I did not walk outside, but I was busy and on my feet all day. Even took a ‘dance’ break to Brad Paisley singing “Santa Looked a lot Like Daddy” around 5pm. That got my blood pumping.

Changed bedsheets and washed/dried them. Shower and breakfast, after which I had to go to the bank and then return something at Walmart. It was strange to walk out of there without buying anything! Very rare, indeed. It was really snowing when I left – those little pellets that look like driveway salt! Brrr. Then I came home to find my neighbor mowing his grass in the snow – in shorts! I have NO idea….

I stopped at the St. Paul’s Parish Christmas Craft sale. Everything was half price. I spent $3.00. I just have enough of everything that I need. Except patience. And energy. And cash. And maybe ice cream…. I bought a snowflake trivet.

After lunch I got busy baking. I made cinnamon rolls with yellow icing for Thanksgiving dessert, as well as candy cane cookies disguised as wreaths. Those are the kids’ two favorites. Kelly is bringing apple pie from a fundraiser of her friend. So we’re set. After I got the kitchen cleaned up I mixed up a meatloaf and it’s in the oven. It should be done by the time I finish this. It really smells good…

I changed the lights in my cookie jar, and put white star lights in. I took two pictures; one in the daytime and one in the dark. Then I put the lights from the cookie jar on the little pine tree by the deer. That will be nice for the holidays.

I’m worn out, and done for the day – except for this and dinner! It’s no secret that the kitchen isn’t my favorite place.

Memory book – November 13th: What was your job at the time? “I stayed home & was the typical 1948 housewife.” We are so busy these days, working and obligations and even kids – can’t imagine what kept her busy at home alone all the time!

On this day in 1789 Ben Franklin wrote: “Nothing … certain but death and taxes.” In 1865 the US issued the first gold certificate, and in 1987 Sonny & Cher performed together for the final time (I Got You, Babe). In 1875 the first football game was played with uniforms: Yale & Harvard. Robert Louis Stevenson (wrote Treasure Island) was born in 1850 and Whoopi Goldberg in 1955.

TOMORROW November 14 is:

• National Seat Belt Day
• National Family PJ Day
• National Pickle Day
• National Spicy Guacamole Day

Looks like the only thing I’ll celebrate is wearing my seat belt. Maybe I’ll celebrate being able to go to Church! That is a blessing! God bless…

Back to work! I took an early walk around the block. I noticed that my neighbor behind me has his yard and house all decorated for Christmas, complete with the Christmas tree decorated in the front picture window, pine garlands around the porch railing and windows, and several lawn ornaments. It looks very festive – but I’m not ready for that quite yet. I moved the bags of leaves to the curb, as my leaf pickup is tomorrow at 6am. There were tons of leaves in the yard and on the driveway. Might be a task for tomorrow if it doesn’t rain…

There was a fair amount of work to catch up on, since I was out all week. Glad to have everything back in order. I stopped and picked up a few groceries on the way home, and got a few for Kathy and Paul, as well. I barely had time to grab something for lunch and had to pick up Chrissy for football. From there we went over to the Grandview Fire Hall, where Jen was setting up for the Ninth Life flea market that is tomorrow and Sunday 9-4. You cannot believe how much they have there. I bought a little package of note cards, 2 purple soup bowls, and a beautiful lantern. I couldn’t believe it was marked for $1. I scarfed it right up and brought it home and scrubbed it. Very excited.

I changed the batteries in the lights on the tea tray in the living room. It looks so quaint and appealing. I love that little tea set! Thanks, Aunt Darlene! And the tray was from Gen, several years ago. Today’s Snoopy is SO RIGHT!!!

Scheduled my COVID booster for next week… Also rescheduled our Hanna’s Town kitchen organization for next week, as well. The week is filling up.

My niece Sarah had her baby last night – Wyatt Adam! He is an adorable little guy – and Sarah looks like she didn’t lift a finger! So happy for the family. So much love and blessings abound.

Memory book – November 12th: Tell about where you lived when first married. “We lived in a front apartment on Pittsburgh Avenue for 1 month. We moved to a 1 room apartment in Wagaman’s big Farm House.” (That was in Youngwood, PA.)

On this day in 1880 the best selling novel ‘Ben Hur: a Tale of the Christ’ was published; in 1890 ‘Poems of Emily Dickinson’ was published. In 1966 Buzz Aldrin took the first ‘space selfie’; in 2018 former first lady Michelle Obama’s memoir ‘Becoming’ was published. In 2019 Disney launched Disney+, and in 1954 Ellis Island closed. Charles Manson was born in 1934; Brian Hyland, singer, (Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini, and The Joker Went Wild — both my favorites!) was born in 1943; Grace Kelly, actress and the Princess of Monaco, was born in 1929, and Neil Young, singer, was born in 1945.

TOMORROW November 13 is:

• National Indian Pudding Day
• World Kindness Day

Please please go out of your way to be kind to someone. We don’t really need a national ‘day’ to do that; we should do it every day. But certainly do it tomorrow! God bless…

Veteran’s Day. A beautiful day to be thankful! There are lots of people in my family that served, and I’ll name a few here: My Dad, Cliff Steiner. My uncle, Sid Steiner. My uncle, Jim Crooks. My uncle, Gene Cornman. My grandfather, Jess Crooks. My step-brother, Dick Graves. My step nephew, Daniel Graves. My cousin John Steiner. Also, my cousin Beth’s son-in-law Daniel Sandoval, and my cousin Gail’s grandson Andrew Patterson. Daniel Crouch – check out LETTERS TO MARY to find out his story. Friends, family, neighbors – even strangers – helped to shape this country and keep is safe. Thank you, every one!

Again, thanks to all who have served and are serving. God bless you all!

I started the day with an outside walk – and Dottie was sweeping her flower bed with a whisk broom. It’s really important that the stones maintain their integrity… But it was a nice morning for a walk. The neighbor across the street is getting a new roof – had a nice chat with the contractor about the benefits of a metal roof over traditional shingles. I’m not quite ready for a roof yet, but it (unfortunately) won’t be too long!

I spent the morning blowing and raking leaves. I have quite a stack of bags for Saturday’s pick up. I cut the grass when I finished leaves, but I wasn’t inside 10 minutes when the wind picked up and it barely looked like I had raked or mowed at all. Alas. That would be fall!

The other day I explained about cancelling my order for a paper towel holder through LTD, and reordered through Amazon. It came today, easy to assemble, and it looks wonderful on my sink. Matches my scrubee holder perfectly!

Finally got the OK to re-enter the real world! PCP verified that if I had no symptoms after 6 days I could go out, wearing a mask around people who may be compromised health-wise. So I will return to work tomorrow, happily!

Memory book – November 11th: Do you have an Armistice Day memory? “At school we would all bow our heads at 11 minutes after 11 on the 11th day of the 11th month and remember that day the armistice was signed to end the war.” I wish schools and work places would do that now! We’ve gotten away for paying honor.

On this day in 1921 President Warren G Harding dedicated the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery; in 1939 Kate Smith first sang Irvin Berlin’s ‘God Bless America.’ In 1982 the Vietnam Memorial was dedicated; in 1620 the Mayflower landed at Cape Cod and the Pilgrims wrote and signed the Mayflower Compact. In 1889 Washington became the 42nd state (first state to be named after a native-born American). Typhoid Mary died in 1938; and in 1858 the 20th President James Garfield married Lucretia Rudolph. George S Patton was born in 1885; Leonardo DiCaprio, actor, in 1974, and my ‘violet’ cousin Deb’s daughter Emily is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday Emily!

TOMORROW November 12 is:

• National French Dip Day
• National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day
• National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day

I am excited to go back to work tomorrow, and to also hear the news of my niece Sarah, who will be ‘birthing a baby’! Praying for both Sarah and her baby Wyatt – plus daddy Kyle and big sister Millie! God bless!

After my mile on the treadmill, I grabbed a cup of hot tea and headed to get tested. When I called from the parking lot (procedure!), they said they couldn’t put anyone else on the list as they were so far behind. I explained my situation and the staff person said that she really didn’t think I needed to be tested since I haven’t had symptoms and exposure was Friday. She recommended calling my PCP for verification.

SO… I called, but they weren’t taking calls – recommended the member portal to send a message. I did that, and they responded with another question. That was at 12:06pm. It’s now 5:23pm and no more correspondence. So I’m waiting it out, but it looks like I’m fine and don’t have to test. I will wait to hear from PCP before venturing out.

In the meantime I’m getting things done. I cleaned the house, top to bottom. Washed a load of towels. Fixed an issue with the kitchen floor. Scrubbed an antique suitcase (I could probably hide a small person in it!) that I pilfered from the farm in August. I think it’s from sometime around the turn of the last century. It’s now under the Crooks room bed, used as a spare pillow storage.

I also finally put the car in the garage. I heard it sigh, I swear I did! Happy Mazda, happy Marge!

While I was cleaning the trunk (suitcase) Dottie and Torilyn were staining their deck. It actually looked like they were behind bars. Their dog Milo kept getting in the paint…

I am hoping to possibly get back to work on Friday if I get the OK. And I’m thinking that tonight’s supper will be a salad. My next project will be outside (this weekend) – to clean up the leaves in the front yard again.

Memory book – November 10th: Did you go on a honeymoon? “We bought bus tickets to go to Niagara Falls. We rode to Indiana on the bus & hated it so we cashed in our bus tickets and came back to Greensburg. We didn’t tell anyone we were back until someone noticed our apartment light was on.”

On this day in 1911 Andrew Carnegie formed the Carnegie Corporation for scholarly & Charitable works. In 1951 the first long distance call without operator assistance was placed. In 1969 Sesame Street premiered on PBS; in 1977 Louise Brown (first test tube baby) was conceived; and in 1775 the US Marine Corps were formed during the Revolutionary War. Martin Luther was born in 1483, Richard Burton (actor and one of Liz Taylor’s many husbands – married him twice!) in 1925, and Miranda Lambert – country singer/songwriter- in 1983. Chuck Connors – the RIFLEMAN – died at age 71 in 1992.

TOMORROW November 11 is:

• National Sundae Day
• Veterans Day

Be sure to thank a veteran or active duty service person tomorrow. My dad, Cliff Steiner, served in Korea, and Daniel Crouch – PA 82nd volunteers, Company D, – Civil War. Read about Daniel’s story in Letters to Mary! God bless. Thank you, Dad; Daniel Crouch; Daniel Sandoval; and countless others! God bless them, every one! Photos tomorrow!

I made up my mind that I would keep busy all day, and I did. I called to find out about the COVID test but I do have to wait until tomorrow. So I did the treadmill, and finished proofing the book while I walked. Then I sent Barb an email so she and Don could make the changes. All good!

Shower, breakfast, and a few indoor chores, including to finish the ironing. After a small bowl of potato soup I lugged everything to the front yard and washed the car. There was purple bird doo-doo all over, not to mention dust and leaves.

I decided it was a nice day for a long walk, so I went down to Buncher Park in Youngwood and walked 2.5 miles on the Five Star. I took a detour up Shady Lane, past the house where I grew up. I know I’ve posted these before, but every time I walk up there, it is all new again. I took my time and thought about Kathy losing her shoe in Jack’s Run. About Grama and Grandad Steiner’s house, and how we’d play on the tree roots by the driveway, and roller skate in the garage and basement, and run up the path in the field between their house and ours. I remembered the lamppost at the top of the driveway, and how many time I shoveled that driveway.

There was a huge holly bush (tree) by Mariah Baker’s old house (my favorite of the neighborhood), and I stood there and looked at both homes from every angle, and remembered playing Sheriff in the creek by the culvert and old spring house. We would sit on the split log fence by Cole’s pond (fence no longer there), and now the trees are more open and you can see most of the pond. There’s even a view from the top of the hill. We walked all the way from our house down to Route 119 to catch the school bus. Didn’t seem a long way to us!

I took some pictures of the giant leaves, and sat on a bench in the sunlight at Willow Crossing and read a chapter in my book. It was a nice afternoon for walking and remembering!

When I got back to the house, I turned Hallmark Christmas Movies on (House on Honeysuckle Lane) and painted my nails. Next chore will be a salad for supper. That will be enough for one day.

Memory book – November 9th: Tell about any other circumstances of your wedding day. “Your dad’s friends came for the wedding & decorated the car we were going to ride “home” in.”

On this day in 1969 ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’ was recorded by Simon and Garfunkel; in 1906 Theodore Roosevelt was the first president to visit a foreign country while in office. Art Carney (Ed Norton on the Honeymooners) died at age 85 in 2003. Mary Travers (Peter, Paul and Mary fame) was born in 1936. My friend Kim Douglass is celebrating a birthday. Happy birthday, Kim – with many blessings and lots of love and friendship!

TOMORROW November 10 is:

• Marine Corps Birthday
• National Forget-Me-Not Day
• National Vanilla Cupcake Day

Have a wonderful day tomorrow – and enjoy these last few sunny days before the colder temperatures – and ‘frozen mix’ predicted! God bless… PS hope you can open this cause it’s SO FUN!!! 🙂
https://youtu.be/84SwKM6KfaU

Woke up early, but cozied in bed reading my devotions, a few chapters in the current book I’m reading, listening to Diane’s theme song of the day (Veteran’s salutes this week). No hurry to get up!

After the morning treadmill, shower, dress, and breakfast, I started laundry, then rummaged around looking for scattered things. I put a set of lights up in my bedroom – purple was appropriate – and changed the Halloween paper towels for the fall ones. I had forgotten about that! Spent about 45 minutes on the phone with LTD – I had ordered something that came with a missing piece so I returned it for a replacement. I then decided I didn’t want a replacement, so I called them to cancel the item being reshipped. The operator insisted that she was crediting my account. However I did not PAY for the item! We spent far too much time going over that and I finally just said to go ahead and credit my account. I’ll straighten it out later! But it was an ordeal.

Even thought I am on ‘restriction’, I had to get gas for my car. I masked up, wiped my credit card with a Clorox wipe, and headed over town. I go to a station that pumps your gas, so I didn’t have to get out or touch anything. Then I came home and worked outside, cleaning up leaves (again!) and scrubbing a floor mat. I finished up the laundry and grabbed a small bowl of soup, then picked up Chrissy for football practice. Again, I wore a mask and we left the windows cracked, but she just got over being sick and everyone was comfortable with my providing transportation. I sat in the car during the hour’s practice.

We took a photo of the sunset, which was beautiful. Now I’m home, typing, waiting until tomorrow to call Med-Express to see if it’s still too soon to be tested. Making lists to keep my days full and happy!

Memory book – November 8th: Who performed the ceremony and Who stood up with you? (No mention of a minister’s name) “Hazel (sister) was my matron of honor and Gene was your dad’s best man. Joan was my flower girl.” (Again, check Saturday’s post for photos!)

In 1701 William Penn presented the Charter of Privileges, which guaranteed religious freedom for the colony in Pennsylvania. In 1731, in Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin opened the first library in the North American Colonies. Abraham Lincoln was elected president for a second term in 1864, and in 1956 the film TEN COMMANDMENTS opened in the US. Darla Hood – (Darla on Little Rascals) was born in 1932; Bram Stoker, author (Dracula) was born in 1847; Patti Page – pop singer (How Much is that Doggie in the Window) in 1927; Margaret Mitchell, (author of Gone with the Wind) in 1900; and Edmond Halley, astronomer (Halley’s Comet) in 1656. Doc Holliday, a dentist (???), gambler and gunfighter, died at age 36 in 1887; Alex Trebek, game show host, died at age 80 in 2020. Norman Rockwell at age 84 in 1894; Edwin Drake, oil industry pioneer, at age 61 in 1880. He had the first successful US oil well in Titusville, PA.

TOMORROW November 9 is:

• National Scrapple Day
• Microtia Awareness Day
• National Louisiana Day

Tomorrow is day two of sequestering for me. Although I did get out and about today, it was under very restricted and protected circumstances. Unless I get tested tomorrow, I don’t plan to leave the house! Have a wonderful Tuesday! God bless…

Funny how in the blink of an eye your whole schedule changes! Thankfully so far it’s just a detour and nothing drastic. But let’s start with the day!

We had a good message this morning from a guest speaker about loving the church. Some very good points brought up, like investing yourself in the work and support of the body of Christ, prayer and worship. Especially appropriate!

In Sunday School we reviewed the story of Esther, and had a celebration of Purim (PooREEM) – the honor given to Esther for her bravery in saving her people, the Jews. (Still celebrated today.) We played games, had donuts (JJ could probably eat an entire dozen, but we held him at 2 1/2!), Hawaiian Punch, and balloons! The boys took three home each and were very excited. We even had noisemakers, and they were VERY NOISY!

After church I stopped at Walmart to get a few things – and saw these boots sitting in the middle of the parking lot. I thought maybe it was the rapture and I missed it! But of course not. Really cannot imagine why they were sitting there looking perfect!

When I got home I got a confirmation that I was exposed to someone with COVID – so thus the quarantine begins. I tried to get a test but was told that not enough time had elapsed from exposure until today. I have no symptoms. So I’ll wait until later in the week, but in the meantime I’ll be home for a few days! I really do feel fine, although I do keep imagining symptoms that are not there. Not a one.

Nate sealed my driveway, and I cleaned up the leaves in the back yard. I took the deck furniture down to the shed and rearranged things so it would all fit. I had a piece of toast, then made a huge pot of potato soup. Now I will finish this post, write out a few thank you notes, and watch Hallmark movies! Don’t expect too much with exciting or interesting posts over the next week – won’t be much going on except cleaning!

Memory book – November 7th: What did you wear? “I wore a traditional long satin wedding gown. I had made it myself with my mother’s help. Also made my veil.” (See yesterday’s post for photos!)

On this day in 1775 Lord Dunmore promised freedom to male slaves who joined the British army; in 1805 Lewis & Clark sighted the Pacific Ocean. In 1976 GONE WITH THE WIND made broadcast TV debut on NBC – 65% of viewers watched. In 1876 Rutherford B Hayes won US Presidential election by 1 electoral vote. Butch Cassidy (42) AND the Sundance Kid (41) were ambushed and killed in 1908. Eleanor Roosevelt (first Lady) died at age 78 in 1962, and Steve McQueen (actor referred to as the King of Cool) died at age 50 in 1980. Ava Gardner married Frank Sinatra in 1951, and Elizabeth Taylor’s 7th divorce (from John Warner) in 1982. Billy Graham was born in 1918; Marie Curie (physicist) in 1867, and Joni Mitchell (singer) in 1943. A long time friend from the Hempfield youth group, Esther Black, had a birthday today, and my friend April’s son Chris is also celebrating today. Happy birthday to you both!

TOMORROW November 8 is:

• National Cappuccino Day
• National Harvey Wallbanger Day
• National Parents as Teachers Day 
• National STEM/STEAM Day

Tomorrow is STAY AT HOME DAY for me! I’ll make the best of it and maybe even do some long over due writing! Have a great week. God bless…

I was glad for a slow, lazy start to my day, and just did small inside chores until about noon. Then I drove down to Hepler’s Hardware to get paper leaf bags. That was my afternoon project, and I was outside until after 6pm. Got the front yard cleaned up, but still have the back yard to do. Probably tomorrow if I can.

Before I got started on the leaf pickup, my friend Barb stopped to drop off proofs of FIELDS OF BLUE, a book that she and I collaborated on about 15 years ago. We are going with a new printer, trying to get the books more accessible to the general public. Right now they can only be purchased from me or from the Flax Committee in Stahlstown. This will make it possible to order it online. Hoping it works out!

Barb also sent me an ebook that she wrote several years ago; takes place at the main character’s grandmother’s antique store. I am excited to read it. The name is Rolltop Reliquary. Very appealing and I can’t wait to get started.

Rolltop Reliquary by Barbara Jean Miller The First Laurel Creek Antiques Mystery

I am listening to Switched for Christmas with Candace Cameron Bure – it’s near the top of my list of favorite Hallmark Christmas movies. Twins switch places during Christmas – sort of like Parent Trap, but these twins are adults. Fun movie! But that’s about it for the excitement for today. I’ll try to be a little more exciting tomorrow! But I DID balance my checkbook to the penny this morning, so that’s good news!!!

Memory Book – November 6: When & where were you married? “We had a lawn wedding in my father & mothers place. It was September 11, 1948. It thundered all afternoon but cleared up & was a beautiful evening for a wedding!”

On this day in 1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th President, the only 3rd party US President, and in 1861 Jefferson Davis was elected to a 6 year term as US Confederate president. In 1928 Jacob Schick patented the first electric razor. Sally Field (Flying Nun, Gidget, and in Kiss me Goodbye) was born in 1946, and John Philip Sousa was born in 1932.

November 7

• National Retinol Day *
• National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
• National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
• Daylight Saving Time Ends

Tonight we gain an hour’s sleep! Can’t we all use THAT? I am going to try and use that hour wisely! Have a great weekend. God Bless…

It was a very cold but sunny morning. Everything covered in frost. My hydrangea bush totally froze out and died overnight. I will cut it back tomorrow. Treadmill, shower, breakfast, then a few errands. I was pleased because I left the whole day to accomplish three things – and I did it – except that I forgot something from yesterday and remembered at the last minute. Threw me into a panic, but God blessed me and I got everything handled easily and on time. The funny thing that I found in the one store was an advent calendar for dogs. How does that even work?

I started out by stopping at the Dollar Tree to get balloons for the Sunday School class. Our lesson is how the Jews celebrated Esther’s bravery and threw a huge celebration in her honor – called the Purim. We are celebrating Purim on Sunday in our class. Mary is bringing treats and I’m bringing balloons.

Then I stopped at Walmart for several totes. Claudia and I are planning to organize the kitchen at Hanna’s Town on Tuesday so I bought 3 different sizes. It’s a start, and I can exchange or add to that if I need to.

I also rearranged a few things in the garage and plugged in the freezer. When I was sure it was getting cold, I filled it with MY items from the other freezer. Plenty of room now for both Nate and I to keep whatever frozen items we need. Especially ice cream and frozen pizza, for me!

We had made plans for this afternoon and evening, but something unexpected came up to thwart our plans. We were in Amish country when we realized that we could not spend the evening as we had thought. It was disappointing, but we were glad to have the time together (Mae, Kathy, and I), and see lots of Amish buggies and beautiful scenery. It was NOT a wasted trip! We are all thankful for the blessings we have each day, great and small.

Memory book – November 5: Tell about how my dad proposed marriage to you. “We were in the living room & he got down on his knee & asked me if I would marry him. I said yes. Russ ask Mary Jane to marry him the same night. They had planned it that way.” That was very thoughtful and romantic! Young love!

On this day in 1492 Christopher Columbus learned how to grow & harvest maize (corn) from the Cubans; in 1988 the Beach Boys’ KOKOMO reached #1. In 1927 the first seeing eye dog came to the US. Vivien Leigh, actress (Scarlett in GONE WITH THE WIND), was born in 1913; Roy Rogers in 1911; Art Garfunkel in 1941. George M Cohan, father of musical comedy, died at age 64 in 1942, and Fred MacMurray, actor, died in 1991 at age 83. And in 1977 George W Bush (43rd president) married Laura Welch.

TOMORROW November 6 is:

• National Nachos Day
• Saxophone Day
• National Bison Day
• National Play Outside Day 

I plan to play in the leaves tomorrow, so I’ll be outside. I also plan to stay home. Enjoy your Saturday. God bless!

Early morning treadmill, and frost on the leafy yard. First frost of the 2021-2022 season! Temps are to dip down into the mid-20’s tonight. Glad I don’t have to work tomorrow! Although, I was hoping to rake leaves. Not sure it will be warm enough. We’ll see in the morning.

I noticed as I was getting breakfast that my neighbor has a new addition in his back yard. There is a hula-dancing Santa waving and swaying. I’ll have to check out what he looks like from the front one of these days. He was dancing again tonight but it was too cold to walk down and see! Ho Ho Ho

Both stores had deals for me, and also Mike G had a title to do. I met Kelly’s friend in Irwin to pick up pepperoni rolls, and I can’t guarantee that all of them will make it to West Alexander… I finally got groceries, put them away; then I changed into my 18th century clothes and was at Hanna’s Town by 3:06pm. I was a greeter, a docent, a gopher, and an informant all evening – from 4pm until about 7pm. Then the last half hour about 5 of us sat in the LeFevre house around the fireplace to keep warm, and just chatted: antiques, ghost stories, raking leaves. Tom heated water in a metal cup over the open fire coals for tea. Perfect evening.

Lisa was presiding over the LeFevre house, and Dave was pouring the samples of beer from All Saints Brewery, with pretzels and nuts as snacks. Eloise was stationed in the tavern, and there was wassail there with cheese and fruit snacks – plus a beautiful fire. Both places had candles and lanterns. From there, guests walked up to the new education center, where the Penn’s Woods exhibit was open – displays of tools, artifacts, paintings and reproductions of time-appropriate craftmanship. The gift shop was open and stocked with holiday gifts and goodies – plus tea and cookies. Everyone had a great time, and stayed quite a while. There were several families with kids, and I even saw several people I knew. These guys – staff and volunteers – are so very nice, and comfortable to share the evening with. I am so blessed to be part of this group.

Kathy and Mae came out to visit, as well, and they enjoyed all the buildings and displays. I asked Mae her favorite part, and she said the Goal (Jail) – I said I’d try to get her a room…. I’m so happy they came!

Here are some random photos:

All of the programs offered at Hanna’s Town, including the weekly tours, are well worth the time. Check out the website at www.westmorelandhistory.org to find out what programs are coming up, including Museum Store Sunday (11/28); Three Centuries of Christmas in America (12/4 and 12/11); and Holiday Family Day (12/29). Hope to see you there!

Memory book – November 2nd: Tell about your first date with him (my dad). “It was in the fall, 1947. He was discharged and came out to see me. He came as often as he could get his father’s car. Sometimes he came & brought his friend Russ Brown & his girlfriend Mary Jane Keister.” (Mom and Mary Jane were best friends until Mary Jane passed away. Kath and I grew up with her kids.)

On this day in 1646 Massachusetts used the death penalty for denying that the Holy Bible was God’s Word – wow, how times have changed! In 1841 the first wagon train reached California. Art Carney, actor (Honeymooners), was born in 1918; Laura Bush (first lady for 43rd president) in 1946; Loretta Swit, actress (MASH), in 1937, and Matthew McConaughey, actor, (Lincoln commercials!) in 1969. In 1842 Mary Todd married Abraham Lincoln.

TOMORROW November 5 is:

• National Donut Day
• National Love Your Red Hair Day
• National Jersey Friday 

Beth Swan, I love your red hair. And I love you! Have a happy Friday everyone – God bless!