What a beautiful day to be outside — and we were, all day. Started at 9am when Peyton and Matt showed up with a small excavator. Peyton did a fabulous job digging out all the plants and roots and bushes. Then he leveled out the clumps while Matt put the roots and branches in Paul’s big truck bed. They raked it all smooth, spread topsoil, sprinkled grass seed, and covered it with seed blankets to keep the birds from eating the seeds. Kelly helped by putting Scott’s Weed and Seed into the spreader and did the whole yard! It’s like a whole new, fresh start for my little yard. We watered it down and now it’s ready for a good night’s sleep.

But in the meantime, Peyton had his truck there, and he, Logan and Matt put on a muffler and new exhaust pipes. Logan could actually sit straight up under it! They even cleaned everything up nice and tidy. Chase decided to wander around aimlessly with a box on his head – with Logan giving him directions so he wouldn’t run into things…

We had birthday celebrations for Chrissy and Logan – Wings, pizza, cake, brownies, chips/dip, French fries. They wanted a Minecraft cake, but the copyright wouldn’t let them – so I have no idea who these people are on the cake (YouTubers)! But we were all together and had a great time – and it was fun to see the kids laughing and talking and sharing. A mom’s/grandmom’s dream!

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt – The Best Coffee. The word of God should percolate through us, filling us with renewed flavor, aroma, taste. We should GO TEACH! That’s the goal. Would you say and do or think what you do if Jesus was always RIGHT at your side? We need to bring our peers to Christ; if you seek me you will find me! Grass and flowers will fade away but the word of the Lord endures forever. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness – they will be filled. God so loved… that He gave. If you seek me you will find me.

On this day in 1810 Beethoven composed his famous ‘Fur Elise”. Birthdays: Samuel Morse – Morse Code – in 1791; Ulysses S Grand (18th president) in 1822; Casey Kasem (American Top 40) in 1932. Ferdinand Magellan (explorer) died in 1521 at age 50, and Ralph Waldo Emerson died in 1882 at age 78.

TOMORROW April 28th is:

• National Blueberry Pie Day
• National BraveHearts Day
• National Great Poetry Reading Day
• National Superhero Day
• Workers’ Memorial Day
• Denim Day –

Tomorrow we hope to have some fun – relax, go to my favorite little fleatique, just hang out. Matt is going to install my new modem! Have a happy day – God bless!

I’m so exhausted – this will be short. Work was busy and I was later getting home. I ran a quick errand for Autmn, cut the grass, cleaned up the yard, dug up plants, then pulled weeds in the stones between the fences. That is the WORST JOB! I’m always tired and sore and stiff when I finish. Kelly’s family got here just when I finished. No one had eaten so we made supper and cleaned up – now it’s time to finish this up and be done for the night! The boys are playing video games or youtube videos. Stepped outside to take a picture of the moon – and I got this crazy distorted photo that was kind of cool!

I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning. Praise is Beautiful! Life sidetracks us – but we should praise Him. If we don’t, the ROCKS will cry out in praise! We need to praise what He is doing in our life and thank him by words and song. The Lord cares for the broken hearted; be kind to one another, and forgiving. If God knows the number of the stars in the heavens, he knows what we need. He lifts up the humble and He will deal with the wicked. Sing songs with thanksgiving, use whatever means you can to praise. He takes care of EVERYTHING in our lives. God delights in those who respect and fear Him and have hope in him. Praise Him – it’s beautiful!

On this day in 1564 William Shakespeare was baptized, and in 1607 the Jamestown Expedition made it’s first US landing at Cape Henry (now Virginia) but quickly left for better site. In 1968 students seized the administration building at Ohio State, and in 2018 Bill Cosby was found guilty of sexual assault. John Wilkes Booth -age 26 (shot President Lincoln) was shot and killed in1865; Broderick Crawford (actor) died at age 74 in 1986, and Lucille Ball died in 1989 at age 78. Birthdays: John Audubon – ornithologist – in 1785, Frederick Law Olmstead, architect (designed Central Park); Carol Burnett in 1933 and Melania Trump (former first lady) in 1970. And my step father – John Graves Sr – is celebrating his 100th birthday today! Happy birthday, John — wishing you health and love and joy! We love you!

TOMORROW April 27th is:

• National Babe Ruth Day
• National Devil Dog Day
• National Prime Rib Day
• National Tell a Story Day

Tomorrow is a big work day at the house – lots to do! Have a great day – God bless…

Today’s Word Garden will be a little sparse – not much happened. But that’s ok, and it IS early to post. But I have some house projects (boring ones) that I want to do so I’m posting now. After church I stopped and got the few groceries I needed for the busy week ahead, then came home and played in the dirt for about 3 hours. By the time I was done with the stones, I was cold and wet and hungry so I came in for lunch and just stayed inside. But I did get all the stones moved that I could manage. (A new project in the works for this space – coming soon!)

Since I was at Hempfield this morning I’ll share Kyle’s message. We are studying the book of James, and this was about Favoritism. The message was very good and thought-provoking but it boiled down to the fact that in these times everyone is accusing everyone else of showing favoritism. Does God do that? Sometimes it appears that he does, but when you really dig deep into the scriptures you see that God is who he says He is – and no, he doesn’t give special opportunities to some and not all. He offers salvation and opportunities to everyone equally. It’s up to US how we receive these gifts and what we do with them – and how we react to them. We have to have faith and put that into action. Favoritism is often based on the outward circumstances – but Jesus died for EVERYONE. We need to accept that, then Go and Teach! Give what you have been given; share GRACE.

On this day in 1719 Daniel Defoe published Robinson Crusoe, which was regarded as the first English novel. In 1954 Bell labs announced the first solar battery (silicon), with 6% efficiency. Oliver Cromwell was born in 1599, Ella Fitzgerald (First lady of song) in 1917, Al Pacino (actor – Godfather) in 1940, and Renee Zellweger in 1969. Ginger Rogers died at age 83 in 1995.

TOMORROW April 26th is:

• National Audubon Day
• National Dissertation Day
• National Help a Horse Day
• National Kids and Pets Day
• National Pretzel Day
• National Richter Scale Day
• National South Dakota Day

Now I think I will bundle up and take a quick walk around the block. The sun is currently shining, but it’s windy and 59*. Have a super week! God bless…

Today is Logan’s 14th birthday. He has grown into such a happy, helpful, amazing young man. We will celebrate on Tuesday when they are here. Happy birthday Logan!

Kath called and invited me to ride with them to Lapp’s market – we had never been there. She got her local honey and I got block chocolate for my pretzels – that will be a project for later. FedEX dropped a big box on my front porch – exhaust pipes for Peyton’s truck that he ordered. I think they weighed 400 pounds. I managed to scootch them down to the garage. They can wait there for him! After lunch I went outside to work some on cleaning out the plants and stones. I came in when it started to rain.

I made cinnamon rolls for the kids and iced them before I went outside. Kelly txt me about the mock trial their co-op did with the older students. There were defense and prosecuting attorneys, the ‘good guy’ and the ‘bad guy’ (???), witnesses, etc. Peyton was the attorney for the defense, and made the closing argument. He won his case! He did an amazing job! One thing he said for sure: He absolutely does NOT want to be a lawyer! I had ordered a new phone case – the one I bought last May broke already. This one has a life-time guarantee!!!

I will share Scott’s message from First Baptist: The Lord Takes us Fishing. Jesus teaches us to be fishers of men, as he did his early disciples. The first thing we realize is the emptiness of going alone. The disciples went fishing without Jesus and didn’t catch anything. Jesus appeared, and gave them instructions, and they caught a bountiful supply! We are just the same way. We know what to do, but just because we do it time after time doesn’t mean we’ll bear fruit. We need Jesus to be successful. He will instruct and gives us power. The abundance comes from being with Christ. When we join with Jesus, we reap abundance of fruit; not our power, but His. He gives us the hope of a new beginning. Our life is a journey of sanctification; our WHOLE life. When we are sorry for our shortcomings and repent, he will restore us. Wherever we go to do God’s work, He’s already there. Take him seriously. We are not alone; He is there!

On this day in 1833 Jacob Evert and George Dulty patented the first soda fountain; in 1888 Eastman Kodak was founded by George Eastman; and in 1969 Paul McCartney said there was no truth to the rumors that he was dead. Hmmm. Lucy Maud Montgomery died at age 70 in 1942 (author of Anne of Green Gables books); Bud Abbot (Abbot and Costello fame) died at age 78 in 1974, and Wallis Simpson (Duchess of Windsor) died in 1986 at age 89. Estee Lauder (cosmetics) died at age 97 in 2004. Barbara Streisand was born in 1942 and Kelly Clarkson in 1982. And of course our Logan is celebrating today! Happy, happy birthday to Logan! Can’t wait to see you on Tuesday! Love you!

TOMORROW April 25th is:

• National DNA Day
• National East Meets West Day
• National Hug a Plumber Day
• National Telephone Day
• National Zucchini Bread Day
• National Pet Parents Day – 

I don’t know any plumbers – but I will use the telephone I’m sure. And I know a lot of Pet Parents, although I’m not one of them. And tomorrow is 8 months til Christmas Day! So celebrate THAT! God bless…

Mixed up the morning routine – got a shower, ate breakfast, then went for my walk. It was a little warmer, and sunny. Washed a load of clothes, then had to switch cars. Driving a white Hyundai Kona. Smaller than the Encore but comfortable. Again, could pair the phone on my own even though it was different.

I stopped at L&L Fleatique, then after lunch (provided by my favorite sister!) I bundled up and went outside. (Kath was very excited about her Red Bud tree- it was in full bloom for the first time!)

I moved some of the stones and put some around the lilac by Dottie’s fence and some by the front walk to fill in. Dottie was still digging out roots from the tree that isn’t there… I was also able to move a lot of the plants and put them on the hill. Got the cement bench moved. It’s in 3 parts or I wouldn’t have been able to budge it. The seat is VERY heavy – I sort of slid it over – didn’t lift it at all.

Today I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt – because it’s his birthday! The message is based on the Hymn: Be thou my Vision, which is a very old hymn from about 400-800AD. (A Wise Request) Christ is our vision – we need to calculate, What am I doing? HE is our goal. Choose a direction. No other request but to love you, Lord. Be careful you don’t forget the Lord; He is my light. There are lies all around us – so delight in His word, and feed on it. Refuel with believers, then go out into the field. We are a chosen people – He has redeemed us. No matter what happens, we have God. Strive to make Christ your vision.

On this day in 1597 William Shakespeare’s “Merry Wives of Windsor” was first performed – with Queen Elizabeth I in attendance, and in 1861 Robert E Lee was named commander of Virginia confederate forces. William Shakespeare died at age 52 in 1616 (on his birthday?!?); William Wordsworth at age 80 in 1850, and James Earl Ray (70) in 1998 (Assassin of Martin Luther King Jr.). Birthdays: William Shakespeare in 1564, James Buchanan, 15th president and the only one from Pennsylvania, in 1791; Shirley Temple in 1928; and Sandra Dee (Gidget) in 1942. And my friend and one of the ministers I’m blessed to listen to weekly is celebrating today. I’ve known Greg since the 1980’s, I think – lots of fun, very quick witted, wonderful person, and an amazing preacher and devoted man of God. I’m honored to call him a friend. Happy birthday, Greg Pelc!

TOMORROW April 24th is:

• National Pigs in a Blanket Day
• National Kiss of Hope Day
• National Pool Opening Day
• National Rebuilding Day
• National Sense of Smell Day 

I’m thinking I’ll once again make my own celebration for a National Day. Possibly ‘National Get some Writing Done’ Day! Long overdue!! God bless…

Just got a call from John – who’s 100th birthday is Monday! Last week he got a citation from Governor Wolf acknowledging his birthday, and today he got one from the PA State Senate. He actually sounded a little excited about that. His family is having cake and ice cream for him on Sunday. If you want to send him a card, call or message me and I’ll get you his address…

Treadmill walk – then a very long, busy work day! I had several outside transfers to do, then an Antique tag application for a friend. PLUS — there were several deals in Jeannette and a few things in Greensburg. It was 3pm when I got home – but that included getting gas in the car.

And speaking of cars — it always happens this way. They had a customer on my copper Encore, so I emptied everything out except for a box of Kleenex, the garage door opener, and my sunglasses. I had just filled THAT car with gas on Tuesday… So I picked up the new white Encore after lunch, and was only home half an hour when they called me. They have a customer tomorrow on THAT car. And of course, it now had a full tank of gas! Yikes! A lot of dollars on gas in cars I won’t drive! Small price to pay… I really liked this white Encore – sad to have to switch out.

After lunch, I had some office work to do and some cards to write out. I skimmed the Youtube channel to see what was appealing. I found the movie Miss Potter that was free (with commercials). I sat there for an hour and a half, mesmerized by this amazing movie. Very delightful, moving, and fun. I recommend it if you get a chance to watch it! It’s one of my favorite types of movies – it begins at the end!

I will share Paul’s message from River Hill – Jesus is in the Restoration Business. Jesus restores us spiritually. A new life, living hope. We NEED restoration. Satan’s wrecking crew wants to demolish and tear down – Jesus builds up. We receive his personal attention and care. Read Psalms 23. We go through storms – sustain damage, and need restored. Let Jesus in. The devil steals from us. Sometimes we run away and leave Jesus – but He will restore us. We have to have faith, to step out and let him work on us. Jesus said ‘Feed my sheep!’ We are part of the restoration process. Jesus paid all the cost for that. Peter received a commission to feed the sheep. We must do that too.

On this day in 1864 the US minted the 2 cent coin – it’s the first appearance of ‘In God We Trust.’ 1915 saw the first military use of poison gas by Germany in WWI, and in 1976 Barbara Walters became the first female US nightly network news anchor. Eddie Albert (Green Acres) was born in 1906, and Glen Campbell in 1936. 37th president Richard Nixon died at age 81 in 1994, and Eddie Cibrian married LeAnn Rimes in 2011.

TOMORROW April 23rd is:

• National Cherry Cheesecake Day
• National Lost Dogs Awareness Day
• National Picnic Day
• National Take a Chance Day
• National Talk Like Shakespeare Day 
• National Day of Silence –

I wasn’t aware there was a lost dogs awareness day…. I think it will be too cold to take a chance on a picnic – but I’ll just contemplate that in silence. But then again, I have never been known to be silent. God bless!

WAY too cold to walk outside – it snowed on and off all day. Just going from the car into the house after our MOM visit froze my hands – a harsh wind. We had a pretty nice visit with mom. She smiled a few times and was saying a few words – but generally to the aide and not to us! It’s like we don’t totally exist in her world. But we sang 3 or 4 songs for her, which she AND the aide seemed to really enjoy!

When I took the garbage up to the road, I stepped down on the hill and clipped a few lilacs from the tree. Only the dark purple are out right now – and I don’t know if I’ll get any white or lilac blooms after this snow and the predicted freeze. But for now, it’s a nice bouquet.

I will share Rod’s message on forgiveness from Martin’s Ferry. He plans on doing a series for the next several weeks, at least. We are all worth saving – Jesus prayed: Father, forgive them. Forgiveness was born in the Garden of Eden and reached maturity on the cross. God is our example. Forgiveness is a decision: WE choose to give it or not give it. 1) God won’t hold our sin against us. 2) He will never bring it up again 3) He will restore our relationship with Him. The hardest person to forgive is the one closest to you, or even ourselves. What will you choose? Bitterness, hate, revenge, damnation? Forgiveness sets us free. If we understand God’s forgiveness to us, we learn to forgive. We should long to be like God.

One this day in 1789 John Adams was sworn in as the first vice-president (9 days before George Washington). In 1865 Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train left Washington DC, and in 1878 first Lady Lucy Hayes held the first egg rolling contest on the White House lawn. In 1898 Spain declared war against the US, and in 1918 The Red Baron was shot down and killed in France; in 1956 Elvis’ first hit – Heartbreak Hotel – became #1. In 1963 the Beatles and the Rolling Stones met for the first time. Catherine the Great (Empress of Russia) was born in 1729 and Charlotte Bronte (wrote Jane Eyre) in 1816. In 1926, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor – Elizabeth II, Queen of Great Britain – was born. Mark Twain died at age 74 in 1910, Manfred von Richthofen died at age 25 in 1918 (Red Baron), and in 1952 Clark Gable divorced Sylvia Ashley (my mom would care – she had a huge crush on Clark Gable (Gone with the Wind)!

TOMORROW April 22nd is:

• National Earth Day
• National Girl Scout Leader’s Day
• National Jelly Bean Day
• National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
• National Teach Children To Save Day

I hope it starts to warm up a bit. Not crazy about the cold, especially after the beautiful days we just had. God bless…

Delightful walk outside this morning. Saw my neighbor walking his dog Marley for the first time in MONTHS! It was nice to see them both; Marley was even excited to see me! Friends are SO important!

Got home from work very early, and went outside to start on the hill. I worked ALL DAY! It’s wonderful to have it all done! The only parts left to weed now (before I start all over again) are the stones between the fences and a tiny bit in the front. But weeding and yard work is a never-ending task – until winter comes round again.

Today I am sharing Steve’s message. It was a very thought-provoking and cutting-edge message and I won’t do it justice but I’ll recap a few lines. It was: The Acts 3 & 4 Church – Courage. We, too, have to face powers that are against the churches. We are called on to be a Matthew 25 church, but we already DO this! Can we be more relevant, though? We can if we are an Acts 3&4 church. We need to Preach (share) Christ and His salvation. Don’t fall under ideology concepts. Secular and radical theologies are over-shadowing the Holy Spirit. Do not be afraid; have courage to speak boldly. These are trying times. Have courage – believe and pray!

On this day in 1611 – first known performance of MacBeth at Globe Theatre, and in 1862 the first pasteurization test (Louis Pasteur). The first world motor race was in France in 1887, and in 1918 Manfred von Richthofen (Red Baron) shot down his 79th and 80th victims – sure glad Snoopy wasn’t one of them! Adolf Hitler was born in 1889. George Clinton – 4th Vice President of the US died at age 73 in 1812 – he was the first vice-president to die in office. And Bram Stoker (wrote Dracula) died at age 64 in 1912.

TOMORROW April 21st is:

• National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day
• National Kindergarten Day
• National Yellow Bat Day
• National Administrative Professionals’ Day 

My days of being an Administrative Professional are behind me – and I’m not a bit sorry; nor do I miss it! I like being just where I am! God bless…

It was very cool but nice walking outside this morning. After work I cut the grass and pulled weeds for a few hours until it was time to come in. Not a very exciting day but a beautiful day to be outside.

I sent Peyton’s pigs a note in the mail and Kelly posted it on facebook. I thought they needed welcomed to their neighborhood!

I noticed that my friend Linda posted on facebook that she was hungry for cake (it’s her birthday!) but wasn’t up to a Walmart run. She’s been having issues with her hip that makes it painful to walk much. So I got cleaned up and zipped over to get her a small cake! No one should have their birthday go uncelebrated! And I was able to find her favorite cake.

Today I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning – The importance of prayer. Prayer isn’t easy but it’s very important. Jesus gave us the model prayer with a pattern: 1) Acknowledge the supremacy of the Father 2) See His sovereignty 3) Ask for supplies 4) Lead us from temptations 5) ask for forgiveness 6) Our opponent – to resist the devil. Be persistent; keep asking, seeking, knocking. Prayer is our first priority. God promises to reward those who seek him and ask.

On this day in 1775 the American revolution began in Lexington MA – the Shot Heard Round the World took place later that day in Concord; also in 1775 Paul Revere and two others were captured by British troops. In 1932 President Herbert Hoover suggested the five day work week (I like this guy…) In 1934 Shirley Temple appeared in her first feature length film – Stand Up and Cheer, and in 1963 Johnny Cash released ‘Ring of Fire’ (co-written by June Carter, his future wife). Charles Darwin died in 1882 at age 73. And as mentioned above, my friend Linda is celebrating a birthday today – with cake! Happy birthday Linda- enjoy your treat and have a wonderful celebration and a happy year!

TOMORROW April 20th is:

• National Cheddar Fries Day
• National Lima Bean Respect Day
• National Look Alike Day
• National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day

Wow – I never knew it was important to respect a lima bean. I guess I should research that, and maybe see if it has a look alike somewhere? Have a terrific Tuesday! God bless…

What an amazing, beautiful, sunny, warm day! It felt like a gift sent just for me, and I absorbed it all in. After first church Mary, Joni and I went out to breakfast. The company is always the highlight rather than the food (but it was good). We sat and talked about everything from church and relationships and jobs and family. It’s good for the soul to share with friends!

I love the new blind in my bedroom! This morning the sun cast a cool shadow!

I spent the rest of the day playing in the dirt. I got a huge chunk of my hill garden cleaned up and weeded. It looks so nice. Can’t wait to do the other two sections. My purple tulips are really blooming this year!

Chrissy is in the spotlight today. First, because on Friday night her team (flag football) played 2 games, and they won one! Hurray! Then, she took some pictures that she loved and sent them to me – I promised they would be on the Word Garden.

I will share Mike’s message from Hempfield since I was there in person. We are in the book of James. Listening and Doing. Don’t just listen: DO! Prep work is important – we want the short, easy way. How do we prepare? 1) Have an open ear – quick to listen, to others and to God. 2) Be slow to speak- we can’t learn when speaking. 3) Be slow to anger – have a calm spirit. ANGER is not sin – how you deal with it can be. 4) receive and welcome the truth with meekness. Have a teachable spirit. God’s word reveals our inner character; we should reflect what we’ve learned. The blessing is in the DOING. Don’t just learn or absorb; DO it – don’t just THINK it. Information without action can be destructive to our lives. Inner restraint is what we do within ourselves. How does our religion stand up to these tests?

On this day in 1506 the cornerstone of St. Peter’s Basilica was laid, and in 1775 Paul Revere rode from Charlestown to Lexington with the warning: The regulars are coming! In 1861 Robert E Lee turned down the offer to command the Union armies, and 1906 was the San Francisco earthquake and fire. In 1950 the first opening night baseball game – the Cards beat the Pirates 4-2 (and this is new HOW???). In 1977 Alex Haley (ROOTS) was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Albert Einstein died at age 76 in 1955, Dick Clark in 2012 at age 82. In 1951 Charles Schulz married Joyce Halverson; Actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III (Monaco) in 1956. And today my long time friend and former Smail co-worker Joyce Butler Cumo is celebrating a birthday. She lives in Florida now that she and Mario are empty nesters! Have a great day, Joyce, and a wonderful year of fun and blessings!

TOMORROW April 19th is:

• National Amaretto Day
• National Garlic Day
• National Hanging Out Day
• National North Dakota Day
• National Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day

If tomorrow is as nice as today I hope to complete section II of my hill garden. And also, I am working on a free style piece of poetry that I’d like to finish – but I’ve hit a snag – we’ll see what happens tomorrow! God bless…