Could you hear all the moans and groans on Monday? There was no national tragedy, only the first day of school for our kids. Although in fairness to the kids, they don’t mind coming back that first week or two of school. They look forward to getting together with their friends and swapping summer tales. The new quickly wears off, and the grind kicks in all too soon. We’re down a few kids from last year. We lost several foster kids and a few other families had to move to secure jobs in other towns. Wherever our kids land I hope their parents will make sure they get to school on time and without absences. This new STAAR test will be difficult to pass for any child who doesn’t get to school on a regular basis. I met one young man who will be in my class this year. His presence will even the boys out a little. Now we will have three boys and four girls. The cheerleaders have been busy all week getting ready for the first week of activities. We seem to have a great group of young ladies this year.My students need to remember they have work to turn in to me this week. On a separate note, there are supplies donated by community members and the First Baptist Church if you are short on supplies. You can ask Mrs. Mask or the classroom teacher for assistance. I hope everyone remembers tissues this year. We had to do some borrowing at the end of last year. The spring flowers came in and we had runny noses galore and no tissues. 5th grade participates in quite a few UIL events this year, so we will begin almost immediately to try and get a handle on the different competitions. I’m going to try a few more art projects this year, so if there are any crafty parents out there please talk to me. I’m looking forward to a very strenuous year, but I’m extremely excited about all the new things we are going to accomplish. Remember parents and kids; we must read to succeed. Thank you, ladies for the box tops and school supplies.Russ has cut all the front pasture and it looks so good. The only issue is all the little mesquites that have sprung up. The back is worse. I would really like to burn the back down, but I can guarantee it would be one huge fire! I’ve been watching the weather and there doesn’t appear to be much chance that we will benefit from the hurricane off the coast of Florida. It is going to go over my sister’s house so they may have some issues. I’ll check in a day or so. The RNC is still holding their convention and all the hoopla that goes with this large of an event will be in full swing. Big conventions usually mean big sales for the community. I figure all communities need some tax dollar assistance. I’m not sure how the tax free day went. I heard more than one person say they weren’t going to bother with the rush. The retailers don’t like to hear those kinds of things. Tax free day is a big mid year boost to their sales figures. I hate to sound negative, but with prices going so high it’s pretty hard to make ends meet.We were all saddened at the passing of Johnnie McPherson. The funeral will be some time next Saturday. I know it has been a difficult road to travel for Johnnie and Becky. Sometimes the fight here is just too hard and home calls to our spirit. I know this community stands behind Becky and wishes her all the love and comfort she needs at this time. H.B. Adams is doing much better. He’s hoping the doctor will let him go back to work soon. Kenny Powell, Paul Gibson, June Mc-Pherson, Weldon Faught, Ottis Richmond, Charlie Capps and several others are fighting different forms of cancer like my brother-in-law Dave. I pray for each and every one of them as well as their families. We still have at least 14 members in the military and many of them are in harms way. They and their families need our prayers as well. I haven’t heard how Glen is doing, but I should hear by next week. I hope my puppy has found a good home and is being loved and trained properly. I do miss him and his little monster attitude. Have a great week everyone. Remember to watch out for school kids and school zones. Please pray for our country, our legislators, our President and our precious troops and their families.