Even though we have had lots of rain and thunderstorms in our area, we have been blessed without a lot of flooding and damage. My heart goes out to some of the people. West Virginia is still trying to get back.

Betty Jean Conner called me on Sunday night and we had a very good conversation about some of the wonderful people we have known in the past on the mountain. She married Lyle Conner from up there, and he took her to see special mountain people.

It was so good to go to Mama Ruth Martin’s homeplace on Father’s Day for a cookout. I’ve always loved going there and visiting Mama Ruth, and we had some good conversations. Good memories always live on.

I’m so happy to report that “Miss Claudine” Wood is better after a battle with pneumonia. They say you can’t keep a good woman down.

Folks on the mountain are excited to have a new store in Laurel Fork. Dollar General has come to the county and they love it on the mountain.

Tuesday, as I was delivering soup at my second stop, my car wouldn’t crank. I want to thank Dorothy Vipperman and her son Kevin for helping me. Kevin “boosted” me off and Dorothy followed me to Napa, and my nice neighbor Jonathan put the new battery in. Thanks to all of you for being so kind and caring.

Then, after all that, I went to Elizabeth’s Pizza and got a big hamburger for my comfort food. They know I’m having a bad day if I order a hamburger.

I got to see Jessica, who was working that day. Then I went away feeling like “my normal self.”

It was good to see some young people working at the soup kitchen. Their garden is still thriving, and they are getting lots of vegetables for their cooking. They have some pretty flowers also.

Heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Randolph Conner. Keep the family in your prayers.

Pastor Ben Baum had a very good sermon last Sunday when he filled in for Pastor Marion, who went to Christian Camp with some kids. The ones who went said they had a good time.

Danny Reynolds tells me he has swarms of hummingbirds and he is enjoying them. Guess he has to make a lot of nectar. For some reason, I don’t have as many as usual.

Our friend Papa said his grandson fixed him a porch swing, so he’s just “a-swinging” now. He enjoys his porch.

My sweet little friend Arlene Shough is always surprising me with something. This time it was a friendship bracelet. I’ll treasure that.

Think about this: What is the secret to long-term security? Trust in God.

Household hint: never put a cover on anything cooked in milk unless you want to spend a lot of cleaning up time on the stove when it boils over.

BLACK FOREST

CHEESECAKE

1 pkg. Devil’s food cake mix

1 small bottle Maraschino cherries

1 can cherry pie filling

1 c whipping cream, whipped

Chocolate curls

Prepare and bake the cake mix by the directions for two 9-inch pans. Let cool. Drain cherries, reserving 2 Tbsp. juice. Sprinkle over one cake layer. Spread with pie filling. Place other layer on top. Spread whipped cream on top and sides of cake. Decorate with cherries and chocolate curls. Yields 16 servings.

Food for thought

Mark Twain said: If we were supposed to talk more, then we would have two mouths and one ear.