Short walk outside – had lots to do today. But I took my time and just handled things as I thought of them. Got the house cleaned, and some things organized for Thursday and some for Saturday. Then I ordered the balloons for the Loyalhanna Review Publication party – they needed to be ordered ahead of time. One thing off of THAT list, anyway.

It was pouring rain this morning, and when I stopped to grab lunch I noticed that my neighbor was mowing his grass. Whatever…

My Peanuts page a day struck me really funny today – so I’m sharing it!

I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry- about Joseph. First thought: You must be broken to be used by God. It will always be God’s will over ours. When God tests us we come forth as gold. If Joseph had quit, he’d have never known what God had in store for him. Joseph spoke the truth in kindness and we should, too. Things happen in God’s time, but God is with us the whole time. Not matter what happens, God will get the honor. Pharaoh saw God’s wisdom in Joseph and exalted him. Put your life in God’s hands and trust Him until the very end!

On this day in 1789 was France’s origin of Bastille Day – their National holiday. In 1853 President Franklin Pierce opened the World’s Fair, and in 1946 Dr. Benjamin Spock’s “Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care” was published. William Hanna – cartoonist (Hanna-Barbera) – was born in 1910; Gerald Ford, 38th President, in 1913, and Franklin Graham – Billy Graham’s son – in 1952. Billy the Kid (outlaw) was shot and killed in 1881 at age 21, and Richard J McDonald died in 1998 – he and his brother Maurice started McDonald’s in 1940. And my friend Jane Ball and her husband Bruce are celebrating a wedding anniversary today. According to Jane, it’s been 17,531 days! My niece Hannah and her husband Dan Gump are celebrating 20 years of marriage today. Congrats to both of these wonderful couples!

TOMORROW July 15th is:

• National Give Something Away Day
• National I Love Horses Day
• National Tapioca Pudding Day
• National Pet Fire Safety Day
• National Gummi Worm Day
• Get to Know Your Customers Day –

I have the perfect thing to give away: My debt! OK – I’m ready! Don’t be too alarmed if I don’t post anything tomorrow – it will depend on when we get back from Albion. I’ll catch up on Friday! God bless…

Early walk, then a short work morning. I stopped at Palmer’s Farm and got a few ears of corn and some fresh green beans. Had some of the corn for lunch and will have the green beans tomorrow.

This afternoon was boring chores but so glad to have them done! I did the ironing and put laundry away. Then I cut the grass, pulled more weeds, and trimmed a few shrubs. Had some emails to handle and some lists to make for all these events that are crowding in around me! Lists help keep me sort of sane.

Today I will share Lou Ellen’s message from Inverness FL – she officially started as their minister on Sunday. “Why are we here?” God put us here; He’s the reason. God decided we should exist, not because of ourselves – we are adopted into God’s family. Are we better than anyone else? Of course not, we are part of the family through love and grace – it’s a gift. Life can be difficult. We strive to be continually worthy; we ‘think’ we are self- sufficient, and that what we HAVE gives us value. But God wants US – and wants us to REST in Him. Our relationship with Him and with each other rest in the love of God.

On this day in 1837 Queen Victoria was the first monarch to live in the present Buckingham Palace, and in 1865 PT Barnum’s museum burnt down. Also in 1865 Horace Greeley – founder and editor of the NY Tribune – advises: “Go West, Young Man!”. In 1913 the first movie pie in the face was thrown; in 1923 the Hollywood sign was dedicated. In 1939 Frank Sinatra had his recording debut, and in 1954 Pig Pen made his debut in the Peanuts comic strip. NY City’s blackout was in 1977 – millions were left in darkness. Julius Caesar was born in 100BC; John Jacob Astor IV – richest passenger on the Titanic – was born in 1864; Harrison Ford – actor – in 1942, and Erno Rubik (invented Rubik’s Cube!) was born in 1944. In 1925 Walt Disney married Lillian Bounds.

TOMORROW July 14th is:

• National Grand Marnier Day
• National Tape Measure Day
• National Nude Day
• National Mac & Cheese Day

Hmmm. Well, that’s a strange mix of celebrations! I will do my normal Wednesday ‘clean the whole house’ chores and get organized for a day trip to Albion on Thursday. Have a happy day – but keep your clothes on! God bless…

Again, a nice morning walk outside! I worked both stores but was home a little after noon. Did some laundry and then scrubbed the white fence and pulled weeds at the bottom of the driveway and right outside the back door.

Plans are to finish ironing and then listen to Paul’s and Greg’s messages. Trying to keep organized for Thursday’s trip to Albion, Saturday’s Christmas in July party, and the Loyalhanna Review Publication party, which seems to have fallen into my lap! Hard to know what you are doing when you don’t know what you are doing! Sigh.

Here is Steve’s thoughts from Sunday – Can God Really Change me? We should think about who we want to be. Watch what God does, then DO it! Is that too idealistic? Make His teachings be the blueprint for your life. Work as hard as you possibly can on one thing, and see what happens. One thing! We will perfect it! The narrow way leads to life – but that means you have to say ‘no’ to a LOT. Enter the narrow way – everything will be given to you; your life will open up. Believing isn’t enough; do what he SAYS. YES God can change you. Put him to the test. What are you going to seek and perfect first? Don’t do NOTHING!

On this day in 1774 the citizens of Carlisle Pennsylvania passed a symbolic declaration of independence; in 1804 Alexander Hamilton died from being shot in the pistol duel with VP Aaron Burr. In 1843 Mormon leader Joseph Smith said God allows polygamy… In 1909 the 16th amendment was passed by congress, giving them the power to tax incomes (oh, great…) In 1957 Surgeon General Leroy Burney was the first US Federal Official to acknowledge the connection between smoking and cancer. Etch A Sketch first produced in 1960. Rolling Stones made their first public appearance in 1962, and Family Feud debuted in 1976 with Richard Dawson as host. Alexander Hamilton died in 1804 at age 49 (pistol duel), and in 1849 Dolley Madison (4th first lady) died at age 81. In 1543 Henry VIII married Catherine Parr – his 6th and last wife. Henry David Thoreau – naturalist and pacifist was born in 1817; George Eastman (invented the Kodak camera and founded Eastman Kodak company) in 1854; Milton Berle (comedian) in 1908; “Curly” Joe DeRita (one of the Three Stooges) was born in 1909; Roger Smith, CEO of General Motors) in 1952, and Bill Cosby in 1937. And one of my favorite DJ’s from the Y’d Awake morning show on Y108 has a birthday today. I’m sure she won’t be reading this, but I’m still wishing her a very happy day!

TOMORROW July 13th is:

• National French Fry Day
• National Beans ‘N’ Franks Day
• National Delaware Day
• Cow Appreciation Day

Looks like a good day to enjoy some yummy food – hope you don’t have to go to Delaware to do it! And Cow Appreciation Day! Oh Joy! Cows are SO special! Greg used to come ‘cow tipping’ at my house, because I had them displayed everywhere. Still have some – but not as many. So happy Cow day! God bless….

Went to first service at church, and for the first time in about 18 months we had Sunday School classes for all ages. Mary & I taught ages 4 through 1st grade, and we had 5 students. They were glad to be back. What a variety we had – two of them could have told the entire Bible story (one of them just about did!); one little visitor fluctuated between crying for his family and be totally delighted in the activity projects! The other two – brother and sister – were typical siblings, rivaling each other for attention and out-doing each other! But they really did have a great time. So did we!

I came home and went through a few Christmas boxes to pull out about half a dozen decorations for the Christmas in July party on Saturday. I wrapped and carried several items to the shed that I need to store away, then drove over to Twin Lakes. Jen’s rescue – Ninth Life Rescue – was having a volunteer appreciation picnic and I was invited! I don’t volunteer with the rescue, only indirectly: I volunteer by rescuing Autmn and Crissy, giving them rides, taking them shopping, buying snacks and bathing suits and short! So I felt comfortable. It was a beautiful sunny day until we started up the parking lot to head home – the storm hit with a vengeance and it was more like 10pm than 4:30pm! But it was a very nice event – lots of food, games, and friendly people! And as I type this, the sun is shining and the sky is clear and beautiful again!

I will share Mike’s message from Hempfield: Are you a disciple of Jesus? There is a difference between Church membership and following Christ. Do you focus your whole life around Jesus? Just going to church isn’t enough. Is Jesus everything to us? Go back to the basics of Christianity, which is – simply – Jesus. It’s NOT teaching, buildings, traditions, programs (alone). It’s Jesus. Our purpose should be to make disciples; make Him the main thing. He’s our 1) Savior – saved us from God’s wrath, from Satan, for good works, and to be citizens of Heaven. 2) Lord – we belong to Him, and should make disciples. Don’t be casual; be committed!

On this day in 1804 Vice President Aaron Burr mortally wounded Alexander Hamilton in a pistol duel, and in 1960 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee was published; The Newlywed Game premiered on TV in 1967. Laurence Olivier died in 1989 at age 82 (he was in Rebecca – one of my favorites!). Lady Bird Johnson – first lady) died in 2007 at age 95. John Quincy Adams was born in 1767; E B White (wrote Charlotte’s Web) was born in 1899, and Giorgio Armani – designer – in 1934. And my brother in law Paul is celebrating a birthday with his whole family! Hope it was a great day, Paul!

TOMORROW July 12th is:

• National Simplicity Day
• National Different Colored Eyes Day
• National Pecan Pie Day
• Paper Bag Day
• Eat Your Jello Day

For me tomorrow is ‘go to work day’ . I’m happy to have such a wonderful place in which to work. Have a great week! God bless…

Today’s walk was in the beautiful, bright sunshine, but still a bit chilly. Very pleasant. I chatted with my neighbor Dottie, who was outside on her porch with her Latte, enjoying the morning. When I finished my walk, I got busy doing little outside chores and before I knew it, I had putzied through breakfast and it was 10am!

Kathy stopped by with Edy and Hattie on her way to Indian Lake for a day on the water. After brunch, Mary popped over with Poppy (her little cutie dog!) and we went over the Sunday School material. At 2:00, I picked up Chrissy and Autmn and took them to work at Bull River Taco – and was paid for my efforts with a yummy taco! (Thanks, Bull River! Yum!)

On the way home, since I was in Irwin anyway, I stopped and picked up a cookie jar that I had seen yesterday but was still deliberating on – it looks very cute in the kitchen, so I’m glad I did that. In addition, I had cleaned up the pestle that I brought home from the farm and put it in the wooden bucket that my Uncle Jim had made me very many years ago. I just love having all these little quint antiques scattered about my house. Now if I just had the antique house to match them! It’ll never happen. I love my house!

I will share another devotion from my Garden of Faith book: 1) We are not called to be burden-bearers, but cross-bearers and light-bearers. We must cast our burdens on the Lord – Corrie Ten Boom. 2)Never yield to gloomy anticipation. Place your hope and confidence in God. He has no record of failure – Mrs. Charles E Cowman. 3) Worship and worry cannot live in the same heart; they are mutually exclusive – Ruth Bell Graham. 4) Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear – Corrie Ten Boom. Lord, wherever I find myself, let me celebrate more and worry less. (Great thoughts – meditate on those!!) PS – Keep your feet on the ground, but let your heart soar as high as it will – A W Tozer.

On this day in 1040 Lady Godiva rode naked on horseback through the street to force her husband to lower taxes. THERE’s a thought…. In 1780 the Comte de Rochambeau and 7000 French landed in Newport Rhode Island to join the American Revolution, and in 1850 Millard Fillmore was sworn in as 13th President of the US, replacing Zachary Taylor who died on July 9th. John Calvin, religious reformer, was born in 1509 and Fred Gwynne (actor- Munsters) in 1926. Clement C Moore died at age 83 in 1863 (wrote ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas). In 2010 Carrie Underwood married hockey player Mike Fisher, and in 1975 Cher divorced Gregg Allman.

TOMORROW July 11th iS:

• National Cheer Up The Lonely Day
• National Rainier Cherry Day
• National Blueberry Muffin Day
• All American Pet Photo Day
• National Mojito Day
• National 7-Eleven Day

Not too much exciting today, but I was busy and happy all day! Have a lovely day tomorrow in the House of the Lord (as my Mom always said!) – God Bless…

It was a bit cooler this morning but still nice to be outside walking. I noticed the first of the morning glories blooming in the sunshine.

After breakfast Teresa and I went to Miller’s Crossing Fleatique and then L&L Fleatique. We had a really nice time, browsing around, chatting, examining everything. I spent a whole dollar and she didn’t spend much more. I saw this sign and txt it to my sister. WE couldn’t agree more!

I was able to get the grass mowed and also pulled a few weeds. Made a nice salad for lunch, and then just now I listened to Steven’s message from Maplewood.

Steve was talking about the courage of Jesus, and how some of the stories and examples he used were not-too-well veiled references to King Herod and his sons, who were horridly wicked people. Jesus was ‘poking the bear!’ He wasn’t afraid of Herod or his sons. One of them had 10 or 11 wives, and 43 children! When one of them married Herodias (his brother’s wife), she would have been his wife, his niece and sister-in-law! What a family tie! Herod had John beheaded and threatened Jesus – who said he would NOT stop teaching and healing and preaching, and he WOULD keep doing His Father’s will. Our message – Don’t be afraid – the Kingdom of God is secure!

On this day in 1775 the Battle of Ft. Duquesne (Pittsburgh) was fought; the French defeated the British. In 1776 the Declaration of Independence was read to George Washington’s troops in New York, and in 1956 Dick Clark first appeared as host of American Bandstand. In 1996 “BLUE” by LeAnn Rimes (album) was released. Zachary Taylor – 12th President – died at age 65 in 1850, and Fred Rogers married Sara Joanne Byrd in 1952. Elias Howe (invented the sewing machine) was born in 1819; O J Simpson in 1947, and Tom Hanks in 1956. And my writer friend Kerri Mountain is celebrating a birthday today. Kerri and I met at Seton Hill’s Writer’s Masters program, and found we had a lot in common. We have kept in touch all these years! Happy birthday Kerri!

TOMORROW July 10th is:

• National Clerihew Day
• National Kitten Day
• National Pina Colada Day

Tomorrow I will take Autmn and Chrissy to work – and possibly even get a taco for lunch if it works out! Have a lovely weekend – God bless!

I took a short walk in a light drizzle this morning, but it felt good to be out and in the fresh air. It rained harder when I was at work, but that didn’t last long. I stopped at the church after work and picked up the Sunday School material for this week’s lesson. I never gave it a thought that our classrooms had been ignored for almost a year and a half – and it needed quite a bit of sprucing up. Didn’t take too long, and now it’s organized and wiped up and ready for the kiddos on Sunday morning!

After lunch I changed and went outside in the gardens. It had quit raining entirely and the sun was shining. I cleaned up the front flower beds and trimmed plants and shrubs on each side of the walk. Then I tackled the hill. It was a little out of control. I’m much more pleased with it now and can enjoy a few days off, I think!

Since I haven’t listened to any sermons yet today, I will share two quotes out of my Garden of Faith devotional. 1) It’s incredible to realize that what we do each day has meaning in the big picture of God’s plan – Bill Hybels 2) Whether you have twenty years left, ten years, one year, one month, one day, or just one hour, there is something very important God wants you to do that can add to His kingdom and your blessing – Bill Bright. Lord, You’ve got something You want me to do – help me to figure out exactly what it is!

On this day in 1776 Colonel John Nixon gave the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence to citizens of Philadelphia; in 1796 the US State Department issued the first passport – wonder what THOSE passport photos looked like??? And in 1835 the Liberty Bell cracked again. Betty Ford – first lady – died in 2011 at age 93. John Pemberton – inventor of Coca-Cola – was born in 1831; Ferdinand von Zeppelin – founder of the Zeppelin Airship Company – was born in 1838; John D Rockefeller – founder of Standard Oil – was born in 1839, and Toby Keith – country artist – was born in 1961. And I have four friend birthdays today! First, Lisa Carter Siders – John’s niece (who was very close to Mom) is celebrating today. Mom’s friend from her church and neighborhood Marcella Mooney has a birthday today. George Gretz – who is my high school friend Debby Gretz’s husband – is celebrating today – and my Skunk Hollow Cousin Beth’s wonderful husband Harold has a birthday. Happy, happy birthday Harold! And have a wonderful year, Lisa and Marcella and George – and Harold!

TOMORROW July 9th is:

• National Sugar Cookie Day
• Collector Car Appreciation Day 

I don’t collect cars. I just drive ’em! I may come across a sugar cookie – but probably not. More likely a chocolate chip one! But either way – have a great Friday and a terrific weekend! God bless…

I spent my first waking hour propped up in bed with Liz Bromke’s newest ARC release: The House Around the Corner. I cannot put her books down once I start reading them. Each series gets better and better! I finally got up and showered, had breakfast, and then finished the book. I sent her a quick review and I was the first one to report in! I feel so blessed and honored to be one of her ARC readers. (Advanced Reader Copy – before it’s released for sale).

Here is the review I wrote, and it will be posted on B&N and Amazon once the book goes live:

Elizabeth Bromke’s THE HOUSE AROUND THE CORNER catches you with the first paragraph – clouds being pillows of sailing cottage cheese.  Wonderful.  The illusive narrator in the prologue pulls you in immediately, and she’s in your mind through the entire book.  The characters are strong, realistic, emotional every-day women, making their way through a life they seldom have full control over.  Their struggles are real, yet so are their delights and accomplishments.  It’s amazing to me that our author can weave these individual stories together and yet keep the lives separate; that she can go from chapter to chapter, woman to woman, taking each of their stories on its own path yet entwining them.  And in the last pages, you are rewarded with an amazing resolution – but yet, is it really resolved?  Who is the illusive narrator, and how does she fit into Harbor Hills?  I cannot WAIT for THE HOUSE THAT CHRISTMAS MADE!

I went out to sit on my park bench beside the back door, reflecting on the book and trying to sort out what might possibly happen in the final one. I heard the gate in the fence rattle and a fat little rabbit slunk through, sitting almost beside me, and started munching grass. He didn’t seem at all bothered by my presence. I think it’s Herb’s grandson….

My friend Diane stopped by after lunch with a ‘surprise’ – I said it was ok as long as it wasn’t a puppy and she laughed. When she got here I saw why. It was a vase with a flower that opened up when you pushed the button on the back, but it did have a Snoopy puppy on the front! Push the button again, and the flower closes. The inside of the flower (with a tiny butterfly) says ‘Consider yourself hugged.’ What a cute, heartfelt gift from a good friend!

I spent the rest of the day cleaning the house, as is typical for a Wednesday. Had several quick txts from Ron – the storm was downgraded and they missed the main surge. Beverly Hills (FL) will still get some rain but nothing like predicted. They dodged a bullet this time!

I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning: Land of the Free; Home of the Brave. We should focus on the pluses in our life, not the minuses. Freedom doesn’t depend on where you live. You need to be in the family of God to be free. If you are in Christ you are Free Indeed. Stand for the truth; You can’t be free on your own terms. Delight in the Lord and he’ll give you the desires of your hear. Dwell in His land and feed on his faithfulness. Don’t lose faith in God because of temporary setbacks. Go beyond circumstances, and cling to contentment, confidence, and comfort. You can be both Free and Brave: not because of who WE are, but because of who HE is!

On this day in 1456 a retrial verdict acquitted Joan Of Arc of heresy 25 years after her death. A lot of good THAT did her! In 1863 Lincoln’s assassins were executed for their role in the conspiracy to assassinate him. In 1930 construction began on the Boulder (Hoover) Dam, and in 1958 Eisenhower signed the bill approving Alaskan statehood. Ringo Starr (Beatles singer/song-writer) was born in 1940. Henri Nestle (found of Nestle Chocolate Company) died in 1890 at age 75; Johanna Spyri in 1901 at age 74 (she wrote HEIDI, and was the most influential writer/book to my love of reading, writing, and Switzerland in my life!). Arthur Conan Doyle (wrote Sherlock Holmes) died in 1930 at age 71, and in 1946 our 39th President Jimmy Carter married Rosalynn Smith. That’s a really neat love story – check it out!

TOMORROW July 8th is:

• National Freezer Pop Day
• National Chocolate with Almonds Day

My mom LOVED freezer pops – any color, any time! And I think I can manage Chocolate with Almonds tomorrow. Have a lovely Thursday – God bless!

I kept thinking today was Monday – but the fact that I don’t work on Wednesdays kept me on track. The last few weeks have been way off schedule – but no matter. I just have trouble remembering what day it is!

I did work this morning, then came home and had salsa and chips for lunch. Tried a new salsa and didn’t care for it – so that’s enough of that! I’ll make a salad for supper. I trimmed and painted my nails – but got a little too close on the third from the right. Ouch. Then I started scraping the pealing spots of old paint from the house foundation. There aren’t many, thank goodness. I have one small side left to go, then I can start painting. I’m SO not a painter – but I’ll get ‘er done! Next will be ironing. Tomorrow is cleaning.

One of the small things I brought back from the farm was the spinning wheel that my dad bought when he first opened Wagon Shed Antiques – and that was decades ago. I cleaned it up and it looks so comfortable in my living room! Brings back good memories. I will think of Dad – and Mom – every time I walk through the room!

Had a quick txt from Ron a little after lunchtime. It’s still quiet there, but the rain and wind are due to hit later this evening. He’s prepared – if you can be prepared for this Elsa storm!

I will share Paul’s message from River Hill – True Freedom. Our laws are based on the Bible; true freedom is found in Christ. Our country can’t give us freedom from sin. 1) Sin can dominate our lives, but if Jesus has set us free we are free indeed. 2) The human concept is that we get what we deserve. Karma does not work. Karma doesn’t take sin away. 3) Grace and Mercy – God’s love interrupts the consequences from sin, because He loves us and overcomes sin. 4) There’s a catch: we have to hold to His teachings! Truth will set you free: Bible reading, Prayer, Church. God will forgive us over and over and over. Jesus paid the price for our sins.

On this day in 1189 Richard the Lionheart was crowned King of England, and in 1699 pirate captain William Kidd was captured in Boston. In 1775 congress issued Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms – listed grievances but denied intent to be independent. In 1776 the US Declaration of Independence was announced on the front page of the PA Evening Gazette. In 1942 Anne Frank’s family went into hiding, and in 1994 Forrest Gump was released. John Paul Jones – navel hero who said ‘I have not yet begun to fight!’ was born in 1747; Nancy Reagan (first lady) was born in 1921; Bill Haley (Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll) in 1925; George W Bush Jr (43rd president) in 1946, and Sylvester Stallone also in 1946. William Faulkner (author) died at age 64 in 1962; Louis Armstrong in 1971 at age 69, and Roy Rogers at age 86 in 1998.

TOMORROW July 7th is:

• National Dive Bar Day
• National Father Daughter  Take a Walk Day
• National Strawberry Sundae Day
• National Macaroni Day

I’d take a walk with my dad – if I could. If you still have your dad, take a walk with him, or call him and TALK about taking a walk! And have macaroni and a strawberry Sundae while you are at it. God bless!

I don’t think anyone celebrated today, except for the fact that they didn’t have to work. I was happy to be home, catching up on a few things. After my walk and breakfast, I weed whacked. If you know me at all, you know I use a whole 50 foot spool in one session, and get sidetracked easily with weeding, branch trimming, and fence scrubbing. It took me well over 2 1/2 hours to finish! I took a shower, did some laundry, wrote out some cards, went for groceries, and answered emails. So there, you have my day! Nothing exciting. When I finish this I hope to un-decorate the house – all (well, most!) of the Red/White/Blue will be tucked away until Labor Day!

Today I’m going to share some photos that Ron sent from Florida, all of lakes in his area. The first is dinosaur clouds, and it really does look like dinosaurs! The next is the sunrise over the same lake, a few minutes later. Then the next two are watching the storm come in – the first one even has a fishing boat GOING OUT! I wouldn’t want to be on the lake with a storm approaching. Elsa is gearing up to hit Tampa tomorrow, and he’s about an hour and a half from there in Beverly Hills. So we’ll see what they get.

Here is Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. The message was very good and I got caught up in it and didn’t take a lot of notes. It was ‘Can I get a Witness’ – our testimony. Will YOU stand for God and speak up for Him? We should delight in God’s laws and commands and meditate on them day and night. They will be part of who we are, and they will be second nature. If we are asked to defend Him, it will come naturally. We don’t have to answer to the world. We answer to God. We won’t bow to the world. Our soul belongs to the Maker. Say with great conviction, “I’LL Be the witness. I’LL step up!” Don’t walk away from God. Be ready with your testimony.

On this day in 1775 the 2nd Continental Congress drafted the Olive Branch Petition to King George III (apparently it didn’t work…); in 1841 Thomas Cook opened the first travel agency, and in 1865 Great Britain created the world’s first speed limit law. Also in 1865 the Secret Service began operating. In 1937 SPAM (luncheon meat) was introduced, and in 1898 the Seinfield pilot episode aired. Also in 1989 Rod Stewart hit his head while on stage and knocked himself out. Hmmmm. David Farragut (American Admiral who said “Damn the torpedoes; full speed ahead!”) was born in 1801; P T Barnum – circus showman – in 1810. Susan Wojcicki – CEO of YouTube – born in 1968. Dolly the Sheep – first mammal to be cloned from an adult cell – was born in 1996. Chester Greenwood (invented the earmuffs) died in 1937 at age 78. In 1911 Lucy Maud Montgomery (wrote Anne of Green Gables) married Ewen McDonald on Prince Edward Island. And in 1957 Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner divorced.

TOMORROW July 6th is:

• National Hand Roll Day
• National Fried Chicken Day

My hand won’t roll – it’s attached. Hmmmm. So, everyone have a nice ‘go back to work’ day and enjoy your week. God bless!