Barbara Walton
March 18, 2010
Last Wednesday night I had just gotten back from Prayer Meeting when we had a surprise attack from Mother Nature. First, the sky lit up with streaks of lightning and then we got pounded with hail about size of a giant marble or jawbreaker. It was enough that some cars were dented and probably some roof damage that we’ll hear about later. Lynette Barron and the grandkids went out, picked some up and put it in the freezer. Thank goodness it only lasted a few minutes.
The Spearsville Pelicans who went to the Cajun Dome were beaten by Athens; however, we want to tell them how proud we are that they took us that far. This is a small school with a big heart and they put their all into this game. It is because of giving that 100% effort that Spearsville made it to the payoff’s. Thank you guys; we are proud of you!! Not only are we proud of you for taking us to the “Dome” but we are especially proud of the comments that were heard about how courteous our players were and how gracious they were to the winning team. To be a good loser has to be because of that special training from parents, teachers and coaches.
Our kids can now concentrate on baseball with a strong team, as a couple of kids had to complete the basketball tournament before they could participate in baseball. Their last game was with Homer High School!!! If fact they have won all of the games that are counted. Their next game is with Strong High on Tuesday. We look forward to hearing about another win. We are rooting for you!!!
Justin Pepper was sent to Korea last week to ride an oil drilling ship back to the Gulf of Mexico. Chris Taylor, who works in Korea, had looked forward to inviting him for a meal & visiting while he was there; however, it was just a turnaround trip for Justin as they gave him and the other guys with him about five hours in a hotel for sleep before picking them up and busing them to the ship. He is now on his way back. Somewhere around Africa he will leave the ship and fly home. Don’t you know he will have a story to tell!!
Danny Manning continues to need our prayers as he is back in intensive care with pneumonia. The doctors have put him back on the ventilator. Not only remember his mother, Joyce, but his sisters, Dawn and Debbie in your prayers for God’s Divine Healing of Danny. Bro. James reported that Bro. Forest Post, pastor of Camp Creek Baptist Church, is not doing well and we need to remember him as well that he might be able to continue doing what he enjoys so much – preaching the Word of God that others might know the joy of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Sunday the Spearsville Volunteer Fire Department was called our to a fire on Mike Risinger’s property. It burned over about 30 acres. We had eleven firefighters to respond but they needed help and had to call out the Forest Fire Service. They battled this fire for several hours before it was brought under control. Tim Clement, our fire chief, reported that these guys did a great job. It is wonderful that we have men willing to give up their Sunday afternoon for the good of others. Margaret Mead said,”Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has”. As you read this you might think about becoming a volunteer firefighter and make a difference in the life of a friend or neighbor who needs you. Fires do happen and when they do, we need help, immediately. We say thanks to those guys who have already made the decision to assume this responsibility and not just be a bystander when a need arises.
John Rhodes, our master farmer, is planting his potatoes this morning. If you remember last week I told you about the debate going on in that household about how many to plant; well if you placed your bet with Bonnie -10#’s — you lost; however, he did compromise and is only planting 50#’s. Looks like he will have plenty to share with his neighbors again this year. There is nothing quite like that first mess of stewed potatoes, green beans and cornbread, with an onion on the side. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it. I can hardly wait for him to “grub” some and hand me a sack of them.
Do you ever have those pesky barn swallows build in the corner of your porch or carport? Well, I found the perfect remedy; it really works and I thought you might like to know how to get rid of them, as well. Buy a cheap bottle of dish washing detergent and squirt it all over the nest or all along the ledges where they build and they will go somewhere else. I had read this in Birds and Bloom and tried it last year – works like a charm – beats the heck out of fighting them with a water hose all summer.
Speaking of birds – aren’t you enjoying all the birds, especially the bluebirds. Susan Smith and her mother, Maurene, are avid watchers and we compare notes each day at the dining site. It seems that the bluebirds have decided to seriously get started on a family. Susan has a new house that has Plexiglas on the back that will allow them to see inside of it; wouldn’t that be interesting? We’re looking forward to seeing how that is going to work out. Susan is going to keep me posted and I might have to go and check that out.
An Irish Friendship Wish
May there always be work for your hands to do; May your purse always hold a coin or two; May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you and may you be in Heaven a half hour before the devil knows that you are dead.
Shiloh to Canaan 