I’m sitting here waiting for the rain. It has drizzled here off and on but only enough to wet the top layer. Although no one wants big storms, we sure need a good frog strangling rain! My son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter are on their way back from Lubbock. I hope they are not running into any heavy rains! Kaitlynn went to compete in a gymnastics competition. She is regional champion in one of her three events, second in the second and 10th out of 80 in her least favorite. The boys have been keeping Granny very busy while she was off competing! So this is going to be a short column to say the least!

Pearl Cantrell called to say she had not danced at Babe Edward’s 90th birthday, but she did go to San Angelo, and dance at the 99th birthday of a friend from the VFW. After two days of little boys, I feel 99; I just wish I had her energy!

The final bond meeting went very well. I don’t know what the outcome will be on Election Day but that is up to the voters. Mr. Fowler had a much simpler presentation this time, there was a tax representative and our tax assessor Randy also explained the tax increase issue. One item caused concern; that was the newspaper notice that stated the tax increase would be $1.50. This is a state law that has a minimum and a maximum rate. The district will not be asking for the maximum, but it has to be in that notice. Citizens over 65 will not experience a tax increase on their home.

Over 60% of the tax will be paid by out of county landowners and the rest is up to local citizens. Once that was explained, I think everyone felt a little better.

Sam Murray spoke and complimented the board on their fiscal responsibility over the last few years. There is nothing left to say on this issue. A yes vote will move the cafetorium debt over to another area that will allow the school to operate. A no vote will put the school in jeopardy unless more students enroll. Either way it is up to our voters. This is politics in its purest form. There are no parties, no lobbyists, no vested interests only every day folks deciding the fate of their school. Who knows, maybe President Obama will send us some bailout money! Just teasing!

Our kids went to the symphony and the Planetarium on Friday. I have to say our kids really knew their Mozart song, in both languages no less. They chickened out on me at the last moment and didn’t sign the song, but that was okay. The program is a perfect length for kids and the conductor Hector Guzman is a wonderful entertainer. They announced the winners of the art contest, and joy of joys Richland Springs took 1st, 2nd and 3rd! Mrs. Brockman took their picture so it should be in the paper. Mrs. Schultz did a great job with the music and the art for this event. We are going to miss her next year!

By the time this comes out the entire state will have been taking TAKS for days on end! We have been working on our math and science scores this year, so it will be exciting to see how we have improved. I believe San Saba is having the same problem. Our kids are expected to know quite a large amount of science material. 5th grade is on a roll with all students passing so we’re going for three in a row! We haven’t heard about 4th and 7th writing yet. My 7th graders are getting a little antsy waiting for the results. I’m looking for pink hair dye just in case they all pass. I know they can, it’s a matter of were they willing. We’ll see soon I hope.

David Evans has had a little setback and will have to do more chemo.

Mary Cummings is doing a little better, her family is thankful for that. We have many sick in the community.

Please continue your prayers for Sputnik Bush; and Les Hammitt still needs our prayers.

Please pray for our beautiful troops. They have increased by one more person, Khalid Khatib. I hope the Navy realizes what a wonderful young man they have recruited! Have a blessed week!