John and Family

The relief Champions are enjoying with an accumulation of more than two precious inches of rain and a few delicious days of moderate temperatures is comparable to the relief we will enjoy when the election is over.  Learning how awful some people are and how good the same people are, depending on who is spending the money for the advertising, is exhausting to anyone who is paying attention or anyone who cares.  The expenditure could be better allocated to philanthropy.  Everyone wants what is best for everyone, win or lose.  We are all in this together.

What is best is family.  A marvelous example of that came Thursday evening at the Vanzant Jam when family from Seattle and New Jersey, some flew and some drove, all congregated to wish a happy birthday to the nice man in Drury.  It was a surprise.  Daughters and their families, grandsons and granddaughters, cake, sweethearts and friends, music and laughter all made for a beautiful evening.  John is smiling yet.  Everyone was smiling to see siblings, Sally and Jerry, back at the jam.  Bluegrass needs a fiddle and Jerry plays a sweet one.  Asked about his sweetheart, he said she is as mean as ever.  Some part of the lively evening banter caused Sherry to think about the Purple People Eater.  It made her smile and she has a sweet one.

Stocked Up

For those who were unable to attend the Holt Picnic, the great photos posted online by the Eastern Douglas County Volunteer Fire Department, plus the fifty eight pictures shared by Pete and Phyllis Proctor were a real gift.  Those pictures were taken by David A. Vaughn Jr.  He said, “The second and last day of the 4H Picnic was a blast!  We had the cake walk, music, liquids, games, sack races and especially the turtle races.  If you were unable to make it this year, we hope to see you next year.”  It is a great event for a great cause.

Felix with his Wild Monk

Back in the old days, school generally started on the first Monday after Labor Day.  These days it starts earlier—August 24th according to the internet.  Summer seems shorter than it used to—well, maybe not this summer.  Stores are full of school supplies and students are getting excited, especially first time students.  So are their parents.  Felix the Farmer will be off to kindergarten, leaving his old Papa to take care of the garden and to look after his Wild Monk.

We are refreshed and ready for the next round of difficult weather.  Some gardeners are having to relax about the damage the drought and wildlife are doing to their crops.  Tony said his twelve forty foot long rows of corn with pumpkins planted among them were trampled and slept upon by deer last week.  It looks like some folks will be living on black eyed peas and the bounty put by from last year’s good harvest.  Consult with experts like Linda, Karen, and Edie to determine what might be best to plant in August.  Some are thinking about collards, turnips, and beets as they summon all the optimism they can muster for a fall garden in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!


Champion Black-eyed Peas
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