The Richland Springs Report

It’s put another log on the fire time. Although any rain we get is gratefully accepted, the cold wind that came along for the ride was bone-chilling. Depending on the temperature, we are possibly looking at some sleet in the forecast. I’m keeping my wood and blankets closer. It is pitiful that a person who spent the first 22 years of her life in snowy cold conditions, has to huddle up under a blanket here in Texas. Just bring on the rain. I’m getting excited about seeing my sisters this month. I will be joining them in Costa Rica for about 10 days. Dee has been there before. But Bev is not a great traveler, so this will be her first visit to a beautiful country. I’m planning on taking her white-water rafting, ocean bathing, maybe fishing, canoeing through the mangroves searching for crocodiles and playing with the monkeys. The beach is about five minutes away on foot, so we will be wandering around Quepos as much as possible, and walking along the seawall. We will hike to one of several local waterfalls and try our luck on getting washed away a little. There is something exhilarating about pushing against the force of rushing water. And oh yes, we will sample some delicious fresh fish and other local delicacies. The fresh tuna melts in your mouth.

Teachers and retirees along with a few friends met on Saturday to have some painting fun. Before I go anywhere else, let me tell you, I am not talented when it comes to painting. It was a blast. This gentleman is an impressionist, which is good, because I can get a little closer to something if it's not too exact. That being said, we had a blast, and the results were astonishing if not altogether on the professional line. Imagine, art classes in Richland Springs!

Games for this week are on Thursday and Friday. Junior high boys and girls will play at Rochelle starting at 6 p.m. High school basketball games will be at Richland starting at 6 p.m. Keep those Coyote spirits high. The snack bar is open and churning out some delicious goodies. The Gifted and Talented program at school had a spaghetti Luncheon to raise funds for materials needed to enrich the program. You can’t beat a good spaghetti dinner unless it is done to help our school kids. Thank you to all who attended. It was also great for moms who don’t have to go home and cook dinner. Our little town was rocked by the recent accident on highway 45. I received a phone call asking me where I was and was I safe. That’s part of the hometown charm; people care. The highway was shut down for several hours, and the detour route was interesting for sure. Sadly, two people lost their lives and changed their family dynamics forever. It makes you stop and think about yourself. Where are you going when you die? Is your family prepared? Do you have a financial plan for them? I know Russ and I aren’t totally prepared. I feel so sad for the families involved. The Perez and Harris families have difficult days and months ahead, please keep them in your prayers.

I struggle sometimes when I see what the government is doing for the thousands of undocumented people streaming across the border, and I see one of our own struggling because they have no insurance. So many doors are closed to them, and the services are not available. There are no free hotels, no medical, no free phones, only closed doors. For that reason, several groups in the county have organized benefits for Jeremy Young. There was a benefit at the Bend for him. The First Baptist Church in Richland Springs is taking donations. If you would like to donate for Jeremy’s medical expenses, please drop a check or cash by next Sunday. Make the check payable to First Baptist Church, but put his name on the bottom so it can get to him. This county has proven multiple times that we are a loving and giving community.

We have a dozen community members fighting cancer who need our prayers. Multiple families are suffering the loss of a loved one and need prayers. This next week is going to be bitterly cold; can you make time to check on any elderly in your neighborhood? Pray for our police officers. The majority have wonderful hearts and a strong desire to protect. Pray for the border agents and other emergency persons working accidents. Most of all pray for our precious troops and their families.