They say that vacation time is supposed to be fun time, right? Well, my wife and I plan to check it out for about a month now. Places like Branson, Mo., and sites closer figure in our plans.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that my column will be missing for about the next month. I guess also that writing already 60 years or so has gotten me in the habit. I don’t mind if you don’t.

Before I get to what I’m getting paid for and like to do, my buddy Ellis Crooks and I like to discuss Branson stuff all along over coffee at McDonald’s. Ellis and his wife have just returned from Branson, and you can bet they knew just what to do to have a good time while there.

I don’t remember if they saw that many shows, but I know they made the rounds pretty good. Ellis talked about the Baldknobbers, etc. and that just sets me off. Different strokes for different folks, I guess, but some of us just like to go to the Branson area each year. Sometimes twice.

So this to Peanut and Debbie (Boyd, formerly of Natchez, now of Rogersville, Mo., not far north of Branson): &uot;our plans are to see y’all while we’re up that way.&uot; For the record again: Peanut and Debbie’s cracker-jack eating establishment in Rogersville is called The Hungry Fisherman. I don’t fish anymore, but I’m &uot;always&uot; hungry.

Mississippi’s proud of Rafael Palmeiro, one of major league baseball’s brightest players who learned to star in baseball for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

The former Bulldog star pounded his 500th home run Sunday and became only the 19th player of all-time to hit 500 round trippers. Again, aren’t we proud of this young major league baseball star?!

It all happened in Arlington, Texas, and ole Rafael trotted the bases like Babe Ruth of old &045; 500 homers, how great it is! Hank Aaron of course holds the all-time record of 755 homers in a major league career. Then the great Babe is second with 714.

Willie Mays holds down third place with 660 homers, while Barry Bonds is still active in the majors and sittting on 623 at last look. Texas never looked so big as the &uot;500&uot; flashing lights flashed. It got him off 499, but he trotted the bases just like he has everytime in the past. The 499 flag flipped over to 500 and fans went crazy.

Palmeiro’s clout came at home Sunday, and was he glad to hit it there! &uot;Once I got to first and I touched first base, I don’t remember what happened,&uot; he came up with. &uot;It was just a numb feeling all the way around the bases.&uot;

This, again, is quite a feat by Palmeiro. Great going, by a Mississippi State great.

Girl’s track? I’ll take it anytime. Natchez High’s really fine girls track squad takes a backseat to no one, no siree! So you know where I’m coming from. Our hometown girls are A-OK &045; they won the state track championship last Saturday for the third straight year, and you can’t beat that!

Speedy Janice Davis led the way as Natchez’ girls outscored Gulfport’s girls 117-104.

Adam Daigle

told Democrat readers all about it Sunday, but I’m not going to let that stop me from having fun writin’ about the wonderful NHS achievement.

Here’s a big &uot;Well done, young ladies.&uot; Your town’s proud of you.

Glenvall Estes is a longtime columnist for The Natchez Democrat.