This has been a long but productive day – The party was exceptionally well received, and everyone had great things to say and enjoyed the evening. But since it’s almost midnight I’m going to forgo those details until tomorrow. Autmn asked me to pick up her friend Seanna in Scottdale – so I just got home about 20 minutes ago. So I’ll catch up tomorrow…

Update on Josiah – Children’s diagnosed Lyme disease – and the antibiotics they were using to treat the infection were not effective for Lyme’s. So they switched that out, got his fever under control, and he is improving. Not totally out of the woods and very tired, but he and his mom walked over to the church (they were at his grama’s house) because he needed to ‘hug Miss Marge’! So good to see him up and walking after those devastating scares! Please continue to pray for him, his family, and the meds to keep being effective!

I will share Lou Ellen’s message from Florida: He is our Peace. We are social people, not meant to be alone – we form like-minded groups. But we find ways to pull away. We NEED to be together, and we do that by finding common ground. Being together can be wonderful, or horrible. How do we live in peace? We pull down the barriers and it’s Christ that does that. We realize it’s not “THEM” and “US” – we are one in Christ. Peace is a reflection of our faith and hope. We have the grace we need to live together. We give up our individuality to be in common through Christ; we overcome our difference, and Christ defines us. We are all called to be the Church – there is always room for more!

On this day in 1534 Jacques Cartier claimed Canada for France, and in 1567 Mary Queen of Scots was forced to abdicate; her 1 year old son became King James VI. In 1866 Tennessee because the first confederate state readmitted to the Union, and in 1956 Martin & Lewis made their last performance as a duo. Birthdays: John Newton (wrote Amazing Grace) was born in 1725. 1874 – Oswald Chambers (Minister and writer); 1897 Amelia Earhart; 1936 – Ruth Buzzi (Laugh-In). Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman) in 1951; Barry Bonds (baseball left-fielder) in 1964. Jennifer Lopez in 1969, and Megan Park (Canadian Actress – Hallmark movies, and a favorite of mine) was born in 1986. Martin Van Buren – 8th President – died in 1862 at age 79, and in 1980 Peter Sellers (the Pink Panther!) died at age 54.

TOMORROW July 25th is:

• National Merry-Go-Round Day
• National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
• National Threading the Needle Day
• National Hire a Veteran Day
• National Wine and Cheese Day 
• National Parent’s Day 

It’s also 5 months until Christmas Day! Not quite ready – I’ve spend the last two months trying to organize myself and mostly everything around me. But then, organizing is my middle name (or maybe even my first name!) I would NOT, however, start decorating for the holidays quite yet… God bless!

My day? Early walk, then baked my scones and made potato soup. I spent the afternoon prepping the food for tomorrow’s writer’s event. Picked up the balloons – wasn’t sure if 16 star helium balloons would fit in my car with a trunk full of food and decorations, but it was fine – I threw blankets over them to keep them from floating through the car. Nate and Chrissy came out to the church and helped me set up tables and decorate – it didn’t take long. My favorite things are the centerpieces. I tied books together with twine and stuck a flower through the twine. And the colored tables and the bright star balloons. I hope everything goes well tomorrow…

I will share Scott’s message from First Baptist – Wanted Dead & Alive. Jesus brought us new life: We must close the door on an old life and embrace a new one. The law shows us how much we fall short – God brings grace to us just when we need it. We participate in Jesus’ death through baptism and are raised to this new life a new creation. Jesus paid our debt so we are free from sin and our past. Christ lives in us. When God looks at us, He sees his CHILDREN – we should live as children of God. if the Son sets us free, we are free indeed! “My life now belongs to You!” We are DEAD to sin; ALIVE in Christ! Dead AND Alive!

On this day in 1827 the first US Swimming pool opened in Boston, and in 1829 William Austin Burt patented American’s first typographer – typewriter! I love that guy!!! In 1904 the Ice Cream Cone was created during the St. Louis World’s Fair. First successful liver transplant was in 1967, and in 1973 President Richard Nixon refused to release Watergate tapes relevant to the investigation. In 1984 Vanessa Williams was the first Miss America to resign after photos were released of her in Penthouse magazine. In 1986 Prince Andrew married Sarah Ferguson (Duchess of York). Allison Krauss – singer – was born in 1971; Monica Lewinsky was born in 1973, and Daniel Radcliffe (actor – ‘Harry Potter’) was born in 1989.Ulysses S Grant – 18th President – died at age 63 in 1885. In 2011 Ben Roethlisberger married Ashley Harlan.

TOMORROW July 24th is:

• National Thermal Engineer Day
• National Tequila Day
• National Drive-Thru Day
• National Cousins Day
• National Amelia Earhart Day
• National Day of the Cowboy 

As I close this out, I want to ask for intense, devout prayers for my little friend Josiah Drown. He got bit by a bug on the neck and the effects are mysterious and disastrous. Initially he was improving, but now he’s losing ground – very high temps, infections, not reacting to treatments. He’s heading to Children’s as I type this. I believe he’s in second grade. He’s in a lot of pain and everyone is very frightened. Please, please pray for Josiah and his family. I’ll keep you posted. This is very serious. Thank you all.

It was cool enough this morning that I wore long pants and a sweatshirt on my walk. It did warm up later in the day, but was a comfortably beautiful day! I worked a bit this morning; then made a few stops. I was on my way home when I got a message that my friend Di (not Diane Meyers – Dianne Gresham!) was free to do a haircut for me – so I grabbed a quick lunch and went over there. I really love what she did, and think I will be able to take care of it easily. I had a moment to place my little ‘gather’ fence in a cute spot – it was a Christmas gift from Connie. There were so many cute and wonderful things I haven’t had time to process them all yet!

I came home and mixed up scones for tomorrow’s breakfast, then Kath and I finally went to see mom. Kath brought 2 bright Mylar balloons for her and that was a hit!

As much as I dislike (not a strong enough word!) weed whacking, I was able to do that and cut back some dead stalks on the hill. I plan to purchase a new weed whacker next week – I have so many wounds on my legs, and I had on 2 pair of slacks! I used 3 entire spools of string and only did about 2/3rd of the yard. Something is certainly wrong.

I am sharing Greg’s July 18th message. There is a bond among those who travel and work together, and serve together. Christians should have that bond. 1) Prayer sets the posture 2) A common path to proceed 3) Protection as those prowl about. We belong together as a brotherhood, and we need each other. Our gatherings should be the base, then we go out into the field. Appreciate one another!

On this day in 1587 One hundred and seventeen colonists landed on Roanoke island (the Lost Colony!) – the first English child (Virginia Dare) born in American was born there. In 1864 the battle of Atlanta: General Sherman (Union) defeated General Hood (Confederate). In 1893 Katharine Lee Bates wrote ‘America the Beautiful’. Jeffrey Dahmer confessed to killing 17 men in 1991, and in 1994 OJ Simpson pleaded ‘Absolutely 100% not guilty’ of murder. Birthdays: Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy (American matriarch) in 1890; Alex Trebek – game show host – in 1940; Danny Glover – actor – in 1946. Selena Gomez (actress and singer) in 1992. George Crumb – invented the potato chip – died in 1914 at age 90, and Estelle Getty (actress/Golden Girls) died in 2008 at age 84.

TOMORROW July 23rd is:

• Gorgeous Grandma Day
• National Vanilla Ice Cream Day

I think I know lots of gorgeous grandmas! Sending hugs to all of you (maybe have some vanilla ice cream…)! Have a great weekend. God bless.

It’s been cooler today – started out cloudy. I was able to take an early walk, then be outside for almost 2 hours in the early evening. I cleaned the house, did laundry, met Diane at her church, cleaned a little more, did more laundry, then went outside to pull weeds. Got the hill between the fences done, and the bottom right under the lilac done. Still more to do, but had inside obligations!

I noticed when I was walking at the bottom of my road this morning that the little wild section by the playground was full of varied wild flowers. So for your viewing pleasure I took pictures of them. Not sure what they are, for the most part, but it was wild and colorful!

I will share Greg’s message from July 11th – comfort: God’s promises preserve our life; we find comfort in His laws. When we sing the time-long song ‘The B-I-B-L-E’ we say ‘I stand alone on the word of God.’ It doesn’t mean that we are alone. It means that we stand ONLY on God’s word. Everything points to Jesus, then goes out from Jesus. History pivots on the life of Christ. The spirit will guide you into the truth. We need each other. POLICY- a principle of action adopted by a group to determine future decision. What is YOUR policy? Is it based on God’s word, and do you find comfort in His laws?

On this day in 1853 Central Park in New York City was created; 1861 was the first battle of Bull Run. In 1873 was Jesse James’ first train robbery. The first jet fighter landed and took off from a ship in 1946; in 1969 Neil Armstrong was the first person to step on the moon. 1976 was the first outbreak of Legionnaire’s Disease. And in 2007 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final book in the series by J. K. Rowling is published worldwide. 11 million copies sell in 24 hours. Birthdays: Ernest Hemmingway – author – in 1899; Don Knotts (actor) in 1924, and Cat Stevens in 1948. Robin Williams in 1951. Basil Rathbone died in 1967 (British Actor/Sherlock Holmes) at age 75, and Robert Young – actor) in 1998 at age 91.

TOMORROW July 22nd is:

• National Mango Day
• National Penuche Fudge Day
• National Hammock Day
• National Rat Catcher’s Day
• National Fragile X Awareness Day
• National Refreshment Day –

As Anne Shirley would say, ‘Tomorrow is a new day, with no mistakes in it!’ – thank goodness! Blessings for your tomorrow…

TODAY is my mom’s 91st birthday. The plan was for Kath, Sarah, Millie and I to go for an in-person visit – but this morning they cancelled all outside visits because of the poor air quality and some atmospheric something or other from Canada. And we couldn’t do INSIDE because Mom’s floor was on ‘yellow’ – so they were restricted. Bummer! But as planned, I took the supply of little ice cream cups that we had purchased as a treat for Mom’s floor (residents and staff) and dropped them off a little before lunch – along with a handful of cards, party hats, and flowers from Sarah’s family. So she will be fussed over, at least! Happy Birthday MOM!!!

I spent the rest of the day buzzing from store to store, looking for decorations and food and drinks and paper products for a publication party that I am ‘in charge’ of on Saturday afternoon. I think I have everything purchased, but now I have to get organized with the food and then on Friday do the decorations and set up tables. So still lots to do!

Once I was home, I fussed with the stereo some (I said previously that I didn’t care for the way it was sitting). It’s much improved but not perfect. THAT may be impossible! I did the ironing, pulled weeds around the walk and steps, and cut the grass. Snapped a picture of my blooming Gladiolas. So now, after this, my day is over!

I will share Micah’s message – Justice. It’s to ‘distribute what is due.’ Justice comes from God. The world isn’t always fair – in fact mostly isn’t fair! Three things: 1) Commencement – we were given clear instruction to follow with exact consequences. 2) Continuation – God is faithful and just, always. Remember where you came from. His justice will not change. 3) Condemnation – because we didn’t accept His son! Jesus came to rescue us. But because of Jesus, we DON’T get what we deserve. We all get in invitation to belong to Him. We CAN avoid condemnation. God is just and fair!

On this day in 1881 Sioux Indian Chief Sitting Bull surrendered to federal troops, and in 1903 Ford Motor Company shipped its first car. In 1954 Elvis had his first public performance, on a flatbed truck at a drugstore opening in Memphis. In 1969 Apollo 11 lunar module carrying Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin lands on the surface of the Moon; Aldrin and Armstrong walk on the moon seven hours later; Michael Collins remains in orbit in the lunar module. In 1976 Hank Aaron hit his 755th and last home run, and in 1977 a flash flood in Johnstown killed 80 people. In 2005 James Doohan – Scotty on Star Trek – died at age 85, and Tammy Faye Bakker died in 2007 at age 65 (you either really know who she was or have no clue!). Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert divorced in 2015. Birthdays: Alexander the Great in 356BC, and Natalie Wood (I was a huge fan!) died in 1938 under suspicious circumstances (and NO – Robert Wagner COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT! He’s too cute!!!). My mom celebrated her birthday today, and her step-granddaughter Tracie Elliott did, as well! They were always very, very close, and I know Tracie misses mom a lot, and Mom thought Tracie was very special. A very happy birthday to both of these wonderful ladies!

TOMORROW July 21st is:

• National Junk Food Day
• National Be Someone Day
• National Hot Dog Day 

I could get really into Junk Food – Is a hot dog junk food? I’m sure I’ll celebrate that in SOME way! God bless…

I took a little longer walk this morning. Not too much work at either store, so I went to the bank, stopped at the lawyer’s office, and popped into the church to check out the tables and the space. Mike was there and was a big help. Saturday’s coming!!!

Nate and Dave came after work, and carried the old china cupboard down to the shed. I uncovered the plastic from the Shaker cabinet and they attempted to carry it up to the kitchen. I almost threw up – it’s so heavy and I was sure it was going to fall on them and kill them both. They managed safely, and it’s clean and polished and all organized. But I cried for an hour after they left. I could see so many horrid things happening. I won’t ever ask them to do something that dangerous again – without at least a dozen people to help! MY neck is stiff and sore and I didn’t even help carry! Ugh. But it is beautiful and I’m very pleased. There is SO MUCH MORE ROOM in it!

I will share Paul’s message from LAST week – Hoping beyond Hope. We all need something to believe in – we need HOPE! Hope has to be based in reality 1) Promises rest on His grace, not our perfections. 2) God can & does do the impossible – God spoke creation into being. Why would you build your hope anywhere else? 3) God is the basis of our hope because of who He is! It’s a rational decision to believe that God will do what he said he would do. Where is your hope? In what you do or what God does? God’s grace allows Him to freely give us what we don’t deserve. Miracles happen to those who believe.

On this day in 1692 five people were hanged for witchcraft in MA (total was then 19). In 1948 Amelia Jenks Bloomer introduced a new fashion trend for women: “Bloomers”. In 1961 the first in-flight movie was shown (TWA); and in 1969 the Apollo 11 went into Moon orbit. Samuel Colt (invented the Colt 6 shot revolver) was born in 1814; Lizzie Borden in 1860. Percy Spencer – inventor of the microwave – was born in 1894; Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith – great grandson of Abraham Lincoln – was born in 1904, the last of Lincoln’s descendants. James Garner died in 2014 (He was a favorite of mine), and in 1966 Frank Sinatra (age 50) married Mia Farrow (age 21). And as an added bonus today, something I didn’t post yesterday: In 1966 WOULDN’T IT BE NICE was released by the Beach Boys!

TOMORROW July 20th is:

• National Fortune Cookie Day
• National Moon Day
• National Lollipop Day
• National Pennsylvania Day
• MY MOM’s BIRTHDAY!!!!

I have ironing to do, and some cards to write out – so I’m outta here! Have a happy Tuesday! God bless….

There’s a lot to do getting ready for Christmas! I had about 2 of my 35 boxes (???) of Christmas decorations, and sprinkled them through the house (and outside) to make it festive. I put the chipped ham BBQ on at about 9am, and it was perfect when we ate at 3pm.

I waited until the last minute to shower and dress – in my Santa shirt and Christmas earrings, necklace, etc. Connie wore her Christmas shirt and had a BIG jingle bell necklace on. Connie also came a little early with a big basket of extra decorations, and we scampered through the house and added them to the décor. Gwen bought us all elf ear headbands and we wore them most of the afternoon!

Kathy had gathered up bells from Mom’s collection, and she offered them up and a small remembrance for everyone to choose one. The girls were very excited to get one of Mom’s bells, and it seemed like there was the perfect bell for everyone – and no one wanted the same one! Even though I had one, since there were so many, after everyone chose I took the small one from Colonial Williamsburg. Near to my heart!

I had tables set up in the garage (which I had cleaned and sort of decorated!) for the food, and it saved everyone from going up and down the steps. That is very tricky, especially with a plate of food in one hand! It was very hot at first, and then it rained, so we just got comfy inside – we ate, and visited, and shared, and I read my traditional short story as entertainment. The girls were very generous, and I received several very special Christmas presents as a hostess thank you! Sweet, sweet cousins! THANK YOU!!!

Karen V had a Christmas craft planned, so we cleaned up the food and moved into the garage and made Christmas frames into wreaths – or just kept them as frames. I was the odd man out and made a patriotic frame. I like the way it turned out – and that’s rare for me, because I glue myself to things. I actually glued myself to the frame about seven times before it was finished.

We decided to have round two of dessert (cookies, Boston cream pie, Pineapple delight, Jello pretzel salad), and then sat on the deck for a little while between showers. Jen stopped over for leftover for Nate and she took a few pictures of the SH girls.

The day went so fast, and it was after 8pm before we even realized it! I was sad to see everyone leave and we are already trying to plan the next event. I will carry the happy memories of our day together – food, family, fun, laughter, stories, sharing, and more memories – for a very long time. I am blessed beyond measure to have these ladies in my life. I love each of them totally and am so thankful for them! Merry Christmas, girls – Linn Run, here we come. (Just have to decide when!!!)

First I will say that Hempfield’s special music today was by Patty Buschek and her grandson Jonathan. He has a wonderful voice, and he had just shared with Patty that he was choosing to follow his grandfather Ron into the ministry! She teared up when she shared that with me! Jonathan looks so much like Ron – but Ron couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. So he takes after him Grama Patty for that one!

I will share Hempfield’s message today – Steve Fulton from Mountain Mission School in Grundy Virginia was our guest speaker. He spoke about the ministry of Hope. God is on our team, and we can be on HIS. There is a 1) Purpose, which is to get noticed. Stand strong in the storms. Everyone gets rained on, it’s how you handle it that gets noticed and makes an impact. 2) a Plan – God picks the most unlikely person. One that obviously fits the ‘old is gone, and the new is come!’ We go from fear to hope. 3) Power – HE can do more than we can ask or imagine. It’s in His power! Let him work in and through you. Check out the website for Mountain Mission School at www.mmskids.org to see this wonderful place and the amazing stories of lives changed.

On this day in 64AD the great fire of Rome began under emperor Nero, and in 1864 President Lincoln called for 500,000 volunteers for military service. In 1938 Douglas ‘Wrong Way’ Corrigen arrived in Ireland after a 28 hour flight – supposedly having left NY for California! (A little off course, I think!) In 1969 Ted Kennedy drove his car off a bridge, swam to shore and spent the night in a motel, and called the police in the morning; his passenger Mary Jo Kopechne died in the crash. Jane Austen died at age 41 in 1817; Machine Gun Kelly died at age 59 in 1954 (on his birthday!). General William Westmoreland died in 2005. In 1992 Whitney Houston married Bobby Brown. Birthdays: Yesterday, Country artist Luke Bryan celebrated, and a friend and former Hempfield minister Bill Pullin had a birthday yesterday. Happy one-day-late birthday, Bill! Hope you had a wonderful day and can celebrate all year! God bless! Today: In 1867 the Unsinkable Molly Brown was born – she’s called that because she survived the sinking of the Titanic. Machine Gun Kelly, gangster, was born in 1895; Red (Richard) Skelton in 1913, John Glenn – astronaut – in 1921.

TODAY July 18th is:

• National Sour Candy Day
• National Caviar Day
• National Ice Cream Day

TOMORROW July 19th is:

• National Words With Friends Day *
• National Daiquiri Day
• National Get Out of the Dog House Day 

Since I didn’t post yesterday, thought I would include today’s NATIONAL day – simply because there may still be time for you to have ICE CREAM! I intend to! God bless….

It was a glorious wonderful day! It would take way too long to share everything, and it’s 10:35pm. I’m exhausted and still have one sort of major project before bed.

So I’ll suspend this post and catch up tomorrow! God bless….

** Warning – almost no pictures today…) Early walk, but I took my time. I knew that Barry would call me when he was coming up to start the car – and it wasn’t until about 10am that he did. In the meantime, I made good use of my time. I moved the stereo onto the dry sink in the corner of the living room (doesn’t look the best there, but it will do for now!), then I slid the secretary desk on thick bath towels over to where I wanted it.

I started wiping it all off, and cleaning the hinges, etc, I got everything done but the pigeon holes before it was time to leave for work. Barry put a new battery in the Buick and she was peppy and happy all day! After work I ran a few small errands, then ate lunch and cut the grass. It’s not fun to cut the grass in the hot 88* sunshine – – but better than cutting in the rain. About an hour later it poured and poured – with thunder rumbling in the distance. It’s still raining.

I finished cleaning the desk, all the little antique items that I had brought down, and then placed them nicely. I also scrubbed the trunk, and put the Christmas flag on the flag holder out back. Chrissy and Hope ended up here to get cooled off and raid the fridge – then I took them home. Now I am going to make a quick meal for myself – because tomorrow is our Christmas in July and I will have to decorate the house and make the BBQ!

I will share Micah’s message – Liberty and justice for all. Liberty is release from our sin. God cares for his creation; ask for wisdom We should be a servant for Christ. We have guidelines (rules) for OUR benefit. The reason is for the Lord’s sake. Face things with respect (It’s our responsibility). Let God bless American in HIS way. Follow God’s will through works and words. The Will of God and the Way of God – it’s not a free pass. Our choice should be to choose Jesus as a master. He is the perfect example. 1) HONOR even if you don’t agree. 2) Love one another, even your enemies. 3) Fear God – respect who he is: FEAR is the beginning of wisdom!

On this day in 1955 John Adams graduated from Harvard (2nd president); in 1951 Catcher in the Rye (JD Salinger) was published; Apollo 11 was launched in 1969 (would land on the moon 4 days later), and in 1999 JFK Jr, his wife and sister-in-law were killed in a plane crash that JFK Jr was piloting. In 2004 Martha Stewart was sentenced to five months in prison for lying to federal investigators. Mary Todd Lincoln died at age 63 in 1882; Harry Chapin (Cat’s in the Cradle) died in 1981 at age 39, JFK Jr in 1999 at age 38; and Kitty Wells (It wasn’t God who Made Honkytonk Angels) died at age 93 in 2012. Meg Ryan divorced Dennis Quaid in 2001 (I think that’s why he’s been reduced to making Insurance commercials…). Orville Redenbacher (Popcorn guy!) was born in 1907; Ginger Rogers (actress/dancer) in 1911; Will Ferrell in 1967. Dan Bricklin – known as the Father of the Spreadsheet (created the first computer generated spreadsheet) was born in 1951. (THAT one was for you, Ron!) My cousin Beth’s beautiful granddaughter Hazel is 13 today! Happy, happy birthday to Hazel – have many, many more!

TOMORROW July 17th is:

• National Lottery Day
• National Peach Ice Cream Day
• National Tattoo Day
• Wrong Way Corrigan Day
• National Yellow Pig Day
• World Emoji Day
• National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day
• Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day 

Today is Christmas in July Eve – and tomorrow is Christmas in July DAY! Everyone celebrate! I’m having a party for the Skunk Hollow Cousins – and we are all very excited. So Jump in Bed and Cover your Head…. God bless!

The Ides of July! Midway through! Sort of….

What an adventure today was! I don’t even know where to start. Maybe at the end, because the day is almost over (except for this post) and we are all home and safe and a little bit wiser. And a lot happier!

There were so many variables in the plans for today’s trip to Albion that I had trouble keeping myself straight. I barely slept last night, but managed to wake up refreshed. Chrissy spent the night and was ready to travel with me – we were picking up Kath, Paul, and Isaac. Paul and Isaac would pick up the truck and head to Albion. This was all good – until my car wouldn’t start!

We were also waiting to hear if Kelly and Peyton could make it. Everyone has things going on and things to deal with!

Dead car 🙁 – Kath agreed to drive, so they picked up Chris and I and we got the truck – then headed north. Only 45 minutes behind our time. Not bad, because U-Hall is notoriously slow… Rege promised to check out the Buick, and I confidently left it in their care.

Bobbie, Dick, and Barb were already working at the house when we got there. Kelly and Peyton pulled in about 10 minutes after we did – then about 20 minutes later, the truck. We all got to work, and as happened last time, we really enjoyed being together, talking, laughing, working. Chrissy had a fun day; found lots of tiny treasures and enjoyed our – HER! – family! We cleaned out the furniture pieces that we were bringing to Greensburg, and the boys (Peyton and Isaac) strong-armed them into the truck. Byron’s dad, Jim, came over in the afternoon and helped lug furniture up and down the steps and into the truck. He’s a very nice person, lots of fun, and a willing spirit. A big thanks to everyone who helped!

Rege txt that he and Barry got the car running, so when we got home I got in to back it into the driveway – I had several pieces of furniture to store in the garage until they were cleaned and placed where they would live – with me! Hmmm. Car wouldn’t start! So I called Rege. Barry’s coming in the morning to start the car and we’ll get it handled. In the meantime, some stuff is in the shed, some in the living room, in the family room, and wrapped in plastic outside by the air conditioner. I’ll deal with it all tomorrow.

I did realize when they unloaded the stuff from the truck that a few things got left behind. Darn. But they are things that will fit easily in the car, so I’ll plan another trip up soon. We made a nice dent – Kelly got 3/4th of the upstairs walk-in closet emptied out! She’s a workhorse. Barb and Bobbie emptied and wrapped all the delicate glass and dish ware from the 2 china closets and packed it in boxes. Chrissy had a good eye for the little thing, and found several fun things! We stopped mid-day for lunch of subs and chips and cookies – and we were tired and ready to head back about 4:15pm. Great day, great family – so blessed.

Now to handle the car…. And a big thanks to Rege for being so kind and supportive. Couldn’t do this without my Pinnacle guys! Big thanks to Paul for driving the truck, the guys for loading (Nate helped unload), and the girls for cleaning and packing and sorting. I’m really ready for bed….

My encouragement for today is this:

On this day in 1870 Georgia was the last state to be readmitted to the reunion. 1957 was the first official day of production of the Edsel; in 1960 Chubby Checker released his version of the twist. Prince Charles and Princess Diana signed divorce papers in 1996. Rembrandt – Dutch painter – was born in 1606; Clement C Moore (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas author) was born in 1779, and Linda Ronstadt – country singer – in 1946. My young friend Anaya Grace Drown celebrated her 13th birthday today! Happy, happy birthday, my sweet girl! Can’t wait to see the places you will go! Love you!

TOMORROW July 16th is:

• National Corn Fritters Day
• National Personal Chef’s Day

And more importantly, tomorrow is Christmas in July Eve! I have SO MUCH to do! Decorate, clean, shop — no end! Such fun! I’ll keep you posted – God bless…