The rain came again last week leaving over two inches of rain around the Bend. It came at a good time and was very much appreciated. The weather has been something else it seems to go up come down and go back up again. In the 70’s down in the 50’s and of course colder at night with some heavy frost in the mornings. The first sighting of blue birds was Monday. A pair was seen checking out one of the blue bird boxes at the Price place. Jerome Meischen usually calls to report when he spots some, but he hasn’t called to report any yet. He has a few boxes and is always happy to see them. The Cardinals stay around all winter as do the chickadees, titmouse and several other species that feed at the feeders year around. Several wood pickers were spotted pecking on some trees staking out their territory this past week. The Lampasas paper was out last week with a beautiful picture of a Blue Jay on the front page and it was reported that it was a blue bird. Someone made a mistake either the photographer or the newspaper, but anyway it was a beautiful picture.Bonnie Millican reported that Pat’s sisters Gail Callahan of Lampasas and Jean Strouhal of Friends Wood were in for a visit week before last. They arrived on Wednesday and stayed through Sunday. They had planned on cleaning out closets, but with all the visiting that took place, that had to be put off until another time. They all attended church Sunday. Gail was putting things in her car preparing to leave when she turned to close the gate she came face to face with a Llama much to her surprise. She wasn’t scared just startled. After all, who would expect to see a Llama standing there to greet you. She shooed him away and he ambled off down the road to Bad Bob’s, to more than likely sip a cool one and listen to the music.Louise Barefoot of Lampasas was sick last week, but she was up and about Sunday and feeling much better. Everyone is asked to keep the Stinnett family in their prayers. Jimmy is seriously ill and is at home. Lillie Belle Marley also needs to be kept in your prayers. She is currently in a nursing home in Lampasas.Jane Clark reported that Bobby Clark’s mother-in-law, Marlene Whooten passed away and the funeral was held Round Rock Tuesday afternoon. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.Jeffery, Tanya and Ashley Chalfant of Cedar Park was in over the weekend visiting her mother Tommye Cobern. While in they did some minor repair work for Tommye which was needed.Jack and LaNell Daniels caught an early morning bus Monday headed for the casinos in Oklahoma. They will return in the wee hours of the same day. Whew! They seem to always come back with more than they left with. They must have some secret of how to beat the system. It would be nice to know their secret. Maybe next week you will learn the results of their trip.Happy birthday greetings go out to Margie McDowell who will celebrate a birthday February 7.