The Olympics are in full swing, and I’m loving the action! I have a ton of cousins in Vancouver. I hope they are enjoying the games in person. Like other Canadians, I was sweating the lack of snow. Vancouver is not known for snow. Mind you, once you get into the mountains there is plenty of snow. The rain just doesn’t do much for skiing! Here it is Sunday and it looks as if the weather is finally going to cooperate! I’m hoping they will get gold in these Olympics. Just when I was thinking it couldn’t happen a Canadian, Alexader Bilodeau, just took first place in the downhill mogul race. Canadians are sure to be celebrating! Of course, in the midst of the joy, there is the tragic loss of the young luge driver. It underscores the danger associated with extreme competition. What a horrible loss for his family and teammates. I enjoyed the opening ceremonies, but like so many other viewers I have to admit nothing could compare to the Chinese opening! Still, they came up with an interesting, if not flamboyant opening. I’m watching the pairs skating at the moment, but it’s almost time for bed, so I guess I’ll miss the rest of the skaters. I missed the American skaters, so I’m not sure how they did. I don’t see their name on the top three, so I guess they didn’t do well. Oh well, there’s always tomorrow.

I’m writing this column between competitors, so I’m losing track of what I’m writing. Miss Pearl Cantrell called me a while ago. We had a really bad connection and I had great difficulty hearing what she was saying. I know she is making preparations for her next big birthday party. It takes a lot of work to plan a three day party! She was pleased to tell me

Bob & Mary McLean had sent her a bouquet of red roses from Ruthie’s and her daughter, this is where I’m going to have trouble, Saye Currie sent her yummy chocolates and a sweet card. I could not understand that name for anything in the world. So Pearl, I hope I got close. She says she is doing well and looking forward to warmer weather.

I was one of many people who received floral gifts from Ruthie’s this year. I know the shop was kept busy delivering on Friday. If everyone else’s was as beautiful as mine then there were many happy ladies in Richland Springs. I’ve said this before, but it’s worth saying again, Ruthie’s is doing a super job, and I hope everyone does their best to support this new business and keep it going. Mr. Isbell and the senior class sold 1300 chocolate covered strawberries to raise money for their fund. I suspect they won’t want to look at berries again for awhile. The teachers benefitted from this holiday. I shall have to suspend my diet for a few days! We have wonderful students and parents here in Richland. Thank you to all the parents who helped with parties on Friday. My class was blessed with pizza, thanks to Mrs. Hallmark. We wished Peyton happy birthday, and Alexis farewell. She is moving with her family. We hated to see her go. She was a sweet addition to our class.

My sister emailed from Rockport, MI. She said they didn’t get to see much of New Orleans because it was pouring rain. They are headed for Florida and friends. Perhaps they’ll be able to get in some golfing. I had plans to take them golfing at Riesen Park, but the weather was not very cooperative. Still, it is better than their region of Canada.

The first set of TAKS tests are coming up in early March. Tennis should be starting, but most of the players on the team are still playing basketball. We wish them all the best in the playoffs. Mrs. Gossett is still looking for Box Tops. Louise Hyman gave me a handful at church, but Kathy Brockman claimed them. It seems Louise has been bringing them to her for years. I’ll be glad to accept some from anyone who wants to send me some. So will the other teachers too. We have a competition amongst the classes. Top winners get an ice cream party. Fifth graders will be selling chocolates to earn money for their trip to the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi. We went last year, and it proved to be an absolutely wonderful field trip. So much so, we are going to do it again!

Please keep the McPherson family in your prayers. Rusty went home to be with the Lord last Monday morning. Funeral services were held at the Shiloh Church. Please keep our community, our sick, our President, our government, and our precious troops and their families in your prayers. Have a blessed week.