I worked this morning, got gas in the car, then came home and ate a small piece of leftover sub from yesterday. Then I changed clothes and started on my numerous chores. First I used my new weed-whacker, and got through the entire yard without a scrape or ‘attack’, or even rewinding cord! Almost finished everything on one battery, which is amazing. I finished up with the second one (already charged, and then cut the grass. It was VERY warm! I went through 2 bottles of water to keep hydrated and safe. Used the new blower and still had enough battery life to do all the walks and driveway and patio and steps. Now the yard looks neat and happy. I love happy yards!

I brought a little red wheelbarrow home, sat a squirrel in it, and it’s happy too. There was a big fat bee in my gladiolus – HE certainly seemed happy! Still have a few things to do today to prepare for tomorrow’s family reunion (Dad’s side…)

I will share Vanderbilt’s message – Rick was the guest speaker, continuing his message from 2 weeks ago from Lamentations. What do we do when our world falls apart? The first 2 points (from previous sermon) were 1) Cry to God – tell HIM how you feel. 2) Focus on God’s love, not the pain, problem, pressures. Look at Him, not the rubble around you. New points: 3) Be quiet and wait on God; don’t fight back or strike out. Pray: LISTEN! Sit down and shut up! God cannot talk to us when we are going crazy! He wants to make good things happen out of disaster if you shut up and listen. 4) Get ready for change. God has changes in mind for us, and we can’t change what’s happening but we can change our reaction and attitude. 5) Give God your fears. Fear is the most damaging emotion; it keeps us stuck in the past. Do not fear – God cares and loves you!

On this day in 1608 John Smith’s story of Jamestown’s first days was submitted for publication; 1965 – Jefferson Airplane’s first professional appearance. 1967 Bonnie and Clyde film (Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway) was released. 1981 was the last broadcast of the Waltons (Sorry, Deb 🙁 – But glad you can still watch reruns!). Birthdays: Alfred Hitchcock in 1899; Bert Lahr – Lion on Wizard of Oz – in 1895; Annie Oakley in 1860, and Danny Bonaduce (Partridge Family) in 1959. And my ‘Violet’ cousin Deb Gregg is celebrating today! We celebrated a bit yesterday – but here’s to a great day and a happy year. Happy birthday, Deb! Florence Nightingale died in 1910 at age 90; H G Wells (Author) in 1949 at age 79; Mickey Mantle age 63 in 1995, and Julia Child (Chef) at age 91 in 2004. Billy Graham married Ruth Bell in 1943.

TOMORROW August 14 is:

• National V-J Day
• National Creamsicle Day
• National Code Talkers Day
• National Spirit of ’45 Day 
• National Bowling Day
• National Garage Sale Day

My Mom bowled in a league, probably back in the 60’s and 70’s, with her good friends. Then they went shopping at K-Mart! She might have even bought Creamsicles! And she LOVED garage sales. So let’s just make tomorrow DOROTHY day! Love you MOM!!! God bless…

Deb and I headed to Albion about 8am, with a cooler of water, zucchini bread, and a list of items people wanted us to look for. Dottie and Steve were there from Virginia, and Barb and Whitey. We got to cleaning out cupboards and drawers and closets and trying to put things in boxes so as to see what they are. We all had a few things that we found – Deb liked the bread machine, which she hopes to use to make some healthy breads. I found almost everything on the list that everyone asked me to look for – but walked out this afternoon without a few things from the bedroom upstairs. They will be there next time. I’ve already started a new list!

It was a long day, but with only a small amount of irritating storms on the drive home. We accomplished a lot and felt good about the day. (And we stopped for a reward of a chocolate milkshake on the way home!)

Paul’s message was good from Sunday, but there was so much information that I’m going to condense it a bit. It was NOT GUILTY. Our declaration of Freedom as Christians. Satan is the spiritual father of unbelievers. Sin means NO HOPE. Sin blinds the sinner to life-giving promises of God. 1) reality of freedom is no condemnation, no penalty for Christians. We are made right in God’s eyes. 2) Jesus is our advocate – the LAW can’t save us; Jesus can, and intercedes for us – he took our place. 3) Our righteousness is Jesus – the key to salvation. No penalty! We have all sinned, and our battle with sin won’t end until we die. We have to live a faithful life, because Jesus will step in our place if we keep growing every day. We are part of the family of God!

On this day in 30 BC Cleopatra committed suicide by clutching an asp to her breast. In 1852 Isaac Singer received a patent for his continuous stitch sewing machine. In1901 Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened; in 1908 Henry Ford’s company made the first Model T Ford; in 1930 Clarence Birdseye was granted a patent for his method of quick freezing food. In 1990 the largest and most complete T Rex skeleton was discovered. Birthdays: Katharine Lee Bates (wrote the words to America the Beautiful) was born in 1859; Cecil B DeMille (filmmaker) in 1881. In 1927 Porter Wagner (MR. Grand Ole Opry) was born, and my dad’s FAVORITE, Buck Owens – who is really high on my list too! – was born in 1929. Ian Fleming – creator of James bond – died in 1964 at age 56; Henry Fonda, actor, died at age 77 in 1982; Merv Griffin – creator of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune – died in 2007 at age 82; in 2009 Les Paul – Father of the Electric Guitar – died at age 94.

TOMORROW August 13 is:

• National Prosecco Day
• National Filet Mignon Day
• International Left Handers Day
• National Blame Someone Else Day

My dad was left handed. I think Ron is. Gen is for sure…. So celebrate someone you love! And then blame it on someone else… 🙂 God bless…

Ron and I took a neighborhood walk this morning and it was already very warm and humid. The sun was shining and the morning glories were in bright bloom. We had toast for breakfast and a very nice conversation. He went to Stahlstown to visit his brother Paul and sister-in-law. I dropped off some documents to our lawyer for the sale of the farm (Thanks for your help, Tom!) and then dropped off a box of chips for Autmn and the kids.

The sky was very dark in the northwest (I think. I was never good at those kinds of directions), but the sun shown over Wren Drive so I went out to pull some weeds in the front yard. Dottie (neighbor) and I had another nice conversation, and then got back to work. It wasn’t long until the thunder rumbled, and within minutes the rain came down in buckets. I grabbed all my stuff and zipped inside, and now I am doing the Word Garden. The thunder is LOUD and overhead. I don’t expect to do anything else exciting so I’m just going to post early.

Oh! I also had a nice conversation with my friend Dianne from church. It was long overdue and much needed, and I felt better after we talked. A lot more things made sense. Thanks, Dianne, for taking some time for an old (i.e., long time!) friend!

I will share Cindy Lou (Lou Ellen’s) message from Inverness FL – Build up the Church; living the love. We need to get through things together – use each one’s strengths for the good of all. Sometimes we fail, but we keep going. Don’t try to do it on your own. Consider those around you and help each other. TRUST is vital. We are as strong as our weakest member. Encourage & support; trust in God and each other. WE need to be part of the trust factor. Our trust is our testimony. We must live in grace and love. Don’t let anger turn to sin. Don’t let your anger break down the body of Christ. We all matter! Seek peace; Don’t let anger and sin fester; COMMUNICATE. Be tender-hearted and forgiving. God’s love is the core of our heart. Our church is a place to seek nurturing, forgiveness, love, and acceptance. Follow the calling of Christ!

That is great advise – and if you have time, listen to Cindy Lou’s sermon in full at: https://tinyurl.com/y9x23zk9 and watch 8/8/2021’s sermon.

On this day in 1966 the last Beatle concert tour of the US began; Cheech and Chong day in San Antonio TX was in 1972, and in 2008 Airbnb was founded. Birthdays: 1894 Frank Epperson was born – inventor of the popsicle; In 1921 Alex Haley (ROOTs) was born; and in 1933 Jerry Falwell, televangelist and Baptist preacher; 1950-Steve Wozniak – co-founder of Apple computer; 1953 was Hulk Hogan, wrestler. Clara Peller (Where’s the Beef? lady) died in 1987 at age 86, and Robin Williams – comedian/Actor in 2014 at age 63.

August 12

• National Julienne Fries Day
• National Vinyl Record Day
• National Middle Child Day

I have a record player, and lots of vinyl records. They are mostly from the 1960’s and 70’s. But it’s fun to pull them out and listen to them sometimes! Have a great day – God bless…

Finally was able to get out and take a morning walk, checking out what was going on in the neighborhood. Nothing! Which is a comfort in itself.

I took the time to just be quiet and laid back this morning, after weeks and weeks of rushing around preparing and hosting activities. I watched Micah, Paul, and Cindy Lou Who — er, ah, I mean Lou Ellen from Florida! Since I had a late breakfast I skipped ‘lunch’ and did the ironing, then composed my grocery list and headed to Norwin Walmart. It didn’t make any difference: there were still several things that they didn’t have. I asked about a certain brand of hair spray and the shelf clerk said they stopped buying that brand. Communist Russia, as my sister would say! Did you know that Wax Paper is very hard to find? I’m still looking….

Ron made it in from Florida safe and sound. We had a quick frozen pizza for supper and then raided the chips basket. This post will be the end of my day…

I will share Micah’s message – Real Life – the facts and fellowship. We think we will have a storybook life, with a ‘happily ever after’ ending. That doesn’t usually happen. Life is hard, not problem free. FACT: We must believe in Christ. JOY is not the same as Happiness. Our JOY is in Christ and his return. But for now, live for God. He will never fail you. God is too good NOT to share! FELLOWSHIP: We need that with our Father – Don’t pull away and do your own thing. Stay in His presence and your JOY will be full.

On this day in 1776 word of the US Declaration of Independence reached London (I wonder how THAT went over???). In 1793 the Louvre Palace in Paris officially opened as a museum; in 1821 Missouri was admitted as the 24th state. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was sworn in as US Supreme Court Justice in 1993, and Mount Rushmore was dedicated in 1927 (Washington, Jefferson, T Roosevelt, Lincoln). In 1948 Candid Camera debuted, and in 1966 the US Treasury discontinued printing the $2 bill until 1976. Birthdays: Henri Nestle (Yep! The Chocolate guy!) was born in 1814; Herbert Hoover – 31st President – in 1874; Charles Darrow – invented Monopoly – in 1889; Jack Haley (Tim Man in Wizard of Oz) in 1897; Jimmy Dean (country singer and sausage guy!) in 1928. Rin Tin Tin died at age 13 in 1932 – he was a Hollywood Film dog, in 27 films. Nicolas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley were married in 2002. And today is Snoopy’s OFFICIAL birthday! He first appeared in the PEANUTS strip on October 4th, 1950 – the third day of the strip. His birthday was actually disclosed in a strip published April 10, 1968. So Happy Birthday, Snoopy!

TOMORROW August 10 is:

• National Shapewear Day
• National Connecticut Day
• National Lazy Day
• National S’mores Day

OK!! I will definitely buy into the LAZY day! But then again, I wouldn’t know how to be totally lazy. I could be lazy for, like, maybe an hour???? Have a great day! God bless…

This morning after my early dentist appointment (all was well…) I went to work in Jeannette. Did a few small things then came right home and started cleaning the house. With all the prep for the party and with Kelly and the boys visiting I didn’t even bother to fuss with cleaning. I just enjoyed the moment! Took a short break at 4pm for Kath and I to visit Mom – for some reason she was determined to get out of her chair. If she slid too far up she’d set off her alarm. It took Kath and I both to keep her relaxed and sitting back. We sang hymns for about 20 minutes in the lobby!

But now – a recap from the party. The weather was perfect, and almost all the kids were in the pool from the first minute. I know our Chase and Dave’s son Deegan were hanging out for a while. New friends are fun! While the DJ was setting up, I asked him if he took requests. He said ‘yes — um, normally – but possibly not. She (meaning Autmn!) gave me a 3 1/2 hour play list of songs, in order!’ I told him as the grandma I had override rights, and I was requesting lots of Beach Boys! He was more than happy to comply. Right away he played Wouldn’t it Be Nice! From that point on he played a Beach Boys song about every 5 songs. Autmn would always come and find me and we’d dance between the tables! Autmn’s a fan, too, so the DJ played all of our favorites! It was so fun! I wish I could put videos on the Word Garden but have no idea how. I’ve tried several times. I did post it on facebook so if you are on there you can see one!

There was lots of food – veggies, fruit, coleslaw, Mac/cheese, rigatoni, brisket (Kevin made it and it was delicious!). Then the snack table!! Ice cream cone cupcakes (two kinds), a cake that Summer made, Dum Dums and Smarties, bags and bags of chips, 4 kinds of cookies, brownie bites. Three coolers of soda, water, Huggies, Capri Suns – all staying super cold in big amounts of ice. And all the while, people were snapping photos, listening to the tunes, watching the kids swim (some adults did, as well), and enjoying talking together.

Here are random photos:

We had a table with thank you cards with photos on the back that Autmn put together, and two boards that I created with photos from baby-hood to graduation. Also there were cards that anyone could fill out giving the graduate life advise. It was a very fun and comfortable party, and it was extra nice (in addition to lots of Beach Boys songs!) to see the kids all getting along and having a good time.

My little word of inspiration and encouragement comes from Peppermint Patty. I haven’t been sleeping well, and I have waves of sleepiness throughout the days. So I could identify with PP! Hoping I can solve the sleep riddle and get some rest!

On this day in 1483 the Sistine Chapel opened, and in 1803 Robert Fulton tested his steam paddle-boat in France – but it sank… In 1944 the first Smokey Bear poster debuted, and in 1974 Richard Nixon resigned as President and Gerald Ford became 38th President of the United States. Whitney Houston was born in 1963, and Chris Haney (1950) – created the game Trivial Pursuit. Sharon Tate was murdered at age 26 (and was pregnant as well) in 1969.

TOMORROW August 10 is:

• National Shapewear Day
• National Connecticut Day
• National Lazy Day
• National S’mores Day

Ron is driving up from Florida to spend a few days with various family members and should arrive some time tomorrow. He’s camping out in his tent at night – not MY thing, but I’m sure he’ll enjoy it! Have a great week. God bless…

Today is the day. After church and lunch, I lugged out all the supplies that Autmn and I had bought for her graduation party and I loaded it all in my car. Kelly and the boys came, and we made lunch #2 for her and the boys, then started cooking. She made her homemade mac/cheese and I was responsible for rigatoni. Autmn picked her favorite sauce.

It was — the best grad party ever! My sweet Autmn Rose was so excited, and so grown up, and so happy. She went around talking to every guest, laughing and smiling. I way-laid the DJ and every so many songs he’d override her playlist and instead play a Beach Boys song! Autmn and I danced and sometimes the other kids joined in too. The food was great, everyone loved the pool (Park N Pool, Youngwood), and the music was not too loud to enjoy conversation. More about the party and more pics tomorrow. It’s almost midnight and I’m exhausted!

I will share Kyle’s message from Hempfield. I AM ENOUGH – the matching necklaces that the two American volley-ball players wore in the Olympics. We ARE enough, because God sets our value. But it’s based on faith. We recognize our sin, and God forgives. We are enough to GOD, but not enough WITHOUT God. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. That’s how we learn, and grow, and witness.

On this day in 1786 US Congress unanimously chose the dollar as the US monetary unit, and in 1898 Will Kellogg invented Corn Flakes. Dustin Hoffman was born in 1973, Mel Tillis in 1932, and Esther Williams (Hollywood’s mermaid) in 1921. My step-brother-in-law Steve celebrated a birthday today – Happy birthday, Steve – hope you enjoyed your day! In 2001 Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman divorced. Glenn Campbell died in 2017 at age 81, and my children’s father (my ex-husband) Stoney Burke died on this date in 1991 at age 55. That was a hard time for all of us but I’m proud of the adults that they have become.

TOMORROW is August 9:

• National Rice Pudding Day
• National Veep Day
• National Book Lovers Day

Yes! Tomorrow is my day! I LOVE books! I will celebrate all day long. All week long. What am I saying? Forever! Have a great day, and read a book! God bless…

I am getting used to my new desk chair. It’s comfortable, but a lot bigger and has arms. That is a good thing, but I keep running into things. So, it will take getting used to.

Since I chose to spend the last 3 days with Kelly, Logan, and Chase, I had to work this morning. It was a mild day, though, so no problem. And since I couldn’t find half of the items I needed last night at Walmart, I ran to Latrobe after work. Between Walmart and Aldi I was able to get what I need.

I came home to find a zucchini on my front porch – I know who left it there so I thanked them on facebook. I spent the next hour plus grating the zucchini and making 4 loaves of zucchini bread. I put chocolate chips in them, and put walnuts in three of them. I plan to take some on Thursday to Albion. I had a piece with my corn for supper and it was very good.

Decided that even though it was pretty warm outside I would spend a little time getting fresh (if not very hot!) air. I finally scraped the last wall of the foundation. Next step is getting the paint and then actually painting. After that was done, I cut back the one section of Dutch Iris that was done blooming. Still several more to go, but one at a time! I just balanced my checkbook, and after this I will write out a few cards.

I did not listen to any sermons today – but I did study my Sunday School lesson for in the morning – it’s about Gideon. An angel appeared to him and told him he was brave and strong. He was confused, because he was afraid and hiding from the Midianites! Gideon had to face his fears and recognize that God would be with him. If God gives you something to do, he will not leave you alone through it!

On this day in 1782 George Washington created the Purple Heart Medal; in 1974 George Washington rebelling Western Pennsylvania farmers to go home and called for 15,000 militia. Farmers protested the excise duty of stills and spirits distilled in the US. In 1829 the first potatoes were planed in Hawaii, and in 1963 Jacqueline Kennedy became the first US First Lady to give birth since Mrs. Cleveland. Birthdays: Nathanael Greene (Greensburg was named for him) in 1742; Carl Switzer – Alfalfa on the Little Rascals – in 1927; Billie Burke (Good Witch in the Wizard of Oz) in 1884; Garrison Keillor – American Humorist and host of Prairie Home Companion – in 1942. Oliver Hardy (Laurel and Hardy) died in 1957 at age 65, and Peter Jennings – news anchor – in 2005 at age 67.

Tomorrow August 8 is:

• Global Sleep Under The Stars Night 
• National CBD Day 
• National Happiness Happens Day
• National Frozen Custard Day
• National Sneak Some Zucchini Into Your Neighbor’s Porch Day
• National Dollar Day
• National Spirit of ’45 Day –

Well funny! I had a zucchini sneaked onto my porch TODAY! And as for sleeping under the starts, Ron Shafer???? Have a great day, everyone! God bless…

Kelly and the boys stayed until after 4pm. We had a nice day, and of course the boys love the high-speed internet! Kelly had tons of lesson plans to work on for the upcoming home school year. I just went about the house and yard doing little chores. Kelly was looking for magnetic paper and pen holders for her ‘office’ space, and I had several. We spray-painted a purple one black and she was excited to take it home.

The front maple trees looked like their branches were sagging, so to head off getting myself slapped in the face when I cut the grass, I went out and snipped them as high as I could reach. Kelly held the branch and I snipped. Looks much better with the ‘hair cut’. I did a quick search on the internet, as for some reason I couldn’t remember Daniel’s regiment (Letters to Mary). I was amazed at how easy it was to find that. 82nd PA Volunteers, infantry. Union army/Private/Company D.

I keep finding little things in the trunk. I set some of them out, but when Kath gets back I will let her look at them to make sure she doesn’t want them. I think I remember her mentioning this little ‘leave a note’ house, and I’m pretty sure it will be something she takes!

I cleaned out the stove warming drawer, fed the boys numerous times, made a grocery list (again), swept the floors (the kitchen about two dozen times…), washed three loads of clothes, and watered the outside plants. Now I have Rick Steves’ Europe on in the background as I type. We are in Stockholm tonight.

Paul’s message from River Hill was THE WAR WITHIN – There is a constant struggle and conflict going on inside us all the time. The battle remains. The closer we draw to God, the clearer our sinful nature becomes to us. 1) Sin lives on in us. Satan never gives up. But we aren’t judged on our own; we are judged through Jesus and are FREE. We are resurrected to new life. As the apostle Paul says, he knows what he wants to do, but can’t manage to do it. He knows what NOT to do, but somehow does it anyway. It’s a constant battle. 2) God’s law delights us. The more we study the more important it is and the more it delights us. Love the Word and not the World. 3) We need to be rescued. Thanks be to God, who delivers us through Christ. The Law doesn’t save us. We see the battle but can’t save ourselves. Jesus won the victory over death and sin; he will lead us in the way we should go. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. HE gives us the victory.

On this day in 1774 the founder of the Shaker movement – Ann Lee – arrived in NY; wonder if she built my cupboard? I love it! In 1939 the Dinah Shore Show first broadcast on NBC radio; in 1945 the first atomic bomb was dropped by the US on Hiroshima Japan, and in 1960 Chubby Checker performs THE TWIST on the Dick Clark Show and started a worldwide dance craze. Birthdays: Alfred Lord Tennyson (poet) was born in 1809; In 1861 Edith Roosevelt (Teddy’s first lady) was born; Andy Warhol was born in Pittsburgh PA in 1928; Lucille Ball in 1911 in Jamestown NY; Jon Benet Ramsey was born in 1990 (murdered in 1996); and Soleil Moon Frye (Punky Bruster in 1976.

TOMORROW August 7 is:

• Purple Heart Day
• National Lighthouse Day
• National Raspberries N’ Cream Day
• National Play Outside Day
• National Disc Golf Day
• National Jamaican Patty Day
• National Mustard Day –
• Mead Day 

I really have to get busy and finish scraping the flaking paint off the last wall of the foundation. I keep finding other things to do instead. Tomorrow is the DAY!!!! (Gulp) God bless…

A beautiful, sunny day! I didn’t spend much of it outside; spent most of the day in the kitchen and running errands. And if you know me at all, you know the kitchen is NOT my favorite place to be! I seldom even EAT in there! But we mixed up homemade bread, made cream of potato soup (Gen Morris’ recipe!), and egg salad.

Kelly and I met Greg Voss (Camp Christian) at Connellsville High School to pick up shirt samples for the 80th anniversary celebration on September 4th. We saw a Medevac helicopter land in the pad right beside the parking lot, and then an ambulance came with a transport patient. Something I’ve never seen before and it was interesting. We had to meet another of Kelly’s friends at Cracker Barrel in New Stanton, and stopped at Burger King to get frozen drinks. Yum!

Thought I’d share 2 of the items we found in the trunk yesterday. The little Kellogg’s book is smaller than my hand. The clothespin man was carved by Mom’s uncle EDD for her – If you look very closely you will see DOT printed on the body.

I was blessed to talk to both Barb (step-sister) and Jim (step-brother) on the phone today, and it just reinforces the relationship we are building together. I am so thankful for that. So thankful!

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt, but I got so caught up in everything that I didn’t take many notes. It was MARATHON. The Bible says that ‘Your word is more precious than gold.’ Can we honestly say that? If you had a pile of thousands of dollars in front of you, and the Bible beside it, which would you pick up and walk away with? You will exist forever. Money will NOT be forever. We as Christians are a minority in a Christian county. What will save us? God’s word? Money? The choice is difficult. Sometimes it’s good to fail, because that’s how we learn. And pain helps us identify the things that are not right with us. God’s word trains us, so stick to your training; God is good. I fall short, but the Lord covers me. Love the Word.

On this day in 1864 David Farragut (Civil War) Union Admiral said: ‘Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!’ In 1884 the cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty was laid on Bedloe’s Island NYC, and in 1921 KDKA was the first to radio broadcast an MLB game: Pirates beat Phillies 8-0. In 1924 Little Orphan Annie comic strip was published; American Bandstand premiered on ABC in 1957. The Beatles YELLOW SUBMARINE debuted in 1955 (Pink Chevrolet???); Bobby Gentry’s ODE to BILLY JOE in 1967. Marilyn Monroe died from an overdose at age 36; Richard Burton in 1984 at age 58. Neil Armstrong was born in 1930; Maureen McCormick (Marcia on the Brady Bunch) in 1956. My dear friend Corliss Christopher is celebrating a birthday today – happy, happy birthday, Corliss! Jennifer Aniston married Justin Theroux in 2015. And today special friends Janet & Kyle Drown are celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary. Many, many happy years wished for you, my friends, and blessings to your beautiful family! Love you!

TOMORROW August 6 is:

• National Root Beer Float Day
• National Fresh Breath Day
• National Wiggle Your Toes Day
• International Beer Day
• National Water Balloon Day –

I have two unexpected free days this week. And for that I will take a fresh breath and wiggle my toes… Although I mourn the absence of what would have been fun events, there are dozens more on the very near horizon. So I will enjoy time on Friday afternoon and Saturday to get some household chores done. God bless!!!

I took a late walk, did a bit of housekeeping, got a shower and just finished dressing when Kelly and the boys pulled in. Logan and I had breakfast, then the boys set up their game systems. Kelly worked on school work for a bit (almost time for school to start again – 8/23) and I caught up on some other things.

As is normal, we made a quick trip to get a few groceries requested for the next few days. After a simple lunch Kelly and I made a big batch of brownie bites for Autmn’s party on Sunday (which of course we sampled – quality control!).

I spent the rest of the afternoon going through some of the items in the old trunk. Wow, there was a lot of really cool, interesting stuff in there! Bibles from the 1800’s that belonged to family. Receipts, sympathy cards from when Grama Crooks died, newspapers, certificates. It was like taking a trip back in time. There was even a newspaper from 1912 with the TITANIC headline! We found a Werner Primer from 1908. From the writing on the inside cover it looks like is was shared by several Crooks students. I plan to go through everything again with Kath – we’ll share some of the memories with those connected to the items. It was almost like time travel, and I was tired when I finished.

I will share Micah’s message: Behold I come quickly (Return of Christ). He promised He is coming again. 1) Anticipation a) release from this world b) Reunion with those who went before us c) reward; something we can offer back to Jesus. 2) Transformation a) He makes all things new b) What is NOT there – evil, fear, tears, death, curse, etc 3) Preparation a) believers need to stay focused and alert b) Unbelievers need to get right with God. – ask for forgiveness. BE READY. Look for Him, Live for Him, Love! Walk in His will; we all have our own path, and they are not all the same. Use CPR – Christ’s Promised Return. Our home is already prepared.

On this day in 1821 the first issue of the Saturday Evening Post was published; in 1862 the US government first collected income tax. In 1892 Lizzie Borden’s father and step-mother were murdered with an axe. In 1916 the US purchased the Virgin Islands, and in 1944 Anne Frank was arrested by German Security Police. BIRTHDAYS: Elizabeth, Queen Mother of England, in 1900; 1902 Clara Peller – Where’s the Beef? lady. In 1962 Barack Obama (44th President); and in 1981 Meghan Markle – Duchess of Sussex and married to Prince Harry. Hans Christian Andersen died in 1875 at age 70, and Paul Revere married Sarah Orme in 1757.

TOMORROW August 5 is:

• National Underwear Day
• National Work Like A Dog Day
• National Oyster Day
• National IPA Day 

Under where? Here! Work in your underwear! Anyway, have a happy Thursday and enjoy your day. God bless…