July 9, 2012
CHAMPION—July 9, 2012
In Champion the delicious rain was well received though it put some in the dark temporarily. There was no complaint to be had, even as some will be hauling brush or standing their corn back up. Official Champion rain gauges measured over an inch and spots up in North Champion had water closer to the two inch mark in their upturned buckets. The relief from the heat stress is palpable and the whole atmosphere is relaxed had happy. Champion!
The power outage may have come at an inconvenient time for those in the dairy barn, but they are well prepared and accustomed to adapting to adverse conditions quickly when it is necessary. It will be a most interesting account to hear what Kalyssa has to say about getting her milking chores done. She is quite an enthusiastic farm girl. Local Future Farmers, at a very young age, probably already know more about many important things than do many a middle aged city dweller. They are Champions! An influx of Krider cousins is expected mid-week, with grandchildren pouring in from Tennessee and North Missouri, and all over. What fun! Hopes are that some grand photos will be taken out on the steps at the Mercantile over on the North Side of the Square—memory makers.
Skyline sixth grader Ceiara Carroll will be twelve years old on the 14th of July. Kailyn Calhoun will have her fifth birthday on the 15th and will be in kindergarten when school starts. Ceiara most likely knows that her birthday is Bastille Day, which is the French equivalent of the 4th of July. It marked the end of the monarchy and beginning of the modern republic. The lasting significance of the event was in its recognition that power could be held by ordinary citizens, not in the king or in God. The oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe is held on the morning of July 14th in Paris to celebrate French National Day. Happy Birthday Ceiara and Kailyn!
The debris and litter left after the 4th of July Parade in Downtown Champion could have been gathered up in a small tea cup. Such a tidy lot! Bags of ice went out the door of the Historic Emporium as revelers headed off to the creek. Emergency picnic supplies and necessities were on hand plentifully and the community is much gratified to have its needs met so well by Henson’s Downtown G & G! Down at the creek and out on the porch conversations covered a wide range of subjects. One was heard to say that those we now call ‘Patriots’ were just a bunch of rabble rousing misfits and malcontents. This sentiment was accepted with the addendum that they also be recognized as having been brilliant and courageous. The longest standing Constitution in the world now, it begins with the word, “We.” Similarities were drawn between players in the current political scene and the ‘Tories’ of the Revolution. One said, “You are what you eat and you become what you hate.” There is definitely food for thought there.
New voter registration cards have Champions voting at Skyline now for all the elections. According to one election official, it is a matter of saving money for the county by consolidating voting districts.
Annual gatherings give friends a yard stick by which to measure their own progress for the year as well as the chance to watch the communities’ grandchildren grow and flourish. It is delightful to see what excellent parents the children of friends have become. They are every bit as protective and unreasonable as their own parents were. “In 1860 I used to go to see a pretty little gal in Georgia and dearly she loved me. She promised she would marry me as soon as the war was over. She said we’d live together just like chickens in the clover.” It is sweet to see old couples still grousing in the same way thirty years later. They are still impatient with one another, but more accepting. Some have mellowed in charming and unexpected ways. Champions all hope to age as gracefully as do their precious friends and neighbors and are content to live like chickens in the clover.
The break in the weather is a gift to gardeners. Linda’s almanac from over at the Plant Place in Norwood says that root crops planted on the 13th and 14th will yield well. Those will also be good days for transplanting. Linda’s staggeringly beautiful garden was on display as she hosted the regular Fortnight Bridge game on Saturday night. That plot of land feeds a great number of people and it is a joy to see. She has good help and has had many years to perfect her art. Her degree is in horticulture and her life experience adds an otherwise unattainable credential. The bridge game was pleasantly augmented by a Sterling visitor. This lovely young woman is a beginning bridge player and is studying to become a watchmaker. The aptitude required to work with the minute elements that comprise such mechanical marvels is awe inspiring. Linda is an excellent host and her guests generously share their exciting friends with each other. The Champion player came in with the low money and thus broke even in the game financially. She did come out ahead with cucumbers and squash and another pleasant memory.
Sue Upshaw is receiving get well cards at the Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston, MO, 65483. She has taken a fall and will be a while in the recovery process. Meanwhile it was observed that her spirits were much lifted by the good wishes of her many friends and family. Keep them coming! One will circulate through the Skyline VFD Auxiliary Meeting on Tuesday the 10th. Sue and her family have always been big supporters of the Skyline VFD and her presence will be sorely missed if she is unable to attend the Skyline Picnic this year. Get well soon, friend.
Good news pertinent to Champion is welcome at Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717 or at Champion at getgoin.net. Look for the fun at www.championnews.us or circulate through the Square. It is at the beginning of the pavement, at the bottom of some hills, where several county roads converge, on the banks of Old Fox Creek. It is Champion! Looking on the Bright Side.
