Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

THOUGHTS AT THANKSGIVING

Let us go forth to...

Count our blessings, instead of our crosses.

Count our gains, instead of our loses.

Count our joys, instead of our woes.

Count our friends, instead of our foes.

Count our smiles, instead of our tears.

Count our courage, instead of our fears.

Count our full years, instead of our lean.

Count our kind deeds, instead of our mean.

Count our health, instead of our wealth.

Count on God, instead of ourselves.

With that I embark on another column. Please hop on board and come along, I promise it won't do you no harm.

PRESIDENT ELECT JOE BIDEN DECADES OF EXPERIENCE

Biden's love of foreign policy hints at how he'll govern as our new president. Biden will enter the White House with more foreign policy experience than any of his four immediate predecessors, from Bill Clinton to Donald Trump. Biden is in a position to hit the ground running. If in your mind you have Biden tagged as a softy, you are wrong. I love the following story that illustrates just who Joe Biden is. In 2001, President George W. Bush was trying to size up Russian President Vladimir Putin during their first face-to-face meeting at a summit in Slovenia. "I looked the man in the eye. I found him to be very straightforward and trustworthy," Bush told reporters at a joint news conference, in what turned out to be a regrettable misconception. "I was able to get a sense of his soul." A decade later, then Vice President Joe Biden had his own tete-a-tete with Putin, and he offered a starkly different assessment. As Putin was showing Biden his Kremlin office, the two men also found themselves eye to eye. "I said, Mr. Prime Minister, I'm looking into your eyes, and I don't think you have a soul," Biden recalled in an interview with Even Osnos, whose biography of Biden was published in October. "He looked back at me, and he smiled, and he said, "We understand one another." As Biden's story about Putin illustrates, the president-elect already knows many of the players in the world stage, and knows them well, whether from his terms as vice president or his 30-plus years in the Senate. This week Biden is putting together an experienced cabinet ready to move forward.

DOUG EMHOFF BREAKS GENDER STEREOTYPE

Second Gentleman or Second Dude, take your choice, Doug Emhoff is the spouse of V.P. Elect Kamala Harris, the first woman V.P. That makes Doug the first second gentleman, flipping gender norms like the nation has never seen before. I'm sure Doug will be called Mr. Harris a lot but he says he's totally comfortable stepping back so his wife can show her brilliance, grace, grit and power because he wants her to succeed. Emhoff is a very successful private attorney from a corporate world where white men like him often take the lead. Kamala is the first woman, first African American woman and first Indian American woman to become the first vice-president of the United States. Doug, 58, will quit his law practice by Inauguration Day. They met on a blind date in 2013 and married the following year. She became "Momala" to his two children, Cole, 26 and Ella, 21, from Doug's first marriage. My choice is Joe, "first stud," Doug, "second stud."

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2010

Congrats to the West Orange-Stark Mustangs on a good season. When they lost their leader Reggie, most people thought their season was over. They showed what they are made of and fought to the last minute. *****New Orleans Saints beat Earl Thomas and the Seahawks Sunday at the Superdome. Sean and Collin Gros were in the stands.

*****Bridge City's Matt Bryant kicked four field goals, 42-yards, 29-yards, 32-yards and 21-yards, plus two extra points. The Falcons beat St. Louis 31-17. Matt is still the teams leading scorer.***** We were sorry to learn of the death of Marvin Myers, who died Nov. 18, in Houston. He would have turned 92 on Jan. 2. Marvin, a World War II veteran, was a native of Brunner Addition, in Orange. He was a football star on the 1936 Stark High football team. Marvin was also a well-known boxer and an avid sportsman. Two of his grand parents had served as Orange County judges. Among his survivors is local resident Pearl Burgess, his sister. Services were held Sunday in Nacogdoches. He was a good man.***** Catholic Deacon Larry David prepared the gumbo for St. Mary's gumbo dinner last week. Some folks spotted were Percy Bordleon, 90-year-old Harold Forse, Anabel Anderson, a sweetheart, Elton and Mrs. Guillot, Anna Bell Rost, Judge Pat Clark, Debbie Hughes, Sherel Hunell and Betty Harmon, who was handling the raffle tickets. By the way, the tickets were sold out.*****Stump Weatherford stopped by for a visit. For years he has been active member and district officer of the Lion's Club. In the past couple of years he and Dayle have done extensive traveling for the club. Stump says this will be his last year. He looks forward to being just a regular member. He's walking on air this week as Athens advanced in the football playoffs. ***** A few special folks celebrating birthdays in the next few days. Howard Morse, longtime Bridge City Bank board member is celebrating Nov. 25. *** "Ace" Amodeo, who is now in a nursing home, is a year older on Nov. 26. ***On Nov. 27, Roy's little sister, Shirley Kogas, will really reach senior citizen status. ***Other good folks celebrating are Kirk Ellender, BCISD president, John Kimbrough, district attorney, Jerry Childress, Veteran's officer, David Fusilier, Debbie's other half and Cormier Well Service honcho, Vance Chauvin, Big Red Air Conditioning, married to a pretty Scales girl, Cindy, pretty Kim Hubbard, Sharon Gregory, Betty Vail, Erin Andrus, COS Office Supply and Fred Kressman.***Judy Ann Krueger turns 60 this week and she's proud of it. This is according to her younguns Dana, Elliot and Bruce and all the grandkids.*** Happy birthday to all.***Congrats to Tyler and Ashley Roy Bearden on the arrival of Brady Beckett Bearden born Nov. 19. He weighed in at 8.1 pounds and was all of 20.5 inches high. I know the Roy's and all the Bearden's are a proud bunch. If I'm correct, I believe that's five grandkids in six years for Sharon.*****Stark Museum is 42 years old this week.*****Former Orange City Manager Jack Huffman and wife Betty, both natives of Orange, celebrate their 60th anniversary on Nov. 11. After being city manager in several large cities, including 20 years in Irving, Texas, he retired to the hill country We wish this great couple best wishes and a long, healthy life.*****Barbara Bush said on Larry King when asked about Sarah Palin, "She likes Alaska, I hope she'll stay there." Meanwhile, President George H. says, "He's confused by the Tea Party." He's not the only one.*****Gov. Rick Perry said on FOX, with Chris Wallace, that he's ready to dismantle Medicaid in Texas. About Social Security he agrees with the Tea Party, "It's working people, supporting those that don't work." Gov. Perry, they paid when they worked. The 2012 election will determine if we will continue to have Social Security, as we know it, or if it will be privatized. They want that as bad as Obama wanted health reform.*****Our friend, girl banker Nancy Vincent recommends a trip to see the lights at Natchitoches, La. At lest $50 thousand dollars worth of lights and decorations are on display. It's also a nice drive.*****Orange County treasurer Vergie Moreland, who did not run for re-election, is retiring. This nice lady served us well for 30 odd years. On Jan. 1, Christy Khoury will officially take over.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Obituaries 10 Years Ago-2010

Charles William Cessac, 66, passed away Sunday, Nov. 14. Service was held on Saturday, Nov. 27. He is survived by son, Charles A. Cessac, and wife Gina; grandchildren Anthony, Collin and Andrew Cessac; sisters Merle Howard, Elvia Provost and brother Wayne Cessac.***** Louis S. "Buddy" Semar, Jr., 71, of Orange, passed away Thursday, Nov. 11. Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 15. He coached basketball at St, Mary's School in 1960 and 1961 and he worked as a maintenance foreman in the construction industry, retiring in 1996. Buddy is survived by his wife, Margaret Semar; daughters, Kelly Poole, Kristy Rushing, and Penny Semar; sons, Mark and Mike Semar and eight his grandchildren.***** Ricky R. Grantham, 53, of Orange, died Wednesday, Nov. 17. Services were held on Saturday, Nov. 20. Ricky was affectionately known as "The Lawnmower Man." He is survived by his wife, Joyce Grantham; daughter, Chastity Lampman; step-daughters, Amanda Rodgers, Monica Cochran, Angela East, MS, and Tina Davison; seven grandchildren; three sisters, and nine brothers.

22 Years Ago-1998

County Judge Carl Thibodeaux administered the oath of office to new Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1, Joe Parkhurst. The Judge, elected in May, replaces J.P. Pauline Farris, who resigned Nov. 13. Stepping into the new position earlier than expected Parkhurst said he had mixed feelings about leaving his longtime career as an educator. "It's tough saying goodbye to 35 years. It's something I'm going to enjoy however, I'm ready to get going," he concluded." *****A Bridge City attorney, Phillip Smith, will leave private practice to join the staff of District Attorney John Kimbrough, on Dec. 1. Smith is the son of Sabine Pilot Capitan and Mrs. Smith.*****C Delle Bates, the "Beachcomber," gave Becky Aleman a big rock for her finger. *****The open house and ribbon cutting at the new county office building will be held Dec. 1. The dedication will honor the late Tax Assessor Rosemary Slaton. (Editor's note: Has that really been 22 years ago? Time does fly.)*****Sharon Clark Bell is spotted at 5 a.m. every morning jogging.*****The Bridge City Lady Cardinals volleyball team made it to the big show, the final four state 4-A semi finals. South Lake Carroll showed up with some big girls, two players 6 feet-1inch and two others 6 feet. Bridge City countered with one girl 5 feet-11inches. The Lady Cards beat Carroll 15-12 in the first game and lost the next two, 15-3 and 15-7. It was the Cards greatest season ever. Coach Wilson and seniors Natalie Sarver and April Belk won't soon be forgotten.*****Dave Campbell's football magazine has picked coach Randy Theriot's Orangefield Bobcats to finish in fifth place in a district of six teams. The Bobcats however, clawed their way to the district championship and went into the second round of the playoffs They lost to Crockett 41-31, ending the dream season. Senior Beaux Daville had another great game with three touchdowns and rushing for 206 yards. He became the first Bobcat ever to rush for over 2,000 yards*****Jim Sharon Bearden, son of Carol and Sharon Bearden, is class president of Texas Tech Law School. He has his own office and travels to other universities promoting his law school. (Editor's note: Jim Sharon now is in practice with his dad on Border Street in Orange.)

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Orange First United Methodist Church is 142 years old. Back in 1859 traveling Methodist preachers called this area the "Alligator Circuit." That was the beginning of Methodist in Orange. In 1873, 44 people joined together to form the first mission and official Methodist Church. They built a tiny wood-framed building on College St., facing Evergreen Cemetery. After a fire destroyed the church, they moved to the Court House for three years. In 1894, they rented a church at Border and Henderson. The Rev. W.W. Watts was pastor of the 224-member church. In 1910, the church moved to Sixth and Elm. The existing building was completed June 10, 1923. It wasn't until the $8,000 debt was paid that the church was dedicated on March 25, 1937. Bishop A Frank Smith officiated.*****A few folks we know celebrating in the next few days. Nov. 26: The pride of Orangefield, mother of twins and the prettiest district judge in all of Texas, Judge Courtney Burch Arkeen, who celebrates today. She'll do to ride the range with or ride anywhere with. Judge, happy birthday and keep on just being yourself, you'll be around till retirement age of 72.***Happy birthday today to BCISD nurse Shirley Hollier, Tanya Hubbard, Dana Bryant and Colby Daville.***A special happy birthday to a great guy Eric Andrus.***Also happy 43rd anniversary to Angie and Don Breaux. Pretty Angie stays young while Don looks more like her dad, heading to grand-dad. We wish this great couple many more healthy, happy years.*****Nov. 17: District Attorney John Kimbrough notches another year on the tree of life. He serves us well and we're glad he chose to stay as our county attorney one more term. I not sure but son Grant must be out of medical school by now. Someone let me know.***D.J. "Ace" Amodeo turns 98 today. He'll take a lot of unknown history when he checks out but we're hoping he'll be around for a while yet.***Pretty Sharon Gregory wherever she is remains lovely. She was a U.S.A. teenage queen many years ago. She did us proud. Happy birthday and also happy birthday to Roy's sister, Shirley Kogas.*****Nov. 28: Here are some pretty good ole boys celebrating today, Jerry Childress, Russell Dillow, David Fusilier and Jade Seibert.*****Nov. 29: Former county commissioner Barry Burton, who we haven't heard from in this past year, celebrates a birthday. Also celebrating are one of the Bearden boys, Tyler, and the late Dick Manuel's son, Troy Manuel.*****Nov. 30: Our longtime friend, a great gal, Evelyn Brandon, celebrates. She is taking care of her dad Norris. That's a good girl.***Cindy's husband, "Mr. Big Red" Vance Chauvin, is a year older today.*****Dec. 1: We haven't heard from this guy in a couple of years, he's from Aggieland and moves a year closer to old age today. Happy birthday Bill Hare.*****A very special 42nd anniversary to George and Janelle Sehon and happy 2nd to lovely Stephanie and husband Alex Hurst.*****We were sorry to hear that our friend, Pinehurst mayor Dan Mohon, is giving up his seat due to fighting cancer for over the last several years. I've never known a finer person. My prayers are with him.*****I was also sorry to learn of the death of Buddy Davis, one of the greatest athletes to come from our area. Shawn's dad, a 6- foot, 9-inch giant, was an Olympic gold medalist and pro-basketball champion. I first met him as bank president in Vidor. I recall his picture clearing the high jump in the 1950's on the back of a Wheaties cereal box. He first made his mark at Texas A&M. His is a great story. Condolences to Shawn and Tammy and their very large family.*****Maureen Dowd's column in Monday's New York Times was titled, "Trump presidency is ending like a sad movie." Trump is right about one thing, "FOX has lost its Golden Goose."*****While on that subject, last Saturday I heard Congressman Brian Babin make a statement at a rally that was very untruthful. I like Dr. Babin a good man, but his staff fed him some very wrong information. Biben said, "Joe Biden didn't win the election, Biden didn't get as many votes as Hillary." The truth is Biden got nearly 80 million votes, an all-time record. He beat Trump by six million votes the most any incumbent has ever been beaten. Biden received 306 Electoral votes to Trump's 232, only 270 were needed.

Biden beat Trump fair and square so let's quit bouncing the airless balls.***** Joe Scarbough has written a new book about Harry Truman. I love history so I feel it will be a good read. Information is available at Joe MSNBC.com. It covers my entire childhood.*****Let me tell you about a great, informative news show. Shepard Smith, formally of FOX, is now on CNBC at 6 p.m. It's the best, straight news hour on TV. Shep started with FOX News and for 21 years handled "Breaking News," with its conspiracy theories. Sean Hannity has since changed the name to ALERT but keeps running garbage as news. Shep said he was out. He could have gone anywhere, he's that good. Check him out, 6 p.m., CNBC.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

Natives celebrating birthdays in the coming week. Sherry Hickman, Serena Simonton, Amber Permar, Christie Smith, Sherry Hommel, Kelly Stanley, Michael Chapman, Christi Nelson, Shelly Hollier, Katie Deal, Colby Daville, Dana Bryant, Melissa Fisher, Tena Kenney, Abby Floyd, Betty Simonton, Cindy Huckabay, Andrea Tupper, Tiffany Osborn, Cassandra Carpenter, Sharon Evans, Angela Harkness, Freda Riley, Jim Bob Aven, Erin Evans, Jamie Applebach, Leah Vogt, Tish Garrett.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

Celebrities celebrating birthdays in the next few days. Nov. 25: Singer Amy Grant, 60; Actors Kevin Chamberlin, 57 and Christina Applegate, 46.*****Nov. 26: Actor Jamie Rose, 61; Singers Tina Turner, 81 and Natasha Bedingfield.*****Nov. 27: Actress Robin Givens, 56 and JFK's daughter Caroline Kennedy, 63.*****Nov. 28: TV show host Jon Stewart, 58; Race Car Driver Chase Elliott, 25 and Actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead, 36.*****Nov. 29: TV Show Host Howie Mandel, 65; Wrestler Jerry Lawler, 71 and Actor Don Cheadle, 56.*****Nov. 30: Golfer Tiger Woods, 45; Boxer Laila Ali, 43 and Actress Caity Lotz, .*****Dec. 1: Soul Singer Janelle Monae, 35; Director Woody Allen, 85 and Pop Singer Bette Midler, 75.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

After getting off wok Oris Boudreaux and his fellow worker, Joe "Stud" Comeaux met up at Tee-Boy's Bar and Grill for a beer. Da two guys were discussing popular family trends on sex, marriage and family values.

Oris said, " I didn't sleep wit my wife Stella before we got married, did you?"

Joe replies "Mais, I'm not sure me, who was her pappa? Wat you say her maiden name was?"

C'EST TOUT

We have so much to be thankful for. First we are thankful for you, our loyal readers and to our family of advertisers. We live in a great place, with some of the world's most friendly folks. We're also thankful that we have been able to bring you this publication every week for over 50 years now. We are all in this together and there is still death and illness to face. It didn't have to be this way. I place great hope in our fresh start. I yarn for the day when we can be normal again. I miss hugging my grandchildren and being with my friends. We must all do our part to defeat this pandemic. Wear your mask. Happy Thanksgiving and God bless.