Almost everyone had a few dribbles of rain last week, but we need at least four inches to even make a dint in this drought. I hear animal people complaining about eating meat, but plants grieve, too. I can see eyebrows raised as I type. To prove what I’m saying, look at the trees in the area. The trees are shrunken, there are large spaces between the leaves, many of the leaves are on the ground and those in the tree are shriveled up and gasping for rain. That sounds a little fanciful, but my heart aches as I look at the trees around me. You can’t even get much shade from them because there are so many missing and shrunken leaves on the tree. We need rain.
Progress is being made on the bank building. Chris and Bobby Baker, Chuck and Jackie Basquette, and yours truly have sweated their way through years of “treasures” and dirt. There aren’t too many treasures, but Jason Lewis was moving things around and discovered a book of checks from the first bank. Anything that pertains to the bank will go upstairs. Eventually, there will be a little museum open to our local folks. The original vision for this newest renovation came from the Winters. Sherry had to quit the project, but it’s coming together. The biggest success story was the bathroom. I wouldn’t have let my dog use the restroom, but hours of cleaning later… it is good to use.
There are multiple plans for the spaces. Jason is organizing the material for the bank museum. Chrissy has her eye on the front room for a library. She envisions bringing the kids in for reading sessions and unique events. Jackie will be opening a boutique in the front section. She will reveal complete plans later. I can tell you from experience that Chrissy and Jackie are a pair of fireballs. This job will get done. School is officially in, and our first scrimmage is under our belts.
There are high hopes for this football season. Our new teachers have their first week under their belts. This is a great school, and I assure you; they will enjoy their stay in Richland. Please reach out and support your school administration and teachers as they start the 2022-2023 school year.
I have put in a call to God for four inches of rain. I’m not sure that it’s enough to save my trees. It hurts me to look at their thin sparse leaves crying out for water. Please pray for our country and the mess we are experiencing. Many Christians believe we are close to the return of Jesus. It certainly seems horrible enough to warrant a return. We need to pray for our sick, for our homebound, for our police officers, and most of all for our precious troops and their families. Please watch for school children as you travel the roads.