CHAMPION–March 22, 2010

        Champion is a place not so much affected by inclement weather as other places may be.  Cold wind driven rain and deep slick mud are much the same as calm sunny days fragrant with the promise of new growth.  Knowing well the degree of control they exercise over the elements, Champions choose rather to control their attitude toward the elements.  What an entirely sensible place.

        Linda’s Almanac says the best days for planting peas and other above-ground crops that can go in this time of the year are the 24th and the 25th.  From Friday all the way through Monday the 29th will be barren days good for killing plant pests or doing chores around the farm.  One Champion has put some old aluminum window sashes over the pea patch to warm the soil.  She will use the magic black ‘inoculate’ powder as she pre-soaks her pea seed for a few hours before she plants them.  She has tested the fertility of the soil in her little pea patch and the PH.  All signs are favorable.  Tiny little pepper plants and marigolds are being transplanted and the whole “Spring” thing is really catching on.  Linda is in full swing at the Plant Place and all the cole crops will soon be ready.  She has those great Majestic mix pansies again this spring that will be blooming by the time they get in the designated flower beds just in time.

        In these hard economic times the Disabled American Veterans outfit is a perfect charity to support.  They are DAV, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301, and they are happy to get one or two dollars in the mail.  They use it for good and very little of their donations go for administration costs.  It mostly all goes to the Vets.  They also get the Love and Gratitude of their Nation for their willingness to serve in the dangerous parts of the world.

        A want-to-be Champion from far away e-mails a promise for a seven dollar bid on the Skyline VFD March Mascot Monkey that is being auctioned off at Henson’s Store.  It is a silent auction–shhhhh.  The woman has been watching car commercials on TV for a model called the “Sorento” and it has a sock monkey in it and the lady wants one.  She may want the car too, but she says, “I know your Volunteer Fire Department is very important to your community, I just want that monkey!  Sincerely, E. Jasmin.”  She has not indicated how high she will be willing to go with the bidding.  It is a lovely monkey.  The bidding will close on March 31st.  Good Luck Ms. Jasmin.

        The weather changed dramatically on Saturday morning after the guests all arrived at the baby shower in Seymour.  It was hosted by Staci Cline in her home with the help of her sister, Tanna Wiseman, for the benefit of their sister-in-law, Breaunna Krider who will be augmenting the family in May.  It was a sweet and lovely time with gifts and games and sumptuous refreshments.  The room was full of aunts, nieces, cousins, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, granddaughters, sisters, friends and all manner of near and distant relations and in-laws.  One such was Mrs. Lucille Gayman who turns out to be the General’s mother-in-law.  She was wearing some exquisite sapphire earrings, an elegant lady altogether unsullied by her charming daughter’s choice of spouse.  The particulars of that choice are mysteries yet to be unraveled.  The party broke up amid a cold spitting rain but everyone seemed to have had a good time and the new Krider baby will be well outfitted and certainly welcomed with a great deal of love and appreciation.

        Unravel mysteries at Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717 or at Champion News.  Look in on www.championnews.us for a view of a beautiful place.  When the party is on at Henson’s Store on the North side of the Square in downtown Champion the place rocks.  “Grab your hat and get your coat.  Leave your worries on the doorstep.  Just direct your feet to the sunny side of the street!”  That’s Champion–Looking on the Bright Side!

Facebook