs. Hale loudly announced, “Or you could put them in the refrigerator and I could have them tomorrow for lunch.” At this point no one would have dared to take one, for risk of being stabbed with a fork!

All of us have many memories of the people, places, and events that shaped our careers with UTIA. There were ample opportunities to learn, laugh, share, teach, discover, and help improve the lives of others. Recent social science research tells us that the secret to living longer may be in our social life, that those face-to-face interactions are critical to short-term happiness and long-term health. Perhaps we should all remember the relationships that were formed over the years and reach out–if not in person, by phone, text, email, or a letter. Let’s strive to stay connected with those who are important to us.

There are other expressions that are popular in this region of the country, in addition to the one I have used in this letter: oh, my heavens; thank you kindly; slower than molasses; and of course, bless your heart. Recently I heard another one–I had done some good deed for an elderly friend with dementia, and she looked at me with a twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes and said, “You are nicer than snuff.”

Take care, be well, and may you and all your family members be greatly blessed.

Ruth
Ruth Henderson McQueen