Just when I thought I would have to drag out the really heavy

clothes, along came the warm weather again. Russ and I traipsed out to Veribest, ignorant of where we were going, but successful in finding the field. I say successful, because it is out in nowhere land! As we snaked our way in the dark, wondering if we were lost, surrounded by cotton fields with

strange lights shining in the distance, up popped the lights of the field. I have to thank the Spanish lady who found an interpreter to tell us where to go once we hit the school. I can’t say the folks at the gate were very helpful when it came to parking directions.

Fortunately, the weather was cool, but not freezing. Seated on our tailgate, we watched the game progress to a good conclusion. Our boys fluctuated between great plays, and absentminded plays. Some of those absent-minded plays are bound to have caused the coaches indigestion! They are the kind of plays we cannot afford if we are to retake our championship crown back.

Our flag was at half-mast on Friday, in honor of the fallen at Fort Hood. I’d like to think it was in honor of one of our own as well. Friday the community united with Bonnie and Junior Evans to say their farewells to David Evans. David lost his fight with cancer, but won the right to be with his Savior. Our hearts go out to Bonnie and Junior, and I ask that you continue to pray for this precious couple as they struggle with their loss. We can rejoice that David is in a better place, but mourn that he is not here with us.

Our school kids are getting ready for UIL. We are the host school for the elementary level this year. That means not only do we prepare our students, but we must prepare our campus. Melanie Smith and Kathy Brockman have been working overtime to get us prepared. I am sure their efforts will be successful. You should see the military style campaign they have put up on the teacher’s wall!

Parents, we are working with the students after school. They need to be working at home also, if they are to be successful. At the high school level, students can get a scholarship to college, if they reach the state level of competition. Our education system recognizes the dedication and work that goes into being a successful UIL competitor. Please encourage your student, and help out at home if possible. The competition is less than a month away! Students are not allowed to compete in UIL if they are not passing.

This is the end of the six week period, and report cards will be coming out soon. Parents, be on the look out for report cards. They must be returned and signed the day after they go home. I send mine home with a copy so that you can keep one for yourself to show off to family and friends. Please don’t forget Valerie Gossett and the box top campaign. I don’t see quite as many coming in this year, as we have had in the past.

We were all shocked to hear of the passing of Louise Draper’s

daughter Kathy this past weekend. She came down to attend the Evan’s funeral. She pitched in and helped with the cleaning and funeral meal preparations. Her passing was unexpected, and no doubt deeply disturbing to Louise. No arrangements have been made at the time of writing this column.

A little bird told me that Ruth Lewis has been under the weather lately. I need to get by and see for myself. It’s a shame that we get so busy that we don’t have time to do the nice things for family and friends.

We also heard that Caroline McCoury went to be with the Lord this week also. Please keep

her family in your prayers.

The first playoff game will be against Gustine this Friday. The

game will be held in Bangs. I hope all you Coyote fans can attend with your very best noise makers! Speaking of football, I was delighted to see Tyler Ethridge at church on Sunday. He says he is doing well. I’ll say this again.

Whoever is not using this young man to play football, in some position, is short a few marbles. I wish him all the best, with or without football. It’s always fun to see the alumni at games and school events.

Our school is a little safer than it was a few weeks ago, but Mr. Winn and staff, will still

have to spend carefully. We have a few new students; that will help some. It seems as if we lose one and get one back, so we are holding our own. All I know is that I’m teaching a class that I have never taught before, so I am doing as much homework as the students! All the teachers are carrying extra loads to ease the budget deficit. We have a great staff here in Richland Springs! We have a super student body!

C.B. King is here at the farm, culling my deer for me. He says he’s seen a few young bucks, but nothing with big points. He doesn’t worry about that anymore. He likes to take pictures and bring them back to his wife Mary. She has been through some serious health problems the last few years. Normally she would come with him and watch the deer. She’s more woman than I am, if she can stay in that old house!

Thanksgiving is almost upon us. If you are going to be part of

the shoe box Christmas ministry, it’s time to get them up to the church. I love shopping for those boxes! I think I’ll get my kids to wrap the boxes for me, so that they can share in the joy of giving.

The Christmas musical is scheduled for December 13th. I hope everyone for miles around will come and celebrate with us. Members from several churches and our school kids have come together under the direction

of Mary Kate Adams to present this Christmas gift to the community. As they say” Ya gotta love it!”

It has been quite a week. We’re struggling over the senseless

massacre at Ft. Hood. Worrying over the loss of our freedom in this increasingly socialist government is a daily thing. Healthcare is close to being run by the people who ran Medicare into the ground, and we have lost some wonderful community members. Nevertheless, God is in control. We need to get busy and tell our representatives that their nonsense needs to come to a halt. We need to tell the atheists that if they don’t like Christmas, don’t participate but leave the holiday alone.

We have to balance our rights, with our responsibilities. Above all else, we need to thank God for

our wonderful country, our precious troops and their families, and our unique freedoms that are Christian based. We are a model for other countries to attempt to emulate. We are a dream for so many people who cannot achieve our freedoms under their existing regimes.

God bless America and have a wonderful week.