Spring, Spring beautiful Spring, I just love Spring. I was being fanciful on the way to church this morning. Winter brings out all the ugly, nothing is hidden from sight, but spring; all the ugly gets a new chance, and everything looks fresh and new. Mind you, winter is always a surprise. I discover homes standing out against the landscape that I never knew existed. I guess I just love Texas no matter what the weather or season!

Have you checked out Jim and Vera Ralston’s front yard? It is an absolute carpet of bluebonnets! I don’t know what they have in their yard soil but it grows flowers. The strange thing is last year they had a yellow and pink yard. This year they’re knee deep in blue! It is a sight to behold!

Spring means many other things. You know that one about a "young man’s fancy?" It seems as if almost every child from kindergarten to high school is focused in on the opposite gender. I wish they wouldn’t get so hung up in having a partner at such young ages. Marriage and babies last a long time so why rush it? Cest la vie so say the French.

Spring also means graduation and parties. I hope some of you made the San Saba presentation about drinking and driving. Every year some young life is ended because of needless drinking and driving. Russ tells me he was the designated driver for many of his classmates. There’s no shame in turning over the keys to someone who is not under the influence. I was watching that commercial about driving with a "buzz," on TV the other day. I didn’t get that commercial at first. Yes, some of us don’t catch on right away when the ads are a little too cutesy. Just because you only have a buzz on doesn’t mean you can still drive. I have a few horror stories from my childhood that stay imprinted in my memory banks. My dad never killed anyone, but he messed up a few cars and himself. I just thank God he didn’t have one of his accidents when I was in the car! The bottom line is stay out of the driver’s seat when you have been drinking.

The One Act Play placed third in Area competition. This means they will not be advancing. Congratulations to everyone involved with the play. I know many hours of practice were put into the presentation. The track team placed in district so they will be advancing. Tennis came squeaky close to advancing in girl’s singles and boy’s doubles, but we fell just a little short. Our kids are in multiple activities, and sometimes they just run out of steam!

The 5th and 8th completed their reading and math TAKS, now we are just left with everyone else testing at the end of the month. I’m looking at taking the 5th graders to the USS Lexington on that Friday. I need to send a note home to parents. There is so much going on at school that I can hardly keep things straight. Kudos to Becky and the ladies from the lunch room for turning out a great lunch in the midst of gas repairs! Like every other department at the school, they are working with less staff. Thank you one and all! I know everyone is worried about our dwindling numbers, but we have a great school. I know jobs are an issue. Kids are being transferred all over this state because their parents have to save money and time. Small towns all over the country are struggling with finances. I think we are doing a great job. We can’t be parents, but we can be available. If help is needed, there is a teacher there to give it. That can’t be said of all school districts.

Lona Joe Jacoby underwent surgery to remove the tumor on her brain. Friends and family say the operation went well and she is improving. They will all feel better when the lab results come back giving her a clear slate. The Draper little boys are headed for surgery in Australia. Doctors will be removing their thyroids. Gary and Elisa have asked for prayer for these little fellows. Louis Hyman reports her niece Lindsey will be going in for surgery in a few weeks. Ima Jean Hammitt was taken to the hospital this week, she has not been feeling well lately. There are many more on the prayer list needing our prayers.

Brother Barry reports they are getting over 30 kids on Mondays after school. I guess they’re doing something right. It does a body good to see young folks in church. We are pleased to announce that Pastor Simmons from Cherokee was ordained this Sunday. He and his wife will begin language classes very shortly. They feel they have a call to the mission field. Our blessings go with them. On a happy note Patrick Wayne Bush has completed his tour of duty and is on his way home to Bowzer, Texas. I don’t have to tell you how happy his family is at this piece of news!

I pray everyone has a blessed week. Please lift our government, our President, and our precious troops, up in prayer. We have a great country and neat little community.