Friday night a lightening and thunder storm came through leaving a three-tenths inch of rain. It was a fast-moving front that must have been the same front that has caused so much trouble in Arkansas and Tennessee.

The Bend was really an active place this weekend. Saturday morning a baby shower was held at the Methodist church for Geoffrey and Lindsey Millican. Then Saturday night the big birthday celebration at the Barefoot fishing camp for Jackie Brister. There were about 425 people who came from all over the state and maybe from out of state to feast on the fish, steaks and all the other goodies. After everyone had their fill of food there was music provided by friends of Jackie, who helped him celebrate his 75th birthday. It is one of the biggest events that occur around the Bend each year and gives people a chance to see and meet folks to catch up on all the news. It was good to see Bernice and LaFayne Porter there enjoying the fish fry and visiting with everyone.

Bobby Clark and brother-in-law Jim Ray of Round Rock was in Friday visiting family and getting in some fishing. Saturday they attended the birthday fish fry at the Barefoot fishing camp. That is the way to go and make sure you have plenty of fish to eat even if you don’t catch any fish. No fish to have to scale or skin either.

Sunday the 50th wedding anniversary party was held for Jim and OraBeth Hicks at the Bend Community Center. People came from near and far to congratulate the couple and to mingle and visit with friends and family. Howard Rockafellow was a first time attendee at the birthday bash for Jackie Brister and seemed to really enjoy the food and fellowship. His wife Carol had to work and wasn’t able to attend, but they were both at the 50th wedding anniversary party for Jim and OraBeth.

Jeffery, Tanya and Ashley Chalfant of Cedar Park was in visiting over the weekend with Rufus and Tommye Cobern. Other visitors were Rusty and Mason Cobern. Two of Mason’s friends and their dads were in to fish. They didn’t have luck fishing, but enjoyed being out in the country away from Austin.

There are still people who need our prayers, William Clark reported that Jane is having a hard time of it. The surgery on her knee is causing her lots of pain. Bernice and LaFayne Porter have been out and about but still have a way to go and Lola Morris is doing very well but still having to take it easy. Clovis Gibson suffered a fall at her home, but no broken bones just a bad bruise on her forehead. A one time resident Dixie Hewitt is also in need of prayer.

Happy birthday greetings go out to Tyler Grant and Bobby Clark who will be celebrating a birthday May 7, to Kenneth Shirley, Lola Morris and Eli Clark whose birthday is May 8, to Geneva Hickey and Belle Marley who’s birthday is May 11, to Handy Andy Gibson and Lynn Hamrick who will celebrate a birthday May 12 and to Hunter Lucas who will celebrate a birthday May 13.