It seems to be a coincidence that the presidential inauguration and Martin Luther King's birthday are the same day. That's good as it is a national holiday and the school children will get to see the inauguration parade and program in Washington, D.C.
I had to forget going to the inauguration as the health officials forewarned folk to not get in crowds as the flu is still on the rampage.
I hope President Obama and the First Lady Michelle won't be disapponted that I didn't show up for their big day. Hope they will get over it!
My husband told me a story that happened one day when he attended a human rights program at Scarritt College (my alma mater). He told that he was sitting in the chapel there when Martin L. King walked in and sat on the same pew with  him.  My husband scooted over and shook hands with him. (End of story.)
Earle Cantrell from Franklin was in Smithville last Friday to attend the funeral of his cousin, Glynn Cantrell.  Afterwards he visited his old high school friend, Charlotte Barnard and her husband, Laird.  I also got to visit with him and we discussed his published book.
One excited little girl last Tuesday evening was Kiana Driver who celebrated her fifth birthday with her family.  Pizza, ice cream and cake, and opening her many gifts made her day.  Those sharing this occasion were her dad, Derek Driver; siblings, Taylan, Robert and Kiera; grandpa Robin Driver and Ashton Campbell, great grandma, Charlotte Barnard and of course, her doting great-great aunt.
Celebrating January- ending birthdays are James Sherwood, Beth Pafford, Jack Anderson, Benjamin Waggoner, Vera Bobbitt at the Webb House, Patsy Judkins, Mary LeFevre, Ginny Miller, Josh Adcock, Greg Judkins, Rita Cripps, Sarah Cripps, Glen Hendrixson, Betty White (TV star) and Michelle Obama.
Get-well wishes and prayers to Holly Forkner (recent surgery), Tom Theraique (recent surgery), Cecil Burger, Hilda Meyers, Betty Bailiff and all those battling the flu.
Sympathy to the family of Maureen McGuire (who worked at the local health department); and Kathy Ellis and family in the death of her mother, Louise Goodwin (Kathy also, a former employee at the health department) and Maurice Braswell's family.
 Betty Jo Forkner, conference lay leader, attended a  Methodist jurisdictional conference at the Opryland Hotel last weekend.
There are alot of people in our county whom I admire. One of them is Louise Frazier, former teacher and longtime correspondent from Dry Creek at the Review.  I was a teacher at Smithville Elementary with Louise Frazier who was the librarian there.  I hope I can be as perky when I get in my 90s as she is at 95.  I've been threatening her that I was planning to visit Dry Creek Baptist Church where Donald Owens is pastor and his wife, Audrey (Parker) is a cousin of mine.  The best part of  that threat is that I'm going home with her for lunch as she seems to always have plenty of guests and food at her house.  I've even asked Jeanette France to accompany me.  Stay tuned for the next chapter.
I've had a lot of comments on my last week's issue ending paragraph.
Last Sunday, Dr. Steven Cooper presented the children's message. He coordinated it with Dr. Carpenter's message about the temptations of Jesus.  He used a Reese's peanut butter cupcake as an example of temptation.  After he had their attention, he went on to describe the many temptations of Jesus by Satan. Very good message for all of us as we encounter daily temptations. Amen.
Thought for the week:  There are a few Christians who give the impression they were baptized in vinegar. (Observe next Sunday in church those who don't smile.)  Amen again.