Another chilly morning walk, but yesterday was cooler. I worked both stores (Greensburg twice, because a title came in after I left), stopped to handle something for Mike, and got a few groceries. When I got home, I was excited to see that my new office chair had been delivered. I decided to work on the porch then wheel it down the driveway into the family room. As I unpacked the pieces I was a little intimidated about putting it together myself – but it was actually very easy and soon I was sitting comfortably answering emails!

My neighbor just dropped off a cucumber, some tomatoes and a few ears of corn – which is boiling now. Another great meal for tonight- Thanks, Al!

So I moved the chair into the kitchen, by the Shaker cabinet in the kitchen. I think it’s a better fit – but I still have several options. We’ll see where it actually ends up. As long as I don’t run into it where it is, I like it there.

Autmn and Nate stopped by last night, and Autmn showed me her card box for the party on Sunday. When we were shopping and she was picking out crafty items to create this box, I couldn’t picture it. She did a beautiful job. Just because I am so UN creative (in the craft arena) doesn’t mean everyone else is!)

I ‘ll share Jonathan Slatt’s message – he filled in at Hempfield on Sunday. His grandfather Ron was our church’s first youth pastor – and I had a huge crush! Thankfully I really liked the lovely woman he married – so all’s good now. Jonathan does look like Ron; he did a great job preaching and as part of the praise band. Ron did NOT have musical talent – he gets that from his grandmother Patty! The message was on cognitive dissonance – thoughts and feelings that occur at the same time but don’t belong together. Two thoughts that contradict, like thinking one thing and doing something entirely contradictory. Jesus preached about the letter of the law, and the people listening felt pretty good about themselves, as we often do. We obey the law, right? No murder, lying, steeling, adultery. But Jesus said if you even THINK these things you are guilty! Maybe we aren’t so good, after all! Now we feel uncomfortable. We are told not to even give an offering until we make things right. We need to follow more than the LAW. Jesus tore the barriers of sin down between us and God; it’s time to come back to God and modify our behavior. Choose to please God and follow His will – and that’s MORE than the law!

On this day in 1492 Columbus set sail for the ‘Indies’ with the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. In 1900 Firestone Tire and Rubber Company was founded, and in 1921 the first crop dusting by airplane was done in Ohio. In 1961 the Pirates routed the Cardinals 19-0, largest lopsided shutout in NL history. In 2004 the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty was reopened, closed since the 9-11-01 attack. Jay North (Dennis the Menace) was born in 1951; Tom Brady (Patriots quarterback) in 1977, and Martha Stewart in 1941. Do you believe that makes her 80 years old? Wow! Gwen Stafani divorced Gavin Rossdale (musician) in 2015. And today is my sister Kathy and her husband Paul’s wedding anniversary. Wishing them a wonderful day, and loving celebration, and many more delightful and healthy years together!

TOMORROW August 4 is:

• National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
• National Coast Guard Day

I just bought CC cookies! Reduced Fat ones, but they are still yummy. So tomorrow that will be on my list. Kelly and the 2 little boys will be here for 2 days, so we’ll eat them up! Have a great day! God bless…

I took a short walk this morning – I was uninspired! Di sent me the song of the day right on time (7:30am!), and this week’s theme is Cowboys. The song was: THE COWBOY RIDES AWAY. I love that song, but it always makes me cry! I listed to it all around the neighborhood, took a deep breath, and moved on with my day! (Just listened to it again and I’m sitting here sniffling!!! I’m such a sap…)

So to catch up on the last few days outside of Civil War Camp. Saturday coming back home after picking up pizza for the boys, the cars in front of me were all stopped. I couldn’t see a reason until I snaked past the tree line. There was a deer standing there just watching us all watching him(her?)! Then Jesse and Tonia had gone to Erie for a car show, and brought back the chair that got left behind last time we were at the farm. I was happy to have it, and tonight I scrubbed it up and rubbed it with lemon oil. It’s sitting in the living room beside the secretary/desk.

We had a nice visit with mom, and she actually made comments several time throughout our conversation. At a little after 5pm she tried wheeling away from us, and we figured she was hungry. Kath & I could smell the aroma of yummy food cooking. Mom probably didn’t want to miss out! I was glad to come home and eat (I stopped at Palmer’s farm and got corn, tomatoes, and yellow string beans).

I still haven’t had time to listen to any sermons – hope to do that as soon as I finish this. So I will leave you with one of my favorite verses, which often is what keeps me moving forward: However, as it is written: ‘no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.’ I Corinthians 2:9 Amen and Amen!

On this day in 1610 Explorer Henry Hudson entered the Hudson Bay (Wonder where it got its name???); in 1865 Lewis Carroll published ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.’ In 1909 the first Lincoln penny was issued, and in 1943 Lt. JFK’s PT Boat 109 sunk at Solomon islands. Birthdays: Pierre Charles L’Enfant, architect who laid out the design for Washington DC) was born in 1754; Frederic Auguste Bartholdi (designed the Statue of Liberty) was born in 1834; Kathy Lennon (Lennon Sisters!) in 1943. Wild Bill Hickok died at age 39 in 1876 -he was shot in the back of the head while playing poker; Alexander Graham Bell died at age 75 in 1922; Warren G Harding, 29th President, died at age 57 in 1923. Albert Woolson – last surviving Civil War Soldier – died at age 106 in 1956.

TOMORROW August 3 is:

• National Georgia Day
• National Watermelon Day
• National Grab Some Nuts Day
• National Night Out Day –

How can you go out at night in the day? Oh, well. Maybe that only happens in Georgia if you are eating watermelon. Don’t try it! Have a happy Tuesday – God Bless…

Day two of the Civil War encampment, and it was equally fun. Yesterday I had spent seven hours in the tavern, interpreting the 18th century history of the site. I was glad to have some time last evening and this morning to spend with Kelly and the three boys, and walk around the encampment and listen to presentations.

The Post Office (Judi!) was my favorite. Because of Letters to Mary, I was very interested in the processes of the mail sending and receiving, and the fact that they had a portable post office. Judi made this one herself, and spent untold hours researching the Civil War procedures and practices. This was inspired by actual letters that SHE had that belonged to her grandfather! And the bonus was that she actually bought a copy of LETTERS TO MARY from me!

Another interesting presentation was about Women in the Civil War – women often followed the army, and performed tasks or helped take care of the food, laundry, etc. They also often disguised themselves as men or boys to be part of the actual skirmishes and battles. Many, many of them were recognized as valid soldiers, drawing pensions and being buried as their male counterparts.

I met this woman on the battle field – loved her gown. She made ‘church babies’ – used cloth hankies to form little dolls to occupy the children during the services. I remember my grandmother and even my great uncle making these for us – but they were temporary (the way they twisted the hankies) and were made out of their own white handkerchiefs.

The first demonstration of the morning was the signal flags. I have to admit that I couldn’t decipher any of the signals! These flags could be seen for miles and were used well into the early 1900’s.

An advantage of having your own imprint business is that you always have an appropriate shirt for the occasion!

We stopped by General Meade’s tent and chatted with him before he received a missive from his orderly and had to act upon that. The flag flying above his headquarters had 35 stars for the 35 states during the Civil War.

The Civil War concert on Saturday evening was performed with brass instruments and drums. The conductor gave us a little bit of history between each song, and I actually liked that better than the music! Very interesting information!

Peyton could only take so much excitement – he had to curl up and catch a few winks before we continued with our ‘history’ lessons….

Beautiful morning at the encampment – flags flying and all is calm

One of the demonstration sites (which we missed!) The Rusty Candelabra

Chase was determined to be indifferent to everything, but he stood for a while inside the doorway of the Blacksmith shop, listening to his presentation.

One of Proctor’s Militia letting the boys handle weapons, which they liked alot!

There was a note taped to the door of the supply shed: Enter at your own risk – someone could be naked in there… Needless to say, we didn’t go in.

We had a lot of fun, and after my family left on Sunday I spent the rest of the day in the tavern. Richard Sheets was on the main floor, and I was upstairs. It’s really neat to have them enjoy the information we are sharing, and how surprised and please they are to learn new facts. Some even go get their friends and come back in. I was so glad to be a part of the weekend.

I think the next official event is the fall festival and the Halloween event, then the Three Centuries of Christmas. I’m already excited about being a part of that, and hope you can plan on being there.

I will have to catch up on my sermons, which I haven’t had time to do. So today I will just express how blessed I feel for being part of this event, and being showered with so many blessings. There is nothing like observing life in the 1770’s to make you be truly thankful for the blessings that you experience every single day: Like running water, electricity, my own bed that I don’t have to share with 4 other people, a refrigerator, indoor bathrooms! Thank you, God, for blessings overflowing!

On this day in 1781 the British army under General Cornwallis occupied Yorktown VA; in 1936 the Olympic Games were first televised. In 1944 Anne Frank’s last diary entry – 3 days later she was arrested; in 1961 the first Six Flags theme park opened in Texas, and 1981 was the debut of MTV – first 24 hour music channel (cable). Birthdays: 1779 – Francis Scott Key – wrote Star Spangled Banner words; 1819 – Herman Melville (Moby Dick); 1843 Robert Todd Lincoln (President Lincoln’s eldest son); 1931 – Tom Wilson – created Ziggy; 1933 Dom DeLuise. Mark Antony died in 30BC at age 53, and Elizabeth Taylor divorced Richard Burton for the second time, her 6th divorce.

TOMORROW August 2 is:

• National Coloring Book Day
• National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

As wonderful as my weekend was, both at Hanna’s Town and with my family, I’m ready to call it a day and curl up with my current read. Have a great week – God bless!

This will be short – it’s almost 11:30pm and I still have a few ‘miles’ to go before I sleep. Hanna’s Town again tomorrow!

Today was a wonderful day. There were so many activities going on all day. I was in the tavern giving ‘stationery’ tours from 9am until almost 4pm – almost non-stop. It was fun looking out the window of the tavern and seeing so many people – I believe they said there were about 180 reenactors onsite for the weekend! I don’t ‘work’ the tavern tomorrow until noon when Kelly leaves, so I’ll be able to walk around and see the Civil War post office, signal flags, and ladies and women spies of the Civil War – plus a presentation by General Meade. Here are a few photos from today.

My inspiration today comes from Snoopy via 1Thessalonians 5:16: Rejoice Always! Amen, and Amen!

On this day in 1777 the Marquis de Lafayette (age 19) is made major general of the Continental Army, and in 1864 Ulysses S Grant is named General of Volunteers. In 1971 American astronauts took their Lunar Rover for a spin on the moon’s surface. Andrew Johnson, 17th president, died at age 66 in 1875; Charles E. Hires (invented Hires Root Beer) died in 1937 at age 85. Jim Reeves, country singer, died in 1964 at age 39 in an airplane crash. J K Rowling was born in 1965; Zac Brown (Zac Brown Band, country artist) was born in 1978, and my friend Jennifer Knabb (we worked together at Smail Auto) is having a birthday today. Happy birthday Jen! I miss seeing you. Have a great day!!!

TOMORROW August 1st is:

• International Mahjong Day
• National Raspberry Cream Pie Day
• National Girlfriends Day
• National Minority Donor Awareness Day
• Respect for Parents Day
• American Family Day
• National Friendship Day
• National Sisters Day 

A very happy ‘Girlfriends’ day so so many special ladies in my life! They are what keeps me going – and to my very favorite and special (and only) sister – I love you! God bless! Have a wonderful day!!!

I really didn’t have a specific project for today – after my walk. I had to finish up the title work I started yesterday, so I spent about an hour waiting for that to happen. In the meantime I read some, did laundry, fussed around with my pigeon hole piece… generally just kept busy.

Since I was going to play in the dirt, I waited to take a shower until I was done with that. I pulled weeds, trimmed bushes and shrubs, cut back dead stalks, moved a little more ground cover. I also tested out the new weed whacker. I did the front and side yards in about 10 minutes. I was so excited! I hope the weed whacker doesn’t pick up on my insecurities – so far we have a solid relationship. As everyone knows, I’m not always good with certain relationships….

I clipped a few hydrangeas from my two bushes and they look festive in their purple vase. I noticed (in the process) that there was a huge ugly fly-looking thing on my flag. I sprayed it with the hose and swatted it with the broom and it didn’t move. It freaked me out…. I just went out to check on it, and it’s gone. The question is, where did it go??? And what exactly is it? A fly on steroids???

Well, here is the long-awaited answer to yesterday’s puzzle. I put the pigeon hole piece – – – on the shelf above the steps. It was the only place long enough that it would fit! I like it there but it will take some time to get used to. Mom had written on the back of the piece where and when she got it, which was also very cool.

I will share the message from Vanderbilt Church – they had a guest speaker but I don’t know who it was: What to do when your world falls apart. (Hint: HOPE!) Jeremiah’s ‘Lamentations’ can show us. It’s Jeremiah’s feelings when HIS world fell apart. We need to remember: “In this world you will have trouble… but I have overcome the world.” How do we do that? Life sometimes stinks; Satan is alive and active and working overtime. Here is what Jeremiah recommends: 1) Tell God how you feel. He listens. Do we do that? We take our woes to everyone one, and wallow in them, but our relationship with God is deep and strong and He can handle it. Go to God. Who do you unload on? 2) Focus on God’s love, not the problem. Hope returns. The world points us to the wrong focus, all the negative and wrong things around us, and it pulls us down. Jesus is looking for us to come to him. He seeks us out. Nothing we can say can chase Him away.

On this day in 1619 the first elected governing body in America was founded in Jamestown VA – House of Burgesses. In 1864 was the Battle of Chambersburg PA; 1923 was the first TIME Magazine cover to feature a woman: Eleanora Duse. In 1942 FDR signed a bill creating Women’s Navy Auxiliary Agency (WAVES); in 1956 ‘In God We Trust’ was adopted as the official US motto – printed on paper money in 1957 but on coins back in 1864. In 1965 LBJ signed MEDICARE bill. William Penn – the English Quaker that founded Pennsylvania – died in 1718 at age 73; Buffalo Bob Smith – host of Howdy Doody show – died in 1998 at age 80; Lynn Anderson, country music artist, died at age 67 in 2015. Birthdays: 1818 – Emily Bronte, novelist; 1863 – Henry Ford (Yea, Henry!!!); Edd Byrnes (Kookie, Kookie, Lend me your comb!) was born in 1932; Paul Anka was born in 1941; and Arnold Schwarzenegger, actor and politician, in 1947. Two friends are celebrating today: First, Trent Perry – close friends with Kelly and Matt and formerly my ‘personal banker’ (he changed jobs to a different bank; so sad!) has a birthday today. Happppy happppy birthday, Trent, my friend! My long-time friend from high school – very first day! – Diane Stemple Meyers – has a birthday today. Here’s to over 5 decades of friendship, tried and true! Have a great day, a wonderful year, and be blessed! Love you!

TOMORROW July 31st is:

• National Avocado Day
• National Raspberry Cake Day 
• National Mutt Day

Tomorrow is also the first day of a two day Civil War reenactment weekend at Historic Hanna’s Town – from 9am to 5pm both days, but a Civil War music concert at 6pm Saturday on the grounds. I’ll be there all day both days – so make plans to stop out. It’s a great event with lots to offer! Hope to see you there. God Bless…

Today was just one step at a time – but I felt like I tripped a few times! Early morning walk, then worked at both stores but neither was too busy. I stopped at Aldi’s to get the ice cream and Goldfish that I didn’t get yesterday.

I did some title work for a friend, but I got hung up on a few things and was longer than I though. So he had to hurry and catch up with me – he was in more of a hurry than I realized. While I was doing that, another friend (title work!) panicked because HE needed something RIGHT NOW!!! I couldn’t do it RIGHT NOW! Then I got a call from Gen (New York) and that card trumped them all, and I sat for an hour and forgot about everyone else and just talked to Gen! Just what I needed! After all, I AM retired…. Right?

When I finally had everyone back in their happy states again, I came home and changed and cleaned up the overlapping ground cover on the walk down to the bottom yard. I planted that ground cover around the stepping stones at the top to try and stop the erosion and water run-off. If it grows it will be perfect.

I sat for a while and listened to the wind chimes that I brought back from the farm. They sounded so comforting and peaceful. I have always wanted nice wind chimes, and these are a little bit of Mom and John singing to me!

In the meantime, I remembered the little pigeon hole piece I dragged down from the farm two weeks ago. I cleaned it and rubbed it with lemon oil, and spent some time finding the perfect place. It’s 41 inches long so it wouldn’t just fit anywhere. Stay tuned tomorrow to see if I find the perfect place, after all! I did the ironing, made the grad party list, emptied the dishwasher, and wrote up the review of the Loyalhanna Review Publication Party. I’ll let that sit a day or two, review it, and then send the tweaked copy to the LVW board for future files. Whew! When this is done, it will be time for food!

One last thing: I just read early this morning that one of my long-time favorite authors (Jan Karon/Mitford Series) lost her daughter Candace to cancer on Saturday. Losing a child is unthinkable. My heart and prayers go out to her.

I will share Paul’s message from River Hill – Baptism: Point of Change. It changes how we’ll live, who will help us, and who we will live for. 1) Baptism is commanded – repent, then be baptized. 2) Method – go DOWN into the water and come UP out of the water – we are buried with Jesus in baptism. Baptism is about death: Die to the past, the old way of life; resurrected to new life. 3) Meaning of baptism is complete surrender. It’s the way to Jesus, He set us free. The Bible has a lot to say about that – and we need to obey.

On this day in 1786 the first newspaper was published west of the Alleghanies – Pitts Gazette. In 1954 the first volume of Lord of the Rings (J R R Tolkien was published. Jack Paar’s TONIGHT SHOW premiered in 1957, and in 2016 Hillary Clinton accepted the Democratic nomination for US President. Martina McBride (country singer) was born in 1966. Vincent Van Gogh died in 1853 at age 37; Mama Cass Elliott (Mama’s and the Papa’s) died in 1941 ate age 32, and David Niven (actor) at age 73 in 1983. Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981; Jennifer Aniston married Brad Pitt in 2000, and in 2006 Pamela Anderson married Kid Rock.

TOMORROW July 30th is:

• National Cheesecake Day
• National Father-in-Law Day
• National Whistleblower Day
• National Talk in an Elevator Day
• National System Administrator Appreciation Day
• National Get Gnarly Day 

Nothing interesting in my book to celebrate tomorrow. So I’ll just celebrate TOMORROW. For as Anne Shirley (Anne with an ‘e’) would say, it’s a new day with no mistakes in it! Hooray for THAT! God bless…

Took an early morning walk – but not too early! I stayed in bed until 8am and read – my devotion from Gwen, my scripture chapter(s), several pages of Seabreeze Christmas. It was nice to take my time starting my day.

I also took my time cleaning the house, making little changes and fixing things as I went. A friend of mine dropped off title work for tomorrow. About 5pm, when I was finished with cleaning and laundry, I buzzed over to Walmart to grab some groceries. I hate it when so many things I want aren’t there – the shelves are totally empty.

I also stopped at the office store and ordered a new computer desk chair. I am spending more and more time working on projects and writing things, and my current chair has long worn out its welcome! If I don’t like it when it gets here I will return it.

Today I am sharing some quotes for the Garden of Faith devotional. Encouragement is contagious. You can’t lift other people up without lifting yourself up, too. ‘Always stay connected to people and seek out things that bring you joy. Dream with abandon. Pray confidently.’ – Barbara Johnson. A single word, if spoken in a friendly spirit, may be sufficient to turn one from dangerous error – Fanny Crosby. ‘He climbs highest who helps another up.’ – Zig Ziglar. Look for the good in others and celebrate that good.

On this day in 1914 World War I began. In 1933 the first singing telegram was delivered to Rudy Vallee in NYC; in 1945 a bomber crashed into the Empire State Building; in 1951 Disney’s Alice in Wonderland was released. In 2061: the 31st predicted perihelion passage of Halley’s Comet. Johann Sebastian Bach died in 1750 at age 65. In 1540 Henry VIII (age 49) married Catherine Howard (age 16) – his 5th wife. In 1973 Farrah Fawcett married Lee Majors. Ethel Mermen divorced Ernest Borgnine in 1964 after 32 days of marriage! Birthdays: Beatrix Potter (Peter Rabbit author – I saw the movie and it was super great!) was born in 1866; Rudy Vallee in 1901; Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1929; Jim David, cartoonist (Garfield) in 1945, and Sally Struthers (actress) in 1947. Two Skunk Hollow Cousins have birthdays today. Happy 60th birthday to Gwen Sadler! Bless you, my sweet Gwen – the best is yet to come! And Karen Valyo has a birthday, as well. Have a great celebration – sending hugs!

TOMORROW July 29th is:

• National Lasagna Day
• National Lipstick Day
• National Chicken Wing Day
• National Chili Dog Day
• National Intern Day

I finally got a ‘sketchy’ list of my responsibilities for Autmn’s grad party. Two weeks! Let’s see if I can do it…. Have a great Thursday! God bless…

Brisk morning walk, work at both stores, then a quick stop at Craftique. I needed a small light for the kitchen and knew they would have one – and they did! I’ll see how this works tonight after dark.

At noon I drove out to Hanna’s Town for a picnic lunch. Augie was in from Iowa for a visit, and a bunch of us got together to chat and catch up. These are special people with a like-minded love of history, and we have a lot in common – even more than the history! So enjoyed being there today.

I snapped a few photos of the flowers – there were bees and butterflies feeding in the gardens, so in addition to being beautiful these blossoms are feeding their friends, who are in turn doing their jobs: Pollinators!

Kath and I had a visit with Mom today in the lobby by the birds. She was more responsive and engaged than she usually was. I took her a Loyalhanna Review and she sat and looked through all the photos. Not sure how much she reads but my story that was published is about her mother (my grandmother). I was glad to share.

I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning – When prejudice meets mercy. Prejudice is opinion without grounds. God shows no partiality. When we sin, it effects not only us, but others. When God calls you, you better listen! The the opportunities that he gives you. Jonah: When he broadcast the message, he thought Nineveh would ignore God. He was angry when the people obeyed and God saved them. Jonah was under the mistaken belief that they WOULDN’T obey. We think God isn’t fair – but we’ve distorted His word. Our world is ‘fallen’ – we need to trust God, not make our own assumptions. A heart that is fixed on God and his message will do God’s will.

On this day in 1586 Walter Raleigh brought the first tobacco from Virginia to England; in 1844 fire destroyed the US Mint in Charlotte NC. General George McClellan took command of the Potomac Army in 1861; Bugs Bunny cartoon debuted in 1940. Korean War ended in 1953; Amos Tylor received the first patent for chewing gum in 1869, and the first artifacts were recovered from the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic in 1987. Leo Durocher – MLB shortstop – was born in 1906; Jerry Van Dyke was born in 1931; Bobbie Gentry, singer, in 1944, and Peggy Fleming (3-time world champion figure skater) in 1948. Maureen McGovern, singer, in 1949. Adam Walsh – abducted from a Sears department store in Florida – was killed in 1981 at age 6. Bob Hope died in 2003 at age 100.

TOMORROW July 28th is:

• National Milk Chocolate Day
• Buffalo Soldiers Day
• National Waterpark Day

Tomorrow I plan to clean the house and make a grocery list – I’ve been so focused on ‘projects’ these last few weeks I haven’t bothered with weekly groceries! Have a happy hump day – God bless!

My early morning walk felt good; I had missed a few days because of a demanding morning schedule. Cleaned up a few items at work, then stopped at Norwin Walmart. I’m heartily tired of stopping at WALMART, but especially tired of our Greensburg one. I think they know me by name in there…. I did get a few bananas and some lettuce to eat a few healthier meals this week. I just had a bowl of soup and a mini slider for supper. I was getting a drink from my little downstairs fridge and I looked up at the window. There was a hummingbird watching me – or more than likely watching Snoopy. I stood there for several minutes. Not sure what he was looking for, but it was very cool to watch! ( I know it looks like it was inside, but it was right outside the window…)

I dug around in my ‘lights’ box and found some stars. I wanted plain white but didn’t have any, and probably won’t be able to find them until closer the holidays — although Barbara Ann’s DID have holiday decorations set out in the back of the store last week! I also took the tea towel that Beth game me for ‘Christmas in July’ (Thank you, Beth!!! Love you!!!) and made a new bag holder. My old one was falling apart. It’s so nice and new and meaningful, and I’ll see it every single day instead of only when I hang it up to dry dishes! Perfect!

Since my weed whacker and I had a MAJOR disagreement last week, we parted ways. Done. Gone. Finished. Forever. So I went to Hepler’s Hardware in Youngwood and got some advise and direction from a very nice young clerk named Dean. He was funny and capable and gave me pros and cons for several models. I can’t say I’m excited to use it, but I am hoping for a better relationship with this WORX equipment.

Last night’s ‘full’ moon was bright orange and shining through my bedroom window. I was able to snap a picture, although my phone doesn’t do it justice.

Snoopy is sharing some words of encouragement and wisdom today – and very wise and inspiring they are, too! God is good, and God is LOVE! Thanks, Snoopy!

In 1775 the US Continental Congress created the U S Post Office in Philadelphia under Ben Franklin. Vivian Vance (Ethel Mertz on I LOVE LUCY) was born in 1909; Mick Jagger (Rolling Stones) was born in 1943 and Dorothy Hamill (Olympic Gold Medalist/Figure Skating) in 1956. Sandra Bullock – actress – was born in 1964. Sam Houston – first president of the Republic of Texas – died in 1863 at age 70. Today my friends Nikki and Greg Saldi – missionaries to France – are celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary. Wishing you many, many more happy and blessed years!

TOMORROW July 27th is:

• National Love is Kind Day
• National Scotch Day
• National Crème Brûlée Day
• National New Jersey Day

It’s to be nice weather the next several days – get outside and enjoy it! Maybe go to New Jersey! Or not…. God bless!!!

I was still so tired this morning I felt like I had been drug around by my ankles! I think it’s coming down off of a performance high. After Sunday School – which went well, despite Max helping to tell the story again – Mary and I took a card and a huge bouquet of balloons over to Josiah. We visited with him and his mom (Janet) and grama (Shirley) for a few minutes. He’s feeling better but still has some visible effects from both the bite and the treatments. So good to see him up and smiling, though! He LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the balloons!

To recap last night’s Loyalhanna Review event: It went very well. It was a tremendous amount of planning and setup and work – and clean up! – but it was very well received. I had people all evening commenting on the delightful space and the decorations and the huge efforts that went into making this work. One lady even asked me about the upcoming (date to be determined) journaling workshop that I am slated to teach at some point. Ruth introduced the authors and artists and photographers, and explained some of the stories and pictures, and chose the speakers. Nancy Clark – as usual – wrote her little ‘slice of humorous life’ about being desperate to find baking yeast during the pandemic, second only to the shortage of TP. Joe Potts always has something witty and fun to say, and this story was about the incredible shrinking of the human brain. Jim Busch read a tribute to his wife who is struggling with cancer, and Alicia Stankey read her story about pilfering milkweed pods to feed a friend’s struggling monarch butterfly eggs – in plain sight of a local police officer! Janice Seigle wrote about a cherished daughter’s visit, and Louisa Fordyce shared her Pittsburg-eze brogue about the 1996 ‘Stiller’s’ Super Bowl game. All worthy submissions, from front to back – worth the read. Blessed to have these talented writers as a part of this year’s Loyalhanna Review! (NOTE: Only negative comment was that we didn’t have Mt. Dew!!! – write that down…)

(My story is on page 24 – ‘Entertainment in Disguise’ – chores at Grama’s house!)

This popped up on my facebook ‘memory’ from a few years ago. So fun to have these sweet reminders!!! Love you, Nate!

I will share Hempfield’s message by Jerry Ryder (guest speaker) – Guidelines for Praying. Prayer is essential, proven over and over by how many times Jesus and his disciples and followers prayed. 1) Address the father with worshipful attitude. We are blessed to call Him FATHER. 2) Pray about kingdom issues. THY WILL BE DONE. God has a right to rule in our lives; He’s our greatest treasure. 3) Pray about personal needs (We depend on Him; don’t be anxious about anything). Walk close to God; He’ll give you peace. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us. FORGIVE others: not for their sake, for yours. Be completely honest with God, also for your sake (God already knows!). Pray to be kept from temptation — God answers prayers!

On this day in 1861 Congress passed a resolution that declared that the Civil War was not being fought to end slavery, but to preserve the Union. 1946 the FIRST Martin and Lewis comedy team show was performed, and in 1966 Diana Ross and the Supremes ‘You Can’t Hurry Love’ was released. In 1968 Pope Paul VI banned all forms of artificial contraception. In 1978 the first ‘test tube’ baby – Louise Joy Brown – was born. Metallica’s debut album was released in 1983. In 2020 Olivia de Havilland (Melanie in Gone with the Wind) died at age 104. Birthdays: Walter Brennan (Real McCoys) in 1894 and Estelle Getty (Golden Girls) in 1923. My cousin Holly’s daughter Olivia Lenzi’s birthday. Happy birthday Olivia – have a happy day! 🙂

TOMORROW July 26th is:

• National Aunt and Uncle’s Day
• National Bagelfest Day
• National Coffee Milkshake Day
• National Disability Independence Day
• National All or Nothing Day

Since this is now finished for the day – I had best get out there an cut the grass. Have a beautiful day! God bless…