From green to white ...

Well, the grass is still green. After all of that confusion (or worry?) about the lawn haircut in the last 'cuff and the self-question whether the "flat-top" would result in the green turning brown if it didn't rain. Well, here, in part of the northwest corner of Westside Eagle Observer country, there was that inch shower, a grass saving gift from the sky. It was enough to guarantee that the old mower will get another ride. And if the promising "scattered showers" manage to get in the picture (today is August 14), all of that green grass worry will be put to sleep.

Isn't it amazing how summer and most seasonal weather patterns basically have remained predictable for generations? Of course, there are enough differences from year to year that activate the gray matter to bring up the question, "Wasn't last year wetter and cooler than this year?" Or, "Don't you remember how hot it was last year?" Naw ... those thoughts just come along because the weather is great for surprises and keeps us on our toes to have a topic to grumble about.

One thing the weather does keeping us on our toes is to make us hope and pray that it won't interfere with any special event planned such as a celebration or a wedding or even just a neighborhood cookout ... if it'll just hold off the rain, or the snow, or whatever for that special day. Isn't living enjoyable, confusing, anticipating, wishing and ... if that special event is messed up a bit, don't we usually think or say, "Well, it'll be better next year or next time"? We are an interesting species, aren't we?

This brings to mind both the Decatur and Gravette celebrations went off well, even though it was hotter at Decatur and cooler at Gravette and, just think, next year it may be turned around. It takes more than rain or even a virus to completely spoil a celebration, though several celebrations were canceled last year. This year the troops marched on.

Let's get down to business. Schools took off, hopefully without any surprises. Of course, there are usually a few unexpecteds, but let's salute the entire staff for all they do to keep the home fire (school) burning even when there are wisps of smoke that turn out to be false alarms. The faculty deserves our special salute. Isn't it their dedication, patience and sometimes little necessary pushes that students from lowest grade until that well-earned graduation have received down through the years? It would be surprising how many adults look back on those years when so-and-so used to be called the worst teacher. But, in time that teacher is recognized by the former student for those hours and times of pushing just a bit to make sure ... you know what I mean.

The last part of the 'cuff is about two surprises on the 'cuffer, both created by a daughter and granddaughter. They were really surprising. The first was a sneak photo picture of the old geezer sitting/leaning crossways in a hammock singing a song that has been in his mind since World War II days, "The White Cliffs of Dover," which helped the British people have faith after the bombing they endured long before the United States was involved after the Pearl Harbor bombing. The first words of the song are: "There'll be bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover ... with a promise of love and laughter ... shepherd tending his sheep and Jimmy getting to sleep in his own bed again, followed by peace ever after." Those four verses have stuck in my mind and get visited many times these uncertain days of the situations throughout the world.

Daughter shared the off-key scene to a granddaughter who promptly put it on her Facebook which resulted in ... It was a surprise when I was called to see it and the comments by many friends of the past and present. This non-Facebooker can't softly say "thank you" enough for your comments of remembrance. It was so unexpected and appreciated.

If that wasn't enough, daughter again, placed a happy birthday message to Dad on her Facebook which ended up in another call to see something on the computer screen. Her words of love, etc. were so from the heart which brought a tear to an eye. But then ... the surprise was the number of "happy birthdays" that followed from friends of the past and present. I just can't find enough words to say thanks for being remembered on that birthday which the almanac always announced with these words: "August 11: Dog Days End." Others who share that birth date have also commented about a Dog Day birthday.

Whoops, I forgot to mention the Cliffs of Dover are a part of Gravette history. The cliffs on the shore of the English Channel were the site that involved Capt. Field Kindley, who spent so much of his youth in Gravette and who rests in Hillcrest Cemetery. It was during his training in World War I that pilot Kindley crashed on those cliffs because of heavy fog for which England is noted. He escaped without serious injury and went on to be an air ace of the war. The miraculous escape is in a book about Kindley that was written by another Gravette man, Jack Ballard, who spent hours, days, probably years in researching Kindley's life. Ballard, who taught history at the Air Force Academy for several years, still resides in Colorado. Copies of the "War Bird Ace" 200-page book with many photos are available at the Kindley home, the foundation of the Gravette Museum.

'Till next time ... again, my thanks for my surprises. I'll come down after a while.

Dodie Evans is the former owner and long-time editor of the Gravette News Herald. Opinions expressed are those of the author.