Being housebound for the last two weeks has taught me patience. I’m grateful that various family members were willing to run errands for me.
I've used my "down time" to review my piles of magazines and other important papers, and think about income tax time coming.
Also since I've been homebound, I'm a target for babysitting and tutoring. One disadvantage of this family project is that I don't get to watch my programs. So I've been saturated with cartoons, having only one TV.
I have caught up on some reading. One interesting book is “Lord, Change Me” by Evelyn Christenson. Don't know whether the library has it or not, but it's worth checking out.
Sympathy to the family of "Doober" Miller.  He was in my high school classes; a very likeable fellow.
I attended the "Women of Faith" monthly meeting last Saturday at Allen's Chapel Methodist Church. Luanna Tollett, the minister's wife invited me. I knew the Tolletts when we lived in Crossville.
Several folks visited their families during the holiday season. Dr. Will and Jen, Nate and Jim Sherwood visited her mother, Susie Lewis, in Phoenix, AZ.
My good friend, Faye Nixon of Alexandria and her son, Steve, visited his daughter Jordon and Zack Eason and their children, Josh and Megan, in Prattville, Alabama during the holidays.
I met the nicest people during the holidays right here in Smithville. I met Bill and Frances Northcutt at the Cumberland Insurance breakfast, then I met Jeremy and Jennifer Hatfield, Dayzion, Jacey and Aaron at church one Sunday.  
Remember to register your children, ages five-12, for the Children's Etiquette Workshop starting Feb. 1 for four Saturday mornings. Call Becky at 597-4961 to register.  
Had a gentleman to call me today and say that he would sponsor a child if they couldn't afford it. Great to hear from the men as they realize the importance of good manners.
Happy birthday for the first half of January to: Ethan Judkins, Jeanenne Pettis, Myra Hale, Danny Poss, Debbie Stribling, Marshal Evins, Martha Cooper, Edie Beth Evins, Larry Tatum, Randy Johnson, Kiana Driver, Jim Sherwood, Beth Pafford, Jack Anderson and Benjamin Waggoner.
Belated Christmas joke: Why does Santa have three gardens? (Give up???) Answer: So he can hoe, hoe, hoe.!!!!
Laugh, love and stay warm. Amen.