The month of June just flew by. Could it be because I’m getting older?

I had a nice letter from Pauline Martin, my flower friend from Rocky Mount, N.C. When I put her photo in the Party Line in other days, she heard from people that she knew when living in Patrick County.

It’s always nice to have Sunday lunch at Elizabeth’s Pizza with the Martin clan.

I had a nice letter from cousin Joyce Boyd Sweeney. She sent me a good photo of my aunt, Katherine Boyd, who recently celebrated her 95th birthday. She looks great. I have a lot of fond memories of Aunt Katherine and Uncle Alvy Boyd. They used to let me tag along when they were dating and I was four and five years old.

A baptism was held at Patrick Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church on Sunday after the service. It was beautiful. There were four candidates for baptism.

It was good to see Arlene Trent and Mae Mabe at church on Sunday. They are doing well.

Love and prayers go to Linda Beasley at this time. She had the misfortune to break her foot. I hope you are doing better.

I surely did enjoy going to New Beginnings Church to the revival and hearing Brother Noah Frye, who is 86 years old and still preaching the word loud and strong. I think he said he had been preaching for 62 years. Also, it was great to see Mike and Sue Hall. Mike sang some beautiful songs at the service.

“Miss Claudine” up on the mountain says she is doing pretty well. Pneumonia is about gone—says to “just keep on trucking.”

I was so sorry to hear of the death of Gary Quesinberry. I remember what a talented singer and musician he was. He was a great songwriter also. My love and heartfelt sympathy go to the family.

The men’s ministry cooked up my favorite Wednesday meal—mashed potatoes, chicken biscuit and fried apples—can’t beat that. Their mashed potatoes are the best ever. Thank you!

Love and prayers go out to James and Regina Shough.

I hope everyone has a nice 4th of July. Some of my fondest memories as a child were going to the old-timey 4th of July celebrations on the mountain, then later working with the Vesta old-time celebration. It was work but oh, what fun to hear music, see old friends and eat.

I enjoyed the National Geographic article on hummingbirds. Philip Plaster let me borrow his copy. Right now I have a few more hummingbirds.

Connie Greer and Harlie the dog came by for a nice visit. Harlie is so cute and well behaved—it’s always a joy to have them visit.

Appetizers: Salsa has become one of America’s most popular foods, primarily from its abundant use as an appetizer. Not only is salsa tasty but it contains little or no fat. You can buy many kinds of salsa off the grocery shelf—but homemade is the best. My friend Sue Hall makes the very best homemade salsa.

HAM ‘N CHEESE

MASHED POTATOES

2 cups mashed potatoes

3/4 tsp. garlic salt

1 cup diced fully cooked ham

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped

In a bowl, combine the potatoes and garlic salt. Spread into a greased 1-1/2 qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with ham pieces. Fold cheese into whipped cream. Spoon over ham. Bake uncovered at 450° for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 4 to 6 servings.

Food for thought

Remember, all people are equally precious in God’s eyes.