One day recently while shopping a stranger came up to me, with a happy smile saying, “I know you don’t know me, but I know you. You’re Aunt Norie, I know you like hugs and so do I.”

Yes we exchanged big hugs, and a new friend was born. So as you rush through today’s busy world, take time to meet a new neighbor, make a new friend, and — yes — we all do need a good hug now and then.

As you check and replace those buttons on school sweaters and jackets, place that second button on the under side, sewing through the two buttons at the same time. That saves lots of buttons.

School is back in session, and with their limited budgets anything we can do to help is so appreciated. If you have extra or no longer used sewing supplies, pins, needles, shears, etc., the home economics teachers really can use them. Check with your school to see if and how you may help with other projects or supplies. You just may be surprised.

— Aunt Norie, P.O. Box 265, Tonganoxie 66086, auntnorie@bdc.net.