CHARLOTTE'S CORNER It's hard to believe it's January

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Can you imagine? We have started a new year, and we have snow now to make us realize it is winter! I know we were all hoping to get through the winter - up till about March, any way - without much snow or bad weather, but then would that be Arkansas? We can be happy that we had better weather for the holidays, and we must be thankful for those wonderful little gifts from God.

December was a busy month, work, work, and more work, but at least we had the kids home, as I assume a lot of people did, so it was a great time to enjoy each other's company. My children have now left again, so my joy is hanging out with my daughter Haley. All too soon she will also be going away to college, so I must take advantage of her companionship while I have it.

Our condolences to the Cripps family in the sad death of Lemuel. One never knows when a day will be the last one we have, so we live every day to our best ability. I always enjoyed seeing Lemuel at Curran’s Feed Store in Gentry and chatting a little.

Also, to the Tevebaugh family, our sympathies at the death of Irene. How sad, you live 93 years, and then die. What justice is there in that? I would hope one could make it to 100, after living that long. And being married 75 years is an awesome accomplishment.

New Year found my daughter Jessica and I at Oklahoma City. My cousin Robin Sagel lives there, and she had invited us over for the holiday. It was a Christmas gift exchange time, and we always get the best end of the deal because she sends home enough cookies for allmy siblings and their families. Too bad my other kids and husband didn't go, but they still enjoyed the cookie bounty.

Speaking of cookies, if you forgot to give your favorite mail carrier some goodies this holiday, you still can. Who else delivers mail six days a week, and makes sure your life has reason to get up every day? I guess that could be the newspaper carrier too, because they deliver papers seven days a week, 365 days a year. So if you want to show them your appreciation, cookies or candy would be nice even after the holidays.

Do have a great January. Dress the kids warm, and keep items in the car in case you have trouble and need to stay in the car longer than you anticipate: water, for drinking, maybe a blanket to put around you should you need it, and don't forget those mittens and hats.

This winter weather is sometimes unbearable ... I wonder what Hawaii is like this time of the year?

Charlotte Robinson is a longtime resident of the Gentry and Decatur area.

Opinion, Pages 8 on 01/12/2011