WHERE'S WALDO?

I HEARD IT LIVE this last Sunday, even though I was 20 miles away.

Ben, Penny and Katy Clark, along with Haley Young, put on a mini-concert at Forest Home Baptist Church. Knowing my love for their music, Marty and December Wimberley whipped out their cell phone, dialed my number and placed it on a speaker so I could hear Ben's fingers flying along the banjo strings as the sisters kept up with guitars during the final instrumental of the evening.

Oh, it was such fun and I understand the church was filled almost to capacity to enjoy the evening of joyful sound.

Ben has taken a leave of absence from touring with Taylor Swift to pursue songwriting, singing and playing now with his sisters. They returned to Nashville on Wednesday to begin compiling music for a demo tape to be released soon…

JUST IN CASE Carol Hinton has not caught up with you yet, she will. The Kilgore Chamber of Commerce will be needing help with ushering and greeters for the Shakespeare Festival. If you would like to be a part of the festival give her a call at 903- 984-5022.

GOOD NEWS comes from RoChelle at Kilgore Habitat for Humanity. It seems the houses on Leake and Highland (Women's Build) are so-o-o close to completion that they will not have a workday this weekend (June 19-20) or the next! A few extra touches here and there and those houses will be completed. The "Green Tag" has been given for both houses with dedications just around the corner. (Good job!)

BUSY IS NOT QUITE THE WORD for Robert and Mary Lynn Latham, who have had two granddaughters graduate from school this year.

Granddaughter Jessica graduated on the fifth from Arp High School. She was 11th in her class. Jessica ran cross country all four years of high school and qualified for regional all four years. She also ran track her freshman through junior years and qualified for regional all those years and played volleyball. This year, she was

homecoming queen, prom queen and Miss Arp High School. She plans on earning a cosmetology degree and a business degree. "She is just as beautiful inside as she is outside," said proud Grandma.

Her sister Kaci graduated from Arp Middle School on Thursday night, the 4th.

"It's hard to believe our little tomboy has transformed into a beautiful and bubbly young lady. She is so full of life and energy from the time she gets up until the time she goes to bed…"

Also, this couple has been on the road consistently dedicating their lives to others by offering a prayer, devotional and homemade soup to those who have suffered a loss in the family or are homebound.

SPEAKING OF HOME, next weekend they will be traveling from Kansas, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma to the home of Dorothy and (the late) Henry Mitchell in celebration of their annual family reunion and Cherokee heritage. Along with eating good food, genealogy books will be updated, photos taken and news shared regarding the Cherokee Nation. Family arriving are descendants of Hercules Terrapin Martin, the Cherokee interpreter for the U.S. government and first postmaster of Indian Territory. Friends arriving will also enjoy the feast.

REMEMBER "WHERE'S WALDO?" Well, a map has surfaced entitled "WHERE'S LINDA?"

We've got to admit the owners of Circle Café were the first to find me without a hitch, followed by Dorothy Mitchell and John and Vaudie Bennett this last week.

"We told you we could find you if necessary," said John. It is so good to see smiling faces, good food and good visits. Thanks to all who have helped in many ways as I attempt to recover. I always did like Waldo.

IN THE MEANTIME, May His Love and Laughter Fill Your Hearts and Your Home Throughout the Week. I may be reached at 903-834-6991 or at chitchatlinda@aol.com.