Is It Winter Yet?

Well, it seems that winter has really set in. It has been really cold, hasn't it? We are fortunate to live in one of those more moderate climates. It seems like there is always somewhere it is much colder or much hotter than here. I had to break the ice to feed my fish the other day, but still our temperatures are in the double digits and there is no minus sign in front. And we aren't sitting under a couple of feet of snow. See, it could be worse.

I hope you have your Christmas shopping done. I wish I did. One thing about the cold weather is that it really puts me in the mood for Christmas. I know. I am definitely weird.

Lane, Jessie, Paula and I went to Blytheville to see the Festival of Lights last week. Have you been yet? They are really terrific. I love the welcoming scene of the Ark being filled with all the animals. And the skating snowman and the bouncing ball and the nativity and ....and everything else. If you haven't been, make the time to go.

There are also some beautiful lights up around Rector. I have driven around to see them a couple of times and more are going up all the time.

Before I go on I must make a correction or an addition. Last week I wrote about Christine Hamilton and her son George and I did not mention the MOST IMPORTANT thing of all! Christine wanted me to be sure and say, "Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year" to all their friends. Yes indeed that was the first thing she said to me when she called and I wrote it down and everything and then didn't put it in the column. So here it is. "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" from Christine and George Hamilton to all their friends and the people who have done so much for them over the year. And thank you, Christine for giving me another chance. Merry Christmas to you and George.

Ms. Cleta Simmons called me this week. She had a surprise visit from her cousins Max and Lindle Hardin from Jonesboro. They haven't been able to visit in quite some time and she was really glad to spend an afternoon with them.

Ms. Cleta also told me of a recent visit from her nephew, Ronnie Whittaker from MO. Ronnie is the son of Ms. Cleta's brother and she hadn't seen him in a while either. They spent a wonderful afternoon visiting. I got to spend some time chatting with Ms. Cleta on that phone call. We need to do more of that, don't we?

Many of you remember Randy Lyles. He grew up here but lives in Memphis now. After much training for many months, he completed the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. I am really impressed. Way to go, Randy. Quite a feat and for a wonderful cause.

The Woman's Club of Rector had its annual Christmas party at Bowden's restaurant last week. They said the food was delicious and the company was marvelous.

Since last week's column seemed to go on forever, I think I will quit before I reach that point today. I wish for each of us the inner peace that comes from a great and uncomplicated love. As we move forward into the celebration of the birth of our savior, it is the perfect time for us to exude and to accept love, peace, tolerance and general good will. Merry Christmas, everyone. Happy Hanukkah.

Let us all pray for our soldiers that will not have the luxury of being home for Christmas.

Give me a call or email me to let me know what is happening. My address is 514 West 3rd St. Phone: (870) 595-3173 and email: porchswing@newwavecomm.net. I want to know and share your news. Thank you so much for all your emails and phone calls. I love hearing from you.