Susan Says . . .

GRAVETTE — The weather cooled off again last week and we had a few cloudy, gloomy days. Even though temperatures are below normal the daffodils are providing an abundance of color and crocus are blooming in the yard up at the corner. The chilly wind has not discouraged our feathered friends as cheery bird song can be heard in early morning and several robins have been seen hopping around the yard. We are encouraged as the calendar tells us spring is just around the corner.

I had a long day at work Monday and came home to fix pizza and salad for supper. Tuesday was a long day too. I received a call that morning about a death in the family. After a few hours at work I did some business at both banks and drove out to pay Mama’s bill at the clinic. I went by home for a quick lunch before our afternoon library commission meeting. We met at the home of city recorder Mike von Ree and honored commissioner Forrest White for his many services to the commission.

Another call Wednesday morning informed me that a distant cousin had lost his mother. I went out after breakfast to assess for us and for Mama and renew the tags on Mama’s car.

A brisk wind was blowing Thursday morning and melting frost dripped off the roof so I did some more work from home, making calls to local businesses. A call that afternoon from a friend in Noel brought the sad news of the death of her daughter. .

Sister Nancy stayed with Mama while I worked at the office Friday morning. Ourlibrarian called with plans for our hamburger fry and the summer reading program. She also shared the good news that she and her fiancé had set a wedding date. We enjoyed a short visit with Joe, Heather and the two youngest grandkids that afternoon.

Jim and I made a trip to Siloam after breakfast Saturday morning. He picked up a pair of screen doors and other materials for our patio enclosure and I bought a few groceries. That afternoon we went to a home west of town. Horses were hanging their heads over the fence waiting to be petted when we drove up so I obliged. Inside the house the pleasing scent of wood smoke wafted from the fireplace. The coffepot was on and I shared a few cups and had a good visit with the homeowners while Jim replaced their kitchen faucet.

We drove to Southwest City Sunday morning and enjoyed a late breakfast when we returned.. Jim did a little work on the patio enclosure that afternoon while I washed the dishes and clipped the coupons from the Sunday paper.

Daylight Savings Time has begun. We turned our clocks forward an hour before going to bed Saturday night. I’m having trouble adjusting to the time change. I find it hard to get up while it’s still so dark. Hopefully the days will lengthen enough so that will soon be remedied.

-Susan Holland

Susan Holland, who works for The News Herald, is a lifelong Benton County resident.