July 4th was Independence Day, the birthday of our great country. On this day, family and friends gather for grilling, swimming, eating watermelon, making homemade ice cream and visiting. Hopefully your day was a special and safe one. Some activities were interrupted by late afternoon showers. It rained here. Late afternoon, I could hear fireworks popping all around and into the night.
The 4th for me was different this year. My day was rather quiet, being home. I enjoyed watching DVD's in my recliner where it was cool and dry. I went on a cruise to Alaska and Branson, MO. Ha! Ha!
To tell the truth, I watched a DVD Jason made for me using pictures of our group and the beautiful scenery on the cruise the summer of 2007. The other DVD was a show we saw in Branson several years ago. It was called "The Presley's". I went on a trip with Ms. Linda and Ms. Wilda. By the way, it was next to being there; and also, it didn't cost me a dime. I also enjoyed popcorn and other treats while I watched the tube. Going on a "Free" trip is fun! You might want to try it.
My son Bryan celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, July 7th. I prepared a good supper for him. He also enjoyed a piece of carrot cake I had made the night before. The Sunday before his birthday, I treated him to buffet lunch at Sugar Shack on the River.
Mac Edwards also celebrated his 13th birthday on July 7th. I saw his grandmother Jan in town and she was getting him a birthday cake. I sent him a birthday treat. Word was he had a great birthday celebration.
Since I've had squash, I've been creating some new dishes. You would be surprised the many ways they can be prepared.
Happy July birthday to the following: Quinesha D. Johnson, Rebeca Rosemary Ingram, Diane Brock, Claire McGuire, Brantley Cole Barber, James Ray Burch, Keith Fussell, Emma Payne Cutrer, Josephine Duncan, Lynn Duncan, Sheila Scott, Briley Painter, Breanna Shell, Robert Sttafford, Jonathan Beall, Robert Stricklan, Johnny Stricklan, Sankera Bickham, Sadie Smith, Natalie Johnson, Markiah LeAnn Daniels, Elijah Lillie, Rajon Covington, Nash Haggard, Buck Givens, Michael Foley, Steven Tate, Davin Hodges, Deandre Warren, Kamryn Huval and Rehanna Jalyn Catchings.
My dear friend and Era Leader community correspondent Christella Lee Brown's birthday was July 16th. I sure do miss her. Happy heavenly birthday to Christella.
I was thinking about Rick Shilling on July 15th being his birthday. He was a special guy and we miss having him around. I sure do miss his phone calls, going out to eat and his great sense of humor. We also had fun playing bingo at the apartment. Every time I think of strawberry cake, I'm reminded that it was his favorite. Happy heavenly birthday Rick. We love and miss you.
We have several on the prayer list. Join us in praying for all the needs in our community and surrounding area.
Please pray for my Aunt Jeanine Knight's family. She passed away Saturday, July 11th. Thank you for your prayers.
Signing off for now - Keep on smiling - I'll visit with you next time - Prayerfully Nell.
