Claire Lovell

Shirley Shelton, who once lived on the west side of N. Holladay at 4th Ave., visited for a short while with relatives. Shirley has been living with her son in Missouri and this is the second time she has returned to see relatives and old friends. Shirley was a regular at Holladay Drug when it was on the opposite corner. Frequently she baked cookies and other goodies to share with the staff and familiar customers.

Because of her thoughtfulness and friendly personality, she endeared herself to many people. Shirley may have headed home by now, but well be happy to see her when she visits again. This will always be her old home.

Remember I told you that the baby swallows were getting ready to take-off? They should have stayed in the nest which seems might empty now. I found two of the poor little things dead on the ground not far from the bird house probably pounced on in their first flight by some cat, sleeping under a bush. I hate that when anything in the animal kingdom feels it has to kill another. If its in the food chain, its their way of life (oxymoron?) but its still hard to take.

When I picked some Queen Elizabeth Roses and Sweet Williams from my raggedy garden, it smelled like my mothers yard when I was a kid, because of the close by buddleia bush. You know how a sudden aroma can take you back to a certain place in your life? What a great odor that was, and the blossoms are beautiful as well. Too bad they dont hold up if you pick them. The purple flowers, for a couple of minutes, add much to a bouquet. Sort of a poor mans lilac.

My other kitty, Chula, probably got one whack from another cat which turned into an abscess, so I had to take him to the vet, too. If we get sick, we can pretty much treat ourselves if necessary at least for the little stuff. But animals are a responsibility and Id be a lot richer if I hadnt taken it seriously. It would be nice if I could treat him to the extras, like a bath and a pedicure, also. Dream on.

Its great that McKeowns will be spreading out to take in the Mediterranean Bazaar space. Eating is something we all must do so a restaurant is more reliable, business wise. All I can remember having been there are J.C. Penney, H.M. Wheatley, later Deslers; Donnerberg Jewelers; The Molly Hogan Tavern; Greggs Sleep Shop; a Chinese restaurant plus the Mediterranean Bazaar and a teenagers night club. A veritable musical chairs of choices. Lets hope this one stays put for a while.

A woman had a heart attack and ended up in the hospital. She began to pray and asked, Is this it, God?

No, God answered. Youll have 40 more years.

The patient recovered and decided while she was there to have some major plastic surgery done, sort of cementing her new lease on life. She had a facelift, a nose job, a breast augmentation and a tummy tuck. Soon after her discharge, she was crossing the street when she was hit by a car and died. Arriving at the pearly gates, this woman was greatly surprised and protested to God: I thought you said I had 40 more years. What happened?

Im sorry, God replied, I just didnt recognize you.

Mini Sermon: The longer you keep your temper, the more it improves.