Another busy day – and lots of hard rains. Worked both stores, and got home the same time as Kelly and boys arrived. We had lots to do today, including a quick trip for groceries at Walmart. Logan forgot his power cord (for gaming system) so we bought one but it doesn’t work well. We plan to check Best Buy tomorrow.

Kelly brought up a frozen turkey that a friend gave her. We are defrosting it in cold water and will stuff and cook it tomorrow. We also have a bunch of pork that will need cooked and that will take 2 days. We mixed up scones, made sliders and potato/cheese casserole, listened to 2 sermons, cleaned up dishes, washed 2 loads of clothes, and took the garbage up. I’m officially tired! Oh – and I bought corn from Palmers, and when I husked it I found a mommy/baby one.

And after the rain this afternoon I noticed that my poor little squirrel was drowning in the wheelbarrow. Poor little guy!

I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning – He cares. Encouragement – we have a great high priest. Empathy – He went through it, so he understands. His spirit will lead us through temptations. We still sin but He forgives. Blessings – He’s always there, on the throne offering mercy, grace, and help. He cares! He’ll give us the desires of our heart.

On this day in 1872 the first mail order catalog was issued by Montgomery Ward. Elvis’ ‘Hound Dog’ and ‘Don’t be Cruel’ reached #1 in 1956; Peter, Paul and Mary released their first hit, ‘If I had a Hammer’ in 1962, and the 19th amendment (Women’s right to vote) was ratified in 1920. Margaret Gorman, the very first Miss America, was born in 1905; 1927 first lady Rosalynn Carter was born. Roberto Clemente in 1934, Robert Redford (Great Gatsby) in 1936, and Patrick Swayze (Dirty Dancing) in 1952.

TOMORROW August 19th it:

• International Bow Day
• National Aviation Day
• National Soft Ice Cream Day
• National Potato Day

Today is enough to handle for the time being. I’ll take tomorrow as it is! I think Beth is going on vacation – have a great time, Beth and Harold! Stay safe and have fun! Love you. God bless….

I was up and out of the house before 7:30am – passed Jaime and Autmn leaving for work! The drive up was cloudy, fog here and there, and some scattered rain. Not a bad drive. I am not in the least intimidated by Erie (as I am Pittsburgh!) and didn’t have any trouble finding the courthouse or a parking place. I could see the lake driving over, so when I finished with the POA I just went weaving around the streets until I found a little park with a walkway. I walked a short distance and took a few photos, then headed down I-90 to the farm.

Barb, Bobbie, and Dick were already working. The insurance adjuster walked up to the door the same time I did, so I was glad to hear what he had to say. We’ll know the estimate of damage in about a week. Again I had a list of ‘treasures’ to look for. I was fairly successful, but there were a few things I couldn’t find. I brought home a wooden ‘blanket’ box from the attic and scrubbed it all out once I cut the grass. Now I am going to finish this and grab a quick snack. I have to work in the morning since I missed today.

I did not get to listen to any sermons today, but I found some quotes in an old notebook. Not the same thing, but a little ‘inspiration’ as it were:

Don’t march to the drums, dance to them. Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there. Spend time with the right people (turkeys or eagles???) Don’t stop at the top of the mountain; find a higher mountain. If you smell the roses until the pedals fall off, you’ve stopped too long. A problem isn’t the problem; it’s what you let it do to you that is the problem. Don’t get everything done; get the right things done (this is a hard one for me!! I want to do everything!)

On this day in 1590 the governor of Roanoke Island Colony, John White, returned from England to find no trace of the colonists he left 3 years earlier. Vivian Vance (Ethel on I Love Lucy) died in 1979 at age 70. Davy Crockett was born in 1786 and Mae West in 1893. Birthdays! Lindsey Smail has a birthday today – I remember the day she was born! Now she has two little guys of her own! And our Skunk Hollow Cousin Karen Ober is celebrating today. Happy birthday, Karen – have a wonderful celebration! Love you!

TOMORROW August 18 is:

• National Fajita Day
• National Mail Order Catalog Day
• National Ice Cream Pie Day
• National Pinot Noir Day
• Congressional Startup Day 

Tomorrow Kelly and the littles are coming for a last fling before school starts. I have to work (since I took off today) but should be home by noon. It will be fun having them here! BUT!…. we already have lists of chores…. 🙂 God bless…

The next few days may have short posts. I need to be up and out of here early in the morning – have to go file a Power of Attorney at the Erie County Courthouse. It should be easy to find, but it’s a bit of a drive. I’ll stop at the farm afterwards, look for the several things that people have asked me for, then drive home in the evening. Kelly and the little boys are coming up Wednesday for the rest of the week so Tuesday is the best day to go. Seems I’ll have a lot going on so my posts may be very short.

We had a visit with Mom this afternoon. She was dressed and sitting in her chair with a few other residents in the hallway when we got there. We tied her balloons to her chair and wheeled her into the room so we could visit. She seemed to be pleased that we were there, and the nurse said she perks up after our visits. I hope she feels the love that we have for her and knows she is important to us.

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt – ‘It’s happened to me, too.’ Everyone has had something go wrong. NO ONE escapes disappointment, illness, fear, hurt, loss. But we know that God’s statutes are forever right. We need to ask for understanding so we may live. The Lord gives wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He’s our shield and protects the ways of the faithful. When things are rough, don’t forget God is there. We must stay in His word. Nothing is everlasting except God – his Word and his Commands guide and protect us.

On this day in 1691 Yorktown Virginia was founded; in 1904 NYC began building Grand central Station. Ringo Starr became drummer for Beatles in 1962. In 1977 Elvis was found unresponsive and pronounced dead. Sports Illustrated premiered in 1954, and in 1619 the first slaves arrived in America in Virginia. Madonna was born in 1958. Babe Ruth died at age 53 in 1948; Margaret Mitchell (wrote Gone With the Wind) died at age 48 in 1949; Bela Lugosi (played Dracula) died in 1956 at age 73. Paul Simon married Carrie Fisher in 1983; Ellen DeGeneres married Portia de Rossi in 2008, and in 1968 Mia Farrow and Frank Sinatra divorced.

TOMORROW August 17th is:

• National Nonprofit Day
• National Massachusetts Day
• National I LOVE My Feet Day!
• National Thrift Shop Day
• Black Cat Appreciation Day

Tomorrow will be National lots of driving day for me! But at least Erie is not as far as Massachusetts! Have a great day! God bless…

I was extra glad for the Holy Spirit this morning, because even though I was ‘prepared’ for teaching my class, I felt disconnected. I asked for – and received! – Intervention and we had a great time! Max and JJ are always ready for the lessons, and assured me that I taught ‘good stories’! Our lesson was about Gideon and the fleece, and we demonstrated wet fleece/dry fleece, made a mess with water, and had a great time! We also made visors that said TRUST – although they decorated over top the word. TRUST was important for Gideon as he prepared to lead God’s people out of the control of the Midianites.

After Sunday School I was able to accomplish more than I anticipated. I typed up the minutes for the Steiner Reunion 2021 and also posted on their facebook page. Paid a few bills, filed some papers, went over a tax document from Mom and John’s 2020 filing, had Nate and Ron and Chris help me moved the trunk up to the Crooks room (it was, after all, Grandad Crooks’ trunk!) and it looks perfect there! I made and froze meatballs, and Chrissy filled my helium balloons with helium from their tank (left over from Autmn’s party). Good day, over all.

Ron and I were invited to his brother Paul’s for dinner. Paul and Cheryl’s daughter Lindsey was home from Philly for the weekend, and Ron’s son Matt came up, too, and we had burgers, onion rings, salad, and dessert. It was a very nice visit – and they live in Stahlstown very much in the country – so it was peaceful and relaxing. Watched the woodpecker and the hummingbirds and told fun stories about crazy animal sightings!

I will share Mike’s message about the call of Discipleship. 1) FOLLOW ME – a) Recognize authority and submit; become like the teacher b) Follow the Master around and sit at His feet; become like Him! c) He is Savior and Lord – learn how to walk as He walks. 2) I WILL MAKE YOU … We will be changed; transformed to be like Jesus. Produce good fruit, which takes time. 3) FISHERS OF PEOPLE – our mission is PEOPLE; to save people. WE must recognize that they are lost, and what they need – then meet that need. We work along side Jesus – and He works through us – to SAVE.

On this day in 1620 the Mayflower set sail from England with 102 Pilgrims; in 1911 Proctor & Gamble unveiled Crisco shortening; The Panama Canal opened to world commerce in 1914; the Premier of the Wizard of Oz was in 1939; and the Woodstock Festival opened in NY in 1969 (How well I remember hearing all about THAT!). Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769; Julia child was born in 1912, and Bobby Helms (Jingle Bell Rock) was born in 1933. Macbeth died in battle in 1057, and Will Rogers at age 55 in 1935.

TOMORROW August 16 is:

• National Tell a Joke Day
• National Roller Coaster Day
• National Airborne Day
• National Rum Day

Ron is leaving tomorrow – leaving here about 7:30am then heading out about 11am after several ‘meetings’; hoping to arrive in Florida late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Wishing safe travels and happy memories! God bless…

It seems like the days just get away from me – there are too many things to do and not enough time or brain power to get through them!

Spent the morning organizing and cooking, and lugging and toting. Got to the park a little after 11am and helped Judy and Jackie set up – Kath was right behind me so we all worked together. There was a nice amount of people there, but more were missing than came. MORE than enough food, and WAY MORE than enough love, and fun, and laughter, and support, and hugs, and — did I say food? Very, very nice day. Mark brought the family album with the genealogy and old photos – THAT was really fun to look through! I was actually sad when we started cleaning up and leaving.

BUT – we had a compassion visit with Mom, and were finally (after over a year) able to visit her in her room on purpose! She slept a good bit of the time, but woke up near the end of our visit. We held her hand and sung songs, and her roommate clapped every time we finished a song. We did some hymns, and Mocking Bird Hill, and Playmate, and even Henrietta Pussycat (from The Children’s Corner/Mr. Rogers Neighborhood) singing Meow Meow Meow Meow Beautiful! Even the nurses told us they heard us out in the hall!

BUT – Byron called me with the news that a HUGE limb broke off the tree outside the master bedroom at the farm. Knocked a corner off the house, but it looks like no major damage. It was a pretty nasty storm last night! The farm is still covered under the insurance policy so Barb will try calling on Monday. Not sure if I will have to be involved since we are POA’s. We shall see! ONE MORE THING….

I’ve had a full day, and didn’t have time to listen to any sermons – so here is a little inspiration for today: The irony of this is that 3 times within 24 hours those same words (in some form) came directly to me. Kath and I shared them yesterday afternoon. It’s easier said than done! But God’s got this!

On this day in 1824 General Lafayette returned to the US; in 1873 Field and Stream was first published. In 1935 the Social Security Act was signed into being by President FDR; 1945 was V-J Day – Japan surrendered unconditionally to end WWII; Sonny and Cher’s I GOT YOU BABE hit #1 in 1965. Daniel Boone married Rebecca Bryan in 1756, and William Randolph Hearst, publisher, died in 1951 at age 88. Birthdays: Doc Holliday – dentist and gunfighter (now THAT’s an unlikely combination. Or maybe it ISN’T. Dr. Lane????) in 1851; Danielle Steel – author – in 1947; Magic Johnson – basketball player – in 1959; and Steve Martin, comic, in 1945. Autmn’s mom, Jamie Rose Stairs, is celebrating a birthday today, and I am very thankful for the mom she is to not only Autmn, but a parcel of other daughters, step-daughter, step-son, nieces, and even just those who need an extra hug or some special attention. Happy birthday Jamie! And my Skunk Hollow cousin, Allen, is celebrating today. He is closest in age to me than all the others. Here’s wishing him a wonderful day, a great year, and many blessings! Happy birthday Allen!

TOMORROW August 15 is:

• National Leathercraft Day
• National Relaxation Day
• National Lemon Meringue Pie Day

Pretty sure none of those are on my list for tomorrow – but I will teach a Kindergarten Sunday School class on Gideon, which is worth celebrating. And we had a great day today – National Dorothy Day! God bless….

I worked this morning, got gas in the car, then came home and ate a small piece of leftover sub from yesterday. Then I changed clothes and started on my numerous chores. First I used my new weed-whacker, and got through the entire yard without a scrape or ‘attack’, or even rewinding cord! Almost finished everything on one battery, which is amazing. I finished up with the second one (already charged, and then cut the grass. It was VERY warm! I went through 2 bottles of water to keep hydrated and safe. Used the new blower and still had enough battery life to do all the walks and driveway and patio and steps. Now the yard looks neat and happy. I love happy yards!

I brought a little red wheelbarrow home, sat a squirrel in it, and it’s happy too. There was a big fat bee in my gladiolus – HE certainly seemed happy! Still have a few things to do today to prepare for tomorrow’s family reunion (Dad’s side…)

I will share Vanderbilt’s message – Rick was the guest speaker, continuing his message from 2 weeks ago from Lamentations. What do we do when our world falls apart? The first 2 points (from previous sermon) were 1) Cry to God – tell HIM how you feel. 2) Focus on God’s love, not the pain, problem, pressures. Look at Him, not the rubble around you. New points: 3) Be quiet and wait on God; don’t fight back or strike out. Pray: LISTEN! Sit down and shut up! God cannot talk to us when we are going crazy! He wants to make good things happen out of disaster if you shut up and listen. 4) Get ready for change. God has changes in mind for us, and we can’t change what’s happening but we can change our reaction and attitude. 5) Give God your fears. Fear is the most damaging emotion; it keeps us stuck in the past. Do not fear – God cares and loves you!

On this day in 1608 John Smith’s story of Jamestown’s first days was submitted for publication; 1965 – Jefferson Airplane’s first professional appearance. 1967 Bonnie and Clyde film (Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway) was released. 1981 was the last broadcast of the Waltons (Sorry, Deb 🙁 – But glad you can still watch reruns!). Birthdays: Alfred Hitchcock in 1899; Bert Lahr – Lion on Wizard of Oz – in 1895; Annie Oakley in 1860, and Danny Bonaduce (Partridge Family) in 1959. And my ‘Violet’ cousin Deb Gregg is celebrating today! We celebrated a bit yesterday – but here’s to a great day and a happy year. Happy birthday, Deb! Florence Nightingale died in 1910 at age 90; H G Wells (Author) in 1949 at age 79; Mickey Mantle age 63 in 1995, and Julia Child (Chef) at age 91 in 2004. Billy Graham married Ruth Bell in 1943.

TOMORROW August 14 is:

• National V-J Day
• National Creamsicle Day
• National Code Talkers Day
• National Spirit of ’45 Day 
• National Bowling Day
• National Garage Sale Day

My Mom bowled in a league, probably back in the 60’s and 70’s, with her good friends. Then they went shopping at K-Mart! She might have even bought Creamsicles! And she LOVED garage sales. So let’s just make tomorrow DOROTHY day! Love you MOM!!! God bless…

Deb and I headed to Albion about 8am, with a cooler of water, zucchini bread, and a list of items people wanted us to look for. Dottie and Steve were there from Virginia, and Barb and Whitey. We got to cleaning out cupboards and drawers and closets and trying to put things in boxes so as to see what they are. We all had a few things that we found – Deb liked the bread machine, which she hopes to use to make some healthy breads. I found almost everything on the list that everyone asked me to look for – but walked out this afternoon without a few things from the bedroom upstairs. They will be there next time. I’ve already started a new list!

It was a long day, but with only a small amount of irritating storms on the drive home. We accomplished a lot and felt good about the day. (And we stopped for a reward of a chocolate milkshake on the way home!)

Paul’s message was good from Sunday, but there was so much information that I’m going to condense it a bit. It was NOT GUILTY. Our declaration of Freedom as Christians. Satan is the spiritual father of unbelievers. Sin means NO HOPE. Sin blinds the sinner to life-giving promises of God. 1) reality of freedom is no condemnation, no penalty for Christians. We are made right in God’s eyes. 2) Jesus is our advocate – the LAW can’t save us; Jesus can, and intercedes for us – he took our place. 3) Our righteousness is Jesus – the key to salvation. No penalty! We have all sinned, and our battle with sin won’t end until we die. We have to live a faithful life, because Jesus will step in our place if we keep growing every day. We are part of the family of God!

On this day in 30 BC Cleopatra committed suicide by clutching an asp to her breast. In 1852 Isaac Singer received a patent for his continuous stitch sewing machine. In1901 Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened; in 1908 Henry Ford’s company made the first Model T Ford; in 1930 Clarence Birdseye was granted a patent for his method of quick freezing food. In 1990 the largest and most complete T Rex skeleton was discovered. Birthdays: Katharine Lee Bates (wrote the words to America the Beautiful) was born in 1859; Cecil B DeMille (filmmaker) in 1881. In 1927 Porter Wagner (MR. Grand Ole Opry) was born, and my dad’s FAVORITE, Buck Owens – who is really high on my list too! – was born in 1929. Ian Fleming – creator of James bond – died in 1964 at age 56; Henry Fonda, actor, died at age 77 in 1982; Merv Griffin – creator of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune – died in 2007 at age 82; in 2009 Les Paul – Father of the Electric Guitar – died at age 94.

TOMORROW August 13 is:

• National Prosecco Day
• National Filet Mignon Day
• International Left Handers Day
• National Blame Someone Else Day

My dad was left handed. I think Ron is. Gen is for sure…. So celebrate someone you love! And then blame it on someone else… 🙂 God bless…

Ron and I took a neighborhood walk this morning and it was already very warm and humid. The sun was shining and the morning glories were in bright bloom. We had toast for breakfast and a very nice conversation. He went to Stahlstown to visit his brother Paul and sister-in-law. I dropped off some documents to our lawyer for the sale of the farm (Thanks for your help, Tom!) and then dropped off a box of chips for Autmn and the kids.

The sky was very dark in the northwest (I think. I was never good at those kinds of directions), but the sun shown over Wren Drive so I went out to pull some weeds in the front yard. Dottie (neighbor) and I had another nice conversation, and then got back to work. It wasn’t long until the thunder rumbled, and within minutes the rain came down in buckets. I grabbed all my stuff and zipped inside, and now I am doing the Word Garden. The thunder is LOUD and overhead. I don’t expect to do anything else exciting so I’m just going to post early.

Oh! I also had a nice conversation with my friend Dianne from church. It was long overdue and much needed, and I felt better after we talked. A lot more things made sense. Thanks, Dianne, for taking some time for an old (i.e., long time!) friend!

I will share Cindy Lou (Lou Ellen’s) message from Inverness FL – Build up the Church; living the love. We need to get through things together – use each one’s strengths for the good of all. Sometimes we fail, but we keep going. Don’t try to do it on your own. Consider those around you and help each other. TRUST is vital. We are as strong as our weakest member. Encourage & support; trust in God and each other. WE need to be part of the trust factor. Our trust is our testimony. We must live in grace and love. Don’t let anger turn to sin. Don’t let your anger break down the body of Christ. We all matter! Seek peace; Don’t let anger and sin fester; COMMUNICATE. Be tender-hearted and forgiving. God’s love is the core of our heart. Our church is a place to seek nurturing, forgiveness, love, and acceptance. Follow the calling of Christ!

That is great advise – and if you have time, listen to Cindy Lou’s sermon in full at: https://tinyurl.com/y9x23zk9 and watch 8/8/2021’s sermon.

On this day in 1966 the last Beatle concert tour of the US began; Cheech and Chong day in San Antonio TX was in 1972, and in 2008 Airbnb was founded. Birthdays: 1894 Frank Epperson was born – inventor of the popsicle; In 1921 Alex Haley (ROOTs) was born; and in 1933 Jerry Falwell, televangelist and Baptist preacher; 1950-Steve Wozniak – co-founder of Apple computer; 1953 was Hulk Hogan, wrestler. Clara Peller (Where’s the Beef? lady) died in 1987 at age 86, and Robin Williams – comedian/Actor in 2014 at age 63.

August 12

• National Julienne Fries Day
• National Vinyl Record Day
• National Middle Child Day

I have a record player, and lots of vinyl records. They are mostly from the 1960’s and 70’s. But it’s fun to pull them out and listen to them sometimes! Have a great day – God bless…

Finally was able to get out and take a morning walk, checking out what was going on in the neighborhood. Nothing! Which is a comfort in itself.

I took the time to just be quiet and laid back this morning, after weeks and weeks of rushing around preparing and hosting activities. I watched Micah, Paul, and Cindy Lou Who — er, ah, I mean Lou Ellen from Florida! Since I had a late breakfast I skipped ‘lunch’ and did the ironing, then composed my grocery list and headed to Norwin Walmart. It didn’t make any difference: there were still several things that they didn’t have. I asked about a certain brand of hair spray and the shelf clerk said they stopped buying that brand. Communist Russia, as my sister would say! Did you know that Wax Paper is very hard to find? I’m still looking….

Ron made it in from Florida safe and sound. We had a quick frozen pizza for supper and then raided the chips basket. This post will be the end of my day…

I will share Micah’s message – Real Life – the facts and fellowship. We think we will have a storybook life, with a ‘happily ever after’ ending. That doesn’t usually happen. Life is hard, not problem free. FACT: We must believe in Christ. JOY is not the same as Happiness. Our JOY is in Christ and his return. But for now, live for God. He will never fail you. God is too good NOT to share! FELLOWSHIP: We need that with our Father – Don’t pull away and do your own thing. Stay in His presence and your JOY will be full.

On this day in 1776 word of the US Declaration of Independence reached London (I wonder how THAT went over???). In 1793 the Louvre Palace in Paris officially opened as a museum; in 1821 Missouri was admitted as the 24th state. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was sworn in as US Supreme Court Justice in 1993, and Mount Rushmore was dedicated in 1927 (Washington, Jefferson, T Roosevelt, Lincoln). In 1948 Candid Camera debuted, and in 1966 the US Treasury discontinued printing the $2 bill until 1976. Birthdays: Henri Nestle (Yep! The Chocolate guy!) was born in 1814; Herbert Hoover – 31st President – in 1874; Charles Darrow – invented Monopoly – in 1889; Jack Haley (Tim Man in Wizard of Oz) in 1897; Jimmy Dean (country singer and sausage guy!) in 1928. Rin Tin Tin died at age 13 in 1932 – he was a Hollywood Film dog, in 27 films. Nicolas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley were married in 2002. And today is Snoopy’s OFFICIAL birthday! He first appeared in the PEANUTS strip on October 4th, 1950 – the third day of the strip. His birthday was actually disclosed in a strip published April 10, 1968. So Happy Birthday, Snoopy!

TOMORROW August 10 is:

• National Shapewear Day
• National Connecticut Day
• National Lazy Day
• National S’mores Day

OK!! I will definitely buy into the LAZY day! But then again, I wouldn’t know how to be totally lazy. I could be lazy for, like, maybe an hour???? Have a great day! God bless…

This morning after my early dentist appointment (all was well…) I went to work in Jeannette. Did a few small things then came right home and started cleaning the house. With all the prep for the party and with Kelly and the boys visiting I didn’t even bother to fuss with cleaning. I just enjoyed the moment! Took a short break at 4pm for Kath and I to visit Mom – for some reason she was determined to get out of her chair. If she slid too far up she’d set off her alarm. It took Kath and I both to keep her relaxed and sitting back. We sang hymns for about 20 minutes in the lobby!

But now – a recap from the party. The weather was perfect, and almost all the kids were in the pool from the first minute. I know our Chase and Dave’s son Deegan were hanging out for a while. New friends are fun! While the DJ was setting up, I asked him if he took requests. He said ‘yes — um, normally – but possibly not. She (meaning Autmn!) gave me a 3 1/2 hour play list of songs, in order!’ I told him as the grandma I had override rights, and I was requesting lots of Beach Boys! He was more than happy to comply. Right away he played Wouldn’t it Be Nice! From that point on he played a Beach Boys song about every 5 songs. Autmn would always come and find me and we’d dance between the tables! Autmn’s a fan, too, so the DJ played all of our favorites! It was so fun! I wish I could put videos on the Word Garden but have no idea how. I’ve tried several times. I did post it on facebook so if you are on there you can see one!

There was lots of food – veggies, fruit, coleslaw, Mac/cheese, rigatoni, brisket (Kevin made it and it was delicious!). Then the snack table!! Ice cream cone cupcakes (two kinds), a cake that Summer made, Dum Dums and Smarties, bags and bags of chips, 4 kinds of cookies, brownie bites. Three coolers of soda, water, Huggies, Capri Suns – all staying super cold in big amounts of ice. And all the while, people were snapping photos, listening to the tunes, watching the kids swim (some adults did, as well), and enjoying talking together.

Here are random photos:

We had a table with thank you cards with photos on the back that Autmn put together, and two boards that I created with photos from baby-hood to graduation. Also there were cards that anyone could fill out giving the graduate life advise. It was a very fun and comfortable party, and it was extra nice (in addition to lots of Beach Boys songs!) to see the kids all getting along and having a good time.

My little word of inspiration and encouragement comes from Peppermint Patty. I haven’t been sleeping well, and I have waves of sleepiness throughout the days. So I could identify with PP! Hoping I can solve the sleep riddle and get some rest!

On this day in 1483 the Sistine Chapel opened, and in 1803 Robert Fulton tested his steam paddle-boat in France – but it sank… In 1944 the first Smokey Bear poster debuted, and in 1974 Richard Nixon resigned as President and Gerald Ford became 38th President of the United States. Whitney Houston was born in 1963, and Chris Haney (1950) – created the game Trivial Pursuit. Sharon Tate was murdered at age 26 (and was pregnant as well) in 1969.

TOMORROW August 10 is:

• National Shapewear Day
• National Connecticut Day
• National Lazy Day
• National S’mores Day

Ron is driving up from Florida to spend a few days with various family members and should arrive some time tomorrow. He’s camping out in his tent at night – not MY thing, but I’m sure he’ll enjoy it! Have a great week. God bless…