Praise God we have had more rain! My eyes are loving all that green! Barry described our landscape a few weeks ago as a brown moonscape with cow patties dotting the “scape”. I totally agree with that view but now, we have lush green, the spring flowers are adding their dash of color and we just look great! I woke up when the hail hit Saturday night, but I have to admit I slept through the thunder and lightening. My garden didn’t even have a dent in any thing that I could see.

Speaking of gardens brings me to canning. I’m not sure if I remembered to tell everyone that Pearl Cantrell has a bunch of quart size canning jars that she wants to pass along to someone who can use them. Just give her a call and arrange a pick up.

Don’t forget May is the busy month. The bond election comes first. I think I’m resigned to it not passing because of past history, but I’m saddened that past history is going to endanger the future for the kids in our community.

Don’t stay home, either way, get out and exercise that precious right you have; cast your vote. Remember, you have to vote Yes or No on both propositions, or your vote doesn’t count. You will also be voting for a new mayor and some city council positions. If you need a ride to the polls I’m sure a neighbor or someone from church can get you down there.

I don’t know if our students realize how privileged they are to live in this little community. Our graduates are feted and honored by every church in this town.

The Masonic Lodge invites Seniors, Juniors, faculty and parents to a steak dinner every year. Awards and scholarships are given to deserving students and teachers. The community's outpouring of love continues with the First Baptist dinner for the Seniors and the Christian Church graduation ceremony and reception.

This doesn’t happen in larger communities but it is tradition here in Richland Springs. Seniors you are very blessed to have such wonderful people around you.

The Alumni Banquet is this Saturday. Donna Hill has been running around taking care of banquet details, at the same time as she was organizing the TAKS week of horrors. As usual, she does a great job. She was off Sunday, attending the Templeton family reunion in Lone Grove just outside of Llano.

The original Templeton ranch is located there and is the site for this annual gathering.

Barry Fikes class was meeting for their 30th reunion at the Morris Lusty ranch. Apparently the last ten years passed so quickly, Morris didn’t realize it had zoomed away! They tell me that happens as you get older! I have not been to one of my reunions.

About three years after I graduated they changed my school to a regional school. It was no longer a Chateauguay school but a county school, like San Saba I guess. Our school and its students were lost in the mix. I’d love to go, but they don’t even organize them anymore.

Russ’ school, Spring Branch, closed so they have their reunions at different hotels and restaurants. They even offered a cruise this year, but Russ won’t put a foot on a ship, so that was it for our reunion!

The Chili Bingo night was held on Friday. Mrs. Hall was a little worried that attendance would be thin due to the Swine Flu scare. Five students from the One Act Play are raising money for a trip to our capital city. If you couldn’t make it, but would like to make a donation, please contact Mrs. Hall at the school.

The blood drive for June McPherson is coming up soon. I may have to change my time to donate. I’m scheduled for 2:00 p.m. but I may not be back from fieldday. I hope you can give blood on that Thursday. The notice is in the activities column of this paper. I’m O - so the blood scavengers are always after my juice. I’m proud that I can give if needed. I didn’t realize the cost of a unit of blood had become so high! So, if you have a few minutes, come on out and give the gift of life!

David Evans is still doing well as far as the cancer is concerned but apparently he has heart valve problems. He has fought such a wonderful strong battle, as have his parents Bonnie and Junior. His life is a miracle, and we are joining with them looking for another miracle in his life. God bless you both.

I counted about 60 people on the sick list this week. Some are critical, and others are convalescing, but all need our continued prayers. Maxine Robbins is mourning the loss of her brother Casey Hibler. Please keep that family as well as the Mary Cummings family, the John (Sputnik) Bush family and the Smith Family in prayer. There are many more that need to be put into the hands of the Healer.

Please take the time to pray for our country, our President, our government and our wonderful troops. There are 16 young men and women on our service list at church that are far from home. They and their families pay a heavy price for our freedoms. We cannot thank them enough. School is out on the 28th. The teacher luncheon will be on the 29th at my house. Again, the folks of the community will bless the faculty of the school with a wonderful meal.

I hope everyone has a blessed week. Smile, life is too wonderful to waste on a frown.