#1

This will hopefully be an efficient way to update friends and family near and far. Here is a brief message since I have not spoken to or been in contact with anyone for a while.

I live in Mississippi, most of you know that. I use to live in the town of Clarksdale, home of The Crossroads the intersection of Highways 61 and 49 where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for supernatural guitar playing abilities. Because of a desire to live in the community I teach in I moved to Shelby. I now live in the country on a farm with my girlfriend. When I say farm I mean farm. I wake up to the enormous Mississippi sun burning the dew of the cottonfields out my back window. Chickens, roosters, and peacocks parade around the back yard. There are dogs roaming free and horses in the corral. I have taken to running in the cottonfields and chopping wood for exercise. Yes chopping wood, this city boy bought and ax and now splits wood to feed his fireplace. Yes, my country ranch also has a fireplace. Jess and I have fully furnished the house and use the extra room as an office which is fully stocked with teaching supplies by the generous donation of the caring people who have supported this endeavor. And a shout out to GS, the copier is a life saver. I also broke down at bought a widescreen HD TV with some satellite cable. And being out in the middle of nowhere we get our internet beamed in by satellite as well...the future is here. Life is good!