Early cool walk, work at both stores, and lunch with Auntie D at Chilli’s. I’d never been there. Anywhere Aunt Darlene frequents she has a following, and today it was Katie. The staff are really friendly and nice to her, and she’s very kind and generous to them. She talks up my book, Letters to Mary, everywhere she goes, and today she left the book as a tip for Katie! She’s good for my ego! It was nice to catch up with her and visit a bit.

When I got home I changed into yardwork clothes and set out to finish cleaning up the flower beds. At this point they are all done! All the dead stalks are cut back, weeds pulled, stray branches trimmed back, and cuttings all tucked in bags ready for the trash. Now, in the spring, the new little sprouts and buds and plants can grow and bloom and be happy and beautiful all summer.

When I got to work in Jeannette, there was a small pumpkin on my desk. Rege said Ken left it there. So I left him a note that I was adopting it, and he could have visitation or joint custody, but it was coming home with me! Happily, it’s nesting under the orange mum! Perfect!

And surprisingly, the white lilac is sprinkled with blooms. Unheard of for October!

Memory book – March 3rd: Did you ever pretend to be sick as an excuse to stay home from school? “I loved school & never wanted to miss. I had a sick time in 5th or 6th grade. The teacher came to the house so I could take the tests. I guess my mother was a good teacher as I always made 100% on the tests.” It’s amazing that mom wanted so badly to study and learn! She was always trying to get more information and learn everything she could!

On this day in 1926 A A Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh” book was released, and in 1957 ‘Wake up Little Susie’ by the Everly Brother reached #1. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed war on drugs in 1982. Roger Moore – actor (James Bond) – was born in 1927; Dwight D Eisenhower, 34th president, was born in 1890, and Ralph Lauren (designer) in 1939. In 1644 William Penn – founder of Pennsylvania – was born, and Big Crosby (White Christmas fame) died at age 74 in 1977.

TOMORROW October 15th is:

• National Shawarma Day
• National Aesthetician Day
• National Cheese Curd Day
• National I Love Lucy Day
• National Grouch Day
• National Latino AIDS Awareness Day
• National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
• National White Cane Safety Day
• National Mammography Day
• Boss’s Day

Whatever else you celebrate, make sure you let your boss know that you respect and appreciate them! Mine are super great! I’ll certainly let them know! Don’t be a grouch! God bless…

On my walk this morning I took pictures of two Halloween houses. I noticed as I drove by tonight after Bible Study that they were lit up nicely, as well. Very fun!

I did spend the entire day cleaning. I took my time and did a little extra, moved things that I usually dust around. Autmn called me and asked to go over to Five Below, so we went there after she was done with work. She needed to get a few things for a Halloween exchange with her sister and friend.

Bible study was a continuation of the study of Angels. It’s very interesting to learn about their appearance(s), their duties, their position in heaven. Thanks, Wayne, for the great information!

On the way home I snapped two more pictures of houses lit up at night. The second one is my neighbor behind me – I’m excited that I’ll be able to see this every night! I’m hoping he keeps it up through Christmas since it’s white lights!

Memory book – April 30: Tell about a May Day tradition. “In school we made paper baskets & put whatever we had in them. We would sneak up & leave the basket at a neighbor’s house. Sometimes we could find some flowers & sometimes we made some paper flowers. Mom would give us cookies to put in the “paper” basket. We always hoped it wouldn’t rain that afternoon.” I never heard of that tradition but it sounds like fun! Maybe we should try it next year!

On this day in 1864 was the Battle of Harpers Ferry, and in 1947 Kukla, Fran & Ollie premiered. We used to watch that when we were little. In 2021 (Today!) William Shatner became the oldest person to reach space, traveling aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket on a 10 minute flight. In 1792 the Cornerstone of the White House was laid by President George Washington, the only president to never have lived there. Marie Osmond was born in 1959, and Milton S Hershey, chocolate tycoon, died at age 86 in 1945. Ed Sullivan – TV host – died at age 73 in 1974.

TOMORROW October 14 is:

• National Dessert Day
• Be Bald and Be Free Day

I may have to eat Dessert for supper! For lunch I am meeting Auntie D at Chilli’s. Never been there. Have a great Thursday! God bless…

Another nice morning for a walk. I had several things to do at both stores, but then came straight home. I had a lot of inside work to do! After a salad for lunch, I cleaned and cut up veggies. I put some aside in snack bags for 2 more salads, and the rest I tossed in Olive oil and sea salt, and baked them in the oven.

While they were baking, I made Chrissy her potato soup. Nate picked it up after work. Hope she was excited to get it – she’s been hungry for it.

Once the inside kitchen tasks were done, I went outside and cut back some dead stalks and pulled a bunch of weeds. In the process I snipped a tiny piece of lilac blossoms (there were several more blooming!) and put it inside in a vase. It smells wonderful. Who would have thought I’d have a lilac inside in October. I also saw that my azalea was blooming again, and I had a bright yellow rose and a big red one.

When I walked up front I noticed the way the sun peeked through the clouds above the autumn hillside. Beautiful view.

In the background I am listening to ‘Wedding Every Weekend’, a Hallmark movie starring Kimberly Sustad and Paul Campbell. Two of my favorite actors, and it’s a fun movie.

Memory book – February 8: Tell about someone who had a big influence over your life. “When I was young my grandma Crooks taught me about loving everyone. When I was a young woman our minister, Pastor Cook, taught us how to always read and study the Bible. I still love to read & learn from God’s word. I learn the meaning of Bible “Truths” every time I pick it up to read and study.” Mom indeed read and studied, but more than that she lived what she learned. And others saw God in her.

On this day in 1892 the Pledge of Allegiance was first recited in public schools, and in 1901 Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president, renamed the ‘Executive Mansion’ as the ‘White House.’ In 1915 Ford Motor Company under Henry Ford manufactured their 1 millionth auto. In 1997 John Denver (age 53) was killed in a plane crash, and Walt Chamberlain, Basketball Hall of Famer, died at age 63 in 1999. Robert E Lee, age 63 (commander of the Virginia forces during the Civil war), died in 1870.

Tomorrow October 13 is:

• National Train Your Brain Day
• National Yorkshire Pudding Day
• Navy Birthday
• National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
• National No Bra Day
• National Curves Day
• National Emergency Nurse’s Day
• National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work/School Day
• National Stop Bullying Day
• National Fossil Day
• National Take Your Parents To Lunch Day

There is nothing I would love more than to take my parents to lunch! I’ll take a moment to think about them as I eat my lunch tomorrow. It’s ‘clean the house’ day so I’ll be home all day til Bible Study. God Bless!

It was a nice morning for a walk around the neighborhood. A few things to do at both stores, then I stopped at Aldi’s and Walmart for groceries. Didn’t need a lot but a few of the items were more than I like to spend, like batteries! Ugh.

After lunch (carrots and pretzels!) I started a load of laundry then cut the grass. Then I dug around in the garage and found my 3 outdoor mats for fall. I forgot about switching out the doormats! The chains kept getting tangled in the commode tank upstairs and would let the water keep filling, so I think I fixed that (not perfect but it will do). Then the screws were loose (no smart comments, please…) on the commode downstairs so I bought new ones and hoping that is fixed, as well. Anyone who knows me well knows that home repairs are not on my radar!

Swept out and washed the car and answered some emails. I was having an email conversation with a friend about always jumping in to ‘suggest’ that people do things. I found this post and sent it to her. It’s both of us!! But now, hopefully I can get the ironing done. Tomorrow will be my cooking day – soup and roasted veggies and boiled eggs for salads… Not a real exciting day but I did get a lot done!

And yesterday (going back a step) I changed the color on my toe nails to a copper fall color. Done!

Memory book – May 28th: Did you play a musical instrument? “I played chords on our piano. I still do, at age 74, but I am not very good. I play the same tune all the time :). ” Mom surprised us when she was staying with Kathy – she would sit at the piano and play the same song over and over. We haven’t heard her play in 30 years or better!

On this day in 1929 J C Penny’s opened a store in Delaware, making it a nationwide company with stores in all 48 states, and in 1975 Saturday Night Live premiered. Eleanor Roosevelt – first lady to FDR – was born in 1884; Henry John Heinz – founder of HJ Heinz – was born in Pittsburgh PA in 1844, and Dottie West – Country Singer – was born in 1932. In 1975 Bill Clinton married Hillary Rodham.

TOMORROW October 12 is:

• National Savings Day
• National Vermont Day
• National Freethought Day
• National Farmer’s Day
• National Gumbo Day

Lots of things to think about tomorrow. And it’s all FREE! 🙂 Have a happy Tuesday – God bless…

Another beautiful day! After church Nathan came over and started on the second coat of paint on the shutters. They are finished now and look so good. I love them! There is one coat on the doors and he’ll do a second coat on the next nice day that he doesn’t work.

While he was painting I lugged the totes up from the shed and put away all the summer lawn decorations. I’ll wait to put the furniture away until Nate gets moved and we can put his items at his new house. The yard looks so sad and boring without all the cuteness, but it’s more important to preserve and protect everything. Those things don’t last forever, and at the end of every summer I end up throwing a few destroyed items away. While I was gathering up all the little decorations I noticed that a few unusual things were in bloom, long past their season. My Stela Doro lilies bloomed again, and I even had blossoms on my white lilac bush. THAT is amazing! I gave the mums a good watering, and the one is a very unusual color combination. Before they bloom they look maroon; then they are an orange color once they open up. Very pretty.

Autmn called me to chat about her Halloween costume, and while we were talking I looked up to see the Goodyear Blimp floating above the house! She went out on her porch and could see it from her place, too. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a blimp go overhead.

Since the program committee at church is working on the Christmas program, they asked for memories and photos of Christmas from the Past. Since I had been in those boxes of photos from the farm, I was able to pull a few out and send them to Shelagh. I guess I was the first one to respond, but I had been thinking about the request since they sent it out. Here is one of the photos I shared: Me, Kathy, and Mom – I was 15, so Kath would have been 11. It was fun looking through photos for a purpose.

Memory book – December 6: Do you have any knowledge of how your first name was chosen? “My father always picked our names. I know my middle name, Jane, was his sister’s middle name & he always told me I was given that because of how much he thought of her (Emma Jane Crooks Whitacre).” Kathy, did you know that? I didn’t remember…. So Millie really does have a ‘family’ name!

On this day in 1845 the US Naval Academy opened at Annapolis, and in 1871 the great Chicago fire was finally extinguished: 3 days, 300 dead, 100,000 homeless, $222 million in damages. In 1953 Winky Dink and You debuted on CBS TV as the first interactive TV show. The home audience would draw on their TV screen using a “magic drawing screen,” which was a piece of vinyl plastic that stuck to the television screen via static electricity. So if Winky Dink needed help crossing a river, children at home could draw him a bridge on the TV screen.  I remember wanting a kit SO BAD! I think we used Saran Wrap and our own crayons but it wasn’t the same. Tanya Tucker (singer) was born in 1958, and Nora Roberts (novelist) in 1950. Orson Welles (actor/director) died in 1985 at age 70, and in 2004 Christopher Reeve, actor (Superman), died at age 52 from an adverse reaction from an antibiotic. Paul Revere married Rachel Walker in 1773 in Boston, and Elizabeth Taylor married Richard Burton AGAIN (her 6th marriage) in 1975.

TOMORROW October 11 is:

• International Day of the Girl Child
• National Sausage Pizza Day
• National Coming Out Day
• General Pulaski Memorial Day
• National Online Bank Day
• National Kick Butt Day
• Native American Day
• Columbus Day

I’m glad Columbus (???) discovered America. Otherwise, where would I be living? I’m looking forward to this week – only two official commitments (besides work) on my calendar, plus Bible study, and possibly a pop-in at my sisters! It’s a light week! God bless…

It may have been cloudy with rain outside, but inside the Steele House at Historic Hanna’s Town it was fun, sunny, and bright. At 9:30am a small group of volunteer ladies gathered in the kitchen to prepare and plate food that would be served at the Annual Fall Tea.

We prepped what we could ahead of time, but so much needed to wait until the last minute. The first sitting was at 11:30am and we had 24 ladies attending. Lillian, the head tea-master (or maybe the Queen Tea?), explained the protocol for a Victorian tea, and also talked about the upcoming programs at the site.

It was a scramble to gather up everything from the first group, completely clean and reset the tables, and be ready to serve the second group at 2:00pm. Again, 24 people were served, but this group included one gentleman, as well.

The ‘scullery crew’ – kitchen food prep and clean up – worked in shifts throughout the day, from 9:15am until the last of us left about 4:30pm. We had a great time together, and the conversation ran as strong and as long as the tea. The ‘newbies’ mixed with the veteran volunteers and by the end of each shift we were all friends, new and old. And the bonus? We got to munch on the excess food that wasn’t needed for the plating. My favorite, as always, is Lisa’s pound cake. That being said, everything was wonderful.

I’m blessed to be part of this group, and spent a wonderful day sharing time and chores and friendships. Already looking forward to the next time, which will hopefully be in the spring! Keep watching the website (www.westmorelandhistory.org) for updates and program schedules.

This was only the first crew – we got really busy and I didn’t have time to take photos. When I wasn’t making sandwiches or plating food, I was up to my elbows – literally! – in soapy dishwater! This was Kath’s first Tea, and she did a great job and had a ‘wonderful day’ (quote from Kath!).

Memory book – September 3: What do you remember about your first day of school? “I visited school so often when I was 5 years old that Miss Mary Marshall told Dad if I got vaccinated she would let me be with the first grade class. I learned to enjoy school that year. I don’t even remember my “First” day of “Real” school.” Isn’t it great to hear of a young girl who absolutely loved school and learning? Such a blessing!

On this day in 1781 Americans under George Washington and the French under comte de Rochambeau begin bombardment of Yorktown, the last battle of American Revolutionary War. In 1934 was the first running of the Rolling Rock Steeplechase races. In 1888 the Washington Monument opened to the public. John Lennon was born in 1940. John D Rockefeller Jr married Abby Aldrich in 1901 (They were huge contributors to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation). Elvis & Priscilla Presley divorced in 1973.

TOMORROW October  10th is:

• National Walk to a Park Day *
• National Angel Food Cake Day
• National Cake Decorating Day
• National Handbag Day
• National Metric Day
• World Mental Health Day
• Clergy Appreciation Day

Please take time to let your minister(s) know how much you appreciate them. They are unsung heroes! I will say that I pray for Mike Hazelton (& family) and Kyle Drown (& family) and wish them God’s speed each day in their walk with the Lord on their journeys. God bless…

Kelly & I were up and out the door a little before 9am. The boys were still sleeping as they were up very late playing video games. We parked at our friend Trent Perry’s house a few blocks off the Diamond, then walked down town. We went in a few antique stores, explored some craft booths, and checked out the food vendors.

I saw my friends Barry and Bruce’s niece Brandi, and got to ask about their baby Levi. It was good to see her! Then we stopped a few minutes to talk to Stoney’s niece Debbie – she had her daughters Heather and Christine with her. Haven’t seen her for several years. We found a pet rock for Logan, and took a quick break on the butterfly bench.

We loved seeing the houses decorated for fall. Ligonier is such a quaint, appealing little town. We tasted a few dips and decided on the loaded baked potato one, then came home and made it. We also got a bag of Snails from the Pie Shoppe. Yum!

We had fresh cut French fries for lunch, with melted cheese. Once we got home, we made the cinnamon rolls so Kelly could take them to Peyton tomorrow. The boys wanted pizza so we ordered that and I drove over to Carbon to pick it up. Now the boys are playing games, Kelly is working on school projects, and I’m typing! It was a fun, sunny, enjoyable day! A great blessing!

From the memory book – March 8th: When on car trips, did you play car games? We didn’t go very often on car “trips.” With 8 in the small old Pontiac we just talked. I got motion sickness so it was no fun going very far. Greensburg or New Kensington were as far as we traveled. We did count cows & when we passed a cemetery we had to “bury” them & start over.” We used to play that, too. Oh, what kids miss today!

On this day in 1945 the microwave oven was patented by Percy Spencer. In 1971 “Imagine” by John Lennon was released, and in 1998 President Bill Clinton’s impeachment trail began. Chevy Chase was born in 1943; John Hancock – first to sign the Declaration of Independence – died at age 56 in 1793, and Franklin Pierce, 14th President, died in 1869 at age 64.

TOMORROW October 9th is:

• National Leif Erikson Day
• National Pro-Life Cupcake Day
• National Moldy Cheese Day
• PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day
• National Chess Day
• National Costume Swap Day
• National Motorcycle Ride Day
• I Love Yarn Day

Kelly just finished a yarn project, so she’s a day early for that. Tomorrow is the Tea at Hanna’s Town and I’ll be there (scullery!) all day! God bless…

This will be a short, almost uninteresting post! I took an early walk, worked at both stores, stopped and grabbed a few groceries, then came home and cleaned the house. Washed a load of towels, removed a drop of purple paint from the siding above the garage door (undetected until this afternoon!), made two batches of potato soup (first one bombed), and mixed cinnamon roll dough to make tomorrow. Picked up a prescription at Walgreens, and now I’m waiting for Kelly, Logan and Chase. I’m done for the day! Hopefully I will have something more interesting to share tomorrow, having my family here!

Memory book – June 13th: If you were ever in a parade, tell about it. “When we had the horse & buggy we drove in a parade down main street. When Dusty, the horse got upset when the band got too loud in front of us your Dad jumped out and grabbed the halter & I pulled back on the lines so hard my hands had blisters. We turned off at the first side street. Very frightening experience.”

On this day in 1959 Pillow Talk (old favorite!) was released; in 1960 the TV series Route 66 premiered. In 2003 Arnold Schwarzenegger became governor of California. June Allyson (actress – I loved her voice!) was born in 1917. Edgar Allen Poe died mysteriously in Baltimore in 1849 at age 40. George Mason (Susan had a crush on him!! Really????) – an American statesman – died in 1792 at age 66.

TOMORROW October 8th is:

• International Off-Road Day *
• National Fluffernutter Day
• National Hero Day
• National Pierogi Day
• American Touch Tag Day

Tomorrow is Ft Ligonier Days – Kelly & I plan to go in the morning for a little while. I’ll just be glad to spend time with them! God bless…

Early rising this morning. A little after 5am! But it gave me time to shower, eat breakfast, organize my backpack, and meet Teresa at the appointed time. We were leaving Greensburg right at 7am. It was a bit foggy, and it looked like the bridge to nowhere in the early morning.

I haven’t been to the zoo since Logan (14 1/2) was in a stroller! It was a beautiful morning for a walk, and was not at all crowded. The Zoo Walk is sponsored by UPMC for Life, which Teresa and I both subscribe to. We walked around looking at the animals, and most of them were out. We did not see the polar bears or the antelope, but saw enough of the other animals to make it a fun day. The entrance was a huge archway, and right inside that was a tunnel with hanging wisteria. Very beautiful – and purple!

Going in first thing, there were Asian figures that were colorful and enticing. One was a list of all the sign, like the year of the horse (Teresa) and the year of the tiger (me). Teresa took some of the pictures, so when she gets them to me I’ll post them, as well.

Most of the animals seemed to enjoy being the spotlight. Teresa had a roaring contest with the lion, but since I can’t transfer a video here I can’t share it. Not sure which of them won! Below are photos of some animals.

We stopped just around noon and had a snack in front of the sea lions. The most exciting thing that happened there was that a bee landed in her ranch dressing and couldn’t get out of the container. She lifted it out with a twig and dripped a little water on the bee from her water bottle to wash it off. I believe we left it dazed and confused.

After we left the zoo, we stopped in at two antique stores and looked around. I bought a small, pewter leaf dish. I was home before 4pm, cut the grass and weed whacked. Plenty of time to post before the Angels Bible study tonight.

Memory book – May 23: Tell of someone you envied and why. “I wanted to be able to go on trips. I think I envied my older cousin, Dora, when she went to college.” Mom ALWAYS wanted to travel and see places!

On this day in 1889 Thomas Edison showed his first motion picture, and in 1962 Dr. No, first James Bond movie, made a world premiere in London. Jenny Lind, Swedish Nightingale, was born in 1820. Alfred Tennyson, poet, died in 1892 at age 83, and Bette Davis, actress, died in 1989 at age 81. Faith Hill married Tim McGraw in 1996, and my cousin Deb married her husband Jim Gregg 33 years ago today! Happy anniversary! Here’s wishing you many more!

• National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day
• National LED Light Day
• National Frappe Day
• National Inner Beauty Day
• National Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day

I love chocolate covered pretzels! I just had some on Sunday. Not a frappe fan, however. Looking SO forward to my daughter and 2 younger grandsons coming tomorrow evening. Have a great day! God bless…

It was a bright, beautiful day, all day! Early walk, worked both stores and helped out both Mikes. Still looking through old photos, but this time for pictures of Christmas Past for a church project. I took the Pack N Play over to Kathy, and played with Millie for a few minutes. She is getting so smart and talks up a storm. I asked her where she learned to talk, and she said, “Grandfather!” (Meaning Paul…)

So Kelly sent me pictures of Peyton’s newest adventure. Fluffy. They pick the strangest names for their animals. He (Peyton) had been busy installing a fence around the bottom yard, getting ready. Fluffy is a 4-H project for next September’s local fair. Too big for me! I barely manage dogs! Good luck Peyton! You amaze me!

Nate was painting, and I noticed that there are violets blooming in my yard. They are supposed to be a spring flower. Someone’s confused. But at least they are the right color! Things are looking good with the new purple trim. Not so with the 4 inch mushroom in the middle of the front yard! It doesn’t match anything.

Memory – March 28th: Tell about an experience at the doctor’s or dentist’s. “When very young I had swollen glads (glands!). Dad took me to see Dr. Smith, in Plumville. Dr. Smith said they were at the place where they either got better or he would lance them. He said I was on the fence & could go either way. I came home & told everyone I was going to fall off the fence :)”

On this day in 1947 Harry Truman (33rd president) made the first presidential address to be televised from the While House. In 1962 the Beatles released ‘Love me Do/P.S. I love you’. In 1989 Jim Bakker was convicted of fraud, and in 2005 TWILIGHT novel published. Bil Keane (Family Circus) was born in 1922; Ray Kroc (founded McDonald’s Empire) in 1902, and Chester A Arthur (21st President) in 1829. President Arthur had the distinct honor to have a dog named after him. Kathy & Paul named their dog Chester. What an honor! Mario Lemieux – Pittsburgh Pen’s owner – born in 1965, and Kate Winslet (The Holiday) in 1975.

TOMORROW October 6 is:

• National Coaches Day
• National Orange Wine Day
• National Plus Size Appreciation Day
• National Mad Hatter Day
• National German-American Day
• National Noodle Day
• National Walk to School Day
• National Pumpkin Seed Day
• National Coffee with a Cop Day 

Mom was always willing to celebrate Noodle Day! She loved noodles! Tomorrow Teresa and I are going to the Zoo to do their Zoo walk. I’m excited to go. Have a happy hump day! God bless…