March Winds

As promised, March is officially here, wind and all, and spring is peaking around the corner. Don't you just love seeing the daffodils and crocus and hyacinth coming to life? Irises too are turning green and there are tiny buds on just everything. Don't get too comfortable though. It's not Easter yet. Mother Nature has a way of changing her mind a lot this time of year.

In addition to the rain showers we had over the past week end, there were showers of another kind. The baby kind! Nichole (Beacham) Benson was given a baby shower Saturday in Qulin, MO. Ivy Claire Benson isn't due to arrive until May, but she seems to be a bit impatient, so mom is going to be taking it easy for a while. Let's all keep Nicole, Dustin and of course baby Ivy in our prayers.

Another baby shower on Saturday was for Jessica Earls and baby Tilly Rose. She also is expected in May. Jessica's shower was at the Methodist Church here in Rector. Jessica's mother, Martha wanted to drive down from PA and be a surprise guest, but that didn't pan out. I know she was disappointed and Jessica was too. Don't worry, Martha, we got a lot of pictures and we will all share with you.

The FBLA and the Woman's Club of Rector co-sponsored a blood drive for the Red Cross last Tuesday. In spite of not having a lot of advance notice, the community rose to the occasion as always. 36 donors showed up. Thanks to all of you. It is the gift of life you give.

I ran into Virginia Reid at the blood drive. She says she is glad to be back in her own house after the big "Winter Blast" adventure. Of course she thought she would just hunker down and spend the freeze at home, but her son had another idea. In lieu of the absence of hot water, it seemed like a better one to Virginia. After a long dark night listening to the breaking trees, her son came for her in his 4-wheel drive mule (no not the four legged kind, the newer version). After hacking and sawing their way in to her house, he announced that he was taking her with him. I didn't get the feeling he met with much resistance. It was three weeks before she was able to go home. We all know how good it feels to be home again, don't we?

Jim and Carol Stone are in town for the week. I understand there are some golf balls waiting to be chased, but they will also be visiting with their girls, Mary Small and Hope Ermert and their families. Oh, and did I mention that Jim had a birthday on Monday? Yep. It is not too late to shout happy birthday if you see him around.

Barbie Terry says BK and Matt got off on their trip back to 29 Palms, CA. In a few days they will be deploying to Iraq, so let's keep them in our prayers.

It is time for the RHS Website Reunion again. Yes, Martha Jane Randall has issued the invitation. It will be the 6th annual reunion and will be held at the VFW Hall north of Rector on May 2nd from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. YeeHaw! Cowboys and cowgirls, dust off your hats and boots and get ready for a foot stomping good time with lots of good food, fun and music. Oh, yeah, there will also be karaoke after the meal.

The dinner will be pot luck. All are welcome, but you should contact Martha Randall to register. They do need to know about how many are coming you know. Put it on your calendar. It sounds like too much fun to miss.

Some sad news from Ms. Cleta Simmons. Her nephew's wife Jean Ann Whitaker of Hartsville, MO passed away on January 25 in Chaffee, MO and was laid to rest in Hartsville. Our sympathies go out to the family.

I suppose that's it for this week. Remember to share your news and let me share it with others. We all have inquiring minds, you know. My address is 514 West 3rd St. Phone: (870) 595-3173 and email: porchswing@newwavecomm.net.