I apologize for the omission of this column last week, and a special "I'm sorry" to those who had birthdays; so a belated greeting goes to each of the following: Julie Myers, Thelma Napier, Loyd W. Luginbuel, Nell Johnston, Brittany Lipford, Abagaile Uselton, Lola Bradley, Darryl Sizemore.

Happy anniversary to Vince and Alicia Wofford, Chris and Megan Luttrell.

I hope each of you had a very happy time, with many more to follow.

Some news is really hard to report for it isn't all good news. Our niece LaVerne Pitts Sanderson passed away last week, after an extended illness. She leaves a daughter Francine, of the home, brother Charlie Pitts and sister Betty Baker, both of Siloam Springs, many nieces and nephews and a host of extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband Chuck and her parents Noah and Nellie Pitts.

LaVern grew up in the Lincoln area, and graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of '56, so probably a few will still remember her.

It looks like the clouds have "split" again, and left us with no rain. Thank goodness it isn't during hot summer.

I'm taking this way to send my heart-felt thanks to family and friends, for your love and care, your prayers, cards, calls, visits, and flowers. Now I face what is harder for me, than hard work. Doctor's orders "Take it easy."

Happy birthday to Rainy Laycox, Brian Roy, Oda Wagnon, Janet Roy, Jeannine Tucker, Elaine Jones, Janet Reed, Joyce Bradley, Dusty Chambliss, Cindy Lyons, Ammalea Barenberg, Thomas Stathkis, Linda Munyon.

Happy anniversary to Mark and Nancy Martsching.

Happy years, all!