Greetings to everyone! I have been slack in my writing for the last few weeks. I have had so much on my plate. Maybe I am catching up a little now.

I hope all of you are doing well. To my friends and residents of Southwood and Mary Gran — I miss you all — especially Edna Strickland and Delcie Norris. You ladies are my rock! I was not allowed to make visits because of the “big flu bug.” Maybe they will let me back in this week. I do hope so. I miss you all so very much. You always motivate me to go a step farther.

The Garland Senior Center enjoyed a shopping trip to Fayetteville on Tuesday. They went to the Big Dollar Store, Hammericks and Cross Creek Mall. They finished the trip with lunch at Fuellers Restaurant. On Wednesday, they enjoyed a surprise party for Bonnie Simmons. So much fun to do when you get old! Get out and enjoy it. The Basic Computer class is in full blast. If you are 65+ and would be interested in our keyboarding class, just let us know. It will start soon.

Please continue to pray for our sick. Edward McKoy will be going in for surgery on Jan. 22. There is disease and sickness everywhere. But let’s remember Jesus is everywhere, too.

It’s now the time to talk love and share as we enter the “love’ month — February’s Valentine’s Day. Mother Teresa said “Love is a fruit in season at all times and within reach of every hand.” Some people will say it’s hard to love sometimes. Audrey Hepburn once said, “Noting is impossible.” The word itself says I’m possible. Love is the greatest gift of all, so please let’s try to show more love as we go our individual ways.

Now let’s look at some remedies. You know I still love my “Woman’s Day” and “First” magazines. I get a lot of help from them. If your favorite disk starts skipping rub clear lip balm on the scratches, then buff it with a soft, clean cloth. If your shoe laces come loose often, coat them with clear lip balm and help them stay tight. If you try to remove those stickers that are such are headache, rub them with the clear lip balm and let them stand for 10 minutes then rub off. To unstick a zipper, rub it with the lip balm to loosen it without ruining your clothes. This works; I have tried it. To coax out a splinter, mix a tablespoon of baking soda and enough water to make a gooey paste. Apply it to the affected area and cover with a bandage. Leave it on for 15 minutes then gently remove the bandage. The splinter will draw to the surface for easier removal.

Volunteers are still welcome at the center. We appreciate all the folks who donate to our program. We would not be successful without our helpers.

Please watch the paper for dates of new programs.

Remember a gift is not a gift until it is given away. Love is not love until it is received. If you can help somebody as you go along, your loving will not be in vain. Smile a lot — you will have fewer wrinkles. Frowns put a lot of pressure on you skin. Laugh and love. Stay connected to the “Shade Tree of Aging” and the “Shade Tree of Friendship.” Sit a spell and enjoy the roses. Don’t forget to capture memories at every turn. Have a blessed week until next time.