Kathy Williams

Out in the country, we tend to know our neighbors. I've got some great ones, although we don't get together enough to visit. I was wondering who had moved in the pretty new house and had been building such a cheerful yard of roses and trees and hanging baskets.

Just as I was passing the far side of the yard, I noticed there was a woman in a big sunhat and she had waved at me. I drove past but realized I hadn't returned her gesture. I went back to her house. And what a good thing that turned out to be.

Welcome to the neighborhood Bonnie. She always seems to be in a good mood, and her yard looks better ever day. Thursday I was not feeling particularly upbeat. Then I saw Bonnie and her smile as bright as the sun. I smiled and waved and it put me on a high note the rest of the day.

It's so simple, isn't it? A smile, a wave, a brighter day.

Happy birthday Friday to John Wright, Rachel Sewell, Kayne Swinger, Geneva Mitchell, David Ward and David W. Davis, all of Denison; Ruby Lytle, Gene Burpo, Linda Akers, Judy Hughes, Joe Bodie, Eva Bell Lacy, Carol Green, Monique Davis, Alice Widham and Judy Hughes, all of Sherman; Tristen Arrington of Gunter; Cheryl Hickman of Southmayd; Jacob Rominger of Bells; Candace Jones of Ravenna; Marion Craddock of Farmersville.

Happy anniversary Friday to Ralph and Mary Hoefer of Denison, 54 years; Cliff and Sharon Mayo of Sherman, 24 years.

Happy birthday Saturday to Phil Williams, Jennie Hill, David Hopewell, Susannah Aston Crosthwaite, Javmyn Fletcher, Roy Worthington III, and Bryan Ward, all of Sherman; Paula D. Blevins of Dallas; Glenda Mayberry of Bloomfield, Ind.; Cody Branham of Bells, and Mae Parker of Colbert, Okla.

Happy anniversary Saturday to Bill and Tina Jones of Sherman, 45 years; Gerald and Francine Hickox, 45 years, Charlie and Danielle Bateman, 10 years, of Howe; Guy and Tanya Bailey of Savoy, 17 years; Matthew and Jammie Marvin of Denison, 5 years.