Camouflaging Myself Back Years Ago

Now you see me!

 

Now you don't. 

I came across these two pictures of me taken back in 2007 while deer hunting in warmer Mississippi weather.  Thought I would post them today.

MS Bears Naturally on The Move in July

July is a time when bears are naturally on the move. Young male bears are leaving the areas where they were raised and can travel hundreds of miles in search of their own home ranges. Adult bears are also more active as the breeding season continues.

Seeing a bear doesn't necessarily mean it's lost or in trouble...this kind of movement is completely normal.

Sightings can be reported at MDWFP.com. More urgent issues such as aggressive behavior, property damage, or injured bears should be reported to 1-800-BE-SMART.

If you spot a bear:

-> Keep your distance.

-> Never feed or approach it.

-> Secure garbage, pet food, and other attractants.

-> Give it space, and it will usually continue on its way.

By removing food sources and allowing bears to remain wild, we can help ensure people and bears safely share Mississippi's outdoors.

To learn more about bear movement and how to live with bears, visit - https://bearwise.org/what-bears-do-in-july/

Happy 85th-1/2 Birthday Party from My Daughters

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, my four daughters, Theresa Marie, Kathleen Love, Debra Ann, and Marian Suzanne, gave me an 85th-1/2 birthday party. Actually, my birthday is January 27, but because everyone lives out of town or out of state, and because I never had an 80th or 85th Birthday party due to bad weather, etc., they decided to give me one in June and invite family and friends. It was held at Goldie's BBQ and had over 25 guests. It was such a wonderful time to be with my four girls, especially since it's hard to do with everyone living elsewhere. Also, time with my friends that I don't see often. Here are some pictures of the event that I will never forget, and I appreciate everyone who came to celebrate my June birthday. Of course, I had to wear a birthday crown and sash.  

My 85th-1/2 Birthday Party.

Beautiful flowers given to me by my daughters.

My bestest girlfriend, Jeanette, and I.  

My only brother-in-law, Chris Ables, and I.

My great-grandson, Ian, and I.

My only sister, Laura, and I.

My granddaughter, Lucy, and Hunter, with my two great-grandsons, Noah and Will.

My friend, hairstylist, and I, Nikki Taylor.

My neighbor, Paula Morley.

My very first tattoo was done by my granddaughter, Victoria.

My daughters, left to right: Marian Suzanne "Suzi", Debra Ann "Debi", Kathleen Love "Kathy", and my oldest daughter, Theresa Marie "Teri".

My family and friends who came to my birthday party.  Many thanks to everyone who showed up, and I love and appreciate each of you. 

I love this watercolor picture of us afterward at my apartment.

Doe @ My Apartment Complex

At 10:21 last night, I peeked out my window blinds, and lo and behold, I saw a doe. I was so excited, and as a deer hunter, I ran to get my phone and started taking pictures of her. I have never seen a doe on the property in the five years I have been here. The property backs up against woods next to the Vicksburg Country Club. She is pretty safe living in the area, and a very mature doe, and looks pregnant.

Happy 250th Independence Day America

Sun Reflection on Window Downtown Vicksburg

Yesterday evening, as the sun was setting in my hometown of Vicksburg, MS, I saw its reflection in the back window of the old J. C. Penny's Store downtown on Washington Street, and took this picture. It was the only window that showed the sun so bright.

American Queen - Be Defiant

So many out there do not realize the thoughts and emotions of the crew of the American Queen, let alone the significance of the moment and her passing.

To some who came and went, it was just something and a paycheck. Us, who were old timers, spotted them right away and knew it. She knew it as well.

To those of us who remained for years, it was much more. Maybe the best of words can not describe it. Maybe such words would not have been concepted in Webster's mind, if ever. It was more than a typical person on land could have ever comprehended, at best.

To a degree it was pride. Great pride, and it could be heard, seen and felt. We were proud of our duties, proud of our boat, and proud of the legacy she embodied. It showed every day, from the keel plates, to the crowns of her stacks. Polished brass, a quartet playing a melody, cabin attendants using paint brushes to check for dust, engineers and nav personnel preparing for another run and smooth ride on the rivers.

We all went the extra mile. We all did it in many ways and styles.

We took pride in our boat. We took pride in our duties. We took pride in our service to our passengers and fellow crew. We took pride in upholding a legacy. The Queen was the Queen.

We took pride in our flag. We took pride in the fact she was the passenger flagship of the U.S. Merchant Marine.

We were there, together....all of us.

Others may do what they will. They may polish things or give some illusion. Glorified discount stores of the rivers. Do look for the blue light special. It will be for not. A disgrace to the history, and a stone that shall be turned in due course. But let us digress from vengeance....

Focus on the beauty of our Queen, what she represented, and a spirit that shall never be replicated no matter how vainly attempted.

American Queen....be defiant....

by Mark Veum on May 23, 2024

A New Riverfront Community Park @ Vicksburg

I took these pictures this week of the construction underway at a brand-new community park. The Golding Family, owners of Golding Barge Line, donated 5.5 acres of undeveloped prime riverfront property in Vicksburg. The abandoned Riverfront Park is now being transformed into a new short-term rental destination called Around the Bend, which overlooks the river. I'm looking forward to our brand-new park at the corner of Oak and Lees Streets, with a fantastic view of the bend in the Mississippi River. (The bend is called Delta Point)

I can't wait to take pictures!

My Great-Grandsons Went Fishing

My daughter, Debi, and grandson, Stephen, took my two great-grandsons fishing last week.  Will and Noah had a great time.  Here are some pictures of their proud catch. 

William David "Will" with a fish.

 

Close-up of a fish.

The boys with their uncle are showing off their catch.

Will's first bluegill fish.

A happy Noah with his bluegill.

Noah with the "biggest" bass he ever caught.  Looks like they are having a fun time fishing and making memories that will last a lifetime.  

Sunrises

On The Move in Mississippi

         The cubs are on the move! Wilkinson County, Mississippi!