Subligna Valley News - December 18, 2022

Saying "goodbye" to Mary's beloved aunt, more music added to "Chillin' With Steve", and a shout-out to WOKE Radio's legendary "Cousin Johnny".

Hey, y’all! We hope everyone is enjoying the holidays so far. Mary and I made our annual Christmas trip down to Florida to see her family.

This year, we got here a little earlier than usual to attend a celebration of life for her dearly-departed 85-year-old “Aunt Lou”. When “Aunt Lou’s” family said “celebration of life”, they truly meant it as the entire service at her church included lots of heartwarming and humorous stories of her life.

Aunt Lou (from her obituary)

Nearly 20 years ago, I got to meet “Aunt Lou” for the first time at a family Thanksgiving gathering in Florida. No sooner I got out of my car, “Aunt Lou” was there to give me a big hug and welcome me to the family (I had just married her niece Mary that summer). For several years, we’d go to her house for some of the greatest Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners… and they were an event in and of themselves as dear “Aunt Lou” was the quintessential hostess and party planner. At Christmas, no one was allowed to eat until we sang “The 12 Days of Christmas”. Everyone got a number from 1 to 12, corresponding to one of the days (e.g., 5 golden rings). We weren’t the most musically talented group of folks, but it was sure fun.

At the end of “Aunt Lou’s” celebration, her oldest daughter (Mary’s cousin Luan) did not dismiss us for the reception until we all sang “The 12 Days of Christmas”. Just like those memorable Christmas dinners, we had received a number and when our number came up, we sang our part. Mary had 5, and I had 1. Mary, a talented singer, was probably the only one in tune (other than Luan). I don’t think I did too bad with my part. All in all, I never laughed and smiled so much at any ceremony honoring a deceased person. I thank God that He put “Aunt Lou” into my path. While she was my aunt by marriage, she was as much “Aunt Lou” to me as she was to her biological nieces and nephews. Thank you, “Aunt Lou” for all the love, hugs, and hospitality you have shown us and may you rest in His eternal peace.

On the Subligna Valley front, we’ve added several more songs to our “Chillin’ With Steve” library. In the spirit of our slogan “We’re Eclectic AF… and Proud of It”, we’ve added more classic hits from the 60s through the 90s, yacht rock, and more classic country. We’ve also added more PSAs from Lions Clubs International.

Last, but not least, check out another internet radio station called “WOKE Memories”. Mary’s cousin Johnny created this station a tribute to former Charleston, South Carolina station WOKE where he once worked as an announcer (apparently, the station’s owner didn’t like the term “DJ”). I saw “Cousin Johnny” at “Aunt Lou’s” celebration of life and thanked him personally for being an inspiration for my foray into the internet radio station world. Here’s a video of WOKE Radio’s own “Cousin Johnny” from back in the day…

Well, folks, that’s it for now. Thank you for reading, listening to “Chillin’ With Steve” and for showing “Cousin Johnny” some love by listening to his internet radio station. May you and your family have a very happy and safe holiday season and a Happy New Year.

Peace Out, Y’all!