Before I start on the day’s adventures – I drove Autmn to a Halloween Party at her friend Seanna’s (near Scottdale) tonight at 7pm. I had just made the comment about being alert for deer. We went around a corner and lined up across the road in a row like a line for an amusement park ride was a whole gaggle of deer! They just stood there and looked at us! I was NOT fast enough to get a picture – but there were about a dozen. The littlest one – on the far left – took his time following his family back across the road. We sat there and gave him time! Also had one in the middle of the road on the way home. Thankful for safety and caution!

I got to Hanna’s Town about 10:30am, and stationed myself in the Murry-Beacom House. The Loyalhannon Spinners (& Weavers) were setting up in one room; the displays of the flax process and the wool process were in the second room, where I was. The kids could make yard dolls, and I was surprised how many older kids wanted to participate. A few parents even made one! I actually did, too!

All of the buildings were decorated for the season. Friday and Saturday nights there were the Jack O’Lantern tours and there were carved and plastic pumpkins lining the pathways. The Goal was open (Jail) and I peeked in and took photos!

The blacksmith held demonstrations; Proctor’s Militia were set up in the fort, and were chopping logs for a plank fence; there was a pumpkin decorating station at the Klingensmith House and hayrides in the field. Just as we were closing up at 4pm, one of the volunteers (Jim) came in and asked if we wanted to go on the hayride. So I did and it was really fun. There was a mom and daughter on, but everyone else were volunteers or militia. The militia guys started singing songs and made the ride super fun! Probably the most fun hayride I ever went on.

I was glad to have been able to spend the day meeting new people, visiting with old friends, and always, always, learning something new!

In honor of Halloween – Memory Book: July 13th. Do you remember having a favorite candy? How much did it cost? “Licorice – in a small box that held 8 or 10 hollow licorice sticks that we called cigarett’s. They cost a penny a box.” I still like black licorice, and most people don’t!

On this day in 1873 the P T Barnum circus ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ debuted, and in 1938 the radio broadcast of H G Wells War of the Worlds (narrated by Orson Welles) caused mass panic. In 1952 Clarence Birdseye sold his first frozen peas, and in 1967 Dolly Parton released her first single with Porter Wagoner: The Last Thing on my Mind. Robert Goulet – singer, and Mom’s favorite singer! – died at age 73 in 2007. Clint Black (country singer) and Lisa Hartman (actress) were married in 1991. Ivanka Trump (Donald’s daughter) was born in 1981, Christopher Columbus in 1451, our 2nd president John Adams (who was also the first vice president) in 1735, and Henry Winkler (The FONZ!!!) was born in 1945. My neighbor Dotty Kuhns had a birthday today – so happy birthday to Dotty! Many, many more! Blessings!

TOMORROW October 31 is:

• National Doorbell Day (Of COURSE it is!!!)
• National Caramel Apple Day
• National Knock-Knock Jokes Day
• National Magic Day
• Girl Scout Founder’s Day
• Halloween

For me, tomorrow is ‘I won’t be home’ day. I did Trunk or Treat so that was my celebration! But enjoy your Halloween, my friends! God bless…

As promised, a small recap of Chonda Pierce. She is amazingly funny, and can draw you into her humor until you can’t stop laughing – then turn on a dime and pull at your heart strings. She had such a traumatic life, but has seen beauty rise from the ashes. As she shared her story, she brought life into perspective, but gave everyone something to rejoice in, a hope to cling to, a future to long for, and boundless laughter and joy! If you just take a moment to look her up, you will see what an incredible life she has lived, and how she lives and shares Christ no matter what she does. I was blessed to be able to attend – and a huge thanks to our Violet (cousin Deb!) for suggesting it and making all the arrangements. A beautiful evening.

I was happy to take my time getting started with my day. After my shower and breakfast, I did a load of laundry and also answered some emails and handled other household business. I decided to make French Toast for breakfast, because I am still trying to eat softer foods and that was soft. I used all the cinnamon and sugar mix so I took time to mix up a new container. Then before I cleaned up the kitchen I mixed up scones for tomorrow’s breakfast.

I picked up Mae (a long-time friend from Kentucky who is staying with Kath for 2 weeks), and we went to the Mall. We walked around a little bit – she had a coupon for Bath & Body Works and I wanted to stop in at Barbara Ann’s (of course). I did buy a coaster. How could I not?

From the Mall we went to my favorite little Fleatique, L&L in Adamsburg. We spent a good hour walking around looking at everything, talking about memories and unique items. I bought a purple round baking bowl for a $1.00! Best bargain in the place. After I dropped her off, I had to notarize a document for Janet & Kyle, then stopped to help Mike out at work. From there I went straight to Kathy’s for supper. We had soup, breadsticks, and veggie pizza. I never make that so it was a real treat. Thanks Sis!

After supper we sat around the table and looked at old family photos, and had a great time taking a walk back in time. Often we struggled to figure out who was in the photo or where it was taken. One of the favorite pictures I found was one of me holding my cousin Deb. Amazing!

As you may remember, today is National Cat Day. This is Snoopy’s opinion of that:

Memory Book – May 17th: 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).” That is so very cool. Our spunky little momma!

On this day in 1682 William Penn landed at what is now Chester, Pennsylvania. In 1929 – Black Tuesday: end of Roaring 20’s and start of the Great Depression. Winona Ryder – actress – was born in 1971; Kate Jackson (another Charlie’s Angels – Sabrina!) in 1948, and Bob Ross – American artist – in 1942. Sir Walter Raleigh, historian & explorer, was beheaded for treason at age 64; George McClellan, Union General, died of a heart attack in 1885 at age 58. In 1951 Frank & Nancy Sinatra divorced.

TOMORROW October 30 is:

• National Speak Up For Service Day
• National Publicist Day
• National Candy Corn Day
• National Trick or Treat Day

In the first place, no one should honor Candy Corn. In the second place, Trick or Treat is October 31st! No exceptions! But tomorrow is also Fall Family Fun Day at Historic Hanna’s Town. There is a full slate of activities, including Proctor’s Militia (complete with demonstrations at 1:30), hay rides, textile demonstrations, crafts, story time, historic cemetery tour, and the blacksmith shop. I’ll be in the Murry-Beacom house, probably all day – 11am to 4pm – so stop out and have some fun! God bless…

Tonight the Violets (Kath, Deb and I) are going to see Chonda Pierce at the Palace. I’ve heard some of her work but never seen her in person. If you haven’t heard of her, she’s a Christian comedienne. Laughing is just about the best medicine I can think of about now!

In the meantime, I am listening to Journey Back to Christmas as I type. I love having Frndly TV – you can go back like a day or two, pick a movie from the lineup, and watch it again and again if you want. I’ve watched several shows on repeat that I missed some of, or was distracted during the premier.

I worked at Jeannette, then went to a dentist appointment to have my unstable crown checked. Dr. Lane verified the instability, then recemented and sealed the crown. It should last long enough for me to have an implant placed in the open space for the tooth just pulled. Then we’ll start the process again. My teeth – as I have said before – are my Achilles Heel! Then I worked at Greensburg, stopped quickly at Walmart, then came home.

It’s a beautiful day, so I took advantage and raked leaves in the front yard, then mowed the grass. I’m sure by tomorrow I won’t be able to tell I even raked, but it is, after all, fall! I made rice and had a few bites of rainbow sherbet. I have some time until we have to leave for the Palace. I’ll post those details tomorrow.

I heard Roger was in the hospital, so I finally got in touch with him. We talked for about half an hour. He still gets severe back & leg pain off and on, and is scheduled for rehab. Can’t manage walking or standing yet. But he was in good spirits and was as crazy and fun as usual! I was relieved to hear him so chipper.

Memory book – October 6: If you ever played in the leaves, tell about it. “When you (meaning me) brought Kelly & Nate to our Greensburg house we would rake the leaves from the maple trees in the front yard. We all took our turn at being covered up by the leaves.”

On this day in 1793 Eli Whitney applied for a patent on the cotton gin, and in 1811 the first known purchase of ‘Sense & Sensibility’ was by the Prince Regent, who was a huge fan! In 1858 Macy & Co opened their first store in NYC – gross receipts were $11.06. And in 1886 the Statue of Liberty was dedicated by President Grover Cleveland, celebrated by the first confetti (ticker tape) parade in New York City (I love confetti – I should have gone!!). In 1934 WHJB was the first radio station to broadcast in Westmoreland County. Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner was born in 1949; Jonas Salk (polio vaccine) in 1914; Julia Roberts, actress, in 1967; Bill Gates (Millionaire Microsoft owner) in 1955. Charlie Daniels – singer, fiddler – was born in 1936, and Brad Paisley, country singer born in Glen Dale WV, in 1972. Abigail Adams, our 2nd First Lady, died at age 73 in 1818 of Typhoid Fever; Porter Wagoner (known as ‘Mr. Grand Ole Opry’) died at age 80 in 2007 – he’s credited with discovering and introducing Dolly Parton in 1967.

TOMORROW October 29 is:

• National Cat Day
• National Oatmeal Day
• National Hermit Day
• World Stroke Day
• National Pharmacy Buyer Day
• National Frankenstein Friday
• National Breadstick Day

Tomorrow is ‘do whatever I want to’ day – nothing scheduled until dinner at Kathy’s after she’s done with work. I want to write and clean and do laundry and who knows what else! Oh, and study my Hanna’s Town history because I’m stationed in the newly added Murry-Beacom textile exhibit interpretive site. Perfect for me, because of my research on Fields of Blue! Stay tuned for more details about those Saturday activities! God Bless…

Took my time getting started today, but it still kept me busy all day with cleaning and chores. I was finished about 6:05pm, and printed a few activity pages for the Sunday School lesson (Esther) before leaving for Bible Study (angels). And that was the excitement for the day! I still need to grab something to eat so this is just a ‘hello’ and I’ll catch up Thursday or Friday!

Memory book – September 4: Tell about your school year calendar. “The superintendent of the Indiana County Schools sent or brought one to the school. The teacher would make coppies to send to each household of her (or his) pupils.” To think that now we all have calendars at our fingertips, and more copies than we need!

On this day in 1682 Philadelphia PA was founded by William Penn; in 1947 ‘You Bet Your Life’ hosted by Groucho Marx premiered on the radio, and in 1966 ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlies Brown!’ premiered. Theodore Roosevelt (26th and youngest US president) was born in 1858 and Emily Post (etiquette columnist) was born in 1872. Theodore Roosevelt married Alice Hathaway Lee on his 22nd birthday in 1880, and in 1964 Sonny & Cher were married – she word bell-bottoms!

TOMORROW October 28 is:

• National Internal Medicine Day
• National Chocolate Day
• National First Responders Day

I’m all for the chocolate! Guaranteed I will indulge, more than once! 🙂 God bless…

No issues at all from the tooth (rather, the pulling thereof!) except for restricted diet. I got up early, had oatmeal (soft) and headed to Washington to meet Kelly. We had stuff for each other. It rained most of the way down, but it wasn’t nasty. In fact, the leaves and the clouds were beautiful, even in the cloudy overcast sky.

We did a little shopping and browsing, then had lunch at Chick Fil-A. Sad to say that I only had mac/cheese, which was really good, but wasn’t chicken. I wasn’t ready for chewing yet. I am always so happy to spend time with my family, even if it’s only an hour! Oh, and I also notarized my grandson’s driver’s permit application. First grandchild to apply – and he’s excited! He’ll be a great driver.

I stopped here at the house and grabbed a bite of pudding, then went to work at both stores. I worked for about 2 1/2 hours. I noticed that the cosmos that I brought in the house started to bloom – one is fully open. Also took a quick photo outside – the mum is fully bloomed, and the little cauldron under the bench (from the farm) has the three baby pumpkins that Kelly gave me last week. A little more fall! When I’m done here I will make some instant mashed potatoes. That will taste good.

Memory book – April 16th: Did you ever have a recurring dream as a child? “Being chased by a vampire.” Fitting for the current season!!!

On this day in 1881 – Gunfight at OK Corral. In 1949 President Harry Truman increased minimum wage from 40 cents to 75 cents. In 1825 the Erie Canal construction was completed, connecting Lake Erie & the Hudson River. Hillary Clinton (former First Lady) was born in 1947; Pat Sajak (Game show host) in 1946. Charlie’s Angel Jaclyn Smith was born in 1945 – Kelly was sort of named after her – Kelly Sabrina. Kelly was one ‘angel’; Sabrina was another. If Nate had been a girl he would have been Kris or Jill! Keith Urban, singer, was born in 1967. Hattie McDaniel – Mammy on Gone With the Wind – died in 1952 at age 57; Margaret Tobin Brown (Molly Brown) died at age 65 in 1932. She was called ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown’ because she survived the Titanic. Nathaniel Bacon died at age 29 in 1676 – he led a rebellion to overthrow the Virginia Governor and burn Jamestown completely to the ground.

TOMORROW October 27 is:

• National Civics Day *
• National American Beer Day
• Navy Day
• National Black Cat Day

As I was sitting here, I felt something on my hand. A stink bug was just crawling around on it! I flicked it onto the carpet, picket it up with my napkin, and well, let’s just say that it – like Bacon’s Rebellion – is history!!! God bless.

There were no fresh deals at either store – just a few waiting on items before they can be processed. So I caught up a few things at home before I headed to Dr. Buckley’s office to get my tooth out. As usual, it wasn’t a problem. The worst were the shots, then all was numb and I was fine. There were two hard things to deal with. 1) the crown on the tooth next to the one that was pulled is ‘unstable’ – so I had to call Dr. Lane’s office when I got home and make an appointment to have that checked. I will consider myself fortunate if it doesn’t pop off before then. 2) I can’t eat anything except liquids like soup and pudding and Jell-o until tomorrow. And ice cream. But no soup with noodles even if they’re soft, and no chunks in the ice cream or yogurt. And it says ‘cold’ liquids. How can soup be cold? Hmmmm. So I stocked up on the way home…

This will be short – I haven’t done anything else today except that and I’m not supposed to. Nate is here putting on the 3rd coat of paint on the doors.

Memory book – May 16th: 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 corps but the war ended before he was sent over seas. Your dad (meaning me) joined the army & was sent to Korea to try to keep the peace. After he was back the Korean war started.”

On this day in 1760 George III became king of Great Britain; in 1964 the Rolling Stones made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, and in 1978 the movie HALLOWEEN premiered. Vincent Price – horror actor – died at age 82 in 1993, and singer Roger Miller died in 1992 at age 56. Our second president John Adams married Abigail Smith in 1764 (52 year marriage); Patrick Henry married Dorothea Dandridge in 1777, and our 21st president Chester A Arthur married Ellen Herndon in 1859. Millie Pearl – comedienne who always wore hats with the price tag still on (HeeHaw fame) was born in 1912 and Helen Reddy – singer – in 1941. Pop singer Katy Perry in 1984. And my former boss and the second Smail of Smail Company Inc would have had a birthday today. Happy birthday, Bud! Still miss you…

TOMORROW October 26 is:

• National Financial Crime Fighter Day
• National Tennessee Day
• National Day of the Deployed
• National Mule Day
• National Pumpkin Day
• National Mincemeat Day

Tomorrow I think I am meeting Kelly in Washington – I’m waiting to hear back from her. In the meantime, I’m hitting the couch with a bowl of ice cream and a Hallmark movie! Cheers! God bless..

Today’s weather prediction was on and off rain and clouds. We’ll see if Trunk or Treat is inside or outside!

But Sunday School’s lesson was again about Esther. The kids made crowns and hats – Mordecai or Esther. Max held his scepter in the air, proclaiming Esther safe. They are enjoying the lessons and so am I.

When I got home, I started right away to switch out my summer clothes to my fall and winter ones. (And of course it’s to be almost 70* tomorrow!) I was just finishing when Nate came over to paint. He was just getting started when I had to leave.

There were well over 20 cars for Trunk or Treat at HCC. And there were a lot of people from the community and the neighborhood. In addition to the trunks, there were drinks, hot dogs, and chips inside for everyone. Just at 4pm it started to drizzle, but despite that it was a nice turnout, and very fun to see the kids in costume. Two of my favorites were the little colorful witch and the colonial gentleman!

Below are some photos from the trunks that were decorated, and there were actually several more than this. I couldn’t post them all!

As I type, I’m watching the Santa Stakeout with Paul Campbell on the Hallmark Channel. It’s so funny I’ve laughed out loud! I may actually step up my game and try to figure out how to record movies on my firestick!

Memory book- October 23rd: Did you ever pick apples? “We had apple trees on the farm when I was growing up. We picked them to make applesauce from the ‘summer’ apple tree. We picked them in early fall to make apple butter & pies. Then we picked from a ‘winter apple’ tree to store for winter.”

On this day in 1901 the first woman went over Niagara Falls in a barrel (Annie Edson Taylor), and in 1931 the George Washington Bridge opened connecting New York and New Jersey. In 1939 the first nylon stocking went on sale in Wilmington DE. Annie Edson Taylor was born in 1838, which means she went over Niagara Falls in a barrel on her 63rd birthday. Daniel Webster died at age 70 in 1852; Rosa Parks – Civil Rights Activist – died in 2005 at age 92. Maureen O’Hara, actress (the mom in the original Parent Trap!!!), died at age 95 in 2015, and Fats Domino at age 89 in 2017.

TOMORROW October 25 is:

• National Greasy Food Day
• Sourest Day
• Chucky, The Notorious Killer Doll Day

Tomorrow I am having a tooth extracted; it is also 2 months until Christmas Day (as Bud would say). I’m fairly certain it won’t be 68* on THAT day! Have a great week – God bless.

It was a very cool, dreary day and I was glad to just take my time: change & wash bed sheets, shower, breakfast. I had the other half of my giant muffin with tea. Oh – and here is a picture of the set for last night’s play – they were playing 50’s music in the background when I left. I’m sure it was a fun show! I hadn’t been to Scotland (Scottdale!) in quite a while, so I chose that Walmart for today. I got a few groceries (not a whole order), and also two pumpkins for the carving party at Hanna’s Town. Pam said everyone was put off by the cool and rain, so I left the pumpkins for someone else to carve and left. I’m not a good carver anyway!

I took a small detour on the way home and stopped to meet Teresa’s puppy, GiGi! She is so tiny (4 pounds!), and very cute! She was friendly and comfortable and enjoyed having her ears scratched before she settled on Teresa’s lap for a nap. Zoomie the cat just maintained her aloof attitude by staying in her bed or tiptoeing around the furniture to avoid us! She did walk past and say hello at one point!

I found the cutest video on facebook of these two little ones crawling around as skunks. Thought maybe it’s our next generation of Skunk Hollow girls!

Memory book – October 7th & 8th: What allowance did you get? and Did you have to earn it? “When I was 15 & went to high school I got 10 cents a week. (8th:) We always had our work to do whether we got any money or not. It was the way farm & country kids were taught.”

On this day in 1941 Walt Disney’s DUMBO was released. Zane Grey – author of western novels – died in 1939 at age 67. Johnny Carson was born in 1925. Two other are having birthdays today. First, Mike Petrillo. I have known Mike since 1967! He was working at Bud Smail Lincoln Mercury when I started there. Have a great day and many more happy years! And also, Augie Nicolai – fellow volunteer and amazing go-to guy for Hanna’s Town for several years. Sadly (for us, not him!), now living out of state – we miss him but still wish him a great birthday and a fun time with his family and friends. Love you guys!

TOMORROW October 24 is:

• National Food Day
• National Bologna Day
• United Nations Day
• National Mother-in-Law Day

TOMORROW is Trunk or Treat at Hempfield Church, 4-6pm. Rain or shine! Be there or be ….. deprived of fun and candy! See you there – God bless.

And just a side note – after the second service at HCC last Sunday the youth of the church made a video tribute and good well wishes for Kyle and Janet. Check it out if you get the chance. It was very moving – we’ll miss you Janet, Kyle, Anaya, Josiah, and Noah, for sure! Love you! (Just go the Hempfield Church of Christ on facebook and look for the live stream of Sunday’s service!)

I did NOT want to get up this morning. The air was chilly coming in my slightly open window, and the covers (and my wonderful new pillows!) felt comfy and warm. But I wanted to make sure my Pinnacle guys were caught up from my missing yesterday, so I was up and moving on time. Definitely not early, though!

I did work both stores, took the excess boxes from yesterday to Goodwill, stopped at Lowe’s and got roller covers for the trim roller (Nate’s painting project), got gasoline for the mower, picked up some supplies from Diane, and came home to make lunch. I was hungry for an egg and homemade bread toasted. I notarized a document for my neighbor Dotty, and she sent Torilyn over with a huge muffin as a thank you! I was just making a cup of tea, so I cut a slice and enjoyed it while I read my book.

When I stopped at Lowe’s I had to wait for a clerk in the paint department. They had the cutest sign on their chalkboard!

I was trying to decide what to do with all the magnets I had on my garage/house door. That is one of the doors Nate is painting, and when I pulled the magnets off to prep the door, I noticed that some of the magnets were so strong they pulled the paint off. I know I am repainting that door, but what if I put them back on and then decide to rearrange them later? I was tossing around options in my thoughts, and finally came up with the perfect solution. I see them all the time, still, and they will never be a problem. And there’s room for more!

Also want to thank Beth for the thank you card. I especially loved the flower stickers on the back of the envelope. Thank you, Beth – Christmas seems so long to wait for a visit!

Tonight I am ushering for Bear at the Civic Center – OVER THE TAVERN – a comedy, it seems. Not sure I’ll stay for the play – It’s been a long week and will be a full weekend! Miles to go before I sleep.

Memory book – February 28: Tell about pets you had. “Rabbits, that the cat had caught. We nursed them back to health. My brother had a pet crow called Jake. He was smart. He would take the clothespins off the clothesline, on wash day. Mom wasn’t happy about that.”

On this day in 1836 Sam Houston was inaugurated as the first elected president of the Republic of Texas, and in 1897 the world’s first car dealer opened in London. In 1906 Henry Ford because president of the Ford Motor Company, and in 1907 Ringling Brother Greatest Show on Earth bought Barnum & Bailey Circus. And in 1969 Paul McCartney denied greatly exaggerated rumors of his death (I should HOPE so!!!). Peyton Randolph – the first president of the Continental Congress – died in 1775 at age 54. Very young… Annette Funicello was born in 1942; Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future) in 1938. And I missed a post yesterday. My uncle Clifford celebrated a birthday yesterday, and by the looks of it, they did celebrate well. Happy, happy birthday and many more ahead. Love you!

TOMORROW October 23 is:

• National Boston Cream Pie Day
• National Mole Day
• National TV Talk Show Host Day
• Swallows Depart from San Juan Capistrano Day
• iPod Day
• National Make A Difference Day

I plan to make a difference tomorrow. Not sure about WHAT, but I can try! 🙂 Have a blessed day – God bless!

I left the house a little before 7am, and the moon through the trees was bright and pretty. It followed me for about half an hour, then the sun came out. The drive up was beautiful, with spots of color everywhere, and some mist and clouds hovering over the fields. Because I was alone, I could think about the beauty around me.

I took a few minutes to take some pictures – of the barn, the house (inside and out). Just one last walk-through.

It was a very busy, long day but I feel like we accomplished things. It’s probably the last trip I’ll make to the farm. A few more trips for Barb and Bobbie and the boxes (which are all packed up) will be taken to the Thrifty Shopper. Barb, Bobbie, and Whitey were loading two cars when I arrived, and we also loaded mine. But when we got there, the manager explained that they don’t have warehouse space and can only take a few boxes a day. So we drove a few miles to Barb/Whitey’s house and put the leftover boxes from that trip into their garage. They only live a few minutes away so they’ll take a few every day. Byron is going to take the furniture to the Erie Mission.

We had just got back to the house when Dick (who was hunting) called Bobbie. He had shot his first deer on his Dad’s (now Byron’s) farm! Byron came down on his side by side and helped get the deer gutted and back to the house. I took a picture but — uck. Byron was super excited – the first deer shot at Buckhaven farm! I was glad to be there as part of the excitement. And very happy for Dick!

After we had finished packing everything up (including my car – a few things my kids wanted and then the rest just to drop at Good Will) Barb took over the bookkeeping part of finishing things up. Bobbie was looking at a few photos that were at the house – I think she’s taking them home for Dick to look at.

We just locked up and stepped out on the porch and it started to POUR down rain! We all ran for the cars – I was soaking wet. I just turned the heater up full blast to take the chill off. The storm pushed aside emotional goodbyes or talks about the future. We just all ran! I was behind them, and when they turned in at Bobbie’s, I honked. At that exact second Kenny Chesney’s new song ‘Knowing You’ came on and it did bring a twist to my sensitive heart. The line is ‘… it’s been good knowing you.’ I can’t think about that today. I’ll go crazy if I do. I’ll think about that tomorrow! (Scarlett O’Hara, Gone with the Wind).

The rain followed me the whole way home – sometimes fierce and sometimes a drizzle. Right before the Turnpike we got stopped in traffic, but didn’t take long to clear out. I took a photo out over the bridge and was glad I wasn’t headed toward THAT storm!

Got home, emptied and organized the car, and took a shower; looked out the window to the sun shining off the trees – then started on this post. Next: food! I stopped for gasoline for the Mazda and a milkshake for me at about 2:30pm so I’m ready to eat.

We’ve been making trips to Erie and Albion since the early 1980’s, even before Mom married John. This is a chapter of our lives that is closed. It wasn’t perfect, but it certainly WAS good, (and Mom was happy!) and I am glad to have had the experiences that we did. We’ve met wonderful people, had fun adventures, and learned a lot about life on the way. We may make trips up there again – but it won’t be the same. It will be a NEW book, a new chapter. So to all of you, it, indeed, was ‘good knowing you’!

Memory book – October 5th: Do you have any special memories about raking and burning leaves, or mowing the lawn? “When late October and early November came each year we would rake the pine needles that fell from our big white pine tree. I really had fun doing that. We would burn them & I loved the “Smoke Smell”. Our lawn mower was heavy & hard to push. Uncle Jim steered and Hazel & I pulled it like a team of horses 🙂 ”

On this day in 1774 the first display of the world ‘Liberty’ on a flag was raised in MA against British Rule. In 1854 Florence Nightingale and 38 nurses were sent to the Crimean War, and in 1975 Elton John got a star in Hollywood. Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) was born in 1956.

TOMORROW October 22 is:

• National Make a Dog’s Day
• National Nut Day
• National Color Day

I’m so glad to be home, and done with the work part of my day, and all the driving. I feel blessed and humbled as I reflect on 4 decades of memories. God bless!