BAY MINETTE, Ala. — February 11 at 1 p.m., the Flip/Flop Book Club met with Carol Fisher as our guest. She shared her book, “Outside Looking In” (Centennial interviews), with us and made the meeting special.

Then we critiqued our February book-of-the-month “When Crickets Cry”. There were mixed comments; however, it seemed everyone was happy for Reese that he finally let go of the guilt of the loss of his wife by the miracle of little Annie’s heart transplant.

He remembered that doctors can help people get well, even prolong their lives, but they cannot heal them or make them whole. As he slipped a chain over Annie’s head with a very special medallion inscribed with “Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life,” he thought it was time!

Joanna Bailey, librarian, had brought a book, “Lessons From The Big House”, a memoir by Frye Gaillard. A story of one family’s passage through the history of the South.

Everyone agreed that this would make for an interesting change and as I looked at the house on the cover of the book, it looked so familiar and curious to know more about it. So get a copy of the book, read it and join us for the next Flip/Flop Book Club meeting on March 10 at 1 p.m.

February 13 at noon at the Senior Center the prelude to Leap Year Valentine’s Day began. The Center was filled with those who enjoyed the atmosphere of a heart-filled room.

Now the decorations were special thanks to Ann Fisher and stirred the heart but also Virginia Forsythe added to the warmth of the occasion with her friends encircled with light and beautiful thoughts she shared with us about friends.

Immediately the room seemed to glow as she touched everyone’s heart. Thanks Virginia for sharing your love for others with us.

Our guest of honor, Bernice Austin, was congratulated on her retirement by the president and in appreciation for her sincere love for seniors Ann Fisher, Social Activity Chairman, presented her with a beautiful gift.

After the Pledge of Allegiance and blessing by Herb Waters, lunch began. During the meal there was background music of the late 40’s and I think I spied several couples dancing! The door prize was won by Nita Pritchett. There were little Valentine surprises under some chairs.

This was the largest turnout this year for Pot Luck. Quite a few back and several who were with us for the first time. Hopefully, all will make this a monthly outing.

As the crowd thinned out, bingo began. Thanks Virginia Mills for your contribution of bingo prizes. We played 10 games and two games are for gold dollars donated by Tony Griffin. It made for a happy light-hearted day!

Ann Fisher is in a dither about the theme for next month? If you have an idea, call her on Wednesday or Friday at the Senior Center.

If you missed the platters performance at Faulkner on Valentine’s you really missed a treat! They put on a wonderful show and added to it by inviting the audience to dance and the aisles and front filled up with couples. So much so they were dancing in the seat area.

Later they formed a train, almost three in and out the aisles. You may want to ask Jamie Tillery how it feels to be serenaded by a celebrity. She may squeeze your hand. What a wonderful Valentine’s treat.

Love is in the air. Everyone I meet is talking about their evening out with someone special. Don’t let this happy time end, as Spring is right around the corner!

The yard viewers have already spied Japanese Magnolias, Camellias, daffodils! Let me know if I missed something? I can always circle back. Have you been through the swimming pool building and have it all figured out? Seniors are anxious to see trails for seniors to walk. We are planning three teams from the Senior Center for the AIM (Alabama in Motion) Walk sponsored by County Extension Services. It begins March 2.

Today, Feb. 21, is game day and not too late to join in the fun which begins at 2 p.m. Also, Friday, Feb. 22, will be full starting with art classes from 9 a.m to noon for oil; and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for watercolor, with bridge class from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cappuccino time!

Senior Travelers will leave from First Baptist Church parking lot at 1 p.m., Feb. 23, to attend the Coastal Chorale Snowbird Serenade performance and plan to eat at the Gift Horse! Will be a fun time. The trip will be caravan-style!

Keep in touch with Senior Travelers, a lot planned throughout the Spring! Heard a rumor, Chumuckla trip in May, more about this later.

So relax and get ready for Movie Nite, Feb. 29, the fun begins at 5 p.m with the social hour (finger foods and chips and dips)! Hey wait a minute that’s cutting into bridge? No problem. We’re flexible, we’ll just ease right on into the social hour. Okay moviegoers, the movie starts at 6 p.m. and the show is “Wilderness Family.”

Put this on your calendar. We will wish February birthdays a happy birthday at intermission (thanks to Jean Brasier for the birthday cake)!

Don’t forget computer classes and Senior Team for Walk both start the first week of March. Let’s prepare and get ready for the Spring of our life!

Thought for the week: What makes for a special and lasting Valentine’s Day? Accepting Jesus into your heart, and every day will be a sweet heart day!

May God bless you and keep you until we meet again!

( Senior Citizen Center is between the Fire Department and the Police Department in the same building at 300 N. Hoyle Ave., Suite 5. The telephone number is (251) 580-1676.)