By the time you get your paper, I’ll be flying. I’ll wave goodbye as I set off to southern shores. Costa Rica, here I come. I’m getting little “flutterbys” thinking about what lies ahead. It’s not that I’m nervous about flying; it’s the unknowns of the trip. I learned yesterday via Southwest email that they have changed the baggage rules for the time being. Normally that would not be an issue.
When you are delivering tools and parts for a Jeep and miscellaneous items - for my people who have not yet brought over their household goods - my active imagination has me in a side room trying to explain, staple guns, computers, tow straps and other auto parts to a friendly but confused agent. Did I mention my Spanish is not quite up to that kind of explanation?
Issue number two is the recent changes to Southwest baggage rules.
Although they are temporary, it just so happens I have packed a giant suitcase with the above listed items. It is oversized and overweight, not impossible to take except for the new ruling. Pam and Jessica have attempted to rescue me by bringing over two smaller suitcases which will hopefully hold my mountain of “stuff.” If I can get it all moved, it will be better for me because I could not lift that 64-pound suitcase. Then again, a woman handling three bags instead of two may be a challenge as well. Whatever the issues, I’m headed for the sunny shores of Costa Rica and my youngest son, Shane, and his super special wife, Earnie.
I feel a little concern for my family in Richland because there seems to be a frost coming while I’m away.
My daughter, Tracy, is cooking Thanksgiving this year. That is a wonderful idea. She has her Granmonie’s touch with desserts. Based on meals she has cooked for us, she is a wonderful cook. I am not talented in that area; my son cooks better than I do. I should be ashamed, but I haven’t managed to find that feeling. We all have talents. God gifted me with a love for teaching, and I’m happy with that most days. Russ will be well fed while I am gone.
The students are out for the week, but the athletes will still be busy. Coach Burkhart and Coach Rogers are preparing the team for the next level of playoffs. Our team will play the Oakwood boys Friday at 6 p.m. in Hico. The girls basketball team has a tournament on Monday and Tuesday. The benefit dinner for the FFA parliamentarian group was successful, and their demonstration of the skills needed was impressive. Unfortunately, they fell a little short of their goal but have set their sights on state for next year. As Mr. Dennis pointed out to us, our students compete against schools ranging from 1A to 6A.
There are no district divisions. They should hold their heads up proudly. Our little school sends out super competitors - which reminds me that UIL Academics competition will be held as soon as we return from Christmas break. Although we take time during the school day to practice, students need to be putting in practice time at home.
Brother Mack is travelling every weekend from Laredo to preach Sunday morning. Please pray for a safe journey. He requested prayers for the young men and women who are under his care as chaplain. The Andrews ISD crash brings the dangers of travelling closer to home. Please pray for the school and community as they grieve. Although drinking has not been mentioned, something was very wrong to cause a driver to drive on the wrong side of an interstate highway and crash head on into a school bus. Please pray for our country, our President, and our government as we search for answers to solve this pandemic and inflation. We have several community members facing surgery or cancer.
We also need to pray for the people hurt by the driver who ran over people at a Christmas parade in Wisconsin. We live in crazy times.
Please remember those folks who have lost loved ones recently. The holidays are always difficult after a death. Take care and have a delightful time with your family this Thanksgiving Day. We are a blessed people and nation.