The Richland Springs Report

If you are wondering where I have been lately, I am hibernating. I go out, when necessary, otherwise I’m on the couch under a blanket. I can hear a few snickers, scoffs, and or for Pete’s sake, but I can take the scorn. I cannot take the cold. This isn’t even the cold week; that’s what’s coming. The good news is I will have more indoor time to spend learning Spanish. Since I speak French, I can understand the verb tense and conjugations, but occasionally I bog down because the Spanish word is nothing like the French word. It’s a challenge, but I’m enjoying my Duolingo classes. Russ is not into the foreign language thing.

Wednesday afternoon the school kids came to the Baptist Church for the last Kid’s Church of the year. We had a lively crowd of 31. We watched the Christmas story from the point of view of the donkey. You can’t beat, animated films, pizza, ice cream and gifts. Thanks to Brother Mack’s group of soldiers, there were great gifts for all the kids attending.

The school had its annual Christmas dinner on Wednesday. As usual, Shannon and her lovely crew did a great job. Yours truly handed out the pie. I enjoyed visiting with my kiddos. Friday was their last day. The younger kids presented several Christmas songs to the delight of their parents. Sunday, the girls’ basketball program held a pulled pork with sides fundraiser. It was good to see girls and parents helping with this event.

The girls have a tournament the 19th and 20th. Then on the 28th through the 30th, they will be at Irion for a tournament. Coach Chandler is keeping them busy. Semester one is complete which means after the break they will start the final semester. I know from experience; it is difficult to keep the seniors focused. Please keep your graduating student at school completing their work. It’s important to finish strong.

As soon as the kids get back in January, they will need to have their Youth Fair entries ready. I would like to offer the Baptist Church and the ladies services for Wednesday the fourth to those students who would like to make a baking entry. The church has three ovens, and the ladies will be glad to give advice. Please let me know Tuesday when you get back to school.

I expect to have a quiet Christmas day since my kids are all headed out to other towns. That is the future for empty nesters. I enjoyed everyone here at Thanksgiving. Please remember the families who have lost loved ones recently. The first anniversaries are so difficult. We had a good turnout for the Candlelight service and community dinner. I dragged a half dozen kids and adults into the choir to add to the Christmas spirit. It was a blessed evening for all attendees. I can’t wait to do it again next year.

Please keep our community, our country, and our government in your prayers. Keep Ukraine, our police, and our border in prayer as well. Funeral services were held for Mrs. Patrick last week, and Mr. Patrick is having hip surgery this week. The family needs prayer and comfort. Most of all keep our precious troops and their families in your prayers. Merry Christmas. God be with you.