What a week we’ve had! Everyday has been a display of the power of the wind. It sucks the moisture out of the air and land as it passes. Someone said Sunday that they knew the source of the hot, dry wind; it was coming from the politicians in the East. I can believe that!

Flash update to the weather! Sunday evening, out of nowhere, an incredible storm blew in and pounded my little house on the hill! Hail beat on the windows, and loose articles were flying all over the yard. My heavy trash cans were blown over and presented their insides, full of empty milk bottles, as toys for the raging winds! That’s a fancy way to say I’m going to be picking up milk bottles after school today. I do mean a lot of milk bottles. At the end of the column I asked that everyone pray on Friday for rain, I guess the message went to God postdated. Whatever happened, thank you Lord for the wonderful rain. I don’t think it will hurt to send up another prayer for rain; we still need to play catch up.

One Act Play performed on Saturday. Kathy Brockman went because Mrs. Hall needed some help. It seems the play business takes a heavy toll. She said she has a whole new appreciation of the magnitude of this project. She was exhausted by the time her stint as director was done, but very impressed with the whole proceeding. Unfortunately, our students did not get to advance. I believe Cherokee and Mason will advance. Please take the time to thank Mrs. Hall and the students for their tremendous efforts.

There will be a board meeting next week. The bond issue is heating up again. I saw an artist’s rendition of the new elementary. It is of the exterior only since no money has been passed. Someone asked why we didn’t have a more comprehensive plan like San Saba. The answer to that is simple. The drawing was free and the school board is trying to keep down unnecessary costs. They could have a detailed drawing, but that would cost quite a bit of money that we don’t want to waste at this time. If the bond passes, then an architect will get with the teachers and school board to determine what is needed for each department. It will also involve members of the community I believe. I suspect that will be a whole bunch of fun! I’m impressed by the persistence of the board. They know this new building is needed, but they also know how difficult it will be to pass this in these hard economic times. I for one know we must have new wiring. So many of our new textbooks have online material and it just overloads our old system. I know I wrote about the fact my little two foot tree with its little lights kept blowing my computer. That is just ridiculous in my mind, but it stopped when I unplugged the tree. I want my students to be able to work on the computers. I want them to be able to go out after school and compete for jobs in the market. I don’t know if a new school will do that, but I do know our present electrical system won’t accommodate all this technology. Our heating and electricity bills are way too high, but our walls are so thin neither system can keep up. So, come what may, the issue is up to the voters. I don’t care how you vote, but make sure to get out there and vote. Please stop and look at the issue carefully, and vote for what is right not only for you, but what is right for our kids.

Cleta Smith sent her new address to someone in the church, so I’m thinking she may want some friends to send her a friendly howdy. So here it is: Cleta Fay Smith, 216 Covenant Land, Rm 314, Kingsland, TX 78639. I’ll bet she wouldn’t mind a call every now and then. Her phone number is 512-536-8664. Cleta, we wish you all the best. I haven’t heard how TE is doing in the Houston area, but since he is with family, I’m sure he is doing better. George Hill is sore, but recovering from his surgery. I suspect Donna will need our prayers as she helps George recover. Gladys Powell is headed back to have her surgery checked out and I think Donald is due for another visit. San Angelo is going to have some Richland traffic next week. Chad and Irene will be watching the highway to Idaho. Young Chris is headed that way to meet the parents of his new fiancé. He will live and work there also. Those empty nests are lonesome for a while. I know Lara and Ed are watching their youngest Emily, getting ready to head out to Aggie land. Treasure all those precious last moments parents; it helps during the lonely times.

Don’t forget the Project Graduation Fundraiser on Saturday, at the rodeo arena. The roping starts at 1:00pm. The concession stand will be open all day, but there will also be a plate dinner, and an auction to raise money for our seniors. The benefit for Paul Gibson has been moved to the 21

st of May.

By the way, the old bank building looks great. I’m glad they covered up all that ugly behind the plate glass windows. The Preservation Committee did a great job. Remember students, no throwing rocks at empty buildings. Our town may be little, but we’re proud of it, and don’t want it to become a derelict town full of ugly broken windows. Be Richland Springs proud!

I hope everyone has a blessed week. I have an idea. The paper comes out on Wednesday, but many of us don’t get it until Thursday. How about everyone stopping at sunset Friday, and let’s pray for rain and our government. That way we can send up a giant prayer for our pressing needs. Please God, protect our troops and their families, and bring the foolishness of our government under your control. God bless our beautiful country.