Our last two winters have been mild so maybe we shouldn't complain about this month's snow and ice. The ice made the roads at a risk. I admire the public servants who kept our roads safe and the rural mail carriers who ran their routes. Nevertheless, it will be a winter to remember.

Project Graduation had a Father-Daughter event for Saturday and went ahead with it, as planned.

First for the evening, they enjoyed a scrumptious dinner and then some ballroom dancing with a DJ there. The fathers were given long stem red roses for their little daughters. It was held at the County Complex for the 72 present. Linda Paris of FCCLA was the caterer with Judith Hale as the chairman of the event. This was a night to remember. My great nephew, Derek Driver put on his Sunday suit and escorted 7 yr. old Kiana to this special evening.

Belated birthday wishes to Bradley and Bryana Pelham (twins) on January 20, grandchildren of Rhonda Pelham Secretary at SES. Also to Martha Moore who celebrated a birthday last week with her family at their home. Happy birthday, Martha.

Get-well wishes and prayers to Suzanne Prater, Lewis Conklin, Shannon Cantrell, Hilda Meyers, Gail Webb, Elene Hayes, Mr. Goolsby and Margaret Ann Robinson who resides in Birmingham, Alabama

I had the children's message at First Methodist last Sunday and we talked about snowflakes (naturally),then I directed the children in making a snowflake. I've read that each snowflake is different, just as each person is different. Only God could make that possible.

Valentine Day was a big success this year. Some merchants said that shopping for Valentine Day was almost as big as Christmas. I was at Smithville Elementary School last Friday, and I had a hard time finding a parking spot, as the parents turned out for the children's parties and early dismissal. Good parent participation!

Speaking of Valentine Day, I have two friends who were born on Valentine Day. Happy birthday again to Lora Webb and Lois Farwell. Also belated birthday greetings to my good friend this month, Jordan Wilkins.

I have missed my agenda for snow days the past two years. I find that's my best time to do my free-lance writing.

Therefore, I have not composed any writings for publication during this time except my weekly column. Maybe this is the year to do so. I also find that these snow days motivate me to work on my photo albums and do extensive housecleaning.

Get-well wishes to Lewis Conklin, Sara Brown, Betty Bailiff, Hilda Meyers, Suzanne Prater, Linda Judkins, Shannon Cantrell, Alice Foster, Lillie Grace Anderson and Mary Snow.

The Lenten season has begun. First Methodist folk began with a pancake supper last Tuesday and a burning of the palms prior to the supper. An Ash Wednesday service is Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. also at First Methodist.

Thought of the Week: Thirteen ministers were on a flight to New York. When they encountered a big storm, they told the stewardess to tell the pilot that everything would be okay, because 13 ministers were on board. Later the stewardess returned from the cockpit. "What did the pilot say?" one preacher asked. "He said he was glad to have so many ministers on board, but he had rather have four good engines instead."

Was that you, Mike (a good pilot friend of mine).Amen.