My thermometer read 103 today around 3pm. I guess that little cold spell is going to be a distant memory in a very short time. I think I’m going to have to protect my tomato plants from the sun long before the hot dog days of August. Today is Mother’s Day and I hope everyone had a pleasant time with their children."

The sports banquet Friday night was very well attended. Lyn Green and her staff in the kitchen were kept busy piling chicken spaghetti onto plates. A new feature for the banquet this year was the inclusion of the bigs and littles. This program, introduced by Jamie McGinty, has been a blessing. The Varsity Coyotes and cheerleaders have adopted elementary little brothers and sisters. I think this program was designed to include the younger kids, but it has been a great hit with the older students. I know many kids can’t wait until next year to sign up for the program.

Saturday night was the Alumni Banquet. The members of the class of ’71 were the sponsors and Marilyn Suber was the head honcho for organizing this year’s event. The tables looked great, and the posters made by the students to welcome the alumni were precious. The food was prepared by Mac’s Bar-B-Q of Brady, Texas. I can personally attest to how delicious it was! Before I came here I never realized that this school had reunions every year. I love the idea. I think my high school had one that I know of and it was not a great success. I hope the outgoing seniors get a sense of the strength of the community that stands behind them. I’m sure this event helps that process. Russ wasn't quick enough to snag a piece of Gladys Powell’s cake. He just keeps coming up short where that cake is concerned. He bought a pecan pie at the Preservation Bake Sale, which I’m sure he will eat all by himself. Ann Alston told me they had raised almost $500 not only because of the bake sale, but because of several generous donations. I’m sure it is not too late if you want to mail a check to the society. The repairs look wonderful and every penny is being used to restore this wonderful old building.

The Christian Church will be holding the Baccalaureate service for graduating seniors in a couple of weeks. Paula Shannon asked me to invite all area singers to participate in the choir. There will be two practices before the actual singing. These will be held this Wednesday and next Wednesday at 6:30pm. Everyone is welcome. The more there are the better the choir will be. We love our seniors here in Richland. I think this ceremony is a particularly moving event.

The seniors will be having a dinner at the First Baptist Church on May 10

The Fikes and the Brockman hustled down to Howard Payne for graduation exercises for Cason and Kendra. The time has passed far too quickly for these two young people to have finished college. Kathy told me Kendra was less than a point away from being top student. I’m not sure what the exact point spread was. It was also Cason’s 22

We were sorry to hear that Becky McPherson’s dad passed away last week. We offer her our prayers and condolences. Bev Cohn’s daughter Mary Williamson is having severe health problems. There were several other prayer requests for family members, one named Lindsey, a family member of one of my classmates.

I hope everyone goes out to vote, never relinquish your precious right to vote. That is a right that so few countries enjoy. Please pray for our government, our leaders and our President. Please God send us some rain, and God bless America.

th. The Elementary is headed to Strawberry Fields in Marble Falls to do some berry picking. Monday was the last Team Kids meeting at the Baptist Church. They will start making plans for VBS soon. Although it is a couple of weeks away, don’t forget to put the fund raiser for Paul Gibson on your calendar. This will be May the 21st at the Rodeo Arena. There will be a roping, dinner, and auction to help Paul with his medical expenses. I’m sure this community will turn out as usual.nd birthday, so he had a busy weekend. I know Karalee’s head is spinning. First this and right down the road is the wedding. Not only did Cason gain great knowledge at HPU, he gained the woman of his dreams. Isn’t life wonderful?