Well, how’s everyone doing with our attempt to break the temperature record? All you folks, who have to work outdoors, please be careful. I feel sorry for the young men involved in football. Even if you wait until a bit later in the afternoon, it doesn’t help. I’m sure the coaches are being careful with their athletes.

The teachers attended a workshop in Brownwood. Actually, all Region XV schools attended this event. There were many conference presenters, but our keynote speaker was a cut above everyone. She was passionate about teaching and passionate about kids. Her message was an extremely powerful one, but it was delivered in a river of comedy. We laughed our way thorough her very serious teaching message. We laughed that is until her final slide presentation of Karen Carpenter’s "Bless the Beasts and the Children." I have to admit there were quite a few moist eyes. Mine were just plain wet! Towards the end the sessions were filling up too rapidly. Several teachers had to leave and find alternate classes. Candi Lewis was bumped from two different classes. She has a full plate like so many of us this year. With five players on the JH basketball team she has no room for absenteeism. Our class was standing room only. We finished a tad early, thanks to the automatic shut off on the air conditioning. Mr. Faircloth spoke with us, and explained it was still on the summer schedule, hence the change from about 70 degrees to much warmer temperatures. They serve a great lunch at Brownwood ISD! We had a choice of an Italian meal or chef’s salad. I was a good girl and settled for salad. So did Candi and Heather Slater, two of my tablemates. Heather has signed up to run a marathon in November I believe, so she is in training. Cubby Pierce, Linda Lane and Scott Isbell went for the lasagna and garlic bread. The bread was very tempting. Kathy Brockman was our driver for the day. It was a long day, but it was good to get out together and see what the education field has to offer. The Brands attended the conference as well. Coach Brand will be teaching math and coaching. His wife Amanda will teach 6th Grade ELA and reading. Paula Miller, Peggy Tompkins and Maxine Robbins made the sessions that pertained to their areas of expertise.

I guess our buildings weren’t ready to go back to work. The AC shut down in several wings, which made rushing around putting up decorations a little tiring. Chad came by and caulked some holes in my windows. Our old units have some merit in them. If you are cold natured, you can sit in the front away from the main unit. If you are hot natured, you can sit directly in the flow of air and stay reasonably cool. At least I didn’t have any bird visitors this year leaving their calling card. Whatever problems we may have had last week, we are ready to hit the books on Monday. We have new reading curriculum which looks pretty exciting. While I’m on this topic, I just have to let everyone know our TAKS scores have been posted. We are exemplary in Reading, Writing, Social Studies and have improved over 20 percent in Math and Science. I feel sure Dr. Hockestein will help bring our Science up even more. Mr. Isbell is stuck with Math. I hate to say this, but you either get Math or you don’t. I was a don’t person. I managed to pass in high school and college, but it doesn’t stick. My sympathy goes out to our teachers and students of Math. The state says teach more Math, and so we comply. Our enrollment has stayed about the same, but our scholastic performance is improving every year. Go Coyotes.

I was at Cen-Tex Feeds Saturday when big clouds of black smoke started filling the sky. As soon as my flat was patched, I ambled over to the fire to see how things were going. I was saddened to hear that it was the home of the T.E. and Virginia Parsons. The Parsons were not home at the time of the fire. They were called and forewarned, but nothing can prepare you for the devastation that leaves you with no home.

I had to drive to Copperas Cove Saturday, to have my tire replaced. I had a hazard warranty from Discount Tire, so I made the long drive. I met the Young’s there. I was surprised to hear that Colton and Jonathan Patino didn’t want to go back to school on Monday. Can you believe that! They were on the same mission as I was; fix tires, then shop for school stuff. Sarah Patino was transferred to Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. Her skin graft from her accident at the beginning of summer did not take, so they are most likely going to remove her arm. Please keep their family in your prayers.

VBS is over! Our High Seas Expedition went on its last trip. The Phalens wrapped up the week’s Bible lessons. Kathy Brockman and Bea Soto tied the last string on the final craft. Russ showed the last adventures of Chadder the Chipmunk and I sang the last song. Donna Hill kept us all on track while the galley ladies, Louis, Pansy and Bev served the last delightful dish. I believe that was serpent on a cloud of forgiveness. True to life, I enjoyed the snake way too much! Isn’t that the way it goes? We know we should stay away from things that can harm us, but we just gravitate the wrong way and pay the price later.

Next Friday is the fish fry for Dell and Jerrell. I understand they are going to set out a bucket for donations. Not for themselves, but for our volunteer fire department. I think that is a wonderful idea. If you check the football schedule, you will see that we have four home games in a row. That means 4, Fifth Quarters in a row. I love it; time to bring out your best recipe, and head up to the church for some after football fellowship. It sure is going to be hard to stay on this diet.

Bobby Soto is doing better. They can’t send him home until he is all healed, but they may transfer him a little closer to his family. We were all pleased to see Alfred Garrett back from the hospital and in church on Sunday. Mr. Foster is back from his trip to the hospital. He gave his daughter Pam Starr a fright, but he’ll be fine now that he’s home. Susan Luna says she is doing reasonably well with her chemo treatments, but afternoons find her a little depleted of energy. George Hill is down with some kind of bug that is wringing his insides out. Donna says he should be fine in a few days. Please remember our shut-ins, as well as our sick, in prayer. There are over 50 names on the prayer list, each with a family sharing the sickness. Junior Evans needs our prayers, as does Bonnie as she cares for her mate of 60 plus years.

Please pray for our precious troops and their families. Don’t forget to look out for children on their way to school. Have a blessed week.