September 30, 2021

Took a refreshing walk this morning and was glad to be outside for a while. It was cool and sunny. After work I stopped and got my hair trimmed. I wanted to have Dianne do it again, but she is having eyelid surgery and will be out of commission for a bit. So I just got a little trimmed off, and will go back to Dianne for the holiday cut! Stopped at the post office to mail Byron’s packet of photos and buy stamps, then got gas in the car. Then after a bowl of soup I cut the grass. Also trimmed my toenails and changed the paint color. I like them but I think I liked the blue better.

A little shorter — I hate selfies!
Pink toenails – another selfie!

I had one box of photos that I forgot about – not a big one – so I got that sorted out and all the photos put away for now. Then I got the purple paint out and did the drain vents up front, then the large star for on my porch, and the small wagon I brought back from Mom’s. The wagon may need another coat but no more painting until the shutters and doors are finished.

Drain vents
Wagon and star
Star and wagon- better lighting

Memory page October 9th: What was your most prized possession as a child? “My little “Bank” that looked like a dome trunk. It had a key that would open a small door so we could shake the dimes, pennies & nickles out & count how much we had saved.”

On this day in 1951 The Red Skelton Show premiered, and would run for 20 years (We LOVED that show!!). The last episode of the Howdy Doody Show aired in 1960, when the otherwise mute Clarabell said, “Goodbye, Kids”. Also in `1960 the Flintstones premiered. In 1961 the bill for the Boston Tea Party was paid by an Oregon mayor – $196.00, the cost of the tea. The New American Bible was published in 1970; Cheers debuted in 1982, and Murder She Wrote in 1984. Edith Roosevelt (First Lady) died at age 87 in 1948; James Dean died in a car crash at age 24 in 1955; and Edgar Bergen (Ventriloquist for Mortimer Snerd) died in 1978 at age 75. My step-granddaughter Angela Steele has a birthday today. Happy birthday, Angela! Hope you had a wonderful day!

The Red Skelton Show
Red Skelton
Howdy Doody Final Episode
Howdy Doody – Clarabell
The Flintstones
Fred and Wilma, Barney and Betty
Bergen with dummy Charlie McCarthy
We really liked Mortimer – especially Dad!
May be an image of 3 people
Angela and her son Alex

TOMORROW October 1st is:

Tomorrow is our Skunk Hollow bonfire at Beth’s. It’s also the day I have to change out the Snoopy calendar. As for National Hair Day, I guess I was a day early! Have a great weekend – God Bless!

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September 28, 2021

I decided to forgo the walk this morning as it would have been in the cold rain. And since I was awake several times in the night from the storm I decided to spend the extra half hour in bed, reading my devotion and scripture and a chapter in Liz’s book. Second read-through and better the second time!

After work I collected groceries, then came home to txts, messages, and phone calls. I was just about done in, and it was only 1pm! I responded appropriately where I could, but mostly I’m waiting on call backs. So to distract myself I made a big pot of stuffed pepper soup, a dozen chocolate chip muffins, and a batch of scones to bake in the morning.

After all the kitchen duty I lugged the last 3 boxes of photos up to the house from the shed. That was a mistake. I got through the first box ok, but the second was older albums, from the 1980’s. The pictures in there were from when Mom & John were dating and first married. Two books of honeymoon photos, and several more of the them getting to know each others’ families. It did me in. I had to quit. Today was by far the hardest day since this all started in May.

So I’m going to post from Mom’s book, sign off, and get back to business as normal tomorrow. May 29: Tell of the closest friend you had during your childhood. “I was best friends with Ruth Sink (Martin) from the day I was born.”

Mom & Ruth a few years ago – Mom & Ruth in their teens!
Beautiful ladies

God bless…

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September 27, 2021

It feels like so long since I’ve taken a nice morning walk – but I did today. Cool and sunny, and it felt refreshing.

Work was not super busy, so I was home in good time. Nate was painting the trim on the shed, then taped up the shutters and started the first coat. I sat on the deck in the sun and went through a bunch more boxes of photos. So many duplicates! It’s sad that there is no one to share them with. I had piles for 3 Skunk Hollow families, my cousin Deb, Byron, Kath, and then me. Plus the really old photos. Found this cute picture of Nate playing the drums. Priceless!

Little drummer boy

As promised, here are a few photos from the other events of the weekend. First, Autmn’s first Steeler game. I know they lost, but the three of them still had a great time! There’s something about that first game at the stadium…

First Steeler game
Autmn and Josie
Autmn and Josie with Daddy Kevin
Steeler girls!

Mary sent me the photos from Friday. The presentation went really well, and those that attended had a great time. They were very interested in the details, and asked some interesting questions. Seemed that everyone enjoyed looking at the books and letters and photos. I even sold a book – Gery said he would read it then donate it to the Senior library! Double win! I think we all had a really nice hour.

Me, the speaker – ready to begin
Interested in everything…
Including M&Ms….
Buy the book! Thank you! (Dan Rice)
Mary Cole-Crouch’s homestead growing up
Copies of the letters

A quote from the book: April 2nd. Tell about a practical joke or prank someone played on you. “Uncle Edd had a wooden snake. He would hide it where he knew I would see it & think it was a real snake. I would always yell & sometimes throw the snake as far as I could when I knew it wasn’t a real snake.”

On this day in 1779 John Adams negotiated Revolutionary war peace terms with Great Britain. In 1908 Henry Ford’s first model T left the plant in Detroit. In 1954 The Tonight Show premiered with Steve Allen as host. Samuel Adams (Boston Tea Party) born in 1772, and actress Gwyneth Paltro was born in 1972. Hugh Hefner (Playboy) died at age 91 in 2017, and Donald O’Conner (Singin’ in the Rain) in 2003 at age 78.

2nd US President John Adams
John Adams
The 1910 Model T Ford
Henry Ford’s first Model T
US Revolutionary Samuel Adams
Samuel Adams
1,142 Singing In The Rain Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty  Images
Singin’ in the Rain – Donald is on the far right.

TOMORROW September 28 is:

Make tomorrow a terrific Tuesday! Be a blessing to someone. God bless!

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September 26, 2021

I was determined to post early in the day – but best laid plans! After church and Sunday school, I came home and cut the grass. Then I got drawn in to the pile of boxes full of photos that I was too lazy to cart down to the shed in the dark last night. There were 5 larger boxes and 3 smaller ones. I only have 2 of the larger ones and one small one left to go through. It was a labor of love! Like taking a walk back in time. I found a whole box of really old photos and that was the most fun!

Left: Me in Grama Crooks’ front yard
Right: Kath(front) and the big baby doll!

Two items will wait until later in the week. First, the event at the Senior Center. It went well, and Mary took some photos, but I’ll save that. I will also save photos that Autmn sent me from the Steeler game Sunday – it was her first time to go to a game! That will also wait.

Image result for first steeler game sign
…yet to come.

That being said, Kath and I left at 3:30pm Friday and headed north. We hit traffic right before our exit and it delayed us about 20 minutes. But we had arranged to meet Colleen and Gwen (Skunk Hollow cousins) at our motel (they stayed there, too!) and go to dinner. We went to Valenza Italian restaurant in Albion and it was very good, but the company and conversation were better!

See the source image
Green Roof Inn – Girard PA
See the source image
Supper!
Colleen & Gwen sharing the evening

We went right back to the motel and got ready for bed after dinner. It had been a long day for both of us, and we had a 5am wakeup Saturday. I dislike getting up that early, and made the comment that I honestly don’t remember the last time I was in the car driving before 6am. We stopped at McDonalds (only option!) to grab a breakfast sandwich and a hot tea, then arrived at the farm at 6:45am. The sunrise was beautiful, and of course we both thought of Mom’s favorite verse: This is the day that that Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. We asked God’s blessing on the day, that we could all work together well, have fun, and maybe even make some money. Not to mention clean out the house!

Sunrise before 7am

Barb and Whitey got there right after we did, then Pam and Keith and Dick and Bobbie. Colleen and Gwen arrived before 7:30am (we told them to come early if they wanted), and right behind them were several car loads of customers. The day started off strong, and although there were a few quieter moments, we were busy all day.

Byron and Dick figuring things out
Keith, Byron, Bobbie, Barb, Dick (front) and Whitey
Bobbie (taking a rest) and Barb
Whitey and Dick watching the action
SOLD! We KNEW it would happen…. Poor Barb….

Most people were OK with the prices, but some did make offers. I was surprised at what went first; things that I would have chosen last. We all were walking around the house, all three floors, checking things out again. Kathy took a break from being the money changer and looked for a few things for her kids. I grabbed a few kitchen gadgets for Kelly and a book for Autmn, and an old, empty radio for myself. I had my eye on two things but decided I’d wait til the end. If they didn’t sell, I’d grab them. OF COURSE THEY SOLD – very last thing! I have no idea where I would have put them, anyway. I carried the radio around for 15 minutes before finding a place.

Radio

The best things about the day were A) spending time with family, laughing and sharing and eating pizza for lunch, and B) meeting people that knew Mom and John, and they all shared stories and memories with us. Often we’d sell an item and share the story behind it. The lady who bought Mom’s sewing machine LOVED it, and was totally thrilled – and also loved the story about my buying it for Mom when first I started working. It was my first major purchase. Two ladies came right at 4pm when we were about to shut things down, but we let them in. Kath and I stayed and locked up after everyone was gone. I will REALLY miss seeing these guys every week. As we headed down Route I-79, Kath snapped a picture of the sunset. It was indeed a blessed, fun, and fulfilling day. God is good, all the time!

Pink and purple sunset

Memory book: August 20th. Did you ever make a purchase that you later regretted? “Nothing “big”. I bought a lot of small items like irons, food processor, stationery bike, etc. Always think before you buy any large, expensive item.” Great advise MOM!! Anyone reading this should share her words of wisdom! And take them to heart.

On this day in 1789 Thomas Jefferson was appointed 1st US Secretary of State. In 1962 The Beverly Hillbillies premiered; in 1964 Gilligan’s Island debuted, and in 1969 the Brady Bunch premiered. St. Francis of Assisi was born in 1181; Johnny Appleseed in 1774; Donna Douglas (Elly May Clampett) in 1932; Lynn Anderson, country music artist, in 1947; Olivia Newton John (singer/actress) in 1948; and Melissa Sue Anderson (Mary Ingalls) in 1964. Daniel Boone (frontiersman) died in 1820 at age 85, and Paul Newman (actor) in 1983 at 83. And a special, happy birthday to my church friend Gayle Zagar. Sending you warm wishes for a lovely day!!! God bless.

May be an image of 3 people and people smiling
Gayle is in the middle
The Beverly Hillbillies
Gilligan's Island
The Brady Bunch
Johnny Appleseed
John Chapman – Johnny Appleseed

TOMORROW September 27 is:

I think my family day was Friday – and it was lovely. I’ll take tomorrow as it comes. God bless…

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September 23, 2021

Before I forget, I will not have a post the next several evenings. I’ll catch up Sunday – at least, that’s the plan!

Image result for Calendar Page for September 26, 2021. Size: 193 x 204. Source: www.dreamstime.com
Projected posting date!

It was very cool and drizzly this morning – and I had a full day. The sky was very dramatic, and I loved it! I will say, however, that while I was standing on my deck taking the picture, the neighbor below me had his dog out in the yard. He probably thought I was taking his picture – NOT!!

Early morning sky

After a short morning at work, I ran some errands. Got most of what I needed but forgot makeup. Autmn and I stopped at Walmart on my way to drop her at home and got that. But when I finally got home from work (earlier) I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies – in honor and memory of Mom – Dick and Whitey kept telling me it was sacrilege to BUY chocolate chip cookies. So this was my last hurrah.

Cookies for the gang

Then Autmn got here about 4pm, and after a quick bowl of rice and chicken, she mixed up the scones. Her friend is having a birthday tea party tomorrow and she offered to make the scones. I’ll bake them in the morning and drop them off on my way to Jeannette. I’m speaking about Letters to Mary at my friend’s senior activity center. She’s the director of activities there.

In the fridge overnight – then bake in the morning

March 23: Which chore did you dislike the most? “I pretended I hated washing the dishes but I really didn’t. I didn’t like to gather the eggs as sometimes a mean hen or rooster would chase me & peck my bare feet & legs.” I agree, Mom! I would never have made a farm girl!

On this day in 1779 John Paul Jones became the first US Naval Hero: “I have not yet begun to fight”. 1846 – The planet Neptune was discovered. In 1962 the Jetson’s – first color TV series – premiered; in 1986 the rose was voted the official US Flower. Ray Charles was born in 1930, Bruce Springsteen in 1949, and Mickey Rooney in 1920. And my friend (Ron’s sister-in-law) Cheryl Shafer is celebrating tomorrow, but since I’m not posting tomorrow I wanted to wish her a happy birthday today!

The Jetsons
First color TV series
Size comparison of Earth and Neptune
Happy tomorrow birthday, Cheryl!

TOMORROW September 24 is:

I’m looking forward to the workshop tomorrow, and the trip to Albion with Kath, and seeing Colleen and Gwen! We’re staying at the same motel! Then the household sale is Saturday. If you are in the area, stop by. Something for everyone! God bless…

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September 22, 2021

Fall is officially here. The day was cool, then bright and sunny, then rainy and very windy. There was a tornado warning in Butler County. I got soaked going into Bible Study – the umbrella blew inside out.

From the Wizard of OZ

We are studying angels, and it’s very interesting to find the references in scripture and also about how they apply to our lives. I’m enjoying the study very much. Do you know how hard it is to find a stock photo of a male angel without wings? Try it…

I changed my mind about having purple lights with leaf garlands on the couch. I switched out for orange lights, added a fall pillow, and I feel it is much better. What’s your vote?

Purple lights and garland
Orange lights and fall pillow

Got a message from my step-niece Pam – her daughter Ashley had a baby girl Saturday – Sophia is beautiful! I’m so blessed to be part of the family and to have gotten photos!

Sophia cuddled and comfy
No description available.
Sophia with Grama Pam

Also got a txt from my friend who is adopting a puppy. She can pick it up October 8th. She’s very excited – and with good reason. CUTEST PUPPY EVER!

Jo Jo

The NEXT PAGE (March 22) – Describe some outside chores. “Mowing the yard. Painted our fence that went all around the garden and yard. I think we (Hazel, Jim & Myself) had more paint on us than the fence did. Milked a cow. Fed the chickens & gathered the eggs. Helped weed the garden.” Sounds like Mom grew up learning how to be a working part of a working family!

On this day in 1776 Nathan Hale was hanged as a spy: I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. In 1976 Charlie’s Angels debuted – Kelly was named after that show. The three ‘angels’ were Kelly, Jill, and Sabrina. Kelly’s full name is Kelly Sabrina. In 1982 Family Ties premiered (I REALLY like Michael J Fox!); in 1994 Friends premiered, and in 1997 ‘Candle in the Wind’ by Elton John was released as a tribute to Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales. Irving Berlin (White Christmas) died in 1987 at 101 and George C Scott (actor) in 1999 at 71. In 1973 Charles Schulz married Jean Clyde.

Charlie's Angels (TV Series 1976–1981) - IMDb
Jill, Kelly, Sabrina
Mommy’s angel – Kelly Sabrina!

TOMORROW September 23 is:

Tomorrow I may just make cookies for the weekend. We’ll see what happens! Sounds good to me, and everyone at the farm kept talking about Mom’s chocolate chip cookies. So maybe I’ll take them MARGE’s cookies! God bless…

Chocolate Chip Cookies
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September 21, 2021

Early walk, but I didn’t see any deer. My neighbor posted that he saw several just walking down the street, like they were waiting for the bus! And I was out about that time.

May be an image of deer, tree and nature
Photo taken by my neighbor, Al

Worked at both stores, had lunch, cut the grass. Answered some emails and made some phone calls, then started with the fall and Halloween decorations. It took me from about 3:30pm until almost 10pm – with a quick break about 7:30pm for a few bites of pizza. I lugged the boxes out, put up outside lights, then started inside. Glad that’s done! I discovered that my remote to turn on/off outside lights in the front doesn’t work. I will have to pop out and get a new one. They are not expensive. That was my whole day!

Fall stuff lined up on the couch….
And sitting on snack trays
And packed in boxes
Fall blankets and pillows
Fall lights above the computer desk
Lantern with orange leaf lights
Purple lights on the bookcase – nice ambiance
Houses with orange lights
Baby witch with Snoopy in the cauldron
Purple bats in the bathroom
Couch with lights and garland

Journal page from March 21 – Describe some household chores you had as a child. “As soon as I could reach the sink by standing on a stool I washed dishes. Hazel liked to dry better than wash. Set the table. Dad taught me how to sweep with the broom and get all the fuzz. We made our bed & sometimes the other 4 beds. I learned how to bake & cook when I was 8 or 10 years old.”

On this day in 1776 Nathan Hale was arrested (spy); in 1897 the response to Virginia O’Hanlon’s letter was published in the New York Sun: “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus”. J R R Holkien’s THE HOBBIT was published in 1937, PERRY MASON TV series premiered in 1957, and in 1970 Monday night football premiered. H G Wells was born in 1866; Harry Hagman, actor (I Dream of Jeannie and Dallas) was born in 1931. Stephen King, author, in 1947, Bill Murray in 1950, and Faith Hill, country singer, in 1967. Walter Brennan died at age 80 in 1974, and in 1996 JFK Jr. married Caroline Bisset in 1996.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus
Yes, Virginia…..
See the source image
Nathan Hale hanged
Nathan Hale arrested
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Faith Hill with husband Tim McGraw

TOMORROW September 22nd is:

If I had an elephant, I would certainly appreciate it. In the meantime, I’ll concentrate on ice cream and chocolate! In the meantime, Liz Bromke sent out the next ARC book for review: The House that Christmas Made. Now it’ll be a marathon read!!! God Bless…

The House That Christmas Made: A Harbor Hills Novel
Can’t wait to read it! I’m on chapter 2 already…
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September 20, 2021

Gen made breakfast, and we had time to catch up and have tea together. I left for work and she swept up for me (Rainy sheds!), packed up and headed home. I got a txt message that she arrived home safe and sound, and was looking forward to sitting on the deck with a glass of wine to watch the full moon.

Autmn sent me a txt that today is national Queso day – and sent me a photo. So if you are in the area of Bull River Taco in White Oak stop in and get Queso – and say hello to Autmn and her family!

Stop and visit and be treated to the BEST!

I stopped on the way home today and finally picked out the paint for the trim on the house and shed. I thought I had made up my mind, until I started looking at the paint color chips again. But now it’s purchased – no going back! I think if the weather cooperates this weekend it will all get done. That will be a job well done and much needed – and long delayed! Big thanks to Nate (and Chrissy) for their help!

PLUM GOOD paint

When I was walking up for the mail I noticed that there was a bloom on my azalai bush. I don’t think that was supposed to happen…

A bloom out of season

A quote from the book: January 12. What did your father do for a living? My father went to Greensburg & worked for a wealthy family as their chauffeur. He went into the army & fought in WWI. He was gassed with mustard gas and wasn’t healthy after that. He bought a farm along with Uncle Edd. Besides the farm work he worked at a big feed mill where they ground grain & made flour & also animal feed. He later did road work for South Mahoning Twp. He never applied for a vetrans pension. He was eligable. (Reminder – copying word for word).

On this day in 1881 Chester A Arthur was sworn in as 21st president; in 1952 the Jackie Gleason show debuted. My dad was frequently mistaken for Jackie Gleason. We loved the show, and the Honeymooners – ‘to the moon, Alice! To the moon!’ The British Liner Queen Elizabeth II was launched in 1967. And in 1984 the Cosby Show premiered; in 1985 Walt Disney World had their 200-millionth guest. Jacob Grimm – Grimm’s Fairy Tales) died at age 78 in 1863, and Jim Croce died in a plane crash in 1973 at age 30. Sophia Loren was born in 1934 and three friends have birthdays today. One is from Hempfield Church – Brandon Yeager. He’s also a realtor that does a great job upgrading and selling homes in the area (House Rock Realty) – check him out, and Happy Birthday, Brandon. Another is a writer, and a very good writer, as well, from Seton Hill’s Master’s program – Katy Doran. Have a wonderful celebration, Katy! And it’s also Abby Lea Gurnee’s birthday – she and Byron purchased the Farm from us in August. She’s a wonderful wife, mother, worker, friend, and as Byron will attest, a fabulous cook! Happy Birthday, Abby! God bless!

The Jackie Gleason Show
Alice and Ralph Kramden
Queen Elizabeth 2
QE II
May be an image of 6 people, including Annie Leonard Yeager and Brandon Yeager and people smiling
Brandon and his family – Happy birthday Brandon!
May be an image of 3 people, including Katy Doran and people standing
Katy with her ‘grands’!
May be an image of Byron Gurnee and Abby Lea Gurnee, people standing and outdoors
Byron and Abby Gurnee – Happy birthday Abby!

TOMORROW September 21 is:

My agenda for tomorrow includes work in the morning and grass-cutting in the afternoon. Do something fun – God Bless!

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September 19, 2021

It was a beautiful day, all around. It was cooler this morning but sunny and bright all afternoon. The moon is round and bright and full (officially or not!).

Full Moon

We had fun in Sunday School. Max decided he was going to teach the lesson and thanked me for letting him sit in my chair. I asked what the lesson was and he said, “God is love.” I agreed that was the best lesson ever! Then they made headbands that said ‘peacemaker’ – we are still learning about Nehemiah, who had to settle some disputes. Mary bought them super hero masks so they were superhero peacemakers. They had a good day.

Max teaching God is Love!
J.J. and Max – super hero peacemakers!

About 2pm I drove down to Legion Keener Park in Latrobe to attend a going away party for Janet, Kyle, Anaya, Josiah and Noah Drown (youth minister and family). I intended to stay only about an hour, but there were so many people there I seldom see that I ended up staying for 4 hours! It was a great time – good food, great friends, and perfect weather. What a joyous blessing! Talked to a former co-worker, and we ultimately decided that there WAS quality life after Smail’s! Who knew???

Gazebo at the entrance to L K Park
May be an image of 5 people, people standing and indoor
The Drown family – we’ll miss you!
God’s blessings in Iowa!

Gen and I took Rainy for a short walk around the block, then had fruit, crackers, and cheese for a snack with a mug of hot cider (I bought that at the festival yesterday. It’s absolutely the best there is!) Rainy wasn’t sure she was ready for bed and kept coming back downstairs to lay on my rug. I finally walked her up and she willingly got in her bed.

Rainy wanting to hang out….

Mom’s journal page is from February 20th – What do you remember as your least favorite school subject? “I just couldn’t remember my geography. I love learning about places all over the United States and have a world globe. I look places up that they tell about on television & in the newspaper. The subject that was called “English” was my least favorite subject. I still have trouble writing my sentence so it conveys my thoughts.

On this day in 1676 – Bacon’s rebellion: Nathaniel Bacon and a group of settlers burned down Jamestown and overthrew Virginia governor. Adventures of Superman TV series premiered in 1952; in 1960 Chubby Checker’s ‘The Twist’ hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1970 Mary Tyler Moore show debuted. Twiggy (Actress/icon) was born in 1949; Mama Cass Elliott in 1941. Trisha Yearwood in 1964. James A Garfield – 20th president – died at age 49 in 1881, and Orville Redenbacher – popcorn magnate (88) – died in 1995 by drowning in his bathtub. In 1945 Shirley Temple married John Agar, and Angelina Jolie field for divorce from Brad Pitt in 2016. And happy 6th anniversary to Josiah and Olivia Lenzi (SH Cousin Holly’s daughter and son-in-law). Congrats – and many, many more!

May be an image of Olivia Lenzi
Olivia and Josiah
Bacon's Rebellion: Burning of Jamestown
Bacon’s rebellion
Actor George Reeves
George Reeves – Superman
Twiggy
Twiggy – English actress
See the source image
Shirley Temple / John Agar
Mama Cass Elliot
Mama Cass

TOMORROW September 20 is:

String cheese is actually on my grocery list. Hmmm! I could use a pepperoni Pizza. I drove past Jioio’s today and almost pulled in there to order a pizza! Have a happy Monday and a great week! God bless…

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September 18, 2021

Another early morning, but very bright and beautiful. Low clouds/fog hanging over the mountains while I drove to Stahlstown. Once in a while it cleared and there were beautiful views.

View out over the mountains

I got my table set up, and connected with Marilee. She was trying to direct the Chestnut Ridge Historical Society – their banner was crooked. They did get it straightened out. I snapped some photos of the colorful craft tents, the old farm engines, the huge (old) bell that hung in the church where it was first decided to have a Flax Festival. Also, the display of the 100th anniversary festival clearly shows Fields of Blue! Bottom center… Also a picture of a stem of flax, as well as the demonstration area – spinning wheels – ready to get started. It was a very nice day.

Crooked sign….
Craft booths
Farm engines
Old church bell
Can you spot Fields of Blue?
Flax plant
Demonstration area – Flax wheels

Talked to a lot of people who were really interested in Letters to Mary. Sold 3 books, plus 4 Fields of Blue and 2 coloring books. It was definitely worth spending the day. Even got a coupon for lunch on the festival. Since I had bought a bowl of soup for breakfast at 11am, I wasn’t needing lunch. I got a Diet Pepsi and a funnel cake about 3:30pm. That will get me through the day.

Letters to Mary and Fields of Blue

Ron’s brother Paul (and wife Cheryl) stopped by to ‘visit’ and we talked for a while. I also spent some time talking to Shirley from the Ligonier Library (research). I’m hoping she calls me one of these days to do a workshop. The main stage had three different groups – but my favorite was Cathi Rhodes and Eric Harris, who are Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash. I could clearly hear all the songs from where I was sitting. The next group was a Civil War group, and that – of course – fit right in to Letters to Mary.

Patsy and Johnny

I got home and organized my totes for next Friday. Gen stopped on her way to Youngwood to see her sons (who are staying with friends) to drop off food from the picnic she attended today. She and Rainy will be back later this evening.

Another quote from the book – March 20. What do you remember as your favorite time of year? Why? “Summertime – because we could be outside. Even if we did have extra yard and garden work it was always a fun time. Also, we went to visit our grandparents and aunts & uncles in the nice weather.” Gee, Mom! That’s my favorite season, too! But I know as time went on your preferred fall. I still choose Summer!

On this day in 1789 the first loan was made to pay salaries of the president and congress; in 1793 George Washington laid the cornerstone of the US Capitol Building in Washington, DC. In 1964 the Addams Family premiered; in 1965 both Get Smart and I Dream of Jeannie premiered. Ruth Bader Ginsburg died in 2020 at age 87. In 1940 Frankie Avalon was born. And my friend Marilee Pletcher (Flax Festival Committee) had a birthday today. She spent the day chasing everything around to make sure everything came together properly! Happy birthday, Marilee – take time next week to celebrate and enjoy!

Marilee
See the source image
Capitol Cornerstone
Get Smart
Maxwell Smart and his ‘shoe’ phone
Dad really loved that!
The Addams Family
Addams Family
See the source image
I Dream of Jeannie – can’t tell you how many bottles I rubbed, looking for my own Genie!

TOMORROW September 19th is:

I’m not good at talking like a pirate and I neither AM or HAVE a wife! I’d go with the butterscotch pudding but I don’t have time. So I’ll just teach my little class at Sunday School, go to a going-away party for friends, and visit with Gen in the evening. Enjoy your day! God bless….

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