Is there going to be a day soon that I don’t say that it was a busy day? Hmmmm. Woke up at 5:15 this morning by a txt message from my step-sister’s daughter about some things at the farm. We had a nice half-hour exchange and again, I’m excited about our family connection. I headed out about 7am on Route 119 North to Smicksburg to do corn at Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford’s farm. Nate and Dave joined us and we did tons of corn. Fun family day and we reaped a great reward, as well. Nate brought a TON of food and we enjoyed a luncheon feast!

The sky about Blairsville was dark and foggy (cloudy?), but within 15 minutes it switched to a brighter sky with a bit of haze. And if any of you have wondered if Home, PA, really exists, I took a few photos to confirm!

Diane sent me the cutest puppy video, and I took a screen shot of this one. I even saved it as my desktop background.

Today was my Dad’s birthday: Clifford Allen Steiner – born August 23, 1928. He would have been 93. He was a fun-loving people person, and generous almost to a fault. It’s strange, but now that John has passed I feel connected to my Dad in a different way. Almost like it’s ok to celebrate him again! He shared joy and love to so many people, and left them with happy memories and encouragement. Happy birthday, Dad!

Since I was gone for 12 hours today I didn’t have time for a sermon (again). So I will just share Marcy’s thought for the day. I DO wish I had a do-over button. There is one area in particular that I can’t seem to get right, and I struggle daily (sort of like the apostle Paul: What I want to do, I don’t; what I don’t want to do, I do!). I’m praying and working on it – God’s got this, and I am moving forward!

On this day in 1940 German bombers began flying night raids over London, and in 1952 Kitty Wells was the first woman to reach #1 on the Billboard country chart – I Didn’t Know God made Honky-Tonk Angels’ – stayed there for 15 weeks. In 1974 John Lennon reported seeing a UFO over NYC. Angelina Jolie married Brad Pitt in 2014, and Elin and Tiger Woods divorced in 2010. Birthdays: 1905 – Ernie Bushmiller (created comic book characters Nancy and Sluggo); Gene Kelly, singer/dancer (Singin’ in the Rain) in 1912; Barbara Eden (I Dream of Jeannie) in 1931; and Kobe Bryant, Oscar-winning Basketball player, in 1978.

TOMORROW August 24 is:

• National Maryland Day
• National Peach Pie Day
• National Waffle Day

For Autmn and I, tomorrow is Beach Boy Concert day at the Palace Theatre! Can’t wait. A special gift from a special young lady – and a special concert! Love you, AR!!! God bless…

Went to first service at Hempfield, then taught my little Sunday School class. Still talking about Gideon, and still messing in the water. They love it! One more week of Gideon and then on to a new series of lessons. “Learning to Do What Is Right – Nehemiah’.

After church I had a tomato/toasted cheese, did the ironing, and got organized for tomorrow. It’s CORN DAY at the Griffith farm in Smicksburg, so I need to leave the house very early in the morning. Thankfully Nate and Dave are coming to help so it should go quickly. I walked down behind the shed and made sure I had done a good job cleaning out weeds and vines. All good!

Kath and I went to visit Mom. She was propped up in bed, watching Hallmark movies, with the remote in her hand. I know she doesn’t know how to use the remote and I can’t tell if she’s watching the shows. We talk to her and to each other and hold her hand (the TV was too loud to sing today, and she was basically ignoring us, anyway – hehe!) But we still tell her about our day and about what’s happing in our lives and that we love her. And we do!

I picked up Autmn and Josie – we went to Scottdale to pick up Autmn’s friend Seanna. They have chickens, and I swear that black rooster was trying to jump in my window! The one little fellow (lady?) looked like it was dressed in fuzzy robe and slippers and was waiting to watch TV! I had Autmn snap a photo out her window of the view over the ridge. That whole road is beautiful, and it’s most of the reason I don’t mind the drive down there. It fills my soul! Autmn shared a photo of herself in a tree, and I thought it was really pretty. Can’t believe she’s so grown up! No more ‘first day of school’ for her!

I will share Mike’s message from Hempfield: The cost of being a disciple. 1) Anyone can follow Jesus, despite their past. We learn, then we teach others. Being a disciple is the most important thing we can do. It’s not easy, you have to WANT to do it. 2) Deny yourselves – We’re not good at that. What have you denied yourself of lately? 3) Take up our cross – sacrifice; give ourselves for the sake of the cross. It’s not free, really: it cost God His Son and Jesus His life. 4) Follow Me – Live a Christian life- are you willing to pay the price?

Mike at HCC:

On this day in 1762 Ann Franklin was the first female US newspaper editor (Newport, RI); in 1775 King George III proclaimed the colonies to be in open rebellion. In 1902 President T Roosevelt was the first US chief executive to ride in a car. In 1917 the Pittsburgh Pirates played their 4th straight extra-inning game, and in 1902 Cadillac Automobile Company was formed (later bought out by General Motors). Peppermint Patty first appeared in the PEANUTS strip in 1966. Sebastian Cabot (Giles French on Family Affair) died at age 59 in 1977, and Ulysses S Grant married Julia Dent in 1848. Birthdays: Valerie Harper, actress (Mary Tyler Moore show/Rhoda) in 1939 and Cindy Williams (Shirley in Laverne and Shirley) in 1947. And my ‘second son’, Dave Bath, has a birthday today! Nate and Dave have been best friends since third grade, and these days they are co-owners/operators of B & B Window Cleaning. He’s been a good friend to Nate and I’m happy to unofficially adopt him! He shared a LOT of adventures with us; and he’s really good at making us laugh! Happy birthday, Dave!!

TOMORROW August 23 is:

• National Ride The Wind Day
• National Sponge Cake Day
• National Cuban Sandwich Day

In my world, tomorrow is CORN DAY! Almost like beef day, but no cows. Just corn. Lots and lots of corn. And family and fun and hard work! A huge THANK YOU TO UC/AJ for the blessing of CORN! God bless….

The day flew by, even though we didn’t have any major projects. Kelly needed a few things for the boys for school Monday, so again we popped over to the store. We found these cool, color-changing pens. We’ll see if I’m impressed once I use them.

Chase and Logan were still playing games – Chase had his buddies, Gary and Zippy, with him. They seemed content. It was a good time for all of us, and I always miss them when they leave.

I did spend about an hour and a half outside on the hill, cutting back day lilies and pulling weeds and vines behind the shed. It was sort of tangled back there and I felt like it needed cleaned up. Looks much better now.

The moon is beautiful tonight! Tomorrow is the full moon, officially, but it’s bright and round tonight. It’s been playing hide and seek with the clouds all evening.

I haven’t had time to get organized with sermons or inspirations, so I’ll just focus on the above quote from Dolly Parton. It’s been ‘raining’ a lot here, but there have been lots of rainbows! I feel the beauty and blessings all around, but I am running out of steam. I’m hoping for a huge slow-down in October once the farm is cleaned out and we are done up there. I will miss spending time with my ‘new’ family. We’ve enjoyed being together, and I hope and pray we will continue to keep in touch!

On this day in 1858 was the first Lincoln-Douglas debate, where Lincoln said, “This government cannot endure permanently half-slave and half-free.” In 1959 Hawaii became the 50th (and to this date last) state. In 1961 Country singer Patsy Cline recorded the struggling Willie Nelson’s CRAZY (It was Stoney’s favorite song…). Princess Margaret Rose was born in 1930, Kenny Rogers – singer/songwriter – in 1938, and Kacy Musgraves – country singer/songwriter – in 1988.

TOMORROW August 22 is:

• National Surgical Oncologist Day
• National Be An Angel Day
• National Bao Day
• Never Bean Better Day
• National Tooth Fairy Day
• National Pecan Torte Day

Whatever you celebrate tomorrow, begin your day – as my mom would say – in the house of the Lord. God bless…

It took a lot of faith, patience, and perseverance to get to this point, but God is good! Byron and Abby, Kathy and I signed the sales agreement and the deed for the farm. Byron and Abby are now the very happy and excited owners! We are all so pleased that it went so well. They have big plans, including a home reno and eventually bringing animals onto the property. Even a dog! Blessings abound and we are very grateful. Can’t wait to see what they accomplish!

Byron and Abby stopped back here at the house for some tea and zucchini bread and fun conversation. We sent them on their way with well-wishes and blessings for safe and successful travels. Kelly and I jumped right in and got the other four pork butts pulled and shredded, then cleaned up the greasy kitchen. Glad to be done! Two big accomplishments. After lunch we had a few errands to accomplish. Kelly and the boys went to visit family friends in Ligonier, and I cut the grass.

Last night Kath and I went up for a compassion visit with mom. She again opened her right eye, and watched us from time to time. We talked and held her hand then sang fun songs and hymns for about half an hour. Her roommate had fallen asleep, and when she woke up she asked what time church started! Mom isn’t responding to much, has no interest in eating, and doesn’t get out of bed. We are praying – for her and for us, because it’s very hard to watch this decline. God is good, all the time, and we must simply trust. Since there were a few COVID cases (though not on Mom’s wing), we were required to ‘suit up’ – felt like we were going into space!

I will share Paul’s message – Our God is For Us. Nothing can separate us from God. 1) God will work out all things for good for those who follow Him. Even suffering, which produces character. He’s our father and we are heirs. 2) If God is for us, who can be against us? Jesus gave His life freely. 3) Jesus will intercede for us. Satan tries to condemn us but Jesus covers us. 4) We are more than conquerors. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. We have the assurance that God is for us and won’t ever be separated from us.

On this day in 1896 the dial telephone was patented, and in 1844 John Tyler (10th president) was the first president not to run for a second term. Birthdays: Benjamin Harrison, 23rd president, born in 1833; Connie Chung, CBS anchorwoman, in 1946, and Jim Reeves, country singer, in 1923. William Booth (founder of the Salvation Army) died at age 83 in 1912, and Phyllis Diller, comedienne, died at age 95 in 2012, and Jerry Lewis at age 91 in 2017. Happy 40th anniversary to my friends Jim and Dianne Gresham. Wishing you many more wonderful, happy years!

TOMORROW August 21 is:

• National Brazilian Blowout Day
• National Spumoni Day
• National Senior Citizens Day
• World Honey Bee Day– 

Look at that! We have our own day! However, I feel like EVERY day is my day. And instead of celebrating actual bees, let’s listen to Blake Sheldon’s HONEY BEE song! Fun! Have a great weekend. God bless…

It has been a long, busy day – so this is just a token post to get me through until tomorrow. We started the day making scones for breakfast. I stuffed a turkey and put it to roast, and then Kelly started the pork butts. She’s making pulled pork and freezing it for their local fair. We have 8 pork butts to cook (8-10 hours!) and pull. The first two were disagreeable and took a lot of time. The second two were easy-peasy and we whipped through them. The next 4 are roasting all night and that is tomorrow’s chore.

Lord willing we will have the closing on the farm tomorrow morning at 9am. We are praying the prayer that never fails – God knows what is best. I will report in on that tomorrow, too.

The boys are gaming and Kelly is still working on lesson plans for home schooling and co-op. I’m convinced there is more work for the teacher than for the kids!

Here is my inspirational thought for the day:

I’m not listing an ‘on this day’ – I’ll catch up later. But here is the ‘National day for tomorrow:

August 20

• National Radio Day
• National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day 

Have a happy weekend and I’ll catch up tomorrow! God bless….

Another busy day – and lots of hard rains. Worked both stores, and got home the same time as Kelly and boys arrived. We had lots to do today, including a quick trip for groceries at Walmart. Logan forgot his power cord (for gaming system) so we bought one but it doesn’t work well. We plan to check Best Buy tomorrow.

Kelly brought up a frozen turkey that a friend gave her. We are defrosting it in cold water and will stuff and cook it tomorrow. We also have a bunch of pork that will need cooked and that will take 2 days. We mixed up scones, made sliders and potato/cheese casserole, listened to 2 sermons, cleaned up dishes, washed 2 loads of clothes, and took the garbage up. I’m officially tired! Oh – and I bought corn from Palmers, and when I husked it I found a mommy/baby one.

And after the rain this afternoon I noticed that my poor little squirrel was drowning in the wheelbarrow. Poor little guy!

I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning – He cares. Encouragement – we have a great high priest. Empathy – He went through it, so he understands. His spirit will lead us through temptations. We still sin but He forgives. Blessings – He’s always there, on the throne offering mercy, grace, and help. He cares! He’ll give us the desires of our heart.

On this day in 1872 the first mail order catalog was issued by Montgomery Ward. Elvis’ ‘Hound Dog’ and ‘Don’t be Cruel’ reached #1 in 1956; Peter, Paul and Mary released their first hit, ‘If I had a Hammer’ in 1962, and the 19th amendment (Women’s right to vote) was ratified in 1920. Margaret Gorman, the very first Miss America, was born in 1905; 1927 first lady Rosalynn Carter was born. Roberto Clemente in 1934, Robert Redford (Great Gatsby) in 1936, and Patrick Swayze (Dirty Dancing) in 1952.

TOMORROW August 19th it:

• International Bow Day
• National Aviation Day
• National Soft Ice Cream Day
• National Potato Day

Today is enough to handle for the time being. I’ll take tomorrow as it is! I think Beth is going on vacation – have a great time, Beth and Harold! Stay safe and have fun! Love you. God bless….

I was up and out of the house before 7:30am – passed Jaime and Autmn leaving for work! The drive up was cloudy, fog here and there, and some scattered rain. Not a bad drive. I am not in the least intimidated by Erie (as I am Pittsburgh!) and didn’t have any trouble finding the courthouse or a parking place. I could see the lake driving over, so when I finished with the POA I just went weaving around the streets until I found a little park with a walkway. I walked a short distance and took a few photos, then headed down I-90 to the farm.

Barb, Bobbie, and Dick were already working. The insurance adjuster walked up to the door the same time I did, so I was glad to hear what he had to say. We’ll know the estimate of damage in about a week. Again I had a list of ‘treasures’ to look for. I was fairly successful, but there were a few things I couldn’t find. I brought home a wooden ‘blanket’ box from the attic and scrubbed it all out once I cut the grass. Now I am going to finish this and grab a quick snack. I have to work in the morning since I missed today.

I did not get to listen to any sermons today, but I found some quotes in an old notebook. Not the same thing, but a little ‘inspiration’ as it were:

Don’t march to the drums, dance to them. Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there. Spend time with the right people (turkeys or eagles???) Don’t stop at the top of the mountain; find a higher mountain. If you smell the roses until the pedals fall off, you’ve stopped too long. A problem isn’t the problem; it’s what you let it do to you that is the problem. Don’t get everything done; get the right things done (this is a hard one for me!! I want to do everything!)

On this day in 1590 the governor of Roanoke Island Colony, John White, returned from England to find no trace of the colonists he left 3 years earlier. Vivian Vance (Ethel on I Love Lucy) died in 1979 at age 70. Davy Crockett was born in 1786 and Mae West in 1893. Birthdays! Lindsey Smail has a birthday today – I remember the day she was born! Now she has two little guys of her own! And our Skunk Hollow Cousin Karen Ober is celebrating today. Happy birthday, Karen – have a wonderful celebration! Love you!

TOMORROW August 18 is:

• National Fajita Day
• National Mail Order Catalog Day
• National Ice Cream Pie Day
• National Pinot Noir Day
• Congressional Startup Day 

Tomorrow Kelly and the littles are coming for a last fling before school starts. I have to work (since I took off today) but should be home by noon. It will be fun having them here! BUT!…. we already have lists of chores…. 🙂 God bless…

The next few days may have short posts. I need to be up and out of here early in the morning – have to go file a Power of Attorney at the Erie County Courthouse. It should be easy to find, but it’s a bit of a drive. I’ll stop at the farm afterwards, look for the several things that people have asked me for, then drive home in the evening. Kelly and the little boys are coming up Wednesday for the rest of the week so Tuesday is the best day to go. Seems I’ll have a lot going on so my posts may be very short.

We had a visit with Mom this afternoon. She was dressed and sitting in her chair with a few other residents in the hallway when we got there. We tied her balloons to her chair and wheeled her into the room so we could visit. She seemed to be pleased that we were there, and the nurse said she perks up after our visits. I hope she feels the love that we have for her and knows she is important to us.

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt – ‘It’s happened to me, too.’ Everyone has had something go wrong. NO ONE escapes disappointment, illness, fear, hurt, loss. But we know that God’s statutes are forever right. We need to ask for understanding so we may live. The Lord gives wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He’s our shield and protects the ways of the faithful. When things are rough, don’t forget God is there. We must stay in His word. Nothing is everlasting except God – his Word and his Commands guide and protect us.

On this day in 1691 Yorktown Virginia was founded; in 1904 NYC began building Grand central Station. Ringo Starr became drummer for Beatles in 1962. In 1977 Elvis was found unresponsive and pronounced dead. Sports Illustrated premiered in 1954, and in 1619 the first slaves arrived in America in Virginia. Madonna was born in 1958. Babe Ruth died at age 53 in 1948; Margaret Mitchell (wrote Gone With the Wind) died at age 48 in 1949; Bela Lugosi (played Dracula) died in 1956 at age 73. Paul Simon married Carrie Fisher in 1983; Ellen DeGeneres married Portia de Rossi in 2008, and in 1968 Mia Farrow and Frank Sinatra divorced.

TOMORROW August 17th is:

• National Nonprofit Day
• National Massachusetts Day
• National I LOVE My Feet Day!
• National Thrift Shop Day
• Black Cat Appreciation Day

Tomorrow will be National lots of driving day for me! But at least Erie is not as far as Massachusetts! Have a great day! God bless…

I was extra glad for the Holy Spirit this morning, because even though I was ‘prepared’ for teaching my class, I felt disconnected. I asked for – and received! – Intervention and we had a great time! Max and JJ are always ready for the lessons, and assured me that I taught ‘good stories’! Our lesson was about Gideon and the fleece, and we demonstrated wet fleece/dry fleece, made a mess with water, and had a great time! We also made visors that said TRUST – although they decorated over top the word. TRUST was important for Gideon as he prepared to lead God’s people out of the control of the Midianites.

After Sunday School I was able to accomplish more than I anticipated. I typed up the minutes for the Steiner Reunion 2021 and also posted on their facebook page. Paid a few bills, filed some papers, went over a tax document from Mom and John’s 2020 filing, had Nate and Ron and Chris help me moved the trunk up to the Crooks room (it was, after all, Grandad Crooks’ trunk!) and it looks perfect there! I made and froze meatballs, and Chrissy filled my helium balloons with helium from their tank (left over from Autmn’s party). Good day, over all.

Ron and I were invited to his brother Paul’s for dinner. Paul and Cheryl’s daughter Lindsey was home from Philly for the weekend, and Ron’s son Matt came up, too, and we had burgers, onion rings, salad, and dessert. It was a very nice visit – and they live in Stahlstown very much in the country – so it was peaceful and relaxing. Watched the woodpecker and the hummingbirds and told fun stories about crazy animal sightings!

I will share Mike’s message about the call of Discipleship. 1) FOLLOW ME – a) Recognize authority and submit; become like the teacher b) Follow the Master around and sit at His feet; become like Him! c) He is Savior and Lord – learn how to walk as He walks. 2) I WILL MAKE YOU … We will be changed; transformed to be like Jesus. Produce good fruit, which takes time. 3) FISHERS OF PEOPLE – our mission is PEOPLE; to save people. WE must recognize that they are lost, and what they need – then meet that need. We work along side Jesus – and He works through us – to SAVE.

On this day in 1620 the Mayflower set sail from England with 102 Pilgrims; in 1911 Proctor & Gamble unveiled Crisco shortening; The Panama Canal opened to world commerce in 1914; the Premier of the Wizard of Oz was in 1939; and the Woodstock Festival opened in NY in 1969 (How well I remember hearing all about THAT!). Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769; Julia child was born in 1912, and Bobby Helms (Jingle Bell Rock) was born in 1933. Macbeth died in battle in 1057, and Will Rogers at age 55 in 1935.

TOMORROW August 16 is:

• National Tell a Joke Day
• National Roller Coaster Day
• National Airborne Day
• National Rum Day

Ron is leaving tomorrow – leaving here about 7:30am then heading out about 11am after several ‘meetings’; hoping to arrive in Florida late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Wishing safe travels and happy memories! God bless…

It seems like the days just get away from me – there are too many things to do and not enough time or brain power to get through them!

Spent the morning organizing and cooking, and lugging and toting. Got to the park a little after 11am and helped Judy and Jackie set up – Kath was right behind me so we all worked together. There was a nice amount of people there, but more were missing than came. MORE than enough food, and WAY MORE than enough love, and fun, and laughter, and support, and hugs, and — did I say food? Very, very nice day. Mark brought the family album with the genealogy and old photos – THAT was really fun to look through! I was actually sad when we started cleaning up and leaving.

BUT – we had a compassion visit with Mom, and were finally (after over a year) able to visit her in her room on purpose! She slept a good bit of the time, but woke up near the end of our visit. We held her hand and sung songs, and her roommate clapped every time we finished a song. We did some hymns, and Mocking Bird Hill, and Playmate, and even Henrietta Pussycat (from The Children’s Corner/Mr. Rogers Neighborhood) singing Meow Meow Meow Meow Beautiful! Even the nurses told us they heard us out in the hall!

BUT – Byron called me with the news that a HUGE limb broke off the tree outside the master bedroom at the farm. Knocked a corner off the house, but it looks like no major damage. It was a pretty nasty storm last night! The farm is still covered under the insurance policy so Barb will try calling on Monday. Not sure if I will have to be involved since we are POA’s. We shall see! ONE MORE THING….

I’ve had a full day, and didn’t have time to listen to any sermons – so here is a little inspiration for today: The irony of this is that 3 times within 24 hours those same words (in some form) came directly to me. Kath and I shared them yesterday afternoon. It’s easier said than done! But God’s got this!

On this day in 1824 General Lafayette returned to the US; in 1873 Field and Stream was first published. In 1935 the Social Security Act was signed into being by President FDR; 1945 was V-J Day – Japan surrendered unconditionally to end WWII; Sonny and Cher’s I GOT YOU BABE hit #1 in 1965. Daniel Boone married Rebecca Bryan in 1756, and William Randolph Hearst, publisher, died in 1951 at age 88. Birthdays: Doc Holliday – dentist and gunfighter (now THAT’s an unlikely combination. Or maybe it ISN’T. Dr. Lane????) in 1851; Danielle Steel – author – in 1947; Magic Johnson – basketball player – in 1959; and Steve Martin, comic, in 1945. Autmn’s mom, Jamie Rose Stairs, is celebrating a birthday today, and I am very thankful for the mom she is to not only Autmn, but a parcel of other daughters, step-daughter, step-son, nieces, and even just those who need an extra hug or some special attention. Happy birthday Jamie! And my Skunk Hollow cousin, Allen, is celebrating today. He is closest in age to me than all the others. Here’s wishing him a wonderful day, a great year, and many blessings! Happy birthday Allen!

TOMORROW August 15 is:

• National Leathercraft Day
• National Relaxation Day
• National Lemon Meringue Pie Day

Pretty sure none of those are on my list for tomorrow – but I will teach a Kindergarten Sunday School class on Gideon, which is worth celebrating. And we had a great day today – National Dorothy Day! God bless….