David Scrivner fiddles all over the place and surely was fiddling somewhere on his birthday on Saturday the 13th. Mena Dutton fiddled out on the wide veranda on Wednesday and is looking forward to meeting David as she transitions from violinist to fiddler. Other birthdays to celebrate include those of Tyler Clark on the 20th, Champion Linda Krider Watts on the 21st, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Ava’s beloved Cinita Brown on the 22nd. The 24th is for Skyline 8th grader Kash Hurt. On the 25th we remember friend Nicholas Massey and George Orwell whose fiction seems to be altogether too factual these days. The 25th will be on a Thursday and the whole Vanzant Jam will be singing “happy birthday” to Sherry Bennet, whose songs always make us smile. It was all smiles there last Thursday with Miss Willow Rose and Master Jeffery Dutton cutting capers around the floor. The innocence and energy of toddlers somehow capture the attention and brings joy to the hearts of every old soul.

Dancers hit the floor at the Senior Center in Mountain Grove on Friday morning the way they do every Friday to the country, gospel, Bluegrass, and oldies tunes of the Whetstone Band. They were then ready for the good lunch served up by the Senior Center. Down the road it was a hot day for showing livestock at the Tri County Fair. Brixey farmers made a good showing of their Jerseys. Jenna won the prize for senior showmanship. Champion Blaine Denlow rode a bull at the rodeo. It was the second time she had ventured into bull riding, and she seems to like it. Saturday’s rodeo was cancelled due to the rain.

Rain did not stop Kaitlyn McConnell from taking some of her followers on a deep dive into Ozark Americana on Saturday where knowledgeable presenters gave detailed histories of the unique and interesting development, growth and changes of several sites along Route 66.

The Second Saturday Skyline Swap Meet went on in the wet morning with four vendors selling eggs, pies, onions, ducks, rabbits, chickens and some beautiful crochet items. The next one will be on July 10th and hopefully the weather will be better. It will be another opportunity to say, “Howdy” to some good neighbors and to tell them that their efforts go a long way toward making our communities better. Some old guy was feeling bad because he had to ask his son-in-law to help him with his firewood. His friend reminded him about how good he felt when he was young and able to help some old guy. The suggestion was that it is doing those young folks a favor when you ask for help. Whether or not they see it that way, one elderly neighbor is grateful for all the help of a couple of young folks from the Denlow Valley Ranch. Thanks! We enjoy gratitude and optimism in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

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