Another crazy spring week safely under our belt! The Saturday frost/freeze warning just about sent Russell through the Richter scale. He can’t figure out why these weather guys can’t get the weather straight. I ran out and covered plants with his help, but I was just too sure we were going to lose my baby garden and fruit!

No sweat, the morning dawned bright and clear and the fruit was still on the trees. Life is such a hoot in the country! I love it!

Mind you, I still like to have a choice about shopping. I was sorry to see Goody’s go out of business since that leaves next to no choice in Brownwood.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. If you want to write this column please let me know, I’ll be glad to hand it over.

Here it is, Sunday afternoon, bright and sunny but where am I? Sitting at the computer typing away, hoping I can put something in that will be worth reading.

The funny thing is, I pride myself on being able to communicate clearly. Maybe, that’s what it is, pride. The comments this week have been interesting, mostly because of the Letter to the Editor. I have to tell you, if my own cousin doesn’t understand what I am typing then I need to quit!

Ruth is my cousin by marriage. We have spent countless hours together, watching our children grow. We have cried together during bad times, and laughed during the good times. We’ve crossed the country as a family, and loved almost every minute of it. If Ruth feels this way, then I’m doing something wrong.

Donna Hill suggested that I interview two people, one opposed to the bond election and one in favor of the election. I have been walking the middle line not pointing fingers or calling out names. I thought that was the way to go. Obviously it is not. So, if you want to have your side put into the paper, call me and I will print what you say, short of slander.

Rumors are flying and things are getting touchy. People are getting mixed up about this school stuff. One of our teachers was told by a shopkeeper in San Saba," I hear your school is closing and your kids are coming here." Nope, that is incorrect. Should that happen, then so be it, but not as of yet.

The last board meeting presented this information. The last school board, this school board, and the school administration has saved enough money in the general fund to keep going this year and possibly next, depending on funding.The $650,000 has been kept untouched, not only because of state mandates, but because we have good people working to keep our school open.

Due to the loss of students this year, our projected budget was less than our incoming funds. We have money to complete this year, but will have to use some of our surplus.

What the board and administration is doing is acting proactively. They are making cut backs, looking at bonds, asking the TEA and other funding agencies about alternatives. Board meetings are open to the public. They close only when personnel issues are being discussed, that is the law.

If you want to see what went on, ask for a written copy of the minutes. I’ll try to remember to get a copy and print it in the newspaper, but I have a pretty full plate.

Be a J.D. Smith, come to the meetings and ask questions. I promise you will be welcomed. Your questions may be difficult, but every piece of information taken or given, lets board members do a better job. This goes for city council meetings also. Give your elected officials the benefit of your advice and concern, it makes their jobs easier.

Communication is extremely difficult. People listen with prejudiced ears. They’ve made up their minds, and translate your words to fit their argument. Doesn’t matter how you feel about that; that’s how it is.

Some of you misunderstood Ruth’s words. I feel Ruth’s concern for her alma mater and appreciate her opinion. I didn’t understand the travel thing until someone explained that Mr. Winn was given a gas stipend. I truly do not know the circumstances that led to that expenditure, but several good people had to approve that expense.

The recent burglary of the athletic office showed the strength of the booster program, most of the equipment perks were paid for by them and other members of the community.

The Gossett family and other community members donated their labor to the recent library renovations. Many people are working to make this a wonderful learning environment. Anyone who thinks teachers go to work for a paycheck and nothing else, needs to spend a few weeks in school. There are so many demands made upon teachers and students nowadays. This school has been a delight to me since the first football game I attended in 1972. I love working with my fellow teachers, and my students are precious.

Mrs. Harris has picked the last Wednesday in April for the Kindergarten Open House. She has requested that incoming students be registered with the office before that date. The nurse will be on hand to take all medical records.

Please bring birth certificates, shot records and any medical alerts that need to be addressed. The state has issued criteria for incoming and departing kinder students.

Mrs. Harris will have a list of learning requirements for your examination. It is no longer possible to skip straight to 1st Grade unless you have taught your child at home. Please call the school as soon as possible to register for this open house. Mrs. Harris is looking forward to a wonderful year with her little ones!

Donna Hill wanted me to remind everyone about the upcoming Alumni Banquet. It is scheduled for May 9th, 2009, starting at 6:00 p.m. Honored graduates will be years ending in ‘9 and of course this year’s graduates. Catering will be from Mac’s Bar-B-Q.

Alumni will be treated to the newly renovated fountain. Thanks to Mrs. Angela Schultz and her art class, the old fountain has been transformed. Gerald McKee and his Ag class did the ironwork for the sculpture. The finished product is absolutely breathtaking! Why not take the time to go look.

Loretta Taylor has a brand new circular rock patio courtesy of her kids. It was designed by the family, which apparently all have a gift for design and art. Congratulations Loretta, enjoy your beautiful home. By the way, I love your new hairdo.

I hope everyone has a great week. Please pray for our sick. Floyd and Susan’s granddaughter, Nicole Burns, had a severe seizure as a result of an ear infection. She is doing much better but still needs our prayers.

The McPhersons, June and her husband need our prayers also. Valerie Gossett has been taking care of their needs.

Dean Lord is coming home from the hospital Sunday. Mode Mask is undergoing surgery.

The Arthur Cook family and the Jackson family are dealing with the loss of their loved ones.

We have at least 10 young men and women serving overseas.

Khalid Khatib is leaving for the Navy this month. Please pray for his mom, Rhonda and his family. Mom’s always need a lot of prayer when their babies leave home!

Continue to lift up our country, our President, our school and our awesome troops. Should you have an opportunity to bless their families please do so. Take care, take pleasure, and take part in your community.