By Christa Hedrick

Good day everyone! What did you do for Father's day? Did you make Dad feel really special this year?

I hope you are enjoying the summer so far. We have had some beautiful weather, haven't we? It is good to see the crops in the fields and the wheat being harvested. For a while I wasn't sure the fields were ever going to dry out.

Ms. Cleta Simmons had company recently. Two of her nieces just happened to be in the area at the same time. Carolyn Moore and her husband Bill drove this way from McKenzie, TN and Marilyn Lancher came from Springfield. I know she enjoyed that visit.

Candy Hill spent a few days in Rector lining up all the contractors to remodel her new home. My friends and I welcomed her to the neighborhood by peering into her window. Yeah, I guess she sort of thinks she has some weird neighbors. I can't really deny that either. Anyway, Candy, we are looking forward to you and your kitties finally settling in.

Jessie Malin and Cathy Louder made a sad trip to Rogers to attend the memorial of Cooper Mack. Cooper was the son of John and Harriet Mack and was only 26 years old. Our sympathies go out to John and Harriet and Cooper's brother, Hunter. Also to his grandmother, Anne Mack and Jenny Mack Harmon and her husband Harry and Mary Mack Norton and her husband, Bob.

I also want to say good-by to Roger and Linda Armstrong. I wish them a wonderful, fulfilling time at their next church home. We will miss you.

I had company this past week too. My brother-in-law, Larry Cooke and his wife Suzy and their beautiful golden retriever, Ember spent a few days with us.

Thursday evening while Ember and my two darling canines were still getting acquainted, they failed to alert us to the fact that a huge flock of pink flamingos landed in our front yard. Yes, folks. We have been flamingoed! I feel so special.

In case you aren't aware, the Methodist Youth send this flock around during the summer to earn funds for their mission trips. It is a really fun way to annoy your favorite neighbors. Let's keep them going around!

I had a very nice note from Sherrie Mosley. Thank you, Sherrie, for your kind words. If what you read in this column feels like a letter from home, I have accomplished by mission. Now, send me information on yourself that I can pass on.

On Friday, Lane, Paula, Larry, Suzy and I drove down to the Louisiana Purchase State Park. That is somewhere you should visit, if you haven't. It is a beautiful natural park in the middle of a swamp and is full of history. See the spot where the Louisiana Purchase was signed. There is also a host of swamp critters who manage to stay just out sight. It is beautiful. You should go.

We had planned to spend some time in Helena too, but a late start and an unexpected detour put us in Helena too late to visit the museums, but we did walk on the levee and we will definitely make another trip to Helena and surrounding areas soon.

Ron and Nancy Kemp had a family weekend. There were granddaughters everywhere celebrating Father's Day, Grandfather's Day and, Maggie Wimberley's FIRST Birthday! Maggie, her big sister, Anna (age four) and their parents, Neal and Ashley Wimberley came in from Little Rock. Maggie's cousin, Mary Claire Kemp (10 months), and her parents, Jonathan and Valerie Kemp came from Heber Springs, and Ron's mom, Maxine Kemp, came from Arkadelphia. Surrounded by three beautiful little granddaughters, Ron declared it the best Father's Day ever

Billy Burt Bracken is in the hospital and we all want to wish him well. Also Karen Nutt and Mae Ruth Harden. We will soon welcome Becca Simmons mother to Rector. We can look forward to that.