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…

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.

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.

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!

TOMORROW October 1st is:

• National Black Dog Day
• National Hair Day
• Fire Pup Day
• National Homemade Cookies Day
• National Manufacturing Day
• National Body Language Day 
• World Smile Day 

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!

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.”

God bless…

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!

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…

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.

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.

TOMORROW September 28 is:

• National Drink Beer Day
• National Good Neighbor Day
• National Strawberry Cream Pie Day
• National North Carolina Day 
• National Voter Registration Day 

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

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

TOMORROW September 27 is:

• National Day of Forgiveness *
• National Chocolate Milk Day
• National Crush a Can Day
• National Corned Beef Hash Day
• National Scarf Day
• National Family Day 

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

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

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!!

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.

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.

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!

TOMORROW September 24 is:

• National Cherries Jubilee Day
• National Punctuation Day
• Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving
• National BRAVE DAY
• National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 

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…

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.

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?

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!

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!

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.

TOMORROW September 23 is:

• Celebrate Bisexuality Day
• National Checkers/Dogs in Politics Day
• National Great American Pot Pie Day
• National Snack Stick Day
• National Teal Talk Day
• Innergize Day
• Restless Legs Awareness Day

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…

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.

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!

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.

TOMORROW September 22nd is:

• National Online Recovery Day
• American Business Women’s Day
• Car Free Day
• Dear Diary Day
• National Centenarian’s Day
• Elephant Appreciation Day
• National Girls’ Night
• Hobbit Day
• National Ice Cream Cone Day
• National Legwear Day
• National White Chocolate Day
• Autumnal Equinox 

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…

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!

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!

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 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!

TOMORROW September 21 is:

• National Chai Day
• National Pecan Cookie Day
• National New York Day
• National IT Professionals Day

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