Finally It Rains

Rain, rain, beautiful rain. Isn't it amazing how quickly the grass greens up when even a few drops of rain make it to the ground? Gardens are suddenly lush, crops grow before our very eyes and the air smells wonderfully clean. And then it floods. Yep. Pretty much all of Arkansas is under flash flood watch today, but I am still enjoying the rainy day.

In case you missed it, Steve Malin blew into town for a quick visit. He brought his vehicle to Sains for some maintenance and spent the night with his mom, Jessie Malin. Then he was back to the big city of St. Louis. You just never know when he's going to show up.

Have you met the new Methodist Preacher? Rev. Straubel and his wife are settling in as the new pastor of the First United Methodist Church. Welcome, Rev. Straubel, we are glad to have you in town.

What did you do over the 4th of July weekend? Lane Wozniak had a hankering to see the "best fireworks display in Northeast Arkansas", so she took off to Jonesboro. She said they were awesome. She parked as close as possible and then ooohed and aaahed through the entire show. Had to brush debris off her car afterward.

Paula Benton and I went to the Ronnie Milsap concert at Caruthersville. We had dinner in O'Henry's first and then out to the concert. It was sort of hot but worth it for the music. I have always loved his songs and he sang all my favorites. The Commodores will be there in September.

Then Paula and I took off for Greer's Ferry to spend a couple of days with some of my cousins. Nancy (Rust) Clevenger and her husband Tom have a house on the lake and invited us to visit. Gloria (Rust) Reed came from Il., Lina (Dudley) Sheffield and her husband Harleton came from League City, TX and Paula and I from here. We spent a lot of time on the porch watching the birds. They took us across the lake to an eagle's nest where we watched the parents teaching the youngsters to hunt. It was really an amazing experience.

Pauline Shields is home from the hospital, having knocked on Death's door and then thumbed her nose at him. She is pretty much back to normal and looking for entertainment.

Lane Wozniak called me Friday afternoon to take a look at a small fox that was pacing around her house. It was a young pup and cute as could be but seemed to be very weak. With the help of our animal control agent, David, we were able to catch it. Never a dull moment on 3rd St.

Remember to order your memorial bricks for the downtown park right away if you want to see them set by Labor Day. The last day to guarantee they will be set by Labor Day is Wednesday, July 14. Contact Jacinda Welch for more information. 595-2300.

Guess I had better go now. Let me hear from you. Write me at 514 W. 3rd St., Rector or call me. My phone number is 595-3173. Email address: porchswing@newwavecomm.net.

Bless our soldiers.