Way back before former President Regan did away with the F.C.C.’s Fairness Doctrine and deregulated the media, there was a news commentator named Walter Cronkite. He was often called ‘the most trusted man in America.’ He said, “War itself is, of course, a form of madness. It’s hardly a civilized pursuit. It’s amazing how we spend so much time inventing devices to kill each other and so little time working on how to achieve peace.” Some Champions managed to spend most of the week with no television, instead, enjoying the company of some young, energetic, interesting visitors who arrived just ahead of the ice storm. The grimness of the world situation will still be there when the fun of a family visit is just another lovely memory stored up in the hearts of Old Champions.

The Finley River Boys, Possum Trot, and New Grass Attack will be the entertainment at the Skyline VFD Supper on the 19th of March. Save the date! It is a chili/ham and bean affair with deserts donated by the fire department membership. If it is anything like those kinds of events in the old days, it will be a lively affair. Seldom seen neighbors will be there along with some of our new neighbors, all expressing support and appreciation for the dedication and hard work of our Volunteer Firefighters. Perhaps some representative of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks will be there to talk about the new fire station. For sure, it will be a good time for a worthy cause.

Buffy St. Marie was born on February 27th on the Piapot Cree First Nation reserve in Canada. She was adopted by a family in Massachusetts where she flourished in her musical gifts as she grew up. One of her great songs is “Little Wheel Spin and Spin.” In some cultures, it is a custom to burn a candle on the birthday of a deceased beloved family member or friend, just as an acknowledgement of that person’s life and of the affection felt for him. So, on March 2nd, a candle is lit for Leopold—a dynamic individual, much missed. Dennis is bluegrassing in the back yard and picking and grinning on various stages, in area living rooms, and local barbershops. His birthday is the third of March. The fifth is for Linda up in Norwood, tending her beautiful garden and dealing good bridge hands. That is also a day to celebrate Krenna Long who lives north of Norwood and Cindy Winchester, Texas’ precious San Antonio Rose. One of Diamond Jim Brady’s kin has the sixth of March for her big day and the eighth is for Sue Murphy over in Mountain Grove, playing her mandolin singing ‘Just Because.’ Kay, who used to make brooms and maybe still does, shares her birthday on the ninth with Micha who is a California cousin of Felix the Farmer. Birthday candles burn with delight because of you!

Hopes are that everyone enjoyed some good shut-in time during the cold spell. Lots of hot chocolate and afternoon naps have us rested up for warmer days to catch up on the outside chores. Country people rarely run out of something to do. Sometimes they just spend an hour gazing out at the beauty of the countryside. Get an eyeful of it for yourself down at the end of the pavement on the wide, wild, wooly banks of Auld Fox Creek in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

Champion Daffodils
Champion daffodils in the snow.
Facebook