What a lovely spring break we just finished! The weather was perfect for outdoor activities; we had just enough rain to give the crops a chance to live, and then came Easter Sunday. This was an early Easter and Old Man Winter had to remind us that his watch is not done yet! Just after daybreak, my daughter-in-law Heather and I tramped through the damp yard carefully placing brightly colored eggs in strategic spots designed to catch the eye of marauding hunters. I guess I have never taken the time to grow up because I love all our wonderful celebrations. We had breakfast together and gave thanks to the Lord for His gift of life. That thanks was continued during church services, the gift of the empty tomb gives us a goal and a hope. All in all it was a wonderful weekend. I hope everyone is prepared to face the last two months of school.

Many of you will be receiving envelopes from children for the magazine drive. This drive benefits the Senior Class. I understand if two subscriptions are purchased then the child who sent in your name receives a free t-shirt. They are quite cute so I can see why they were sending out names. I also see it as a clever marketing tool; how in the world can you resist a pleading child!

Bev Cohn received a visit from the clean up committee. Jamie McGinty, the Wyatt’s, and their crew, came to clean up in her yard. She said they worked hard and she is so thankful for the improvement they made in her area. The Booster Club will probably have a report on the projects that were accomplished. Thank you to all parents and students who participated in this project.

Pearl Cantrell called this week. She wanted to thank the City of Richland Springs for the beautiful plaque and flowers. She said over two hundred names were written in her guest book and not everyone signed. They had burgers on Friday, ribs for Saturday lunch and the evening meal was brisket. She said there was plenty of food for everyone and they didn’t run out. I’m not sure how you plan for that large an event but obviously someone did and succeeded in making this a wonderful 100th birthday. Pearl tells me a friend of Nedra Morgan won the friends quilt. She has yet to claim her prize, so Nedra, if you can contact her or Pearl, that prize can be collected. I have teased Pearl for some time about her dancing but she tells me that she just doesn’t have the strength to stay up dancing for hours anymore! I don’t understand why! Just teasing Pearl, after a week of my sweet grandbabies I don’t have the strength to walk to the mailbox much less dance for hours on end. We are very proud of you Pearl. I cannot even imagine all the changes that have occurred during your lifetime! It takes a special person to weather all the changes that have been made in 100 years. Your spirit is evident to all who meet you and is the reason you have met this magic birthday. We wish you many happy returns of the year to you Pearl and many thanks to your family that cares so deeply for you. You are a blessed lady.

Since we’re talking about special people, we’ll have to mention Herman Luce. I have met him countless times on the road, and returned his cheerful wave. He just seems to be a very contented person. Little did I know that he is also an extremely successful person. He recently entered a 48-mile bike race in Abilene, and came in 6th out of 200 racers, finishing with a time of 3 hours and 16 minutes. That is impressive at any age! I understand Herman is also a write in candidate for a position on the City Council. He will be attempting to win the one year term position vacated by Doug Gibson. Congratulations on your super accomplishment in Abilene; good luck with the City Council race.

My son is out on his last mission before his return home! He and his men are all prepared for the end of their deployment and the return to their families. God willing, they will be home by the middle of April! His children and wife miss him greatly, and are counting the hours and days until his return. During your busy week, why not take the time to pray for our troops and their families; don’t forget our government and President.

Whatever your party, remember that bullies don’t respond to treaties.

Against all opposition, Bush has stood strong in his commitment to winning this war. The proof of his success lies in Bin Laden’s recent threats to bring Europe to its knees, instead of issuing more empty threats against the United States. We should have learned this lesson from Hitler; some of us have forgotten, or never saw the picture clearly. The school yard bully has to be stopped with some of his own medicine, not with bribes. So pray for peace in the Middle East, and pray that we can bring our young soldiers home with pride. Have a wonderful week, God bless you all.