The New Year is officially here. I’m usually good for the first few days about writing the date with the New Year number. After that, comes the check changing and initialing. We had some discussion about the new date before school let out. The kids were trying to decide if you would say ten like we say ’09 or would you have to say the whole date for it to make sense, twenty-ten. I believe we decided it would have to be 2010. Just saying ten doesn’t get it. I’m sure lots of you went to parties and celebrated the passing of the old and coming of the new, but I went to bed. Scott and Heather were getting up at 5:00 am to head for Dallas. I was a good Mom and didn’t cry all over my son, but it was hard to see my little ones headed to Germany for so long. At least I still have my sister and her husband here to cheer me up. Mind you, I have been sick for the last few days so there is not much cheering up to do. I’m going to spend the day in bed hoping to get well enough not to miss school.

The Christmas Classic Basketball Tournament went well. My sister Dee and I, along with Dave and all my grandkids, worked the concession stand for the teams. Kathy Brockman and Maxine Robbins worked the gate for the event. Pam Starr recruited her daughter to keep stats and the clock for the games. The Richland boys took first place and the Lady Coyotes came in third. I saw a huge improvement in both teams since the first game I worked. They played some tough games. I enjoyed seeing all my students from Victory Life in Brownwood. We shared hugs and memories on the sidelines. I have to say my grandkids are unique. They had a blast working in the concession stands. Justin Hallmark also showed up to work for his class trip. Jordan Gossett attended the games, but I did not need her help since I already had 6 helpers!

Everyone I’ve spoken with has told me they had a great Christmas. The kids are not ready to get back to work, and I can’t really say that I am either. Never-the-less, it’s time to get to work. This next semester is the long one. I know I will hear about it, but I’m one of those that think the year should be broken up into 3 one month vacations instead of one long 3 month holiday. Too much work time is lost over the summer. It is nice to have a long rest, but I hate all the repeat work we have to do at the beginning of the year! I like the idea of year round school with 3-5 mini breaks.

This is going to be a short article this week. I need to get back to my sickbed and try to get better. Every time I cough I spell something wrong or add a space where it is not needed. I’m glad my sister is here. Dee is taking care of me and supplying me with hot drinks. Russ has banned me to the couch. I just hope I don’t spread this to everyone. If I’m not better by tomorrow, I’ll head for the clinic in San Saba.

Ruthie’s is probably putting all her Christmas stuff on sale so, why not drop by and pick up some bargains. For those of you who attended the awards presentation before Christmas, you know what a great job Lyn did with the school tree. Oh to have one fraction of her talent!

Ruth Lewis had quite a bit of company. I saw Todd and his kids out there. We have a whole new crop of animal neighbors. My kids especially loved the new pig. They have named her Fudgy. Todd, just in case you didn’t know; they all have names now!

I hope everyone is doing well. Please pray for our President, our leaders and our precious troops. We cherish our soldiers and their families. Let them know whenever you can how great they are. Have a blessed week everyone.