November 9, 2021

I made up my mind that I would keep busy all day, and I did. I called to find out about the COVID test but I do have to wait until tomorrow. So I did the treadmill, and finished proofing the book while I walked. Then I sent Barb an email so she and Don could make the changes. All good!

Proofreading done

Shower, breakfast, and a few indoor chores, including to finish the ironing. After a small bowl of potato soup I lugged everything to the front yard and washed the car. There was purple bird doo-doo all over, not to mention dust and leaves.

Washing the car…
But it’s still parked under the trees!

I decided it was a nice day for a long walk, so I went down to Buncher Park in Youngwood and walked 2.5 miles on the Five Star. I took a detour up Shady Lane, past the house where I grew up. I know I’ve posted these before, but every time I walk up there, it is all new again. I took my time and thought about Kathy losing her shoe in Jack’s Run. About Grama and Grandad Steiner’s house, and how we’d play on the tree roots by the driveway, and roller skate in the garage and basement, and run up the path in the field between their house and ours. I remembered the lamppost at the top of the driveway, and how many time I shoveled that driveway.

Slate bank along Five Star
Jack’s Run – flows under the bridge we walk over to go home.
Driveway was gravel when we lived there.
The living room picture window is gone….
The back of the house from the bottom road

There was a huge holly bush (tree) by Mariah Baker’s old house (my favorite of the neighborhood), and I stood there and looked at both homes from every angle, and remembered playing Sheriff in the creek by the culvert and old spring house. We would sit on the split log fence by Cole’s pond (fence no longer there), and now the trees are more open and you can see most of the pond. There’s even a view from the top of the hill. We walked all the way from our house down to Route 119 to catch the school bus. Didn’t seem a long way to us!

Beautiful, healthy holly bush
Mariah baker’s house, spring house, the the creek
Cole’s pond
Cole’s pond from the hill
Shady Lane – part of our walk to the school bus stop

I took some pictures of the giant leaves, and sat on a bench in the sunlight at Willow Crossing and read a chapter in my book. It was a nice afternoon for walking and remembering!

Five Star at Willow Crossing
Giant leaf
Even giant-er!

When I got back to the house, I turned Hallmark Christmas Movies on (House on Honeysuckle Lane) and painted my nails. Next chore will be a salad for supper. That will be enough for one day.

Memory book – November 9th: Tell about any other circumstances of your wedding day. “Your dad’s friends came for the wedding & decorated the car we were going to ride “home” in.”

On this day in 1969 ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’ was recorded by Simon and Garfunkel; in 1906 Theodore Roosevelt was the first president to visit a foreign country while in office. Art Carney (Ed Norton on the Honeymooners) died at age 85 in 2003. Mary Travers (Peter, Paul and Mary fame) was born in 1936. My friend Kim Douglass is celebrating a birthday. Happy birthday, Kim – with many blessings and lots of love and friendship!

No photo description available.
Happy birthday, Kim!
First U.S. President to Visit a Foreign Country While in Office
Theodore Roosevelt
Art Carney
Art Carney

TOMORROW November 10 is:

Have a wonderful day tomorrow – and enjoy these last few sunny days before the colder temperatures – and ‘frozen mix’ predicted! God bless… PS hope you can open this cause it’s SO FUN!!! 🙂
https://youtu.be/84SwKM6KfaU

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November 8, 2021

Woke up early, but cozied in bed reading my devotions, a few chapters in the current book I’m reading, listening to Diane’s theme song of the day (Veteran’s salutes this week). No hurry to get up!

The Schoolhouse: A Hickory Grove Novel
Re-reading the Hickory Grove series – book one!

After the morning treadmill, shower, dress, and breakfast, I started laundry, then rummaged around looking for scattered things. I put a set of lights up in my bedroom – purple was appropriate – and changed the Halloween paper towels for the fall ones. I had forgotten about that! Spent about 45 minutes on the phone with LTD – I had ordered something that came with a missing piece so I returned it for a replacement. I then decided I didn’t want a replacement, so I called them to cancel the item being reshipped. The operator insisted that she was crediting my account. However I did not PAY for the item! We spent far too much time going over that and I finally just said to go ahead and credit my account. I’ll straighten it out later! But it was an ordeal.

Isn’t it a lovely glow?
Fall paper towels

Even thought I am on ‘restriction’, I had to get gas for my car. I masked up, wiped my credit card with a Clorox wipe, and headed over town. I go to a station that pumps your gas, so I didn’t have to get out or touch anything. Then I came home and worked outside, cleaning up leaves (again!) and scrubbing a floor mat. I finished up the laundry and grabbed a small bowl of soup, then picked up Chrissy for football practice. Again, I wore a mask and we left the windows cracked, but she just got over being sick and everyone was comfortable with my providing transportation. I sat in the car during the hour’s practice.

Practice – Chrissy on the right

We took a photo of the sunset, which was beautiful. Now I’m home, typing, waiting until tomorrow to call Med-Express to see if it’s still too soon to be tested. Making lists to keep my days full and happy!

5pm sunset

Memory book – November 8th: Who performed the ceremony and Who stood up with you? (No mention of a minister’s name) “Hazel (sister) was my matron of honor and Gene was your dad’s best man. Joan was my flower girl.” (Again, check Saturday’s post for photos!)

In 1701 William Penn presented the Charter of Privileges, which guaranteed religious freedom for the colony in Pennsylvania. In 1731, in Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin opened the first library in the North American Colonies. Abraham Lincoln was elected president for a second term in 1864, and in 1956 the film TEN COMMANDMENTS opened in the US. Darla Hood – (Darla on Little Rascals) was born in 1932; Bram Stoker, author (Dracula) was born in 1847; Patti Page – pop singer (How Much is that Doggie in the Window) in 1927; Margaret Mitchell, (author of Gone with the Wind) in 1900; and Edmond Halley, astronomer (Halley’s Comet) in 1656. Doc Holliday, a dentist (???), gambler and gunfighter, died at age 36 in 1887; Alex Trebek, game show host, died at age 80 in 2020. Norman Rockwell at age 84 in 1894; Edwin Drake, oil industry pioneer, at age 61 in 1880. He had the first successful US oil well in Titusville, PA.

Image result for image of william penn
William Penn
See the source image
Library Company of Philadelphia
Darla Hood
Darla
Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker
Patti Page
Patti Page
Doc Holliday
Doc – dentist – Holliday
Image result for image of gone with the wind
Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind

TOMORROW November 9 is:

Tomorrow is day two of sequestering for me. Although I did get out and about today, it was under very restricted and protected circumstances. Unless I get tested tomorrow, I don’t plan to leave the house! Have a wonderful Tuesday! God bless…

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November 7, 2021

Funny how in the blink of an eye your whole schedule changes! Thankfully so far it’s just a detour and nothing drastic. But let’s start with the day!

Detour Sign Images, Stock Photos & Vectors | Shutterstock

We had a good message this morning from a guest speaker about loving the church. Some very good points brought up, like investing yourself in the work and support of the body of Christ, prayer and worship. Especially appropriate!

Guest speaker, Jerry

In Sunday School we reviewed the story of Esther, and had a celebration of Purim (PooREEM) – the honor given to Esther for her bravery in saving her people, the Jews. (Still celebrated today.) We played games, had donuts (JJ could probably eat an entire dozen, but we held him at 2 1/2!), Hawaiian Punch, and balloons! The boys took three home each and were very excited. We even had noisemakers, and they were VERY NOISY!

Purim Background Torah Scroll Stock Illustrations – 424 Purim Background  Torah Scroll Stock Illustrations, Vectors & Clipart - Dreamstime

After church I stopped at Walmart to get a few things – and saw these boots sitting in the middle of the parking lot. I thought maybe it was the rapture and I missed it! But of course not. Really cannot imagine why they were sitting there looking perfect!

These boots are made for … walkin’ ????

When I got home I got a confirmation that I was exposed to someone with COVID – so thus the quarantine begins. I tried to get a test but was told that not enough time had elapsed from exposure until today. I have no symptoms. So I’ll wait until later in the week, but in the meantime I’ll be home for a few days! I really do feel fine, although I do keep imagining symptoms that are not there. Not a one.

US Military approves Coronavirus quarantine camps next to major airports.

Nate sealed my driveway, and I cleaned up the leaves in the back yard. I took the deck furniture down to the shed and rearranged things so it would all fit. I had a piece of toast, then made a huge pot of potato soup. Now I will finish this post, write out a few thank you notes, and watch Hallmark movies! Don’t expect too much with exciting or interesting posts over the next week – won’t be much going on except cleaning!

Sealing the driveway in the sunshine –
Thanks, Nate!
Yummy potato soup

Memory book – November 7th: What did you wear? “I wore a traditional long satin wedding gown. I had made it myself with my mother’s help. Also made my veil.” (See yesterday’s post for photos!)

On this day in 1775 Lord Dunmore promised freedom to male slaves who joined the British army; in 1805 Lewis & Clark sighted the Pacific Ocean. In 1976 GONE WITH THE WIND made broadcast TV debut on NBC – 65% of viewers watched. In 1876 Rutherford B Hayes won US Presidential election by 1 electoral vote. Butch Cassidy (42) AND the Sundance Kid (41) were ambushed and killed in 1908. Eleanor Roosevelt (first Lady) died at age 78 in 1962, and Steve McQueen (actor referred to as the King of Cool) died at age 50 in 1980. Ava Gardner married Frank Sinatra in 1951, and Elizabeth Taylor’s 7th divorce (from John Warner) in 1982. Billy Graham was born in 1918; Marie Curie (physicist) in 1867, and Joni Mitchell (singer) in 1943. A long time friend from the Hempfield youth group, Esther Black, had a birthday today, and my friend April’s son Chris is also celebrating today. Happy birthday to you both!

Gone with the Wind on Television
Rhett and Scarlett
Roosevelt in 1933 (left) and in 1898
Eleanor Roosevelt
May be an image of 2 people, people standing, beach and ocean
April’s son Chris and his family
Esther Black

TOMORROW November 8 is:

Tomorrow is STAY AT HOME DAY for me! I’ll make the best of it and maybe even do some long over due writing! Have a great week. God bless…

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November 6, 2021

I was glad for a slow, lazy start to my day, and just did small inside chores until about noon. Then I drove down to Hepler’s Hardware to get paper leaf bags. That was my afternoon project, and I was outside until after 6pm. Got the front yard cleaned up, but still have the back yard to do. Probably tomorrow if I can.

bags and bags
Cleaned up yard

Before I got started on the leaf pickup, my friend Barb stopped to drop off proofs of FIELDS OF BLUE, a book that she and I collaborated on about 15 years ago. We are going with a new printer, trying to get the books more accessible to the general public. Right now they can only be purchased from me or from the Flax Committee in Stahlstown. This will make it possible to order it online. Hoping it works out!

Proof copies – not for sale

Barb also sent me an ebook that she wrote several years ago; takes place at the main character’s grandmother’s antique store. I am excited to read it. The name is Rolltop Reliquary. Very appealing and I can’t wait to get started.

Rolltop Reliquary by Barbara Jean Miller The First Laurel Creek Antiques Mystery

I am listening to Switched for Christmas with Candace Cameron Bure – it’s near the top of my list of favorite Hallmark Christmas movies. Twins switch places during Christmas – sort of like Parent Trap, but these twins are adults. Fun movie! But that’s about it for the excitement for today. I’ll try to be a little more exciting tomorrow! But I DID balance my checkbook to the penny this morning, so that’s good news!!!

Switched for Christmas
Fun movie!

Memory Book – November 6: When & where were you married? “We had a lawn wedding in my father & mothers place. It was September 11, 1948. It thundered all afternoon but cleared up & was a beautiful evening for a wedding!”

Dad and Mom
Uncle Gene, Dad, Mom, Hazel, Joan
Yard wedding

On this day in 1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th President, the only 3rd party US President, and in 1861 Jefferson Davis was elected to a 6 year term as US Confederate president. In 1928 Jacob Schick patented the first electric razor. Sally Field (Flying Nun, Gidget, and in Kiss me Goodbye) was born in 1946, and John Philip Sousa was born in 1932.

Abraham Lincoln
16th President – Abraham Lincoln
Sally Field
Sally Field

November 7

Tonight we gain an hour’s sleep! Can’t we all use THAT? I am going to try and use that hour wisely! Have a great weekend. God Bless…

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November 5, 2021

It was a very cold but sunny morning. Everything covered in frost. My hydrangea bush totally froze out and died overnight. I will cut it back tomorrow. Treadmill, shower, breakfast, then a few errands. I was pleased because I left the whole day to accomplish three things – and I did it – except that I forgot something from yesterday and remembered at the last minute. Threw me into a panic, but God blessed me and I got everything handled easily and on time. The funny thing that I found in the one store was an advent calendar for dogs. How does that even work?

And how do they know which door to open?

I started out by stopping at the Dollar Tree to get balloons for the Sunday School class. Our lesson is how the Jews celebrated Esther’s bravery and threw a huge celebration in her honor – called the Purim. We are celebrating Purim on Sunday in our class. Mary is bringing treats and I’m bringing balloons.

Lots of balloons

Then I stopped at Walmart for several totes. Claudia and I are planning to organize the kitchen at Hanna’s Town on Tuesday so I bought 3 different sizes. It’s a start, and I can exchange or add to that if I need to.

Several different size totes

I also rearranged a few things in the garage and plugged in the freezer. When I was sure it was getting cold, I filled it with MY items from the other freezer. Plenty of room now for both Nate and I to keep whatever frozen items we need. Especially ice cream and frozen pizza, for me!

New Freezer
Still plenty of room!

We had made plans for this afternoon and evening, but something unexpected came up to thwart our plans. We were in Amish country when we realized that we could not spend the evening as we had thought. It was disappointing, but we were glad to have the time together (Mae, Kathy, and I), and see lots of Amish buggies and beautiful scenery. It was NOT a wasted trip! We are all thankful for the blessings we have each day, great and small.

View straight ahead
View to the right
Amish horse and buggy

Memory book – November 5: Tell about how my dad proposed marriage to you. “We were in the living room & he got down on his knee & asked me if I would marry him. I said yes. Russ ask Mary Jane to marry him the same night. They had planned it that way.” That was very thoughtful and romantic! Young love!

On this day in 1492 Christopher Columbus learned how to grow & harvest maize (corn) from the Cubans; in 1988 the Beach Boys’ KOKOMO reached #1. In 1927 the first seeing eye dog came to the US. Vivien Leigh, actress (Scarlett in GONE WITH THE WIND), was born in 1913; Roy Rogers in 1911; Art Garfunkel in 1941. George M Cohan, father of musical comedy, died at age 64 in 1942, and Fred MacMurray, actor, died in 1991 at age 83. And in 1977 George W Bush (43rd president) married Laura Welch.

Kokomo (song) - Wikipedia

Statue of Morris Frank and Buddy
Morris Frank & Buddy
Roy Rogers
Roy Rogers
George & Laura Bush
Vivien Leigh - Wikipedia
Vivien / Scarlett

TOMORROW November 6 is:

I plan to play in the leaves tomorrow, so I’ll be outside. I also plan to stay home. Enjoy your Saturday. God bless!

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November 4, 2021

Early morning treadmill, and frost on the leafy yard. First frost of the 2021-2022 season! Temps are to dip down into the mid-20’s tonight. Glad I don’t have to work tomorrow! Although, I was hoping to rake leaves. Not sure it will be warm enough. We’ll see in the morning.

Frost and leaves

I noticed as I was getting breakfast that my neighbor has a new addition in his back yard. There is a hula-dancing Santa waving and swaying. I’ll have to check out what he looks like from the front one of these days. He was dancing again tonight but it was too cold to walk down and see! Ho Ho Ho

Hula Santa

Both stores had deals for me, and also Mike G had a title to do. I met Kelly’s friend in Irwin to pick up pepperoni rolls, and I can’t guarantee that all of them will make it to West Alexander… I finally got groceries, put them away; then I changed into my 18th century clothes and was at Hanna’s Town by 3:06pm. I was a greeter, a docent, a gopher, and an informant all evening – from 4pm until about 7pm. Then the last half hour about 5 of us sat in the LeFevre house around the fireplace to keep warm, and just chatted: antiques, ghost stories, raking leaves. Tom heated water in a metal cup over the open fire coals for tea. Perfect evening.

Tavern in the background
Klingensmith House in the background
Peeking in on the cozy fire – LeFevre house

Lisa was presiding over the LeFevre house, and Dave was pouring the samples of beer from All Saints Brewery, with pretzels and nuts as snacks. Eloise was stationed in the tavern, and there was wassail there with cheese and fruit snacks – plus a beautiful fire. Both places had candles and lanterns. From there, guests walked up to the new education center, where the Penn’s Woods exhibit was open – displays of tools, artifacts, paintings and reproductions of time-appropriate craftmanship. The gift shop was open and stocked with holiday gifts and goodies – plus tea and cookies. Everyone had a great time, and stayed quite a while. There were several families with kids, and I even saw several people I knew. These guys – staff and volunteers – are so very nice, and comfortable to share the evening with. I am so blessed to be part of this group.

LeFevre Hearth
Lantern lighting the way
Artifacts from the Penn’s Woods exhibit
A display in the gift shop

Kathy and Mae came out to visit, as well, and they enjoyed all the buildings and displays. I asked Mae her favorite part, and she said the Goal (Jail) – I said I’d try to get her a room…. I’m so happy they came!

Mae, Lisa, Kathy

Here are some random photos:

Outside the education center
Corner cupboard in the tavern
Tavern porch
Lantern outside the LeFevre House
Dry Sink in the dining room – LeFevre House
Dining room – LeFevre House – loft above
LeFevre House – great room taken from the loft

All of the programs offered at Hanna’s Town, including the weekly tours, are well worth the time. Check out the website at www.westmorelandhistory.org to find out what programs are coming up, including Museum Store Sunday (11/28); Three Centuries of Christmas in America (12/4 and 12/11); and Holiday Family Day (12/29). Hope to see you there!

December programs

Memory book – November 2nd: Tell about your first date with him (my dad). “It was in the fall, 1947. He was discharged and came out to see me. He came as often as he could get his father’s car. Sometimes he came & brought his friend Russ Brown & his girlfriend Mary Jane Keister.” (Mom and Mary Jane were best friends until Mary Jane passed away. Kath and I grew up with her kids.)

On this day in 1646 Massachusetts used the death penalty for denying that the Holy Bible was God’s Word – wow, how times have changed! In 1841 the first wagon train reached California. Art Carney, actor (Honeymooners), was born in 1918; Laura Bush (first lady for 43rd president) in 1946; Loretta Swit, actress (MASH), in 1937, and Matthew McConaughey, actor, (Lincoln commercials!) in 1969. In 1842 Mary Todd married Abraham Lincoln.

Death Penalty for Denying Word of God
Art Carney
Art Carney
Laura Bush
Laura Bush
See the source image
Abraham and Mary Lincoln

TOMORROW November 5 is:

Beth Swan, I love your red hair. And I love you! Have a happy Friday everyone – God bless!

Beth
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Happy birthday Peyton!

Sweet 16! Wow, how the years have flown. My first grandson, Kelly & Matt’s first born. And today he’s looking forward to getting his driver’s permit! Look out world!

I know he’ll be a great driver, because he’s amazingly good at everything he sets his mind to. He doesn’t like class work, but he charges right through it. He can out-think most of the adults that he’s around, and usually has a solution (that works!) for everything, and always has a comment for everything. In that sense, he’s like his great-grandad Cliff. My dad was just that way.

My dad and his dog

Peyton is kind, respectful, very intelligent, fun and funny, and a blessing all around. He’s one of the hardest workers I know, and loves the Lord. I’m so excited for this step in his life, and hope that as he gets out into the driving world he is just as kind and respectful and cautious on the roads.

He’s been driving his side-by-side for years!

Have a wonderful birthday, Peyton – and may God’s blessings shower on you as you make your way – one mile at a time! – into this coming year. Love you! (Pictures not in date order…)

Checking out a Civil War sword
Taking charge of my landscape project
Heading for a walk – to West Virginia
reading stories to Mr. Fresh
Bathing with the turkey! First Thanksgiving
What do you mean, I have another brother???
What am I supposed to do with this again?
Is this supposed to be fun?
Always the fisherman!
Chrissy & Peyton waiting for church to start
We always knew he’d be a farmer!
Walking Fluffy
Spring formal
Going caving
In the stocks
Ready to show the pig at the fair

And this just in, this very second: Peyton got his permit – answered 15 out of 15 correctly! I couldn’t be prouder, or more excited, for him!

15/15! You go, Peyton!

Memory book – November 3rd: What qualities first attracted you to him? (Meaning my father) “He liked to have fun & enjoy life. He was very kind & loving to his mother.” Peyton, those are good qualities to have. I’m glad you are like him in so many ways!

On this day in 1620 the Great Patent was granted to the Plymouth Colony; in 1900 the first US automobile show took place at Madison Square Garden NYC. In 1911 Chevrolet officially entered the automobile market, competing with Ford’s Model T, and in 1913 the first modern elastic brassier was patented. In 1956 the Wizard of Oz was televised for the first time, hosted by Burt Lahr and Liza Minnelli (Judy Garland’s daughter). Annie Oakley – sharp shooter – died at age 66 in 1926, and Mary Martin, actress (Peter Pan!) at age 76 in 1990. And of course, today is Peyton Matthew Hancher’s 16th birthday! Happy, happy birthday, Peyton! Love you! Many more!!

No photo description available.
Happy birthday Peyton!
nys1
1900
Annie Oakley
First TV Showing of The Wizard of Oz
Wizard of Oz
Mary Martin as Peter Pan

TOMORROW November 4 is:

OK – I’ll take the candy! Have a great day today – and God Bless!

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November 2, 2021

Treadmill, work, then voted before I came home to start chores. It was fun at Greensburg – a friend (Don) from Smail’s (back in the 60’s!) stopped to get something notarized, and he knew both Bernie and Ken. After he left the three of us stood around talking for 45 minutes, about the ‘olden days’ at Smail in particular and the car business in general. Laughter and reminiscing are both good for the soul!

Image result for 1967 Mercury
1967 Mercury

After a bowl of Campbell’s soup, I changed the baby doll’s clothes to something fall. I totally forgot about that. She’s been in her patriotic sundress since May. All better now. I cleaned out the planter on the deck, because it is falling apart and Nate is going to cart it up to the trash. In the meantime I put the Mum inside and it looks ok. But it’s disintegrating! I had to empty the stones out of it a bucket at a time – took 5 trips!

Farmer doll
Mums and pumpkin in the planter

After that I started raking leaves. The tree is still full, so this is not the end of it. I did cut the grass afterwards and was happy that it looked nice in the afternoon sunlight – at least for an hour! Maybe….

Bags
Yard

My movies came today! I ordered TIMELESS CHRISTMAS back in the summer on pre-order, and it was finally shipped with my other movie (Paul Campbell and Kimberly Sustad) Christmas by Starlight. I usually purchase one or two a year for my collection. If I have a favorite from this season (which I already do so far – The Santa Stakeout!) I’ll order it next spring/summer and get it in November! I still have 2 chores to do today after I post this, but neither will take long — I hope!

Memory book – November’s questions will deal with courtship, marriage, and my (meaning me/Marge) arrival in the world. November 1st: Tell about how you first knew my father. “Your father used to stay with his Uncle Chester Brown, who was married to my cousin Hazel Crooks. We knew each other as young kids. When he joined the army his Aunt Hazel Brown told me to write to him. I did & we became friends through our letters.” (Hazel Crooks is Hazel Brown.)

On this day in 1783 General George Washington bid farewell to his army after the Revolutionary War; in 1859 American abolitionist John Brown was found guilty of murder and treason, and sentenced to hang. In 1867 the magazine Harper’s Bazaar was first published. In 1898 the first official cheerleader – Johnny Campbell – led cheers at the University of Minnesota football game, and in 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed the bill establishing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr holiday. Michael Jackson’s THRILLER was released worldwide in 1983, and in 1896 the first auto insurance policy was sold – and no, it wasn’t Flo or the Geico Gecko! It was in Britain. Burt Lancaster was born in 1913; Warren G Harding (29th president) in 1865 (he died in office); James K Polk, 11th president, in 1795, and Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, in 1755. Danie Boone was born in 1734, and Jenny Lind (called the Swedish Nightingale and sung 93 concerts for PT Barnum) died in 1887 at age 67.

See the source image
Magazine in 1867
Johhny Campbell coordinates a team to lead the crowd on a football game cheering for University of Minnesota team
First Cheerleaders – far cry from the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders!!!
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Abolitionist John Brown
John Brown – guilty!!!
Marie Antoinette
Marie Antionette
Daniel Boone
Daniel Boone
Jenny Lind
Beautiful Jenny Lind

TOMORROW November 3rd is:

Have a sandwich tomorrow. It’s an easy meal and will reduce your stress levels! God bless…

Image result for image of a sandwich
Grilled cheese is easy!
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November 1, 2021

I started November 1st by switching from walking outside to using the treadmill. It makes sense, with the weather cool and often damp in the mornings, and late afternoon and evening walks will be in the dark after Sunday. And the bonus is that I can read my Nook as I walk!

Treadmill – with Snoopy presiding

After work today I picked up Mae again, and we went to Gabes. We both bought two small items, than came back to my place and had grilled cheese, homegrown corn, and mint chocolate chip ice cream. I would call that a good day!

Gabes – sweatshirt and tee shirt

I took Mae back to Kathy’s, then took down the Halloween decorations and added Thanksgiving ones to the fall ones that I left up. The one sad thing is that two sets of my orange lights did not work, and Walmart was totally sold out. So I am minus a few lights, but otherwise all is as it should be!

Pilgrims and Indians first Thanksgiving
Be Thankful!

Here are a few pictures from last night after I posted Halloween. I did go over and pick up Autmn and Chrissy. Chris won a giant Llama in a game at Kennywood, so we did a photo shoot! Also had pictures of Autmn and Chrissy before they went. Nate and Jen were standing outside with a tiki torch handing out candy. Seems like a successful day. I wasn’t actually home that much after all.

Christina at Kennywood
Autmn
Chrissy, Giant Llama, Autmn
Nate and Jen

On the way home I did see some trick-or-treaters in unusual costumes…

Can you see them???

Memory book – October 31st: Do you have a special Halloween memory? “We used to go out & throw corn at the windows of the neighbors. It was always chilly weather & we would run from farm house to farm house. It was fun to think we frightened these ‘old folks’.”

On this day in 1512 Michelangelo’s painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was first exhibited, and in 1765 the Stamp Act went into effect in the British colonies. John Adams became the first president to live in the White House in 1800, and in 1928 the first celebration of Author’s Day was held. The TITANIC movie premiered in 1997 with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. In 1962 the first US Christmas Stamps went on sale, and in 1861 General George B McClellan was named commander in chief of the US Army. Today is All Saints Day. Gary Player – golfer – was born in 1935; Mamie Doud Eisenhower, First Lady, died at age 82 in 1979.

First U.S. Christmas Stamps
First Christmas Stamps
Earliest known photograph of the White House, circ. 1846
John Adams’ White House
Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel Ceiling
Michelangelo’s painting
Mamie Doud Eisenhower
Mamie Doud Eisenhower

TOMORROW November 2 is:

Tomorrow is also election day. Get out and vote! And maybe eat a deviled egg… God bless!

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Halloween 2021

This morning started as cold, rainy, and very overcast – and didn’t look to improve. But it’s almost 5pm and the sun is shining, making the leaves look golden and orange and bright. I think our little trick-or-treaters will have a dry evening to case the neighborhood.

Bright orange tree

My front yard is a blanket of leaves. They are too wet to rake – hopefully we’ll have a day this week to clean them up.

My front yard leaf carpet

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! I – as well as the rest of you – are waiting in our most sincere pumpkin patch for the Great Pumpkin to bring gifts to those who believe! I have a rug and a flag, so how much more sincere can I get? But I think the Easter Bunny has his holidays mixed up…

My rug has twinkling lights!
Sincere Pumpkin patch flag
Easter bunny????

I have discovered that the two best times of the year to go for groceries are 1) during the Super Bowl, and 2) during Trick or Treat! So that is my plan for tonight. I am counting on no ‘tricks!’ * Update – I have to pick up Chrissy & Autmn so I don’t know WHAT I’m doing tonight! 🙂

I asked my Sunday School class if they knew what today was, and JJ said October 32nd! Obviously they aren’t totally focused on the calendar OR on Halloween Trick or Treat! That’s a good thing. Max was pretty wound up, and ended up on the floor with his drink spilled on his pant leg! But all he was worried about was needing more drink!

Max and JJ

Memory book – October 30: What did people do at Halloween? “Whole families dressed up in old clothes & went from neighbors to neighbors. Each family would arrange to go on a different night so we could be home to try & guess who each person was. Our mother made popcorn balls to give as a treat.”

On this day in 1913 the first US paved coast to coast highway – Lincoln Highway – was dedicated; it goes right through our town! In 1918 the Spanish flu killed 21,000 people in the US in a single week. ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane’ – horror film – was released, starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. In 1941 Mt Rushmore memorial was completed. In 1517 Martin Luther started the Protestant Reformation. Michael Landon – actor – was born in 1936; Dale Evans in 1912; Juliette Low (founder of the Girl Scouts) in 1860, and Vanilla Ice – rapper – in 1967. Harry Houdini died in 1926 at age 52, and Sean Connery, actor, (James bond) died at age 90 in 2020.

Exploring the Lincoln Highway Experience in Westmoreland County
Harry Houdini
Houdini
Dale Evans
Dale Evans
Mount Rushmore
Mt. Rushmore – for Kath

TOMORROW November 1 is:

National Authors’ Day! How cool is that! I will write something tomorrow! It’s also All Saint’s Day. God bless!

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