Well the little groundhog guy says spring is coming early, but we already beat him to it. I for one do not put much store in waking a little animal up and letting him predict my next six weeks weather. Our poor weathermen can’t do weather for a week, and they have tons of computer equipment. Still it is fascinating enough for 40,000 people to get out in freezing cold weather and party ‘til their toes freeze off. We are a strange bunch of humans aren’t we?

I thought of Earl Patrick today as I was getting ready for this column. When Glen left, he asked me if I would have anything to write without my dog. Things were tough in the old election arena, so yes, I found something. I find many of my conversations drift around to Glen. I know my conversations with my dog expert sister have been almost solely devoted to getting this big puppy to behave himself properly. That is my version of properly, not his. He seems to dominate my day. No matter what kind of day I have at school, I know we will have to go for an extended walk. He is doing better on a leash, and I hate to say it, but a new shock training collar is on its way to me. I may not have to zap him very often, but I must have a way to keep him from chasing the cows. Saturday, he came across a huge armadillo and gave chase. That sneaky ‘dillo snuck into a hole. I wish I’d had my camera with me. I would have needed sound as well. The armadillo would growl and thump, the dog would bark. Glen would dig the hole bigger and the other animal would dig further in to protect himself. I’m sure my neighbors were wondering what in the world was going on in the area. Russ came down from the house with a long rope because he thought the dog had gotten into the cows. So now I feel as if the next time I want to dig a hole I need to bury something that Glen wants to dig up, and he will do all the work. By the time he finished, the armadillo hole was about 36 inches wide and 24 inches deep. I just parked myself on a nearby branch and watched the circus! I don’t know why he has developed this passion for armadillos. I also never realized that I had so many on the property.

I had a great talk with Scott and Heather today. They are planning two trips, one to Ireland over spring break, and one to the North Atlantic this summer. Russ has said I can go on the summer cruise, so I am already planning. Heather is feeling better about the loss of her baby niece. I haven’t met her brother Brandon’s wife, but she is a remarkable woman. She and the baby almost died. The doctors saved her, but were unable to save the baby. They are crediting the fact that she was pregnant with their ability to save the mom. She comes from a strong Christian family, and they have been a tremendous support. Their strength has made it possible for everyone to keep this tragedy in focus. I know the angels in heaven are rejoicing over this amazing faith.

Kid’s Church is going very well. Bro. Barry says they are having between 25 and 35 kids on any given week. The lower numbers have been due to the colds and sickness that have kept kids at home. I dropped in last week because Louis was gone to her nephew James Ketchum’s funeral. She is headed to the doctor’s office to see what is wrong with her leg. Bro Barry was given a mostly clean slate on his weight loss. He is prediabetic, but at least he doesn’t have any form of cancer. It was really grand to see Woody Carroll in church Sunday. I had to smile at the three generations of Carroll men sitting in the back pew. George Hill is headed for more tests, this time on his heart. Donna invited me over to see the orphan feeding show at her house. I’m glad to say they have lost no more cows. I think three babies to feed are more than enough. The little doggie we have here has a nanny cow, but I’m not sure he is getting his share of the milk. Nanny has a calf almost as big as herself, and it seems to be the one nursing when I pass. He’s still going, but those other calves don’t take care of him at all.

Now that we have a working District Attorney, it appears as if some of these cases that have been hanging on for a few years, are finally going to go to trial. That is both good news and bad. For those hoping for justice and closure it could be good, but for those facing prison it is definitely bad. I feel sorry for all families involved.

Has anyone been over to visit Richard Lines? I don’t know if he is still in room 511 at Brownwood, but if so I know he would like some company. Another form of company is facebook. I have many students who “friend” me, but I rarely accept their invitations. The issue is not with them, it is often with their friends. I am aghast at the language young people employ these days. I don’t use them and I don’t want them on my page. So children don’t be angry if I don’t respond. I don’t look at my Dallas grandchildren’s pages very often just in case I have to write ugly notes and embarrass them. On the flip side is the fact I don’t want my grandchildren to read bad words on my page, even if they’re not from me. It is impossible to get these kids to understand that everything they so or write can be held against them. The internet communication is NOT private conversation. The danger is when someone posts something that isn’t true or is very damaging. It can never be removed the web. You hear about things going viral all the time. Wouldn’t you just hate it to be something detrimental about your or your family members? Any employer can search your page, colleges can see what you have posted and once posted it’s a forever thing. So please watch what you say.

The sun is going down and there is time for one more walk with Glen. I hope to be losing weight soon, but at the pace I keep; it may just be an ounce or two. Russ is having a lovely Sunday nap and I am just a little bit envious. I won’t watch the big game. It doesn’t interest me at all. I look at the commercials after the game to see who had the hits and who should have kept their money in the bank.

Please pray that we get a little of that rain that is semi promised for next week. My dead trees just hurt my heart. Please pray for our sick, our wounded, and our precious troops and their families.