The Richland Springs Report Feb 16, 2011

By the time the paper comes out, I hope everyone is finally unthawing. Numerous homes are replacing and repairing pipes after our nasty frigid weather. According to the groundhog thing we should finish winter early. I am not placing any faith in an underground animal. Actually, I place as much trust in that little animal as I do in those poor weathermen, who seldom seem to get the weather right. It takes the month of June and July for them to gain any credence with me! I know when they say hot and dry, that’s exactly what it is going to be! I hear some folks have their onion sets planted and potatoes are due to go in the ground. With this cold snap extending down into the valley, we may all need our gardens this year. Russ has baby tomato plants in pots. He decided to get an early start on tomatoes this year. They make an interesting room decoration to my spare bedroom. Heaven forbid that we should have one neat room in the house! I think Russ is going to do like Kathy Brockman, and grow the tomatoes in round containers. Wherever the venue, it’s warm enough to get the planting bug. I guess we’ll get out this week and prune fruit trees. I hope I don‘t over prune the pears again this year.

The ladies quilting and Bible study is finishing up this latest quilt. We are all in different stages of this sampler quilt. Mine is done, because somewhere around block 20, I looked at the scramble of color, and said enough! It turned out better than I expected, but it is way too busy for me!

Sunday was the first meeting of the FCA club here in Richland. Coach Michael Brand and his wife Amanda have committed their Sunday evenings to this new program. Local churches have volunteered to provide food for the kids attending. Kay McKee baked the most beautiful cake for the occasion. I can see why she used to be in the cake making business. She still makes cakes for special occasions, but she tells me the wedding and shower cake business is mostly a thing of the past. She can make a cake for me any time the urge strikes her! There were several food donations waiting on the counter for Bro. Barry to take over for the first group of kids. They have divided it up to better reach the kids. At 5:00pm the 5

The Monday Kids Church students were treated to a bang up Valentine’s party. Beverly and Louise had pizza, cupcakes, neat crafts and candy to spoil them rotten. Mike and Debbie had another wonderful lesson planned explaining about the merciful love of God. Thank you also to Panzi, Thurman, and my Russ for making this an entertaining, but learning time for our kids.

Next week is the community cleanup fundraiser. Bro. Barry is in charge of the site clean-up. If you have some work that needs to be done or have an idea for an area clean-up, please contact him and he will see if it can be put on the list. Athletes will complete the work around town. This has become an annual event that not only helps the athletes raise money for state championship rings, but helps beautify our little community. They also painted some senior citizen homes and spruced up yards for some of our shut-ins. You can reach Bro. Barry on the First Baptist parsonage phone. All suggestions are welcome, so don’t be shy.

Russ is happy, NASCAR season has begun. My sweet Texas red-neck loves the races.

The Coyote cancer race is getting closer. Now that it is warmer, I guess I will have to get busy and start running or walking again. I had just started before this rotten cold struck. That put paid to any going outside for me. I have stayed as close to that heater and blanket as any little snuggle bunny could stay! I keep telling folks who tell me I must be used to this weather, that I moved because of that weather. Give me a dose of Texas sunshine and I am happy.

Our prayers go out to Bucky Martin in the passing of his mom. A bunch of our students are out attending stock shows. We wish them a safe return and good luck. Alfred Garrett is back from the hospital. He’s not quite ready to go out and around, but we’re glad he’s out of the hospital. They tell me Junior Evans is doing a little better, but he and Bonnie need our prayers. I know they have been relying heavily on the Taylor’s for daily assistance. It is great to have neighbors like these two. The fondness goes two ways. Bonnie tells me that little Sarah gives added meaning to life. That’s always the way with bright happy children. They remind us that God loves unconditionally.

Have a great week everyone. Remember our first round of TAKS test is just around the corner. God bless America, and Lord please send us some rain.

th thorough 8th will meet, then at 6:30pm the high school students will arrive for their time together. I don’t know how well it went, but if the amount of food was anything to go by, it should be a rip roaring success.