. Happy February! Also, Happy belated birthday to my sweet neighbor, Karan Newsome, and my dear friend, Lindley Callaway. Both of these ladies celebrated their day on Wednesday, January 25. I hope you both had a relaxing, blessed day. .My family is thankful for Mary Kate’s safe return from her drive out to California last week. She and her friend Page Rivers of Barnesville, Georgia, departed on Saturday, January 21. During their trip, they traveled through beautiful cities including Birmingham, Alabama; Tupelo, Mississippi; Little Rock, Arkansas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Albuquerque, New Mexico. They drove through a range of rough weather, including heavy rain storms in the South, dust storms across the plains, and snow in Albuquerque. They arrived at Camp Pendleton on Monday, January 23, and spent the following day visiting friends who are in the Wounded Warriors unit at the naval hospital. Mary Kate finally got her hamburger from In-N-Out Burger that she has been desperately wanting! She flew out and arrived home Wednesday, January 25. .Mrs. J.B. “Annis” Saxon and Mrs. Herman Bradley of Hodges, South Carolina, spent Wednesday, January 25, with Mrs. Carl Sisson. Joining them for lunch were Mr. and Mrs. Gene Winfrey, who brought vegetables and other homemade delights, and Mrs. Tommy Wheatley, who had brought lunch fixings earlier and joined them during her lunch break. The cousins, Betty, Barbara, and Gloria, kept mothers and husbands from the kitchen and dining room, as they, amidst much laughter, prepared and served the meal. They also cleaned up afterwards, which Mildred appreciated greatly. .J.W. and Bonnie Boatwright visited Martha Jones in Bogart on Friday, January 27. Frankie Jones joined them during their visit. Connie Boatwright Gamble of Augusta spent Friday night with Martha Jones. Martha has recovered nicely from the bug that ailed her last week and is doing well after her chemotherapy treatments. .Maebrynn, Kelly, and I enjoyed a visit from Holly Treadway and her son, Terry-Lee, on the evening of Friday, January 27. Holly and Terry- Lee were so sweet to bring candy to share with Maebrynn, Wes, and McKenzie. .Liz Spooner traveled to Atlanta with “teacher friends” on Friday, January 27. They enjoyed dinner at Loco’s Bar and Grill before attending the Blake Shelton/Justin Moore concert. She said it was the best concert yet (but she obviously was not with us for Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean)! All of the ladies had a great time. . On Sunday, January 29, Pastor Jim Newsome shared the message, “A Transformed Life” with the congregation at Sardis Baptist Church. Joyce Fry led the congregation is song, accompanied by Pam Hall on the piano. The children joined Pastor Jim at the altar for a message before joining Angela Armour in the annex for children’s church. A large crowd was in attendance, and everyone enjoyed a covered dish meal following the service. Tables were decorated with blue cloths; yellow buttercup bouquets picked by Monica Gunter and Bryson Porter adorned the tables as well. Charles Boatwright was able to join his family, and Peggy Walker brought guests. Kevin and Tiffany Lamar had guests with them also. Among other guests in attendance were Kate Orr Messer, Michelle Mike, Azeria and Jordan. .Maebrynn and I joined Kelly, Pat and Bardahl Armour, and Ruby Chafin for Sunday dinner at the home of Fred and Jeannie Velazquez, Colt and Alena. . Mike Wheatley will speak at Beaverdam Baptist Church next Sunday, February 5. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. Worship service follows at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited to these and to all services at Beaverdam. .Please continue to keep the following and their families in prayer and thought: Arnold Adams, Donna Bailey, Charles Boatwright, Mozelle Casey, Ruby Chafin, Taylor Echols, Thelma Favor, Bobby Lamar, Douglas Mathews, and Norris Ware. Also, please remember the family of Lois Nunn during their time of grief following her passing. May brighter days be ahead for all listed, as well as the rest of our neighbors and friends.