It was a cool but sunny morning, and it felt good being outside. Little Max, age 4, walked up to me in the Sunday School classroom and said, ‘Can I tell you something?’ Of course I said yes. He said what he really liked about me was that I told them stories and they were such good stories and he was glad I did! It was so sweet to hear that. J.J. (his older brother) agreed!

I took a few minutes this morning to take some photos of the sun peeking up over the hill across from my house. In a matter of 3 minutes I snapped three photos. It’s amazing to think how quickly everything can change around us. A beautiful, reflective way to start Sunday morning.

Nate and Chrissy came over and the three of us finished off painting the foundation. One out of three painting jobs completed. Next we will paint the shed, then afterwards do the trim. Hoping for purple; actually, dark plum. Then I went with them to look at a house they are considering. It was really nice, and I’m hoping that it all goes through! And it’s not that far – in Hunker!

This morning’s HCC sermon was a continuation of Discipleship. The cost is: everything we are/have. We should be making and training everywhere we go. Keep the main thing the main thing. Bill Pullin always said that! It’s OUR job – we do it or it won’t get done. Pray for: 1) Those who need salvation, by name. 2) Being a good example. 3) Opportunities 4) Laborers for the harvest.

A page from the book – August 2. Describe your childhood home and neighborhood. “My home was an “old” farmhouse. it was full of our extended family. Grandma-Uncle Edd-Mom-Dad-Jim-Hazel-Me & Joan. The closest neighbor was at lease a quarter of a mile. Farmers, coal miners & some very poor people on welfare. We had many neighborhood parties.”

On this day in 1981 the Smurfs debuted on TV. Henry Hudson – English navigator/explorer (Hudson River was named for him) was born in 1575. Johnny Cash died at age 71 in 2003; Raymond Burr (Perry Mason) died in 1993 at age 76. Robert Browning married Elizabeth Barrett (Browning) – both poets – in1846, and JFK married Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953.

TOMORROW September 13 is:

• National Kids Take Over The Kitchen Day
• National Peanut Day
• Uncle Sam Day
• National Celiac Disease Awareness Day
• National Bald is Beautiful Day
• Day of the Programmer
• National Boss/Employee Exchange Day 

Tomorrow Kathy and I are going to stop at the cemetery and take a few flowers. Just as a remembrance. I may be able to work a little on the painting project. The shed I can try; the house I would mess up. Have a happy week! God bless…

Autmn and I left the house at 8am and got Kathy and Sarah; then headed to Camp Christian for Ladies Retreat. It was a beautiful day and the ride up is always breathtaking – the views are wonderful. Hempfield provided the praise team, with Patty Buschek playing the piano, Tonia, Dianne, and Regina singing (Dianne and Regina on guitars). Di even wrote a song to share for the occasion, which was really cute but meaningful.

The theme was ‘Choose Joy’ – which is not as easy to do as it seems. We have already been given joy (it’s a fruit of the spirit, after all), and we just have to embrace it.

Autmn was a social butterfly, and flitted around talking to everyone and sharing in the conversations. I snapped a photo of her with Aunt ‘Cordelia’, and then a selfie with the two of us. We were to pick smiley faces with a ‘joy’ scripture on the back. Everyone was looking through them to find their favorite. I picked mine, then went and found Autmn and sent her to go pick hers. When she sat down beside me and showed me what she chose, we laughed. We both picked the same scripture without knowing it! That was a fun moment!

Lynn Pelc was one of the people giving introductions, instructions, and information. It is always good to see Lynn – a very long-time friend!

Kathy and Sarah gave a workshop about joy-stealers, Ashly Staley gave one on praying through the Psalms, and the main speaker was Kristi Spencer. I didn’t know Kristi well, but I have known her husband and 4 step-children for a very, very long time. She had an amazing testimony to share and it was very inspiring. One of the MANY things she shared was that when things happen, it’s not all about ‘me’. Ask God how he wants to use the situation to produce fruit in you and in others. I took lots of notes!

I dropped Kathy and Sarah off at Kathy’s, then took Autmn to work in White Oak. I was paid for my ‘services’ in two tacos (She works at Bull River Taco – yum!) so I didn’t have to cook supper. When I got home, Chrissy and Nate were painting my foundation, and it looks amazing. They hope to finish tomorrow. That is one of the jobs I was concerned about completing before winter, to preserve the integrity of the foundation. Home maintenance is so important! Thanks, CK and Nate-Dogg! Love you!

On this day in 1773 Ben Franklin wrote: There never was a good war or bad peace; in 1789 Alexander Hamilton was appointed the first Secretary of the US Treasury. In 1847 ‘Oh, Susanna!’ was sung in public for the first time. The Carol Burnett Show premiered in 1967, and in 2005 Pride & Prejudice, starring Keira Knightly, premiered. O. Henry was born in 1862, Todd Beamer died at age 32 in 2001, and Lorne Greene (Bonanza star) died in 1987. My dear friend Joni is celebrating a birthday today, so happy birthday Joni! God bless. My step-brother Dick and his wife Roberta (Bobbie) were married 50 years ago today. What an amazing accomplishment. So happy for both of you! And today would have been my parents’ (Cliff and Dorothy) 73rd wedding anniversary. They can celebrate in heaven!

And in 2001, 20 years ago today, The Twin Towers in NYC were destroyed by two hi-jacked planes. Death tolls were just short of 3,000 people. Then the pentagon was struck, and another plane was taken over by the passengers and crashed in a field in Shanksville, PA – with Todd Beamer being instrumental at that success. He was 32. Our country pulled together during that horrifying time, and we need to look again at what is important and worthy and pull together as a country once again. God bless America. Listen to Alan Jackson’s ‘Where were you when the world stopped turning’ and really hear the words. Then reflect on this: 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Pray for healing…

Another quote from the memory book: April 18 – Tell about the best birthday present you ever received. “It may not be the “best” birthday gift I ever received but it was the most ‘revealing’. They bought me a 2 peice swim suit which Dad said the money they paid for it would cover more of me than the swimsuit did. I really liked it.” Teenagers never change, do they???

TOMORROW September 12 is:

• National Just One Human Family *
• National Hug and High 5 Day *
• National Video Games Day
• National Chocolate Milkshake Day
• National Day of Encouragement
• National Report Medicare Fraud Day
• National Pet Memorial Day
• National Hug Your Hound Day
• National Grandparent’s Day

Not only did I have 2 sets of grandparents (whom I loved!) but I also AM a grandparent, which I love being! Thank you to Autmn, Peyton, Chrissy, Logan, and Chase for making me a happy grandparent! God bless!

I did not walk this morning – took time to just ease into the day and have a good breakfast before work. I went to bed last night at about 9pm, and although I didn’t sleep straight through (I never do) I didn’t get out of bed until 7am. It felt good to be a little lazy and I felt some improved. When I backed the car out of the garage and looked out the window, I had two purple morning glories peeking at me. Good morning, morning glories!

I got to work to find that one of my co-workers would be off for 4 weeks, recovering from a slight heart attack. No damage to his heart, but a stint and some life-style changes. Prayers rising for you, Kevin!

Yesterday while the ‘girls’ worked in the main house, Dick and Whitey attacked the garage. I think it attacked back. SO MUCH STUFF! They made great progress. Things are looking good outside and in. Two weeks until the sale.

Although I was determined not to bring anything else home, I ended up lugging (literally!) a very old and extremely heavy Royal manual typewriter. Not sure if it works. I need to wipe it down carefully then try it out, and find a sturdy display table to set it on. It does appeal to me…

After lunch today I threw in a load of laundry (it’s drying now) and went outside. I pulled the old, twisted morning glories from the fence – they were dying out and it’s very time-consuming to pull them out. It took me about 45 minutes to clean up a seven foot section. Then I went down on the hill below the fence and cleaned out the dead Hosta plants, Lamb’s ears, and Stella D’oro daylilies. There will still be a bit more to trim back but probably not for several weeks.

I think Autmn is coming over to spend the night. We are going to Camp Christian together tomorrow for Ladies Retreat. I’m so excited she’s going!

Here is a page from Mom’s memory book. February 24: Describe a place you liked to go to be alone. “When I was old enough to go by myself I liked to go and set under the big walnut tree (by the cabin) in the cow pasture. That is why Dad gave me the ground where we build the cabin, in the 60’s.”

On this day in 1608 John Smith was elected president of Jamestown colony council, VA; in 1776 George Washington asked for a spy volunteer; Nathan Hale volunteered. In 1955 Gunsmoke debuted, and in 1966 Neil Diamond had 1st Billboard chart success with CHERRY CHERRY. The first episode of syndicated JEOPARDY! with Alex Trebec aired in 1984. Peyton Randolph (first president of the continental congress) was born in 1721; Rin Tin Tin (German Shepherd TV star) was born in 1918. Arnold Palmer was born in Latrobe PA in 1929, and Jose Feliciano (singer) in 1945.

Here’s a quote for today – hoping it will make you laugh! Zsa Zsa Gabor: “I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man I keep his house.” (She was married 9 times!!!)

TOMORROE September 11 is:

• National Make Your Bed Day
• National Hot Cross Bun Day
• Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance

Make your bed every day! GREAT habit! Tomorrow I will report in on Ladies Retreat, and also do a bit of reflecting on Patriot’s Day. Have a great weekend. God bless…

I am taking a break tonight. I’m exhausted, worn out, unfocused, and just want to eat a sandwich and chill with a good book! I’ll be back on track tomorrow! Have a great Friday! God bless….

Early morning walk felt refreshing! I decided to have breakfast then clean the house before my shower. Did some notary work for a friend about 1pm, finished cleaning and laundry, and then got a shower and ready to go. It was the volunteer appreciation picnic for Hanna’s Town.

The picnic was catered by Gianilli’s – salad, chicken, veggies, noodles. One of the volunteers brought a big bowl of broccoli salad and that was my favorite. There were cookies and also the cake from Oakmont bakery. I know everyone raves over their confections — but I thought the cake was just ok. I wasn’t a fan of the icing and the cake was just cake. Not impressed. But then, I’m the exception, not the rule, I think!

Pictures are: Bruce in the blue shirt at the end of the food table. Lisa by the cake. Joanna pushing her hair out of her eyes. Everyone had a nice time visiting, and Lisa and Joanna thanked everyone for their hard work. So many volunteers who love what they do!

On the way home I snapped a quick picture of the courthouse. It’s so pretty lit up at night.

On this day in 1504 Michelangelo’s statue of David was unveiled; in 1892 the Pledge of Allegiance was first published and in 1952 Ernest Hemingway’s “Old Man and the Sea” was published. In 1960 ‘Psycho’ was released nationwide; “The Monkees” were chosen, with Davey Jones already cast. In 1966 Star Trek debuted, and also the TV show Tarzan debuted. Hillary Brooke (My Little Margie TV show star) was born in 1914 (I loved that show!!) – She was Margie’s father’s girlfriend…; Peter Sellers (Pink Panther fame) in 1925, and Patsy Cline (‘Crazy’ and ‘I Fall to Pieces’) was born in 1932.

TOMORROW September 9 is:

• National Teddy Bear Day
• Care Bears Share Your Care Day
• National Wiener Schnitzel Day
• National School Picture Day 

Tomorrow is ‘Another Trip to the Farm’ day, this time with Deb and Kath. Hoping to accomplish a lot! God bless…

And it just keeps going and going! I did get a short walk this morning. Breakfast, then work. Had a few things to do at each location, so I didn’t get home until later. I had to pop down to the cemetery to sign a release form. The person I dealt with used to work for a dealership, and he spent about half an hour sharing his experiences! He was very excited to be able to tell some of his stories! I was very happy to just listen!

Got several beautiful cards in the mail today. And the love just keeps pouring in. Such sweet thoughts and memories.

Autmn sent me pictures – yesterday she went with her family to the Renaissance festival. She even dressed the part, and looked so perfect for a fun and exciting day! She got to meet the mermaid, and also the queen, to get her picture taken. She also bought a wax-dipped rose, and since her middle name is Rose, that is her personal symbol. Happy Autmn! Beautiful Autmn!! She may send me more pictures, and if she does I’ll share a few.

On this day in 1813 ‘Uncle Sam’ was first used to reference the United States, and in 1921 the first Miss America Pageant was held – Miss Washington DC, Margaret Gorman (age 16) was the first Miss America (youngest winner ever). Grandma Moses was born in 1860 and Buddy Holly in 1936.

TOMORROW September 8 is:

• National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day
• National Ampersand Day

WHY do we need a national ampersand day? Who knows…. I am planning on catching up on household chores, maybe run an errand, & I have a picnic at Hanna’s Town if I can get there. Have a happy day! God bless…

I took the holiday at its word. I had lots of labor to do today. Started out in the cool of the morning with a nice walk. Shower, then breakfast, then washing windows. I guess I am back on track now, because it is tradition for me to wash windows Memorial Day and Labor Day, and then whenever they need it in between. I can see clearly now… I think that’s a song!

I ate a bite of lunch – leftovers from last night’s dinner at the church – then weed whacked and mowed. I could have probably pulled some weeds and cut off some dying stalks, but that just didn’t appeal to me today. I wanted to include a picture of the little bouquet I brought home from the spray that was on the casket. The flowers look so nice and brighten up the room.

My step-niece Pam likes antiques, and I told her about the little tiny desk I had that was John’s. He was going to toss it, and I rescued it from disaster several years ago. I believe she is going to be a grandma soon, so I told her I would give her the desk. She kept insisting NO, and I kept saying yes. I finally convinced her, so I dragged a small shelf up from my shed today, painted it gray to match the trim in the family room, and emptied out the tiny desk. I’ll take it up to the farm and leave it for her on Thursday. I’m happy it can stay in their family. I have a desk upstairs from the school mom attended as a little girl, so I am content with that!

In the mail today I received a package from Karen, Beth, Holly and Dan – three of the Skunk Hollow girls and their brother Dan. Beth told me that since Mom and I shared the love of gardening she wanted to send a blanket that would remind me of that. The inscription at the bottom says: When someone you love becomes a memory, your memory becomes a treasure. Such a beautiful way to remember, and it IS a treasure. Thank you all – love you much!

On this day in 1620 the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth England with 102 Pilgrims and 30 crew; in 1901 William McKinley (25th President) was shot. In 1916 the first true supermarket, Piggly Wiggly, opened in TN. In 1969 H R Pufnstuff debuted, and in 1997 the funeral was held for Diana, Princess of Wales, at Westminster Abbey. The Marquis de Lafayette was born in 1757, and Joseph P Kennedy, diplomat, was born in 1888. Burt Reynolds died in 2018 at age 82.

TOMORROW September 7 is:

• National Beer Lover’s Day
• National Neither Snow Nor Rain Day
• National Grandma Moses Day
• National Acorn Squash Day
• National Salami Day
• National Grateful Patient Day
• National New Hampshire Day
• National Another Look Unlimited Day 

Sure are a lot of things to celebrate tomorrow! I am going to just celebrate going to work, being happy, and knowing my sweet Mom is at peace and rejoicing! God bless…

A memory from the book: February 27th – Tell about the best pet you ever had. “We had a big farm cat we named Tibby. She went to visit a neighbor and Elsie left her in her kitchen and fed her. We would wonder where she was. We were down to visit Elsie (Dad’s cousin) and there was Tibby in the kitchen. We shared her as long as she lived. She was always having kittens so we had kittens in the barn to play with all the time.” (And they almost always had cats and kittens at the farm in Albion, too, as long as we all can remember!)

What a blessed day it was. There were so many people around us to share love, sorrow, joy, memories, support, and friendship. It truly was a celebration – of Mom’s life, her love, her faith – – and those who had that in common with us. I was amazed at the number of people who came – family, friends, co-workers, church friends, neighbors. The funeral director even said that this was the biggest attendance they have had in over a year and a half. And almost 50 people stayed for the service, in addition to the live stream.

The florist did a great job to incorporate some fall colors into the spray of flowers. She loved fall best of all, and she would love the beautiful roses. Since there will be no burial for a week, once the day was over we pulled the flowers out and made several bouquets to take home and enjoy.

Kelly’s in-laws sent a beautiful woven blanket in deep colors that were my absolute favorites, with a scripture verse at the bottom. I was very touched by that. We also hung Kelly’s wind chimes beside the casket and several times throughout the afternoon people would go by and make them chime. The funeral home gave Kathy and I each a candle with Mom’s favorite verse. Precious remembrances.

Everyone loved the pictures, and enjoyed seeing the long, beautiful life that Mom shared with all of us. There was lots of laughing and remembrances, and it truly was a cause for rejoicing, thinking about her life and those she has touched. Byron had the message and commitment, and Paul did the prayers and said a few words of encouragement and comfort. Byron did a great job, sharing stories and describing the life and faith that Mom lived every day.

Several people shared comments, but I knew I could not do that. It was touching to hear how Mom brought John’s family closer together, and how truly devoted they were to her. They loved her as we did. I’m so glad we are drawing together as a family now.

My friend Dianne (and her husband Jim) from church, plus Mary and Teresa, handled all the preparations and the food organization for the dinner at the church. I could not have gotten through the day had we been responsible for that ourselves. A huge thank you doesn’t even sound sufficient.

Thanks to all who attended; some who drove 3 hours, some 1 1/2, some 1 – some even further. And several local ones who struggled to get just a few miles. It was a wonderful tribute. Each person, each kind word, each hug and smile and encouragement, will stay in my heart for a very long time. I wish I could write to each of you, one at a time, just to say what it meant to have you there.

A bit of advice from mom’s book. October 4: Do you have a good piece of advice for me? “Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”

Tomorrow is Labor Day. I wish for you as little labor as possible! God bless —

Started the morning with normal chores: changing bed sheets, two loads of laundry, shower and breakfast. Kathy came over and we started working on the posterboards of pictures to take tomorrow. We planned to have 3: Steiner family, Graves family, Cabin family. Ended up with five full boards! Could have done 5 more! But it was fun looking through the photos and picking out special memories.

I forgot to mention one of our exciting moments yesterday! Keith and his cousin were out in the barn and called Pam in the house. “Look outside – there’s a bunch of turkeys by the stream!” So we all rushed out to the porch and watched a few grown ones, with babies trailing, walk across the tree line and back into the woods. They for sure wouldn’t do that in hunting season! Fun to see!

After Kath left, I had to run out to get gas in the car and pick up more poster board (since the three weren’t enough). While I was out, Rege called and said he was at my house with food! I zipped back home real quick, and he had a huge tray of meats and cheese from DeLallo’s for us from my Pinnacle guys. Such wonderful people to work for. I was feeling the effects of missing mom, in addition to hearing Chrissy wasn’t feeling her best and they were at Med Express. So the kindness got me teary-eyed. Got a call that Chrissy was fine and cleared of any issues, so good news there, and I felt much improved.

Then the mail came, and I opened an Amazon package (which Kelly told me to expect). It was the sweetest windchime, with a beautiful poem. I held up the chimes and listened to the heavenly music, and just sat on the deck and sobbed. I hadn’t cried yet, and I needed to. I felt cleansed and relieved and very touched at the beautiful gift. Every time I hear it I will think of Mom, and the love that formed my life, and the love that sent the gift. Blessings abound.

I still have ironing to do so I’ll post from Mom’s book then get busy. Hope to see some of you Sunday at the viewing and service. Don’t forget that you can live-stream (4pm) if you cannot be there but want to be included. Thank you for your kindnesses and prayers. You fill our lives and hearts with joy.

November 10: Did you go on a honeymoon? “We bought bus tickets to go to Niagara Falls. We rode to Indiana on the bus and 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.” God bless young love!!

Have a beautiful Sunday. God bless…

Beth, Kath and I left for Albion at 8am. Spent some time on the way up finalizing some details with the funeral home (via phone) and of course sharing memories of our mothers. Beth’s mom and our mom were sisters. We had a lot to share! As is tradition, we stopped at the store on the way and grabbed lunch for everyone who would be working. Kath, Beth and I tried on coats just for fun. And it WAS fun!

Barb and Whitey were already at the farm, as were Dottie’s daughter Pam (who seems to share a love of antiques and history!), her husband Keith, and Keith’s cousin. The two guys made short work of carting out mattresses, couches, heavy furniture, and tossing it into the dumpster. They also lugged a few tables for us. It was fun to be all together, and we thoroughly enjoyed our morning. Dick and Bobbie got there about 2pm and we all left at about 4:15pm. It was a really great day.

One of the things we wanted to accomplish was to go through the BOXES (!!!) of photos we found and pull out ones of ALL the families. We found quite a stack, and I suspect I will have to get more posterboard as three won’t be enough! What precious pictures! What a precious family!

I will share another page in Mom’s book: May 31; Do you have any good bathtime stories? “We always had a bath tub but no running HOT water. We had to heat the water on the gas stove and mix it in to the cold water in the tub. We were allowed to slide in the old fashioned tub and we would have water splashed all over the bathroom. We always used Ivory soap.”

Tomorrow will be another busy day – so I’d best get moving. Have a great weekend. God bless…