“The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley.”  We translate Robert Burns’ words as “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”  Ain’t it the truth?  Robert Burns, born January 25, 1759, turned that phrase.  Volodymyr Zelenskyy, born January 25, 1978, is in a continual struggle with the plans and schemes of his people struggling for peace.

Last week’s birthday blowout for favorite Champions could have included Edgar Allen Poe, January 19, 1809, who gave us “The Raven” once upon a midnight dreary. With “The Tell Tale Heart” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” Poe reshaped literature with psychological dread, unreliable narrators, and a haunting sense of the macabre that still echoes through horror, mystery, and pop culture today.  Janis Joplin born January 19, 1943, sang “Me and Bobby McGee.”  She became a prominent figure in 1960s rock and blues, known for her powerful, emotional mezzo-soprano vocals and electrifying stage presence. Pete Buttigieg born that day in 1982, a US Navy officer, former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and 19th US Secretary of Transportation emphasizes optimism, activism, and freedom in his speech.

Last Monday there were 23 folks at the McClurg Jam, among them 11 musicians playing “Arkansas Traveler,” several sweet waltzes and an old Jimmy Rogers tune.  Tom Peters cancelled this week’s Jam asking everyone to stay warm and safe.  He says they plan to resume the weekly jam and potluck supper on Monday, February 2nd, Groundhog Day.  Champions will be looking for a groundhog to give us hopes of an early end to winter.

February 1st is the birthday of Champion Glen Cooley (1940), Champion grandson Zack Alexander in Springfield, and Sarah Cloud over in Cabool.  Groundhog Day is for Zack’s Aunt Angie Heffern, for Charlene Dupre in Norwood, for Catherine Mallernee, and quilter Connie Grand over on the other side of Cowskin Creek.  It is also the day we remember Felix the Farmer’s grandmother, dear Judy Sharon.  February 3rd is for Skyline prekindergarten student Hayden Trujillo.  The 5th is for Skyline middle school teacher Angela McKay and for Fox Creek Farmer Jason Boehs.  Joyce will make sure that Jackie Coonts will have a lovely day on the 7th.  Skyline kindergarten student EmberLeigy Miller celebrates on February 8th and fifth grader Makenzie Jonas will have the 9th for her big day.  Birth anniversaries give us the chance to acknowledge people for their importance in our own lives.  Happy birthdays all.

The General shared some important information online on Saturday: “VANZANT DATELINE: From the local Space Station First Alert Accurate Weather Report Team and Misinformation Center. Due to the temperature, it appears the rain previously forecasted will come in the form of snow, and likely will stick on grassy surfaces and anywhere it lands. One of the neighbors was out this morning listening to the chirping birds and seen a hummingbird under a dandelion. He said, if the snow flurries continue he would put a hubcap over it to provide better shelter. Long range future cast: A probable chance of above normal temperatures for a few days in July.”  We count ourselves lucky to have such good neighbors in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

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