Cooler weather, pink bears, and a valiant little girl...
CHITCHAT CORNER
LINDA K. BALLARD

Awe, cooler weather found its way into East Texas. And just when I was beginning to get a little irate at reports coming in from all those who have been off to cooler spots. The first one to make comments to me about enjoying cool mornings of 40-50 degree weather was Ms. India Stroope. Her latest trip was to Denver, Colorado and she left friends there to return to 90 plus degree weather. She has reminded us several times through this last week — also, Jimmy and Brenda Robinson and Gregg and Sue Caskey are venturing through the mountaintops of Colorado. They were finalizing their trip by riding white water rapids in Selida. It was so cold they were wearing wet suits to keep from freezing. “It’s cold, but we are having a wonderful time,” said Brenda.

And then who would think of Africa as being cooler than East Texas this time of the year? John and Lana Newman and daughter Elizabeth also saw 40-50 degree mornings on their recent three-week trip. “We stayed in some very nice lodges,” said John. “And the food was excellent. It was nice to eat breakfast on a veranda and watch elephants walk by.” He tells us all of the lodges are fenced to keep the animals out. John is owner of Wildlife Images and though he has been to Africa several times before this time his whole family joined him. (He sounded ready to go again, I’m not sure about the wife.)

Eight- year-old Kurtis Hail made it through his first game at all-state last week and he received the game ball for the most hits. It was double elimination and the team lost the other two, but they sure were proud to be there.

Here is a little tidbit that has come our way: Do you know Pudge Griffin walks two miles a day and has for the last 40 years? How is that for dedication?

In the office — for some reason Les Murray received a pink stuffed bear. Now, Brenda Allums has been caught using that bear as a stress bat on top of Les’ head a time or two, and everyone has made some comment or other about the bear, but now it is missing. A ransom note was discovered late Thursday afternoon offering to return the bear for five dollars, but so far, Les has yet to contribute anything towards the thief’s financial gain. He has been given until 5 p.m. Friday afternoon to “ante” up or else. Just one thing, no one knows what the “or else” means. Maybe it will go home to someone’s daughter? (Happy birthday goes out to co-workers Les and Jalayna).

Reports coming in regarding burn victim Hailey Davis are uplifting. She has been taken off the respirator and is breathing on her own according to grandmother, Anita Gildon. They are easing her off some of the medication although she is still in quite a bit of pain. “I have seen her face, fingers and hands and they are turning pink which means she is healing,” she said. (On Thursday, she was allowed to see her shoulders and the doctors think they will heal on their own).

Two-year-old Hailey is still having difficulty talking, but is more alert and will nod her head to answer. Please continue to send your prayers to Ms. Hailey and family as they are all exhausted. Contributions may be made to her at the medical fund set up for her at Guaranty Bank. A Kilgoreite family all of the way, her father is department manager at Wal-Mart and her mother is assistant manager at the Jalapeno Tree Mexican Restaurant.

On an up note — Wanda Wheeler went to Six Flags last week and carried five members of her family with her. “Guess who we saw once there?” she asked. “Fifty members of the New Hope Baptist Church. Small world isn’t it?”

Note to Johnnie and Sue Clements: Man did you miss the jam session of a lifetime. Well, at least in the past 16 years, anyway.

May His Love and Laughter fill Your Hearts and Your Homes Throughout the Week. Please keep us informed of your going — ons by calling (903)984-2593 or by e-mail at chitchatlinda@aol.com.