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!

Took an outside walk this morning, then worked both stores. It was cloudy and rainy but cleared up later. Joe had his puppy Wilson at the store today. Wilson is a cuddly little guys, but does like to bark! He felt most comfortable on Joe’s lap (which meant Joe struggled to get anything done on the computer!) but when someone came in he had to check them out!

Chrissy called me, and she passed all her classes (even the dreaded math!) so she’s officially 10th grade! Chase is going into 7th; Logan into 9th; Peyton into 10th but has several 11th grade credits. Tomorrow night at this time I will be at Autmn’s graduation ceremony!

Kelly, Matt and the boys came up to get title work done on Peyton’s Dodge truck. We ordered pizza – Kelly and I sat out on the deck and the guys watched funny videos – we could hear them laughing from outside! Then I restacked the wood piles behind the shed and moved the hummingbird feeder; it didn’t seem to be attracting birds. It’s closer to the flowers now, so maybe that will help. It’s also close the rose bushes, which are overflowing with roses!

Today I will share Dennis’s Memorial Day messaged from Inverness (FL) about friends. We should pick our friends carefully. Worldly friends are centered on themselves; spiritual ones serve and are respectful to others. We are all valuable to the body of Christ, and we need to be free to worship and share. The church is a sanctuary, and freedom to worship there comes at a cost. We should stop and consider how WE will be remembered. There are many different battles we may fight: Military, religious, personal, life itself. We have eternal life to celebrate along side our friends, and to remember those who have fought to keep us free. At the end of the service Taps was played, and it was very moving. Let us never forget…

On this day in 1864 General Robert E Lee won his last victory of the Civil War at the battle of Cold Harbor. Jefferson Davis – President of the Confederate States of America – was born in 1808; Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) – boxer – died in 2016 at age 74, and in 1937 the Duke of Windsor married Mrs. Wallis Simpson (scandalous – read about it!)

TOMORROW June 4 is:

• National Clean Beauty Day
• National Old Maid’s Day
• National Cheese Day
• National Cognac Day
• National Hug Your Cat Day
• National SAFE Day
• National Doughnut Day 

Hug your cat day! That sound comforting! I think National Doughnut Day will get the most attention – Y108 was talking about it all morning! Made me hungry for a buttercruch donut from Dunkin’ Donuts! Share a donut with your favorite cat, and have a SAFE day! God bless…

We left Greensburg this morning a little before 8am and headed north to Edinboro to see John. There was a bit of a drizzle and lots of clouds but little traffic and no issues. Edinboro Manor is a beautiful facility, and we were able to visit for over an hour with John. He was in good spirits and was interested in everything we said – but we didn’t have too much exciting to say! He’s a little thinner but has good color and seems to appreciate the care he is being given.

We stopped by the ‘farm’ (as John calls it!) and Barb met us there to let us in. I was looking for a certain book that Mom had (couldn’t find it!) but we did come across a few small things that we brought back. We don’t plan to take anything from the house unless all the kids are together. Kath and I did pick a few garden flags that we had purchased originally, and I hung a very colorful one on my shed. It brightens up the bottom yard.

The other thing I wanted to get was a plaque that I got in Sunday School on my 7th birthday. Mom loved it and hung it in her kitchen, both in Greensburg and Albion. It has special meaning to me and I felt like it needed to come home with me. Also brought the matching gazebo to my red one (hers was blue). Just a few tiny things to take us back to those days of our younger times! They are things that I will cherish.

I will share Scott’s message from First Baptist – Anti-humanist manifesto. Here is the catch: We try to be good, and think we are good, but still feel guilty for reasons we can’t figure out. So we set our own standards of good, and as life changes and our choices change, we change those standards to adapt to our choices, desires, and thoughts. We feel guilt, because we ARE guilty. We sin. Jesus died to set us free and forgive our sins and erase our guilt. Don’t define goodness by comparing yourself with others – GOD is goodness itself, not just good; He’s good all the time, while we seek our own agendas. We fall short in 1) understanding, 2) motives, 3) speech, 4) practice. We need grace. We struggle with goodness every day – but God is good, ALL THE TIME!

On this day in 1835 P T Barnum circus went on first US tour, and in 1862 Robert E Lee took command of the confederate armies of North Virginia. The second day of the battle of Cold Harbour was in 1864, and in 1875 Alexander Graham Bell made his first sound transmission. In 1928 Kraft rolled out Velveeta Cheese (and changed our world!!!); in 1933 FDR authorized the first swimming pool to be built inside the White House, and in 1953 was the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Lou Gehrig, baseball player and hall-of-famer, died at age 37 from ALS in 1941. and in 1886 U.S. President Grover Cleveland (49) wed Frances Folsom (21), 1st presidential marriage to be held at the White House (He was the 22nd and 24th presidents). Johnny Weissmuller (actor who played Tarzan) was born in 1904, and today ‘Aunt Kimmie’ (Matt’s sister Kim) is celebrating a birthday! Happy birthday, Aunt Kimmie – have a great day and enjoy being with your Kentucky family!

TOMORROW June 3 is:

• National Egg Day
• National Repeat Day
• National Chocolate Macaroons Day

Have a happy Thursday, and enjoy your egg, enjoy your egg, enjoy your egg… Wait – I’m repeating myself! God bless!

Feels like forever since I was outside for a morning walk, but it was only since Friday. Felt nice to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Worked both stores – but they traded out my car first thing. It’s a Buick Encore and that is one of my favorite cars to drive! So I’m happy about that. It’s silver.

Rege (my boss in Jeannette) showed me a picture of a fawn curled up in the corner of his front porch. His wife Jean went outside and there it was! It was there for some time – and then was gone! Cute little thing – spots are really visible.

Changed my Snoopy flag today from patriotic to graduation! Just a few more days, Miss Autmn Rose Stairs Burke! Yea!

After lunch I took the decorations down and packed them away, then went out to weed a few of the flower beds. Of course I didn’t finish, but again, fresh air and busy hands are good things!

I will share the message from Martin’s Ferry – guest minister Henry Lewis – on Love. Last week was Pentecost, and he shared some of the facts about the original feasts and the gift of the Holy Spirit arriving. He focused on how everyone could understand what was said in their own language, and there were a vast number of different nations represented. He also talked about a paraclete – which is someone who ‘has your back’ – or is a helper and advocate for you. The Holy Spirit is our paraclete – a gift given on the day of Pentecost – BUT he’s still here! We just have to reach out to him. We have God with us every day. Then the question is: What is YOUR language? How do you communicate with people so they can understand? It should be LOVE, which is God’s language. What are you willing to do to share God’s language of love?

On this day in 1533 Anne Boleyn was crowned Queen of England, and in 1638 there was the first recorded earthquake in the US in Plymouth MA. The first Quakers arrived in New Amsterdam (NY) in 1657, and in 1774 the port of Boston was closed to punish the colonists for the Boston Tea Party. In 1792 Kentucky became the 15th state, and in 1796 Tennessee the 16th. The first skirmish of the Civil War was in 1861 at Fairfax Courthouse VA, and 1864 was the Battle of Cold Harbor, VA. Daniel Crouch was in that battle – Read LETTERS TO MARY to find out more! Birthdays: Brigham Young – religious leader – in 1801, Andy Griffith in 1926, Marilyn Monroe in 1926 as well; Pat Boone (my Mom’s heart throb in her day!) in 1934, Paul Coffey (Hockey player) in 1961, and Heide Klum, supermodel, in 1973. James Buchanan, 15th president of the US, died at age 77 in 1868; Lizzie Borden (wild story there!) at age 66 in 1927, and Helen Keller at age 87 in 1968. In 1949 Lucy And Desi married for the 2nd time, and in 1991 Roseanne Barr and Tom Arnold remarried. And today my daughter Kelly and her husband Matt have been married 19 years (that’s a long time – seems like yesterday!); my Skunk Hollow cousin Karen O’s daughter Brenda and her husband Derek have an anniversary today, and although it was posted today, Chip and Joanna Gaines were married on May 31, 2003. So happy, loving wishes to these couples – may your lives be blessed over and over as you share them together! Special wishes and lots of love to Kelly and Matt!

TOMORROW June 2 is:

• National Rotisserie Chicken Day
• National Rocky Road Day
• National Bubba Day
• National First Ladies Day
• National Leave The Office Early Day
• National Running Day

Tomorrow Kath and I are planning a trip to visit John – it will be a short visit in the nursing facility, but it’s something important that is on our hearts. So off we go! Please pray for a safe trip and for John’s peace and comfort. Have a great day – God bless!

Beautiful day! Spent part of it outside, but did laundry and ironing and listened to 3 of my sermon messages. Nate came over and hung a few hooks for me in the bathroom behind the door. Then Chrissy and I went shopping for shorts for her – but knowing Chrissy, it’s never just about shorts – it’s about shirts too! So she got several of each. Then cut the grass.

We picked up Autmn and then went back to Nate’s for a cookout – just the five of us. Hot dogs, burgers, salads, corn – yummy! Chris climbed the big tree in the back yard, and Autmn stayed on the ground. Nate had power washed the animal crates and Chrissy crawled in one – Autmn shut her in! We saw a Chinese Lantern landing out on the street, so the girls ran to catch it – then saw another one drift over head. They are bigger than I thought they would be!

Piggy was outside nosing around in the dirt while Jen and Nate were making sure the fire pit got going. We had a really nice time together

Today I will share Paul’s Memorial Day message from River Hill – Living Memorials. A Memorial is something designed to keep remembrances alive. We should reflect on willingness to service and what it cost. 1. Never forget – remember the cost. Monuments help us remember what we have. 2. Offer a way for us to remember – use them to tell the stories to our children and future generations – and give honor. These people lay down their lives for their friends; they were committed to the cause, willing to face fears and move forward at all cost. How do we accept these sacrifices? 3. Be thankful – every time we remember. It doesn’t come naturally; we have to learn gratitude. Dwell on the good, not the sad. 4. Jesus gives us a living memorial – communion. It’s an eternal reminder. We should be living memorials for Jesus that others see. During the Civil War both sides could pay someone to take their place as a soldier and go to fight in their place. That is what Jesus did for us. God LOVED us and sent his son. Jesus is our substitute. We should focus on National freedom and Spiritual freedom. If Jesus sets us free, we are free indeed! Memorial Day is all about freedom – paid for! Are we thankful? Will we remember?

On this day in 1790 the US Copyright law was enacted, and in 1837 the Astor Hotel (later called Waldorf Astoria) opened in NYC. In 1879 Madison Square Garden opened and was dedicated to the 4th president James Madison. Dr. John Harvey Kellogg patented flaked cereal in 1884, and in 1889, 2209 people died in the Johnstown (PA) flood. In 1911 the RMS Titanic launched in Belfast to be tested, and in 1968 Jimmy Stewart retired from the US Air Force after 27 years. Jack Dempsey, boxer, died at age 86 in 1983. Birthdays: Clint Eastwood in 1930; Joe Namath in 1943; Brooke Shields in 1965. My friend Cathy Rose (Hertzog) is celebrating a birthday today – we were in youth group together at Hempfield Church back in the 60’s. Those were great times! Happy Birthday, Cathy!

June 1

• World Reef Awareness Day
• National Olive Day
• National Heimlich Maneuver Day
• National Go Barefoot Day
• National Nail Polish Day
• National Say Something Nice Day
• National Penpal Day
• National Hazelnut Cake Day

Tomorrow is a brand new month – the unofficial start of summer. School is almost out, graduations are already happening, pools are opening – hang on for a fun, fantastic summer! God bless…

Went to early service then had breakfast with Mary – I have really come to enjoy those times together! It’s great to have friends that hold each other up and still keep our feet on the ground. On the way home I stopped at the cemetery (I pass it several times a week) to visit Dad. The flags the entire way down the lane are impressive and moving. Also took a photo of the one plot – all the little flags in the distance represent those who served – and that’s just one small section. So many gave so much.

I drove down to Kelly’s, and we spent the day cleaning up the porch and the yard and even ran errands. Met Matt and Peyton at Cold Stone Creamery (I NEVER go there – it was a treat! Thanks, Matt, for my Mint Chocolate Chip!). We even lit the burn pile and filled the entire valley with smoke! There were lots of damp shrub trimmings and clippings in that pile… Even visited with the pigs! They looked happy in their little pen.

I will share Kyle’s message from Hempfield – from the book of James – Wisdom. Two kinds – worldly and Biblical. Often the URGENT pushes aside the IMPORTANT – it’s difficult to balance those. Biblical wisdom involves living the good life, with good deeds – and living it out. In the world view, we dictate our own life, but in Biblical we know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom – putting our faith into practice and obeying God; God is wise as no one else is! God’s character should fill us and ooze out of us! Earthly wisdom results in selfish, destructive practices. Is it US on the throne, or GOD on the throne? If our faith never changed us, WE are on the throne. Show your wisdom by living the good life and doing good deeds; put God on the throne. Don’t be overwhelmed by the urgent – it pushes God off the throne. Focus on the important, and do the urgent in a way that honors God – do eternal things!

On May 30th in history, in 1431 – 19 year old Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, and in 1848 William G Young patented the ice cream freezer (gotta love that guy! – he needs his OWN DAY!!!). In 1968 Decoration Day (Memorial Day) was first observed in the northern US, and in 1906 Hersheypark opened. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in 1922, and the Beatles’ ‘Love Me Do’ was #1. Finding Nemo was released in 2003. Benny Goodman was born in 1909. Wilbur Wright, aviator, died in 1912 at age 45. In 1536 Henry VIII married Jane Seymour, his 3rd wife, and in 1966 Dolly Parton married Carl Dean (they are still married!).

TODAY May 31st is:

• Autonomous Vehicle Day
• National Save Your Hearing Day
• National Speak in Sentences Day
• National Macaroon Day
• National Utah Day
• National Smile Day
• Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day
• National Memorial Day 

God Bless the USA – and all who have worked and sacrificed and died for our rights as Americans. The least we can do is to honor them and uphold that which is sacred and cherished. God Bless…

It’s 11pm and I just got back from Kelly’s. My eyes are tired and so am I! I will post pictures and messages tomorrow as I plan a stay-at-home, low key day! In the meantime, enjoy your Memorial Day! God bless…

On such a cold and rainy day, it was surprising the warmth and love and happy memories that accompanied our trip as Kath and I drove out to HOME to place flowers on the graves of our beloved relatives. We had flowers, kneelers, gloves, trowels, top soil, rags, and happy hearts. We started with Grama Erma and Grandad Jess Crooks, and walked across the road to Grama’s family (or was it Grandad’s?), James and Mary Little. Not sure why we are always drawn to them, except that Mom used to tell us stories! Although there were already flowers on some of the graves, we just added a few more.

Then we went to Old Mahoning and planted on Skunk Hollow cousin Susan’s grave, her parents Jim and Dolly Crooks, and her great nephew Andrew Bradley Patterson. Finally we drove to Smicksburg, and there planted on several graves, but I have photos of Aunt Hazel’s and Uncle Gene’s, and baby Sophie (their Granddaughter Brenda’s tiny baby). Lastly we stopped at the bottom of the cemetery and planted a few marigolds on Roger’s twin brother Richard’s grave.

From there we headed to Donna’s store (Smicksburg Country Store). It was pretty busy – lots of shoppers! We each had a hot dog, cheese, a cookie, and bought chocolate to take home (chocolate covered peanuts for me!). The store had a facelift and looked wonderful with the new siding, windows, and double door. The sheep by the fence on the driveway were content to watch everyone come and go.

From there we drove up to the cabin – which is in deplorable condition – but it still evoked memories and took us on a happy journey. And in the end, it’s the good earth and the heart-felt memories that matter.

Ron sent me a few photos of his morning kayaking on the lake. This is the beautiful sunrise!

I will share Scott’s message from First Baptist – Is the deck stacked against us? Was Israel chosen to win or lose? God promised the Messiah would come through the Jews – He entrusted them with His commands, and they were to instruct. BUT they would be disciplined – because he disciplines those he loves! God keeps his promises, and He sent his spirit to be inside of us. God has stacked the deck IN OUR FAVOR! Jesus covers our sin and God sees us through the lens of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is with us 24/7 – God wants us to succeed, not fail. We are his children!

On this day in 1721 South Carolina was incorporated as a royal colony, and in 1765 Patrick Henry made his historic speak, which included: “If this be treason, make the most of it!” In 1912, 15 young women were fired by Curtis Publishing in Philadelphia for dancing the Turkey Trot during their lunch break!!! Our locally famous Ship Hotel had its grand opening in 1932 – I remember going there and standing on the deck, looking out over three states! In 1942 Bing Crosby recorded White Christmas – world’s best-selling single – and in 1960 the Everly Brothers’ “Cathy’s Clown” hit #1. Birthdays: 1736, Patrick Henry; 1903, Bob Hope (who was born in London!); 1917 John F Kennedy, 35th president of the United States; 1958 Annette Bening, actress (American President – a favorite!!); and in 1963 Lisa Whelchel, actress. Mary Pickford, actress, died at age 87 in 1979.

TOMORROW May 30th is:

• National Creativity Day
• National Water a Flower Day
• National Hole In My Bucket Day
• National Mint Julep Day
• Loomis Day
• World Multiple Sclerosis Day

I am going to Kelly’s for the day tomorrow after church, so I’m entrusting God to make sure the flowers are watered. If not, I’ll do it when I get home! Have a great day in the house of the Lord! God bless…

Took an early walk, ate breakfast, then washed windows. I JUST FINISHED and was cleaning up when the rain and wind came through. At least it was clean water on the windows! When I was doing my bedroom window the blind fell down – the screw wasn’t quite long enough and all the up/down movement loosened the grip. I fretted over the solution while I finished the upstairs windows, then went and dug in my screw drawer for a longer screw. I actually managed to pull off a home improvement repair all by myself! Imagine that!

Went to visit my two little fleatiques – it rained all afternoon so it was a perfect day for it. Made a lasagna for Nate and a little mini one for myself. Then I took a few photos of the red/white/blue with a little nighttime ambiance!

I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry – it was to the graduates, and it was Abundant Life. We should have 1) No fear. God says GO , but we DON’T go – we wander aimlessly. Don’t be afraid to follow God’s lead. 2) No debt (no GREAT debt). Debt takes away your hope and future. 3) No regrets- make choices based on ancient, Godly truths. Choose to forgive and receive forgiveness, and learn from your failures. Move forward. 4) No doubts. We are a child of God! BELIEVE IT. 5) No identity crisis. Go make a difference and watch the giants fall – the best is yet to come. And ultimately, we will all meet at the RIVER!

On this day in 1754 – the battle of Jumonville Glen – that’s right down the road from here! Great historical significance. In 1830 President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act, setting the stage for the Cherokee Trail of Tears. In 1900 a Total Solar Eclipse occurred, and in 1928 Dodge Brothers and Chrysler Corporation merged. In 1944 Rudy Giuliani was born – the mayor of New York during the 911 attack, and Noah Webster (Dictionary) died at age 84 in 1843. Today is also the wedding anniversary of my cousin Brian and his wife Kim, as well as Lindsey Smail Schneider and her husband Karl. Congrats to both couples – wishing you many more happy years together!

TOMORROW May 29th is:

• National 529 Day*
• National Paperclip Day
• National Coq Au Vin Day

It’s 10:00 and I’m tired and hungry – so off I go. Have a great Memorial Day weekend! Remember to spend some time this weekend being thankful for those who fought and died to keep our country free. God bless.

What a crazy busy day! I had five outside title appointments today – but I’m always glad to help when I can. I came home, had 2 reduced fat cookies, then weed whacked and cut the grass. Got finished in time to take a quick shower and head to Kathy’s. We had a facetime visit with Mom this week because her unit was on yellow alert – there was a COVID exposure somewhere. After our visit we drove down to Arona Road Greenhouse and got some flowers to take out Home on Saturday and plant on the graves. There may already be some there but we’ll just squeeze ours in! It’s a lovely day today to be outside.

When I went down to mow I was shocked to see that the row of lilacs on the other side of the fence (not my trees) were gone! Wow! Everything looks so open. I also noticed that my rose bushes on the hill are in full bloom for the first time ever since I’ve lived here.

Last night the solar light that I got in the auction basket was lit. It’s so pretty – thank you, Tammy! You put together a great basket of garden treats.

I will share Steve’s message from Maplewood – Burning with Enthusiasm (Pentecost). We feel burned out and lose enthusiasm – too much clutter and mess in our lives. Conflicting views, weight of the world, stress. Our fire grows cold – what do you do? FAITH needs the company of others to remain strong. Fan into flames the gift that was given to you: Faith, power, love, self-discipline. Don’t be ashamed to share the gospel! WE are the temple and we need to keep it strong and secure. Keep pressing on; fan the flame. But remember that fear can squelch the flam. 1) Break the cycle; get out of the rut. Use your gift for the good of the body of Christ, and life will fan into flames: both for you and those you serve. 2) Pray often 3) Get back to basics: read the word, stay connected (gather together). The life of God within us will grow.

On this day in 1907 the Bubonic Plague broke out in San Francisco; in 1930 Richard Drew invented Masking tape, and in 1941 the German battleship Bismarck was sunk by the British. In 1961 the first black light was sold; in 1969 Walt Disney World began construction, and in 1995 actor Christopher Reeve became paralyzed from the neck down after falling from his horse. Birthdays: 1794 – Cornelius Vanderbilt, Railroad Magnate; 1837 Wild Bill Hickok, cowboy and scout. In 1907 Rachel Carson, biologist, conservationist and writer was born in Sprindale PA, and Herbert Humphrey, 38th VP of the US, in 1901. John Calvin – theologian – died at age 54 in 1564.

TOMORROW May 28th is:

• National Beef Burger Day
• National Brisket Day
• National Hamburger Day
• National Don’t Fry Day
• National Road Trip Day
• National Cooler Day

I could go for a burger about now. And wouldn’t you know: We are taking a road trip on Saturday! My day tomorrow – if goes as planned – will be wash windows, go to my little fleatique that I like, and grab a few weekend groceries! Have a happy Friday! God bless —