Columnist Misses Sleet Event

“There comes a time…” — a phrase I’ve heard several times the past few years. One of those times came recently when, for the first time in more than 30 years I’ve written this column, I missed two consecutive reports.

My apology for the omissions but due to unexpected and intense situations it was impossible to meet the deadline. I’m sorry for the omission of the birthday lists those two weeks. Hopefully, you all had great celebrations and may you have many more such in years to come.

I even missed the unusual Arkansas weather spell on March 2. I’ve heard of snow storms, ice storms, hail storms, wind storms, thunderstorms, but never “sleet” storms. I’ve heard reports of 2 inches of ice, then 6-10 inches of sleet, topped by snow. One man said he stood on the build-up of ice and touched the eaves of his house. Some storm!

In case some have had thoughts to do so, don’t move to escape the Arkansas weather.

A surveyor stopped by a farm in eastern Minnesota and told the owner he had bad news.

“I discovered that your farm isn’t in Minnesota,” he said. “It’s actually in Wisconsin.”

The farmer let out a sigh of relief.

“That’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time,” he said. “I was just telling my wife this morning that I don’t’ think I can take another winter in Minnesota.”

One little brave, bright yellow crocus had appeared before the last Sunday snow. During the day, it closed back into a bud (self protection?). It opened again during the Monday sunshine, just like the brave little daffodils do each year.

Happy birthday to Jack Batson, J.T. Cheatham, Julie Griffin, Sue Perguson, Derek Cheatham, Kathy Britt, Mitchell Laycox, Debbie Butler, Lonnie Cantrell, Raylene Porter.

Happy anniversary to Keith and Cindy Lyons.

Happy years, all.