View From The Bridge 1/10/18

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
1/10/18

BACK AGAIN
It has been 8 weeks since my fall and it is time that I stop doing nothing and get back to being out and about again.

My problem now is how to express my appreciation for all that has been done for me. I have so many Angels to thank that it seems impossible. The many phone calls, dozens of cards, drivers who took me to appointments, the man who turned the hubs on my truck wheels so I could drive in 4-wheel, and the attendant at the gas station who filled my empty tank. 

The first 2 ½ weeks were the most difficult. My arm was in a sling, I could not do any normal daily things. Once the sling came off, life seemed much easier, although I still could not use my left hand and arm.

As I begin this View my arm is doing well and I am off like a herd of turtles.

There are so many stories to tell you that this may drag into spring. I will go back as far as I can remember. As you know I can only write about what I experience and it is usually after the fact. Here goes!

WHO DONE IT AGAIN AND AGAIN?
Who replaced the pumpkin in the hollow tree across the street from my apartment with a Santa? I noticed just the other day that Santa had been replaced with a Snowman. I would really like to know who this clever person is and I am willing to give a reward for any information about the person who “who done it?”

If that person does not want to be known, I “pinkie finger” promise that I will not tell. I wish that I had thought of the prank because there are so many more possibilities. Whoever you are…thank you for cheering up the holidays

MY CHRISTMAS STORY
First of all I have to tell you that my favorite Christmas song is “Mary’s Boy Chile.” I have the music and have given copies to at least six musicians but have never heard any of them play and sing it for me.

Trust me when I say that I do all my shopping locally. I have not driven to Great Falls for 3 ½ years. However, I needed some warm pants to match the 4 pair that I already have so I was driven to Walmart.

I found an African American woman to help me and she was very knowledgeable about the stock in her department. When she was measuring me, she began to hum and then sing softly. I asked her if she sang in a choir and she said “No.” I said that she should because she had a beautiful voice. Then I asked her if she know “Mary’s Boy Chile.” She sang the whole song to me. It did more for my Christmas spirit than any Hallmark Christmas movies. As I walked away she was still singing.
When I returned several weeks later (to return the pants) I could not find her. One of my friends, Suzie, said that she must have been an Angel. That is the way I will always remember her as my Christmas Angel.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT
I was very disappointed in the attendance for the Christmas Concert at the Elementary School on Sunday afternoon after the Chouteau County Country Christmas.

I know how much work goes into putting on that Concert especially when one group opted out and a replacement had to be found.

The attendance in 2016 was approximately 250 people and even that does not fill the auditorium that accommodates 400.

There were about half of that figure at the 2017 concert. I know that everyone is busy with work and projects BUT…the work is always there. The concert is only once a year.

I have no patience with those kinds of excuses especially when I know how much work goes into it. The only excuse I can accept is illness, a terrible cold or the flu as legitimate excuses. I also realize that many Fort Benton residents go south for the winter…(lucky people.)

Are you not interested in the Arts? The appropriations for the Arts, Museums, and Libraries are being cut every year. I would not like to see all of those go by the wayside because of lack of funds. Only you can change that by supporting the above and contacting your representatives and senators. Make a difference.

CCPA
While on the subject, on January 7th, Chouteau County Performing Arts will present Jenn Bostic, out of Nashville who is a Country and Christian singer. Let’s hope that it warms up a bit.

VFW BINGO
The games, sponsored by the VFW, begin at the Club House on Monday the 22nd. The game on the 8th  was cancelled because of a previous commitment. It will be great to see old friends again.

THE HOLIDAYS
I did not have a chance to wish you all a Merry Christmas and so I hope that it was all wonderful for all of you.

I don’t think it is too late for Happy New Year and I know that most of you just stayed at home to celebrate. In fact…most told me they did not even watch the ball go down.

Have a wonderful New Year and be careful so that you do not fall.

GOD BLESS AMERICQA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREFIGHTERS AND EMT’S.