Outlook

Hello, hello to all you dear and special readers out there in that big, open world that goes on the same pretty much every day. And, I think that is another blessing for which to be grateful. I know that some people thrive on a life-style which is subject to change every now and then. I used to be kind of like that and wanted something exciting to happen at times. But, that's not true anymore. I just enjoy doing pretty much the same routine from day to day. That doesn't take much planning ahead and I can handle that just fine.

As I have stated before, my week usually begins with my attending Sunday School and the usual worship service at Woodlawn Baptist Church on Sunday. It's always nice to meet with the ladies in my Sunday School class and discuss our lesson there and we keep up to date on various issues among our members such as health matters and changes in life style, etc. such as retirement from work and/or birth of new grandchildren. You know grandparents always have to brag on those sweet little ones... That's one of our most favorite topics and we all enjoy sharing some of the cute sayings and antics of the kiddies.

Do you readers realize that we are moving right along into the month of January? I always wonder what each new month will bring and I did expect to endure some colder weather since winter in our area usually lasts pretty well through February and even March can get on the cold side with strong, gusty winds much of the time. But, April is usually much better with spring flowers blooming and trees greening up and all that good, clean air stirring around us. So, bring on the Spring-time.....

CHUCKLE #1 - A terribly jealous woman used to submit her husband to a regular inspection every evening. The smallest hair discovered on his coat would lead to a most frightful scene. One night after finding nothing, she burst into tears and cried, "Now, you are even seeing bald-headed women."

I did have a nice outing Monday night of this week when I accompanied my son, Kirby and his wife, Linda, to help celebrate her birthday at a local restaurant south of town. We were joined there by Kirby's daughter, Kristi Wiggins and her daughter, Abby, from the rural Mangham area.

We all had such a good time as we chatted and caught up on various tidbits of news while consuming the good food. And, I also had the pleasure of meeting the pastor of the Rayville First Baptist Church, Rev. Eddie Wren who was there with his small children and evidently enjoying the outing. I don't get out much at night anymore; but, I think it's good to eat out once in a while. I don't use my cooking skills much these days and I plan my meals as simply as I can. (There is less dish-washing to be done that way, I think.....)

And, we have had more rain than usual in the past week or so. Coupled with some pretty cold weather, it kept me from getting out later in the day for a walk with my little pooch, "Cookie". I miss this action when we don't get out together; but, I think she understands and always forgives me. She has a very sweet and loving disposition and is very easy to take care of. She and I just kind of "float each other's boat" or something like that. What suits me always seems to suit her just fine.

CHUCKLE #2 - Two men who were good friends met on a street corner and were having a little chat. One of them said, "Your suggestion of lingerie for my wife's birthday present wasn't so good. So, I am going to take it back."

"Why? What didn't she like about it?"

"Well, I don't really know if it was the red flannel or the drop seat; but, she didn't care for it."

I didn't get to town on Monday until after the Martin Luther King Parade; but, I could hear all the commotion pretty well even from my home several blocks away. And, I didn't dare try to navigate the street going into town or the one coming back from there until after the parade was over.

That does remind me of the many parades I have seen on our streets here since we first moved to Rayviille in April of 1949. My, my, we have had some great bands and high-stepping drum-majorettes in all those years. I just love Rayville and being a senior citizen here and I look forward to several more if all keeps on going well for me. (I did get a good medical check-up on a visit to my local doctor last week.) And, I am so thankful for that good report.

Birthdays are coming up soon for: Lance Gowan, John Goodman and Lori Pierce on 1/24; for Earline Odom on 1/25; Stephanie Jordan and Janet Philley on 1/26; Corlis Henry, Vicki Cockerham and Dianne Moore on 1/27; Larry Milby, Leslie Franks, Henry F. Cumpton, Ann Pritchard and Linda Bousman on 1/28; Jackie Brown, Pat Guynes, Brittany McClain, Randy Long and Joye Lewis on 1/29 and for Rhonda Corley, Robin Mulhern and Frank Walker on 1/30. May all of these good folks enjoy a most happy celebration of their special natal day and we wish them many, many more........Oh, Yes!!

And, I do believe that will just about wind up another Outlook session for one more week. I hope our weather will hold to a moderate degree and won't bring us a severe cold spell with perhaps snow and a lot of ice. Br-r-r! I don't desire that - no way, Hosea! Have a good week until we meet again.

PARTING THOUGHT: Good leaders are like baseball umpires; they go nearly unnoticed when they are doing their jobs right.