"April showers bring May flowers," at least that’s what the little saying maintains. If it is true, we are in for a beautiful month!

The bluebonnets are standing brightly against the fresh green of the new grass. The paintbrushes, primroses and daisies are pushing their colors around. It’s just a delightful time of the year.

I can’t believe we’re only a few weeks away from May! There are practices to attend for the Baccalaureate, as well as dozens of events for the school. Brother Barry is correct; this is our busy time of the year. Kathy Brockman is running around getting things ready for the alumni banquet. This very important event is usually held on Mother’s Day weekend since so many families are in town for the day designated to honor our precious moms. I advise you not to get too close to her, she is a conscripting kind of woman! I’m delighted to say I was in her way the day she needed someone to lead the singing of America the Beautiful. Pam Starr was typing up programs with the assistance of her aides. Like I said, no one is safe! I guess I need to put in a plug here for everyone to attend. This is an amazing historical event. Young and old have an opportunity to learn about this neat little country school. Big things have come from this school. Just because we are tiny, does not mean we are unsuccessful. We have many graduates who have gone on to bigger things. We can look at JD Smith and his accomplishments in pro-football, or Thurman Saxon and his involvement in school affairs. Jennifer Bates has her own published book. Pastor Barry Fikes is actually Dr. Fikes. I could go on and cite all kinds of examples. If anyone wants to let me know more, just drop me a line, or leave me a message, and I’ll be glad to put it in next week.

I was reading the history of the Texas Rangers. It seems we have a famous, or notorious, depending upon your viewpoint, family member in the early Rangers. Henry Lee Ransom was a top rate, tough Texas Ranger who took care of business. Unfortunately, he didn’t have time to carry around prisoners, so more often than not; he dispatched the villains and saved the taxpayers the cost of a trial. Captain Ransom was the leader of Company D and proud of his company’s success at rounding up raiders, thieves and outlaws. Tough times called for tough lawmen, and the Texas Rangers were the stuff that made good newspaper articles. Mind you, I haven’t checked with my sister-in-law Bobbi, to see if he is really a member of our branch of the family. It makes for good story-telling.

The volcano in Iceland has shut down Europe’s airports. The flight I wanted to take to Germany has gone up by about 500%. I’m thinking my trip to Germany may have to wait a year. That makes me sick to my stomach, but one does have to be reasonable. Mind you, if they add that VAT or value added tax to the cost of goods, I may not be able to afford going anyway! If you look at other countries that have national healthcare, you have to realize they all pay more taxes than we do.

This week is TAKS week for just about everyone. Please make sure your student goes to bed on time, has good healthy meals and brings a healthy snack and drink for the testing days. If any parent wants to volunteer to bring fruit or healthy crackers to my class or anyone else’s I’m just a-ok with that! Most of my kiddos know they can bring healthy goodies to my class for testing, including gum. Yes, gum. You have to give your jaws something to do for 3 hours. The kids aren’t used to being quiet for so long.

The ladies of the First Baptist quilting class will leave after church on Sunday to eat lunch, and attend the quilting show in Brownwood. The First Christian Church will begin practicing for the Baccalaureate ceremonies in May. If you would like to be a part of the choir, please contact Mary Kate Adams; practices will be on Wednesday evenings. The school kids went to the First Baptist Church on Monday and surprised Mrs. Velita Smith Powell with a birthday cake, made by Kay McKee, and a bouquet of flowers and candy purchased from Ruthie’s. Over thirty school kids have been showing up for a snack, and a little gospel crafting.

On behalf of the First Baptist, I would like to say thank you to Allen Supak. Allen supplied the materials for a gate to cover the entrance to the trash area. This will be a great deterrent to the loose dogs in the neighborhood. Once again, many thanks, Allen.

Winter came back today. I had a nap and woke up to find I needed a coat. This weather will make it harder for our sick folks to get on their feet. There are still quite a few on the prayer list. The families of Pete Phillips, Alan Dale Brown and Avanell Rhoden, need our prayers as they cope with the loss of their loved ones. Mike Fitzgerald was taken to the hospital in San Angelo. Frank Green has been quite ill, but at last report seems to be doing better. George Hill’s mom was not doing well on Sunday. He and Donna also asked for prayer for Mrs. Hunt and Clara Wash. We have many others, Woody Carroll, Junior Evans, Cubby Pierce, and the young lady who fell off the Regency Bridge is said to have been sent home after her accidental fall from the bridge.

Please pray for our wonderful country, our President and government officials and our most precious troops. God bless America.