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CHAMPION—January 4, 2010

        Bright moonlight on a deep clean snow is one of those extraordinary sights that some Champions appreciate as a mystical event, as in their solitude in the perfect quiet of a cold clear night their memories of this very experience through the course of their lifetime flood in, even as thoughts of distant dear ones rush out, ah! that they all could share this splendor!  Bright sunshine on that snow is also glorious and the blue shadows stretching out seem to be the repository of the cold.  From inside it is all quite lovely as the contours of the hills become more apparent and details of hidden topography become visible.  Wind whips snow from the frozen branches to swirl in a brief plume like whisps of floating smoke falling in a fringe.  Champion farmers and merchants who must be out in the elements take all the precautions necessary to stay safe.  They all remember to drink plenty of water when they come in from their exertions in the cold.  Emergency space blankets in every vehicle’s glove box is a Champion notion.  Complaint is relatively rare.  Most of it comes from one relative.  That relative’s relatives would like to make him feel better about winter, but he seems to like the grumbling.  Maybe it is his personal heat source.

        A passing motorist spotted the General at 7:30 on New Year’s morning standing out in front of Plumber’s with a cup of coffee in his hand….“speaking with another gentleman,” reported the Champion motorist who wondered if the General was finishing up his previous night’s frolic or starting out on another one.  As another year and decade stretches out before them Champions wonder what sorts of mischief and what kinds of shenanigans this neighboring rabble-rouser will incite.  He has already been caught sneaking around shoveling the snow off neighbor’s sidewalks and driveways.  One would think he was trying to become a Champion.  Before the snow a Champion from over in Champion East was talking about her little kitchen garden.  She raises it mostly in containers–all kinds of fragrant herbs, lettuces, table tomatoes and the like.  She would like to have all the grass removed from the area and replaced with sawdust because it is such a chore to mow and weed eat around the containers and it would be nice not to have the exhaust fumes from the lawnmower and weed eater floating around her tasty food.  Her visiting neighbor suggested to her that a couple of enthusiastic, energetic, self motivated, strapping young fellows with good attitudes and nothing else to do could probably accomplish that little chore for her in a trice.  The gardener said that she had heard about a couple of young guys just like that and that they would work for just a couple of turnips!  She, like many a Champion housewife, is In Search of Lem and Ned.  Maybe they have a notice posted on the door down at Henson’s Store.

        Eighty two year old Champion, Al Nance, has written a New Year’s letter from his home in Scott’s Valley, California.  He always has some interesting observations and he shared a poem that he had written twenty-five years ago called Facing the Year Ahead.  Its final line is, “Lord, give us victorious living, each day of the year ahead.”  Champions concur!

        A pleasant phone visit with Esther finds her well and with good reports of Ruby who had her granddaughter visiting, and of Sharon who was busy with her livestock.  She reminds the Skyline VFD Ladies’ Auxiliary that the next meeting is scheduled for Groundhog Day.  Esther is already getting excited about the music.  She is a real music fan and particularly of live music of the local bluegrass variety.  The Chili Supper is coming up the first Saturday night in March and Champions are looking forward to it already as a break from the cabin fever that will surely be rampant by then if the weather does not warm up!

        It is cold in the Middle East too.  U.S. Service personnel serving in distant dangerous places have not just the inconvenience of inclement weather to contend with, but that great empty longing for family and home particularly during times of traditional homecomings and family gatherings.  They have the Love and Gratitude of the Nation they serve.

        Host, Brushy Knob, was the clear winner of the first Fortnight Bridge game of the year.  Vera Cruz, who is rarely the low scorer, took home the nickels and once again Champion was next to the bottom with Norwood outscoring her by a good six hundred points.  The game broke up just as the snow began to fly and each of them enjoyed an exciting and uneventful trip home.  Those are the best kinds.  Bridge player, Charlene Dupre, has made a safe return from Florida where she enjoyed a fine holiday with granddaughter Olivia.  She will be having a good sale at the Gift Corner to start out the New Year.

        “I made myself a snowball just as perfect as could be.  I thought I’d keep it for a pet and let it sleep with me.  I gave it some pajamas and a pillow for its head.  Then last night it ran away, but first it wet the bed.”  Recite your favorite snow poem out on the porch at Henson’s Store.  Then go on in and get warm around the stove.  It is as if time is suspended there–very like walking into the past.  News of Champions is always welcome at Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717 or at Champion News.  Look in on some old news at www.championnews.us.  Or stay warm and cozy around your own little hearth. “Since we’ve no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”  Dazzling light flashes through fancy icicles in Champion–Looking on the Bright Side!