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Okay, I am back to talking about the weather today. I don't believe "cold" sufficiently describes our recent temperatures. Now don't get me wrong, I am not complaining, just validating. I only complain when it is hot, but I do recognize that for most of the rest of you, it has been ridiculously "frigid" for this part of the country. And for those who left here to spend the winter in Florida and other southern states, that didn't work out so well either. Of course by the time the paper comes out the temperatures will be in the 50's, which will feel almost balmy to us. So, never mind.

I saw on the news that one of Rector's own, Ricky Bullinger was awarded The Soldier's Medal last Sunday. Bullinger, a Chief Warrant Officer in the National Guard and Major Steven Hall rescued Tamara Keele from electrocution in Lake Hamilton in August 2008. The Soldiers Medal is the highest award the military awards for heroism not involving combat. Thank goodness for Bullinger, Hall and all those like the two of them.

Lady Frances Nichols and Nancy McDermott were thrilled to have a visit from Nancy's son, Jason Smith, his wife Tori and their children Henry and Cooper over the holidays. Jason is a United States Diplomat assigned to Mali, Africa so they don't get to drop in all that often. There were many interesting stories to share of course and Lady and Nancy loved every minute of it.

Barbara Wheatly got together with some of her friends last week for a sort of going away celebration. Barbara and her daughter, Robin Price will be moving across the state in a few weeks so we really need to get a lot of visiting in quickly. Jerry Chilcutt, Lane Wozniak, Dail Gibbs, Jessie Malin, Marybelle Bremen, Georgia Sallee and I all gathered at Chilli's in Paragould for a good warm lunch. There was also quite a bit of good natured teasing. We will be doing it again before she leaves too.

I am happy to report that Pauline Shields is home again. She spent Christmas and New Years as a guest of Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, but she was home in time to enjoy the frigid temperatures and our little snowfall. She doesn't care, she is just glad to be home sleeping in her own bed.

Keep Jim Stone in your prayers. He's still in the hospital in Pine Bluff getting better, very slowly.

I guess that's about it for today. Let me know what's happening with you. 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.

Keep our soldiers in your prayers.