COVID – no matter how you feel about it, whether you think it’s real or not, whether you think it’s no more than a cold or once (or is) a major health threat to the entire world, can be a real pain in the backside.

I’ve been blessed with having it twice, once during what is now called the ‘Delta surge’ in Knoxville, Tennessee, which really knocked me on my behind, where even getting up to use the washroom was a monumental task akin to running a twenty mile marathon, and once this past week, for which I just took a negative test and am in the clear.
This time it was more like a cold than anything else, although because of my underlying conditions of asthma, high blood pressure, and perhaps liking food a bit too much (something I am currently working on) I was given the antiviral drug Paxlovid.

First of all let me tell you about Paxlovid, especially as I still have two days to go on it, and the first thing you should know is it leaves a taste in your mouth that could be described as a mixture of metal, Lysol, and old sweat, like you gargled with Listerine from 1985.

Still I suppose I should be grateful it exists, from all I’ve read it apparently keeps you from any of the worse effects of this blighted virus, brought to you by the same people that brought you the flu and the common cold.
Having seen my own father pass from it in early 2021 which also started a new and challenging chapter in my own life I can tell you I have a history with this disease that is not too pleasant, which again, despite your personal feelings on the subject makes me one of millions affected by it, like any global event, be it war, sickness, or inflation.

Is there such a thing as survivor’s guilt for things of that nature?

Surely the soldiers in those wars with boots on the ground could have it, seeing fields of men wearing the same gear and colors swallowed whole like Geppetto being swallowed by the whale.

Because no matter what you think is happening out there or who you think is to blame, something shifted in 2020, something shook the world like a Christmas snow globe and for everyone, be they young or old, rich or poor, in or out, the world changed forever, even if they don’t know it.

Someone out there was playing Carly Simon’s These Are The Good Old Days in a bar somewhere on December, 31st, 2019 and did not realize they were becoming a jukebox prophet.

The thing about prophecy is that you have to heed the warnings they give, you have to listen to the lessons they teach, you have to really hear not just with the ears but the soul…

And the message is to enjoy each breath, to love while you can, to just be everything you really want in your heart and relish the stability of the ground under your feet.

Because tides can rise quickly.

The February meeting for Calhoun County Democratic Club will be held Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at the Calhoun County Library, in the community room, 200 W Mahan St., Port Lavaca.

Social/potluck is at 5.30pm and the meeting starts at 6 p.m.

The club is hosting Tanya Lloyd, who is running for congress in our district of CD-27.
She is a first grade teacher who is getting involved to make a difference.
tanyafortx27.com/
https://ballotpedia.org/Tanya_Lloyd
You can RSVP for the meeting here:
mobilize.us/calhouncountydemocrats/event/457242/
The following meeting will be March 12, 2024.
More info:
CalhounTXDemocrats.org
calhouncotexasdemocrats.substack.com

Grace Episcopal Church’s Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is on Tuesday, February 13; 4:30 -7:00 p.m.

Join us for raffle prizes, a bake sale, silent auction and DELICIOUS PANCAKES cooked by the Lions Club!

All proceeds go to send youth to church camp! Tickets just $10!

The church is located at 213 E. Austin in Port Lavaca.

Like each of you, I have had many new beginnings in my life: Times of entering into unknown territory when I lacked knowledge, experience, and sense. Leaving college, a mixture of bravado, excitement and sorrow filled my mind as I cannonballed into life seventeen hundred miles away from anyone who knew or cared about me. Later worry, fear, and even doubt were the driving forces in my mind as I became a husband and father.
But New Years Day was always just another sunrise.

The last time we spoke, we were entering into the season of Thanks and Giving; such is how I refer to the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. At that time, I was encouraging you to reflect on all of the things in your life for which you were grateful. As important as reflecting on such things in, I have to say, that it has been rarely the case when I have spent much time reflecting on the previous year before cannonballing into the next. Maybe you have been like that too – you see the dawning of a New Year as just another sunset and sunrise punctuated by a barrage of fireworks.

Perhaps its time for a change.

Perhaps its time for a more thoughtful and reflective entrance into not only the New Year but into each new day and season of our lives as well. There is, after all, an unknown element to each day, many in fact, and the course of life as we have known it can change in an instant. Life on this planet is a series of new beginnings and ever-changing seasons.

The Bible offers us good counsel as to the best way to transition from one season to the next. God’s words to Joshua in Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) are helpful: “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed.” These words were spoken five times concerning Joshua and they were empowering words; he was to be strong and courageous because the thing which God had called him to would not be left to Joshua to do alone. God’s promises, God’s power, and God’s presence would encourage the man through whatever life would throw at him as a leader.

Whether you’re a single parent, a widow or widower, a husband, or a wife – whatever season of life you’re in, as He was with Joshua so God will be with you by faith in His Son Jesus Christ.

Well, I’m sure that I’ve already gotten a little too preachy, but that is what I do. That said, may I offer you a few last words for this new year?

As you journey into the unknowns and uncertainties of a new beginning:

“Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.” (Psalm 37:3–8, NKJV)
The best new beginning is new life in the Son of God – Jesus Christ! If you’d like to talk about that, give me a call at the church. I’d love to visit with you!

We’ll talk again soon!
Brother Rich

POC’s Book Club “Hooked On Books” presented Diane Cooley, of the POC Community Center Association, with a $600 cash donation to complete “Phase II of the POC Community Center Beautification Project”, which will in turn benefit all the citizens of our beautiful little POC Paradise!!

December’s Hooked on Books Club Meeting and Annual Christmas Party was highlighted by the club presenting Diane Cooley, of the POC Community Center Association, with a $600 cash donation to complete “Phase II of the POC Community Center Beautification Project.” The Club voted to use the money from 2023’s Christmas Jar Collection to go toward this worthy cause because it will benefit all citizens of POC!
We have a literary gem in our community! Hooked on Books January meeting shined a spotlight on local author Megan E. Freeman and her book Alone. She is known for her work in children’s literature and is an award-winning novelist. The meet and greet was quite special as members learned about her writing journey.  Megan’s book is published under Megan E. Freeman.
How many times have you wanted to ask an author a question about her book? January’s meeting provided this special opportunity for members to Q&A with Megan who graciously answered questions and offered insight into the thought-provoking questions surrounding her book as well as the publication process.
Hostesses Connie Britton, Kim Ballard, Mary Ann Claiborne, Megan Freeman & Brenda Berger served scrumptious pizza, delicious salad, fresh fruit, dessert, and beverages while members caught up with each other about holiday experiences. We began the new year chatting, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.
After socializing, we got down to the business of a book club. We held a long and in-depth discussion about Alone. Megan shared insight about how the book originated and changed over time. We certainly hope for more books from her in the future, for all agreed that the realistic fiction book is beautifully written, provoked many questions and satisfied different reading perspectives.
Indeed, Megan E. Freeman (Burton) was center stage for January’s meeting and it certainly proved to be a fabulous afternoon and a very unique experience. Overall, all agreed the main character’s journey of strength and perseverance as she faced life-threatening challenges, coming of age, and survival was quite enjoyable.
The Book Club’s next meeting will be on February 13th at 2:00 PM, and our book is The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister. If you would like to join “Hooked On Books,” please email your contact information to alanehaardt@yahoo.com.  All are welcome!