As I mature, life takes on different meanings. When I was a teen, now it is trivia.

Things that were important then are not important now. I guess that comes with age. But our values change as the world changes.

Having birthdays the latter part of January are: James Sherwood, Beth Pafford, Tanner Poss, Jack Anderson, Benjamin Waggoner, Patsy Judkins, Mary LeFevre, Ginny Miller, Josh Adcock, Greg Judkins, Greg Overby, Rita Cripps, Sarah Cripps, Glen Hendrixson and Nell Washer.

My great-great niece, Kiana Driver, celebrated her seventh birthday on Jan. 15. She talked about this birthday coming more than Christmas.

She celebrated with her family at the home of her great-great grandparents, Charlotte and Laird Barnard, with a pizza supper, then cake and ice cream. Helping her uninvited assistance to blow out the candles were her brothers, Taylan, Robert and little sister, Kiera. Others present for this occasion were father, Derek Driver; grandfather Robin Driver, Aunt Wendy Humphrey and Eli; and Great Aunt Shirley Ingram.

She got lots of presents. She said that her classmates in Mrs. Hawker's room sang "Happy Birthday" to her that day.

Rev. Edwin and Martha Moore and I attended the funeral of a very prominent lady in Gainesboro on Saturday afternoon. Mrs. Polly Montgomery was 98 years old and raised two sons who became doctors in Knoxville. There was a dinner afterward, which prompted visiting with the family and other friends.

Get-well wishes to Lewis Conklin, Hilda Meyers, and five-year-old Lillie Grace Anderson, who had brain surgery last week. I think a benefit is being planned for her and the family.

Ron Dobbs and his mother, Ruth, have returned from an eight-day cruise in the Caribbean on a Norwegian ship. One of the ship's stops was at Cozumel and a small town called Hell. Other stops were at Jamaica and Grand Cayman Islands. Also Ron said he rented a motor scooter one day, and felt strange driving on the left side of the road. This was an interesting trip, and warm while we weathered the cold weather here. Ron can tell you other features of their trip.

School was cancelled one day last week due to the cold weather and slippery roads. Of course, the school children enjoyed Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday as another no-school day.

This is the final week of the Holiday House at 1805 Sparta Highway. Everything is on sale. Should be open 10-4 p.m.

Thought of the week: "God gives the very best to those who leaves the choices up to Him." Amen

Stay warm and endure the cold weather but don't catch this flu. Amen again.