Last week was such a very sad one. The horrible loss of Gary and Chad Lee on top of all the misery the family has had the last couple of years. Then there was the loss of Patrick Bohn, husband of my very good friend Trish. Notifications to be made, funeral plans to be made, food to be prepared! Bless all of you who stepped up to the plate to help them, and you who help all families with loss and stress. Even if you cannot be of help in any physical way, you can pray for these families.
Unfortunately, some of my family could not attend the wake and funeral for Gary and Chad as we were involved in the preparation for the Bohn funeral. We do send our condolences to their families and pray they receive some comfort. This takes time as many of us already know.
At Dogwood we apparently received a bit more snow than other areas last week. The traffic on Hwy 14 was slowed down quite a bit. I am so very glad I no longer have to make a daily trip to Springfield for a job. Last Tuesday Jeff Fleetwood made it out here to stretch some of my carpet and he said the roads were nasty. I am going to wait until the weather is nicer before cleaning the carpet. It seems that is a yearly need.
Amidst all the rush, some of the Boeddeker family managed to get to the Cookie Exchange party at the Chriss home. Everyone brings cookies and recipes and everyone can take home quite an assortment of the best home baking the Ozarks provide. I didn’t count but it seems there were about twenty of us there. Tina Chriss always decorates so beautifully and her appetizer buffet is always innovative and delicious, the games fun.
The race for the White House is interesting. Of course, I’ve learned over the years to not trust those in government so it is difficult to believe what even the candidates say. While one or more candidates stumble over words (memory problem or lack of knowledge?) while another reels off facts and figures without hesitation. Willie always voted, locally and nationally, but most times he used to say he’d rather vote for an old yeller dog.
The holiday potluck at St. Leo’s Church was a huge success, as usual. Arlene Boeddeker and I roasted 3 large turkeys and one big turkey breast, and I made gravy. Although most everyone at the parish brought in various food items, there was very little remaining – and all was delicious. Lots of the ladies helped with cleanup afterwards.
Ron Boeddeker has been going here and there since his return from Alaska. First to North Dakota and Minnesota (four of us), then he and a friend went to New York where Ron bagged a nice buck. He has been in to a few businesses in Seymour and Ava and has enjoyed meeting old friends and exchanging tales of travels, etc. When he tells me of who he has visited with, he is as happy as a Lark in spring.
This week should be a quiet one by comparison to the last few weeks, in spite of the oncoming Christmas rush. If not, you’ll probably hear differently next week. Meanwhile, be kind to one another, give a smile to all as that might just make their day – whether an indigent on the street or a cashier.
PLEASANT RIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH
From the desk of Jamey Herd
A cloudy winter morning here. It sounds like this whole week will be cloudy and rainy. Pleasant Ridge had a busy Sunday with the men’s breakfast at 8 AM. There was good attendance for Church with Pastor Carl bringing the morning message from the book of Isaiah 7: 10-16 about the Old Testament prophesy of Christ’s birth. Laveta and her helpers are busy with the Christmas program for Children’s Church. They will be going to Ava and Seymour nursing homes to perform. Children’s Church went caroling on Friday night to several homes in our area and then came back to the Church for Chili Dogs and desserts. Sunday night was a fun time with our Wacky Gift exchange. There was quite a bit of gift taking from others and loads of laughter from everyone. There were some food baskets prepared and delivered on Sunday also. Sam Ray celebrated his sixteenth birthday Sunday.
There are just two more weeks to get ready for Christmas. I hope everyone else is better prepared than I am.
We would like to extend our sympathy to the Lee families in the loss of Gary and Chad Lee.
Billy Joe’s brother, Bob, reports that Max Wood is improving some but still in Cox Hospital. Debbi William’s step-dad is still in St. John’s and needs our prayers.
Till next week God Bless.
