Champion Tomato Blossoms

Sunday, we remembered our old Fathers, our Dads, our Papas, great and grand, living and gone on, but far from forgotten. Menfolk often get short shrift because of their ‘sun to sun’ work while the women are somehow never done. Chainsaw and weed-eater wielding gentlemen can rest guilt free. They can feed cows and bale hay and then take a nap or go to the creek. They can hoe the garden and mow the grass then come in for a good lunch and a “Thanks, Honey.” Appreciation for the providing, protecting, and the good humor and good example set is a year-round idea that comes home around Father’s Day. The celebration includes gratitude for Uncles, Godfathers, Foster Dads, Stepdads, Mentors, and Big Brothers. Despite what the song says, a good man is not hard to find. Thank you, fellows!

Father’s Day fell on the first official day of summer this year. It was a convergence of good things. Hundreds of people attended the summer solstice at Stonehenge even though officials asked them not to travel to the site in line with Covid restrictions. Normally, more than 10,000 people would gather to watch the sun rise over the stones on the longest day of the year. Now each day is getting a little shorter, but more good things are on the way. Gardens are flourishing and gardeners are grateful for a little Monday rain.

The Vanzant Community Picnic is fast approaching—July 9th and 10th at the community center. Organizers are looking for sweet confections for the cake walk. Cakes, cookies, cupcakes, or some other sweet confection would be greatly appreciated. They say if you would like someone to pick up your donation, you can call 417-254-2219. There will be music, games, and the sense of community missing too long. There will be door prizes, food, friends, and fun. Look for the ads in The Herald for more information when the time comes.

“Y’all Come” is a great old country song that people of a certain age may have heard back in the 1940s and earlier. One of the verses goes, “Oh! The kinfolks are a comin! Yes, they’re comin by the dozens and they’re eatin everything from soup to hay. And right after dinner, they’re not looking any thinner and you can hear them say, ‘Y’all come!’” The song goes on, “Grandma is a wishin they would all come to the kitchen and help do the dishes right away, but when they all start to leavin, even though she is a grievin, you can still hear Grandma say, ‘Y’all come!” It is a joyful thing that people are feeling like traveling again, feeling like being with family again. Young folks came up from Texas during the past week to see what help they could be to the old timers. They brought fancy food and fun and were of immense help in a variety of ways. LaSchell Upshaw Bearden came up from Arkansas for the second time in recent weeks. She took her folks on a road trip to Rockbridge, with a leisurely pause to admire Fox Creek, and then the grand finale, a visit to the Historic Emporium where they enjoyed a rendezvous with more family. Summer has begun in earnest in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!


Champion Green Tomatoes
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