I was so thankful to have a few days without the humid weather because I don’t function too well on hot, humid days.

I enjoyed visiting with Donna Rowe last Saturday. She is always so pleasant. Still put her on your prayer list.

Neighbor Larry Martin’s garden is amazing. All the veggies are so pretty—not a blemish on them—and the corn is reaching the sky.

It’s always nice to talk with Steve Greer and Connie. I surely did enjoy a nice conversation with Steve the other day. Their dog Harlie always makes me smile.

“Miss Claudine” Wood on the mountain enjoyed a visit from Iva June Hubbard recently. She loves company any time. At 97 years, she is doing great.

I was so sorry to head of the deaths of two people I went to school with: Gerolean Lewis Webb and June Ann Light Sigmon. My love and heartfelt sympathy goes out to the families.

When I went to the Soup Kitchen to pick up my food for the clients they loaded my car with corn, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, some soup and cornbread, and packs of fresh basil. The garden has done will there. Even the flowers are growing up big. God is blessing.

The Men’s Ministry cooked up a good meal of spaghetti with tossed salad for the Wednesday night meal. Thank you! It was delicious.

Lately I had a problem with my ears and couldn’t hear anything out of one. It was scary and nerve-wracking but thanks to a special lady I’m hearing again. Thank you.

We were blessed with a pickup load of bread at the Food Ministry on Wednesday. Thanks to the nice gentlemen for bringing it to us. Another blessing.

Labor Day always brings a lot of people on Hwy. 58, lots of yard sales everywhere in Patrick County. I love to look at everything, but don’t need any more “stuff “.

Patrick County got busy when the news of all the flooding and disaster in Texas happened. The high school started collecting things and Jimmy Willard started making plans also. Patrick always comes together.

Think about this: Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Lord, guard our words. Keep our tongues in check and help us in ways that bring healing and peace around to those we come in contact with.

At this time please put Margaret Boyd on your prayer list.

Dumpling hint: before spooning out each dumpling, dip the spoon into the hot liquid.—the soup, stew or fruit syrup. They will come out neat and in more even pieces.

PERKY PICNIC BEAN SALAD

1 can (16 oz.) pork and beans in tomato sauce

1 cup sliced celery

1 coarsely chopped green pepper

1 Tbsp. molasses

Wishbone Italian dressing

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except the salad dressing. Toss with 1.4 to 1/2 cup dressing, depending on consistency desired. Chill. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Food for thought

Lord, we thank you for the gift of laughter. Sometimes even in the midst of grief you send happy memories that make us laugh and that brings comfort to our souls. Laughter is healing. Abraham Lincoln said, “With the fearful strain that is one me night and day, if I did not laugh, I should die.”

When my son and grandson went to be wit the Lord I couldn’t laugh and it had been six months. We were at my Grandma Nannie’s house because she was not feeling well. My mom got a bowl of meat from the refrigerator and ate it, then asked my Aunt Clayton what kind of meat it was.

Then my aunt looked in the fridge and said to my mom, “Gracie, you ate my dog Fluff’s dog food” and I laughed and laughed for the first time in six months. Everyone was so happy that I could laugh again. When I think about that day I can still laugh.