I went to the Collector’s Office to have a repartee with the gals there before handing over money for property taxes. I called them vampires (with a smile) and they were just as sweet and nice as always. Of course, I complain about having to pay taxes on the house, land and vehicle for which I’ve already paid but these gals just smiled instead of reminding me that I use the highways, which on occasion have to be repaired or cleaned of ice and snow, drive on gravel roads that need maintenance, and that someone else paid taxes for my education eons ago. It is comforting to know should there be a fire, someone will respond.
When I had the driveway done with chip and seal it was after I’d checked at the courthouse about taxes on cement or blacktop – every year we are taxed by the foot on anything with concrete or blacktop, no matter how old it is. That is probably why so many in this area have pole barns with gravel or dirt flooring.
Arlene Boeddeker was in Town & Country a few days ago and someone asked if she lived in the Dogwood area, and did she know the Luptons who now have a nice new house on Highway 14 up near BB. Neither Arlene nor I know these folk. If we get a nice day it would be good to go knock on their door and welcome them to this community.
There was a nice gathering here on Saturday, the 3rd. Those here were Nick and Angel Boeddeker, Rory and Debbie Boeddeker, Ron and Arlene and Rex and Reanna Boeddeker, Ivan and Dena Lawson. Nick and Angel can’t be here for Christmas so we gathered at this time for chili and chicken noodle soup and the spirit of Christmas with the love of family. Much can be said pro or con about Christmas gifts but the best gift one can give is themselves to others. Six who were supposed to be with us couldn’t make it as the bread winners had to work that day, but they should be with us for Christmas.
As our gathering wound down after gift exchanges the tales of yore started and as usual, they had us roaring. My well brought up sons never fail to amaze me with the telling of some of the things they have done over the years, ornery, naughty things of which I had no idea. The more I hear of times past the more I realize how much they are like their father. Angel, as usual, surprised us with innovative gift ideas – this time a winter “survival” package in a white trash container for each of us. One of her gifts to me was a silk American flag type scarf that she said jokingly, she had salvaged from an “ovomit” gathering, where our treasured national flag is desecrated and dismissed in so many ways. Angel said I am the most politically informed person she knows. Well, I’m not that but I am truly concerned of the way this nation is going.
Rory tells us that a nice black and tan hound (with a red collar) has adopted his place (southwest of Ava) and he would like for the owner to come and get the dog. You can call Rory at 683-7988 to identify the dog….a nice dog that seems to have claimed Rory’s place to live, never failing to welcome him home by singing to him.
The power washing of my house seems to have damaged the Christmas lights. Randy has said he’ll come over and fix the problem. Over the years people have commented on the lights, simple as they are, as when they are driving home in the dark and see this place lit up they feel they are nearly home.
On Sunday a visiting missionary suggested we sit, in the quiet, for at least 15 minutes a day, opening ourselves to Christ. This is good for every day as it helps us to know Christ in a new and deeper way as He comes to us. Turn off the TV and the radio and just reflect on the coming of Christ. This is especially appropriate for this season when we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Jamey Herd was off helping a lady but Billy Joe answered the phone and told me that Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church had their annual Christmas/Thanksgiving Community dinner on Saturday, the 3rd. There were about 50 people there and Billy Joe said there was enough food for twice that many folk.
Pleasant Ridge Baptist from the desk of Jamey Herd: Oh, time is flying and I am getting farther and farther behind. Is this a sign of old age? I told the Church this morning that I am a month behind. I will never be ready for Christmas. Pleasant Ridge had a wonderful Christmas-Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday afternoon with a nice crowd of people attending. For those that missed, you were missed and you missed some wonderful food and fellowship.
The Church will be going Caroling on Friday night, December 9. Next Sunday, December 11, at 6 PM we will be having our wacky gift exchange. Also Children’s Church is practicing a Christmas program. It will be put on at the Church and then at two nursing homes. Laveta and Susie had 9 children today in Children’s Church today with Pam Cobb also helping. Pastor Carl brought the morning message about the birth of Christ.
Thanksgiving was a very busy time for us. Billy Joe and I traveled to daughter, Susan Doyle’s in Carl Junction, for Thanksgiving dinner. Our son, Ron, and children were also there. Our daughter-in-law, Robin, didn’t get to attend as she was at the hospital with a foster daughter, Cassie, who was giving birth to a new daughter, Hailey Jo. Hailey joins brothers Carson and Kyle. Daughter Janice and husband Robert Scott with their children, Kara and Kyle, were able to join us for the weekend. It is always great to get to spend time with our children and grandchildren.
Our son, Don, visited this past week. He was helping his mom with a computer problem.
It looks like winter weather is about to catch up to us. Be careful if the roads get slick. If you don’t have a church home, Pleasant Ridge Baptist’ doors are always open to visitors. God’s Blessing to all.
All in the Dogwood Community are praying for the Lee and Miller families for their loss due to the train accident in Seymour.
