Bud Hutchison’s Memorial Fall Trail Ride is scheduled for Wednesday, October 12th. It looks like the weather is going to be wonderful for it. Someone said that a hundred years ago everyone had a horse and only the rich had cars. Today, everyone has a car and only the rich have horses. “How the stables have turned!” We do not know how affluent the equestrians are, but it is a rich experience to see them out on our beautiful country lanes. They will appreciate the work of our charming and handsome gentlemen from the Drury Shed. A friend visiting on Friday said, “I see the stone sharpeners have been around here.” As he came up from the south and went back that way, he did not see the repair to the deep, wallowed out spring branch up the road, now much improved and more easily passable. Moreover, the higgledy-piggledy, long standing, concrete slab/bridge just south of the pavement over Clever Creek has been smoothed and gentled into a pleasant wiggle from a jarring joust. Thank you, kind sirs, and Commissioner Loveless.

Autumn is on us and visitors from the sizzling south relaxed in the relative cool with their relatives. In the span of their short visit the foliage began its change. The four days filled with feasting, fun, and music left no time for television, so guests and hosts enjoyed a reprieve from the turmoil of weather, war, and politics. They had a wonderful time at the Pioneer Heritage Festival and think they will plan a trip next fall to coincide with that excellent event. They loved the music, the food, the beautiful crafts, and demonstrations. They left with souvenirs.

Vanzant is enjoying visitors from Boise, Idaho this week as Darcy Upshaw Cecil, Ron and Loni settle into the Chateau. On Wednesday they will be welcomed to the porch in downtown Champion where wasting time is considered time well wasted. They likely will tour up and down Fox Creek Road to gaze once more on that special little shack with its many family memories. The General will be sure they are entertained all during their stay and particularly at the Vanzant jam on Thursday.

Fourth grade Skyliner, Myson Loveless, shares his birthday on the first of October with kindergarten teacher, Janna Brixey, and with the late Pete Mullens, with former President Jimmy Carter, now 98, and with The Prominent Champion who just acts like he is having a good time until he really is. The second day of the month is for Tucker Clark, who was born in 2015, and for Mahatma Gandhi. Third grade student, Evan Homer, has his big day on the third. The fourth is for the Upshaw sisters, now Krider and Johnston. Their brother, The General, will most likely tease them mercilessly as that is his one of his primary methods of showing affection.

Skyline’s cross country team has done well in their recent meets and will be in Thornfield on Wednesday the 12th to run again. The Fall Carnival will happen at Skyline on the 14th with fun for the whole family. Rockbridge will be the site of the first annual Skyline Duck Race on the 15th. The owner of the winning duck will win a two night deluxe stay at the resort. Any eighth grader can tell you how to get your duck in the race. One Old Champion is buying a duck for distant relatives which she hopes will entice them to visit.

Dry but otherwise wonderful weather here in the Ozarks has us grateful even as we feel for the many suffering the effects of the hurricanes in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the far northeast. The first responders, National Guard, linemen, and all the many others who step up in these catastrophes are putting themselves at risk to help those in dire need. They are indeed Champions—Looking on the Bright Side!

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