Down is uplifting. We just can't keep up with gasoline prices these days, and isn't that a pleasant dilemma? They are going down, already well below what most people had guessed. On Harkrider this week, we passed a sign reading $1.59 a gallon for unleaded regular. From all indications, the storied Sunday drive with the family may return to our routine activities.
Grands are great. Elementary schools like to have special events. Grandparents Thanksgiving lunch was held at Guy-Perkins, and one second-grader sat somewhat forlorn when his friend welcomed a grandmother and a great-grandmother. "My grandmother is in Texas," The boy said, then beamed broadly when one of the visiting women told him, "Come on, I'll be your grandmother today."
Deep disappointment. And in this same Guy-Perkins second-grade room a girl sat alone, tears flowing freely. Her grandmother did not show up. We do not know the circumstances, and probably the failure to appear was unavoidable. As adults we need to be cognizant of how a youngster can put high expectations on seemingly minor occurrences like missing lunch at school with a grandchild.
Looking at him. Our guess is that right now the name Clint Conque is being floated around some major colleges looking for football coaches. The University of Central Arkansas head guy has a hot hand. He's a proven winner. We may never know of the feelers put out, the approaches, the quiet solicitations of interest sent Conque's way. Certainly, he merits a bonus at UCA oops, better not use that particular term.
Is it deer season? We are seeing multiple incidents of all-terrain vehicles being stolen in the Conway area. Apparently, bold thieves find it fairly easy to grab one from a trailer or from a carport, load it up and skedaddle. A padlock and a sturdy chain ought to cut down on these thefts. Just taking the keys out of the four-wheelers doesn't seem to be a deterrent.
Make it and they will come. Wandering through Dazzle Daze, the pre-Christmas show in Conway that keeps growing, leads to one solid conclusion. Creativity is alive and thriving among our crafty and enterprising folks. Various people are doing things with items you would never dream would sell. Fancy them up with imagination and flair, and you just may have a strong seller when the shopping public gets a look at it.
Delay of games. The news that Faulkner County's new fairgrounds won't be ready for September 2009 is a disappointment, all right, but it's not all doom and gloom. The plans for new baseball and softball playing fields for '09 may have been to optimistic to start with. We do make a fervent plea. Do these projects right, and don't rush just because somebody wants a new setting.
No standing still. Conway's school system keeps growing and growing, and we're fortunate that school officials are hustling to keep on top of the increasing needs. We don't really have a problem with putting the issue of a second high school on the back burner for now. Just think, too, what the school system would have in enrollment if not for growing St. Joseph and burgeoning Conway Christian handling many students in this district.
"I can't find the words to describe this season anymore. There are no more adjectives I can think of terrific, outstanding, tremendous, unbelievable, marvelous, wonderful pick any you want. Our football team met every challenge. Just like in Saturday's game, we made championship stops and championship drives." Clint Conque, head coach of the UCA Bear football team, upon ending a banner 10-2 season.