Spring break is over. I can hear the lamenting of students and parents combined with a few teachers. Now is last minute time for TAKS preparedness. It has been a great week for being out of school. The weather has been very pleasant, and the spring winds have blown the cobwebs out of winter minds, I hope. We do desperately need some rain. Our spring grasses are having trouble putting on new growth. Those places that are watering look fantastic, the rest of us look brown and drab. So please Lord, change the weather patterns for us so that we can have some rain.

I hope some of you made the cancer walk/run on Saturday. The theme Never Surrender was very well chosen. We must never give up on the fight. A team of 12 walked for Richland Springs. Candi Lewis was our organizer and motivator. All but one of her sisters walked to commemorate their grandfather, I believe. Kathy Brockman commemorated her mom Nona, and is hoping for good news for her nephew Paul Gibson. Paula Miller and Valerie Gossett were walking for Valerie’s mom. I walked for Nona, my mom, and Charlotte Conley, who lost her fight with cancer last weekend. Services were held for her on Monday. Services were also held for Sue Williams last Sunday. We have so many who need our prayers and support. For those of you who didn’t make it out, I can tell you it was a blast. We started with some warm up exercises en masse. I kept trying to sneak to the back, but Kathy and I ended up being far too close to the front for comfort! Barry Fikes was one of the folks dedicated to running the entire time, so he was part of the first group to depart. Candy, Pam Star and her two daughters, Sarah and Jessica were beside me. Jessica was pushing the baby stroller carrying Delores Mask’s grandson. He slept the entire way, only waking when the cheering crowd at the finish line, startled him. I’m not sure how I kept up with those long-legged ladies, but I managed. Actually, one of the methods was to fall behind, jog a few steps to catch up, and then try to match their steps. I’m pleased to say we made it in under an hour. My bones were not happy with me, but I have an ugly feeling the unhappiness has yet to peak! Marilyn Suber managed the walk, new replacement and all. Way to go Marilyn! Bonnie Burkhart was one of four teachers committed to enter the walk. She said she was proud of the fact she had made it all the way. I think the walk/run gave us all a new sense of purpose. We know we are out of shape, but it requires time and effort to get and maintain good health. The last thing I heard before we parted ways was a plan to work out together. I must say the spirit of camaraderie was exhilarating and fulfilling. Way to go Coyote runners!

After I had a little nap on Saturday, Russ and I visited Al and Billie. She is one of our cancer survivors. I passed her the white rose that we were given. Al and Russ were working out modern communication issues. My Garmin seems to be dead, my new camera is thoroughly confusing, and the telescope is a maze of technology that has yet to be conquered. We had it set up to take pictures of the "super" moon Saturday night. It was a sight to behold! I had seen some moon tricks on the web, so I had him try to take my picture while I "held" the moon in my hand. I don’t know how successful we were, but it was fun. You just have to enjoy life as it comes along. The next super moon will be in 19 years. I hope you didn’t miss it! We are still picking grass burrs out of Russ’ jeans. Love of nature here in Richland, is coupled with danger!

Did any of you notice the bouncing kingdom in town on Friday? The Bryant’s had a double celebration. Both Jadyn and Elizabeth share the same birthday. Jadyn turned 7 and Elizabeth turned 17 I think. For future reference, some of the ladies at the church are planning an Easter egg hunt for the younger kids, so keep your ears and eyes open for the time and date.

I wrote that I had four kids out for stock show entries, Bralei, Hutton and Chandler Lusty and Adrienne Benson. Congratulaions are in order for all of them, but kudos to Bralei and Hutton who made the sale. Considering the number of entries in their events, this was quite an accomplishment. The kids explained the terms "to the truck" and "made the sale" to me. I am now a little wiser. I can’t imagine how it feels to spend that much time with an animal then have to send it away. C’est la vie, as they would say in my neck of the woods. I’m sure everyone is prepared to settle down to some serious studying. Can you believe the school year is almost finished?

A saddened Ginger presented the song service for Charlotte Conley. She and her daughters Laura and Christi were extremely close to Charlotte, and the service was extremely difficult for them. Charlotte has gone home to be reunited with her recently departed husband. I’m told the memorial service for Sue Williams was extremely moving and poignant. The Eastern Star members were part of the graveside funeral services.

Monday night a spaghetti supper was held to raise money for the One Act Play. Dinner guests were treated to a special viewing of the school play. The students and Mrs. Hall have worked extremely hard on this cutting edge play. We wish them all the best of luck in their judging. I was talking to Candi Lewis Saturday, during our hectic walk, and she tells me that acting has become very important to Brooke. So much so, that she has signed up to attend a special acting camp this summer. I know that Brooke will gain priceless experience and teaching from attending this school. She will most likely want it to last longer than two weeks..

I missed the Elm Grove singing again. It just makes me mad when I do that. Those that I have attended have been absolutely delightful. There is nothing better than good gospel music. My students will tell you that is an opinion, but when you couple the singing with great company and good food; you have a winning combination.

The Women’s Ministry met at the First Baptist Church in Rich land Springs on Thursday. Ladies in their 70’s were treated for the day. The potluck dishes were delicious as usual. The message was given by guest speaker was Pastor Debby Lake of the First United Methodist Church in San Saba. Her genuine love of God and people was evident in her topic God’s grace in our lives. Once again the ladies of the First Baptist Church have done well and the membership was treated to a gifted speaker thanks to the leadership of Sharon Hayes.

Gladys Powell is standing up to the pain of therapy. She says it only hurts when they are working with it, otherwise she feels fine. I told you she was a super woman. Perhaps she will be able to make the cancer walk next year, like Marilyn did this year. Alfred Garrett is doing much better since his hospital visit. David Gilger is still not doing well after his heart attack. Please remember the families of Charlotte Conley and Sue Williams. Bonnie says she is doing okay. Annie Granados needs our prayers, as does George Hill. George is scheduled for repeat back surgery in a few weeks. Kevin Keeney also needs our prayers. There are many others in the community who need our prayer assistance. We mustn’t forget the people of Japan, or the citizens in Libya. Although they are both highly different struggles, nevertheless, many lives are being changed by the circumstances in those countries.

Please pray for our beautiful country, for the rain we so urgently need, for our precious troops and their families, and for our government officials that they may see the light, and realize "we the people" mean business! God bless our republic, and God bless the USA.