By Ivalien Reynolds

It looks like the hummingbirds are gone. I’m lonely without them. Hope they don’t get caught up in a lot of storms on their long journey. Sure did enjoy them while they were here.

It was good to hear from Velda Handy and thanks so much for the jars and lids for the Soup Kitchen. They are appreciated very much. Now the dishwasher for the Soup Kitchen has arrived and they will start again.

Linda Roberts is doing well so far following her back surgery.

I was really surprised when Alan Rakes gave me a Hebrew calendar. It has beautiful pictures. Alan always amazes me in his class. The Lord has given him a wealth of knowledge. Thanks for all you do.

Had a nice letter from my flower friend in Rocky Mount, N.C. and she will miss her hummingbirds. She was safe during the floods. My friendship with Pauline Martin has been going on for many years. When I met her when I was working for Poor Farmers. I call her “my flower friend.” We both love flowers.

Still keep all the flood victims in our prayers. As I’m writing this – Jimmy Willard’s Disaster Relief hasn’t been able to get in the hard hit areas and still is collecting items. PAWS is collecting for pets. Hopefully he can get in soon.

“Miss” Claudine on the mountain sure loves the sunny days, but they say more rain is coming. She told me today when I called -that her son from Tennessee had called and said it was pouring rain there.

Thanks to Edie, I have had some good reading during the rainy evenings. Love the Amish books. Ever since I got to go to the Amish country, I’ve had a love and respect for them.

Sure was good to hear the Senior Melodies sing again, and to get a hug from Bobby Gardner.

The men’s ministry cooked a good meal on Wednesday night – meatloaf, green beans, mashed potatoes, and rolls. As my grandma Hall use to say “That’s good enough for the President.”

Enjoyed my weekly visit by telephone with Mary Ann in D.C. She told me a very touching story about a gentleman in D.C.

Food for thought – a wise woman trades her “to do list” for her Lord’s.

Simple Apple Pie

1 unbaked pie crust

1 cup sliced apples

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons flour

1 cup cream

Cinnamon or nutmeg

Put sliced apples in pie crust. Mix brown sugar and white sugar, sprinkle with nutmeg or Cinnamon. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, turn heat down to 350 degrees and cook for 40 minutes. Serve with cream.

Food smart: Feed your hunger, not your head; stress, boredom and frustration can all nudge you to nibble when not actually hungry. If you suspect your urge to eat is emotion-driven, distract yourself by taking a walk or listen to music.