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Brownstown-Sefton News

Big Snows Often Means…
…a lot of cancellations and a scarcity of news.

The coming week is supposed to be warmer and drier, so hopefully events, meetings, visiting and church services will again be taking place…. and this column will be more informative. In the meantime, stay warm and safe.
Smoky, Bertha and Pricey Like The Snow and Ice
They are in the minority here on the Homestead, but Smoky, the little (adorable) donkey, and Bertha and Pricey, the Great Pyrnese doggies, like the snow and ice.
Smoky runs up and down and frolics in the snow while the mini-horses stand and watch him.
However, he doesn’t want to be out in it while the snow is falling. He doesn’t like to get his beautiful long ears wet. He heads for his barn at the first drop of moisture falling from the sky, rain or snow.
Bertha and Pricey are just true to their nature, as they ignore their shelters and lie right out on the snow and ice to sleep in the daytime.
They don’t sleep much at night as they guard the Homestead. We believe they do work in shifts, though, as we have seen one on guard while the other one is napping.
But if one begins barking, the other one soon joins in. Wintertime is their time of the year. They were created for the cold mountains and it seems a shame to bring them here out of their natural habitat.
But we sure do love them and have enjoyed their different natures and natural instincts of guarding and tending to sheep and goats.
Snowy Lane Brings Back Memories Of Good Deeds
Our snow-packed lane this week brought back memories of our good former neighbors, the late Bill VanHorn and his wife, Elaine.
As (my) Bill worked for the street department of city of Vandalia, when the weather began to get bad, he had to go to work.
Neighbor Bill VanHorn never failed to clear our lane of snow, we believed, in case I had to rush Cora, our granddaughter, to the hospital, as happened often.
He would never accept anything for his appreciated acts of kindness. He also planted a dogwood tree on Cora’s Corner. Sadly, it didn’t survive, but the memories of his and Elaine’s kindness have.
Another good memory is that of the late Morris Ray. One especially deep snow made the north end of lane impassable, too deep for neighbor Bill’s tractor.
We called Morris Ray of Vandalia, with the intent to hire him to clear the drive. He came out with his tuck and blade, but it wasn’t enough to budge the snow.
He left and came back with his backhoe, which did the job, He refused any pay and said, “Some things money can’t buy.” He and his wife, Nina, anonymously also brought a ceramic mother deer and baby deer to Cora’s Corner while we were gone one day. Our neighbors told us who brought the deer.
Morris was right – some things money can’t buy, like good people with good hearts and the good fortune to have been blessed with so many of them.
Liberty Christian Church
The congregation of Liberty Christian Church was greeted by Frank and Margie Stringfield, and led in songs of praise by Stef Anderson, Kara Barker and Buffy Chandler.
They were accompanied by pianist Connie Largent; Tammy Carson on the keyboard; guitarist Dick Childress; and drummer Eddie Carson.
Special music was contributed by Eddie Carson and Dick Childress. Rick Celese delivered the morning message.
Paul Parkison led the Communion meditation and prayer. Brad Smith led the offering prayer.
Also serving, welcome center: MaKenzie Parkison; prayer: John Willms; at the table: Dave Morrison, Paul Parkison; assistants: Gary Smith, Roger Smith; ushers: John Schaub, Brian Smith; serving the congregation: Brad Smith, Frank Stringfield, Mark Schaub, Craig Daughtery, Kyle Anderson, Bob Buzzard; sound: Tom Mayes; Power Point: Aaron Miller; nursery: Buffy Chandler, Erin Schaub; Communion preparation: Barb Morrison; Communion rounds: John Willms, Craig Daughtery; and youth refreshments: Elvera Robison.
Coming Up
•Liberty Church youth will host a Valentine Banquet on Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. The youth will decorate the hall and cook and serve the meal.
•Liberty Senior Adult Fellowship will have a question and answer time about computers on Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. Lunch for the day will be meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, etc. Be sure to sign up to bring the dish you like to cook.
•Leadership Conference at LCU Feb. 19. Liberty’s elders are planning to attend this conference. If you would like to attend, let the office know.
You Are Invited…
…to an open house baby shower for Jacy Schaub and baby boy on Feb. 26, from 1-3 p.m., at RR 1, Box 151 Brownstown.

Panzi Blackwell

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