What a wonderful Sunday we had this week. Actually, most of the week was very pleasant. It was not, however, pleasant for the farming community. We need rain for this thirsty land. The weathermen are teasing us with slight chances for rain, but I’m not holding out for any measurable rain. We’re going to have to start spending time on our knees talking to the rain master.

We had a tornado drill Thursday in conjunction with other school communities in the state. Thursday afternoon we had a fire drill all by ourselves. According to the investigations that day, a spark may have set a fire on the Mask place. Thankfully, much of the accumulation that had been on the place for many years, had been removed. Delores said there were a few tires, but not near as many as there were a few weeks ago. The wind was pushing the fire towards the school, so all classes were evacuated, and the student body gathered in the cafetorium. All in all it made for a rather exciting day. The kids didn’t feel much like going back to class and studying!

I received an envelope with no return address and no note to tell me what to do, so I’m going to just wing it here. One piece was a funeral notice for Mary Inez Keese. Mary Inez was daughter to Walter and Clara Lambert. She graduated from W.H.Gibbons High School in Richland Springs in 1931. There was no one around who remembered her, but several remembered the Lambert family. Mary Inez was buried in Menard.

The second article was about Maridell Lambert, daughter of Lee and Buelah Lambert. Panzi Fikes told me she and Maridell went to school together, and had the best time. Maridell Henry is a gifted artist who apparently paints beautiful soft canvasses of people and places. Her work is being shown and sold at the Buchanan Arts and Crafts Gallery in Lake Buchanan. The article quotes her as saying although she loves scenic paintings, her favorite subject is portraits. She loves to study expressions and eyes of her subjects. Since we can claim her as a native of Richland Springs, we’re going to share in her fame as well. Thank you to whoever sent the material.

I just received a call from Pearl Cantrell. She wants everyone to know her 103

The basketball team gave it their all, but they came up a little short. They should be proud of their playoff run, even if they didn’t advance. This weekend the football boys and cheerleaders will be out working around town earning money for their championship rings. There are quite a few of them, so if you have any chores that need to be done around your place, just contact Barry Fikes, and he will put you on the list, if at all possible. The fundraiser on Saturday went very well. As usual, our citizens turned out in full force and ate their fill of delicious catfish. I’m surprised at times, because even people, who don’t particularly support the sports program, turn out to support the kids. What a great place to live!

The Ladies Bible Study and Quilting group had a little shower for Lara Smith on Wednesday. They delivered the cutest little cabin on Friday. Lara has a home of her own again, but it is pretty empty. She and Ed are getting all kinds of offers for "stuff." Right now that is the cutest empty little house anyone ever saw. Just think of all the things you have to have. Cleaning and washing things, spices, pans for cooking, beds linens, towels, and you need countless other things to just make it by. We are a spoiled nation, but we do need that "stuff." Other showers are being planned and will be announced in the future. Ed and Lara, and their children, Krystal and Emily, are special people. Les Hammitt was out with Ed on Saturday working on getting power to the house. I hope things start to even out for this family. Having your own place certainly helps to keep things on an even keel.

Rhonda Wyatt was in town this weekend. Like many others a round here, I miss her sweet face and spirit. She is one of the gentlest women I know. Her students miss her greatly and speak of her often. Charlotte Conley will be staying here in Richland Springs. She recently lost her husband and is going to be undergoing chemotherapy. Ginger and Donald Skelton are going to lend a helping hand as she goes through this battle. We are pleased to welcome her to our community, and pledge to support her in prayer.

Prayer needs this week are many. Our students are taking their TAKS writing test this week. Our country is struggling to recover from many economical issues and our troops are still in harm’s way. Please pray for our President, our congress and our courts. Pray for the union mess in Wisconsin and other states. The families of the missionaries killed by pirates will need the solace of prayer, and our precious troops and their families need our prayers and assistance. If you know a soldier family, lend them a helping hand if you can. God bless each of you, and God bless America.

rd birthday is on March 12th. She can’t wait to see everyone at the Lakeview Hall. She said the men just line up to dance with her, because they all want to dance with someone who is 103! I have to keep an appointment on Saturday, but perhaps I will be back in time to watch Pearl trip the light fantastic. I hope I can two-step when I’m seventy; forget tripping the light fantastic at 103!