Well, seven months from today is Christmas Day. Bud would be so proud that I remembered that! I’m not nearly ready. I do have a lot of light strings in the house right now, but they are red/white/blue, not Christmas!

I baked the scones this morning and had warm ones for breakfast. I finished reading the book I started yesterday, then spent the day cleaning and finishing chores. I changed the outdoor garden flags and put a set of lights in my wooden bucket in the kitchen. I put the banners on the decks, too. Dad gave me two banners and I put them out several times a year for holidays!

Once the house was clean, I cut the grass. I got the mower wheel hung up in a rabbit hole and when I pulled it out I smashed my little finger into the fencing. I think I stoved it because it still hurts. I watered the Mom-lilac and a few other plants, and noticed the the roses were starting to bloom. Two out of the four bushes have flowers! The other two have lots of buds.

Kelly called and we talked for a long time. Matt wants me to help him weed a flower bed next week – in Wheeling! So I have to figure out which day will work best when it won’t rain. And that was my day – at least part of it.

May 25 – Describe a very proud moment in your childhood. “When my Aunt Effie told me I could iron clothes better than most grown-ups. We used irons we heated on the stove. If they weren’t hot enough the wrinkles wouldn’t iron out. If the iron was too hot you scorched the cloth. I was 8 years old then, in 1938.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Teton, Wyoming. Yesterday was National Wyoming Day so it seemed like the right choice. The picture posted was a Grand Teton Scenic View. Here are other sites in Wyoming:

Calendar inspiration – Doing anything for the first time can be scary.  Seek guidance; wonderful opportunities await you! 

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TOMORROW May 26th is:

• National Blueberry Cheesecake Day
• National Paper Airplane Day

I’m not into either of those things. SO – I’ll keep my eyes open for something else fun. Have a terrific Thursday! God bless…

My car wasn’t ready, so I still have the bigger one. But it’s such a nice car and drives so nicely; I can deal with it sitting outside for a few days.

After work I mixed up a batch of scones – long overdue – and made a batch of drizzle for them (anticipating them tomorrow!). I had a navy blue shirt that I bought and had to press it off, and had some things to put away in cupboards. Then I went over to Kathy’s and we dug the lilac out of her back yard. Allen & Bonnie bought it for us when Mom died, and as we were sharing gifts she took the lilac. She didn’t want to leave it at the house when she moves, and can’t plant it there. So I dug a hole and brought it here. Also dug a small piece of ground phlox.

My intention was to get out my red/white/blue decorations for the weekend holiday, but on the way up the steps from the bottom yard I decided to spend some time weeding. The buttercups were overrunning everything so I cleaned them out. There are still plenty in the gardens.

Here are a few garden pictures. I have purple, white, and yellow Dutch Iris. Also a mystery flower that I never saw in the garden before and don’t know what it is.

I finally did get around to the decorations, all except for changing the garden flags. I will do that in the morning. It’s 9pm and I need to grab something to eat so I called it quits! I’m home tomorrow so I’ll have time.

May 24 – Did you have homework? “We could usually get our homework done at school. When the teacher had 8 grades to teach we had a lot of time to study and do any homework. In high school we had study halls.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Fort Knox KY and the picture posted was an antique mall. Here are a few other points of interest:

Calendar inspiration – Enthusiasm keeps everything in your life fresh & lively.

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TOMORROW May 25th is:

• National Brown-Bag It Day
• National Missing Children’s Day
• National Tap Dance Day
• National Wine Day
• Towel Day
• National Senior Health & Fitness Day

Towel day! I will wash towels tomorrow so that will be a perfect celebration. Who could want more? Please pray for my friend Di’s brother-in-law Vince who is fighting cancer and in great pain. Also, Dianne’s sister Judy who has COVID and Pneumonia. Treatment is very difficult because of several health issues. God is good – every day. Thank you. God bless…

Today was very cool, but sunny in the morning. Barry took my clank-y noisy car to have the tire fixed and gave me a different Nissan to drive for a day or two. It’s too big for the garage, so I’m glad it’s not winter. But it’s a super nice car. I pulled into Shop & Save after work and some guy says, ‘That’s a pretty sharp Cadillac!’ I said it’s not a Cadillac it’s a Nissan. He laughed.

After lunch I went outside and took my time weed-whacking the entire yard, then blew everything clean. Sometimes it’s hard to mow and weed-whack in the same day. Snapped a few more garden photos just for fun. It’s cooler today, so I came in and had a cup of tea. Now it’s time for a DIFFERENT garden!

I’m going over to help Kathy shortly so this is short today. Taking pictures of stacks of boxes is not necessarily exciting to share!

May 23 – Tell of someone you envied and why. “I wanted to be able to go on trips. I think I envied my older cousin, Dora, when she went to college.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Ithica NY. Gen met her two sisters there to attend a concert and spend time together. The picture yesterday was Cornell University’s Botanical Gardens. When I looked it up there were several interesting things to do there!

Calendar Inspiration – Let some ‘fresh air’ into your life by trying something new.  Grow!

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TOMORROW May 24th is:

• Brother’s Day
• National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day
• National Escargot Day
• National Scavenger Hunt Day
• National Wyoming Day 
• National Yucatan Shrimp Day

There was a scavenger hunt option in Ithica, if you noticed. I don’t have a brother. So — I’ll just celebrate typing! Happy Tomorrow. God bless…

Despite predictions, this morning was sunny and bright. Just right to snap a few pictures of my gardens before church!

Our Sunday school lesson was about sharing and helping. The kids made pictures of hands reaching out to help each other.

During praise time at church, I looked around and noticed that the generation of saints ahead of me were mostly sitting down. It gave a little twang to my heart, to think of these sweet people who led and taught and mentored me, and how they are marching forward to their reward. But they are our great cloud of witnesses! I’m thankful for them.

Then, at the same time, I realized that one of my former students – about eleven years ago – was leading worship. What a testimony of her love for her Savior, and the willingness to serve. I guess it was sort of an emotional morning for me! But all good!

Later in the afternoon I took Autmn to work – she bought me a frozen coke! I then went over and helped Kathy pack a few boxes in her spare room. It’s harder to clean out treasures from the past than to go through what we use every day. Such a daunting task. Sarah, Millie and Wyatt stopped and brought us each a Wendy’s burger – so now I don’t have to cook. Thank you, Sarah and Autmn Rose!

May 22 – How many students were in your high school? In your graduating class? “Around 100 in the high school. My class was one of the biggest and had around 35. It still wasn’t enough to keep the school from closing.”

Yesterday’s Vacation Destination was Minnesota – and the pictures was the James J Hill house. I almost feel like I shared this before. Other pictures in MN are:

Calendar inspiration – One of my very favorites!

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TOMORROW May 23rd is:

• National Lucky Penny Day
• National Taffy Day

We found a bunch of pennies in Kathy’s spare bedroom. I’m sure there were several lucky pennies in the bunch. God Bless!

I will recap yesterday’s adventure first. We left a little after 8am and headed out the turnpike toward Lancaster. It was cloudy to start, but the views were still wonderful. I love Pennsylvania hills!

We got into Lancaster right around noon, and ate at Olive Garden. Although I don’t mind eating there, it really didn’t agree with me. I had stomach cramps until about 4pm or so. I just had the soup and salad bar so I don’t know.

We still had a little time to spare so we drove the few miles over to Strasburg. It’s a quaint little 1733’s town, and offers a general store, antique shops, and even frequent Amish buggies on the streets. I bought some non-perils at the general store which were yummy.

The show – as mentioned – was DAVID. They did an excellent job of capturing all of his life, and stressing David’s strong relationship with God. David’s Psalms were sprinkled throughout the entire production. Goliath was so huge that when he fell it felt like the entire theater shook! There were some emotional and tense scenes, and the little boy in front of us (I’m guessing about 8 or 9 years old) cried several times. But he was smiling at the end so all was well. We got home a little after 10pm.

This morning I stripped the bed and washed sheets, and after a piece of toast I cut the grass. It was already about 78*, and rain is predicted for tomorrow. I was glad to see the grass is growing in the new spot beside the deck and down in the lower yard. Yea!

I had the afternoon shift for tours at Hanna’s Town, but I think the heat kept people away. We had about 3 or 4 groups come to the site, but they looked at the inside displays and through the gift shop, then went down to visit the goats. No one wanted to be out in the hot sun for over an hour. The shop cashier and I spent the afternoon exchanging stories about volunteering, families, and car dealerships! I enjoyed getting to know Barbara a bit. When it was time to lock up the buildings, I took a few photos. I loved being there but would have enjoyed having a tour. My next turn is on Memorial Day.

A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Sherree Johnson, Jen’s Mom. Hope your day was great, Sherree!!!

May 21 – What year did you graduate from high school? “I would have graduated in 1948.” (But instead, she got married!!)

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Bedford County (we went through there yesterday on the Turnpike) and the photo posted was the Pied Piper of Bedford. Here are additional photos.

Calendar inspiration – Take your spirit of adventure and try something new. Be bold and have fun!

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TOMORROW May 22nd is:

• International Being You Day
• National Buy a Musical Instrument Day
• National Craft Distillery Day
• National Maritime Day
• National Solitaire Day
• National Vanilla Pudding Day
• World Paloma Day

I’ve never really been good at being anyone else, but I haven’t exactly excelled at being ME either! Best thing is to just keep trying. God bless…

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:

Calendar Inspiration – When you love what you do, work in never a chore.

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TOMORROW May 21st is:

• National American Red Cross Founder’s Day
• National Memo Day
• National Strawberries and Cream Day
• National Waitstaff Day
• National Armed Forces Day – Third Saturday in May
• National Learn to Swim Day 

I’ll take strawberries and swimming – and I like memos too. Have a happy Saturday! God bless….

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!

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.

Happy, happy birthday to Aunt Joan! Wishing you many more happy, healthy and fun birthdays – and hope to see you soon. Love you!

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:

Calendar Inspiration – We all have dreams or talents hidden away within us.  Let them grown and then share them!

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TOMORROW May 20th is:

• International Red Sneakers Day
• National Be a Millionaire Day
• National Pick Strawberries Day
• National Quiche Lorraine Day
• National Rescue Dog Day
• National Streaming Day
• NASCAR Day
• National Bike to Work Day
• National Pizza Party Day
• National Defense Transportation Day
• National Endangered Species Day

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.

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!

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.

Decorations:

Kids:

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:

Calendar Inspiration – Something unexpected could happen any day – keep smiling and stay cheerful as you deal with it. 

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TOMORROW May 19th is:

• National Devil’s Food Cake Day
• National May Ray Day

Find something of your own to celebrate. I will celebrate feeling better – step by step! God bless…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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TOMORROW May 18th is:

• National Cheese Soufflé Day
• National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day
• National No Dirty Dishes Day
• National Visit Your Relatives Day
• Emergency Medical Services for Children Day
• National Juice Slush Day 

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!

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!

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…

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!

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.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was a FARM vacation, and the photo posted was Sunrise Farm. Here are a few other farm vacation sites:

Calendar inspiration – savor the many scents of spring.

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TOMORROW May 17th is:

• National Cherry Cobbler Day
• National Graduation Tassel Day
• National Idaho Day
• National Pack Rat Day
• National Walnut Day

Tomorrow is also Peyton’s Spring Formal. Hoping I have pictures of that on Wednesday! Have a wonderful, sunny Tuesday. God bless…