A rocket ship, with two astronauts aboard, thundered away from earth Saturday at Cape Canaveral. Hoping to lift American spirits from a week of tragedy, unrest and the continuing covid-19 pandemic, it was powerful. The gloom of the week was brightened by a look upward toward a resurgence of the space program and future of space travel. This flight ended a decade long NASA absence. The momentous lift off was accompanied with goose bumps, awe and pride of this American accomplishment.

Speaking of the covid-19 virus, we continue to maintain safe practices by keeping our distance of at least 6 feet, washing our hands for at least 20 seconds and wearing masks in public. Now masks have become a part of our daily attire and we can choose one of our favorite fabric designs.

We may personalize with our favorite sport, school or even our pet.

A favorite cartoon with three dogs looking in amazement says, “What is happening? Humans are all wearing muzzles!”

ANNE BULL sends a series of reports:

• As our state slowly comes out of its quarantine, friends and families can be seen gathering again. One special gathering was the supper club at Kathy and Frankie Harrison’s last weekend. The Harrisons hosted a cookout for their supper club group, which has been meeting monthly for 38 years.

• Congratulations and happy anniversary to Marilyn and Norman Boyd. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

• Good news shoppers! Two innovative freshmen women at Clemson University have designed a device that will kill the covid virus that may be on your grocery items.

The device is a box with a UVC light your items would go through at the checkout.

The box with its light could also kill other viruses as well as other pathogens such as salmonella. Way to think outside the box by shining a light from inside the box!

• The mystery of the broken eggs has been solved. Joy and Ronnie Wingard have 8 laying hens1. When they went to gather the eggs, they would be broken. Ronnie just happened to catch the chickens while they were pecking their own eggs. Ronnie immediately got the hose and sprayed them.

We all know nothing is madder than a wet hen! Since that time, the hens have behaved and quit pecking their eggs.

Another solution for hens pecking their eggs is to put golf balls in their nests.

SHERI KIMBALl reports: “A local church congregant says she is a “virus-vulnerable. I cannot do Facebook, Zoom or YouTube so limited to Sunday ministries. Then I heard about Lexington Pilgrim Lutheran Church’s new phone ministry delivered by Pastor John Woods. User-friendly # on Sundays, 10 am dial 1-833-800-1492.

Today, June 4, will be observed as the day set by Lexington Mayor Steve MacDougall, as National Tourette’s Awareness Day. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition that affects about 1 school-aged child in 100. Many with Tourette’s also suffer ADHD, OCD and anxiety.

We congratulate all high school and college graduates on reaching this milestone. Lots of success and best wishes are extended to all 2020 graduates!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Angela Halfacre, Laura Fowler, Baylin Bible, Holly Haines, Mickey Ann Burnett, Betty Cimarolli, Tucker Dooley, Matthew Riley, Carmeon Truluck, Bruce Hiller, Sue Lauziere, Christy Mijares, Robert Stoudemire, Debra Bachman, Mike Cary, Randal Ford, Lynnie Leopard, David Perry, Hartley Richardson, Lauren Holton, Cory Summerall, Michele Ross-Wright, Hudson Taylor, Kathy Webb, Rav Brooks, Bluette Brooks, Kathryn Harris, Barbara Oswalt, Gabrielle Pepper, Mira Stogner, Jeanette Altemose, Kori Lorick, Kim Young, Matt Bingham, Charles Alexander, Lisa Cribb, David Pinkney, Joanne Duncan, Brooke Ellis, Dieter Klose, Olivia Sons, Stephen Barfield, Joe Boles, Jr., Maria Burkhalter, Catherine Neff, Linda Toole and Gary Baker.