Once again the landscape is changing daily. Cotton fields are going snowy white one day and picked the next. Modules are lining the fields. Corn fields have already been put to bed and soybeans are beginning to ripen. The fields are alive with farmers and field hands hustling to complete the harvest. You know what? The rest of us owe them all a word of thanks. Where would we be without our farmers?

And my goodness where would we be without politics? The current political scene is the biggest migraine I ever remember. Thank goodness the election will be over soon. I urge each of you vote and to think hard about this most important decision. Make sure you base your vote on the facts and not on misleading statements. Who can lead us out of this quagmire? Aren't we all in this world together? Let's look out for one another.

Well I know many of you have been wondering what's going on with Ms. Cleta Simmons these days. It's true she tells me she is taking life a little easier lately, but she is still entertaining. Just last week Richard and Julia Jean Combs of Jackson, TN came by for a visit. Emily Story of Kennett, MO was there too. Ms. Cleta really enjoyed visiting with them.

Georgia Sallee had an afternoon gathering last week to celebrate the completion of her new screen room. Boy is it ever lovely! Jessie Malin, Pastor Velda Bell, Candy Hill, Paula Benton, Lane Wozniak, Reno Smith and I were all there. She served hot spiced cider, dips and snacks and hot dogs with beans and cole slaw. Then we all sat around quietly discussing everything from politics to the surrounding scenery. Well maybe not so quietly. I believe someone said we sounded like a bunch of old hens. Imagine that.

Lane Wozniak also had company. Two of her school chums drove down from MI to spend a few days with her. Jean McNab from Saginaw and her sister, Sharron Wilson from Troy came in on Thursday and stayed until Monday morning. Lane took them on a tour of Rector, of course and then they headed for Piggott where they went to the Pfeiffer-Hemingway house and museum. Then they wandered through some of the gift shops and antique shops. I hear that Lane's newest little boy kitty was quite willing to entertain them while they kicked back at home. Never a dull moment here.

Saturday they headed north to Cape Girardeau for more antiquing and shopping. She let them rest up on Sunday and then had a small party in the afternoon to introduce them to the neighbors. Paula Benton, Jessie Malin, Reno Smith, Georgia Sallee, Candy Hill, Pastor Velda Bell and I were glad to entertain them for a while. I am looking forward to their next visit. Lane is too.

Speaking of Candy, I swear, every time I look out the window, there are men all over her place. First the tree cutters, then guys working on her kitchen, a repair man here and there. Now it is landscaping. Perry Morrisett and his crew are doing a great job with her yard, don't you think? Drive by and take a look. Seriously, it must make the Crow family feel good to see how lovingly she is taking care of the old homestead. It is looking good, Candy.

Friday is Halloween! Yea! I always love Halloween and it is always better when it falls on Friday. Yes I have candy for the trick or treaters, so stop by. Don't forget those high school trick or treaters. If you aren't going to be home, you can leave a bag of canned goods on the porch. Time to help the food pantry help the less fortunate.

Well, I suppose it's time to go. Thank you to everyone who shares stories with me. If you haven't shared, please do. Just give me a call or send me an email. My phone number is 595-3173 or you can drop me a note at 514 West 3rd St. My email address is: porchswing@newwavecomm.net.

Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!

VOTE!!