No doubt about it, Smithville has the nicest, most courteous clerks in town. Some of the helpful clerks are at Sav-A-Lot and Larry's Discount, and then there's Athena at Cash Express. It's rewarding to shop at stores where one is known by the clerks.

Other stores also have courteous, efficient clerks. Thanks.

We had a snow day last Saturday. Doesn't Mother Nature know to send snows on school days????

I hope the fundraising for little Lillie Grace Anderson at the Baptist Enrichment Center was successful. There is an account at Regions Bank if anyone wants to make any further deposits in her behalf.

Other upcoming events: The Methodist teens will be attending the annual Warmth in Winter Jan. 30-Feb. 1.

A deluxe evening for children will be held at First Methodist on Feb.14 for Parents Night Out. There will be games, crafts, movie for $10 per family. Call Becky at 597-4961 to make reservations.

Then, on Feb. 13, there will be a Valentine Dinner for couples at $20 per couple.

The youth at First Methodist are sponsoring this. Also, call Becky at the above number for reservations.

Ethan Absher of Nashville visited his mother, Wendy Humphrey and Eli this past weekend. Feb. 2 is Groundhog Day. If he comes out and sees his shadow, that means 6 more weeks of bad weather.

If you see any groundhogs, shove him back in his hole if the sun is shining. OK?

Happy Birthday the first half of February to: Wallace Caldwell, Ben Driver, Luke Oliver, Michelle Driver, Brandy Turner, Bob Pettis, Hooper Judkins, Dr. Mitch Tatum, Justin France, Sarah Goodman, Darren Waggoner, Rev. John Carpenter, Barbara Thompson, Jerry Winfrey, David Champion, Jean Harney, Lora Webb, Lois Farwell, Nathaniel Theraque, Amanda Trapp, Jennifer Benton, Jean Hayes and Nell Washer.

Get-well wishes to: Lewis Conklin, Al Lamberson, Linda Judkins, Hilda Meyers, Alice Foster, Betty Bailiff,

Mary Snow and Lillie Grace Anderson.

Sympathy to the family of Jack Parker. (My grandmother was a Parker so we're kin on down the road.) Also to Chris Hill, in the death of his father. Also to Charlotte and Laird Barnard in the death of their big, ol’ white and fluffy Pyrenees dog last week.

Thought of the Week: The phrase, "do not be afraid" is written in the Bible 365 times. That's a daily

reminder from God to live every day being fearless. Amen.