It has been so good to meet many of you in person over the years, especially, at Shenandoah County Heritage Day. This next year 2011 we will focus on Toms Brook and surrounding area which is not far from my home. There are so many more stories and happenings that I would like to share with you all. I wrote the post about blessings and family reunions very quickly this pm. Now, I know that I left out so really special people and happenings. First, we lost our daughter-in-law, Robin's little grammy, Betty Guest, this year. She was a "Yankee" transplant here. Originally, she was from Long Island, NY. Then she and her late hubby were snowbirds living in FL. She was widowed, and lived down there alone until she lost her home to Hurricane Charlie when it came through Port Charlotte several years ago. Her family moved her to Woodstock, and Robin took care of her needs. She died at the Skyline Terrace Nursing Home in Woodstock. Grammy was my friend, and enjoyed going to the county library with me when she was well enough. I feel so bad that I didn't include her in my previous post. Her ashes lie buried in the yard next door where the family planted a tree in her honor. Another good friend I lost this year was my high school classmate, Patricia "Tootsie" Rutz Holly, from the Strasburg High School Class of 1963. We served together on the class reunion committee. Tootsie was a clown, and had the kindest heart. She grew up down in Posey Hollow a few miles south of Strasburg. A couple weeks ago I drove down past her home, and turned onto Bethel Road which follows right along the river. She and her sister, brothers and cousins swam there. I thought so much about her that day as I taking photos of the sycamore trees. I found the little church she attended as a child and where she was baptized. I always envied Tootsie, her sister and all their girl cousins as they had each other for friends. My sister is much older, and I had only boys to play with in the lower end of Fort Valley until I was in high school. We were more isolated down where we lived. It was six miles to the nearest country store. Another death that hit me hard this year was that of my friend, Patsy Bauserman. She was the kindest lady member of the Valley Pike Church of the Brethren. We lost two members of our Bible Study at Antioch, also, Elaine Mowery and Charles "Doc" Mowery. I'm sure I've left out some others, but will think about that tomorrow. So much of this year I shared alone with my memories. I like solitary fellowship, but now I hope to share more with this forum. Later, Nancy Good friends are like stars..... ....You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.