The steady rains and grayness was a not-so-subtle reminder that summer is winding down and fall is waiting in the wings.

Our tiny towns are collectively mourning the untimely deaths of April Gouza and Shawn Prater. Heartfelt condolences to both of their families near and far.

The Tippet yard was overflowing as family members from all areas converged for a family party.

Congratulations to the new grandma and grandpa in town, Ron and Cindy Pongracz, who welcomed new grandson Christopher, born August 19 to Dani and Chris in sunny California.

I had a chance to visit a bit with long-ago neighbor Barb Balligan and her boys, Keith and Krieg Dziuba, here from Massachusetts. Evelyn Burgess, Louella Snow,

Martha Sheppard, and Fran Berry, sometimes called the "silly sisters," have conveyed to everyone back home that they are enjoying the sights the great west has to offer and should be headed home soon.

Hello to the Stephenson girls, Mary Jane and Cathy, who were in church Sunday with their mother, Mary Ellen.

Several of our recent high school graduates have landed in their college dorms and are ready to take on life's next challenge.

We felt privileged to witness the baptism ceremony Sunday afternoon at the Marina in Naubinway. It was a joyful time for those receiving the sacrament and for those who were there in support.

Bill Hart spent time on Sunday afternoon at the home of his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Mary Hart of Rexton.

Nice to see Wayne and Barb Riley, who ventured over from Wisconsin to spend time at their home on the hill east of town.

Condolences to my cousins on the passing of their mother, Bernis Trudo Hoss, this past week, a very dear aunt to me who will be greatly missed.

We wish a speedy recovery to young Nathan Zimmerman who spent a few days at Marquette General Hospital after parting with his appendix, and to Shelly Bigelow Nowak as she continues her health battles and is currently at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey.

Birthday wishes to Leta Standring and Hana Belong, who celebrate August 22, Desi Derusha, Drake DeWyse and my uncle, Dick Cornell of Auburn

Hills, who turned a young 90 years of age August 23, the former Melissa Spencer August 25, along with friend and co-worker Judy St. Louis August 25, nephew Greg Livermore and Mindy Franklin August 26, Laurie Spencer down Epoufette way and soon-to-be mother Hillary Kleeman August 27, Belynda Cobe August 29, Christina Fultz, Steve Browning, and Julia Wheaton August 30.

Anniversary wishes to Yvonne and Chris Maison, Gary and Lynn Moore, and Tony and Alice Martis, all on August 28.

Birthdays starting off September include Shauni Rutledge, basketball player extraordinaire, September 1, and Shirley Konle, Gloria Swartz Kinsell, and family favorite Sam Fraleigh on a milestone birthday, all September 3.