Hello March!

Well, March certainly came in like a lion, didn't it? While I was listening to the wind howl around the eves, the other day, the midday news came on. Dianna Davis started off the program with a serious expression as she announced, "We are tracking some dangerous weather in region 8 today....." And the power went out! Yes, just like that. I knew storms had been predicted. I knew my porch furniture was being rearranged by the wind. I could see bits of unidentifiable debris blowing across the yard at speeds that NASCAR drivers would appreciate. I really wanted to know what Dianna Davis had to say about it all. And the power went out.

Well, of course I have my battery powered radio and all that stuff so I was able to find out that I wasn't in any clear and present danger, but how disconcerting is it to have the TV go just as I am about to learn about impending doom. I have got to say that Entergy was on the problem immediately. Once again I had a robo call from them before I could even report my outage. If you are not on their emergency call list, you might want to consider it. They give periodic progress reports and when it is fixed they call with that information too. Thank you Entergy for taking care of us so promptly again.

Another emergency call list to get on is the City of Rector Emergency call list. I really like getting crucial information in a timely manner. The advance notice from Rector PD about the closing of the railroad crossing had to save some time for a lot of people. There is a small fee for the service, but it is so worth it.

I am relieved that our bad weather was minimal and I am so saddened by the tragedy caused by the weather all around us. So much destruction and loss of life. My prayers go out to all those who are suffering through their losses.

We have not been without our bit of sadness this week either. Cody Moore and Kenny Hampton, both succumbed to injuries received in two different vehicle accidents. Two young men who will be greatly missed. My prayers are with their families and friends. Please, everyone drive carefully.

On a happier note, I have some other boys to mention. How about those Rector Cougars! Going to State! Go guys, go!

Have you been in to Fourth Street Treasures yet? Oh, go have a look. It is such a cute little shop right across from the library. It is open from 1-6 Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Don't forget to take a look at Now & Then for those prom dresses too.

I had an email from Carol Stafford Kalagian last week. She said she had a great time walking around Rector and seeing so many people she has always known. She and Jim Wagster visited Garvin Gatewood and of course they went every day to the nursing home to visit with Dolly Wagster. She mentioned that Maurice Bateman was up and visiting with everyone. That is really nice to know.

Carol, said she enjoyed eating at Genny's Kitchen and that she went to Piggott one day and shopped at the Feathered Nest. She apparently ran into our own Candy Hill who was taking pictures of the store. Guess we need to go take a look there too. I have to share with you the way Carol ended her email. "As you can tell I had such a wonderful time in Rector I have trouble going back to St. Louis, but am so grateful to have a place like Rector to call Home." I happen to agree. We are fortunate to have a place like Rector to call home.

I must end this and get it in. Thanks to everyone who shared with us this week. Let me know what is going on with you. You can email me at: porchswing@newwavecomm.net or call me (870) 595-3173. You can even drop me a line at 514 West 3rd St., Rector AR. Bye for now. Stay safe and enjoy life.

Bless our military everywhere.