Determination and a model for us to follow

We are so proud and honored in Mansfield to have been the community of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the Little House books for readers of all ages, but about children's pioneer experiences.

Mrs. Wilder wrote the encouraging and uplifting books at her farmhouse home near Mansfield. Today, Rocky Ridge Farm and her houses are part of a wonderful museum complex honoring her accomplishments, those of her family and the era.

Mrs. Wilder was a determined woman who made a success of her activities in terms of getting them accomplished at every step in her life. She makes a great role model for us here in Mansfield. The goal of the Chamber of Commerce is to get a focus on what she accomplished and teach the community how we can apply her example to our own projects for the betterment and growth of the community.

There are good neighbors everywhere, and we appreciate them. Today, we honor Laura Ingalls Wilder, a neighbor par excellence.

Christmas Spirit is moving into the Ozarks

Today was a veritable round-robin of community Christmas celebrations. Ava started last night and some of the others may have as well. There were parades in Ava this afterhoon, in Seymour at late afternoon and in Mountain Grove and Mansfield this evening.

It occurs to me that we could make a true tour of this day and promote the idea of the various celebrations, schedule things so visitors and local citizens could travel to more than one town if so choosing. The homes along the highway are, to a great percentage, decorated. We could make this an even greater project; carry the trail of lights on into the new year and make our highways an area not to miss when people are coming and going from the sights in Branson.

The weatherman has been begging for snow all week. At Mansfield, about 6:45, there was a STIFF breeze, rapidly dropping temperatures and some mist/snow. We parked so we could view the parade in a nice warm vehicle if necessary and braved the breeze to cross the Square.

The flags were celebrating Christmas! The flag in the oval is located at the Mansfield Veterans' Memorial and the other flags are on the large pole near the gazebo. The moon is shining over the larger US flag and Missouri state flag; while a street light illuminates the US flag at the memorial.

As the floats for the parade approached the crowd waiting near the square, all in attendance stopped for a moment of reflection honoring our troops in Iraq and other parts of the world, defending freedom and democracy.