How many of you went trick n' treating as a youngster? We did.
When we lived in Pleasant Hill, three blocks from the elementary school, most of the children knew me as their substitute teacher and we had about 200 little spooks come by. We had to have plenty of candy. 
My husband would dress up and come out and scare them. He got more fun out of Halloween evening than they did. The lady across the street gave out dimes to each little and big spook. Since we lived in a cul-de-sac, the cars would line up and the children hit every house in that area.
Do you know how Halloween came to be? It was originally a Celtic festival for the dead, celebrated on the last day of the Celtic year, Oct. 31. Until recent times, in some parts of Europe, it was believed that on this night witches appeared to ward off evil spirits. Today children's pranks replaced the witches’ tricks. The First Baptist Church is hosting a Trick and Trunk Festival on Halloween evening.  The Fire Department is also having a hotdog snack treat for the spooks, also on Monday evening, so there's lots of activities to do rather than bad tricks.
A longtime friend of mine was born on Halloween. So happy birthday to Annette Webb Greek!
Get-well wishes to Frank Davis, Jo Wright, a teller at First Bank, Pat Paris at NHC, Melford Smith and many others.
Another fall vacation in scenic Gatlinburg last weekend was enjoyed by  Becky Roberts, Amanda Blair, Kathryn and Anna Rachel. The weather was just perfect for sightseeing and shopping. They stayed near Dollywood and did a lot of walking.
The Sherwoods spent part of their school vacation with a Boy Scout Troop in historic Washington, D.C. Read about their trip elsewhere in this issue.
Michael Hale and his staff from DeKalb Funeral Chapel hosted a dinner for pastors in this county and their spouses on Friday evening at the New Life Pentecostal Church. Don't know why I was invited except I have given several eulogies at funerals and my husband was a minister.  Anyway, I met Mama Ruth Jackson, a widow, and both of us wondered at our invitation but were so grateful that we were invited.
 A delicious, bountiful meal was served. The cutest waitress was Jaley Hale, daughter of Michael. Nice door prizes were given away and everyone came away with a black canvas tote bag full of office supplies.
The best part of the evening was Rik Roberts, an outstanding commedian  who kept everyone in stitches laughing. He was a Barney Fife impersonator and also played the guitar and sang. That man was full of talent! Michael introduced his efficient staff and stated his appreciation for  them and the ministers whom he has worked with in this county.This was a nice gesture of Michael. Thanks.
I had an auto mishap one day last week.  A large chunk of rock got under my car, causing a flat on one of my front tires.  I was enroute to a beauty shop appointment and was highly frustrated.  Then along came Steve White who stopped and offered to help me.  He changed my tire in less than 15 minutes. I felt blessed that I had a spare tire which had never been used. Then along came Dennis Stanley to offer his support. Steve was my Good Samaritan. It's nice to still have people who care enough to aid a helpless female.  Thanks so much, Steve and God bless you. That's a comforting thought to live in a town where people know you.  Nothing like hometown friends.
Thanks also to whoever has posted "Historic Downtown" signs around the perimeter of Smithville. I've had people who commented that they didn't know where "downtown" was.
This autumn season is sporting brilliant colors in our trees.  Be sure and notice them.
Put Nov. 4 on your calendar for the Fall/Holiday Bazaar at the First Methodist Christian Fellowship Bldg. on Church Street (next door to Love Cantrell Funeral Home.) There will be lots of homemade gift items plus lunch will be served from 11-2 p.m. Hometown boy Earle Cantrell will be on hand to autograph his biographic book, “The Path I Trod,” or just drop by to welcome him. I will also be autographing my Christmas dramas for churches.  A good place to start your early holiday shopping.
This is Breast Awareness Month so wear your pink in honor of this month.  Remember, ladies to get a mammogram.
I still have a perky little kitty, if anyone wants one. Amenities with the kitty are a bag of cat litter and cat food.
"The fewer the words, the better the prayer." 
Martin Luther.                           Amen.