After early church Mary and I went to breakfast. We have really come to appreciate those shared times. I came home and started on my thank you notes – did a flower walk around the yard. Then I saw one of the baby bunnies nibbling beside the deck. I’m sure there are more than one!

I will share Jim’s message last week from 1st Pres Florida – A closer look at Jesus. 1) Jesus is compassion – he knows our lives better than we do. He wants to be your companion; share your life with Jesus. 2) He invites us to be with him – we can make a difference in the world through relationships. Make friends, be friends, bring them to Jesus. 3) Compass – he’s the way, truth, life – he points the way we should go. Through: A) Bible B) Prayer C) Others who know and love us D) Circumstances E) Peace He’s our GPS – God positioning system. Follow His life!

On this day in 1777 the Marquis de Lafayette landed in the US, and in 1888 congress created the Department of Labor. The US Post Office announced children could not be sent by parcel post (true fact!!!) in 1920. Martha Washington – our first 1st Lady – was born in 1731 (or June 2 – no one really knows….); Tim Allen in 1953, and Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen (Michelle on Full House) was born in 1986. Benny Goodman – King of Swing/bandleader – died at age 77 in 1986, and Chuck Noll (NFL/Steeler coach) died at age 82 in 2014.

TOMORROW June 14 is:

• Army Birthday
• International Bath Day
• National Strawberry Shortcake Day
• National Pop Goes the Weasel Day
• National Flag Day
• National Bourbon Day
• National New Mexico Day

Gen and I went for a walk (with Rainy) around the block taking pictures of flags for the Flag Day post tomorrow. Stay tuned for details! God bless….

Dillweed Pick-A-Dilly Herb Faire! Kathy and I met our Skunk Hollow Cousin Karen V there at 9:15. We were both wondering why we were so determined to keep our schedule going at such a pace; the events of the last few weeks, including the funeral, left us drained. Emotionally and physically. But the event sounded so FUN and we were so excited to spend time with Karen that we sallied forth!

And it was an amazing morning! There were flowers and herbs and craft booths and people and food venders and people and more venders. And the prices – especially for the plants – were very reasonable. We were tempted by the handmade soaps, specialty teas, handmade windchimes, dog treats and shampoos, garden art, salves and creams, jewelry – all delightful. We had a very early lunch – Karen and Kath had Pesto Pizza and Apple Mint Julep, and I had a chicken salad croissant and water. Both very yummy. The day was sunny and warm but very comfortable – with clouds now and then. We took a picture on the way home of the distant mountains but didn’t do it justice.

My favorite thing was the booth that was called Spoonful of Heritage – Jewelry and Unique Gifts. She did make jewelry out of spoons and it was beautiful, but she also made necklaces, rings, and bracelets out of old fashioned typewriter keys. It’s worth checking out. Unique is the right word! I talked to Franki and I plan to order one from her – I wanted the ‘back space’ key but she only had it in yellow and I preferred black. I may even get a bracelet rather than the necklace. They were just perfect for me! Can’t wait to see what we come up with.

After we got back, I stopped at the house, checked on Rainy (Gen was at a reunion), and then went to the Mall. I was looking for comfortable shoes for vacation. I found a pair of support sandals that I hope will be just perfect! I plan to wear them all week so they are comfy for vacation. I cleaned the painting Kelly wanted from the cabin and then washed the car. Gen and I had sliders and broccoli salad for supper, walked the dog, planted a rose cutting, and now — Word Garden!

Martin’s Ferry had a quest speaker, and he talked about relationships and the Trinity. The trinity is amazing and mysterious but also practical and helpful. Relationships are actually the theme of the whole Bible – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In trying to reach those who need God, don’t use CHURCH terms – they don’t really understand them. Use love, and talk about relationships. We are made for relationships, which are God-given because we are made in His image. We need to keep God in our relationship with Him and with others. Worship God as who He is, not who we THINK He is. Our relationships are broken because of sin – we miss the mark of God’s holiness. We need to reconcile with God and each other through Christ; He is the answer to restore relationships. The pattern is this: Generate life – beautiful relationship! Then degenerate – Satan destroys them. Regenerate through Jesus. There is one God – but He is 3 persons – and exactly what we need for our relationship with Him and each other.

On this day in 1776 Virginia adopted the Declaration of Rights, and in 1908 the Lusitania crossed the Atlantic in a record 4 days/15 hours. In 1923 Houdini freed himself from a straight jacket while suspended upside down; in 1942 Anne Frank got a diary as a birthday gift, and in 1965 Sonny & Cher first appeared on a TV show (American bandstand). George H W Bush (41st president) was born in 1924; Anne Frank in 1929, and Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle) in 1930. Gregory Peck died at age 87 in 2003.

TOMORROW June 13 is:

• National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day
• Random Acts of Light Day
• National Weed Your Garden Day
• National Sewing Machine Day
• National Children’s Day 

For me weed your garden day is every day! I love playing in the dirt! Have a lovely day, but it looks like there are storms in the picture so be wise! God bless…

Gen and I took Rainy for a very slow walk this morning – Rainy is a very dedicated sniffer! Gen planted my birthday gift (lavender!!!) and I pruned the lilac so the lavender would get more sun.

We had a nice breakfast on the deck together, then both went our separate directions. Kelly and the boys were up – they love my internet and always mourn the fact that they have to leave!

When Gen brought rainy back and left to go to dinner with her sister and their nephew, Rainy just plopped on Gen’s bedroom floor and pouted. She is really waiting for her return!

Today was Ron’s last day of work – officially retired. Congrats to Ron on the new path ahead of him. Lots of fun choices and new directions! As he said in his txt to me this afternoon: “Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis and Ron have just left the building.” Blessings to him and his bright, full future.

I’m sharing last week’s Word of Life message today by Sheldon – View of Eternity. 1) We need to fix our gaze on what cannot be seen; live your best life now, but don’t focus on now. Focus on the promises of God. 2) Focus on eternity – magnify the presence of Christ and minimize problems. Magnify Christ 3) diminish the hold the world has on us. Things that are seen are temporary. Don’t love the world. 4) Bring into life genuine pleasure and joy. Change your focus – What really matters? Eternity. You spend all your time and focus on preparing for this life – you should be preparing for eternity.

On this day in 1742 Ben Franklin invented his Franklin stove, and in 1776 the Continental Congress created a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence – including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ben Franklin and others. In 1964 Queen Elizabeth ordered the Beatles to her birthday party – and they attended; in 1982 E.T. was released. American Idol premiered in 2002 and Ronald Reagan’s funeral was in 2004. John Wayne (Marion Mitchell Morrison) died at age 72 in 1979 and David Brinkley, news anchor, died in 2003 at age 82. Vince Lombardi was born in 1913, and my friend Linda Beer is celebrating a birthday today! Linda and I met when our youngest kids were 2 (they are now 39!) and I taught the 2’s and 3’s Sunday night Bible Class. Happy birthday Linda — many more!

TOMORROW June 12 is:

• National Red Rose Day
• National Jerky Day
• National Peanut Butter Cookie Day
• National Loving Day
• National Rosé Day 

I think …. I love flowers and family and my house and my friends and God (most of all) and M&M’s and sleeping all night! Have a happy Saturday and I hope you LOVE your weekend! God bless…

It was good to catch up with my walk this morning – I didn’t sleep well last night and was up pretty early. The fresh morning air felt good and peaceful. I like this house – it always decorats windows for the seasons or the holidays. Stars!

Work was a zoo for a bit, but then I was able to get home in time to cut the grass before the downpour. Kath and I had a visit with Mom, but facetime isn’t the best choice. Hopefully next week we can visit in person. I took a little flower walk after the rain and found a bright pink lily and a few buds, not quite ready to bloom.

Gen is here from New York, and after she made dinner (I love it when she cooks!) we went outside and cleaned up some of the flower beds, pulled weeds, trimmed plants. It felt good to be outside working together. When we came in, I started working on this and Rainy decided she was going to nap on the rug behind me – but it was bedtime for them so they went upstairs. I’m looking forward to our visit over the next several days!

Today I’ll share Sheena’s message from Word of Life – Walk in your rightful authority! The Bible promises that we can trample the devil under our feet – keep on tramping! 1) The devil is a liar – God is truth. Don’t put the devil on a pedestal, put him under your feet! Jesus already defeated Satan – you are a kingdom kid. 2) You are not a victim – we are filled with God’s power. He tries to attack and strip us of our power – But our past is behind us – just march. Your ammunition is the Word – Train your brain! 3) Stay in the rest – think in peace. God’s got your back and is fighting our battles. Recognize God’s voice. Don’t be anxious about anything. Keep tramping!

On this day in 1692 the first victim of the Salem Witch Trials was hanged in Massachusetts, and in 1752 Ben Franklin tested the lightening conductor with kite flying. The first public zoo opened in 1793 in Paris. Spencer Tracy died in 1967 at age 67 and Ray Charles in 2004 at age 73. John Jacob Astor III (American businessman) was born in 1822, Judy Garland (whose real name was Frances Gumm!) in 1922, and Lee Brice (Country music artist) in 1979. And my friend Janet Drown had a birthday today. Happy birthday, Janet – hope your day was full of fun and love and laughter. God bless!

TOMORROW June 11 is:

• National Making Life Beautiful Day
• National Corn on the Cob Day
• National German Chocolate Cake Day

Tomorrow is a continued visit with Gen and Rainy, and Kelly is coming up for a while. I’m looking forward to spending most of the day at home! Lots to do! Have a happy Friday! God bless…

Today was a long, emotional day – but we all managed very well together and separately. Kath and I left at 8am, and only drove through about 20 minutes of pouring rain. The rest of the day was clear and sunny (except for a few clouds on the way home).

The private family viewing at the funeral home was at noon – and we finally met John’s youngest daughter Judy. John’s two sons were not able to attend. Jim had obligations that he could not avoid and he is out of state. Dick and his wife Bobbie were still in Colorado and won’t be back until Sunday. But there were a nice amount of people there – friends and neighbors and those from church. It was so nice to talk to John’s granddaughter Tracy. She and Mom were VERY close, and they helped each other navigate some dicey waters when things got rough. We promised to keep in touch – her twins Gracie and Owen are about 9 days older than Autmn. She’s a lovely woman and I hope we CAN keep in touch.

John’s niece Donna (also out of state) sent the most unique basket – all fresh vegetables. I never saw anything like it.

There was a beautiful butterfly and bow tree that was somehow a comfort.

The pastor (and friend) Byron Gurnee gave the celebration service – he talked about the fact that John rejoiced in his life even when it was difficult. He quoted Job 1:21 – and the last part reads: The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. Byron said that John told him the ‘God’s been better to me than I’ve been to Him.’ I think we can all say that. John trusted the Lord and believe the John 14: 1-4 – ¹“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ²My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴You know the way to the place where I am going.” One of my favorite verses. No doubt John’s room is on a farm somewhere, with gardens and trees and a porch with kittens and a nice breeze. And a John Deere that he can ride to cut the grass! His niece Lisa said she asked John what he thought contributed to living to be 100 – his answer was to love the Lord and serve him. Byron was pleased to find John studying his Bible – wanting to find and trust the Living Hope of Jesus his redeemer. It was a lovely service.

On this day in 1732 a royal charter was granted to Georgia, and in 1958 ‘Purple People Eater’ was #1. The emperor NERO died at age 31 in the year 68AD, and Charles Dickens at age 58 in 1870. Birthdays: Michael J Fox in 1961 and Johnny Depp in 1963. And today my fellow writer and good friend Ron Shafer celebrated a birthday. Happy birthday Ron! And many, many more happy and fun days to celebrate!

TOMORROW June 10th is:

• National Egg Roll Day
• National Ballpoint Pen Day
• National Iced Tea Day
• National Black Cow Day
• National Herbs and Spices Day

It will be a long time before I can actually think of John being gone. It just feels like he should be there, sitting in his chair by the window, having the television up too loud, reading his manuals and magazines and newspapers. But I know he’s rejoicing and happy ‘home’ where he wanted to be! God bless…

As I sit here and type, I hear thunder rumbling in the distance – and dark clouds are rolling past. I’m very thankful the storms waited until this evening to visit!

Again it was in a drizzle that I walked this morning, but it was comfortable and I enjoyed being out. I baked the scones that I mixed up the other night and had one warm right out of the oven for breakfast. Yum. I drove over to Teresa’s at 10am and from there we went to pick up her friends Janice and Darlene, and headed to the Pittsburgh Arts Festival. I have not been to downtown Pittsburgh for anything fun in probably a decade, and I’ve never been to the festival. I loved the tall buildings, the unique buildings, the artsy buildings. It got pretty warm but we walked around for over 3 hours looking at all the vendors.

We went to the one strip along the river and I got pictures of the bridge, PNC park, and a beautiful mural painted on a building. It was not crowded and we took our time, checking out jewelry, baskets, pottery, art work — it was all very unique and fun! We ate lunch at The Oyster House in Market Square – another place I had never been. It was much more relaxing than I pictured it to be! We headed home a little after three, which gave me time to write this! It was a day off – much needed – and I do feel refreshed.

I will share Stephen Weiss’s message – he was the guest speaker at River Hill – Sheep. Sheep always need guided and rescued – they cannot exist without people. How can they not be extinct? WE are like sheep – we need a Shepherd! We need fellowship. We should see crises as opportunities to reach out – We shouldn’t be looking at the issues, but the individuals. Our job is to go from frightened sheep to shepherds. Seek the lost sheep and don’t wall yourself off from those who are different, hurting, lost. Don’t place people into categories – look for people who are lost and abused and be a shepherd.

On this day in 1789 James Madison introduced a Bill of Rights to the US House of Representatives, and in 1942 Bing Crosby recorded Silent Night. Thomas Paine (early author) died at age 72 in 1809, and Andrew Jackson – 7th president – in 1845 at age 78. Birthdays: Frank Lloyd Wright in 1867; Barbara Bush in 1925, and Joan Rivers in 1933. My long-time neighbor and friend, Carole Johnson, is celebrating a birthday today. Happy, happy birthday, friend – and many more!

TOMORROW June 9th is:

• National Donald Duck Day
• National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day
• National Earl Day

Tomorrow morning early Kath and I will head north again to see John one last time as we celebrate his life. So glad that this man loved my mom and shared so much of his life with her. We’ll miss him! God bless….

It was nice to take a walk this morning. There was an occasional drop or sprinkle of rain but I didn’t get wet. Worked both stores, then had to stop at Bath and Body works for hand soap. Then I came home and did laundry, cleaned, and handled some financial business and emails. Charlie Brown often has words of wisdom, but I’m not sure what I’d do with this one…

When I took the girls bathing suit shopping on Saturday I saw a back-pack type bag that appealed to me for my vacation. Last fall when we went to New York I struggled. I had a string back-pack that kept getting stuck and didn’t work well, and a very small purse that didn’t hold anything. I put the purse in the backpack and it was annoying. So this one wasn’t very expensive, so I took a chance. It should hold what I need it to and be easier access. I’m going on an outing with Teresa and her friend tomorrow so I’ll try it out!

I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning- Stretched Out. We feel often feel stretched out – But that can be good. It teaches us to rely on God. When we feel stretched, Jesus meets us where we are. He comes to us, so we should intercede for others. God is in the business of big issues – we need to have great faith. Be sincere and specific when you go to Him – he will answer your prayers. Have a 1) specific request – tell Him what you need/want. 2) Expect the reward – answered prayers and requests. 3) There is a reason for what has happened – look for the reason. Go to the Lord – BELIEVE – care and share!

1 On this day in 1665 the Great Plague of London: Samuel Pepys wrote in his diary of houses marked with a red cross in London’s Drury Lane, meaning somebody inside is infected with the plague and must be locked in for 40 days or until death. (So maybe our pandemic wasn’t so bad, after all???) In 1776 Richard Lee (Virginia) moved Declaration of Independence in Continental Congress. In 1946 Pirates players voted 20-16 to walk out rather than play the Giants, and in 1955 Eisenhower was the first president to appear on color TV. In 1975 ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ hit #1 (John Denver). Birthdays: Susan Blow – the mother of kindergarten – 1843; Dean Martin in 1917, and Tom Jones (‘What’s New, Pussycat?’) in 1940. And my friend Nancy Myer – a fellow grad from the Seton Hill Master’s writing program – has a birthday today. Happy birthday, Nancy – have a great year and may it bring you joy and peace! God bless!

TOMORROW June 8 is:

• National Best Friends Day
• National Name Your Poison Day
• National Upsy Daisy Day
• Call Your Doctor Day 

I have several best friends – but one of my #1 best friends is coming to see me from New York on Thursday. I’m very excited for the visit! I HOPE I don’t have to call my doctor…. Have a great day! God bless…

Very warm today, but a nice breeze. After church, Mary and I had our now-every-week-breakfast together (it’s better every time!), then I picked up Autmn, Josie, Chrissy, and their friend Riley. We did a quick snack-stop at Dollar General, then I dropped them off at Park N Pool in Youngwood. Perfect day to be in the water, with two bags full of snacks and a soft cooler filled with water and ice! I’m sure they will have a great time!

I did a flower walk around my yard, just checking on the gardens. I remember every time we went to Mom’s we would walk her yard, looking at all the flowers and bushes, often taking little shoots to plant in our own gardens. I had discovered that a melon-colored rose bush that my neighbor was planting had lost a branch – and with her permission I brought it home to nurture and coax into blooming. It did! I’m hoping to plant it to see if it will grow for me! Grama Crooks said it could be done – so I’m doing it!

I will share Kyle’s message from Hempfield today – still in James, continuation of Wisdom: Godly wisdom. World’s wisdom ends in quarrels and fights. We should seek God’s wisdom, and we will receive it if we ask for the right reasons. We don’t always get it right. The world won’t let go of us sometimes, and we are in conflict to do the right thing. We plow forward doing whatever we want, regardless of the damage we leave behind. Remember that friendship with the world is enmity with God – we cannot serve two masters: Will it be YOU or GOD? If we try to do both, we commit adultery against God. But God chooses us – we are his child. He LIKES US! We can humble ourselves and submit to God – let God work through us. Keep him on the throne so others see Him in us.

Today is D-Day – a time to reflect on World War II, and how so many brave men and women went forward to fight for our freedom. For the freedom of countless people in dozens of countries, and even for those yet to be born. How grateful we are for these people and all they gave.

On this day in 1716 the French transported the first African slaves to Louisiana, and in 1844 the YMCA was formed by George Williams in London. The Electric iron was patented in 1882 (That’s my next chore: IRONING!!!), and in 1925 Walter Chrysler founded the Chrysler Corporation (Automobiles, of course!). The first drive-in theater opened in New Jersey in 1933; D Day was June 6, 1944 – the 82nd Airborne and 156, 000 Allied force landed in Normandy France. In 1946 Henry Morgan was the first person to take his shirt off on TV (Wow – how far we’ve come! Good or bad??), and in 1983 Betty White was the first woman to win Outstanding Game Show Host. Patrick Henry (Give me liberty or give me death!) died at age 63 in 1799, Robert Kennedy (42) died in 1968 from an assassin’s attack, J Paul Getty (billionaire – Getty Oil) in 1976 at age 83, and swimmer Esther Williams at age 91 in 2013. In 1967 John Denver married Annie Martell (Annie’s Song). Nathan Hale (I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country) was born in 1755; my friends Sharon Cowan and Jennifer Forrest (both writers!) are sharing a birthday today. Happy birthday, ladies! Have a great day and a fantastic year!!!

TOMORROW June 7 is:

• National Boone Day
• National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
• National VCR Day
• National Oklahoma Day

I’m all for the ice cream! Especially when it’s so hot! Enjoy a fresh, brand-new week, with no mistakes in it! Walk humbly with the Lord – depend on Him! God bless —

For being a stay-at-home day I didn’t stay at home! Well, I did until afternoon. I got up to normal Saturday chores – changing bed sheets and doing laundry. Had breakfast then went outside ‘before it got too hot.’ NOT! It was already hot! But I pushed on and got the entire yard weed whacked, blown clean, and pulled weeds for an hour on the hill. I was ready to come in and get a shower.

Di called and had some shirts and shorts for the girls – so I decided to go get them from her on my way for groceries. Before I could leave Diane’s, Chrissy txt me about taking her and Josie for swim suits – which we did. After I deposited them at home I grabbed my shopping list and did finally end up getting groceries. Had to get printer ink – why is it so expensive! Yucky-ducky! But the fun thing was that Di had given me two jars for candles – Snoopy and Charlie Brown – I was very excited! Such a thoughtful thing to share!

Kath and Paul are in TN with their family – and spent the day in the Smokies. They did some hiking and sight-seeing, and even saw a momma bear and three cubs! I’m so glad they are having a good time – we’ve had a lot on our plates lately….

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt – Psalm 119- focuses on the Hebrew alphabet. The theme is the Word of God, who is the God of order. We will be studying Psalm 119 over the next few weeks. Overview for today: We attempt to obey the law; we have a desire from within to obey. God claims us as we follow Him. We are formed by the WORD, not the WORLD. God blesses us if we follow His decrees. Verses 1-8 are ALEPH, or BLESSING – some of His blessings are: Wisdom, health, counsel, peace, joy, knowledge, charity, respect for God, relationships. On this memorial day, we acknowledge our memorial: Communion, where we receive our freedom.

On this day in 1846 the first telegraph line opened between Philadelphia and Baltimore. In 1937 Henry Ford initiated a 32 hour work week, and in 1940 the Battle of France began World War II; In 1968 Robert F Kennedy was shot three times (dies the next day). O. Henry – short story writer – died at age 47 in 1910, and Ronald Reagan – 40th President – died ag age 93 in 2004.

TOMORROW June 6 is:

• D-Day
• National Eyewear Day 
• National Higher Education Day
• National Gardening Exercise Day
• National Yo-Yo Day
• National Drive-In Movie Day
• National Applesauce Cake Day
• National Cancer Survivor’s Day

D-Day is the day (June 6, 1944) in World War II on which Allied forces invaded northern France by means of beach landings in Normandy. We’ll talk about that tomorrow! Have a great day in the house of the Lord! God bless.

It was an exciting day – getting ready for graduation! It actually started last night at about 9:30pm, when Autmn called me in a semi-panic that she needed her dresses and gown pressed off – and the zipper was pulling away and it needed stitched. So I picked her up and got the dresses, her gown, a face mask – and we set about the tasks. All done and perfect in good time. And today, she looked so grown up in her yellow dress!

I found it cute that the class song was ‘Six Feet Apart’ by Luke Combs. If you don’t know it, possibly search it out and listen. It’s very fitting for the class of 2021!

We took a few pictures before the event – and then some during and after. The student speakers were wonderful; they added humor and insight and even encouragement and excitement about the paths that are ahead of them. There were several guest speakers – one I really liked and the other two had interesting things to say but I was waiting for the presentation of diplomas, as was everyone! I can’t speak for anyone else (well, except maybe for Nate…. and possibly Autmn… Come to think of it Jen…) but I know I shed a few tears now and again. Just thinking of that tiny little girl in her crib grown to the beautiful graduate in front of me! Wow. So I’ll share pictures below.

On this day in 1896 Henry Ford took his first Ford through the streets of Detroit, and in 1940 the first night game was played at Forbes Field (Pirates 14, Braves 2). In 2018 Former President Bill Clinton and James Patterson published a thriller novel ‘The President is Milling’. George III – King of Great Britain during the American revolution – was born in 1738, and Angelina Jolie in 1975. And in 2021 Autmn Rose graduated from Hempfield High School!

TOMORROW June 5 is:

• National Gingerbread Day
• National Moonshine Day
• National Veggie Burger Day
• National Black Bear Day
• National Bubbly Day
• National Prairie Day
• National Trails Day 

So a huge congratulations to my Autmn Rose Stairs-Burke: the first of my ‘grands’ to graduate. I’m so proud of my little girl – who is all grown up, now, and ready to take on the rest of her life! God bless you, my sweet girl! Love you to the moon and back!