Hope everyone survived Halloween. I am proud of our town hosting activities for our children on this date.  Thanks to the churches, local businesses and the fire department. This is a diversion from the old custom of children having to do mischievous activities like egg throwing, writing on houses and rolling trees with toilet paper.
My little three-year-old great-great nephew Taylan wanted Halloween to last the days after Halloween. The tears flowed when I told him he would have to wait until next year. He said, "I want Halloween now."
Head Start had a pudgy fellow, named Snowbird on Halloween Day.  WSM-TV had him visit with the children on that day. Snowbird came to Gainesboro one year when we lived there and my husband bought me a Snowbird doll. By the way, the Head Start centers will be closed next Monday on Veterans Day.
Speaking of veterans, they are invited to Smithville Elementary School on Nov. 9 at 9 a.m. for a celebration. My husband was a WWII veteran and cherished it atop all his careers.
All Saints Day was observed last Sunday in many churches. Those memoralized at First Methodist were Gladys Knowles, Frank Davis, Joanna Moore and Christine Smithson. Candles were lit for each one.
Get-well wishes to  Juanita Hooper, Brenda Tramel, Eddie Sutton, John Loeb, and Ruby Reynold, mother of Bernice Hendrixson.
 The Holiday Bazaar at First Methodist last Friday was a success. Most came to eat lunch and most shopped.  The vendors  in the community room were Janey Knowles and her niece, Bernice Hendrixson, Peggy Tramel and daughter Brandy and Charlotte Barnard.  Bill Luton was in the foyer selling his published books, “The Lake.”
My sister and I had surprise visitors last Thursday.  My aunt and uncle Irene and Jewel Lockhart from Nashville and their son Robert, came to visit us.  Jewel is the only living uncle we have now.
Happy birthday in November to Gail Webb, Frank Colwell, Ronnie Hendrixson, Glen Page, Anne Morse, Jay Driver, Chris Vernon, Harry Greek, Bertha McBride, Allison Little, Anna Rachel Blair, Carley Bailiff, Madison Judkins, Carolyn Williams, Carolyn Caldwell, Mary Jo Puckett, Macey Cantrell, Danny France, Leann Judkins and Mary Lynn Page.
Speaking of birthdays, ask well-known Tom Janey, a CPA, what he did on his birthday.
In closing, remember, families are like fudge....mostly sweet, with  a few nuts.
Hope you voted. This is one of our freedoms. Amen.