What a change in the weather! Rainy, cool and crisp. I had to turn the heat on for my seniors. Wow! What manner of man is this? “Jesus,” that I can do all these things without permissions from anyone. He deserves all the praise and honor .

I hope everyone enjoyed the Rotary Fair in Garland last weekend; I sure did. It was work at first, but as the day passed we became more organized. I enjoyed time with my 7-year-old, who rode every ride and won toys for herself as well as her cousin. She enjoyed stopping at the booths and talking, especially to the lady with the yarn. It was a great reminder of old times. The lye soap, that was fantastic. I wonder if anyone in the area makes soap.

Thanks to all you folks who allow me to be as happy when you tell me how much you enjoy reading my article in The Sampson Independent. I feel kind of sad when I miss an article and my seniors tell me “you owe me $1.50 because I bought a paper and your article wasn’t there!”

A special hello to my friends Edna Delcie Norris, Johnnie Jackson. You all are such a blessing. When I visit y’all, I get motivated; there is never a dull moment. I love y’all!

It is so wonderful to have volunteers that can meet all my needs. Bringing folk to inform the people about voting and never mentioning a certain party or person. Thanks for all the information you gave Ms. Sheila Smith. Voting is a serious matter. Give it thought and pray about it. Be positive.

Now let’s get back into our Sampson County native strengths — wisdom and knowledge. Ms. Carissa McDaniel is still strong at 90, a great supporter of the center. She loves her church and tells you so much about Garland, including that Garland United Methodist Church was formed in 1922. It’s the smallest church in town but is still hanging in there. She gives credit for her long years of life.

All the Garland community: don’t forget the NC STEP meeting Oct. 15. Reps from Raleigh and local committee will meet seniors at the center at 2 p.m. Then the regular meeting will be at 6 p.m. There was a misquote last week. Please join us in working together things begin to happen. Think Support. Come get your cholesterol, blood sugar, pressures and much more as we welcome SCC nursing students on Oct. 18 at 9:30 a.m. Thanks Ms. Veronica Stevens and staff.

A special thanks to my family for a nice birthday week. Dinner at the Mad Boar was a blast. To be 72 is wonderful in many ways.

Words to live by: Stitch in time saves nine. Greater is he that is me than he that is in the world. It is hard to accept failure, but it’s better to fail then never to try to succeed. Words from the shade tree. Ain’t he got no common sense? Well just use your own judgment. As long as those children stay in my house they will be in church. Not an option. I love the shade tree era.

Take time and smell the roses you gather under the shade tree.