I just heard the strangest thing from the living room. My husband Russ, who doesn’t like all this new fangled computer stuff, has decided he wants an MP3 layer. I’m not yet sure what triggered that request, but I’m sure I’ll find out shortly. Also for all of you who called or asked about the column, there was a glitch in the works. Our newspaper staff works very hard to get out the local news. They called to apologize, but there was no reason to fuss. I appreciate them very much. So this week you get a little past due news and a little now news.The Christian Church had its tree decorating ceremony last Sunday. I was invited to come, but I couldn’t get over there in time. I saw the finished result Sunday evening at the Community Christmas program. They had about 30 musical presentations. Mrs. Hall brought along her drama group. They had memorized the Christmas story from Luke and made her absolutely proud. She welcomes every opportunity to get her actors out into the public to improve their performances. It was a wonderful evening. I hope you didn’t miss it. My 4th and 5th graders did a wonderful job. I was very proud of them. I know their parents were delighted. Featured singers were, Paula Miller, Marshal Slayton and Karalee Fikes, Gabe Johnson and yours truly. Becky McPherson read a selection called A Pastor’s Gift to the Children, and Barry Fikes presented a meditation on the reason for Christmas. The First Christian Church Choir and their guests sang “Mary Did You Know”. The entire assembly sang Christmas carols. It looked as if everyone had a good time. The presentations were capped off with a candle lighting ceremony followed by refreshments.Well Glen is headed back to Richland Springs. It seems no one wants him. So they are sending him back to me, since I’m the one that must have ruined him. Russ has been busy improving the fence around the yard. I have very mixed feelings about this poor little fellow. Neither Russ nor I want to be tied down by an animal. I like to travel, and Russ doesn’t like to look after animals. I want him back, but he’s been gone for six months and may not remember who is boss. Since he is now almost full grown, that could be a problem. I’ve been told he has been exercised regularly, but has not been kept in training. After working with kids all day, I don’t know if I have the strength or patience to work with an untrained animal. I guess it will all work itself out, but my life is about to take on a new twist. Still, if I sound like I’m griping, ignore me. I do love that little fellow.I am sad to say one of our dear quilting ladies is leaving town. We all know this economy is pulling people away from our smaller towns. Our schools are all being affected by the outflow of people to job centers. Now we are losing a friend to a job in another town. I know it will be good for her, but we will miss her. In the mean time she is putting up her home for sale. If anyone is interested, she is asking $159,500 for her 3 bedroom two bath home on 35 acres. It is fenced and cross fenced. This is for sale by owner, so you will need to call 325-452-3300 to ask for details. This sounds like a sweet deal to me. We hate to lose a dear friend, but we understand the job market.The quilting ladies met at the Stage Coach on Wednesday for their Christmas meal. I heard plenty of groans abut being too full, but oodles of compliments about the great food.Once we had filled ourselves with delicious food, we headed over to the church to exchange gifts. We usually do that Chinese gift exchange game. I have forgiven a few of my supposed friends for stealing my gift, but I’m going to watch them carefully next year. We always have a fun time and the gifts are all appealing.The elementary students are all working hard for the upcoming UIL Academic meet. This time of the year gets even busier than ever. We have animal shows coming up, Youth Fair just around the corner and of course, semester exams. We have some special kids. Since we are a little low in numbers, they all have to enter multiple events. That amounts to a huge amount of studying. Good luck kids!Sandy Reid made a trip to the hospital with some serious health issues. They sent her home in time to attend her grandson Haustin’s wedding. She is still not well, but hopefully they can come up with something to get her back on her feet. Jerry and Bonnie fulfilled their part as parents of the groom, but Jerry is up to his ears in playoff films and plays. The Milford game was very exciting, which means they will be practicing extremely hard to get ready for championship game. The State Final will be in Abilene at 2:00pm against Folletsville. Coach is working the boys hard and Bonnie won’t get too much of his time until next Sunday. Bonnie is used to being a football widow.Which brings me to another bone of contention, I tried to reach Sports254 via email, but I keep getting my emails back. We have designated areas per the FAA, and our local stations are supposed to keep us informed. I was delighted to see they covered the 7:00pm game between Gordon, (whom we defeated), and Abbot, but they could have mentioned us on the newscast even if they didn’t come early and cover our game. I am going to write to Channel 10 and let them know how I feel. After that, I will delete Channel 10 from my viewing channels. Our athletes deserve coverage. They are tied for the most consecutive championships, and if they win the next; they will hold the first place record with three state championships in a row. If they’re supposed to be my “go to” station, then I want a little attention. Brownwood had a great write up, as did Abilene. Abilene even had a presentation on TV about those boys from Richland Springs. So come on Channel 10, get with the program and send us a little love!Jerry Petty is not well and L.A. Newby has been taken to the hospital in Temple. We still have Justin Vogel, Jason Lenz, Sonny Capps and Paul Gibson needing prayer. Rob and Kathy Brockman didn’t make it to the game in Hico last Friday. They hit a deer near Goldthwaite and messed their vehicle up. Kathy is sporting some nasty looking second degrees burns on her wrists from the airbag when it deployed.I am a contented Mama. Russ and I drove to San Antonio to meet with Scott. He flew in from Germany for a few short days. We only saw him for about three hours, but it was worth it. It has been almost 18 months since I last spent time with my son and his family. Grannies don’t like to be away from their babies. If you doubt me, just ask Rhonda Wyatt. I sang “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” because my heart wishes all my family could be together at this time of the year. Like the words of the song, it will be “only in my dreams.” For all you precious soldiers away from home, God bless and keep you safe. Thank you so much for the sacrifices you make for your country. To your families, may God bless and keep you safe as you wait for your soldier to come home.We need to pray for rain. We are so dry and everyone is hurting. We see more trees dieing and that is just a shame. Once again we have food shortages for our cattle, and farmers are hurting again. I do hope everyone has a great week. There are angels to be picked up at the Arrowhead Bank. I hear that there are large numbers of people requesting assistance with Christmas presents for their children. I know times are tough, but if you have a few extra dollars, why not spread a little Christmas cheer. So pray for our sick, our country, our precious soldiers and their families. Spread a little Christmas cheer wherever you go. I unashamedly wish you a very Merry Christmas.