I think Saturday night was the next best thing to heaven! Russ and I went to the rodeo arena and the dust was flying everywhere. As we left I wishfully looked at the clouds, but Russ said they were already past our area. I was hoping for something to settle the dust, but instead I was blessed beyond belief. I sat on my front porch and watched the lightening strikes chase each other across the sky. Each strike was followed by a growl of thunder. The breeze sprang up and cooled everything down. I sat there for at least 30 minutes as the rain came down and wet my feet. I stayed out there long after the sun went down and the sky darkened. There was no more rain, but quite a light show to entertain me for the evening. It wasn’t a whole bunch of rain, but it was just too satisfying!

The fundraiser for Paul Gibson was tremendously successful. I understand over $30,000 to help cover some of his expenses. There was quite a crowd of people there. I think there were more trucks and trailers there than I have ever seen at previous events. I’m glad things went well. I’m sure the Gibson family has a thousand thank you messages to deliver! The Rodeo Association and the good folks of Richland Springs should feel very proud. Now we just have to keep praying for healing.

The Fifth Grade held their science fair on Friday. Science fairs are like football games. You work diligently to get things ready, and then it’s all over within a matter of minutes. In our case, it took about two periods for the elementary classes to come by and review the exhibits. I’m not sure who had the most fun; the younger kids who came by to see what the big kids had done, or the older kids who explained their projects to avid audiences. On second thought, the teacher had the most fun. To see weeks of hard work blossom into successful projects that everyone enjoyed was priceless. Dr. Huckestein came by and bragged on the 5

Maxine told me there was just enough food for everyone. They had a great turn out again this year. Robin Crisp cooked them up some superfine brisket and the ladies of the community provided the rest of the goodies. Maxine said they licked the bowls clean. There were only a few desserts left. The desserts were sent over to the fundraiser for Paul. As usual, Coach Burkhart and his staff put on a great presentation for all the visiting coaches. I was amazed at the number of cars in the parking lot when I left Friday. I keep forgetting, but I’m not sure why, that we have a very successful football program, and other people want to see how it is done. Congratulations to Coach Burkhart, Coach Rogers, Coach Brand, Coach Pearce and to the players that were used in demonstrations. Go Coyotes!

Baccalaureate exercises were held at the Christian Church Sunday evening. All eleven seniors lined up proudly to receive their charge to go out into the world and make a difference. Our students have the blessings of their family, their churches and their community as they head out into a new world. We wish them all the best.

Missing from the Baccalaureate choir was Marshall Slaten. He was with his wife Elaine at the hospital. Apparently she fell and broke her hip Friday evening, and will have to undergo surgery. Marshall we missed you and hope Elaine heals quickly. We have Pete Smith in town this week. Joey Hardman is doing better, but it will take about six weeks to get back on his feet. Beth Taylor needs our prayers. Marsha McMillan’s daughter, Abbie Irons, needs our prayers. Apparently she had a virus infection that damaged her heart. I understand that at the young age of 23 she will be put on a donor list for a new heart. This young lady needs a powerful touch from the Lord.

The teachers will be coming out to my house for lunch next Friday. It has become an annual tradition to come out, eat and relax for an hour or so before we head back and prepare classrooms for the summer. I’m going to thank the ladies of the First Baptist Church in advance for their kindness and generosity in providing this time out for our teachers. If you are a parent out there, and would like to bring a dish, that gift will be welcome. We had cake and punch on Monday to bid farewell to our retiring teachers. Maxine Robbins has devoted 41 years of her life to troubled children. Now is the time for her to enjoy her own family. Kathy Brockman has spent the last 26 years teaching in San Saba County. Her last child has just graduated from college, and it is time for her to cross off some of her bucket list. Dr. Huckestein has only been with us this year, but he has devoted many years of his life developing the love of science in our students. We have wonderful new teachers coming to take their teaching positions, but they cannot fill the void in our hearts. They will grow to be one of us, but their spots will be a little different. We are excited to have new blood for our school. The good part is they will come in after all the hurt feelings over the bond are put away. Even though this year isn’t over, I’m looking forward to next year. I shall miss all my students that are moving up.

Russ is going to mind the home fires while I’m gone. I’m not sure if I can make the column every week. I’ll see what kind of connections they have. I shall miss home, but my life will be full of grandchildren and that is very joyful! I hope I will get to share some of my adventures with you.

I hope everyone has a blessed week. Thank God for the rain, hopefully He will bless us with a little more. Please pray for our government, our President and our precious soldiers and their families. Of course, we need to pray for our young people getting ready to go off and start a new chapter of their lives.

th graders. All in all it was a great morning. We had to vacate the cafetorium before lunch so that the athletic department could get ready for the coach’s clinic.