By Ivalien Reynolds

I guess winter is letting us know it’s on its way. The wind and chilly weather gets to these bones as I get older. But every season has its own beauty, doesn’t it?

Had a nice letter from my flower friend, Pauline Martin of Rocky Mount, N.C. She’s busy getting her flower beds ready for winter. I am doing a lot of the same.

I was so sorry to hear o the death of Pauline Rakes Walton. My love and heartfelt sympathy to the family in their time of sorrow.

This past week, I had the sweetest letter from a 13-year-old Amish girl. She was from the Amish family we visited. She and her sister loved the coffee coasters that Ellie Lemons makes. This 13 year old girl loves to weave things on a loom. She says her school makes a lot of cups, gloves, scarves, socks and their teacher gives them to the needy.

The Patrick Springs Volunteer Fire Department ladies were really busy at the annual barbeque supper. It was delicious and lots of food — so much that I brought a full take out plate home. Also, I got to see a lot of people I know.

Thanks to Gloria Biggs for inviting me to lunch at her home. Charles is getting ready for the mission trip to South Carolina to help the flood victims.

I must have had an angel on my shoulder Sunday when a lady zoomed out of her driveway right in front of me. Thank you Lord.

Food For Thought — Benjamin Franklin said, “A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.”

Recipe: Heath Apple Salad

1 8-oz. package cream cheese softened

1/2 cup brown sugar

4 granny smith apples, peeled and chopped

2/3 cup Heath Bites

1 8 oz container cool whip, thawed

Mix cream cheese and brown sugar well, add apples and heath bites. Fold in cool whip.

Helpful hint — To add flavor to tea, dissolve old fashioned lemon drops or hard mint candies. They melt quickly and keep the tea brisk.