Another beautiful day! After church Nathan came over and started on the second coat of paint on the shutters. They are finished now and look so good. I love them! There is one coat on the doors and he’ll do a second coat on the next nice day that he doesn’t work.

While he was painting I lugged the totes up from the shed and put away all the summer lawn decorations. I’ll wait to put the furniture away until Nate gets moved and we can put his items at his new house. The yard looks so sad and boring without all the cuteness, but it’s more important to preserve and protect everything. Those things don’t last forever, and at the end of every summer I end up throwing a few destroyed items away. While I was gathering up all the little decorations I noticed that a few unusual things were in bloom, long past their season. My Stela Doro lilies bloomed again, and I even had blossoms on my white lilac bush. THAT is amazing! I gave the mums a good watering, and the one is a very unusual color combination. Before they bloom they look maroon; then they are an orange color once they open up. Very pretty.

Autmn called me to chat about her Halloween costume, and while we were talking I looked up to see the Goodyear Blimp floating above the house! She went out on her porch and could see it from her place, too. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a blimp go overhead.

Since the program committee at church is working on the Christmas program, they asked for memories and photos of Christmas from the Past. Since I had been in those boxes of photos from the farm, I was able to pull a few out and send them to Shelagh. I guess I was the first one to respond, but I had been thinking about the request since they sent it out. Here is one of the photos I shared: Me, Kathy, and Mom – I was 15, so Kath would have been 11. It was fun looking through photos for a purpose.

Memory book – December 6: Do you have any knowledge of how your first name was chosen? “My father always picked our names. I know my middle name, Jane, was his sister’s middle name & he always told me I was given that because of how much he thought of her (Emma Jane Crooks Whitacre).” Kathy, did you know that? I didn’t remember…. So Millie really does have a ‘family’ name!

On this day in 1845 the US Naval Academy opened at Annapolis, and in 1871 the great Chicago fire was finally extinguished: 3 days, 300 dead, 100,000 homeless, $222 million in damages. In 1953 Winky Dink and You debuted on CBS TV as the first interactive TV show. The home audience would draw on their TV screen using a “magic drawing screen,” which was a piece of vinyl plastic that stuck to the television screen via static electricity. So if Winky Dink needed help crossing a river, children at home could draw him a bridge on the TV screen.  I remember wanting a kit SO BAD! I think we used Saran Wrap and our own crayons but it wasn’t the same. Tanya Tucker (singer) was born in 1958, and Nora Roberts (novelist) in 1950. Orson Welles (actor/director) died in 1985 at age 70, and in 2004 Christopher Reeve, actor (Superman), died at age 52 from an adverse reaction from an antibiotic. Paul Revere married Rachel Walker in 1773 in Boston, and Elizabeth Taylor married Richard Burton AGAIN (her 6th marriage) in 1975.

TOMORROW October 11 is:

• International Day of the Girl Child
• National Sausage Pizza Day
• National Coming Out Day
• General Pulaski Memorial Day
• National Online Bank Day
• National Kick Butt Day
• Native American Day
• Columbus Day

I’m glad Columbus (???) discovered America. Otherwise, where would I be living? I’m looking forward to this week – only two official commitments (besides work) on my calendar, plus Bible study, and possibly a pop-in at my sisters! It’s a light week! God bless…

It may have been cloudy with rain outside, but inside the Steele House at Historic Hanna’s Town it was fun, sunny, and bright. At 9:30am a small group of volunteer ladies gathered in the kitchen to prepare and plate food that would be served at the Annual Fall Tea.

We prepped what we could ahead of time, but so much needed to wait until the last minute. The first sitting was at 11:30am and we had 24 ladies attending. Lillian, the head tea-master (or maybe the Queen Tea?), explained the protocol for a Victorian tea, and also talked about the upcoming programs at the site.

It was a scramble to gather up everything from the first group, completely clean and reset the tables, and be ready to serve the second group at 2:00pm. Again, 24 people were served, but this group included one gentleman, as well.

The ‘scullery crew’ – kitchen food prep and clean up – worked in shifts throughout the day, from 9:15am until the last of us left about 4:30pm. We had a great time together, and the conversation ran as strong and as long as the tea. The ‘newbies’ mixed with the veteran volunteers and by the end of each shift we were all friends, new and old. And the bonus? We got to munch on the excess food that wasn’t needed for the plating. My favorite, as always, is Lisa’s pound cake. That being said, everything was wonderful.

I’m blessed to be part of this group, and spent a wonderful day sharing time and chores and friendships. Already looking forward to the next time, which will hopefully be in the spring! Keep watching the website (www.westmorelandhistory.org) for updates and program schedules.

This was only the first crew – we got really busy and I didn’t have time to take photos. When I wasn’t making sandwiches or plating food, I was up to my elbows – literally! – in soapy dishwater! This was Kath’s first Tea, and she did a great job and had a ‘wonderful day’ (quote from Kath!).

Memory book – September 3: What do you remember about your first day of school? “I visited school so often when I was 5 years old that Miss Mary Marshall told Dad if I got vaccinated she would let me be with the first grade class. I learned to enjoy school that year. I don’t even remember my “First” day of “Real” school.” Isn’t it great to hear of a young girl who absolutely loved school and learning? Such a blessing!

On this day in 1781 Americans under George Washington and the French under comte de Rochambeau begin bombardment of Yorktown, the last battle of American Revolutionary War. In 1934 was the first running of the Rolling Rock Steeplechase races. In 1888 the Washington Monument opened to the public. John Lennon was born in 1940. John D Rockefeller Jr married Abby Aldrich in 1901 (They were huge contributors to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation). Elvis & Priscilla Presley divorced in 1973.

TOMORROW October  10th is:

• National Walk to a Park Day *
• National Angel Food Cake Day
• National Cake Decorating Day
• National Handbag Day
• National Metric Day
• World Mental Health Day
• Clergy Appreciation Day

Please take time to let your minister(s) know how much you appreciate them. They are unsung heroes! I will say that I pray for Mike Hazelton (& family) and Kyle Drown (& family) and wish them God’s speed each day in their walk with the Lord on their journeys. God bless…

Kelly & I were up and out the door a little before 9am. The boys were still sleeping as they were up very late playing video games. We parked at our friend Trent Perry’s house a few blocks off the Diamond, then walked down town. We went in a few antique stores, explored some craft booths, and checked out the food vendors.

I saw my friends Barry and Bruce’s niece Brandi, and got to ask about their baby Levi. It was good to see her! Then we stopped a few minutes to talk to Stoney’s niece Debbie – she had her daughters Heather and Christine with her. Haven’t seen her for several years. We found a pet rock for Logan, and took a quick break on the butterfly bench.

We loved seeing the houses decorated for fall. Ligonier is such a quaint, appealing little town. We tasted a few dips and decided on the loaded baked potato one, then came home and made it. We also got a bag of Snails from the Pie Shoppe. Yum!

We had fresh cut French fries for lunch, with melted cheese. Once we got home, we made the cinnamon rolls so Kelly could take them to Peyton tomorrow. The boys wanted pizza so we ordered that and I drove over to Carbon to pick it up. Now the boys are playing games, Kelly is working on school projects, and I’m typing! It was a fun, sunny, enjoyable day! A great blessing!

From the memory book – March 8th: When on car trips, did you play car games? We didn’t go very often on car “trips.” With 8 in the small old Pontiac we just talked. I got motion sickness so it was no fun going very far. Greensburg or New Kensington were as far as we traveled. We did count cows & when we passed a cemetery we had to “bury” them & start over.” We used to play that, too. Oh, what kids miss today!

On this day in 1945 the microwave oven was patented by Percy Spencer. In 1971 “Imagine” by John Lennon was released, and in 1998 President Bill Clinton’s impeachment trail began. Chevy Chase was born in 1943; John Hancock – first to sign the Declaration of Independence – died at age 56 in 1793, and Franklin Pierce, 14th President, died in 1869 at age 64.

TOMORROW October 9th is:

• National Leif Erikson Day
• National Pro-Life Cupcake Day
• National Moldy Cheese Day
• PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day
• National Chess Day
• National Costume Swap Day
• National Motorcycle Ride Day
• I Love Yarn Day

Kelly just finished a yarn project, so she’s a day early for that. Tomorrow is the Tea at Hanna’s Town and I’ll be there (scullery!) all day! God bless…

This will be a short, almost uninteresting post! I took an early walk, worked at both stores, stopped and grabbed a few groceries, then came home and cleaned the house. Washed a load of towels, removed a drop of purple paint from the siding above the garage door (undetected until this afternoon!), made two batches of potato soup (first one bombed), and mixed cinnamon roll dough to make tomorrow. Picked up a prescription at Walgreens, and now I’m waiting for Kelly, Logan and Chase. I’m done for the day! Hopefully I will have something more interesting to share tomorrow, having my family here!

Memory book – June 13th: If you were ever in a parade, tell about it. “When we had the horse & buggy we drove in a parade down main street. When Dusty, the horse got upset when the band got too loud in front of us your Dad jumped out and grabbed the halter & I pulled back on the lines so hard my hands had blisters. We turned off at the first side street. Very frightening experience.”

On this day in 1959 Pillow Talk (old favorite!) was released; in 1960 the TV series Route 66 premiered. In 2003 Arnold Schwarzenegger became governor of California. June Allyson (actress – I loved her voice!) was born in 1917. Edgar Allen Poe died mysteriously in Baltimore in 1849 at age 40. George Mason (Susan had a crush on him!! Really????) – an American statesman – died in 1792 at age 66.

TOMORROW October 8th is:

• International Off-Road Day *
• National Fluffernutter Day
• National Hero Day
• National Pierogi Day
• American Touch Tag Day

Tomorrow is Ft Ligonier Days – Kelly & I plan to go in the morning for a little while. I’ll just be glad to spend time with them! God bless…

Early rising this morning. A little after 5am! But it gave me time to shower, eat breakfast, organize my backpack, and meet Teresa at the appointed time. We were leaving Greensburg right at 7am. It was a bit foggy, and it looked like the bridge to nowhere in the early morning.

I haven’t been to the zoo since Logan (14 1/2) was in a stroller! It was a beautiful morning for a walk, and was not at all crowded. The Zoo Walk is sponsored by UPMC for Life, which Teresa and I both subscribe to. We walked around looking at the animals, and most of them were out. We did not see the polar bears or the antelope, but saw enough of the other animals to make it a fun day. The entrance was a huge archway, and right inside that was a tunnel with hanging wisteria. Very beautiful – and purple!

Going in first thing, there were Asian figures that were colorful and enticing. One was a list of all the sign, like the year of the horse (Teresa) and the year of the tiger (me). Teresa took some of the pictures, so when she gets them to me I’ll post them, as well.

Most of the animals seemed to enjoy being the spotlight. Teresa had a roaring contest with the lion, but since I can’t transfer a video here I can’t share it. Not sure which of them won! Below are photos of some animals.

We stopped just around noon and had a snack in front of the sea lions. The most exciting thing that happened there was that a bee landed in her ranch dressing and couldn’t get out of the container. She lifted it out with a twig and dripped a little water on the bee from her water bottle to wash it off. I believe we left it dazed and confused.

After we left the zoo, we stopped in at two antique stores and looked around. I bought a small, pewter leaf dish. I was home before 4pm, cut the grass and weed whacked. Plenty of time to post before the Angels Bible study tonight.

Memory book – 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.” Mom ALWAYS wanted to travel and see places!

On this day in 1889 Thomas Edison showed his first motion picture, and in 1962 Dr. No, first James Bond movie, made a world premiere in London. Jenny Lind, Swedish Nightingale, was born in 1820. Alfred Tennyson, poet, died in 1892 at age 83, and Bette Davis, actress, died in 1989 at age 81. Faith Hill married Tim McGraw in 1996, and my cousin Deb married her husband Jim Gregg 33 years ago today! Happy anniversary! Here’s wishing you many more!

• National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day
• National LED Light Day
• National Frappe Day
• National Inner Beauty Day
• National Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day

I love chocolate covered pretzels! I just had some on Sunday. Not a frappe fan, however. Looking SO forward to my daughter and 2 younger grandsons coming tomorrow evening. Have a great day! God bless…

It was a bright, beautiful day, all day! Early walk, worked both stores and helped out both Mikes. Still looking through old photos, but this time for pictures of Christmas Past for a church project. I took the Pack N Play over to Kathy, and played with Millie for a few minutes. She is getting so smart and talks up a storm. I asked her where she learned to talk, and she said, “Grandfather!” (Meaning Paul…)

So Kelly sent me pictures of Peyton’s newest adventure. Fluffy. They pick the strangest names for their animals. He (Peyton) had been busy installing a fence around the bottom yard, getting ready. Fluffy is a 4-H project for next September’s local fair. Too big for me! I barely manage dogs! Good luck Peyton! You amaze me!

Nate was painting, and I noticed that there are violets blooming in my yard. They are supposed to be a spring flower. Someone’s confused. But at least they are the right color! Things are looking good with the new purple trim. Not so with the 4 inch mushroom in the middle of the front yard! It doesn’t match anything.

Memory – March 28th: Tell about an experience at the doctor’s or dentist’s. “When very young I had swollen glads (glands!). Dad took me to see Dr. Smith, in Plumville. Dr. Smith said they were at the place where they either got better or he would lance them. He said I was on the fence & could go either way. I came home & told everyone I was going to fall off the fence :)”

On this day in 1947 Harry Truman (33rd president) made the first presidential address to be televised from the While House. In 1962 the Beatles released ‘Love me Do/P.S. I love you’. In 1989 Jim Bakker was convicted of fraud, and in 2005 TWILIGHT novel published. Bil Keane (Family Circus) was born in 1922; Ray Kroc (founded McDonald’s Empire) in 1902, and Chester A Arthur (21st President) in 1829. President Arthur had the distinct honor to have a dog named after him. Kathy & Paul named their dog Chester. What an honor! Mario Lemieux – Pittsburgh Pen’s owner – born in 1965, and Kate Winslet (The Holiday) in 1975.

TOMORROW October 6 is:

• National Coaches Day
• National Orange Wine Day
• National Plus Size Appreciation Day
• National Mad Hatter Day
• National German-American Day
• National Noodle Day
• National Walk to School Day
• National Pumpkin Seed Day
• National Coffee with a Cop Day 

Mom was always willing to celebrate Noodle Day! She loved noodles! Tomorrow Teresa and I are going to the Zoo to do their Zoo walk. I’m excited to go. Have a happy hump day! God bless…

I was up a little early this morning – got ready, had breakfast, and left for Latrobe. I was still looking for Kelly’s mugs, but no local Walmart has any left. Bummer. I did find a cute little black pumpkin for my kitchen.

From there I drove over to Janet & Kyle’s house, and together we got started on packing up her kitchen. You never realize how much ‘stuff’ you have until you start emptying cupboards and drawers! We spent all day packing boxes, until we ran out of bubble wrap and almost ran out of tape. We ate a quick lunch, did a quick video tour of their new house in Iowa, then ran up to Walmart for supplies. We just finished the last box for the kitchen when we had to quit – time for Janet to pick up the kids from school. We worked steadily all day and can call it a job well done. I headed home, got a shower, started laundry, and now am posting this. Next thing is to grab dinner.

I heard this quote yesterday and it really resonated with me: You can never heal your heart by going back to what broke it. Think about that…

Quote from the memory book: March 25th – Did you ever need stitches? “I should have had my lower lip stiched when I fell from the hay loft & hit the barn floor on my face. My lower teeth cut clear through my lip. Stitches, back then, were for ‘serious injury’s’.”

I’m listening to Micah from Old Mahoning and he just made a statement that I hadn’t focused on before. We are excited about the Good News of the Gospel. but it wouldn’t be good news if there wasn’t bad news: Sin! Think about that, too… And he also quoted one of my favorite verses: I Corinthians 2:9. Look it up!

On this day in 1777 General George Washington’s troops were defeated by the British at Germantown PA; the carving of Mount Rushmore began in 1927. In 1957 Leave it to Beaver debuted, and Dennis the Menace in 1959. In 1976 Barbara Walters became the first woman co-anchor of a TV Evening News program. 90210 premiered in 1990, and ‘Breathe’ was released by Faith Hill in 1999. Rutherford B Hayes – 19th president – was born in 1822; Charlton Heston (actor – The Ten Commandments) in 1923, and author Anne Rice in 1941. Janis Joplin died at age 27 of a drug overdose in 1970, and Rembrandt (Dutch painter) in 1669 at age 63. The racehorse Secretariat died at age 19 in 1989.

Today is also the day that Snoopy first appeared in a comic strip.

TOMORROW October 5 is:

• National Get Funky Day
• National Rhode Island Day
• National Do Something Nice Day
• National Apple Betty Day
• National Eat Fruit At Work Day 

I encourage you to DO SOMETHING NICE tomorrow. Hold yourself accountable to make it a habit!
BTW: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

I love my new chair. Sigh….

Also loved teaching the SS class about Esther. Part one of five. They were good listeners this morning.

After church I drove straight up to Dilltown, specifically the Dillweed Bed and Breakfast. I kept seeing posts on facebook about the trail shop and the fall decorations and felt it would be a nice refresher. I purchased a few fall (and a few generic) coasters, and finally got a necklace made from an old typewriter key. It says ‘Margin Release’. My margins definitely need released. And having the old typewriter helped me decide.

I took a walk going west for a mile all around, then came back and did the same going east. I seemed to be drawn to the water. Roger always loved sitting near the water, but I’m not a sitter! I take pictures, enjoy, and keep moving! Found a nice fall display by a driveway, a pretty leave on the trail, and a wooly worm that predicts the winter (actually saw about 5 of them!). Problem is I don’t know how to read the prediction!

I got back to the Trail Shop and bought a chicken salad sandwich; went across the road and sat in the pavilion to eat it. Very delicious. Left there about 3pm and drove home. Made stops at 3 different Walmart stores and still didn’t find the mugs that Kelly was looking for. But now I’m listening to a movie that I watched last night and really enjoyed – very different for a Hallmark movie: Love Strikes Twice. I recommend it!

Even though it was cloudy, I got two quick photos going down the mountain on the trip home. I may need to go back on a sunny day.

I wanted to post a photo of the tiny bowl and pitcher that Beth gave me. It’s white with purple flowers and sits on the new cupboard beside the candle-light. Perfect spot for a perfect gift from a perfect friend-zin (cousin-friend).

Memory book: March 1st. Tell about being in a school play or program. “Our cousin Dora Burns was the music teacher & put on spring plays. I sang in the chorus. I still remember some of the songs when I hear them today. Mostly patriotic songs since we were at war at that time of my life.”

On this day in 1789 George Washington declared November 26th as a day of general thanksgiving. It was the first US National Holiday. In 1849 Edgar Allen Poe was found delirious in a gutter in Maryland, and in 1863 Abraham Lincoln designated the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. In 1913 Federal Income Tax was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson, and in 1945 Elvis made his first public appearance at age 10. In 1952 Ozzie & Harriet premiered, which (of course) starred Ricky Nelson. Heart Throb!!! In 1955 the Mickey Mouse Club & Captain Kangaroo both premiered, and in 1960 the Andy Griffith Show debuted. In 1961 both the Dick Van Dyke Show and Mr. Ed (Bud’s favorite show!) premiered. In 1995 OJ Simpson was found Not Guilty… Chubby Checker was born in 1941, James Harriot (All Creatures Great and Small) in 1916, and Gwen Stefani-Sheldon in 1969. St. Francis of Assisi died at age 44 in 1226, and Myles Standish (Plymouth Colony leader) at 72 in 1656. Barack & Michelle Obama married in 1992. My friend Ginny Buzzard has a birthday today (I don’t have a picture of her! How can that even HAPPEN???), and my dear New York friend Gen married her high-school sweetheart Zane Morris on this date. Happy birthday, Ginny, and I’m thinking of you, Gen, on this special day of wonderful memories! Love both of you ladies!

TOMORROW October 4th is:

• National Cinnamon Bun Day
• National Taco Day
• National Golf Lover’s Day
• National Vodka Day
• National Consignment Day
• National Child Health Day 

Tomorrow I am helping Janet and Kyle pack up their kitchen for the Iowa move. I’m ready! I’m so used to packing and unpacking stuff it’ll be a breeze…. Have a cinnamon bun, a taco (at Bull River Taco, of course!!), but no Vodka! Try a Diet Pepsi… God bless!

It felt so good snuggled under the covers, since it was chilly in the house. First really cool night, and I didn’t want to get up. Of course I did, and bustled around changing and washing the sheets, switching out the summer comforter for the winter one, and putting the pillow shams back on the bed. Took a long walk, (see photo) and was just getting in the door when Kath called and said they were going to the Arts & Heritage Festival at Twin Lakes earlier than planned. I made a quick change and was ready when they picked me up.

Usually the festival is the first weekend of July and lasts 4 days; but that hasn’t happened the last 2 years. This year it was for one shortened day, and there were only a handful of venders. It barely took us an hour to browse, and there weren’t a lot of exciting food choices, so we stopped at Eat n Park for a quick lunch.

I sorted a few more pictures (not the dreaded albums!), hung the star on the shed (previously on the front porch). It shows up so much better on the shed. Pulled some weeds, swept the walks and the steps, and folded a load of laundry. Now I’ll recap our Skunk Hollow adventure at Beth’s – bonfire!

It was nice to get an early start – we had a good amount of daylight to chat, build the fire (Thanks, Harold!), roast hot dogs and Mountain Pies and S’mores, and of course have our traditional shared essay. It was still light enough to see my papers without a flashlight. The conversation ranged from COVID, to cows, to kids, to jobs, to family, to COVID, to food, to Hallmark movies, to COVID…. And retirement. Don’t forget retirement, or lack thereof! At the end of the evening Harold lined us all up on the little porch and took a group picture. Holly was the only one missing, and indeed we did miss her! We’re already planning the Christmas event, at Colleen’s farm, and it’s like a storybook home at the holidays. A wonderful Christmas event to look forward to!

Memory book – August 1st: If you were to return to your youth, what would you do differently? “I would like to learn more things that a woman needs to know to be a better mother & wife. Education is very important.” Mom was excellent at both! She could (and DID) teach us! Kathy learned better than I did. I was pretty stubborn!

On this day in 1871 Mormon leader Brigham Young was arrested for bigamy; in 1895 the first cartoon strip was printed in a newspaper (Hint: It wasn’t Peanuts!). In 1902 Beatrix Potter’s ‘Tale of Peter Rabbit’ was published, and in 1950 (here it is!!!) the first Charlie Brown strip, Li’l Folks, (Later PEANUTS) was published in seven newspapers. In 1953 Victor Borge’s Comedy in Music premiered (Dad loved Victor Borge and would laugh and laugh at it!); in 1959 the Twilight Zone premiered, and in 1894 Papa John’s Pizza was founded – because the 4th largest pizza delivery in the US. Spanky McFarland, Our Gang, was born in 1928. Samuel Adams died at age 81 in 1803; Rock Hudson (Pillow Talk – loved that movie!) died from Aids in 1985 at age 59, and Gene Autry died in 1998 at age 91.

TOMORROW October 3 is:

• National Techies Day
• National Boyfriend Day
• National GOE Day

Tomorrow we are starting a new 4 part lesson for our kindergarten Sunday School: Esther! I love teaching Esther! You are welcome to crash our class! God bless…

First thing, I want to share the review for Liz’s current book, to be released on October 12th. It’s a great book, and a terrific ending to the four-book series. So, here’s the review:

The House that Christmas Made ties together the lives of four neighbors – women who share a common thread but do not even realize how deep that thread weaves through their lives.  Each has a heartache, and maybe a secret, and definitely a past that hurts, confuses, and even frightens them.  But as these threads begin to untangle, they realize that nothing is all bad.  They each have something to offer, and Christmas offers something that strengthens them and helps them to believe in themselves and each other. Quinn and daughter Vivi, making their way to a stronger relationship.  Jude, facing her past and using it as a foundation for her future.  Annette, realizing that she is more capable than she realized.  And Beverly, finally seeing that despite her mourning, comfort is on the horizon.  I loved seeing each of them grow throughout the story, with the help of Shamaine and Elora, plus exactly perfect gifts that begin to heal each heart.  Friends like these are what we all aspire to have!  It’s a ‘must’ for your library – but start at the beginning (The House on Apple Hill Lane) and read them all.  You’ll fall in love with Harbor Hill for sure.

And speaking of Liz, we got a message yesterday that her father had a stroke. He’s doing well, but struggling with speech right now. She asked if anyone would be interested in sending him a card. He’ll be very limited in activities for a while. So I prepared a card and am sending a Tazz story for him to read. He HAS to be a reader if his daughter is a famous author!!!

Memory book: October 25th – What hobbies or collections did you have as a youth? “I loved pretty hankerchiefs. I still do & have several I have had over 60 years. They are ones I received from friends.” I think Kath and I have a few of those now. It’s amazing to think she treasured those and kept them so many years!

If you remember from August, I purchased a new purple desk chair – ordered it from Staples. Well, this morning I got tired of the wheels sticking and the chair not moving, and of sliding off the seat. I knew it was over 30 days, but I called the store and their manager, Josh, agreed to swap me out. I could not get another purple chair, but I’ve only been sitting in this black one for five minutes and already I am comfortable and more at home. Big thanks to Josh and the store for being accommodating. Turns out that Josh and Matt have known each other for 16 years and are good friends! I found that out when he kindly helped take the new chair to my car. All that ‘niceness’ and he didn’t even know I was Matt’s Mom-in-law! I’m very happy with the chair and the experience!

On this day in 1868 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was published, and in 1880 John Philip Sousa became the director of the US Marine Corp Band. In 1908 Henry Ford introduced the Model T Ford; Playboy Magazine was founded by Hugh Heffner in 1953, with Marilyn Monroe as the first cover. And in 1962 Johnny Carson hosted his first Tonight Show; The Night of the Living Dead premiered in Pittsburgh, and in 1986 “Love You Forever” children’s book was published. In 1961 CBN – first Christian TV Network, went on the air. Jimmy Carter, 39th president, was born in 1924; Walter Matthau (Cactus Flower – a favorite of mine!) in 1920. Bonnie Parker (Bonnie & Clyde) in 1910, and Julie Andrews in 1935. E B White (Charlotte’s Web) died in 1985 at age 86.

Tomorrow October 2 is:

• National Produce Misting Day
• National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day
• National Name Your Car Day
• National Fried Scallops Day

Tonight is the Skunk Hollow bonfire at Beth’s – so I’ll post about that tomorrow. In the meantime, have a great day and a happy weekend! God bless…