Well, except for the fact that he thinks my dogs are ugly, friend and local contractor Travis Miller stepped up and helped me this past weekend when I needed it most! Trying to get my home prepared for my upcoming recuperation, I kept running into things that were in various stages of disrepair including both my favorite recliner and warm, comfy bed. In a near panic, I put a call in to Travis who – being the much sought after professional that he is – was swamped with prior work commitments. It took a few days for him to free up some time, but when he did, he whirled in the door just like Mr. Clean, made a couple of tornado rotations, and everything was back in perfect working order! Thank you so very much for squeezing me in!
Hats off to Peggy Higgins who was recognized at the high school basketball game on Friday by one of her students as being an exceptional teacher!
On Saturday, I had the honor of attending the 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration for Sandy and Wayne Dawson at the Switzerland County TEC Center. The room was packed with their much-loved family and friends. Pastor Mike Jones officiated when the couple repeated their vows. Truly, one of the nicest celebrations I’ve attended. Hats off to the daughters Debbie, Shelley and Tina and the grandchildren and Wayne’s sisters that pulled it off. Always upbeat, Sandy says they are merely starting on their next 50 years.
On Sunday, my dear friend John Campbell from Cincinnati called me to follow up on some comments I made in my article. A former Patriot resident and mutual friend of dear Dorothy Burley, John and I have formed a friendship over the past few years and I always enjoy hearing from him. I’m adding him to the prayer list this week also.
The following 23 ladies had reservations for the Red HOT Hatter Christmas luncheon Monday at Patty’s Reach: Jan Bixler, Carla Burt, Patty Chase, Mary Christiani, Kay Cook, Claudia Dawson, Sandy Dawson, Barb Dowdy, Lisa Fisher, Juanita Giltner, Deanna Graham, Joyce Johnson, Mika King, Dotty Keeton, Lois McKay, Colleen Robertson, Martha Schmitt, Ana Slover, Sondra Stave, Melodee Stepleton, Deb Turner, Eileen Wiesmann and Stasia Wiseman. The menu consisted of baked ham and turkey breast with mashed potatoes, green beans or corn, rolls, salad, drinks and dessert. This is the largest Christmas party the Red HOT Hatters has held to date.
On Friday and Saturday, December 15th-16th, “A Doublewide Texas Christmas” will be presented live at the Historic Hoosier Theater and feature many local celebrities. Tickets for this comedy will be $12 each and are available at the Switzerland County Visitors Center.
The Most Sorrowful Mother of God Catholic Church will be holding Mass on Saturday, December 23rd at 4 p.m. as regularly scheduled, and again on Sunday, December 24th at 4 p.m. for the Christmas Eve Mass. There will only be Mass in Madison on Monday, Christmas Day, December 25th.
It has been decided that beginning in 2018, all Red HOT Hatter monthly meetings will occur on the third Thursday of the month at 11 a.m. The January 18th, 2018 meeting is planned for Jewell’s on Main in Warsaw, Kentucky.
Prayers of healing for John Campbell, Leah Dunaway, Jake Rader, Pam Hutchinson, Mary Ruth Poling, Colton Schirmer, Erin Schmitt, Leona Ware, Travis Griffith, Wayne Dawson and June Lack.
In the “Lessons Learned” category this week, I wish to expound on the pros and cons of the concept of what it means to “cowboy up”. A fairly new term it is used to convey the idea that we can toughen ourselves up physically by mentally making the decision to do so. The term according to the ‘Urban Dictionary’ is derived from the popular image of cowboys being tough, unflinching, uncomplaining and hard-working. “It’s a shift in attitude from ‘can’t’ to a positive ‘can-do’ with confidence and a non-complaining spirit that becomes contagious.” I personally understand and have unfortunately followed that mindset in the past. Whereas it might just give a person the edge to become the best or perform beyond normal expectations, it can also be very destructive. I noticed a friend recently posted on Facebook that he and his wife had been urging their daughter to continually strive to do her best in her sport which was swimming. Despite the girl’s growing complaints of pain, they supported her in her endeavors to better herself. That is, until the x-rays detected a stress fracture! As I have previously mentioned – your body will eventually refuse to be abused anymore. The entire concept of physical pain has a purpose: if it hurts, don’t do it! I caution others who may be as ‘hard-headed’ as I that we do need to listen more often to our bodies. Do not attempt to dictate to your body how you expect it to perform. Granted, it is necessary to push your limits to become the best of the best. But there is also a time when pushing may actually lead to self-destruction. Maybe it’s a thin line but the distinction is worth the examination
In the “Critter Corner”, although my surgery and subsequent recovery is not until later this week the critters have begun to claim their favorite spots on and around the recliner and bed. No one wants to get too far away, but Mom does need a little space.
Beginning with the first Patriot Town Board Meeting on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018, the Town Board has decided to return the meetings to the first Tuesday of the month from the current Monday. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and is open to the public.
As always, I encourage people to contact me with their local news. You may contact me several ways: by leaving a note or message inside the cat mailbox in front of 1995 Front Street in Patriot, OR by calling my home at (812) 594-2281 or dropping me a note at P.O. Box #01, Patriot, Indiana, 47038. In addition, contact KAY E COOK on Facebook or online at PatriotNews1995@gmail.com. If you have anything for me to include in this article, please send it to me. Information can be received any day of the week but normally my deadline is Sunday at noon for that week’s issue of the paper. Any news received later will appear in the following week’s article. If you need something in a particular issue, please be sure and give it to me early.