June 14, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States 244 years ago.  We are encouraged to reflect upon the values of our Republic and the valor of the men and women in uniform who have defended it.  There are rules and protocols for flying the flag and when one becomes tattered or excessively worn it is to be retired in a dignified way.  The American Legion can take care of that for you and can also provide you with the rules to help you fly our banner respectfully.  Pete Proctor reported that the VFW Post 3770 and the American Legion Post 30 had a Flag Ceremony at 9:00 a.m.  Monday in Mountain Grove.  He also shared a link to the American Legion site that answers the 10 common questions about the American Flag.  www.legion.org/flag  It is well worth the read.


Teeter Creek

A Saturday celebration brought Old Champions on a ramble down around Teeter Creek and then over to Rockbridge for trout and for the joy of being out.  Recent rains filled the creeks and fortified the oak and pine forests of the new Bryant Creek State Park, a lovely drive irrespective of celebration.  The Teeter Creek Herb folks have extract of turmeric which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, a great help to old folks with osteoarthritis.  They have a great website at www.teetercreekherbs.com and their products are available in local health food stores.  It was a treat to see Lil’ Deb at Rockbridge.  She commutes to her job there from Sparta now, but has deep ties to Champion.  She asked to be remembered to Ms. Betty, as she recalled her often daily trips to the Historic Emporium in past years.  Rockbridge is gearing up for its big annual 4th of July celebration.


1946 Studebaker

Mary Goolsby reported that Bob Berry won the “Top 40 Award” for his 1946 Studebaker pick-up and “Best Other” for the 1963 Lark at the Wheels and Deals Car Show in West Plains on Saturday.  She said it was a great show, but that it was a hot day.  Mary and Bob are regulars at the Thursday night Vanzant Bluegrass Jam.  Perhaps Gofer John will show up sometime and identify himself.  Maybe he is a musician.  Music is good for everyone.


Pigweed

Careless weeds are the mean, ugly stepsisters in the otherwise lovely Amaranth family.  Pretty enough as tiny seedlings, yet as they grow, their prickly thorns on the stems make them an aggravation to pull even from loose and giving soil.  Wear gloves.  Swine love them so much they are called Pigweed.  Bully for the pigs, though neither they nor their weeds are welcome in Champion gardens.  Some Brushy Knob gardeners already have sweet corn more than knee high.  Things are starting to look good.  Even the peppers are recovering from the extended rain and cold.  The seasons go round and round.

Sunday, we will remember our old Fathers, our Dads, our Papas, great and grand living and gone from sight but far from forgotten.  Menfolk often get short shrift because of their ‘sun to sun’ work while the women are somehow never done.  Chainsaw and weed-eater wielding gentlemen can rest guilt free.  They can feed cows and bale hay and then take a nap or go to the creek.  They can hoe the garden and mow the grass then come in for a good lunch and a “Thanks, Honey.”  Appreciation for the providing, protecting, for the good humor and good example set is a year-round idea that comes home around Father’s Day, this June 20th, also the first official day of summer this year—a convergence of good things.  Converge on the old guy with your love and gratitude like Champions—Looking on the Bright Side!


A beautiful drive.
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