I don’t quite have a handle on this retirement thing yet; I keep losing days. Last week, I missed the deadline and the garbage day.
This week, I am up before the sun writing my column because I didn’t get it done on Sunday again. I presume I will get this under control in time, but I’m not betting on it. I have a new phone which is giving me fits, but I’m not as bad as the mom on the Liberty Insurance commercial. I love how they make fun of old folks. Daughter tells Mom good news, and she puts a reminder on her phone. Not in the phone mind you, just a sticky note on the top of her phone. Mock all you young phone smartie pants, most of us oldies can read like champions.
Another thing I notice as I type, is the editor on my computer is a little simplistic. It doesn’t like to use the present progressive tense. My phone does give me stress, but it continues to give me stress, so it is a progressive activity. I can hear the groans of my past students. I’m glad I can still laugh at myself. I miss my teaching days, and I have only been fully retired since late May. That statement brings me to another source of contention. A great law was passed to prevent people with large incomes from two different areas collecting Social Security and a separate income from “double dipping.” Unfortunately, for teachers, that presents an issue. Since I worked for Social Security dollars close to 35 years, but transferred to the teachers retirement system, my pitiful little retirement is offensive, and one will have to be cut by about 50%. I should have gone into politics so that I could get full retirement after a short stint in Congress. It brings new meaning to “life’s not fair.” Still, we are so much better off in the United States than many other places in the world.
Enough griping. The big July celebrations are this weekend, and I’m preparing for my emcee duties for the Richland Springs parade. I’m honored and excited about my job for the day. I’m not totally sure about my duties, but if it involves talking and people, I’m good to go. The Stars and Stripes Committee have done an excellent job as usual. Our little town will be full of activities and people enjoying their day. It appears our current exhausting heat will be around so please, be careful. The First Baptist Church will have their basement open from 9-5 p.m. for those who need to cool down. There will be mobile water stations, some with free water while supplies last, and the park has covered benches. The stores downtown all have porches, RS BoHo Unique will be open as well as Skelton’s Hardware, and Chrissy’s Plants will put benches under its trees for weary walkers. Just be careful in this extreme heat and stay hydrated. The lemonade people will be here again. I expect they will do especially well this year. I hope to see everyone on the 1st of July.
Don’t forget the baking contest for the Stars and Stripes Celebration. Competition is open to all in Richland Springs and surrounding communities. No entry fee is required. Contestants must bring in two identical entries; one to test and one to auction.
Contestants may enter multiple categories. All entries must be delivered to the First Baptist Church basement between 5-6:30 p.m.
Awards will be announced Saturday morning. Judges decisions will be final. Questions concerning the event should be directed to Kim Lewis 325203-1259. Categories are Cakes, pies breads cookies etc. Canning items such as Salsa/hot sauce, Pickled fruits/veggies must also have two identical samples.
Put Saturday, July 8th, on your calendars for the next Men’s Breakfast at the Tabernacle. All men in the community are invited to attend this event. Breakfast starts at 7:00 a.m. to avoid the heat.
There is no charge and plenty of good food and fellowship. Due to time issues with yours truly, we will not have VBS this July but will host a Backto- School bash in the city park complete with water and game activities for the kids. The school is supplying the kids this year, but we will have drawstring bags for all, and backpacks for the younger kids.
We are all mourning the tragic passing of Diana Haines. Our hearts go out to Zack and Zane as they face another loss in their young lives. I did not get to attend the memorial for her because I was sick in bed. She will be sorely missed.
The prayer list is so very long. It breaks my heart to see so many people struggling. This extreme heat will not help. Please pray for our sick, our nation, our congress and president, and our first responders. We are in turmoil here and abroad, and we need to have people with sound hearts and minds leading us. Most of all, pray for our precious troops and their families.
Happy Fourth everyone!