I’m back! I am so happy to be back. After years of dealing with my declining health problems, (heart failure, cancer and even a mild stroke), my health is much improved. I am enjoying this holiday season so much, especially the lovely Christmas music. We have so many talented musicians in our area, and they have enriched our lives tremendously this holiday season. Aren’t we proud of Barry Gee and his many friends who gave so much time and money to help needy children receive a gift for Christmas? We watched and waved as he and 600 other motorcyclists rode past our house, with their gifts in tow. That was a “sight to behold!” This Toy Run raised $7,225 and 17 bags of toys last month. Thanks to all of you who participated in this project. I’m always amazed at the sacrifices of so many people who give of their time, talents and money to help others, including those volunteers who form the “Singing for the Soldiers” group. The event in Saluda on Veterans Day was great! It was a beautiful tribute to the many soldiers and veterans in our area who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Coordinators for this event were James Metcalf, Sherry Carney, Judy Arledge, Clark Moffit and Deb Williamson. One of my favorite things to do each Christmas is to drive through the circle driveway at the Ballenger house on Hwy. 9 south in Green Creek. Once again, the lights are spectacular! So far, we have driven through that driveway five times! Each time, I see some things that I had not noticed before. The Ballenger house is located near the Green Creek Fire Station. Happy birthday to Halley Linder, Dot Clary, Beth Calton, William Henry Page, Tony Waldrop, Lacy Gosnell, Tressie Brady, Estella Hanson, Floyd Sauve, Dot Stephens, Pam Arrowood, Judy Edwards and Pete Sports. Among those celebrating December anniversaries are Margaret and Preston White, Clifford and Fannie Collins, Rachelle and Joey Maddox and Pete and Rita Sports. Another special couple is Emogene and Roy Taylor, who will celebrate their wedding anniversary on Christmas Day. Congratulations to all of you! According to various items in old issues of the Polk County News, Christmas marriages have been popular in Polk County for many years. One newspaper article, dated Thursday, Dec. 11, 1902, reads as follows: A double wedding “Cards are out announcing the marriage on Dec. 24, of Hon. James Pettigrew Morris to Miss Mary McFarland of Columbus and Mr. J. Hughlon Hill of Rutherfordton to Miss Byrd McFarland of Columbus. The ceremonies will take place at the Presbyterian Church on Dec. 24, at 10 a.m. Misses Mary and Byrd (McFarland) are daughters of Mrs. Angie McFarland of Columbus and well known and popular throughout the county. Hon. J.P. Morris is a prominent lawyer in Polk Co and a representative-elect to the legislature from this county. Mr. Hill is well known in Polk County, having lived at Tryon and Lynn for 1 year until the past summer when he returned to Rutherfordton to engage in drug business. It was while living at Lynn that he became engaged to Miss Byrd.” It is interesting to note that both of these couples and their families have contributed greatly to Polk County since these marriages took place. Since relatives, and even some descendants, of these couples still live in Polk county now, I must add that the phrase “drug business” did not have the same meaning in 1902 as it does today. In this case, it probably meant “drugstore” or, in modern-day language, “pharmacy.” If you have news of this area, please call me at 828-863-2437.