My son, Ralph, calls every day to check on me and always asks about my day. Last Thursday, I could hardly wait to tell him. I said you will never guess who came to see me today. Ralph mentioned a few names, and to each one, I said no.

I told him how happy I was to get a visit from Tommy Webb, the DeKalb County Historian and also who is a neighbor of NHC here in Smithville.

I really enjoyed his visit as we talked about the old times. Tommy said he got interested in local history and genealogy at an early age. It became his life, listening to stories from the elderly and from doing his own research. I have copies his local history books and also the one about DeKalb County cemeteries.

When I listen to WJLE or read the Smithville Review and learn where someone is buried, I think back to where the cemetery is located by remembering what was written in the book researched by Tommy.

During his visit, we also talked about how he and Audrey grow a large garden and make an effort to avoid some of the modern day conveniences. I appreciate their way of life.

Happy birthday wishes to Johnnie Ruth Hunt, Drake Vaughn, Rebecca Vaughn and Mabel Pack.

My recent visitors included Christine Arnold, Randy Vaughn, Faye Adkins, Douglas Ervin, Rebecca Ervin, Nina Lawrence, Diane Evans, Clint Hall, Ralph and June Vaughn.