The girls are here with me again this week. We have a full week of "busy" planned.

The girls are going to help me decorate for the 4th of July and VBS. They have some craft things to complete, and we also have to make Sarah a pair of pajamas to take with her to Peru. She leaves for Lima on the 5th ,for three weeks. Danielle is headed to Arkansas to visit some cousins. We all spent some time on Skype this morning talking to our Ransom cousins in Germany. It’s not the same as being there, but it sure helps to see people while you are talking to them. Everyone looks great, and unlike us, they are not having upper 90’s for their daily temperature.Sarah, Danielle and I ran over to the play day on Sunday afternoon. As usual, the Gossetts and the Millers were there in the announcing area. Carol Bryant was holding down the concessions fort with several handy helpers. I can’t say we stayed long; it was way too hot, and we didn’t have a horse. A play day is much more enjoyable when you are part of the action. I’ve thought about getting a horse to keep for when the girls come, but the thought is squelched very quickly. The day to day caring would have to be done by this person, and I’m not willing to spend time on a very part time habit, even if it is pleasurable. On the other hand, the contestants and their families were having a hot, but wonderful family day. I really like the whole play day concept. I watched Jordan Gossett take her turn with granddaddy timing, and granny encouraging her along. I love it!

I pulled the last of my peaches from the trees this weekend. Notice I said pulled not picked. That’s because they were not ripe, but the grasshoppers were eating them right off the tree. I never expected them to eat the fruit off the tree, but I know better now. It’s very discouraging to plan a garden, hope for a harvest, only to have rotten bugs interfere with the plan. I’ve tried all the home remedies, but there are just too many. Did I mention the blister bugs in the tomatoes? My poor garden looks like a war zone. The few leaves left on the plants show dabs of flour, and spots of soapy water, evidence of my war efforts. Why can’t they just eat the weeds? I guess there has to be something to complain about, or we might not want to go to heaven. Texas is such a wonderful place to live!

I’m sitting here by the open window enjoying the cool breeze and cloudy skies. The hummingbirds are attacking the feeder, and the Phoebe is letting everyone know she is up. The girls, actually Danielle, discovered a young hummingbird hanging on the wire fence. We made all kinds of guesses as to why he would have died in that particular way, but they were just guesses. As gruesome as it was, we decided to leave it hanging there, slowly decomposing. Talk about weird fence decorations!

It’s raining, not hard, but the sound on the leaves of the oaks is sweet music. I should have finished this column last night, but I was getting a wish list ready for VBS. This High Seas Expedition theme is too cute. We’ll have a float/booth on Saturday for kids wanting to sign up for VBS. I’ll be out there from the start until about 1:00 pm. I figure I should be pretty well cooked by then, and ready to take a cool nap before the fish fry and fireworks that night. I can’t wait for our Stars and Stripes festivities. We will have a little sadness in the midst of our celebrations. One of the moving forces behind this event will be absent. Jerry Benton loved this special day and will be missed by many. A special commemorative float in his honor is planned for the parade.

Just to refresh you, VBS will be on 5 consecutive Sundays starting July 11th at 9:00 am at the First Baptist Church. Services will be held for youth and parents at the same time, upstairs in the main church room. Brother Barry is excited about this new concept, and we’re hoping for a great turnout. Come on out and see what Chadder is up to this year!

The Dodsons were headed for Sunray this weekend. Coach Dodson has accepted a teaching/coaching position in this community. We will miss them all, and I will be praying for Bradie as she enters a new school. God bless each of you, thank you Coach for the many times you came to rescue my computer. I know your basketball girls will miss you as well. I’m not sure if a replacement has been hired for his position or for the science teaching position. Mr. Yantis resigned at the end of the year. Our congratulations are extended to Mr. Fowler, who has assumed the position of Superintendent of the school. I know he will have a busy year!

On a more somber note, the Powell Family held services for Jean Powell on Monday. Although this rich spiritual family will celebrate the going home of a loved one; they will mourn for the loss of their loved one. We have many still sick and other recovering in the community. Cubby Pearce and Shawn Rogers are recovering well from their respective surgeries. I heard Mr. Isbell is still in therapy and I’m sure Mrs. Hall is also still in therapy. Her shoulder surgery turned out to be a little more extensive than expected. Alan Supak needs our prayers, as do Gladys Powell, Junior Evans, Edith Gossett and Clara Walsh. I know there are many others, but these were brought to my attention by family members. Please take a moment to pray for these and others who may be ill or recovering. As we celebrate our day of independence, please take a moment to pray for and thank, the men and women who made our freedom possible. Thank you soldiers past and present for our wonderful freedoms. May God bless and preserve you and your families for the daily sacrifices you make and have made. Happy 4th of July America!