Since we were so busy with the festival we're a week behind with some of our news. We appreciate Rev. Albert Huyck giving the welcome remarks at the fall festival in the absence of Richard Gammon who had to attend a cousin's funeral in Warner Robins on the day of the festival. Celebrating birthdays the first weekend in November were Sanders (Bo) Rhodes and Kathy Johnson. The Rhodes family had a low country boil on Friday night to celebrate these birthdays. Barbara and R.C. Oakley of Hamilton, Albert Junior, and Carolyn Rhodes of McDonough, and Betty Reese of Washington were the out-of-town siblings who attended. Another birthday was celebrated last Thursday night. Ashley and Shaun Cox had Ashley's father, Gene Bohler, over to have dinner with them for his birthday. Amy and Jimmy Harkins, Samantha and Nicklaus joined them. On November 4, Myrline and Jerry Thornton went to Auburn, Ala., to see the Auburn vs. Arkansas State football game. Myrline's son, Jack Thornton, was once a member of the Auburn football team. Visiting Dave and Tody Derrick for the weekend were their granddaughters, Lauren and Sara Ashe of Greenville, S.C.; Granddaughter Sallie Derrick of Athens joined them Sunday for the day. We are sorry to hear that Nita Riley has fallen and broken her collarbone and also had emergency gall bladder surgery. She is now home from the hospital. Take care, Nita. You are in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. Here in the Deep South, we call people from North Carolina and Tennessee "mountaineers," or "from them there hills." Well, it seems they have names for us, too, such as "flatland touristers," or "leaf peepers." The Independence United Methodist Church of Tignall will be having a family advent festival on Saturday, December 2, from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. Everyone is welcome, so put that on your calendar. Kay and Alex Tyler attended their grandson Caleb's soccer game Saturday. Then they, along with Mr. and Mrs. Greg Tyler and children, went to Demorest and stayed in a cabin for the weekend. They attended a bazaar in Clarkesville on Saturday afternoon. This was celebration for Kay Tyler's birthday. I won't say how old she is, but she's no spring chicken! Kay visited Ruth Dunaway in Winder before they left for their weekend trip. Pam and Larry Pullen and Christine Burton traveled to Pensacola, Fla., to see Arthur Standard, Christine and Almond Standard's brother. He has been in intensive care for several weeks and is not doing well. Let's hope their visit helped him.