While strolling, I wondered whatever happened to Norma Sue Garner.

Happy birthday to Ian Eichhorn, Pat Jackson, Ray Motes, Bonney Haney, Kathryn Miller, Mallory Siebert, Danny Lee Finley, Sue Ann Lynn, Kristen Wessel, Tina Jones, Annie Ralph, John Hampton, Larry Kirn, Sue Wessel, Sara Hemingway, Danny Rains, Terra Owens, Kodi Ballard, Alissa Swindell, Sonny Leible, Cathy Graham, Brooke McFerron, Wilma McGuire, Rachel Reischman, Stephen Bentley, Kimberly Hester, Rose Kern, Carolyn Schott, Amanda Proctor, Larry Mott, Randy Coy, Sid Atkins, Kade Atkins, Marlene Powers and Brennan Robinson.

Happy anniversary to Lisa and Victor Powell, Charlie and Teresa Clark and Bob and Rosemary Ross.

Water, water, everywhere, and not a drop to drink. Texas had its share of rain last weekend and Southeast Missouri certainly did as well, putting the Mississippi at record flood levels. I think of how my mother would always suggest Texas keeping its lousy weather in Texas. The tornadoes that hit the Dallas/Fort Worth area Saturday night causing 11 deaths veered northeast and missed Southeast Missouri, and we hope everyone stays safe.

Don't forget the birds

We trust you had a wonderful time bringing in the new year! Most of us like to get the year off to a lucky start with a bowl of black-eyed peas. As we begin 2016, we invite you to share with us that special word you have chosen to inspire you throughout this new year.

After some balmy days, cold temps are here. Many birds have been feasting on berries, but as they return to our backyards, remember to feed and water them throughout the winter.

National Bird Day

Tuesday is National Bird Day. According to the National Audubon Society, more than 1 billion birds migrate to the U.S. every year from colder climates. Blogger Noah Strycker says from Jan. 1 of 2015 through November, he spotted 5,257 species of birds. Accomplishing this feat, however, took him to 27 countries.

Licensing puppy presents

City Council meets at 7 p.m. tomorrow at City Hall. City Hall reminds those who got a puppy for Christmas that you are required to register it with the city and pay a license fee ($2.50), at which time you will receive a tag for its collar. If your dog is on the dangerous/vicious dog list, there also are certain requirement regarding fence height, signage, liability insurance, leashes and muzzles. Breeds include Rottweiler, Doberman, Chow, American bulldog, pit bull, Staffordshire bull terrier and various breeds of such or any mixed breeds of these listed. Definition of dangerous dogs also includes aggressive dogs, such as those kept to protect property or persons (i.e. German shepherds). City Ordinance No. 270.010 is very specific, and prospective dog owners need to acquaint themselves with do's and don'ts before getting a new dog, but definitely after the fact to avoid fines. Also, we remind all dog owners that the ordinance prohibits continual barking that disturbs or annoys neighbors, and requires a leash when you are walking your dog off your private property -- and, you must pick up after your dog! Start the year out right by being a responsible dog owner.

A light in the dark

We thought we were being responsible when we returned from taking six of our Indian Fantail pigeons to the Poultry and Pigeon Show in Shawnee, Oklahoma, recently. Richard always quarantines them for a period of time following exposure to other birds and diseases they might be carrying. One died, then a week later, six died during the night, four of which had not gone to the show. It's hard to lose one pet. In all, 12 of the beautiful 25 white birds have died in just over a week. The antibiotic we ordered was delayed due to the Christmas holiday and we were still awaiting delivery when I turned in Chatters. The three in sick bay are holding their own for now. There is, however, a bright spot. A newly hatched fantail is healthy and, although the bird was orphaned by the death of his parents, Richard is getting joy out of hand-feeding the hungry little -- now spoiled -- squeaker.

Final thoughts

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

We hope everyone has a happy, healthy and prosperous 2016.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are missing loved ones, our homebound, those in hospitals and nursing homes and those undergoing cancer treatments. Please 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 start of 2016!