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…

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.

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.

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!

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.

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:

Calendar Inspiration – Peanuts

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TOMORROW May 16th is:

• Honor Our LGBT Elders Day
• National Barbecue Day
• National Biographer’s Day
• National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day
• National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day
• National Love a Tree Day
• National Mimosa Day
• National Piercing Day
• National Sea Monkey Day

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!!!

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.

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:

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!

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TOMORROW May 15th is:

• National Chocolate Chip Day
• National Nylon Stocking Day
• Peace Officers Memorial Day
• Take Your Parents to the Playground Day 

Well, we have chocolate chip scones, chocolate chip muffins, and chocolate chip cookie bars in the freezer. So we can celebrate! God bless…

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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:

Calendar Inspiration – Share your best self — be patient, serene and gentle.

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TOMORROW May 14th is:

• National Buttermilk Biscuit Day
• National Dance Like a Chicken Day
• National Decency Day
• National Underground America Day
• Cornelia De Lange Syndrome Awareness Day
• National Archery Day
• National Dog Mom’s Day
• National Miniature Golf Day
• Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day 

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…