On May 5, 1862 a small, poorly equipped Mexican Army under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the French forces of Napoleon III who were trying to establish a monarchy under Maximilian of Austria. The unlikely victory at the Battle of Puebla symbolizes courage, resistance against foreign intervention and Mexican American culture.

On May 6th five stalwart equestrians set out from Champion on their annual spring trail ride in fun and in memory of a great Champion Bud Hutchison. Karen Brown of Norwood was on her horse Cedar, Don Hamby of Dora on Domino, trail boss Andrew Harden of Ava on Mable, Calvin Chambers of Dora on Renegade, and Mena Dutton of Norwood on Charlie. They reported having a good time in the company of a big white dog all the way there and back.

Skyline’s Second Saturday Swap Meet happened on the 9th, always a good happening. Mothers all over America enjoyed the attention of children, grand and great ones too. We are reminded that there are only two kinds of people in the world—mothers and everyone else. So, lucky are all of us to have had one.

Birthdays to celebrate include those of a Champion cat, Ms. Bitz, who was thirteen years old on the 6th of May. We remember fiddler Candi Bartsch on her birthday, May 14th. That is the big day for Margie Carter too. She is often at the Vanzant Jam and chances are someone will sing that song to her. May 15th is for Champion granddaughter, Elizabeth Heffern, and for Champion resident, Linda Cooley. Ivan Moses out in San Diego will celebrate on the 16th as will Karen Grizwold and Champion Alvie Dooms. Alvie is still making it to the McClurg Jam and the world of music is better because of him. The 16th is also the big day for Hazel Wiltse who will be a Skyline first grader next year. Others who will be Skyline first graders are Emelia Parker, whose birthday is on May 19th. And Levi Johnstone who will have his party on the 21st. Your friends and families are happy about you. We are awash in love and gratitude in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side.

Facebook