Can you smell that smell?

There's nothing like the smell of a rain storm on a hot July day. We know we're at summer's apex when the cotton is a certain height and the cicadas are working overtime. I was watering my mother's flowers yesterday and wondered what it was about the smell of water on dry, hot dirt that's so exciting. I posed this same question to Fred while we were watching the rain gauge fill up last night (.8, by the way). Maybe it's because it's so rare around here. I guess if we lived in Seattle, a little thunder shower might not be so exciting.

Today's photo is of marigolds in my garden. I was going to show a photo of the whole thing, but what I'm so proud of probably looks like a mismanaged weed plot to others. If you want to see a class act garden, go by Anson Martin's place at Camp Springs. We cruise by real slow while oohing and aahing his wonderful garden and orchard. The man's got lots of talent. And a water well. That's imperative. I gave up watering when I realized I was growing a $25 cucumber.

Here's the rundown on the July 10, 2008 issue of the Roby Star Record / Rotan Advance:

• Bee call in Rotan (photo)
• Roby City Council meets with Kay Howard of HOWCO, discusses & tables animal ordinance
• Kent Ruffin new superintendent Rotan ISD (photo)
• David Ritchie new athletic director, head football coach Rotan ISD (photo)
• Accident results in DWI arrest (photo)
• Riley Barnett named new Fisher County Extension Agent (photo)
  
• Obituaries for Dorothy Mary Blackwelder and Jack McClure (photos)
• 2008 Softball tourney results
• Velma Moore Smith celebrates birthday 95
• email Rosemary at rosemary@rotanadvance.com
• Fisher County sheriff's report
• Tumbleweed Smith: Waiting for a Train
• Local student qualifies to compete at world's largest rodeo (photo)
• Fisher County Roundup by Joy Walker
• Pool Safety by Lisa Donham
• Randy's Roundup by Congressman Randy Neugebauer
• Fisher County Historical Commission meets

Also, there will be a meeting of the Frank Cockrell Art Association Monday night.

Have a good Sunday. It's still overcast here, so we're off to a good start!