On this date in 1991 the kids’ father – Stoney Burke – passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. They were 9 and 13. It’s hard to believe he has been gone that long. — But, on with today!

I went to work this morning and Logan called when he was awake. I talked him through breakfast and he was eating when I got home – Chocolate Chip waffles. I ate a sandwich, then he went about playing his games and I went outside to do some chores. Got the foundation touched up (painted) where the driveway guy splashed tar on it. I was not happy. I plan to call them but I also plan to be very cordial. While I had the paint out I touched up the outside window sill where the bird scratched it up. Then I weed-whacked the whole yard!

By the time I had the laundry done and clothes folded, Logan was ready to go on our first mission. We went to the mall, and he got new shoes. I bought a few bagels at Panera Bread, then we ate at Chick Fil-A. We stopped at Walmart to get Logan’s food choices for the week, which were bagel pizza bites, Oreo Ice Cream, soft cookie Oreos, Mango Pepsi, and York Peppermint Patties. That should hold him for a few days, anyway!

In the mail today I got a package from Gen. She sent me a vintage bonnet, an historic document reproduction of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and a book called Letters to Lanah, which is actual Civil War Letters transcribed. What a sweet surprise!

So — back to Saturday’s Dan Rice Days. Here are a few pictures of the parade. It was fairly long so I just did a few random ones.

Then we toured the houses. The Yellow House is my favorite because it is authentic to the mid-1800’s. The White House looks exactly like it did when Charlotte Battles lived there until 1952. She left the house to her long-time companion, who eventually donated it to the Historical Society. It’s more 20th century but still beautiful. I could live there!

Tomorrow I will share about the stop at the farm!

August 8 – Share an experience about poison ivy or poison weed. “It was when I was about 12 years old. I got it on my legs & then on my arms & finally on my face. My eyes swelled shut. I bathed it with soda water & put a paste of soda & flour over the rash to keep the itch under control.” I hate having poison ivy! Truly miserable!

Calendar Inspiration – A good life is often a simply life.

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TOMORROW August 9th is:

• National Book Lovers Day
• National Rice Pudding Day
• National Veep Day

Book lovers! That’s me for sure. But no rice pudding. Read a book and have a great day. God bless…

So I think I am going to write this post for today backwards. I’ll start with church this morning. Last week I posted that we had a trial sermon by a guest minister to be considered as a senior pastor for our church. Today the congregation voted to extend the invitation for him to come to HCC. It will take a ‘process’ to extend the invitation, and then if he accepts for him to make arrangements. One step at a time! I’m excited to see what will happen, and praying for God to place the right person with us in His time!

After church I went to Jen’s Ninth Life Rescue volunteer picnic at Park and Pool pavilion. She always has a nice event, and of course the primary color is purple so that’s fun! The food was good and I got to see several of the people that I have crossed paths with. In addition, got to spend a little time with Nate, and with Dave and Hannah. Of course, with Nate and Jen, and Chrissy came with her mom, Lori – plus Lori’s boyfriend Jack and Jack’s son. Also, Chrissy’s friend Hope. So it was a nice event! Their friend Amy made the BEST chocolate chip cookies…

When I left there, I saw a family of deer – a mom and 2 older fawns – by the side of the road. By the time I got my phone out, just the fawn was left, munching on some leaves!

Kelly brought Logan up to spend the week, and she spent the afternoon and then had supper with us. So now, Logan and I are on our own. Whatever kind of mischief will we get into?

So now, I’ll go back to yesterday and cover a little bit at a time. Yesterday morning’s sunrise (very early) was beautiful, but of course Red Sky in the morning…. But by the time we were past the half-way mark up I-79 the sky was bright blue with puffy white clouds. We always called that a Presque Isle Sky, because when we spent time there it seemed the sky always looked exactly like that!

Teresa used her phone’s GPS to get us around the bridge closure into Girard, which turned out not to be closed! But we did fine. The slightly disappointing things were that there were considerably less craft booths, and the two vendors I hoped to see (and purchase from!) were not there! BUT – that means I saved money!

We arrived in Girard well before the parade was scheduled, and found a convenient place to park. We set our chairs up right in front of the judge’s stage and had a good view and could clearly hear all the comments about the entrants. I was excited to see that the Grand Marshal was Stephanie Wincik. We’ve been long-distance friends for probably 30 years! She always led the history walks and the ghost walks through Girard on Friday and Saturday nights. I was excited that she was honored in such a way for her dedication and devotion to the history of Erie County.

After the parade we drove up to the Battles (last name) houses, both from around the mid-1800’s. I overheard from a docent that they are turning the second floor for the Yellow House into a B&B! So that’s exciting – wonder if I’ll ever get back up to stay there?

Since the house tours did not begin until 1pm, we ate a quick picnic then took an ‘interpretive’ hike thought the woods. It was much cooler and very well marked – Teresa, GiGi and I all enjoyed a leisurely walk on the paths, reading the signs.

So, tomorrow I’ll post the photos from the parade and then the photos from inside both the Yellow House and the White House. AND — stopping at the farm!

August 7 – Did your mom or dad have a favorite remedy for what ailed you? “My dad wished he could have been a doctor so he had a remedy for ALL our ailments. We had a TINY little pill called ‘Pleasant Pellet Pills’. We took many, many of them. He thought it would cure all our stomach problems.” Mom always loved medicine, too!

Calendar inspiration – When was the last time you slowed down to actually feel time passing, moment by moment? Try it!

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TOMORROW August 8th is:

• Global Sleep Under The Stars Night
• National CBD Day
• National Dollar Day 
• National Frozen Custard Day
• National Happiness Happens Day
• National Sneak Some Zucchini Into Your Neighbor’s Porch Day

Around here no one sneaks zucchini. They come right up, ring your doorbell, and hand you several – along with tomatoes! I love it! Lots to celebrate tomorrow. Pick your favorite! God bless…

I was up a little after 5am – started with morning chores and was ready to go when Teresa got here at 6:50am. The day started out overcast but we thought that would be a good thing – keep the heat index lower! But I am going to recount our adventures at Dan Rice Days for you tomorrow, and maybe even into Monday. It’s late and I’m energy-deficient so that’s my excuse! The one thing I will say – this was probably the cheapest trip I EVER made to Albion/Girard. Other than gas for the vehicle and turnpike tolls, I spent $2.35! On a frozen Coke! But I’ll share that tomorrow.

August 6 – Tell about board games and card games you played as a youth. “We played a board game called Parcheesi (Game of India). Someone made Dad a beautiful hand-painted (on glass) one. We wore out the little round dice shakers from playing it so much. I have the board on my bedroom wall. I have an ‘almost new’ set of shakers I bought in an antique shop.” I’m not sure who took the board. I think one of John’s grandkids wanted the board games. I know it has a good home!

Calendar inspiration is really MY inspiration: Be sure to keep your expectation level low so as not to be disappointed!

TOMORROW August 7th is:

• National Lighthouse Day
• National Raspberries N’ Cream Day
• Purple Heart Day
• American Family Day
• National Friendship Day
• National Sisters Day 

Wonderful celebrations tomorrow – Family, friendship, and — here’s to the best sister in the universe! Can’t do this life without you, my sweet sister! Love you! God bless…

What did I even do this morning? Oh. I did some laundry and organized things for tomorrow’s trip to Dan Rice Days. I looked up some info online – like what weekend TALL SHIPS ERIE was – not this one! Also – The Battles houses are open! Yea! I love historic houses.

I had to go into work at noon for a bit, then stopped at Lowe’s to get a few things for a project that Logan and I are going to do this week – if we have a non-rainy day. Still couldn’t find Pineapple Mt. Dew so Kelly is going to bring some up.

When I went to leave this morning my car was COVERED in bird droppings. So I was able to get Colten at Pinnacle to rinse it off really quickly, and I parked the car on the left side of the house out from under the trees. Hopefully there won’t be anything to clean off in the morning before we leave!

Within the last half hour the sky has turned ominous and dark. The lightening is frequent and bright and lots of thunder in the distance. So far, no rain but the clouds are dark and the leaves on the trees are inside out..

August 5 – Tell a memory about having company at your house, or of a family party. “When Grandma Crooks died we wanted someone to stay all night. Aunt Blanch & Uncle Harry stayed & we were so excited as they always stayed with Grandmam & Grandpa Eakman when they visited from Erie. Aunt Blanch was my favorite aunt on my mothers side of the family.”

Calendar inspiration – Enjoy your daily work but know when to rest.

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TOMORROW August 6th is:

• National Fresh Breath Day
• National Root Beer Float Day
• National Wiggle Your Toes Day
• National Disc Golf Day
• National Jamaican Patty Day
• National Mustard Day
• National Play Outside Day
• Mead Day
• National Summit Day

Nate & Dave will be excited – they LOVE Disc (Frisbee) golf! I hope they get a chance to play, or at least set their basket up and practice in the yard. Other than the long drive, we will be outside playing all day tomorrow. Might even wiggle my toes! Have a happy Saturday! God bless…

PS – it just started pouring down rain!!!

Work was light this morning – and that helped since I had my yearly dermatologist appointment. For the first time in YEARS I was all good! No spots or bumps or issues. YEA! When I got home they had just finished top-coating my driveway. It looks really nice. It did, however, rain really hard this afternoon. I’ll give it a good week then have them come back and check it. There was really enough time for it to dry before the rain but after the last fiasco I won’t take any chances. Since I can’t use the driveway, I’m parking in the yard. I don’t like to chance parking on the street.

We got the cabin taxes last week, and today my house taxes. This the season…

I went outside just to walk around the yard, and I noticed the strangest spider web I have ever seen. I think our spider friend found a piece of string somewhere and wove it into the web. You can see the spider behind. It’s really ugly. I didn’t have the heart to knock it down after it worked so hard to create this masterpiece.

Then I spent the afternoon with zucchinis. Made a big casserole (which will shortly be my supper!) and 2 loaves of zucchini bread. I had enough zucchini to grate and freeze for 4 more loaves. Yum!

Tomorrow I have to go in search of pineapple Mt. Dew for Logan. I think Shop and Save or Giant Eagle will be a good choice.

August 4 – Tell of an experience climbing a mountain or big hill. “We played on a slate bank down the road from where we lived. I thought it was really a neat place & we all had our own ‘path’ that we used to climb up and then back down. It was harder to climb down than to climb up.” We played on that slate bank, too! We loved sitting in the grassy spot at the top under the trees, watching cars go by. They couldn’t see us.

Calendar inspiration – Making a daily to-do list can help you focus. (That me me 100%! I always have lists, at least one!)

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TOMORROW August 5 is:

• National Oyster Day
• National Underwear Day
• National Work Like a Dog Day
• International Beer Day – First Friday in August
• National Water Balloon Day

I totally intend to wear underwear, but no beer, oysters, or hard work for me. I also don’t see water balloons in my day tomorrow! Just Pineapple Mt. Dew! God bless…

I spent the entire morning handling phone calls and little things. Di called me about her daughter’s doctors appointments. Then the Sealing Company called to discuss sealing the cracks in my driveway from the shysters who did it a few years ago and then disappeared! Finally I talked to Byron about possibly doing some electrical work for me. It was almost noon when I finally got started on cleaning my house!

I was mowing my front yard this evening when my neighbor brought over a bag of tomatoes and three huge zucchini. I had toast and tomato for supper – being very careful not to eat on the right side! It was very yummy. I will probably make a casserole and maybe zucchini bread on Friday.

When Nate was here on Monday fixing my stereo wires, he also hung my new star hooks at the bottom of the stairs. I had 2 blanket boxes, so I switched their spots so the one with the stars is now sitting under the hooks. Looks nice! It’s after 9pm so that will be the end of my chores for the day.

August 3 – Tell about going to a summer camp. “I was married & my camp experience was at Camp Christian. Very good time but it was in a cabin & we were chilly. I filled a plastic bottle with hot water from the mill house. The other ladies had a good laugh about my ‘cold feet.’ “

Calendar inspiration – The best time to do something isn’t always the easiest time. Do your work, get it done, then relax!

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TOMORROW August 4 is:

• National Coast Guard Day
• National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
• National IPA Day

Chocolate Chip Cookies! I’m there! Tomorrow is also another medical checkup for me. Oh, well. Just check them off one at a time – while eating cookies! God bless…

Today’s post will be a little different – probably not many photos.

Here is the story of my adventures in implanting implants. When I got to the office, I was waiting to check in and I heard a man with a horrid cough. I wondered why in the world he would be there – in a medical environment. But I got signed in and eventually back to the surgical room. When Dr. Buckley came in to numb my mouth I realized HE was the one that was coughing!

Apparently he was having an asthma attack and kept having to excuse himself from the room. I was afraid he would end up drilling the hole in my right ear instead of my bottom gum. He stepped out several times but eventually we got the job done. My mouth was full of gauze and inserts, etc. – so I took my phone and opened the NOTES app and wrote HARD CANDY. He said yes, he had cough drops. I typed JOLLY RANCHERS. He laughed. When I could finally squeak out a few words I said that even though sugar was an abomination to dentists that Jolly Ranchers DID help far more than cough drops and recommend he try them. Hope he does.

To add to that, though, they were training a chair assistant for him and everything went a little slower so she could learn what to do. Then Dr. Buckley said that the middle implant wasn’t as tight as he likes to see it so they were ‘burying’ it in the gum tissue and on my 3 month visit would ‘uncover’ it and put the post in. Ugh. That is the same tooth that wouldn’t hold a crown, and that my interim nightmare dentist said was squishy. So here we go. Time will tell.

I picked up a prescription then came home and ate a bit of pudding, then soup broth. I finally made my cream of potato soup but really mashed the potatoes so it was extra creamy. I had a cup before I put it away and think it will be just the thing for the next several days.

At 3pm I went up to the funeral home. My cousin John’s wife Judy – who had cancer for several years – passed away Saturday. She was only 61. Initially I’m always intimidated by funeral homes but once I go I’m fine and am glad to be there. Judy’s granddaughters came running to hug me – I had them all in my Sunday School class over the years (in the past). It was good to be there and offer love and support and encouragement. My love and prayers go out to John, Judy’s daughters Jaclyn and Nicole, so BJ, and the rest of the family. It’s so hard to let loved ones go. God’s blessings on them all.

As I was typing I heard a strange noise – 10 minutes ago it was 80 plus degrees and sunny. NOW — it’s raining cats and dogs!

August 2- Describe your childhood home & neighborhood. “My home was an ‘old’ farmhouse. It was full of our extended family. Grandma, Uncle Edd, Mom, Dad, Jim, Hazel, me, and Joan. The closest neighbor was at least a quarter of a mile. Farmers, coal miners, and some very poor people on welfare. We had many neighborhood parties.”

Calendar inspiration – Each of us has our own unique viewpoint – we all may share a common goal for many different reasons.

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TOMORROW August 3rd is:

• National Georgia Day
• National Grab Some Nuts Day
• National Watermelon Day

We’re all a little bit nuts sometimes. So just have a good time, be kind, and keep smiling! God bless…

The day is sunny but cool enough to be comfortable working outside. After work and lunch I cut the grass, pulled weeds on the stone bank, and put another stepping stone by my the deck. The grass isn’t growing there and I was stepping in squish. Hoping it works, but may have to raise the stone a bit. Looks like it’s planted too deep and will collect water and still be squishy!

I haven’t seen the bird since I got back on Saturday afternoon, but I was outside today and noticed that he scratched the paint off my window sill and it’s very noticeable. I will wait a few days to make sure he’s done courting, then touch up the paint.

I cleaned out my garden cart and got it organized. Now it’s neat and outside where I can get to it easier. I’m sure I’ll use it more now than when it was in the garage.

In the meantime, I snapped a few photos of some newly blooming yellow flowers. I am SO tempted to cut the yellow rose and bring it inside – but I think it would die too quickly. So I’ll let it bloom away in the sunshine!

I stopped at the mall on the way home to buy my bath bar soap at Barbara Ann’s. Center court is setting up their back to school train. I know it’s August already but I am not ready to think of summer being over already!

August 1 – If you were to return to your youth, what would you do differently? “I would like to learn more things that a woman needs to know to be a better mother and wife. Education is very important.” I think my mom did a LOT of things well, and right – and she was a wonderful mother and wife!

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TOMORROW August 2 is:

• National Coloring Book Day
• National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
• National Night Out Day

Ice cream is always good to celebrate in any form. Since I’m having a dental procedure tomorrow I may have to stick with ice cream and soft foods. Have a happy week! God bless…

I can’t believe it’s the last day of July. Where did the month go?? First, as promised, I am posting a photo of the Skunk Hollow girls at breakfast Saturday morning.

Today we had our first candidate to be considered as our Minister for Hempfield Church. I didn’t meet him personally (face to face chat) but he seemed to have a comfortable, confident air about him, and he and his wife both looked like a good fit. His name is Todd Payton and his wife, Heather, was there as well.

I went straight from church to Hanna’s Town. I had time to grab a hot dog and take a few photos before my station at the tavern. I did not have time to study or discuss the different displays. It was a great representation and I hope they do it again next year!

World War I and II displays:

Teresa and GiGi stopped out and we got to sit and talk for a while. GiGi was so good to pose for a few photos!

July 31 – Tell a memory about riding on a ferry, bus, train, or plane. “Hazel & I were staying at Uncle Charlie’s and Aunt Amy’s in Greensburg. They took us on the train to Pittsburgh. The train station was so huge to us we couldn’t stop ‘gawking’ at everything.”

Calendar inspiration – Old ways and new ways cross paths in our lives. Enjoy the best of both!

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TOMORROW August 1 is:

• International Mahjong Day
• National Girlfriends Day
• National Minority Donor Awareness Day
• National Raspberry Cream Pie Day
• Respect for Parents Day

August is a brand new month – with three medical appointments, Logan’s week at Grammy’s, hopefully a trip to Dan Rice Days, Ninth Life Volunteer Picnic, and Ninth Life Bingo (where I’m hoping to help!). That leaves a number of days to fill – or not fill! Have a happy August. God bless…

I will start at the end and go back to the beginning later! We had a great Dillweed weekend and loved spending time with each other. But first, the finish of my day. When we got home I emptied the car and my suitcase and the food. I changed clothes and went outside to weed whack. I didn’t realize how long it would take – the heat and rain of the last 10 days made it extremely difficult. Usually I can weed whack and blow everything clean using the two battery packs. Today, I did not get through everything. Ended up sweeping up with the broom. But it’s done and that’s a relief!

On to the Dillweed. Kathy and I got there about 5pm Friday and everyone was already there but Karen V. We put out luggage in our respective rooms then settled into the front entrance to chat until we were ready for food. Beth and Holly ordered the pizza, then Beth and Karen V went to pick it up. We had so much food: Charleston Chicken dip and scoops/Ritz, three kinds of chips, fruit and dip, veggies and dip, shrimp ring, tassies, Brownies, York Peppermint Patties, M&M’s, and Oreo Ice Cream – plus the pizza. We had one white pizza and one with the works!

After we ate, Connie pulled out the cake she had bought as Thursday was her sister Karen V’s birthday. And Colleen’s is Tuesday. They are both celebrating 63 – but we switched the candles to read 36. They were mostly happy with that.

We sat around the table for at least an hour talking. Oh, the conversation topics we got into! And each one went in a dozen different directions. But we cleaned up the food and moved to the Parlor where the discussions continued. We passed around old photos and discussed an essay that I had written and read to the group. We all love thinking about those happy growing-up years together – at each others’ houses and at Grama Crooks’. And at the cabin in later years.

It was well after midnight when we locked up, turned off the lights, and found our respective bedrooms. Kathy and I shared the Parsley suite. There are two beds in that room. Connie, Karen O, and Gail took the other three rooms on the second floor. The ‘littles’ – Karen V, Colleen, Holly, and Beth took the Garden Suite on the top floor.

Breakfast was at 9am, buffet style. Kyra and Corey made breakfast frittatas. strawberry/almond scones, and cranberry scones, rosemary potatoes, and fruit cups. So very good, as usual! After breakfast Kyra took a group photo, and when I get a copy I’ll post it!

Most of us carried our luggage to our vehicles but left the food inside. Connie and Gail planted themselves on the side porch while the rest of us took a walk on the Ghost Town trail. Below are a few pictures of that. Karen O walked out part way, then went back to sit with Connie and Gail.

It was about 1pm when we resurrected the food again and walked over to the pavilion across the street. There was plenty of left-overs for lunch and still some left. I sent some Oreo Ice cream home with Kyra and Corey, and left a piece for Debbie in the shop before we packed it all away. It was hard to say goodbye to everyone. It was an amazing, wonderful weekend and I am more than blessed by being with these precious girls – our Skunk Hollow Cousins! Can’t wait for the next event!

July 30 – Do you have any other memories about a river, lake, or beach to share? “I was a teenager when our family went to the area above the Mahoning Dam to fish. My mother had cleaned the fish and was taking them to the fire to fry them when she slipped on the rocks. Somehow she held onto the skillet of fish and didn’t spill any. We all clapped! 🙂 “

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TOMORROW July 31st is:

• National Avocado Day
• National Mutt Day
• National Raspberry Cake Day 

Tomorrow I will be at Hanna’s Town from 1 to 3pm for the Military Timeline Event. This is a new program and I’m excited to see all the presentations! Come out if you can! God bless…