While strolling, I wondered whatever happened to Shirley Holt.

Happy birthday to Dierks Simmons, Ryan Goetz, Mike Eby, Ben Davis, Patricia Moore, Dave VanToll, Earl Chasteen, Virginia Dennis, Pat Hindman, Lee Horton, Georgia Scherer, Joan Surface, Mallory Dohogne, Seth Brown, Joy Hooker, Megan Horman, Virginia Sides, Holly Hudson, Charles Lance, Shane Dirnberger, Ann Hinkebein, Carla Lee, Logan Bollinger, Wesley Curtis, Doris Parker, Laverne Ballard, Susan Delles, Betty Keller, Bill McCann, Jeremy Graviett, Herman Sadler, Morris Montgomery, Bernice Atkins, Avis-Jean Wolfe and Ed Freed.

Happy anniversary to Larry and Vickie Goetz, Jason and Jill Morgan, Jeremy and Jenifer Vandeven, Denny and Mary Rose, Wes and Sheila Howard and Don and Jo Rutz. Special congratulations to David and JoNell Schaefer, who are celebrating 50 years of marriage June 5.

Today is National Macaroon Day and Save Your Hearing Day. Tomorrow is the first day of June and many are wondering -- What happened to May?

The month of June is Rose Month, Dairy Month and National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month.

We will enjoy a full moon this week, and June's full moon is known as Rose Moon, Green Corn Moon and Moon When June Berries Are Ripe.

This week in Missouri nature, young bald eagles fledge and bird nesting peaks.

Duck tales

Richard and I had a nice surprise last week in Dallas. We saw a pair of wood ducks in our backyard. The drake was in a tree and the hen was atop one of our two wood duck/owl houses Richard built. We could see they were "talking" to each other and after a while, the hen flew over to the other nest box. We thought they were just checking them out especially after a short visit by the hen inside the nest box.

After they flew off, Richard checked the box thinking he would be cleaning out a bunch of old sparrow nests. Not the case. Instead, there were six wood duck eggs. She lays one egg each day for a total of 12 to 15. We will keep close watch on the activity. Of all of God's beautiful creations, the male wood duck has to be one of His most exquisite.

Swimming for 75 years

The pool at Harmon Field held its grand opening yesterday, celebrating the 75th anniversary. The pool is looking great! Sign up now for swimming lessons: June 15 through 26 and July 13 through 24. Cost is $50 for first child and $40 for additional child.

The Chaffee VFW Post 3127 in conjunction with Classy Chassy Country and Friends will present a Hee-Haw show from 7 to 10 p.m. June 13. All the fun will take place at the VFW in Chaffee and performers include Eric Pendergrass, John Schott, Lee Davison, Kenny Chapman, Don Hester, Debbie Sadler, Ginny Dupont, Steve Parker and Classy Chassy Country's Becki and Leroy. Admission is $6 adults, $3 ages 6 through 12 and free for younger than age 6. Proceeds benefit disabled veterans.

Graduate gratitude

Graduation days have passed and the graduates are well into their plans for their future. One reader had this thought: she wonders how many grandparents, aunts and uncles are awaiting a simple thank-you note for the gifts they have given. The reader commented that although some think that gesture is a thing of the past, it would be nice to take a moment to let the person know you received their gift. She adds that she made certain her children always sent a handwritten note for any gifts they received. People take time to text, chat, go on Facebook -- so surely one can take a moment to write a short note.

We know it is not limited to young people but good manners, or bad, say much about the person and even their upbringing.

The severe weather continued through the midsection of the country last weekend resulting in lots of folks fleeing the rising waters and others doing without power. Record floodwaters occurred throughout Texas. My sister Ruth lives in San Marcos and although her home is on high ground, she was without Time Warner television and Internet. Without those amenities all weekend, she enjoyed playing some games such as dominoes. Remember table games?

Special words

Remember to tell those special people in your life you love them -- those three words mean so very much.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are missing loved ones, our homebound, those in hospitals and nursing homes. Email your news and comments to darbuck2@airmail.net or leave a message at 573-887-6430 or 214-207-7839.

And then ...

Then there was the young bride who remembered to send thank you notes but mismatched the gifts.