Champion News

Nelson Park

Good things that happened this week started with a pleasant “Hello!” from an occasional reader of the Douglas County Herald in the St. Louis area.  Julie Heyer enjoyed the birthday tribute to Robert Burns in The Champion News and had pleasing things to say.  An unexpected kind word goes a long way toward keeping the Bright Side bright.

Grandma’s Chocolate Zucchini Brownies [enlarge to read]

Unexpected Azalea delight.

Detail Azalea delight.

The next good thing had to do with Grandma’s Chocolate Zucchini Brownies.  Champion Wyoming Snowbird, Marge Carter, shared the recipe and had just shared fresh baked soft ginger cookies with neighbor, Lonnie Curtis, who stopped by.  Marge said, “Be sure to tell readers to fold in chips and nuts into batter, makes it better.”  She reports that Tammy over in Washington is fine, though travel restrictions had kept her from coming for hunting season last year.  Marge and Doug are hoping she will be able to make the trip this coming fall.  Meanwhile she is studying to be an RN.  That is good news.  As some of us gain age, which sounds nicer than get old, we are more appreciative than ever of people willing to be health care providers.  The past year has shown us exactly who the essential people are keeping things working for the rest of us.  We look forward to hearing Ruth Collins sing Alan Jackson’s “The Older I Get.”

Dandelions are showing themselves among the violets.  They say that every part of the dandelion is edible, and that in earlier times people would dig up grass to plant them.  Edie Richardson, an herbalist and a transplant from Texas, says, “I drink dandelion tea! make dandelion pesto, and sauté the greens with garlic yum yum.”  Missy Street says, “I make dandelion wine.  It is a beautiful flavor—the taste of sunshine in a glass.”  Edie and Lee Richardson were just sworn in for their elected seat on Missouri University Wright County Council and will start teaching adult gardening classes next month at the extension office.  The Richardsons were almost Champion neighbors, but settled in Wright County where it turns out Karen Ross is their mail carrier.  Karen is also an avid gardener and a baker of scrumptious cookies.  It is sweet to see their friendship blossom.  Look for “L and E Organic Farm LLC” on the internet and watch them hoop it up.

Peter Cottontail has hopped down the Champion Bunny Trail so Easter with all its religious and cultural significance will soon be upon us.  Years back the competition between Spotted Hog and Champion for the most elegant Easter Parade was the subject of much discussion particularly by the then Admiral who deemed Barbara Krider’s hat and matching armadillo handbag stunning.  April Fools Day on Thursday will see fun at Vanzant where pranks, shenanigans and tomfoolery do not seem to need a special day.  A certain singular Sister has become the self-appointed Instigator in Chief there, so figure that all the stops have been pulled all the way out.  You pump organ fans understand the significance.

Other good news comes from “The Book of Delights,” shared by the elder of many favorite nephews.  The author’s eye lands upon wonder at every turn, shining light on the countless small miracles that surround us.  Find joy wherever possible and they say the possibilities are endless.  Books make great companions.  The General and William Chaffey have been reading Dan Brown novels and have discovered that St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City is round.  Send your discoveries and your delights to champion@championnews.us or to TCN Rt. 72 Box 367 Norwood, MO 65717-9446.  We are delighting in these beautiful days in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

Wilbur delights In the dandelions and violets.