Vacation of a lifetime

In September 2007, Smokey and I went the vacation of a lifetime. We went on an Alaskan Cruise. It was amazing. If you ever thought you wanted to go to Alaska, GO. Time is wasting. This is one of the prom pictures we had made on the ship just before dinner. Alaska is bigger than life and so is Smokey Davis. Smoke Circles in the sky.

Friends

Left to right. Kati, Ali, Great Jane, Jackie and Vicki. All girls that loved and will continue to love Smokey Davis. Smoke Circles in the Sky

Jane, Jackie and Vicki. Smoke Circles in the SkyM

Jackie, Vicki and Ali. Smoke Circles in the sky.

My friends all came to see me through the dark days that followed Smokey's death. Friends are what makes the world go around. Vicki, Jackie Ali and I had a slumber party the night before the service.

The following Kati joined us. My family and friends are what makes it possible to breathe. Thank you girls.

Jane and MOM

Taking a ride

That is Ali hanging on and Great Jane holding that precious Kennedy Jane, and the BIG Guy. That is Smokey. Bigger than life in so many ways. We will all mis you Big Smoke. Smoke Circle in the Sky

Smokey and Jane

The Right Shoe

Smokey Davis was the love of my life. On Tuesday, August 19, 2008, the two of us spent a lovely afternoon at his place. We rode around the property seeing all the accomplishments. Smokey was not only a dreamer, and a planner, but he had the talents to pull it all together and watch his dreams for the land come true.
We had a dinner meeting in Chatom. We rode the 50 miles or so and talked endlessly on the ride up. Great conversation, full of love for each other. On the ride up Smokey shared with me a dream he had the night before. He explained that in the dream, he was trying to get dressed to go somehwere with the family and he couldn't find his socks. He shared that the family was annoyed because they were waiting for him and he couldn't get it together. He was looking for shoes and all the shoes were left shoes. That was the end of the dream.
Once we arrived at the meeting, I got busy and so did Smokey. We were both on the program. There were about 40 people in Jake's Restaurant. Smokey had the audience going his way with stories and jokes. The next minute, Smokey was gone from this world. He sufferred a massive heart attack and was gone.
My theory, the time he spent with me, he found the right shoe. We had time to love and be loved. He had time to find the right shoe. When Smokey left this world and went to be with his Lord and Savior he had on socks and two shoes. One left and one right.
Loving Smokey will be a treasure I will hold in my heart forever.
Love like it was you last day. Say the things you need to say.
Life is truly short.
I love you Big Smoke. Smoke Circles in the Sky

Article in the Treasure Forest Association Magazine

Smokey Davis with Southern Charm and Deep South hospitality opened his country cabin and welcomed the 4-H volunteers to a great 4-H volunteer appreciation luncheon on June 10, 2008. Smokey intrigued the guest with a brief history of the Mauvilla Cabin and a descriptive illustration of the Davis Family and how they settled in Mauvilla. The cabin is nestled in the woods with a beautiful view of the lake filled to the brim with bass and brim. Several of the volunteers seized the opportunity to wet a hook and reel in the big catch. Smokey shared with the guest the picture window view of the sunrise and the top deck view of the moon and stars. Surrounding the cabin long horn cattle are grazing, native flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and pine trees are growing in the background. What a picturesque setting for an appreciation luncheon.
4-H volunteers with Classroom in the Forest: Forest in the Classroom ™, Animal Science, Community Clubs, and Special Interest Clubs were represented. Jim Todd, County Extension Coordinator gave a brief overview of Extension and thank you to all the 4-H volunteers for a job well done. Mandy Marks and Jane Hartselle took this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you for the volunteers that are the backbone of the 4-H program. Several of the volunteers shared their individual experiences and cherished stories of volunteering with 4-H in Mobile and Washington County. The resounding theme was the privilege of watching young children grow and learn from the opportunities provided through the 4-H Program. Several of the volunteers participated in 4-H and are continuing the 4-H tradition through volunteering.
Following was a delicious lunch, consisting of buckets of fresh garden salads, mountains of pasta salads, deli chicken salads on fresh from the oven croissants, and mouth watering briskets served -up on silver platters. Mandy Marks served up lunch Mandy style with vases of fresh picked flowers, 4-H colors of green and white, and delicious treats including cheese cake for desert.
Some of the guests with overflowing plates, settled in the sun room, others gathered in the gun room, while some of the guest filled the porch swing, wicker rockers, gliders and picnic tables overlooking the lake from the front porch. At no time was the kitchen empty.
Please allow me to say thank you to Smokey Davis, Mandy Marks and all the 4-H volunteers for a great 4-H volunteer appreciation luncheon.
Jane Hartselle