The phrase that comes to mind is the one that says, "And the heat goes on, yes the heat goes on." We are on target to break the heat records of 1980. Unfortunately, that is one record I would prefer not to break! I’m still looking for my cloud. All I can do is trust in God because the weathermen are saying no relief in the foreseeable future. The La Nina news is not looking good, but I have to believe in the report of the Lord. He said He would come to our aid when we called.

Farmers and ranchers all over this county are scrambling for water. I hope everyone is watching their water usage. I’ve been trying to make sure I don’t leave the tap running when I’m doing dishes or brushing my teeth. I’ve shortened my time in the shower and put more clothes in the washer. We stopped watering the yard some time ago. I’m still trying to save the apricot trees and roses, but I don’t know how much longer I can do that. The deer are looking a little thin, and of course our cows spend far too much time trying to glean some nourishment from this barren dry land. I may sound silly to some of you, but I trust in the Lord, and I just know that no matter how bad they say it’s going to get; God will make a way. I’m looking for that cloud.

The attendance at the Elm Grove Rodeo was down a little thanks to the heat, but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those who braved the heat to support the kids and the Volunteer Fire Department. Now more than ever, we need to make sure our VFD has all the funds and personnel they need to protect our communities. I heard a connector shorted out near the Conley place and started a brush fire. Ginger said it wasn’t the first time that pole caused problems. We were all surprised Sunday morning to hear that the Gibson family had another fire call. Apparently the fire started in the attic thanks to the a/c unit. Most of the fire damage was limited to the attic and kitchen, according to one of the firefighters, but there will be smoke and water damage to contend with as well. Douglas and Wanda, our prayers are with you.

School is only two weeks away. There are all kinds of school sales taking place. I know it sounds strange, but parents of 5

Gloria Lusty has been moved to Eventide for about three weeks while she recuperates. Maxine is back from her travels, but Galen is traipsing around in moderate weather. Can you believe the high in his area was going to be 89? That’s just not right. Joey Hardman is getting around without his walker, so that’s good news. Junior Moreno and Candi Lewis are both doing well after their trips to the hospital. His was for the accident, hers was for back surgery. If you find the time or see him around town, you might say happy birthday to Alfred Garrett. He turned a very young 88 last week.

Please pray for our troops, especially the families of the men who were shot down in Afghanistan. To lose so many at one time must be crushing. Pray for our legislators, our President and our precious troops and their families. Our rain prayer group is shrinking, but our need for rain is not. Times are indeed desperate, please pray for rain. The book of Joel says God will bring the latter rain. We need a bunch of latter or autumn rain, Lord. God bless America. I hope everyone has a great week.

th and 6th graders, please don’t forget the polo shirt. The Genghis Khan exhibition is paid for except for our evening meal. The funding group has even supplied money for the bus fuel. What a blessing this is going to be. If you need help with supplies, the Baptist church collected supplies and left them with the school. They might be able to help you with some of the items. I left a sample pack with Mrs. Mask for my classes. I hope everyone comes to class with their box tops as well. We want to start Mrs. Gossett’s year off with a giant splash! Mrs. Mask has supply lists for all classes in the front hall. She has given them to Wal-Mart and Alco, but other than the polo shirt and the bright paper, supplies for most schools are the same. That’s why all the sales are on the same major items. I’m excited to get this year under way. Except for one little thing, I will not have my teaching partner Kathy Brockman to help me make it through the year. I’m going to miss her terribly. I’m sure we’ll be missing Maxine Robbins as well. She is going to be around when we need subs.