Is it Spring Yet?

March is here at last. Wasn't it beautiful last week? We haven't had that much sunshine in months. It was good to have a cup of coffee on the deck for a change. Spring flowers are beginning to make themselves visible. Could winter finally be loosening his grip on us? I have already seen a few daffodils blooming. They are always so eager to be the first to bloom. Love it!

I am sorry to hear that Linda Waldron has passed. I am glad I had the time to get to know her. She has touched many many lives. She and Jim leave a wonderful legacy in their two daughters, Lindsey and Kelly. My thoughts are with you now. Take comfort in knowing what a wonderful life she lived and how many children she gave a better chance at life.

A prayer and congratulations for Perry Arrant. He has been accepted for a medical trial at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center in Nashville. Lots of love and luck to you, Perry and you too Brenda.

Wasn't last week's paper chocked full of good stuff? We are so fortunate to have the Northeast Arkansas Innovative Training Center down town. I urge us all to continue to use and support this center. It is wonderful to have our little town recognized in such a positive manner. It is also wonderful that we are able to offer some help and hope to some of our neighbors who have been adversely affected by our struggling economy. Good also to see the stimulus dollars working for us. Just good news! Thanks Jacinda, Janet and thanks to our mayor and city council for their forward thinking.

I also want to give a big "Thanks" to Rob Louder for his efforts in providing us with the beautiful new gymnasium that allows us to host the tournaments that bring so much to our town. There is also the matter of the new technology in our classrooms. Thanks, Rob and the school board.

The RHS Helping Hands Foundation too is a blessing to our community. It is something we can all contribute to and know we are helping.

I know all this cheerleader stuff is sappy, but I do like to call attention to some of the things that this community has to offer. I have been spending a lot of time in Rison, AR lately, another wonderful small town and I have been made more and more aware of the benefit of living in a community in which so many people care about each other.

I guess that is a good note on which to end this column.

Let me know how you feel. Tell me what is going on with you. You know I love to hear from you and I love to share your news and your thoughts. My address is 514 West 3rd St. Phone: (870) 595-3173 and email: porchswing@newwavecomm.net.

God bless our soldiers.