Whew! What a busy weekend. Who said that life in a small town is boring? Not true in Smithville. Most of our lives are involved with family and friends.

Saturday found a large crowd at the Methodist CFC Building to honor Betty Bailiff on her 90th birthday.

Guests were invited to write greetings on a large card with Betty's picture in the middle. Family members were there to help with the celebration. Kathyrn from Knoxville and Janis from Nashville in addition to Wendell, Sandy and Carly. Pink and white balloons decorated the tables. Punch and a large birthday cake were served to the guests. It was good to see Rev. Leland Carden and his family from Lewisburg there, a former pastor of Betty's. I have been a longtime friend of Betty's for many years. Many more birthdays, Betty!

That afternoon found another crowd at the annual meeting of the DeKalb County Farm Bureau at the

Church of Christ annex. Dan Hancock, president, presided during the meeting and introduced the present and future board members. Journalist Pettus Reed was the guest speaker which kept everyone laughing.

Gail Taylor was presented a plaque and a suitcase for her 35 years working in the office at Farm Bureau. Following the grilled hamburger and hotdog meal, the staff passed out souvenirs. Other door prizes were given out to the winners' delight.

Then Sunday morning found another crowd heading to Bright Hill Methodist Church for their annual homecoming. Regardless the attendance, the members always have a lot of food to share. According to W.J. Poss, based on his handwritten deed, the church is about 165 years old. There is some debate if this present church is on the original site. They are making good use of their fellowship building. It is a real active church with their clothes closet as one mission activity.

Sympathy to the families of James Reed Parker, nephew of Hilda and Bundy Bratten; Frank Colwell's brother, Dr. Felty Colwell, who died in Scottsville, Ky., last week; and a memorial service is scheduled for Gary Cripps later and sympathy to his family.

Get-well wishes to Hilda Meyers who fell and broke her hip, Lewis Conklin, Sarah Brown, and Charlotte Barnard. Good to see Hoyte Odom back at church.

All Headstart students should enroll for their first day on August 25. The Smithville Center is located on Kimberly Drive.

Ladies, the countdown on wearing white is close at hand. After Labor Day, white clothes and shoes should not be worn. I don't know who made this fashion rule. Duh!

Happy birthday the latter part of August to: Holly Forkner, Kelly Little, Betty Bailiff Sarah Brown, Russell Ambrose, Emme Colwell, Gianna Owens, Dakota Waggoner, Linda Judkins, Hoyte Odom, Eric Pettis, Charmaine Mitchell and anniversary wishes to Rev. Ed and Bettie Spiva in Clarksville.

Thought of the Week: Know why the car's windshield is so large and the rearview mirror is so small? Answer: Because our past is not as important as our future. So look ahead and move on.

Amen.