CHAMPION—December 16, 2007

 

        When the sun came out on Sunday in Champion and shone dazzlingly on the bright white snow, Champion hearts and spirits swelled and soared!  The question, “Who doesn’t like a week-long 34 degree rain?” can go unanswered.  The snow was enough to satisfy the desires of most children without making too much mess for the rest of the population.

        A Christmas note from a notable Champion says that “Old timers long ago referred to Champion as ‘the Village.’  Locals would refer to it as going down to the Village.”  It would be interesting to know what Christmas was like for the Champion Villagers in those days gone by.  The emphasis was most likely on the same things that are considered important in Champion today, that is, family and friends.

        AChampion from just over east of Fox Creek sent pictures of the fall’s amazing huge Spinach leaves and of an exotic night blooming cirrus.  She is the daughter of Grace and a transplant herself, like most here.  Linda at the Plant Place over in Norwood still has tulips bulbs and allows that they can be planted as long as the ground isn’t frozen.  It would seem that the Champion Planning Commission/Parade Committee will not have been able to get the Champion Time Capsule Project together before the ground freezes and it appears that the Christmas Parade is slated to be a low key affair so as not to spark the interest of certain Spotted Hogs.  The Committee is being urged to let bygones be bygones and not to abandon the spirit of fun for the sake of dread or reprisal.  It is not in keeping with the Season.  Christmas Carolers and Wasailors are more the order of the day.

        The schools are about to let go of their charges and the countryside will soon be overrun with modern day versions of ‘skinner wheels’ and the same kind of jolly ruckus that has hit these hills this time of the year since this country was first settled.  Some things don’t really change and many of those are the good things.

        As the number of US Military fatalities in Iraq approaches 4,000 and the number of wounded there passes 40,000 it is good to remember that those people are Champions whose Service to their Nation requires the Nation’s Love and Gratitude.

        One Champion is already making New Year’s Resolutions.  “I’m just going to try to be nicer to people.”  That’s a lofty goal.  Lofty goals, Christmas lists, and the names of those who do like a week-long 34 degree rain are welcome at Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717.  Reports of any kind of ruckus whether made be school children on holiday or rowdy Wasailors can be e-mailed to Champion News.  A trip down to the Village is a charming excursion any time and any time spent with the charming proprietor of Henson’s Store is time well spent.  The festive atmosphere, the cozy fire, the community news and pleasant banter are delights that endure the year through in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side.

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