“The good life starts when you stop looking for a better one.” This pearl of wisdom is on the back cover of the July issue of Country Extra. There is so much truth in this. As I reflect upon my past I can see where this saying has affected me, time and time again. This doesn’t mean one shouldn’t aspire to a better life. It just means (to me) that one should appreciate what they have at the moment.
Randy has been fence fixing in this heat. No, thank you! After his father passed away and I had 900 acres, some owned and most leased, it seemed the cattle were deliberately challenging fences and tree branches seemed to look for fences to demolish. Well, I did some repairs but the fences truly looked like a widow woman had done the work. Nearly a year after Willie’s passing I let go of the leased land, sold out the dairy herd all but a few calves, sold one tract of land to Randy, sold the home farm to Braiz and Helen Lynch and eventually got myself down to 5 ½ acres of which Randy has the bordering fence and I no longer have to stretch nasty barbed wire. Yes, it is a good life!
I have been questioned about using road 519 to go into Ava. It cuts off twelve round trip miles for me and of course, several minutes of time and lots of gas. I would think it considerate of the county to keep 519 in good driving condition for these few weeks. That would be our tax dollars at work for We the People. The County Commission recommends using the “O” to “76” detour. Perhaps they haven’t noticed that many heavy trucks are using 519, not just we locals. They could put a weight limit sign up at each end of 519!
The 4th of July fireworks were going off all around on Dogwood Hill on Saturday night. Sunday evening there was a small BBQ at my place and again Dogwood Hill had many fireworks from neighbors, and then they came from the sky. We received 3/4ths inch of much needed rain along with lightning and thunder boomers and are so thankful.
Please pray for healing for Crystal Lee, who was severely injured in an auto accident last Thursday on Hwy 5 south of Ava. She is now in Columbia and has undergone some surgeries, with many more surgeries to go. Some neighbors have inquired about her but this is all I know for now. Troy Stewart passed away on Friday night. His memorial service will be Saturday at Clinkingbeard’s Funeral Home: Rosary at 12:30, visitation at 1:00, a memorial service at 2:00.
From the desk of Jamey Herd
A large crowd was present for morning service at Pleasant Ridge Baptist. Most everyone stayed for the BBQ after the morning service. With all the side dishes and desserts that were brought in it was a great feast. Debbi Williams always does the cooking on the grill and does a great job of it. Because of the heat it was decided to eat inside in the fellowship hall.
The Children’s Church put on a special program for the 4th of July singing several patriotic songs and carrying flags. Laveta and Susie had 14 in Children’s Church yesterday so they had a busy time. Billy Joe read a special poem and Sam Ray held the flag while Billy Joe read. Pastor Carl brought the morning message which I missed as I was in the back preparing the tables and food.
Plates of food were taken to Jim and Erma Cudney also. I saw Erma and Jim in Ava briefly last week as they were entering Wal-Mart and I was leaving. We also saw Erma Lea Lupton and Stella Fitzgerald and had a short visit in the store.
Our condolences go out to Ann Stewart and Cheryl Plummer in the passing of Troy Stewart. I know he will be greatly missed by his family.
We received some much needed rain on Sunday night and Monday morning. Billy Joe reports there was an inch in our gauge.
I hope everyone had a great 4th. Until next week may God Bless each and everyone richly.
