Marching on Toward Spring

Hello, everyone! We are well into March now. We have survived the Ides of March and St. Patrick's Day and bouncing temperatures and we are now bumping up against the first day of spring. At least for today the wind isn't blowing like crazy. In fact this week promises to bring some warm air, a little rain and a lot of sunshine. What more could we want?

Cleanup from the big freeze is continuing. Don't give up. The city is still picking up debris. Every day I see something else I never noticed before. Not having so many tree limbs in the way is opening up a whole new vista. I hope spring brings some of the foliage back. Soon.

I received an email from Pam Byrd last week. She wants to brag on her niece just a little. You may have seen the ad in this paper for the Hospital in Kennett with the pretty young nurse smiling over two newborn infants. That nurse is Paula Hodge and she lives right here in Rector. The really big news is not the ad but that Paula was selected as the "Best Nurse" from all of HMA's 56 hospitals. Lots of competition there and this is quite an honor. Good work, Paula! We are proud of you!

Jim and Carol Stone enjoyed themselves while they were in Rector last week. We celebrated his birthday with dinner at Whiskey Creek in Paragould. I am sure they will remember us. Jim surrounded by his aging harem, Paula Benton, Reno Smith, Lane Wozniak, Jessie Malin, Carol (of course) and me.

Sgt. Billy Stone was here too, on leave from duty in Iraq. He will be spending a few more days with his parents at their home in Rison before returning to his unit. Jim will undergo surgery this week and Mary and Lindell Small and Hope and Jerry Ermert will join Bill in Rison to offer their support. Let's keep them all in our prayers.

I had another phone call from a friend who wants me to encourage all women to have regular mammograms. It is even more important as we grow older. Breast cancer can be treated successfully when it is found early. Our two greatest weapons are monthly self examination and annual mammograms. Do these things for yourself. Do these things for those who love you.

If you want to take a trip, this may be the time to make your reservations. There are some wonderful airfares available now. You can try some of the travel websites, like Travelocity and Expedia. There are many more. Southwest Airlines has expanded its area of operation and is offering some astounding fares. Most of the airlines are also offering reduced rates.

And cruises! There are some really fantastic opportunities there too. Look into it. Take a trip. Have some fun and come home safely.

Better end this now. What is going on with you? Drop me a line or email me. You can also give me a call. Get out and enjoy this beautiful weather. You need your vitamin-D, you know. My address is 514 West 3rd St. Phone: (870) 595-3173 and email: porchswing@newwavecomm.net.