The Richland Springs Report June16, 2021 Summer is here. To me, that means shorter workdays and mosquitos. I don’t do hot well. So now, I have to get up and out around seven to avoid the heat and then hibernate until close to sunset before I can do sweaty work.
I am clearing out a space at the side of the house to lay some tiles and I’m proud to say I just finished the last piece of ground. Russ will lay the tiles and make sure they are straight.
I tried to clear weeds around the fishpond, but the mosquitos drove me indoors. This is going to be a humdinger of a summer for grasshoppers and mosquitos. I am so thankful for all that rain even if it did bring out the bugs. The birds will just have to get busy and eat these critters.
I went with the quilting ladies to Stonewall this week. It is the most restful retreat and I feel refreshed.
My green trees are in stark contrast to the dead trees that line the road to Fredericksburg. I was told that the arborists are suggesting that we not do any major trimming until later in the year or wait until the spring. Some trees may be able to come back thanks to the rain. The idea is not to stress them anymore than they have already been stressed by our years of drought. Many of the animal folks are seeing that the long freeze has hurt the environment. On the upside, it will be good for those peach varieties that require more hours of cold.
If you ever get the time, the Stonewall retreat happens twice a year, January and June. The facilities are designer delightful, there are plenty of sewing spots, lovely beds covered in quilts, and the hostess Kay and her daughter, Carolyn, are gourmet chefs. The evening meal they provide is worthy of any top restaurant. They also provide a continental breakfast.
On a cautionary note, if you go with my ladies and get cold easily; bring a jacket. If you get tired of quilting, you just go sit on the porch, and watch the hummingbirds, deer, and banded cattle. It’s a bucolic hill country scene.
I hear plans are gearing up around town for the 4th of July festivities. We are definitely “into” the 4th. It starts with the early morning parade and then come the pig scrambles, washer tosses, vendors, and water activities. All activities will be crowned by the most awesome fireworks display in the area. I hope to see many of you on that special day.
Prices are rising due to a variety of shortages. I see lots of job postings, but if you are in a financial bind, please contact the First Baptist Church and they will get you some groceries. It is open to the community on the first and third Mondays, but if you have an emergency, I’m sure either Franky and Esmeralda Soto or Brother Mack will open for you. Please don’t go hungry.
If you want to study the Bible, First Baptist has a Wednesday study from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. We generally have a light snack between 5:30 and 6. Shiloh also has a mid-week Bible study. I know it’s summer but don't leave God for the weekend; spend time with Him daily.
I was going to put up another carport for my son’s vehicle, but the original quote has gone up by a significant amount. What was going to be $3,000-$4,000 is now priced at $7,000-$8,000. I guess we will build a homemade building.
I hear that people around the country are facing delays and rising costs for lumber and metal. There are shortages in many areas. I went to have my oil changed and in the lobby of the Toyota shop, they have a sign asking for used cars. They will buy just about all models within a certain year radius. I am amazed and frustrated at the same time. How could we go from the greatest economy for almost every population group to shortages around the country?
The other thing that is bothersome to me is the people moving from states that have high housing costs with their corresponding salaries forcing all the property values up and out of sight. That means higher taxes and more property being owned by parttime owners.
Our land is not worth any more than 300 dollars an acre, but according to the tax folks it is worth more than 3,000 an acre. I heard someone is being offered triple that for small acreage. That’s great if you're selling, but family land is going to be in trouble come tax time. I used to sell property, so I know the goal of an agent is to get the best price for your customer, but where is the line that you shouldn’t cross?
Danny and Danny Jr. were in service this morning. Both father and son are fighting cancer. They are keeping their spirits up, but I’m sure this experience is draining.
Gerald McKee is headed to Houston with Kay to take chemo number six. He also is in excellent spirits. He puts his trust in God and his faithful wife, Kay, stands firmly by his side. I’m not sure what we are going to do when Kay retires from the mail run. I will miss my amazing mail-lady. She has her hands full right now.
Vera Ralston is keeping to the house because of mobility issues. We miss her in church. She is such a sweet lady. We send our love and prayers to her. She is also an awesome quilter.
My son-in-law, Mark, is undergoing radiation for his cancer. So far, the doctor is pleased with his progress. We continue to pray for him.
So, let us pray for our community, our country, our Congress, and our government. We need reason, civility, and self-control to reign in Washington. We the people, have a right to a government that will govern, not fight like children.
Our police and border patrol officers need added prayer for safety and peace. Most of all, pray for our precious troops and their families. Please send up a special prayer for the Marines who were killed in their training exercise.
My students should be turning in their first reading assignment by email. I will send out a reminder to make sure everyone remembers.
Have a great week and enjoy the heat.