It’s February in Texas and the weather roller coaster continues to be a wild ride! Will March come in like a lion or like a lamb? Will my new peach blossoms make it through March or will they be killed by a frost?

I don’t know what the weather people say but my trees say winter is over for them! One thing that is missing from the mix is rain. The ground is very dry and winter crops are feeling the pinch.

My Dallas granddaughters were thrilled to watch a real round up a couple of weeks ago. The cows were there, the horses and riders were there, and oops, so were the four wheelers. That doesn’t quite go with the wild-west image, but it sure was fun to watch.

The Richland Springs Volunteer Fire Department held their monthly business meeting on February 4th. They welcomed four new prospective members; Helen Bates, Shirley Harlow, Dean King and Tina Poe. Their applications were given to an investigative committee and they will be required to attend at least the first 3 meetings prior to being voted in by current members.

The Fire Department will hold a training session on some new fire equipment, on February 18th at 7:00 p.m. All firefighters train as often as possible to keep current with changing firefighting techniques and rescue operations. The next business meeting will be March 3rd, 2008. All persons interested in joining the fire department are encouraged to attend and the public is always welcome.

March 4th is fast approaching and everyone is out politicking, searching for your vote. I have my preferences but what I will tell you is that it is a must for everyone to go out and vote. This is not the year to say I don’t like who’s running so I think I’ll stay home. If you stay home someone else’s vote counts twice! Sherriff candidate Ross Cox attended the VFD meeting to present his reasons, and qualifications for becoming the new San Saba County Sherriff and Tax Collector. I understand the candidates were invited to speak at the city council meeting. I regret to say I missed it; I truly would have loved to be there.

The Coyotes are headed for the next level of basketball tournament play. A host of people tramped down to watch the game last Friday. Venue for the next game is Blanco; this will be a rematch of last year’s game. Good luck Coyotes! Between basketball, Ag events, UIL academic meets, and now tennis, it’s hard to get ready for the other event next week, which is TAKS! I believe I forgot to mention track is now underway. Spring sports are difficult for small schools, they require a lot of people and even warm bodies are not available. If you are fortunate enough to be in playoffs, then you have even more issues. The first tennis tournament is next Friday at Santa Anna and I’m not sure when the first track meet will occur. Mr. Fowler will probably let everyone know in his column.

As a postscript to last week’s column, I need to add one little item. I had a bottle of vitamins on my desk, children’s chewables. They belonged to my grandkids, but I left them there. Several students asked if they could have one, I didn’t see the harm, but apparently allowing, not offering, but allowing students to have vitamins is offensive. So I will no longer keep my vitamins on the desk, but put them away or take them home.

The fact of the matter, is I often chew one in the afternoon, to help make it through a long day. I am always telling the kids it only takes one person to ruin it for anyone. Look at the issue of prayer over the loudspeakers at games. Why, when a minority complains, is the majority overruled? That could be another long tirade on the stupidity of some of our laws, so I’ll just leave it there.

Pearl, you haven’t been sending me any news lately, hope all is well with you. That big birthday is getting nearer! We were all glad to see Wayne Powell back on his feet this Sunday. A little bird told me he was not always the best of patients or is that spelt patience? Kathy and Bob Brockman donated an original charter for the Richland Springs VFW to the Preservation Society. Kathy said it was amongst her father’s stuff. I’m looking forward to seeing it up in the hall next time I go!

The Ladies Bible study and quilting club is going to close down shortly for the summer. Our teacher, Kay McKee, is expecting a crop of goats, and cannot continue. We have all been given homework for the time out period! We may assign an alternate teacher for the month of March but that is yet to be decided.

My son will put on his Master Sergeant’s stripes on March 1st. This is another career milestone for him. I won’t be able to see that, since he has been deployed, but that won’t decrease the pride. We only have about 6 weeks, and we can celebrate with him in person. Please remember to pray for our wonderful troops, no matter where they are posted. Pray for the upcoming elections, and take the time to vote for who, and what, you think is right. Study the platforms for both parties, and know your candidate’s position. Pray for our country, our President, and bless the families who are missing loved ones with a little attention. Have a wonderful week.