Kelly Spinks next to entertain Hobbs

I went out and took today's photo intending to show that this is still cattle country, not realizing there were windmills in the background (click on photo for larger view). There's no denying we're an energy rich area, but livestock and cotton continue to make up a great part of our economy and landscape.

Kelly Spinks and Miles of Texas will be entertaining crowds at the next Hobbs School dance, set for March 16. I didn't make it to see Jody Nix, but I heard there was about 400 head. I'm pretty sure my absence was not noted, although I can't dance worth a darn, so they may have missed my entertaining antics on the floor.

Horizontal wells have made big news, but the regular drillers seem to be doubly busy. There are rigs all over the place and yesterday I noticed one on Spring Creek, just north of the school. A roughneck once told me they don't have to drill as deep around there.

I don't care much for spring, because of the fearsome weather, but one thing I look forward to is the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup. This year it opens March 8, occurring yearly the second weekend of that month. It's kind of crazy they don't have their own website, but I was able to glean some information from the Eyes on Texas website. Scroll down the page a little and there's a rundown of the itinerary for that week.

Better call ahead...

- Setting Up -

If you want a table to sit at for the Jody Nix dance, you need to get your phone call in to Judy Gordon. I talked to her today and she said half the tables are spoken for already. The home side bleachers have been removed to accommodate seating, with the stage situated where the visitor's side bleachers used to be. It looks like it's going to be a blowout, and they've already lined up a band for the next dance! More about that after this one is done.

$15 a head, call to reserve a chair! 325-574-4170.

Jody Nix at the Hobbs School on Friday

- Jody Nix -

Hey, pretty Mamas! Time to put that red dress on, and Fellas, shine up the boots, 'cuz Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys are gonna raise the roof of the Hobbs School Gym this Friday at 8:30 p.m. Out-of-towners, put 1317 FM 1614, Rotan, into the GPS to find the way. We're actually about 11 miles west of Rotan, but that'll get you here. The gym is on the backside of the school, so be sure to drive on in and behind. Tickets are $15 a head and can be bought at the door or in advance by calling 325-574-4170.

Sheriff's sale and changes

-  Commissioner Martin -

This week I ran into Precinct Three Commissioner Preston Martin at the local sheriff's sale. I've been looking into the process of buying county property that's in arrears on taxes, trying to figure out where the best deals are (school sales?). The people I've talked to about it are friendly and knowledgeable, like Penny Kiser and Elsie Pierce. I also talked to a man in Scurry county who's been buying such properties for years and he had some good stories and information for me. He buys lots and his brother buys houses. I never did catch his name. By the way, neither Martin nor I bought anything at the sale.

I'd like to mention some changes around the area. Things evolve so gradually that it becomes the norm before I think to say anything.

Something I wouldn't have thought there would be a difference in is the increase in air traffic. I see helicopters and small planes flying by on a daily basis. We have electrical, oil field and wind companies doing their business out here, and I guess they use a lot of different means to observe their sites. I don't know, maybe they're just on the way to work.

The traffic on the roads has also increased, but that was to be expected. There are a lot of tanker trucks and company vehicles.

There are big above ground water tanks everywhere. Big, square, dirt berms lined with heavy plastic, filled with water, and large nozzles on a couple of sides for tanker trucks to fill up with. I counted eight on the way to work the other day.

A temporary change in Snyder that is affecting commuters as far away as Rotan is the repair of the bridge next to Rip Griffin's Truck Stop, the one that crosses over US84. Talk about pick-up in traffic, Camp Springs Road is really getting the business as the alternative to US180. You better set your cruise to 60mph and have all your lights in working order and stickers current, because the Department of Public Safety is patrolling this area.

A dog is found

- A Nice Puppy -

I saw this dog walking in the barditch today, when I was going to and coming from work, and I decided I had to pick her up. She's very emaciated, but in good spirit. She seems healthy, young and good-natured. She's had no problems with my animals or the cows in the pasture. If someone knows who she belongs to or would like to take her home, email me at hobbsholler@yahoo.com.

That white thing to the left, under the dog's ear, is just a cinderblock in the background. She is all black with brown underneath.

ARN's Mangalonzo reports on Hobbs School

Be sure to read this recent article about the Hobbs School written by John Mangalonzo of the Abilene Reporter News. Maybe we can get Howard to come make our bed! In another forum, it was commented that Judy probably came right along behind him and remade them all.