I hope everyone had a good week. San Antonio was just great, but someone forgot to tell that city that we are in a recession! Every time I travel there, I see new buildings, houses and businesses being built.

The kids and I swam, played tennis, and exercised on the WII. I’m not sure how accurate the data is on this game, but we had a blast! My grandson Jason worked for hours trying to get into 1st place on some of the balance games. Now my son Scott will have to take this week to make sure he stays in first place.

While I was gone, Richland had some heavy weather. Russ said the winds blew our heavy metal chair off the front porch. We lost a few limbs around the farm, but we were blessed with 1.7 inches of rain. Gerald McKee said he just had a few sprinkles. It looks as if the rain ranged from .0 to 2.5 inches over the area.

My step-daughter drove to San Antonio to pick us up and take us back to the farm. Christine loves cucumbers, so she picked as many as she could find. I think she had more fun harvesting the garden then she did eating the produce. We have introduced Jason to cucumbers in vinegar, so he has added a new food item to his menu.

We left San Antonio a little late. My son Scott and his wife, Heather were planning a murder mystery party, and Scott had to go to work to brief the commander on an upcoming inspection. That left Heather with a little extra work, so we pitched in and helped rearrange furniture etc. We left shortly after he returned from his briefing.

He and Heather are excited because they have been given orders to go to Germany. I am not that happy, since this will be for four years. I guess I shall be visiting Germany, God willing. My babies will be grown by the time they come back home. They will be getting a first hand geography lesson, so I can’t gripe too much.

The students that went to New York last week have returned. Brennan said his favorite place was the Statue of Liberty, and his least favorite event was riding the subway. He especially enjoyed a performance by a street performer who played the trumpet and keyboard at the same time. I know all these kids will have stories to share, and memories that will last a lifetime. Travel really is mind expanding. It opens up numerous new horizons. I’m glad everyone had a great time.

The shower for Donna and Alan Taylor was a success. Donna thanked everyone for coming and literally showering her with delightful gifts. I know from personal experience that doing things for this extra special couple is very rewarding.

I heard the Elm Grove Fish Fry was a success. I will publicly apologize for not getting my cake there in time for the auction. I arrived back from S.A. late, there was no water in my house, and it was just bad of me. To add insult to injury, I even had the wrong date for the event. I understand there was also a benefit for Sputnik Bush on the same night. I hope that went well. It’s a shame they were on the same night, since I feel it detracts from both events.

Upcoming events include the Richland Springs VFD Fish Fry on June 27th ,and of course the big 4th of July celebration put on by the Stars and Stripes Committee. I will make the fish fry, but my granddaughters and I will be in Canada by the 4th. It will be warm in Canada, but not scorching hot like it will be here in the heart of Texas!

Bev Cohn and her grandson were involved in a car accident. Bev was taken to Harris Methodist Hospitals in the HEB area with blood pressure issues, but she may be home by the time this issue comes out.

David Evans started more chemo for his cancer. Gerald says he is not feeling well, but they are hoping for another miracle. God has not stopped the miracle business, so my prayers are with him and his parents. Bonnie and Junior are super people who stand strong in their faith.

Elisa Draper has been struggling with an outbreak of lupus and needs our prayers also.

Since I will be gone for three weeks, is there anyone who would like to write the column while I am gone? Just give me a call and I will let Karen know of the switch. I tried writing from Canada last time, but it did not go well.

Our prayer list contains over 60 people needing prayers for healing, and 15 young men and women needing a prayer covering as they defend our country. Please pray for our President, our congress and our country, as well as our wonderful young soldiers.

As our country’s anniversary approaches; hold your head high, and salute the courage and determination of our founding fathers. They envisioned a country dedicated to freedom, under the care of Almighty God. We have strayed a little from our Christian beliefs, but it would take very little to turn this country back to God. Have a great week!