Sorry that I won’t be posting tonight. I’m not feeling my best and just plan on curling up with a pillow and blanket. I’ll keep you update. God bless…

My plans for the day took a turn in a different direction. Kelly planned to come up and do cookies, but she couldn’t get here today. So I made 3 batches of Russian Tea Cakes and froze them for her. I made a total mess with the powdered sugar – but that didn’t make any difference to the taste. They were yummy – of course I did a taste test!

After lunch I finally made a new batch of Flax Balls – I think we ate the last of what I had back at the end of February. Every time I make them I do something stupid. Last time I had a little too much honey – I adjusted the ingredients and they were yummy. Today I mis-calculated the chocolate chips. But I don’t think anyone ever complained about too much chocolate!

While I was baking, I walked into the living room to turn the stereo on and saw this little cutie on my deck railing. He sat there for a long time. Beautiful.

My little red bird

I managed to balance my checkbook to the penny – but it did take a few tries. One of my auto-payments got posted twice (my fault!) But at least it was to the good!

Checkbook

Just looked out the door and saw a rainbow – surprising with so little sunshine today!

Rainbow

Rainbow

Rainbow

So – back to vacation. Tuesday we spent the day doing a driving tour of the battlefields. Kelly downloaded the GPS driven tour app on her phone, and it was 100% accurate. We went to each location exactly on target and learned a lot about the regiments and the battles. My favorite Tuesday morning was the Eternal Light Peace Monument. Very impressive. We left there and drove over to the Oak Ridge Observation Tower that looked out over the city and the farms where the first day of fighting was on July 1st. We also learned about Sallie, the battle dog! So much interesting and intense information. What dreadful battles.

Peace light.

inscription.

View from tower

Peace light from the tower

View

view

Sallie the battle dog.

Stone wall

Wall

General Robert E Lee

General Lee

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 14th is:

Ascension Day; Bond with your Dog Day; International chihuahua Appreciation Day; National Brioche Day; National Buttermilk Biscuit Day; National Dance Like a Chicken Day; National Decency Day; National Travel Insurance Claims Day; National Underground America Day; Stars and Stripes Forever Day.

Rate – no dog! I won’t be dancing – like a chicken or anything else! Stars and Strips ARE forever – sort of! God bless…..

Wonderful picture:

Biltmore Azalea Garden – from Kathy’s calendar.

I worked this morning, switched out cars, and then helped Mike P with a deal. From there I stopped at the bank, grabbed cookie ingredients from Walmart, and got a phone charger from Five Below. The new car only has Type C to Type C (no USB) – and I only had one of those, which I’m using every day.

Yes! I’m driving a 2025 Mazda and I’m excited!

After an English muffin for lunch, I went to my dentist appointment. I had a cavity filled and an impression made for the permanent bridge.

Calming scene at the dentist office. Dentist said it reminded him of Linn Run except for the stone mountain in the background!

When I got home I cut the grass. Then I did a flower walk through the yard.

The neighbor’s peonies – mine are not blooming yet.

Deep burgundy iris

Little yellow and pink flowers

Mystery flower – but delicate and beautiful!

Spider mums

Iris from the grave of Margaret Crooks (Mom’s…. grandmother?)

Dutch iris – I have these all over my yard.

So now, here is the rest of Monday for vacation. The Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center came highly recommended so we went through that late afternoon. There were a lot of displays and story boards. This was a primary field hospital for both the North and the South, and the displays described the military, religious, and medical segments of the war. We did not tour the cupola (ran out of time) but General Buford watched the first day of the battle – July 1, 1863 – from that panoramic view. It was well worth the visit.

Seminary Ridge Museum

Huge bells!

Kelly and Kathy give it perspective

Lincoln’s quote

Wounded.

Military encampment at Pennsylvania College

Fighting on the ridges

Lutheran Church on the grounds. (There’s so much more to the museum!)

To finish off the day we drove over to Tommy’s Pizza, a little local comfortable low-key place with possibly one of the best pizzas we ever had. And we played more quiz games before bed.

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 13th is:

Cough Drop Day; International Hummus Day; Leprechaun Day; National Apple Pie Day; National Crouton Day; National Frog Jumping Day; National Fruit Cocktail Day; National Receptionists’ Day; National Third Shift Workers Day; Top Gun Day.

Rege likes sugar-free cough drops – I prefer sugar-free Jolly Ranchers! Apple pie is yummy with ice cream. I’m not a fan of watching frogs jump. Nate always love Top Gun! God bless…

On this date in history: J.E.B Stuart – A U.S. Army officer from Virginia and a Confederate States Army general during the American Civil War was killed in battle in 1964. He was 31.

Happy birthday to my nephew Jesse! Wishing you many happy years ahead! Love you!

Jesse, Tonia and Pistol (dog)

I had to do a quick clean through the house – since I was away or busy all last week. I was happy to have that done. So now it’s back to our regularly scheduled vacation!

Monday after the Jennie Wade House we went to the Shriver House right down the street. The Shriver’s were fairly well to do – but when the Confederates overran the city the Shrivers left the house – The husband joined the Union army, and the wife and children went to her parents’ farm 3 miles out of town. The idea was to build a tavern and bowling alley in the basement but that did not get finished.

Tavern was done but not the bowling alley.

The house represented two facets. The parlor and upstairs bedrooms were set as when the family lived there.

Parlor

Bedroom with trundle bed.

Main bedroom

Kid’s room

Craft room.

Sewing area – with good natural light.

The other rooms were ‘left’ as after the Confederates fled the city. It was interesting to get information on the battles, the town, and the family. It was a tough time – those 3 days of the Gettysburg battles.

The attic – see the hole in the bricks for the sharpshooters?

The house was ‘investigated’ in later years and there was evidence of blood on the walls and floors in the attic.

The kitchen was left in a total mess….

…as is the diving room.

We grabbed lunch at McDonalds, which was right beside a mini-golf range. Kathy’s Paul loves mini-golf so we of course had to take pictures. And as it was Star Wars Day, I had to take a picture of that!

Paul would have been jealous!

‘May the Fourth be with you!’

We will finish out Monday tomorrow – hopefully. I work in the morning and have a major dentist appointment in the afternoon.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 12th is:

International Day of Plant Health; International Nurses Day; National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day; National Hospital Day; National Limerick day; National Nutty Fudge Day; National Odometer Day.

I’m glad there are so many capable, caring nurses. And hospitals (see below) I can do nutty fudge! God bless…

On this day in History: • 1751 – Pennsylvania Hospital founded. Dr. Thomas Bond and Benjamin Franklin established Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. It became the first hospital in the American colonies.

Day 2 of vacation interruption! I was invited to go to Kelly’s for the afternoon. Matt’s sister Kim and her husband Greg were driving down from Altoona and Kim was providing all the food. They offered to pick me up in New Stanton. Nate drove me over to Sheetz where we met after church, and we had a pleasant drive down. First time in ALL THE YEARS that Kelly lived in West Alexander that I did NOT drive! Amazing! Thanks to Aunt Kimmie and to Nate for making it all work.

Food

Mac/cheese and corn.

Kim and Greg checking data on the phone.

We spent the afternoon eating and chatting. Logan and Clairese were there for a few hours, and I got to see the ring in person. They have chosen a wedding date (May of 2027 but I forget the DAY!) and have the venue booked (Morgantown). Peyton and Izzy stopped in just for a few minutes. There were 3 dogs there – Logan’s Ransom, Aunt Pat’s Shawnie, and Peyton’s Camo. They kept things lively.

Logan, Ransom and Clairese

The ring’s the thing! Congrats!

Logan and Clairese

Kelly and Chase and Ransom

Peyton and Izzy

Ransom posing.

Matt brought the TV out to the deck and the gang was watching the Pirate’s game. I don’t know the outcome – go figure.

Seeing Kelly’s bunny in person.

Watching the game – the dogs: Ransom on Kelly’s lap on left by TV; Shawnie by Pat’s shoulder (white hair in center); Camo bottom center.

Kelly gave me a devotional and it’s perfect! ‘Seeing God in America’. I can’t wait to start reading it. Places like Williamsburg and Gettysburg and Philadelphia, Lancaster, Washington DC, Ft. McHenry, Harper’s Ferry – and many more. So fun and inspiring.

Nate, Jen and Chrissy got me Cow Wind Chimes – so cute. I love hearing it. Also, a purple chair planter with mini petunias. So my mother’s day was complete. And Autmn txt me early this morning with a sweet message.

Cow Wind Chimes

Planter

Chimes

And happy Mother’s Day to my mom – whom I miss and am thankful for!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow May 11th is:

Hostess Cupcake Day; National Eat What you Want Day; National Foam Rolling day; National Mocha Torte Day; National Twilight Zone Day; National Women’s Checkup Day; World Ego Awareness Day; World Topiary Day.

I generally eat what I want. Why would I eat what I DON’T want? Tomorrow is also my nephew Jesse’s birthday – we’ll address that tomorrow. God bless.

On this day in History: 1775 Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia names George Washington Supreme Commander

We interrupt this vacation to share the Hanna’s Town spring tea. Thankfully it was a great success, despite a few glitches in the preparation. Yesterday we had decorated with ‘American 250’ representation and fresh flowers. It looked beautiful!

Welcome at the entrance.

Hydrengeas

The Tea Table

My Little Drummer Boy.

Table Centerpiece

Curio Cupboard.

My Colonial Bear

Our kitchen is waiting on certification for a commercial kitchen so we did have to alter our presentations a bit. The main problem was that the caterers had been mis-information and brought the incorrect number of sandwiches. Tensely but easily solved by sending Roxane and Laura out to purchase what we needed to fix that.

We were able to plate the food and serve it efficiently and pleasantly and everyone was happy. It was a very long day – I was on my feet from 9:15am until 4:30pm. I’m not used to that and I’m feeling the effects. But as usual the ladies all put their hearts and hands into the effort and another great tea is on the books.

The little jars of honey were the favors.

The history of Tea.

Our tea ladies and servers.

Ruth hosting our guests.

Sandwiches on back plate. Scones and fruit kabobs in front.

Patriot Pie Tarts; Molasses Cookies; Queen’s Cake; Meringues.

Once I got home I washed the kitchen towels and half of the linens from the day. Then I swept out the Jeep as it was pretty dirty. Once this is posted I will grab a quick bit of food and that’s it for the day!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow May 10th is:

Mother’s Day; Mother Ocean Day; Clean up your Room Day; National Liver and Onions Day; National Shrimp Day; National Small Business Day; National Washington Day (the state or the person???); One Day without Shoes Day; Trust your Intuition Day; World Lupus Day.

My room is quite clean! I do like shrimp. I will miss my mom and think of her tomorrow – hoping you honor your mom, too! I will, however, wear shoes. God bless…

On this date in history: 1754 First newspaper cartoon in America, a divided snake with the words “Join or Die” by Benjamin Franklin, is published in The Pennsylvania Gazette

This morning was set-up for Hanna’s Town tea – so I was up and out early along with about 10 others. I did a few household chores, then took a few things over to Kathy before coming home to post this. It’s chilly – some sprinkles – and some sun. Side note: This is a bookmark that was in our motel room!

So, let’s join the vacation on Monday morning. We went straight to the Gettysburg History Center. Kathy got her picture taken as a ‘soldier’! The gift shop was very nice, reasonably priced, and had a few fun displays.

Kathy!

President Lincoln

Soldier and his horse.

The main attraction was the diorama – which lit up as the soldiers moved through the battles. There was a 40 minute video/presentation that explained the different battle sites – names that became very familiar – The Wheatfield, Devil’s Den, Little Round Top, Big Round Top, The Peach Orchard, Seminary Ridge, Spangler’s Spring, Culp’s Hill. It really gave a good overview of the 3 day battle.

Gettysburg

All the battle fields.

We went from there to the Jenny Wade house. Actually it was her sister’s home, a duplex in downtown. Jennie was there for safety (ironically) and to help provide food for the Army of the Potomac that was camped in town. While she was in the kitchen making bread a bullet came through the front door and the kitchen door and she was struck in the back. She died immediately. She was 20 years old.

Jennie with her bread and water for the Union army

She’s pointing to where the bullet went through the door.

The parlor bed where Jennie’s sisters baby was born. (Jennie’s picture above the fireplace)

The actual dough tray where Jennie was making bread.

The kitchen as it was.

Upstairs bedroom where the parlor bed had been.

The main bedroom upstairs.

The duplex kitchen

Duplex fireplace

Duplex kitchen

Artifacts – the cannon shell on the bottom shelf. An original floorboard in the middle shelf – where Jennie died.

Jennie was the only civilian casualty of the entire war. Two soldiers heard the screams come from inside the house – they helped get Jennie’s sister and day-old baby, her younger brother, and her mother to safety in the basement. Her mother would not go unless they took Jennie down, as well. There is much more to the story, but it was amazing to tour the house and hear the story.

where they waited in the basement.

Fireplace in the basement

Representation of Jennie Wade’s body.

Painted mural in basement depicting waiting out the battle.

Later in the day we drove over to the Evergreen Cemetery and found Jennie’s grave and monument. She is one of only two women that have a perpetual flag flying over the grave (NEVER is taken down, day or night) – the other being Betsy Ross. Very interesting and impressive story.

Jennie’s monument

Monument and the perpetual flag.

When the care taker of the Evergreen cemetery went to war, his wife took over burying the dead soldiers. She was six months pregnant!

Caretaker’s home and entrance to the cemetery

Elizabeth took over.

She looks tired…

Cannons in the cemetery

I’ll pick up the rest of the day tomorrow. But let me first say that I have been listening to JD Hewitt – The History Traveler – on his Gettysburg videos. Suddenly the next video was Lexington and Concord! Quite a switch from the Civil War to the Revolutionary War!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS:

TOMORROW May 9th is:

Hurray for Buttons Day; National Train Day; National Windmill Day; World Belly Dance Day; National Dog Mom’s Day; National Lost Sock Memorial Day; National Home Front Heroes Day; National Sleepover day; National Butterscotch Brownie Day; National Alphabet Magnet Day; Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day; National Miniature Golf Day; National Archery Day; National Babysitter Day; Brunch for Lunch Day.

We love buttons! My friend Mary’s husband and son LOVE trains! Oh, for the lost socks to be found! My brother-in-law is the king of mini-golf. God bless!

On this day in History: 1861 Richmond, Virginia, is named the capital of the Confederacy in the US

I will take our vacation to Gettysburg one section at a time! It was very fun – and we had a lot of laughs, a ton of history, and great food! But first – today I went to work and got caught up, got the items I need to take to Hanna’s Town tomorrow to prepare for our Spring Tea, and after lunch cut the grass. Glad to have that done. There were two dead lilac limbs, which I snapped off and broke into pieces so the trash would take them. Otherwise a normal day at home!

Lilac yard

Lower yard.

Lilac branches

So on Sunday – after Sunday School and church, I came home and got organized – put my luggage and extra items in the car. Kelly got here about 12:30 or so and we loaded her things. Paul dropped Kathy off at a little after 1pm. There was plenty of room in the Grand Cherokee for suitcases, extra shoes and jackets, our snack bags, the cooler, and all our research materials! We stopped about an hour into our trip down the Turnpike to grab lunch at Burger King, then just set our sights on Gettysburg and left the Turnpike for Route 15 at about 5pm.

We took about a half an hour or so and swung onto the Messiah University campus in Grantham – a few miles before Gettysburg. That is Kelly’s Alma Mater and she hadn’t been back since graduation. A lot had changed, but it is a beautiful campus, full of memories for her and even a few for me – four years of driving her down and back! I’m so glad we stopped.

Entrance

Yellow Breeches Creek

Kelly and Kathy on the Swinging Bridge

Kelly was Editor in Chief for the SWINGING BRIDGE campus newspaper for 3 years!

The covered bridge to the athletic park.

Covered bridge

It was still sunny and pleasant when we pulled up to the Heartland Bed and Breakfast. About a block from town – which was quaint and cute and calm and easy to navigate. There is a restaurant on the property that was well priced and easy access. We had plenty of room – a queen bed and a twin bed and a spacious bathroom.

Quiet street….

After we unloaded and got settled in the rooms, we set off on foot to explore the town and find food. There were so many period houses with signs designating a Civil War home. As it was Sunday evening most of the retail spaces were closed, but a few restaurants were open.

Designated 1863 home.

Kathy with President Lincoln

Me with the President

Hotel Gettysburg in the heart of town.

Another downtown hotel

Civil War Hospital

Designated….

Stone wall.

Patriotic House

We designated Kelly as the decision maker (not that she was real happy about that!) but collectively we decided to eat at the Gettysburger. How could we not, with a name like that? The food was terrific and the place was clean and low-key. We were glad for the walk back to the room – that was a lot of eating after spending the day sitting!

Good food!

Once we got cozy in the room, we played USA Trivia – and I discovered that Kathy and Kelly together are quite the entertainment duo. We had a fun time with wrong answers – even when they knew the right ones!

Kathy’s corner

There were 4 huge windows plus one in the bathroom!

For Kelly and I

We were excited about all the options for the next two days and were ready to call it a night.

Everything you wanted to know about Gettysburg and weren’t afraid to look up!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 8th is:

Fintastic Friday; National Coconut Cream Pie Day; National Give Someone a cupcake Day; National Iris Day; National Have a Coke Day; National Military Spouse Appreciation Day; National Provider Appreciation Day; National Public Gardens Day; National Student Nurses Day; No Socks Day; Victory in Europe Day.

I will celebrate irises, Cokes, and Gardens! God bless…

On this Day in History: 1915 RMS Lusitania is sunk by a German submarine off the southern coast of Ireland, with 1,198 lives lost

First of all, Happy, happy birthday to my niece Tonia and to my friend Mary! Hope these lovely ladies both had a wonderful day – surrounded by family and love!

Tonia with Jesse and the dog, Pistol.

Mary with her son, Dom.

Since I got almost everything organized for the trip except packing, I could take my time doing chores this morning. I did see the horses, but was getting the mail and didn’t have my phone with me. By the time I got it and went back out, they have moved on. But they are so beautiful and majestic!

Photo from my files…

About 10:30am I called work, and the car that I’m taking tomorrow was ready. What a change driving the Grand Cherokee after the Ford Echo Sport! They are both nice vehicles but totally different to operate. There will be plenty of room for everything we need to take – and trust me, we know how to NOT travel light! It took over $80 to fill the gas tank! THAT was a culture shock!

Before I got into packing, I worked on my little frame craft. It was tricky but not hard. I liked how it turned out. My original intention was to glue the cow cookie cutter on, but decided I didn’t like that and this is the result.

Close-up

On the shelf.

I am still binge-watching THE HISTORY TRAVELER – Gettysburg videos. Most of the videos are battle and cemetery details, but a few were houses or areas that you can tour. So I took notes. I like listening to J.D. SO I guess I’m ready! Oh – and I won’t be posting again until sometime after Thursday of next week – I have lots of obligations once we get back!

J.D. – The History Traveler.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 3rd is:

National Two Different Colored Shoes Day; National Paranormal Day; National Lumpy Rug Day; National Wave Day; National Public Radio Day; Write A Review Day; Disabled Pets Day; International Sun Day; National Chocolate Custard Day; National Garden Meditation Day; National Lemonade Day; National Raspberry Popover Day; National Textiles Day; Wild Koala Day; World Laughter Day; World Press Freedom Day.

Laughter…is good medicine! I wore 2 different shoes to work one day – but not on purpose. I have written my share of reviews. God bless…

A Favorite Movie:

You can’t get a better version than this one – June Allyson, Margaret O’Brien, Elizabeth Taylor, Janet Leigh.

…although this is a close second.

On this day in History: 1863 Confederate Army General Stonewall Jackson is wounded by his own men during attack in Chancellorsville, Virginia

Despite having a long list, today was quiet. Autmn’s plans changed so I just stepped through the list. It’s been chilly and damp so I didn’t spend much time outside. I was just getting ready to attempt mowing (the grass was getting unruly) after I took a card to the mailbox. I noticed my neighbor’s grandson mowing – and he saw me. He agreed that when he could, he’d cut for me. And he had time today! That was a blessing since the grass was still wet. I was very happy to have him cut and weed whack. Thank you, Trent!

Front yard, weed-whacked and cut.

Side yard

Beside the deck.

I pulled a few weeds but again, it was damp and cool and windy so I wasn’t out long. I did trim the new little spouts off the maple trees in the front yard, checked on the flower beds, and unplugged the battery charger in the shed since I’ll be away.

The white azalea has more blooms

Front yard peonies – did you know the ants actually help open the flowers to bloom?

I knew the car was running low on gas – and although I don’t think I’m taking the Ford on vacation I didn’t want it to get too low. So I did go out and put just a small amount of gas in the car. I’ll fill it up tomorrow if I find out I’m taking it. I wouldn’t return it on empty.

The ‘low fuel’ light even came on!

The moon last night was very bright – but it did seem smaller. I felt like I could see the craters on the surface!

It looks yellow!

My sister mentioned that stamps are going up in July, and that right now they have ones that reflect our founding fathers (and mothers!). So after getting gas I stopped at the post office.

My PAN newsletter came today, and although I am not a notary any more, I do still get the newsletters. And I like doing the Word Search so I printed it out. I’ll work on it later, after supper.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 2nd is:

World Tuna Day; World Naked Gardening Day; World Labyrinth Day; International Drone Day; National Play Outside day; National Truffle Day; National Fitness Day; National Life Insurance Day; Kentucky Derby; Free Comic Book Day; National Start Seeing Monarchs Day; Join Hands Day; National Scrapbook Day; International Harry Potter Day; National Brothers and Sisters Day; Take a Baby to Lunch Day.

I can’t imagine gardening without clothes on! But I do like to play outside (fully clothed…). I do have a sister! If Autmn and Cameron come I will take him (and her) to lunch! God bless…

A Favorite Movie:

An Alfred Hitchcock Thriller – REBECCA – Mrs. Danvers looking out of Rebecca’s suite at Manderley. I love this movie (black and white!)

On this Day in History: 1930 The planet Pluto is officially named by 11-year-old English schoolgirl Venetia Burney