Today was Sight and Sound day in Lancaster, PA, and we went to see DAVID. I will share about that tomorrow. It was late when we got home and now it’s time for bed. The trip was safe but long – thanking God for one more day of blessings!
May 20 – Tell about your graduation exercises or traditions. “Plumville High School was closed in 1946. I didn’t go on to another school so I didn’t graduate.”
Yesterday’s vacation destination was Mexico. The photo was Copper Canyon. Lindsey Smail-Schneider was married in Cabo San Lucas but I did not travel there. Her wedding photos were beautiful! Here are other points of interest in Mexico, starting with Cabo San Lucas:
The Arch – at Cabo San LucasKarl and Linz – wedding on the beach. Plaza de las Tres Cultura Acuario Imbsursa AquariumGateways to the afterlife – cavesChapultepec CastleCobo Maya RuinLas Poaz Sculpture GardenXel-Ha Outdoor Aquarium
Calendar Inspiration – When you love what you do, work in never a chore.
I left for work in the rain and cold temperatures, but when I got home it was sunny and warm and bright. Good for the soul! I set about cooking a batch of fresh garden carrots to have later or Saturday, and then made a double batch of cream of potato soup. Ironically, Gen (whose recipe for the soup I use) called to catch up, and we talked for an hour. It’s sort of funny, because I get Kathy’s moving stories, and Gen’s moving stories, and my neighbor Dottie’s moving stories. I’m going to be an expert on moving tips by the time everyone gets moved this summer!
One container of soup out of three; and the carrots.
I checked on the plants I moved yesterday and they look happy. The hill is really filling in and there are about 50 shades of gr…. green plus some other colors to brighten it up.
Plants on the hill.
Happy, happy birthday to Aunt Joan! Wishing you many more happy, healthy and fun birthdays – and hope to see you soon. Love you!
My mom and Dad & Aunt JoanMom and Aunt Joan – original Skunk Hollow Girls!
May 19 – If you have another photograph of your childhood to share, place it here.
Yesterday’s vacation destination was Idaho – since Tuesday was National Idaho Day. Idaho is the Gem state. The picture posted was the Snake River Greenbelt. Here are other photos of interest:
Coeur d’Alene LakeHiawatha Mountain Bike TrailOld Idaho Penitentiary Museum of CleanHot Air Balloon ridesNational Historic Trail centerFestival of Lights
Calendar Inspiration – We all have dreams or talents hidden away within us. Let them grown and then share them!
OK – I vote for being a millionaire! But it would have to be for more than a day. Tomorrow’s post will be very short but I’ll catch up on Saturday! God bless…
I’ll start with today then go back to yesterday. I, of course, cleaned the house, handled some emails, and even transplanted a few flowers. All that is pretty bland (although I enjoyed it!). Now – back to yesterday.
A flower share from Dottie – some sort of ‘chocolate’ thing???
Kathy and I went to the program at the Greensburg/Hempfield Library to listen to President Ulysses S Grant. For being dead he was amazing. This guy had SO MUCH INFORMATION, and was very comfortable sharing his life and thoughts with us. We listened to him for two hours and it flew by. We heard stories about his military service, his presidency, his wife and family. He talked about Julia (wife) with so much affection and respect. He read some of his inaugural address and explained a lot of it. No matter what questions he was asked, he was able to expound on the subject and those around him who interacted with him. I’m really glad they have these programs. Not only are they entertaining but they are such a vital part of our nation’s history. He told us he never carried a weapon, not even on the battlefield!
Beautiful marble library steps with blue carpeting.President Grant reading part of his inaugural addressRecounting one of his entertaining storiesA photo opp with the President
Kelly sent me pictures of their homeschool Spring Formal. Peyton and Logan both went. It looks like they had a wonderful time! Peyton looks like a country music superstar- famous and happy! A lot of people worked hard to make that happen, and the kids all enjoyed every minute.
Logan …A very formal Logan (and handsome!)Peyton!
Decorations:
Kids:
SnacksDancingLine dancingLine dancing – Logan is behind PeytonPeyton chose orange flowers to go with Emma’s camo dressFriendsLogan, Peyton and Nash – OH MY!Most of the groupThe group
May 18 – Share another memory involving a war during childhood or youth. “All the young men went off to war. We wrote many, many letters. All mail was opened & read. The service men could send letters free by writing ‘free’ where a stamp should be.” We have a bunch of letters that Mom got from her friends in the military.
Yesterday’s vacation destination was Chattanooga TN – Mom’s cousin Carolyn lived there. The picture was on Lookout Mountain. Here are more pictures:
Today was my fill-in shift at Hanna’s Town for the school tours. I was slightly intimidated, as I usually am by anyone who has more energy than I do. Which is most people, these days! But the day went very well, the the kids were generally interested in the site as a whole (their favorite was the militia at the fort) and enjoyed the tin punch project. Some of the kids had trouble with the process but most of them jumped right in and got it done. At lunch time I tried my hand at a tin punch star, but I didn’t have a pattern and it turned out … well, it didn’t turn out! But at least I tried my hand at it.
Sad attempt at a free hand star
We did have a little interloper that snuck in hidden in a backpack. He didn’t cause any disturbance so we just left him alone.
The activity was in the Klingensmith house, and we had about 12 or 13 kids at a time, six groups. Claudia did the first group so I could see how to start the project. Lara came later in the morning after Claudia left and we took turns. There was a teacher/helper with every group. I did ‘dress the part’ but the other two just wore Hanna’s Town official shirts and slacks.
Dressed for the toursKlingensmith houseSet up for the projectClaudia teaching about tin punch
Also at lunch time I walked over and introduced myself to the goats and the donkeys. They weren’t impressed. The one goat was trying to climb the bush. The donkey just stood and watched.
This group was 5th grade from Latrobe Elementary. They were a polite, cooperative group and fun to work with.
Having lunch
I stopped to vote on the way home and ran into Dave D, who was also coming back from Hanna’s Town. He, however, was the judge for the court presentation.
I changed clothes, cut the grass, changed again, and am ready for the Ulysses S Grant presentation at the library tonight with Kath. I think I’ll share that tomorrow, as Wednesdays are always boring!
May 17 – Share a memory involving a war during your childhood or youth. “I was a student at Davis School when World War II started. We had a group that was nationwide; we were called Junior Commanders. I was the leader (captain) because my dad had been in the army. I even taught the group how to march (smile).”
Yesterday’s vacation destination was The Valley of 10 Peaks, Alberta Canada. Here are more pictures:
Calendar inspiration – Life is all about a happy balance between simplicity and luxury.
The only way to have no dirty dishes is to not eat and not cook. Or eat out. None of the above! So many just visit your relatives and eat there. Have a happy Wednesday and God bless…
The beautiful end to the day yesterday was that the sky was blue and pink with fluffy white clouds. I did see part of the eclipse, and the blood moon. It felt very eerie. I tried to get a few pictures but I don’t have the right kind of skill or camera. The moon was perfect and round and huge. Several photographer friends took amazing photos!
Sunday’s end.
Today started with a storm and wind and clouds and rain. I took my time eating breakfast, and by the time I left for work the weather had calmed down. Nate called me, and he and Dave had a schedule change, and they were going to clean my gutters and siding, and power wash my sidewalk and retaining wall. It was drizzling but they made short work of everything, and were soon on their way. Dave’s mom was on the list next. Apparently it was ‘Mom’ day!
B&B on the job.
Since Nate & Dave were working, and Jen had a clinic for cats all day, I picked up my Autmn and took her to work. She died her hair again – black with hot pink highlights! It did look nice! She was happy and excited to be going to work. I was going to get a frozen Coke but the line was so long in the drive-thru that it snaked all the way to the road. I came home and had a Pepsi…
Black and pinkSmiling and ready for work.
I’m filling in for someone tomorrow at Hanna’s Town to help with a school tour so I packed my chill-bag with a few drinks, a yogurt, and crackers with string cheese. I should be done by 1:30pm. Then Kathy and I have a program to attend at the library tomorrow. More on those things tomorrow!
Greensburg-Hempfield LibraryStock photo – school tour
May 16 – Describe your military experience or that of someone in your family. “My Dad went to France & fought in World War One. My brother joined the Air Corp but the war ended before he was sent overseas. Your Dad (meaning mine) joined the Army & was sent to Korea to try to keep the peace. After he was back the Korean War started.”
My dad in uniform – with his dog Sam
Yesterday’s vacation destination was a FARM vacation, and the photo posted was Sunrise Farm. Here are a few other farm vacation sites:
Liberty Hill FarmBlue Mountain FarmHollister FarmBlackberry FarmHicks Farm HolidayBeacon Hollow
Calendar inspiration – savor the many scents of spring.
I was still feeling a little under the weather when I got up today, although I slept really well. The sun was shining and it was warm, so that at least inspired me to get out of bed and get myself to Sunday School. I was able to teach the lesson (which was a hard concept for the kids for some reason!). The story was about Jesus in the temple watching the people give their offerings. The rich people were giving lots of money, but the poor widow had two ‘cents’ and gave all she had. The kids still though Jesus would be happier with the big amounts of money. It took several times going over the concept of giving with your heart because you love God but I think we finally figured it out.
Ben painting his ‘sharing bank’ pig
I did help a little with the projects – which were piggy banks that they are to fill up and bring back – but I did not stay for church. I came home and did actually nothing but read for a few hours, then went out and watered the newly planted plants. Being outside actually helped a little, and I was able to go over to Kathy’s and help her finish up a moving project and pick up a few things that she didn’t want to keep.
Baby lilacsThis little house was Mom’s – so Kathy gave it to me for my farmhouse display. Thanks, Sis!
I noticed that some of the trim paint in my family room had been scratched, so I got my can of paint and touched up the door and the stair railing. I painted all the spots, then came back down stairs and promptly gripped the railing. Ugh!
Only me….
After I got home, I sat outside and read for a while. It’s still warm, and the view from my reading bench was peaceful and quiet. When this is done I will eat dinner and be done for the day, early as it is.
View from my bench
I found the old metal dustpan that was Mom’s, and I decided to spray paint it to match the milk can. I had one decal left….
May 15 – Tell about your high school prom or formal dance. “I went to Aunt Hazel’s prom with her. Back in 1946 it was the normal thing for girls to go together to dances, especially proms. The boys came in a group. I felt very grown up & had a good time. I don’t even remember where we went or with who we went. It is so different now in the 21st century.”
Yesterday’s vacation destination was Ligonier PA and the picture posted was the country/farmer’s market. That is something you really shouldn’t miss! Venders of all kinds. Other point of interest in Ligonier:
Fort LigonierStorybook ForestSoak ZoneIdlewild ParkLigonier Valley Railroad MuseumLigonier Beach – to reopen….AntiquesParade, food booths, crafts and fun!Christmas in LigonierHistoric Ligonier Diamond
Hmmm. I do love trees. I watered mine today. And I also did something nice for my neighbor today – I dug her a few plants that she wanted pieces of. Now — let’s see if I can find a sea monkey….
It was sad to see the kids leave this evening. We had a busy time but it was fun, even though I didn’t feel my best the whole time. I can’t remember the last time I was sick except for a quick few hour stomach bug. But we plowed through and still enjoyed ourselves. With the threat of rain it was windy and cooler, and I cut the grass. I was exhausted but it looks so nice – it helps to have the blade sharpened! Thanks, Peyton! I looked up at one point and there were a dozen or more birds circling overhead. Yikes! I didn’t think I was THAT sick!!!
Some of the circling birds
Since it was outside, Kelly and I went to the Harrold Herb Fair. I bought a flower and lavender for on the hill. We did stop at L&L Fleatique but there was only one outside booth. We were only there 10 minutes then were back home. I basically just helped her with loads of laundry and changing bed sheets and we didn’t do anything else. I planted the plants from the Herb Fair and also the blue flowers that I bought from Kelly’s church school. I get a flat every year. This year mostly I grouped them instead of sticking one here and one there. I think as they spread they will look nice.
Dianthus, I think!Lavender These should fill in nicely
After the kids left I cleaned up the Flag Room and remade the beds and swept. Now everything is quiet and I’ll chill out and rest this evening. I have only sneezed twice today so we are making progress!
May 14 – Tell about the first dance you ever went to. “I went to a square dance with my brother and the group that were playing for the dance. I believe it was at the Creekside Grange Hall. I was in my early teens.”
Yesterday’s vacation destination was suggested by Peyton. He wanted to go to Michigan in the winter! Here are more random winter pictures:
MY favorite!I think ice fishing would be Peyton’s favorite
Calendar Inspiration – Everyday places offer a connection to your history and heritage. Explore your community’s past. That’s a great one for our adventure yesterday!
Other than the fact that I have been sneezing like a crazy person all day, we had a wonderful time. We left Greensburg with sunny skies and warm temperatures at 8:30am. The drive up and the scenery were beautiful. I love the clouds and the mountains. Pennsylvania is a beautiful state.
Look at the clouds!Lincoln HighwayClouds – but sun in the distance. Deceiving!
When we got to Stoystown it was cold and rainy and cloudy. No one had jackets or sweatshirts except for Logan! Smart kid! I looked at the hoodies and was not going to get one because of the expense, but in the ended I decided it was not only an investment in my comfort but also an investment in the site and in honoring the people who gave so much. The guides explained why they had a gift shop on site. So I purchased one and I was very happy that I did. And I must add that the Flight 93 Memorial is very much worth the effort to see, no matter how far you have to travel to see it. THAT is our history!
Being warm in my hoodie – looking at the site (see bolder in the background)
We got to the site about 10am, and waited for the others in the group to arrive. They had a longer way to go – from Wheeling and surrounding areas. Dave and Gregory were our tour guides, and they did an excellent job of explaining the day, and the thoughts, and the processes. They told about what the people in the area thought and felt and said. The building is constructed in a way that when you walk on the path, you follow the flight path of the plane. The displays in the visitor’s center were very informative and emotional. There is far too much information to share on this post – just look it up and be inspired by those brave people who made a difference. They were, indeed, heroes.
View at the siteMock up of siteVisitor CenterWaiting on the tour – Homeschool groupDave & Greg – our guidesStanding on the flight path – viewing the crash siteThe gray walkway is the flight path – the height of the walls is appx the height of the plane off the groundContinuation of the flight path from the Memorial looking up to the visitor’s centerFlight path looking to the gate and the crash site – kept locked at all times. Only people allowed inside to the site are family members.
After the tour and the displays, we drove down to the memorial. All this time it was cold and rainy but we kept going. The walkway continued to follow the flight path. There was a ledge where people could leave tokens of their thanks and appreciation. The wall at the end listed the names of the people on Flight 93, and we saw one name that listed the passenger with ‘and unborn child.’ There was a little square place below Todd Beemer (Let’s Roll!) that said ‘Who’s to say that you weren’t born for such a time as this (from the book of Esther). That’s one of my favorite verses and it was very moving.
Flight path of Flight 93Memorial siteTokens of honor and remembrance – see the bolder in the distance???Unborn child…such a time as this…Bolder — in the rainActual photo the day of the crash
Next we stopped at the tower of voices, which weren’t voices at all. There are 40 different chimes that each have a distinct tone to represent the lives of those on the flight. The tower is 93 feel tall. All in all it is was an inspiring and moving day, and I wondered why it took me so long to go back. I was there the year after the crash, but I should have gone once the memorial opened. Please – it’s worth the trip.
Kelly standing at the bottom of the tower
One thing I never even thought about (I’m still re-living the bicentennial!) is that our nation will celebrate 250 years in 2026! So that is my new goal: To celebrate with our nation!
Happy Birthday USA!
Several families stopped at our house after the morning and we all had lunch on the deck and inside when it began to rain. The plan had been Twin Lakes but the weather did not co-operate. After everyone left Kelly and I finished a project that we started yesterday. Peyton spray-painted gray a milk can that I had uncovered in the shed. Autmn had bought me decals last year, so we put them on as well. I think it looks amazing! My dad gave me that Milk Can from the Wagon Shed Antiques more years ago than I can count. Everything comes around!
It took a village….
We just ordered pizza for supper before Peyton and Matt leave to go home. That will be the end of my day. I need to put my sneezes to bed!
May 13 – What kind of dances did you do as a youth? “Square Dancing was my all time favorite. A friend of my father’s taught me how to waltz. Our neighbor, Stan Leczner, would jitterbug with me at “Meadow Brook Dance Hall.” Stan & I could Schottish better than any other couple on the floor.” It’s so fun to think of Mom having a ‘young’ exciting life!
Yesterday’s vacation destination was Baltimore – and the picture posted was the USS Constellation. Other points of interest in Baltimore:
Inner HarborFells PointEdgar Allen Poe’s gravesiteFort McHenry (I love the stories associated with this)Carroll MansionCivil War sites
Calendar Inspiration – Share your best self — be patient, serene and gentle.
Quote –
Scripture –
Vacation Destination –
With summer around the corner, snow pictures seem surreal! Where is this place?
I’m hoping that tomorrow isn’t national ‘sneeze’ day! I haven’t sneezed this much in decades! But it didn’t hinder the day significantly. So here’s to a sneeze-free weekend! God bless…
Here’s my limerick: There once a garden so fair; Everyone liked to be there. I’d go every day, cause I knew the way. It’s the most perfect place I could share! OK – there you go.
Back gardenPart of my own little garden…
Worked both stores this morning, then stopped and got gas for the car and for the mower gas can. Got home about half an hour before Kelly’s crew got here. Gave me time to pull some weeds, spread some Round-up on the hill, and pull some totes out of the shed to take to Kathy to use for packing. Kelly’s hair is finally growing in, and it looks so cute! I love it!
Kelly’s beautiful hair!Digging the holeAlmost done
Everyone pitched in and helped with the projects. Peyton dug the new hole for the fire pit and spread the extra dirt at the bottom by the deck. It leveled the area out nicely. Logan and I carried the stones up the hill to the new location, and Kelly dug up the old base and discarded it under the shed.
Green thumb
At that point Peyton and I went to Lowe’s and got grass seed, top soil, charcoal bricketts for the base of the fire pit, pond stone to filter around the outside of the fire pit, and oil and a spark plug for the mower. After he finished the fire pit, he spread the top soil and planted the seeds. He really does have a green thumb!
Finally finishedLooks so nice!
Next he drained the oil from the mower and changed the spark plug (never done!). He took the blade off and sharpened that, and then cleaned underneath the mower deck – but Kelly helped with that. We hooked the hose up and Logan came out and watered the new grass the the flowers Dottie gave me on Tuesday. Peyton also spray-painted my milk can.
Gray milk can – I think it needs to be darker….Seeding the old space
By that time, we had finished all the outside projects, so Kelly and I took the totes over to Kathy then got groceries for the Field Trip tomorrow at the Flight 93 Memorial. After spaghetti and garlic toast for supper, we made chocolate chip cookie bars and muffins for tomorrow. It’s 10pm and I am totally done for the day. Whew. We sure got a lot done.
Cookie
May 12 -Tell a favorite singer and a song that he/she sang? “Frank Sinatra was the # one singer when I was a teenager.”
Yesterday’s vacation destination was Butchart Gardens in British Colombia, Canada. Here are more pictures from these beautiful gardens!
At ChristmasAt Christmas
Calendar Inspiration – Everyone has their own viewpoint; accept other people’s opinions even if you prefer your own.
Quote –
Scripture –
Vacation Destination –
No it’s not Teresa’s ship! Not even close. Where is it?
Oh, boy. I can get into blaming someone else! I’m going to start making my list right now. I do wish I had a piece of apple pie with ice cream – but I’ll settle for a cookie tomorrow! God bless…
I’m starting to get used to these beautiful sunny mornings. Makes the whole day feel fun. On Wednesdays there’s not much to write about because I usually just clean. I was happy to get done inside and still spend time in the yard. I trimmed a half-dead lilac in the bottom yard and also pulled weeds on the little patch behind the bush. It was a profitable day! That being said – that’s basically all I did today. So it’s a short post.
Half dead lilacTrimmed out lilacOvergrown pathWeeded and pretty
Today is my nephew Jesse’s birthday. Happy birthday, Jesse! Hope you have a wonderful, happy year ahead of you!
Happy birthday Jesse!
May 11 – What was your favorite singing group or band? “Roy Rogers & Sons of the Pioneers.”
Yesterday’s vacation destination was Washington State. The picture posted was on San Juan Island. The book series I’m reading right now is set on the Islands. Here are other points on interest in Washington state.
Mount Rainer National ParkSpace NeedlePioneer SquareSnoqualmie fallsLake ChelanMount Baker HighwayCoulee CorridorRiverfront ParkSan Juan Island off the coast of Washington – Book series I’m reading is Westcott Bay Series – I’m on book 6 Saltwater Memories (Amelia Addler)
Calendar Inspiration – Today someone will need your help. Be the one who makes a valuable difference.
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