Good morning everyone! Isn't this is a beautiful day? I am writing this on Monday morning and I really loved having my coffee outside on the deck earlier. It was cool, and dry with a light breeze, the sky was beautiful and the birds were very entertaining. It was hard for me to drag myself inside to go to work. Now this is the June weather I have been telling all the new arrivals about. Not at all like June in south Texas, but pretty much like San Diego most of the time. Just lovely!

I get to say "Welcome!" today. Welcome home to Paul and Cheryl Schwager. They have been gone an entire month and the town has sort of idled without them around. Well not really. They actually missed out on a lot. In fact some of us are wondering if they planned this trip just to get out of some of the work that's been done recently. They, of course, insist that they were visiting family.

They spent some time with Michael and Jody Schwager and their children, Austin, Shane and Savannah in Corona. Then they visited with son, Phil and Cindy LaJeunesse and their sons Christopher and Michael. They also traveled to the Bay Area to see daughter Beth Lawrence and her husband Rob and their daughters Jessica and Samantha.

Then they took the long way home, veering north to Yellowstone National Park which they last saw right after the big fire there almost 20 years ago. It is quite different now, glorious with wild flowers. They also went to Mount Rushmore. Cheryl says it is awesome! They followed the stormy cold front the last full day on the road,staying the last night in a hotel that was cleaning up water, broken glass and left over hail stones. Glad they missed the storm itself.

Then they cruised into Rector Sunday afternoon to find the renowned pink flamingos had landed to herald their welcome home. I too am glad you're home, Schwagers. The town hasn't been the same without you.

I also get to welcome Jessica Earls home. She has been visiting her mother for 6 weeks. Yes, folks, 6 weeks. She spent the time with her mother, Martha and her husband Armond Aserinsky. She also got to see her brothers Eric and Jarrett and her cousin Johathan. Her uncle Henu who lives in Peru was visiting his daughter in Philly and Jessica got to visit with him as well. Her dad even drove up to Pennsylvania from Georgia so she had one long reunion. No wonder she couldn't get away sooner. But now she is finally home, in Rector, where she belongs. Glad to have you back, Jessica.

Jessica went to visit Jane Fennell over the weekend. She says they had a nice visit and she was glad to see Jane doing so well. I hear Jane is feeling some tingling in her fingers so that is a good sign. We should all go over for a visit. Why don't we?

Another big "Welcome" goes out to the new pastor of the Methodist Church. Pastor Velda Bell and her daughter Susan have moved into the parsonage and into our hearts. We are thrilled to have you both and hope you will be very happy here. I understand the flamingos have visited you too. You are really IN now.

I did get a few reports on the Hawaiian license plates. Another chance to say "Welcome". Rick and Lori Harvey have moved to Rector from Hawaii. Rick is Georgia Sallee's nephew and Lark Sigsby's cousin. I will be trying to get more information on them. In the mean time, I am glad to know we have new neighbors.

I had a wonderful surprise last Monday afternoon. My dogs alerted me to visitors on the front porch and when I looked it was full of adorable little children. Samantha, Simon and Spencer Vineyard paid me a surprise visit. Their grandma Kim brought them over as they were visiting with their aunt Vickie down the street. Each of these children has a special and unique place in my heart and as they live in Humble, Texas now I don't get to see them often enough.

Their mom, Amanda Pruett Vineyard came down to spend a little time with me too. They had all been to Memphis to visit with Amanda's grandmother Frankie Lyalls and Uncle Randy Lyalls. I was so very glad to see them all and get some of the hugs I miss so much.

Miss Cleta Simmons had out of town guests for lunch on Saturday. Allean Price and Louise Waldron were there. I know they enjoyed the visit.

Sarah Burdin asked me to let you know that Terry is having a birthday on July 8 and she would like for him to be just showered with cards and letters. His address is:

SSG Burdin, Terry

Unit #6017

1038th HCC

APO AE 09378

Let's all send him something. It is nice to know you are remembered when you are on the other side of the world. Happy Birthday, Terry. Hurry safely home. We love you!

I will be glad to call attention to all the other soldiers who are overseas as well. Let me know who they are and I will get their names in the paper.

Also, speaking about the other side of the world, since I mentioned your name, Doug Stone, I have had additional requests for information about you. Yes, there are still people in Rector who could never forget you (even though they try). Send me something so I don't have to make anything up.

Don't forget to get your tickets for the Gaithers Benefit program on July 25. The tickets are going fast and you don't want to miss it. Proceeds go to the Helping Hands Foundation and you know how much we appreciate their help.

The Woman's Club of Rector is taking orders for the birthday calendars. If you haven't been contacted and want a calendar or want to add birthdates and memorial dates, please contact Freeda Marks for information.

As I said at the beginning, I am writing this on Monday June 30, the last day of June, the last day of the first half of this year. Yet another milestone passed, another year halfway used up with much promise for the rest of the year. Happy Summer everyone! Let me hear from you.

My phone number is 595-3173 or you can drop me a note at 514 West 3rd St. My email address is porchswing@newwavecomm.net.