Jene at Chili Beach

For several years the neighborhood group would go to Myrtle Beach for Memorial Day and Labor Day, staying in Momma Neese’s mobile home at “Chili Beach”.  Although it had 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, as well as a large screened porch, with 8 – 10 people the sleeping arrangements were tight and often creative.  We didn’t care – we were at the beach, and most importantly, we were together.  Many wonderful memories (and tales) were created there.

Everyone had their special things – food, beverages and clothes that they were known for at “Chili Beach”.  Jene always took “tongues and garlic cheese” – a favorite with beer, champagne and Mr. Pat’s margaritas – and usually was sporting some new very neon bathing suit.

Jene, known to be a “perky” early riser at the beach (unlike some of us), usually was the first up to make coffee, but was not known to always be the quietest while doing so. It was thought that she was trying to get some other early risers would up with her, while some of us still slept.  One morning, she was up – chirping away in hopes that someone else would get up with her, but no one arouse.  She continued to clang about the kitchen trying to wake some company, with no results.  Finally someone grumpily asked what the @&#% she was doing in the middle of the night.  It seems that Jene read the clock wrong and it was 3:00 or 4:00 AM.  Needless to say, she crept back to bed and whether she slept another 2-3 hours, or just lay there sheepishly, is known only to her.

Happy Birthday!! 

LaNeese Lamay Rayhand