RAINY DAY

Blessed, cooling rain. The thunder sounds to comforting, like a mother mumbling to her children, giving us a refreshing time, saying that she loves us and it will be okay. That background voice like you hear in the Charlie Brown cartoons.  Not exactly sure what she's saying, but the voice is there. Really, the voice of God.

Last night I went through the clothes that were hanging in the attic and got a boxful for Sher, many more pieces for Women on Mission (need to find out where to take them), and several summer tops and capris I have not had time to look for this year. I did make some progress. Paul said the attic has "a lot of stuff" in it. Yes...

I finally finished my last library book I had checked out: The Saturday Big Tent Wedding by Alexander McCall Smith, one of the No. 1 Detective Agency books. They are so soothing and quietly philosophical. Precious Romatswe is a wonderful character, as they all are. So this will be the last book read from our wonderful Cross County Library. One of the first things I want to do is get a library card at the Iuka Library. (I worked there summers and some during high school - the librarian then, Mrs. Anne Byrd, recently passed away at 96! She was a wonderful boss.)

Norma called yesterday on her way, with some others from the office, to Cindy Holland's sister-in-law's visitation and funeral. She was Cindy's husband John's sister. I had seen the obituary, but I didn't connect the families. I had not even dressed for the day (meaning still in pjs) when she called.

Supposed to be going down to the Woodruff office to get boxes (time for them to mail bills and always have nice boxes), so need to get up and get motivated. Think I'll stop and get some donuts...

COUNTDOWN

Saturday when I got back to Wynne I went straight to bed for a nap, then to Forrest City for Donna's visitation. I'm so glad I came home. It seemed surreal, though. Still hasn't completely registered that she is not with us any more.  But - she is with Jesus and that is the comfort.  Carolyn was sick and not able to go to either visitation or the funeral (Sunday) and Norma had just pushed herself till she could hardly go, also taking medication for bronchitis and/or laryngitis. It is so good to have friends to hold onto in bad times, and hold we did, literally. The slideshow had many pictures of us girls together at Woodruff, along with Donna's family and other friends, times we would all go out to eat, Christmas parties, Goodie Days at work, "just because" I or one of us had a camera in hand.  One of Donna and me with identical tops on we wore the same day... Sunday  there was hardly sitting room in the chapel (Morgan's), but it was a beautiful service.  I just about lost it when the lady sang "Beaulah Land," which was sung at her husband Evertt's funeral. We went on to the cemetery at Palestine where Evertt, her first husband is buried.

Norma, me, Donna, Becky, at Donna's retirement party. The swing was one of her retirement gifts.

Christmas party at Mike's, 2008; Donna is third from right in red shirt

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Christmas at Mazzio's, 2008 or '09; Donna just behind Santa's right, in red sweater.

When we get settled again, I'll have to look back at the really old pictures. She worked at Woodruff 35 years and retired in 2007, so we were together quite a long time, as most of us have been fortunate enough to have been.

Paul and I are going to Iuka this weekend, and Oscar, but not the cats. They'll be fine for two days. I don't want to hear Tommy's crying!

The thermostat (Iuka) was installed and it made a huge improvement! John C added a little freon and taped up a hole in the old unit casing. We know it'll have to be replaced soon; that's on our growing to-do list. The house there is looking more liveable than this one, although it isn't too bad, just getting that vacated look.

We've had so many well wishes and we're greatful for so many wonderful friends here. You don't live in a city for 42 years and not be sad to leave the people. Wynne is wonderful; Arkansas is wonderful. We've lived here 2/3 of our lives! I visited with Shelby yesterday, my Sunday School teacher, and told her that God "put the solitary (us) in families" - all our church family, our many friends from school, Woodruff, city and state friends and acquaintenances. It has been a blessing and a privilege for us to be here and for Wynne to put their trust and faith in Paul to govern the city for twelve-plus years. I'm amazed to look back and see God's hand so graciously providing and blessing us. And it has been grace - unmerited favor. Who would have thought two little Mississippians from that quiet little town would be so fortunate?  Okay, I can't do this. I can't and won't say "goodbye!" Just - until next time.

I will continue the blog; and thank you all so much for taking time out of your lives to check on ours...  We love you.

SURPRISES!

I won a summer goodie bag from Hairjazz! When I was there last week I put my name in for the drawing, and Marcie called to tell me I'd won! I picked it up today and it is some nice Merle Norman products in a pretty "flip flop" fabric bag. I'm sure Marcie made the bag; I forgot to ask. She wasn't there when I picked it up.  I hardly ever win anything - and in the last couple of months I benefited from Amy's prize at Piggly Wiggly ($48 grocery card) and the prize today!

One day when I was packing I came across this lovely blast from the past.  All of us Woodruff girls in probably 1970, when Forrest City celebrated its centinniel. Front, seated, L-R: Ernestine Lindsey, Carolyn Henley, Cheryl Neeley. Standing L-R: Judy Stotts, Teri Daniels Jackson, Polly Jones, Juanita Lindley, Carol Banton, Pat Nichols, Sue Cullum, Maxine Thornton, Bertha Ragle, Nell Sanders, Dorothy Brawner, Ida Whittle Drury. The bonnets hardly fit some of our hairdos!

Of the fifteen, five have died. My goodness, that's one-third... Only one of these ladies is still working at Woodruff: Carolyn Henley (middle front, seated). She really deserves a prize!

MORE SNOW

It's becoming a white world once again.  I went to Forrest City this morning for Carolyn's birthday lunch and it began just after I got there. By the time I got back home around 1:00, yards and trees were practically covered and now our whole back yard is white.  It's beautiful. I stopped and got the ever-essential milk and some Little Debbie Smores (habit-forming), so I'm set.  Paul's truck was at City Hall; I know he had some meetings unless they've been cancelled by now. But the roads are okay.  Amy had a call to go to Memphis so I hope she doesn't have any trouble getting home. She should be home before it starts freezing on the overpasses.

While I was at the office, Wesley gave me this neat website that our church music minister has: Wynne Music. David is very organized, enthusiastic, worshipful, and people-oriented.  The first time I met him I felt as if I'd known him always.

There is some laundry to fold. I think I can just manage that before I go snuggle under a quilt with a book.

BECKY JOINS THE CLUB!

Last night was Beck's retirement party "girls only," and we had such a good time. It was also her birthday, so she had a double big bash. So happy for her! (Billy stayed, visited, and presented Beck with her retirement gift. Lisa M graciously took our group picture.) Some are WECC alum, some still working, some relatives and friends. "Her Group!"

(More pictures on Facebook, Kodak link.)

KIDZ CAMPS

Our church has been hosting Kidz Camps (like Backyard Bible Clubs) in the evenings this week. I missed Tuesday because I'd spent the night with Amy. Our site is the big lot with the huge shade tree across from the football field; Paul's site is the park across from where we used to live on Cottonwood. We've had about 18-24; he said they'd had about 30. There are 13 sites throughout the city and they've really been lots of fun, even thought it's been so hot. I don't think the kids even notice, nor some of the adults - they play kick ball before we get started! I really haven't done a lot - but it's been a great experience and the kids love it. When the Bible story is being told, they are very attentive. There have been several young dads helping, too. Our women's class was paired with a young men's class (teens) and we've had plenty of workers. The organizers did a great job. I'm just glad I could hold a card last night with one of the Bible verse words on it. "Look, the lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29

HOT ENOUGH ALREADY!

The 10-day forecast does show a bit cooler next week, and I'm so glad, 'cause I'm planning another trip to Iuka! Bren runs into everybody at Walmart there, and she and another cousin of mine talked this week - Lynda - I think second cousin. Also Mitzi, a cousin who is also Bren's sister-in-law, will be there next weekend. Edwina's thrilled I'm coming and we're hoping we can have lunch together one of the days I'm there. Who knew this would be the Cousin Summer! It's great!

VEHICLE REPAIR DAY

My Explorer battery went dead last night - I was going to leave the Kidz Camp and head home, and it wouldn't turn over. Two of the guys there jumped it off. Paul had it seen about this morning and - yep - new battery. His truck had been making a weird noise so it was next on Joe's list - both brakes on the back! OK, so this is more than "threes." This is the fourth major repair we've had in the last three weeks or so.

LUNCH

Norma called late morning and said they were going to Mike's to eat lunch, so I met her, Carolyn and Wesley there. Becky was off today. Becky has only about three more weeks to go! It was great seeing the "gang" and catching up - new babies in the Co-op family. Two new arrivals and another on the way. Learned that another of our retirees is in the nursing home! His diabetes had gotten out of control, had to be hospitalized and now is having to learn to walk again! Another had been off three months with an injured arm (I forgot to ask how). Vera had surgery several weeks back, too, and is still off recuperating. One of the guy's mom passed away; Beck had emailed me about that.

The Gang Was All There; Happy Retirement, Sharon!

Paul and I went to Mike's last night to help Sharon Wingo celebrate her retirement - the south dining room was reserved for us and we had a great time!

Sharon looked rested and happy to see everyone and said she is enjoying being retired too! Cindy and Carolyn had the honoree's table decorated with a beautiful cake and pink and white azalea blossoms. The office gave Sharon a beautiful diamond cluster necklace, and she received other pretty gifts as well. I got her a book (Francine Rivers' Her Mother's Hope), and a book of puzzles, crosswords, etc.

We got caught up on family news: Jim and Kathy Cook and family's cruise; Mollie and Wesley brought baby Kaylin, who laughed, waved and said, "Hi!"; Mark's updates on what has been happening in data and this interesting site on YouTube; this production will be in Memphis at the FedEx Forum in May, I believe. Donna Tarbutton was home after a visit to her daughter's in Arizona (and she brought me a cute kitty mug). Her grandson will be visiting in the summer for about a month; he's seven. I didn't get to talk to Norma much; she was on the other side of the U in the tables. Ruby and Syl were there; Danny from Moro. Now if I try to remember everyone I'll leave someone out - anyway, it was a great party. We "old-timers" are dwindling down there; what will they do without us???

Retirement Party

Most of the office folks gave a party for me last night at Mike's. Many of their spouses came, also. It was so good seeing them, even after just a week! We had such a good time, too. More pictures later. I wanted this picture larger, but it gets "digital" when I increase the size. I had already cropped it, why it's so small. Wonderful group of folks.

Not in the Plans...

I went to the doctor this morning, and before last night around 8:00, I had no intention of going. But I seemed to develop a full-blown UTI. Chills, backache, all that... Slept fitfully, not warm. I called for an appointment this morning and fortunately my doctor was in today and I could see him before noon.

First week of retirement, and already in the doctor's office.

I missed seeing Dave Brown (Channel 5 Memphis weather man) speak at Keenagers today. Polly had called this morning, also Charlene and I missed both calls. Maybe next month I can go for the meeting and program. I got to hear Mr. Brown a few years ago at EACC when he spoke there. I called Polly this afternoon and Keenagers meets the second Thursday around 10:30 for potluck. I've always enjoyed being with older people - and now I'm one of them!! I'm sure some of them can outdo me any day, though.

Tonight I'm going to meet office folks at Mike's for a supper/party for moi! Gosh, I've missed them, and it's just been a week! Wish Paul had been here to go, and Amy may or may not get to be there. But that's okay; I think the "big" one will be later. Then I slowly fade into the background... I called my former boss this afternoon and he had heard "rumors" he said. He and his wife are both 86 and were at our Christmas party last month. He was and is a great gentleman and was a very good boss. Co-op gets in your blood, I guess; electricity gets in your veins. There's nothing like working at a utility and electric cooperatives are some of the very best places to work. I was very blessed when we moved here to get a job there so fast, and able to return the time I left, too. But you know in your head and your heart when it's time to let things go, and I'm glad we were able to go into the next "phase" of life. (No pun intended...)

It Is So Cold!!

More snow last night and a beautiful sight this morning. The streets were fine to drive on and I made it to work okay. We got to leave an hour early this afternoon anticipating the re-freeze on the highways and Carolyn Hayes rode home with me. I walked Oscar. We did it lickety-split and he got his business done pronto. I was so wary of the icy spots and thankfully avoided the slick places. I felt sorry for his little paws, but I can imagine how he'd react to little doggie boots.

One afternoon in the near future I'll be given a little drop-in party at work. I know most of my family won't be ble to come because of the distance, and that's okay. It'll be a good time to visit and say goodbyes to my other "family" and friends. I wasn't too keen on it, but the more I thought about it, the more I really wanted to. It's a special time in anyone's life - a milestone; and having been on the "other" side many times, I know people do want to help celebrate.

I signed my "official" papers today and should be on my way to membership in that "elite club" of retirees! I knew that one day I'd get here by God's grace and it feels great, and humbling at the same time. Imagine working in the same place for going on 40 years! Longevity in itself is an accomplishment these days, and I'm thankful I made it! Paul said his life is going to change - he just has no idea! lol (January 6)

Our field representative from NRECA who administers our insurance and pension plans is coming by tomorrow. I've worked with Dave through the years and he's been a great help to me many times. I consider him and Chris, his wife, very good friends. It'll be good to see him and the timing couldn't be better.

Today was my nephew Benjamin's birthday and I called him. He was 23! I asked if he got a cake and he said he did. He was at Mike and Marsha's, his mom and dad's.

Have been thinking about Sue's Silly Saturday over at Blackberry Creek Home Arts. When I have more time, I'll check into it. I should have a little more time now. Like Monday. I probably will feel "full speed" for a while, till I realize I can actually slow down and have time to be! It will be loverly.

Par-tees!

Charlene had the "TB's" over yesterday for breakfast - it was a quick breakfast as I had to go on to work - but lots of fun and laughter all the same. We each spent no more than a dollar on gifts for each other, which is also fun; and brought snacks to go along with the spice cake, pigs 'n blankets, juice and coffee Charlene prepared. You can get great bargains and useful gifts for a dollar and have a good time exchanging them! Oh, these girls - we've been friends for many years and I'm thankful for them. Charlene's home was decorated for Christmas and looked so lovely - Darlene decorated over the last year or so that Charlene and Bill have lived in town, and it was done so tastefully. Carol, Charlene, Jean, moi.



Last night was Woodruff's Christmas party and I didn't make quite as many pictures as usual; I just sort of sat back and looked, visited with most folks, especially the retirees. Mr. Carpenter and Miss Mildred were in from Booneville (he came by the office after they arrived in town; she visited her friends she'd known for years from church and the community). Wesley, Mollie and Kaylin were there and Cindy was very handy with the baby - they both enjoyed each other's company. Carolyn and TR sat across from us, as well and John and Cindy. Johnny Criss from Moro won a Crock Pot. Maybe we'll hear that he used it over the holidays...

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Beck and I both have been Mr. C's secretary. I started in 1969 and then later worked pretty much in benefits, which I'd also done as his secretary. Benefits became HR, and Beck was his secretary from 1990 until he retired in 2003. We both think the world of him and his family. Their granddaughter Kelly Jane is already 10! Quite some folks when Miss Mildred can drive four hours at ther age - 86!

Visiting with Sharon in the lobby. The trophy is one that Woodruff's float was awarded in one of the parades.

John and Cindy. She has a priceless laugh! If you don't even know what's funny and hear her laugh, which we do often, you just have to laugh, too!

Cindy and Kaylin.

TR and Carolyn. She's helped me so much in the cashier's drive-through, as have all the billing office folks.

Johnny and his prize. I have one like this, and it's a nice one. (Mine was a gift, too.)

Me and Paul.

After the party, Paul and I drove by Beck and Wally's house, which he'd decorated with a gazillion lights! And it's beautiful, reflected on the lake. When it comes to Christmas decorations, Wally reminds me very much of Sparky - he loves Christmas! I got out of the truck and put the camera on the hood of it for balance, they saw us stopped across the way and yelled at us - we exchanged the greeting and I flashed the camera a couple of times. The last house is Tommy and Pam's. He's our billing supervisor. Again we stopped and I steadied the camera on the truck hood - when will I ever have time to learn all the things about my new camera????

So after all the partying, it was Friday once again, and I was soooo tired all day. Paul has gone to a basketball game at the high school, I've had a hot shower and used handfuls of Curel lotion, Christmas Vacation is on sort of in the background, Oscar is lounging in the recliner, and the Christmas lights are blinking. I talked to Amy earlier and she was snugged in, too.

Girls' Night!

Woodruff girls had their Christmas party at Mazzio's tonight, with an unexpected visit from that "jolly old elf" himself - Santa! We all took gifts and played Dirty Santa. I had Cindy going for a while because I had a high number and I took her snowmen figure! But... I gave it back to her. She opened my chocolate I swapped her and shared it all around before I could give her snowmen back! But there was plenty and I have been hitting the chocolate pretty heavy lately, so I was glad she opened it. And Paul loves Turtles, too.

Two of the retired ladies came - Donna standing 4th from left and Ruth standing 4th from right. Ruth's daughter Beth got the prized place on Santa's knee. She's been having some health problems and we all wish her the best and pray the doctors soon diagnose the trouble. We missed Kay, Rachel (another retiree), Lisa from Barton, Carolyn #2, and Mickey. Kay's mother had a house fire which was pretty bad, and although didn't burn completely, the smoke damage made it a complete loss. Most of us have been there many, many years, and we are indeed a family who cares about each other, having been through weddings, births, deaths, illnesses, and other "challenges" with one another. We are, left to right: (front) Danielle, Lisa, Santa (of course!), Beth, Norma; (standing) Cindy, Carolyn, Ruby, Donna, Becky, Sharon, Vera, Ruth, London, Norma, me.

Love you all, girls. And thanks, Santa, whose middle initials are WOD, for your surprise visit!

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For a really lovely Christmas card, go here - someone sent this to me and I thought I'd pass it on. Turn up the sound...

What a Day Holds

She is my and Sher's friend from Alabama whom we knew about 45 years ago, Diane's aunt, but very near the same age. Sher let me know today that her (Carolyn's) husband died, shortly after retiring and after they'd bought a travel trailer or RV, and made one trip to Florida. And he died. She didn't say when, but recently, since April anyway, since Diane's mother's funeral where we saw them.

Isn't it amazing how those childhood friendships are just there forever, even if you don't see the people for decades? There's a connection, grounded in innocence, vulnerability, exploration of life, and fun times. I was so sorry to hear this; and they have an adult child with a lifelong health problem they've managed all these years. I'm glad Diane and Carely Fay have each other and are such close friends. I plan to get in touch with Carolyn soon.

Today one of the girls was sick and out of the office, so I floated around from one cashier station to another and got quite a bit of scanning done to boot. Beck said those who wanted to take the H1N1 flu shot could do so this Thursday (day of the WECC's Christmas party). I'm almost afraid to, but really afraid not to, as sick as I was several years ago - flu or not - I think they've always helped me be less sick with URI, colds, in the winter. Several had signed for it. Tomorrow night we "girls" will have our party at Mazzio's.

I mailed Miss Martha C's banana nut bread to her today. It's in a nice sturdy box, so it should get there alright. I met her last week at Salinda's birthday party. I can think of two things I meant to do on my way home from work this evening, but didn't - stop by Debra T's and leave her pictures, stop at Mike's in Colt for a gift. Just add to my list for tomorrow. Paul said he'd get the Sonic gift card for me - part of a Sunday School project.

Time to sign off. Time to sleep - that beautiful state of being that God gives us for restoration and renewal.

The Week in Pictures

Thursday's Goodie Day -

Tommy (far background), Carl and London.

Carl got a good start, and this didn't include desserts!

John's smoked pork - great BBQ! Yummy!

An Elf slipped this in here!

Sharon (receptionist) will be on vacation the last two weeks of this month. This beautiful arrangement is behind her at the front desk. We'll sure miss her! - more calls for us to answer!

Becky often relieves Sharon.

Norma looks very innocent, but I think she just jabbed Cody with her fork... Or was she trying to get his dessert!?

Matthew, Mark and Glenn (thought I was gonna say Luke?) were on the same day figuring out some wiring on new hardware upgrade installations. We all did work a little that day!

Friday night - a wonderful steak supper at the Fire Department...

where good-natured jokes and pranks are carried out with the newest firefighters performing Christmas songs; Gerald directed.

The firemen's wives read a rhyming tribute to their husbands... and their ranks...

who were not immune to good-natured fun! (Elf Yourself by OfficeMax) The elves were busy this week!

Teri's aunt Alice Virginia, whose husband Elliot was a fireman - we were glad to give her a ride home - deja vu - had it already been a year since we did this??

Meanwhile, all week the rain and wind had been doing its work, stripping the trees of more leaves.

And Oscar wishes you a Merry Christmas!!

Another "Goodie" Day

It seems as if we just had Thanksgiving Goodie Day at work, but we had another one on Thursday. The only thing about this is that I refuse to go up another size pants. So. But I'll think about that next year.

Cindy's husband John brought BBQ pork that he smokes and it's wonderful - we had BBQ sandwiches, chips, dips, baked beans, hot spiced cider, brownies - a smorgasbord from talented cooks! I tried a new brownie recipe I noticed in this month's Rural Arkansas magazine - Black Forest Jumble Brownies. There was quite a bit of BBQ left and I took Paul some home for supper.

When I got home and Paul had eaten the BBQ and slaw I had taken him, and I had my bowl of cereal and a brownie - (a really healthful meal) he went with me to Wal-Mart so I could get last Saturday's pictures printed. I already had them on a CD so no editing needed there. Beth and Teddy Little and grandson Christian were using one of the machines (they were all being used) and I just got in line and visited with them. Paul came by a couple of times to check my progress. Beth had lots of pictures of their recent trip to Florida to see a new granddaughter, and I had quite a few to print.

I needed some printer ink cartridges and I found one of them; Paul found the other in the sale aisle, which means they're being discontinued I'm sure, and still not cheap. Probably next time I have to have cartridges I'll have to get a new printer. The cartridges are where the money is - the printers are inexpensive in comparison. I think I'll get a laser all-in-one next time. Color laser would be great, but depends on the cost...

Talked to sister Sher and it was "cold" in Panama City Thursday - 45 degrees. I could feel her shiver when I told her it was 21 here. Amy has been filling in for someone at a crematory and said it was much more tolerable now than in the summer... One of the cashiers (Carolyn Hayes) was off today and I was at the drive-through window. Even with a space heater, in our old building and with the drive window being so drafty, it was C O L D! We keep a big old dictionary on top of the "lid" thingy so it'll stay closed when not in use and more often than not I forget to take it off and the book gets crunched. No wonder it looks so worn!

Friday night is the fire department Christmas party and steak supper. "Admission" is toy donations or contributions to the Roger Wolf Memorial Toy Drive. We always enjoy the FD gathering - they seem to be a close-knit group, much like our linemen and servicemen at WECC. They depend on each other in dangerous lines of work. We've been at these functions twice when the fire alarm goes off and it is amazing how they command their posts and are out of the fire station in less than a minute!

Speaking of fires - one of our co-workers had a house fire this week and her mother was burned but not hospitalized I understand. Two rooms were involved, but I'm sure smoke damage was awful. Another really sad note, too, is that her two little precious dogs perished. They were her babies and she had pictures of them on her desk. We took up money for her among us.

Pictures to follow sometime this weekend, when I'm "all of one mind..."

Dawgs vs Hogs Time

I wore the sweatshirt hoodie to work today that Paul got me in Starkville when football season started. Some other folks wore their team colors, too. Outflanked by Razorbacks, but it only takes One Dawg....

Paul is leaving around 7:00 a.m. and E.T., Teri's brother, is going with him. Glad he will have some company. It's an early game (11:21 so Paul says, to be exact), and a much shorter drive from Little Rock than the others.

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It was almost too warm for the sweatshirt today, especially since this was the 20th, which is one day prior to adding penalty to bills, which is Saturday, and people come in droves to pay on the last day. I only got really stuck one time and Tommy had to get me back out of the transaction. It was fast and furious, though, and I did request a couple of people to please come inside so their account information could be looked up for them. The cars were lined up four back. (I'm new and a little slow at this, but not that slow!)

I have so much to do since I spent last Saturday in Jonesboro. Oscar needs a bath, mercy me, the whole house needs cleaned, but probably won't get to it all. Groceries. Laundry. I did notice Cordial Cottage's sign this evening on the way home that their ornaments were on sale, so I stopped and got two for the SS party and WE Girls' party. Checked off my list early. But I can only do one thing at a time. Plus Christmas cards I wanted to do early this year, and a few Thanksgiving cards (I don't send many of those), plus Sunday School lesson. But I can only do one thing at a time. Just like those cars backed up to the highway - just one at a time.

Go Dawgs!

Thanksgiving Potluck

There was a lot of (lotsa) food today at the office. The pink velvet cake was well received - one of the guys said it looked as if the corner had all that cream cheese icing and he scooped it up and then saw how thick it was! I put the icing on a sheet cake, quantity was intended for a layer cake. Everything was sooo good. When there's food around there is visiting, a little relaxed atmosphere, and interesting conversation. I think we all had a hard time staying awake this afternoon. This coconut pie came from Mike's; I believe Rhonda made it, a pecan and maybe lemon - I just couldn't get around to all of them!

Paul went to the Crossroads Coalition banquet and awards ceremony tonight. It is a ten-county organization promoting economic development in Eastern Arkansas. Woodruff received the Crossroads Coalition Regional Business Pacesetter Award. Paul said he visited Woodruff's table which was represented with eight WECC employees. Paul attended as a guest of Wynne Water Utilities. (I understand that the person filming the awards for WE did not fall asleep.)

Amy had some car trouble recently and took it in for repair - her battery needed replaced, they fixed a slow leaking tire and something else, some monitor light, but I don't remember what; and it was all under warranty. Thank You, God. Really, Thank You.

Pink Velvet Cake

I did follow the picture by picture directions and recipe in The Pioneer Woman's cookbook. I didn't read it first. One-fourth of the amount of red food coloring does not make a red velvet cake. It's pink. The little tiny bottles in the box of food coloring have 1/4 ounce each and I didn't realize that until I opened the little tiny bottle of red. My "cast of characters" ran all over the counter top as I have only a little corner by the stove that is work space. It was a wreck. But the cake baked and is cooling. The cream cheese frosting is made and waiting for the cake to cool. I hope the folks at work tomorrow don't notice how pale it is. At least it isn't out of a box. Which is okay, but the last thing I took was a mix, and I said for this potluck, why, I'll just make it from scratch! (Tip: if you use an oblong pan, it takes a little longer to cook than if baked in round pans.)