I would like to start off with a big Thank You for your prayers and loving concern not only for myself (Priscilla) but also for Morrison, and all the encouragement and offering to help the children out.

It has been a long two years since I fell and broke my right hip. On August 25, 2008, I went to St. Mary's Hospital in Athens to have hip replacement as the first surgery had come apart some months before and infection had set in. They had to remove the "ball," cleaned and sewed me up.

A lot took place that week in August: surgery on Monday the 25th; celebrated our 53rd wedding anniversary on Thursday the 28th; and I turned 73 on the 29th. Balloons and cards were displayed all about the room. I received 77 cards while in the hospital and many more since, all of which were greatly appreciated.

On Friday, September 5, I was transferred to Washington for swing bed, but there was no room at Wills Memorial Hospital, so I went across the street to Wilkes, now Heritage, Health Care where they had a private room to come available. They gave me tender loving care and cared for my medical needs. I was given IV around the clock for a month to take care of infection. Therapy was available for my needs. They served good food and drinks, provided activities, wonderful singers, and worship services.

I was dismissed by all my doctors and returned home - "Home, Sweet Home - on Tuesday, October 21, and have continued to have good home care and therapy.

On Tuesday, November 4, a longtime friend, Faye (Mrs. Henry) McAvoy, carried me to Athens for an appointment with my surgeon. Our daughter, Mary Jane Scarborough, who works at the University of Georgia, met us there. After x-rays and seeing the doctor I was sent to St. Mary's Hospital for blood work. That all went well, with good news. Pre-Op was set for this Thursday, with surgery on Monday, November 24, to have conversion to right total hip orthroplasty.

God really blessed us with nice pretty weather, beautiful trees, good food and fellowship, and safety, a nice outing with encouraging reports. Who could ask for more?

Faye and Henry will be married 53 years in December. They were both in our wedding in 1955.

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Phillips Mill Baptist Church's pastor, Rev. Robert Rayner, celebrates five years as pastor of Phillips Mill. There have been health problems in his family for some time, and there have been different ones to fill in on Wednesday nights and several Sundays which has been appreciated. Sunday, November 9, Rev. Jamie Callaway from the Elberton area, a former pastor in our Association, preached. He also sang a solo, "Beulah Land." The choir special was "I'm Standing on the Solid Rock." There was good attendance. ƒOur Georgia Baptist Association made history in October. The 224th annual meeting was held in three different parts of the Association - Lincolnton, the Mission Center in Washington, and Greensboro - using computer technology to transmit the meeting from the Mission Center to other locations. Those attending from Phillips Mill were Skip Padgett, Kenneth and Maria Byrd, Sherry McAvoy, and John Howard. Rev. Andy Perryman, Director of Missions, is asking for your feedback on how you liked it or not. ƒPhillips Mill Baptist Church Choir will be hosting a bridal shower for Leah Riordan this Saturday, November 15, from 12:30-2 p.m. All friends and relatives please feel welcome. Best wishes to Leah and Gary Burt upon their upcoming wedding. ƒPhillips Mill's church-wide Thanksgiving meal will be on Wednesday night, November 19, at 6:30 p.m. with a covered dish meal. You may contact Charlotte Waller for more information. ƒThen on Saturday afternoon, November 22, a fall festival will be held at Phillips Mill beginning at 3 p.m. There will be games, then hotdogs at 5 p.m. and a hayride to follow. If you would like to help in any way or need more information please see Skip Padgett and Deborah Davis. The more that take part the more fun. ƒBes Moore, music director at Phillips Mill, carried the children and youth choir to Thomson Saturday afternoon to the Old Frontier Corn Maze at a Christian Camp. Several mothers, Maria Byrd and Mary Jane Scarborough also went. ƒCongratulations to Mary Jane Scarborough for being recognized at the University of Georgia in Athens for 20 years of service. ƒRemember. God loves you.