The Richland Springs Report Sept 14, 2011

The cooler weather has been a blessing, but it hasn’t solved the drought problem. We still need a huge rain to bring this area to life again. I’m not giving up. My eyes are still on the horizon looking for my rain cloud. Everything needs rain. The armadillos are digging up my roses. The coons have stripped every pear from my trees and my tomatoes look like peas. There were two spotted fawns drinking from my bird fountain just before dusk. They are very thin and small for this time of the year. Lord, we just need a good rain.

Our kids were fund raising this Friday. The cheerleaders collected money for the privilege of wearing a hat all day. The 1st and 2

Fifth grade worked the concession stand Friday night. We played the Knights out of Austin. Imagine my surprise to see the end of the first quarter and we weren’t winning. Much to my dismay the kids had to work four full quarters! They were exhausted, we ran out of supplies and couldn’t find some things which were there and we didn’t know it. I have to brag on my kids. Working under pressure and handling money is hard to do. Especially to young kids not used to handling money and change. To those of you who were patient with my little ones thank you. To the very few who made my kids ask, "Why are they so rude?" Shame on you. There is nothing so important in life that you have to hurt a child. Thankfully, most of the people in the crowd were wonderful. All I have to say is way to go 5

My wonderful husband has fixed my computer. I can now work from home instead of having to stay at school to complete certain tasks. It’s better than Alka Seltzer! I’m going to attribute one more bad side to the drought. The dryness in the air is playing havoc with allergies. I’ve already had several out with sick stomachs and I even have one out with strep. That does not bode well for winter attendance. I hate it when kids have to miss school. They get so far behind and miss out on teaching time as well. Please parents, make sure your kiddos get to school, if at all possible. I know many of you already do that. I’ve been told more than once, "I’m not allowed to miss unless I have a fever or I’m throwing up." Way to go parents.

I was looking at my dusty car this week and realized a country truism. In the city, a dirty car is usually a target for some graffiti artist who likes to write messages in your dust. Here in the country, a dusty car is more like a badge to be shown proudly. The dirtier the better is the working sentence. My car is showing true country road driving. I will have to wash it before I go to Temple or Dallas.

This is homecoming week, so if you see strange looks going around school or town, it’s just the theme of the day. Friday is the big pep rally. I hope everyone can make it.

There will be a shower for Cheyenne and Tommy on September the 17

The Christian Fellowship of Women will meet at the First Baptist Church next week. For any lady in the community who would like to participate in this group’s activities you can join through any participating church. Ladies of all ages and denominations in our local communities meet once monthly to share food and fellowship. All are welcome, so please make this your place to go on Thursday the 22

Alfred Garrett is having difficulties with his treatments and will be moved to Temple for further assistance. Jonathan Patino is finally home from the hospital in Brownwood. He had complications after his appendix surgery. He is doing much better now. We wish him well as he heals. Russ and I are praying for a dear friend who has been sent home under hospice care. Ken Kemery was a loyal and unique friend that can never be replaced. The good thing is we will get to see him when it is our turn to go home to Jesus.

More of our young soldiers are headed back to the Middle East. Jacob Gibson and my son Scott will leave their families, and once again risk their lives to keep us safe. As I watch the memorials of 9-11 I am reminded of the reason we have been in this horrible war for so long. Out there are radical followers of Islam who have no respect for other people or other religions. Their motto is death to all who disagree. Sons and daughters here in America have gone to fight to make sure that no act of violence can be enacted upon our innocent citizens again. From the ashes of the Twin Towers, there arose a patriotic force that shook this world, just as the fires shook the buildings. We will overcome not because we hate, but because our Christian heritage tells us to love our enemies. I saw first hand the trauma it caused even in the lives of people in Dallas. We all stood in silent shock as we witnessed the horror of the collapse of the towers. We wept silently, and openly, for the losses. We ached for the families who lived through those loving last calls. We must go on, but we cannot forget the cause, the lost or the loved ones left behind. New York will rise, and the American spirit will remain indomitable. May God protect our precious troops, guide our leaders, and bless our country. America the beautiful, America the strong. I pray everyone will have a blessed week.

nd graders had a bake sale to raise money. All funds are going to the Bastrop School District. At least, that was the plan on Friday. The ladies quilting club is thinking of doing up baby quilts to help replace some of the ones burnt in the fires. We’re working on a fairly easy pattern that could easily convert to small quick quilts. Many of us have family and friends in the Austin area that are suffering from these horrible fires.th Graders; you are the best! We worked harder than anyone has had to work in five years! Although I didn’t get to see it, I heard all about it. We played a great team and still came out on top. They had many talented players, so did we, but we had better coaches. Yeah for the Coyotes!th. Jessica Argote will host the event to be held at the First Baptist Church in Richland. Those are the only details I have. I suspect it will be in the afternoon. Their baby to come is a little girl, and they have little by way of provisions for this little one. nd.