June 16, 2008
CHAMPION—June 16, 2008
Champion is still all smiles over the beautiful wedding that took place on Saturday in the little church just South of the Square. Lonnie Krider and Karen Faye Upshaw married there almost forty years ago. A little later Richard Johnston and Linda Kaye Upshaw married there. Next came Larry Wrinkles and Theresa (Sartor) Reese in 1987, and now Dustin Cline has married Staci Krider in the same place. All these previous marriages have ‘stuck’ and there is every reason to believe that this young couple will have a long and happy life together. All of Champion wishes them every success.
Family and friends kept a tight rein on the General for the wedding. At the last minute it was happily discovered that someone had hid both his kilt and his accordion and so the parade that left Champion and wound its way all the way to Skyline for the wedding reception turned out to be both dignified and pleasant. The couple arrived at the reception in style driving a beautiful 1940 model Ford convertible—very elegant. The bride’s cousins had prepared a lovely table for the cake and punch. The General was at all times monitored when he approached the punch bowl, as his family is keenly aware of his nature.
Foster Wiseman made quite an excellent ring bearer. He and his distant but close cousin Madelyn Ward were key players in the ceremony and performed their duties with precision and humor. Foster celebrates his third birthday on the 17th of June and his dad is reminded that he will be ready to drive in twelve or thirteen short years! Rodger quails at the thought!
Tennessee boys and Illinois girls who are regular visitors to Champion will catalogue this event as one of their special childhood memories for future reflection. Dakota was aiming to stay on the farm for a few days to help out with the hard work that goes on this time of the year. He is taller than his parents now!
The Skyline Ladies’ Auxiliary had its meeting on Tuesday evening the 10th of June. They are getting ready for the August Picnic already. The meeting was held in the home of the recently elected president, Betty Dye, and was well attended. It was agreed that the next meeting will be held Tuesday evening, July 1st, to seriously get the ball rolling. It was revealed that tickets for the Rose Star Quilt are being sold in California, Kansas, Tennessee, Illinois and Texas. No doubt some are going to Iowa too. It seems that a quilt has been won by a ticket holder from that state! Louise Hutchison sold that winning ticket. She was having a bout of bronchitis which kept her from the meeting. The Auxiliary all joined in extending hopes that she makes a speedy recovery.
Linda’s Almanac from over at the Plant Place in Norwood says that 20th -21st will be good days to plant late beets, potatoes, onions, carrots and other root crops. The 22nd –23rd will be poor days for planting. Kill plant pests, spray, fertilize, do general farm work then. The 24th-25th will be a favorable time for planting late root crops, also good for vine crops and to set strawberry plants. The heavy rains in June have made hay-making awkward but gardens are generally flourishing. Esther Wrinkles reports having some trouble with aphids on some of her tomato plants. Several are having the same difficulty with the pesky little bugs. People spray them with a variety of things that range from Malethion to Ivory Liquid. Tomato plants are being carefully watched in Champion. Betty Thomas from over in Yates wants to enter the First Ripe Tomato In Champion Contest. No ruling has been made as to her eligibility, but she hasn’t turned up with a ripe tomato to share either! She and Dale are getting geared up for the Pioneer Days already. That doesn’t occur until October so between now and then they will be seen out supporting all the local communities with their summer picnics and festivals. They are good neighbors. (Mrs. Wrinkles has a good neighbor who slips around behind her back to mow her yard when she’s not home. Imagine!)
Forty-four American servicemen have died there so far this year. 4101 have died in Iraq since the war was declared there. Americans find ways to express their Love and Gratitude to those serving and to the survivors of those who perish in the dangerous places of the world.
A few dry days have been a real gift to Champion. Haymakers are busy. Many have friends and family who live in parts of the country that are flooding or are recovering from floods. When the ground is saturated it doesn’t take much rain to make for a dangerous situation. Champions are grateful for the rising water table, but they keep a weather eye out as well. Champion’s Tennessee friend, Darrell Haden, lives just a little way from the Mississippi River and as the run-off from the big rains moves down the river it is hoped that he and his family stay safe and dry. “Oh! The night was dark and stormy. The air was full of sleet. The old man stepped out in the yard and his shoes were full of feet!”
Any cures or treatments for aphids on tomatoes will be welcomed at Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717. E-mail verses to “It a’int a gonna rain no more, no more” to Champion News. Sing it right out loud on the porch at Henson’s Store in glorious downtown Champion where it is understood that singing has a positive effect on health but not much effect on the weather. Still, in Champion, rain or shine, they are always looking on the bright side!
