The Fourth of July day was busy with many activities county-wide, and the annual big celebration on the mountain. It’s been going on since even before I was born. Folks come from all over to this. Poor Farmer’s Farm always has lots going on.

I had a nice note from Melanie Hall of Five Forks Community. I met her at the library the day of the movie.

I went by All Seasons and Stanley was showing me his container bed of vegetables. The squash and cucumber vines were green and growing like crazy. That morning, he had picked up some beautiful squash and cucumbers so fresh and shiny—good too!

Blueberries are getting ripe at Blueberry Hill. I’ve been out and picked some. They seemed to be larger. I kept my eye open for the bears and had my car nearby.

Still keep Linda Beasley in your prayers as she battles that broken foot.

Happy birthday to my wonderful sister-in-law Hilda Nittler. May God bless you with many more.

I had a nice call from my top of the mountain friend, Bernice Irvin. We have been through a lot together, but we weathered the storm.

I was so sorry to hear of the death of Iris Boyd. She lived up on the mountain and was a nice lady—so quiet and nice. My love and heartfelt sympathy go to the family.

Larry and Teresa Martin went on a camping trip to the mountains. I’m sure Teresa was happy since this is her first camping since that back surgery, and now she can try some horseback riding. That will make her happy.

Thanks to Maxine Simmons for bringing all a Frosty the other Wednesday. It surely did taste good on a hot, muggy day.

Thanks to Danny Hundley for giving us some nice fresh vegetables from his garden for the Food Ministry.

The other morning as I was folding a beautiful quilt a friend made for me, I thought about how parts of our lives come together to make something beautiful and useful. Even some mistakes I would like to erase from my memory have helped me to be what I am today and I can look forward with hope.

I surely did enjoy the article about The Blue Ridge Mission I read the other day. Several people went there and became famous leaders, teachers, and successful leaders in our community.

Mary Ann called from D.C. on Thursday. I’m always happy to hear from her and find out what’s happening there. She may be coming back sometime soon.

Helpful hint: cleaning marker and felt-tipped pen stains: dampen sponges with rubbing alcohol. Use a blotting motion to absorb the marks. Change sponges as needed.

YELLOW SQUASH PUFFS

3/4 lb. yellow squash

1 egg, beaten

1/3 c all-purpose flour

1/3 c cornmeal

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 medium onion, grated

Vegetable oil

Wash, slice and cook squash in boiling water until tender. Drain and mash enough squash to make one cup. Combine 1 cup of the mashed squash and egg. Stir well. Combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Add squash mixture and onion. Stir until blended well. Drop squash mixture by level tablespoons into hot oil. Cook until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Yields about two dozen.

Food for thought

One word or a pleasing smile is often enough to raise up a saddened and wounded soul.