Beth brought me a surprise this morning! I hung my little wooden ‘cousin’ heart below our group picture. She also brought a few old photos of mom’s family, back in the day. And yardage of St. Patrick’s Day and Valentine’s Day Snoopy material. So that was a lovely gift! She and I left here at about 7:45am. No traffic, smooth sailing. We were the first ones at the farm – opened things up and got started on our projects. Beth was determined to go to the attic, and Dick eventually went up to help. Barb and I made some trips downstairs – to the dumpster and to sort the mess from the boxes. We found a lot of treasures, but there were seriously unredeemable Christmas decorations, etc, up there that got tossed.

Beth found a few things that spoke to her tender heart, and along with what Kath wanted and my little box and the typewriter stand, my car was full to overflowing on the way home.

As our Skunk Hollow Mr. Fresh seems to have gone underground, we captured and transported his grandfather, Grampa Fresh, back to Greensburg to officially be our mascot. I’m going to give him a good bath (he was in the attic with the mice and the bats!) and take him to the bonfire on October 1st. He’s excited to be part of the group, and quite frankly, he’ll be a better fit for our group. Mr. Fresh was a bit too ‘fresh’ for us!

Nate got the rest of the gray on the shed painted, so the next step will be the purple trim. I am choosing dark plum! It’s dark, but I’m determined.

We hit a traffic tie-up on the return trip; we sat in traffic for a long time. But we still made good time, including a quick run through the drive-through at McDonalds for our traditional milkshakes. Yum. Great reward for a job well done.

A quick quote out of the memory book: June 7th – What food did you learn to cook or prepare first as a youth. “I remember learning to fry eggs first. We were baking cakes & cookies at age 10.” I have the small frying pan that Mom learned to make eggs in hanging on my kitchen wall!

On this day in 1787 the US Constitution was signed by delegates at the Philadelphia Convention; in 1916 WWI Flying Ace the Red Baron of German Luftstreitkräfte won his first aerial combat (Was it against SNOOPY???). In 1954 “Lord of the Flies” (William Golding) was published; in 1961 ‘Car 54 Where Are You?’ debuted; in 1964 BEWITCHED premiered, in 1965 HOGAN’S HEROES debuted, and M*A*S*H debuted in 1972. Red Skelton died at age 84 in 1997 (Kath and I used to sneak out of bed and crawl into the hall to listen to the show!). Hank Williams was born in 1923. Three friends are having birthdays! Greg Saldi – missionary to France – is celebrating; Ron’s brother Dennis Shafer has a birthday today, and Eleanor Morris – now in TN – is having a birthday. Happy birthday to all of you – Sending blessings!

TOMORROW September 18th is:

• Air Force Birthday
• National Cheeseburger Day
• National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
• National Dance Day
• National Gymnastics Day
• Boys’ and Girls’ Club Day for Kids
• Puppy Mill Awareness Day
• Responsible Dog Ownership Day
• National CleanUp Day

Puppy Mill Awareness Day – Tazz (my dog detective) wrote and stared in a story about puppy mills. He was an amazing pup! Maybe someday it will get published. In the meantime, tomorrow I will be at the Flax Festival all day – so drive up to Stahlstown if you can! God bless…

Took a short walk this morning. It was foggy and I could feel the mist. In fact, you could almost see it across the hills. I took a few pictures of ‘mailbox’ cuties just because!

After lunch I organized the car for tomorrow’s trip to the farm, then got in my Letters to Mary storage and got organized for the Flax Festival on Saturday. It took longer to go through everything than I thought it would, but it’s all good. It’s ironic that I will have my books at the Flax Festival this weekend, and next Friday afternoon I’m doing a presentation for Mary at the senior center she works at. Twice in a week. I love doing that! I’m excited! I was able to cut the grass before I stopped for supper – now I’m typing!

I am helping a young college student friend (Gabby) with a descriptive essay for a class, so this is short tonight. I’ll catch up next week. Well, maybe…

Here is another page from the memory book. June 16th – Relate your happiest memory as a youth. “I think it was being grown up enough to be allowed to go out with the older boys and girls to just do what young kids do best. – “Nothing”. We had fun & we didn’t spend money because we didn’t have any to spend.” – I personally think we need to go back to that. Do nothing that costs nothing. Can’t get better than that!!!

On this day in 1908 General Motors was incorporated with the merger of Buick and Oldsmobile. In 1968 Richard Nixon appeared on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-IN (Sock it to ’em!), and in 1990 Dennis Quaid & Meg Ryan were married. Mary Travers (Peter, Paul, and Mary) died at age 72 in 2009. James Cash Penney Jr (J C Penney’s) was born in 1875, Allen Funt (Candid Camera) in 1914, Peter Falk (Columbo and the Princess Bride) in 1914, and David Copperfield, magician, in 1956. Nick Jonas (Jonas Brothers) in 1992. My friend Janie Close Ball is having a birthday today. We were friends since youth group as teens at Hempfield Church. Happy birthday, Janie! We really need to catch up! 🙂 Miss you!

TOMORROW September 17 is:

• National Professional House Cleaners Day
• National Apple Dumpling Day
• Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
• National Monte Cristo Day
• National Tradesmen Day
• National POW/MIA Recognition Day 

As today is National Step-Family day, I can’t close this post until I wish the happiest of days to my step-siblings: Dick (and Bobbie), Barb (and Whitey), Jim (& SJ), Dottie (and Steve), and Judy. And all of their kids and grandkids. It’s GREAT to have such a huge family! I believe I doubled my Christmas Card list! 🙂 Happy step-family day – God bless!!!

Took an early walk, but it was drizzling on and off. It was a strange weather day – cloudy, then a downpour, then sunny. Mix and repeat. I was inside cleaning all day, but did manage to paint the door frame downstairs in the family room during a sunny spell. Just the white trim; it’s needed it for a long time.

Here’s a post from the memory book: May 10, 11, and 12. Name some popular hit songs from your youth. ” 1) People will say we’re in Love 2) Eddy Arnolds song – I’ll hold you in my heart, til I can hold you in my arms. 3) Slow boat to China.” 11th – What was your favorite singing group or band? “Roy Rogers and son’s of the Pioneers.” 12th – Tell a favorite singer and a song that he/she sang? “Frank Sinatra was the # one singer when I was a teenager.” Eddy Arnold was a favorite of mine, too. I have several of his albums, still, including a Christmas one.

I went out to the Bible study tonight at HCC – it’s a study of Angels based on a book by Dr. David Jeremiah. We sort of had an introduction tonight, and talked about the different kinds of angels and what their purpose might be. There are scriptures that talk about examples of their missions, and Wayne also had some statistics about what people believe about angels in general. Here are some of what they might do: 1) Serve believers 2) Protect 3) Guide 4) Encourage 5) Deliver 6) Enlighten. We also talked about encounters with angels. I’m excited to continue the series.

On this day in 1962 Confederates conquered the Union weapon arsenal at Harpers Ferry WV; in 1916 first use of tanks in warfare. In 1928 Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin while studying influenza, and in 1949 the Lone Ranger (Hi, Ho, Silver! Away!) premiered. COLUMBO series debuted in 1971. Marco Polo was born in 1254 (I wonder if he actually invented the game…). Agatha Christy in 1890, and Prince Harry (Prince of Wales) in 1984. In 1794 our 4th president, James Madison, married Dolley.

TOMORROW September 16 is:

• National Play-Doh Day
• National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day
• National Guacamole Day
• National Step Family Day
• National Working Parents Day
• Mayflower Day
• National Pawpaw Day  

I have three lists already to do tomorrow. I’ll let you know how it goes! Have a happy Thursday! God bless…

Today was a pretty mundane day. Not that I mind. It’s nice to have a non-chaotic day once in a while. I did take a brisk walk this morning, worked in Jeannette, then had a meeting at Hanna’s Town for the Tea in October. I enjoy the ladies that volunteer out there and like being involved in the programs that I can. The tea is October 9th – it’s on my list! I will be a scullery maid – all day!

I spent the afternoon (after a lunch of Quaker Oats!) writing out cards and composing emails. I made a quick trip over to Target to get Fall M&M’s – I stocked up because I usually take them to events and I have several this fall. All set now, and they were on sale, so that was a bonus. Also got an email from an author friend that her book release date is September 28th – so I pre-ordered the book and am excited to read it. I’ve known Lee since about 1998 – she was the director of the Master’s program I attended at Seton Hill, and we because friends, as well. Congrats, Lee!

I still have to iron, and grab a bite of supper, so I’ll leave you with a quote from Mom’s book: February 25th – Tell of a place that you discovered or built as a “haven” for your gang. “We didn’t have many close neighbors so “no gang” could be formed. When we did have a chance to get together we liked to go to the Ravaih house. It was called the haunted house & we liked to go & look for ghosts.” So she liked ghosts, but not vampires! You go, Mom!

On this day in 1814 Francis Scott Key penned the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ while witnessing the bombardment of Ft McHenry from a ship in Baltimore Harbor. In 1901 Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in as the youngest (42) man to service as US President. In 1938 the Graf-Zeppelin II- world’s largest airship – made its maiden flight. Aaron Burr – 3rd Vice President – died at age 80 in 1836. William McKinley, 25th president, died in 1901 at age 58 having been shot 8 days earlier. In 1982 Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, died at age 52 in a car crash. Patrick Swayze, actor/dancer, died in 2009 at age 57. Clayton Moore (Lone Ranger) was born in 1914, and my Skunk Hollow cousin, Susan Crooks, would have celebrated a birthday today. We miss you, Susan!

TOMORROW September 15 is:

• National Cheese Toast Day
• National Linguine Day
• National Felt Hat Day
• National Double Cheeseburger Day
• National Creme de Menthe Day
• National Tackle Kids Cancer Day
• National Neonatal Nurses Day
• National Online Learning Day
• Greenpeace Day

Tomorrow is ‘clean the house’ day. Then I plan to go to a Bible Study at the church about Angels. It sounds so interesting to me! So that’s the plan. God bless!

Brisk morning walk, and a bright red sunrise. Another week; another busy week! I started the work day in Jeannette, as customary, and in my drawer was a ‘rejection’ from PENNDOT for an application for temporary tags for the dealership. The reason for the rejection was – ta da!! – the word ‘forty’ was spelled incorrectly on the check. They instructed me to spell it ‘fourty’. They would not cash the check and sent it all back. So I re-wrote the check, spelling it wrong, and sent it back in!

At first I was embarrassed; but I’ve always spelled it that way. So, I looked it up. Here is what I found:

Contrary to popular belief, there is only one correct spelling of the number 40. Forty is the proper way to spell the number, and fourty is always incorrect. It’s easy to see why this would be confusing, since the base number is four, and the U isn’t dropped from other numbers like fourteen or even forty-four. While there are British and American spellings of some words, forty is not one of them.

I SO wanted to send them copies of all the definitions and spelling instructions I found, but I was afraid that PENNDOT would take it out on the dealership. NO ONE wants to be on the bad side of PENNDOT, so I just showed both my bosses and we had a good laugh. I am keeping the copies in my desk, so any time I want to feel ‘right’ I can just look at those papers!

After lunch I went out and painted the front panels and support boards on the shed. My ladder is buried in the back of the shed, behind several boxes and pieces of furniture that the kids are storing in there. So I can’t reach the top half of the rest of the sides on the shed. I may borrow the neighbor’s ladder if I have time – but time seems to be scarce these days! Nate and Chrissy will eventually do the purple trim.

Kath and I bought bouquets of bright fall flowers and took them down to the cemetery for Mom. We had a long talk with her, and with Dad. Together again! We shared a nice few moments giving them behavioral instructions and reminiscing! They are both celebrating and rejoicing in their mansions!

A memory from April 16th: Did you ever have a recurring dream as a child? “Being chased by a vampire.” I guess Mom would not have like the Twilight movies! Me, either!!!

On this day in 1965 the Beatles won their first Grammy for best group of 1964. Scooby Doo Where Are You debuted in 1969, and in 1997 Elton John released ‘Candle in the Wind’, a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales. Ambrose Burnside, Civil War soldier, died in 1881 at age 57. In 1857 Milton Hershey – chocolate tycoon – was born. And today is my FAVORITE son-in law’s birthday. Happy birthday, Matt! Thank you for who you are, and for loving my daughter, and for my three grandsons! Love you!!!

TOMORROW September 14 is:

• National Parents Day Off *
• National Cream Filled Donut Day
• National Eat a Hoagie Day
• National Live Creative Day
• National Sober Day 
• National Virginia Day
• National Ants on a Log Day

I have a meeting tomorrow morning at Hanna’s Town for their fall Tea. It’s always a lovely event and I’m excited to be helping again this year. Have a happy day! God bless…

It was a cool but sunny morning, and it felt good being outside. Little Max, age 4, walked up to me in the Sunday School classroom and said, ‘Can I tell you something?’ Of course I said yes. He said what he really liked about me was that I told them stories and they were such good stories and he was glad I did! It was so sweet to hear that. J.J. (his older brother) agreed!

I took a few minutes this morning to take some photos of the sun peeking up over the hill across from my house. In a matter of 3 minutes I snapped three photos. It’s amazing to think how quickly everything can change around us. A beautiful, reflective way to start Sunday morning.

Nate and Chrissy came over and the three of us finished off painting the foundation. One out of three painting jobs completed. Next we will paint the shed, then afterwards do the trim. Hoping for purple; actually, dark plum. Then I went with them to look at a house they are considering. It was really nice, and I’m hoping that it all goes through! And it’s not that far – in Hunker!

This morning’s HCC sermon was a continuation of Discipleship. The cost is: everything we are/have. We should be making and training everywhere we go. Keep the main thing the main thing. Bill Pullin always said that! It’s OUR job – we do it or it won’t get done. Pray for: 1) Those who need salvation, by name. 2) Being a good example. 3) Opportunities 4) Laborers for the harvest.

A page from the book – August 2. Describe your childhood home and neighborhood. “My home was an “old” farmhouse. it was full of our extended family. Grandma-Uncle Edd-Mom-Dad-Jim-Hazel-Me & Joan. The closest neighbor was at lease a quarter of a mile. Farmers, coal miners & some very poor people on welfare. We had many neighborhood parties.”

On this day in 1981 the Smurfs debuted on TV. Henry Hudson – English navigator/explorer (Hudson River was named for him) was born in 1575. Johnny Cash died at age 71 in 2003; Raymond Burr (Perry Mason) died in 1993 at age 76. Robert Browning married Elizabeth Barrett (Browning) – both poets – in1846, and JFK married Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953.

TOMORROW September 13 is:

• National Kids Take Over The Kitchen Day
• National Peanut Day
• Uncle Sam Day
• National Celiac Disease Awareness Day
• National Bald is Beautiful Day
• Day of the Programmer
• National Boss/Employee Exchange Day 

Tomorrow Kathy and I are going to stop at the cemetery and take a few flowers. Just as a remembrance. I may be able to work a little on the painting project. The shed I can try; the house I would mess up. Have a happy week! God bless…

Autmn and I left the house at 8am and got Kathy and Sarah; then headed to Camp Christian for Ladies Retreat. It was a beautiful day and the ride up is always breathtaking – the views are wonderful. Hempfield provided the praise team, with Patty Buschek playing the piano, Tonia, Dianne, and Regina singing (Dianne and Regina on guitars). Di even wrote a song to share for the occasion, which was really cute but meaningful.

The theme was ‘Choose Joy’ – which is not as easy to do as it seems. We have already been given joy (it’s a fruit of the spirit, after all), and we just have to embrace it.

Autmn was a social butterfly, and flitted around talking to everyone and sharing in the conversations. I snapped a photo of her with Aunt ‘Cordelia’, and then a selfie with the two of us. We were to pick smiley faces with a ‘joy’ scripture on the back. Everyone was looking through them to find their favorite. I picked mine, then went and found Autmn and sent her to go pick hers. When she sat down beside me and showed me what she chose, we laughed. We both picked the same scripture without knowing it! That was a fun moment!

Lynn Pelc was one of the people giving introductions, instructions, and information. It is always good to see Lynn – a very long-time friend!

Kathy and Sarah gave a workshop about joy-stealers, Ashly Staley gave one on praying through the Psalms, and the main speaker was Kristi Spencer. I didn’t know Kristi well, but I have known her husband and 4 step-children for a very, very long time. She had an amazing testimony to share and it was very inspiring. One of the MANY things she shared was that when things happen, it’s not all about ‘me’. Ask God how he wants to use the situation to produce fruit in you and in others. I took lots of notes!

I dropped Kathy and Sarah off at Kathy’s, then took Autmn to work in White Oak. I was paid for my ‘services’ in two tacos (She works at Bull River Taco – yum!) so I didn’t have to cook supper. When I got home, Chrissy and Nate were painting my foundation, and it looks amazing. They hope to finish tomorrow. That is one of the jobs I was concerned about completing before winter, to preserve the integrity of the foundation. Home maintenance is so important! Thanks, CK and Nate-Dogg! Love you!

On this day in 1773 Ben Franklin wrote: There never was a good war or bad peace; in 1789 Alexander Hamilton was appointed the first Secretary of the US Treasury. In 1847 ‘Oh, Susanna!’ was sung in public for the first time. The Carol Burnett Show premiered in 1967, and in 2005 Pride & Prejudice, starring Keira Knightly, premiered. O. Henry was born in 1862, Todd Beamer died at age 32 in 2001, and Lorne Greene (Bonanza star) died in 1987. My dear friend Joni is celebrating a birthday today, so happy birthday Joni! God bless. My step-brother Dick and his wife Roberta (Bobbie) were married 50 years ago today. What an amazing accomplishment. So happy for both of you! And today would have been my parents’ (Cliff and Dorothy) 73rd wedding anniversary. They can celebrate in heaven!

And in 2001, 20 years ago today, The Twin Towers in NYC were destroyed by two hi-jacked planes. Death tolls were just short of 3,000 people. Then the pentagon was struck, and another plane was taken over by the passengers and crashed in a field in Shanksville, PA – with Todd Beamer being instrumental at that success. He was 32. Our country pulled together during that horrifying time, and we need to look again at what is important and worthy and pull together as a country once again. God bless America. Listen to Alan Jackson’s ‘Where were you when the world stopped turning’ and really hear the words. Then reflect on this: 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Pray for healing…

Another quote from the memory book: April 18 – Tell about the best birthday present you ever received. “It may not be the “best” birthday gift I ever received but it was the most ‘revealing’. They bought me a 2 peice swim suit which Dad said the money they paid for it would cover more of me than the swimsuit did. I really liked it.” Teenagers never change, do they???

TOMORROW September 12 is:

• National Just One Human Family *
• National Hug and High 5 Day *
• National Video Games Day
• National Chocolate Milkshake Day
• National Day of Encouragement
• National Report Medicare Fraud Day
• National Pet Memorial Day
• National Hug Your Hound Day
• National Grandparent’s Day

Not only did I have 2 sets of grandparents (whom I loved!) but I also AM a grandparent, which I love being! Thank you to Autmn, Peyton, Chrissy, Logan, and Chase for making me a happy grandparent! God bless!

I did not walk this morning – took time to just ease into the day and have a good breakfast before work. I went to bed last night at about 9pm, and although I didn’t sleep straight through (I never do) I didn’t get out of bed until 7am. It felt good to be a little lazy and I felt some improved. When I backed the car out of the garage and looked out the window, I had two purple morning glories peeking at me. Good morning, morning glories!

I got to work to find that one of my co-workers would be off for 4 weeks, recovering from a slight heart attack. No damage to his heart, but a stint and some life-style changes. Prayers rising for you, Kevin!

Yesterday while the ‘girls’ worked in the main house, Dick and Whitey attacked the garage. I think it attacked back. SO MUCH STUFF! They made great progress. Things are looking good outside and in. Two weeks until the sale.

Although I was determined not to bring anything else home, I ended up lugging (literally!) a very old and extremely heavy Royal manual typewriter. Not sure if it works. I need to wipe it down carefully then try it out, and find a sturdy display table to set it on. It does appeal to me…

After lunch today I threw in a load of laundry (it’s drying now) and went outside. I pulled the old, twisted morning glories from the fence – they were dying out and it’s very time-consuming to pull them out. It took me about 45 minutes to clean up a seven foot section. Then I went down on the hill below the fence and cleaned out the dead Hosta plants, Lamb’s ears, and Stella D’oro daylilies. There will still be a bit more to trim back but probably not for several weeks.

I think Autmn is coming over to spend the night. We are going to Camp Christian together tomorrow for Ladies Retreat. I’m so excited she’s going!

Here is a page from Mom’s memory book. February 24: Describe a place you liked to go to be alone. “When I was old enough to go by myself I liked to go and set under the big walnut tree (by the cabin) in the cow pasture. That is why Dad gave me the ground where we build the cabin, in the 60’s.”

On this day in 1608 John Smith was elected president of Jamestown colony council, VA; in 1776 George Washington asked for a spy volunteer; Nathan Hale volunteered. In 1955 Gunsmoke debuted, and in 1966 Neil Diamond had 1st Billboard chart success with CHERRY CHERRY. The first episode of syndicated JEOPARDY! with Alex Trebec aired in 1984. Peyton Randolph (first president of the continental congress) was born in 1721; Rin Tin Tin (German Shepherd TV star) was born in 1918. Arnold Palmer was born in Latrobe PA in 1929, and Jose Feliciano (singer) in 1945.

Here’s a quote for today – hoping it will make you laugh! Zsa Zsa Gabor: “I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man I keep his house.” (She was married 9 times!!!)

TOMORROE September 11 is:

• National Make Your Bed Day
• National Hot Cross Bun Day
• Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance

Make your bed every day! GREAT habit! Tomorrow I will report in on Ladies Retreat, and also do a bit of reflecting on Patriot’s Day. Have a great weekend. God bless…

I am taking a break tonight. I’m exhausted, worn out, unfocused, and just want to eat a sandwich and chill with a good book! I’ll be back on track tomorrow! Have a great Friday! God bless….

Early morning walk felt refreshing! I decided to have breakfast then clean the house before my shower. Did some notary work for a friend about 1pm, finished cleaning and laundry, and then got a shower and ready to go. It was the volunteer appreciation picnic for Hanna’s Town.

The picnic was catered by Gianilli’s – salad, chicken, veggies, noodles. One of the volunteers brought a big bowl of broccoli salad and that was my favorite. There were cookies and also the cake from Oakmont bakery. I know everyone raves over their confections — but I thought the cake was just ok. I wasn’t a fan of the icing and the cake was just cake. Not impressed. But then, I’m the exception, not the rule, I think!

Pictures are: Bruce in the blue shirt at the end of the food table. Lisa by the cake. Joanna pushing her hair out of her eyes. Everyone had a nice time visiting, and Lisa and Joanna thanked everyone for their hard work. So many volunteers who love what they do!

On the way home I snapped a quick picture of the courthouse. It’s so pretty lit up at night.

On this day in 1504 Michelangelo’s statue of David was unveiled; in 1892 the Pledge of Allegiance was first published and in 1952 Ernest Hemingway’s “Old Man and the Sea” was published. In 1960 ‘Psycho’ was released nationwide; “The Monkees” were chosen, with Davey Jones already cast. In 1966 Star Trek debuted, and also the TV show Tarzan debuted. Hillary Brooke (My Little Margie TV show star) was born in 1914 (I loved that show!!) – She was Margie’s father’s girlfriend…; Peter Sellers (Pink Panther fame) in 1925, and Patsy Cline (‘Crazy’ and ‘I Fall to Pieces’) was born in 1932.

TOMORROW September 9 is:

• National Teddy Bear Day
• Care Bears Share Your Care Day
• National Wiener Schnitzel Day
• National School Picture Day 

Tomorrow is ‘Another Trip to the Farm’ day, this time with Deb and Kath. Hoping to accomplish a lot! God bless…