After a brisk morning walk – and several phone calls (even one from Goshen IN) and txt messages and facebook posts! – I got busy on my Friday chores of cleaning and laundry. I felt blessed all day to have so much attention, love, and friendship pouring to me. Huge thanks to everyone who made the day special! And CARDS! Lots of fun cards!

My cousin Deb felt that cleaning house was not a fitting way to celebrate a birthday, so she picked me up and we had lunch at Parkwood. I had the fish sandwich and it was so huge I only ate about half. The fries were homemade and I ate them first! 🙂 Thank you, dear friend/cousin! We even used her brand new tripod/selfie stick and took our picture. It was the first time she used it, and before we figured it out the auto photo had taken 79 photos! But she figured it out (it had a really neat remote control!) and now we have a happy memory of the day!

After supper Kath, Paul, Sarah and Millie called me and sang ‘Happy Birthday ‘ – and then blew noise makes. Millie even wore a princess crown because she said ‘she knew me best!’ What a sweetie! Thanks to my family for making me smile today.

As I cleaned, my balloon followed me through the kitchen. A star! Someone knows me well… And the little bunny was nibbling beside the deck again. They are so cute when they are small.

Kath sent me another picture of Mom having her cake yesterday. You can see her attempt at eating the whole piece at once! Thankfully she figured it out and only took a small bite. But she did love that cake!

I will share Paul’s message – Judgement vs Kindness. God grieved that he made man; but Noah found favor. Often things that God has condemned find favor with man! We should be careful not to accept the ways of the world. Don’t water down God’s word. We are to love good and hate evil. We are all judgmental: We all sin & deserve God’s wrath. We can’t save ourselves. Don’t judge others – you are not qualified. We look for loopholes in God’s judgement, but we will all be judged and God’s judgement is impartial. There will be no last minute negotiations or a ‘free pass.’ There is no favoritism in God’s eyes; no defense against God’s judgement. Kindness matters – share it. Kindness is important. We do deserve God’s judgement, but there is hope. He didn’t have to create us; didn’t have to save us; didn’t have to send His son. If we are faithful, salvation is a gift of God. it’s only through Jesus that we can be forgiven and receive pardon. God blesses us with kindness and is patient with us. We have done nothing to deserve salvation. Grace keeps no record of wrongs. We need to show forgiveness.

On this day in 1682 William Penn founded Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania Colony, and 1815 was the battle of Waterloo. The first photo of lightening was taken in 1847, and in 1928 Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic ocean. Martin Luther King Jr married Coretta Scott in 1953. And I share a birthday today with Paul McCartney (1942) and Blake Shelton (1976).

TOMORROW June 19 is:

• National FreeBSD Day
• National Garfield the Cat Day
• Juneteenth
• National Watch Day

Tomorrow is COURT DAYS at Historic Hanna’s Town. Check on line for the activities schedule and stop out. It will be a great weekend there. I’ll be in the tavern from 9am to 11am so come visit. Demonstrations and re-enactors! Super fun day! God bless….

Hanna’s Town Court Days

Step back in time to when Hanna’s Town served as the seat of government for Westmoreland County! Join us for reenactments of actual court cases heard at Hanna’s Town between 1773 and 1786 along with militia encampments and demonstrations, living history demonstrations and displays, activities for children, and more. www.westmorelandhistory.org

Another crazy day – glad I could start out with a quiet walk in the cool sunshine. Rege traded me cars for vacation – something a little bigger. A Mazda CX5, one of my favorite cars! (I love the Buick Encore, too! It’s just a bit small for a trip like this one.)

Ron has lakes and ponds all around where he lives. Today he stopped and grabbed lunch to go, and ate it beside the peaceful water.

My little pond is not quite as secluded and peaceful, but I stopped on my way to work – finally – and took a photo of a pond full of lily pads. I’ve seen some unique ducks on the pond at times, and the bright pink flowers right now make me smile every time I drive past.

When I picked Kath up for our visit with Mom, Digger greeted me exuberantly! He’s a good dog but really full of energy! Digger is Jesse’s dog, and they are in Florida until tomorrow. So he’s staying with Grama and Grandfather.

We had a nice visit with Mom. She smiled and nodded several times, and was very engaged when we said we had cake! (We got approval and permission earlier in the day to take cake. As you can see she licked the platter clean! It took her about 45 minutes to eat her little piece of cake but she really enjoyed it. Thankful for good visits and time to spend with our Mom.

Chrissy sent me some photos of her ride on a ski lift. She loved it! Beautiful views!

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt – but I won’t begin to do it justice. It really spoke to me after the difficult week and I knew God was working through Greg. He shared with me that he felt the Spirit leading his words, even straying a little from his original message. We are in Psalm 119 – ‘Enlightened’. Learn from God – love the law; meditate all day long. He is teaching us, and we learn to hate the wrong path. We need: wisdom, insight, understanding, stability, direction. 1) God’s word is my counselor; that’s a priority. Open my eyes that I may see the wonderful things in your law. We are a stranger on earth. We are spiritual beings on earth. Don’t listen to the World – listen to the WORD! 2) You need a guide! God KNOWS. Jesus went to heaven but sent the counselor for us, who will lead us and guide us. Keep your eyes on Jesus, not the world. Trust God’s word! Continue in what you have learned in the word. Don’t be swayed by false teachings and opinions around you. Stay in the word! All scripture is God breathed. Choose you this day who you will serve.

On this day in 1837 Charles Goodyear obtained his first rubber patent; in 1885 the Statue of Liberty arrived in NYC on the French ship ISERE. In 1894 the first US Poliomyelitis (Polio) epidemic broke out in Vermont, and in 1972 five men were arrested after trying to bug the Democratic National Committee Office in the Watergate Complex, Washington. And in 1994 LA Police chased OJ Simpson in his Ford Bronco for 1 1/2 hours until he gave himself up (murder charges). I remember watching that on TV at Mom’s – this lone, white Bronco with a bunch of police cars behind it! Made no sense! Newt Gingrich – politician – and Barry Manilow – singer- were born in 1943. Kate Smith, singer, (God Bless America) died in 1986 at age 78, and in 2019 Gloria Vanderbilt, designer and heiress, at age 95. In 1950 Robert F Kennedy married Ethel Skakel, and in 1977 Joe Biden married Jill Jacobs.

TOMORROW June 18 is:

• National Wanna Get Away Day *
• National Go Fishing Day
• National Splurge Day
• Wear BLUE Day
• National Take Back the Lunch Break Day
• National Flip Flop Day –

I wanna get away – I’ll do that on Sunday. And KATH! National Flip Flop Day! Your favorite! Sounds like a good day all around. And for sure Isaac and Peyton are loving ‘Go Fishing’ day! Have a great weekend – God bless!

Another brisk morning walk – then after breakfast I started organizing for vacation. All the miscellaneous stuff, and making lots of notes! Kelly and the 3 boys got here about 10:30am and I made them all egg sandwiches. They had an appointment at noon in Irwin, so I finished organizing and did a little in the yard. Yesterday Dottie’s daughter Torilyn (neighbor) brought me over a bowl of chicken and dumplings – it was very good! Torilyn (14) made it herself!

Autmn sent us some more photos of their West Virginia trip.

Kath popped in real quick to bring me Suzie Squirrel. We each dress her up special and exchange her for birthdays. I got her back – I’ll return her (in a different outfit!) for Kath’s birthday in December. Today she’s decked out for vacation!

Since Kelly was here, Nate and Jen came over and we celebrated an early birthday. The cake was cupcakes! Very cute, and equally tasty. We had pizza, and Jen made her yummy ranch dip with chips. It was fun to have my family gathered around talking.

My nephew Jesse’s family are in Florida this week, and his son Isaac (14) caught a 10 foot hammer head shark. It was a catch and release because it’s protected, but he was pretty excited. It was tagged and marked, so if it gets caught again Isaac will be notified where it was found!

I will share Steve’s message – House waiting in the heavens. In the past 18 months we have become more aware of our mortality – our own and others. What is coming? Heaven is where God has our body and home ready for us. Heaven and earth will be one. Our body will be put aside but God will have a new body for us – being embodied matters. We all need a place to live. Joy is coming that will never pass away – the joy before us will make all earthly experience pale in comparison. Our new life will be glorious, resurrected into a new world that will never pass away. Hold fast! God is not finished; he’s working to complete us and it will be GREAT!

On this day in 1784 Holland forbade the wearing of orange clothes (???), and in 1858 Abraham Lincoln said: A house divided against itself cannot stand. In 1902 the Wizard of Oz musical opened in Chicago; in 1960 Psycho opened in NYC, and in 1978 the film Grease opened. George Reeves (actor – Superman) died in 1959. Birthdays – Geronimo (Apache leader) was born in 1829. My friend Nikki Saldi – a missionary with her husband and daughter to France – has a birthday today; Jessica Kintigh (her grandmother Sandy and I were neighborhood best friends up through high school!) is 23 today, and Ron Buschek would have celebrated a birthday today! Ron was our first youth leader when I was a teen – and he left a lasting impression on me. I just had to take a minute to acknowledge him as he has been in my thoughts all day! Birthday blessings to all!

TOMORROW June 17 is:

• Global Garbage Man Day
• National Eat Your Vegetables Day
• National Stewart’s Root Beer Day
• National Apple Strudel Day
• National Cherry Tart Day
• National Mascot Day
• National Career Nurse Assistants’ Day

I have a root beer in the fridge, and just made a big pan of roasted veggies – and tomorrow is our trash day! The planets must be aligned! God bless —

Here we are, half way through June already! This morning’s walk was a little breezy – 57* – but it felt good to be outside and walking briskly. After work, I was finally able to mow! So that’s done until Saturday. Yesterday around midnight I woke up and looked on the floor beside the bed. Rainy had insisted on coming in to sleep on my rug! If you stare at the photo really intensely you can see her shadow sprawled out!

Today’s post is two fold. First, Autmn! They are on vacation in West Virginia, and she sent me a few photos of their adventures. I love the picture of Chrissy and Autmn in front of the falls, and the one of the gorge. Autmn took the pictures on ‘live’ mode, and when I click on them you hear/see a bit of motion. That won’t transfer to this post – I tried it! But it looks like they were having a good time. She facetimed me yesterday morning for a ‘tour’ of the cabin, and Chrissy was making pancakes for everyone! Quite a crew to cook for!

Ron -as mentioned – retired on Friday, and on Saturday morning he was out on a local lake. Take note of the beautiful sunrise! His friend took some pictures for him – his first official day of ‘freedom’!!!

Today I will share Micah’s message about Worth the Effort – our tasks seem overwhelming and to have no effect – even the Apostle Paul had regrets – but don’t dwell on your past; focus on what God has entrusted you with. It’s worth a life of sacrifice to serve others. When you are prepared to die you are prepared to live. Depart: 1) Set sail – pull up the anchor 2) Take down the tent – we leave our earthly body. We have a departure time already set; we don’t know when. Don’t fight the wrong fight. Fight the good one. Finish the fight, stay on course. Stay with it, one step at a time. Don’t give up! Keep the faith. There are worse things than dying. There is a crown and treasures waiting for believers. We are all in our own story, with a beginning, middle and end. Live a life of service to God.

On this day in 1775 George Washington was appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, and in 1844 Charles Goodyear patented vulcanization of rubber. In 1918 one inch of snow fell in northern Pennsylvania; in 1924 Ford Motor Company manufactured it’s 10 millionth automobile. In 1969 Hee Haw with Roy Clark and Buck Owens premiered – my dad LOVED that show and laughed the entire time! We loved it because HE loved it! In 1974 Back Home Again album was released by John Denver. Waylon Jennings (country singer) was born in 1973; Janet Lennon of the Lennon Sisters (my cousin Karen LOVED them! Especially Janet!) in 1946; Helen Hunt (actress) in 1963; Courteney Cox (actress) in 1964. James Knox Polk died in 1849 at age 53 (11th president); John Connally Jr – governor of Texas wounded during assassination of JFK – died in 1993 at age 76; Ella Fitzgerald (Jazz/Blues singer) died in 1996 at age 78; and Casey Kasem (American Top 40) died in 2014 at age 82. In 1777 Betsy Ross married Joseph Ashburn; in 1945 Judy Garland married Vincente Minnelli; and in 2010 Harrison Ford married Calista Flockhart.

TOMORROW June 16 is:

• National Fudge Day

WooHoo! How about National Fudge BROWNIE Day? Perfect! With vanilla bean ice cream. Have a great day – God Bless.

I love flag day, and knowing about it and respecting it and honoring the flag and our country, for which it stands. So today I will do that!

On June 14, 1777 the Second Continental Congress passed a flag resolution stating: Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation. The first national observance of Flag Day was on June 14 1877, 100 years after the flag resolution was adopted by the Continental Congress. In the late 19th century, school teachers all over the United States began conducting patriotic ceremonies commemorating Flag Day as a way to teach children about history. One such teacher, Bernard J Cigrand, is often referred to as the “Father of Flag Day.” He (as well as the Colonial Dames and the Sons of the American Revolution) lobbied Congress for many years for Flag Day to be officially observed. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that June 14 be National Flag Day, and in 1949 it was made official by an Act of Congress. William T Kerr, a native of Pittsburgh, PA, founded the American Flag Day Association of Western Pennsylvania in 1888 and became the national chairman of the American Flag Day Association one year later, serving for fifty years. He attended President Truman’s 1949 signing of the Act of Congress that formally established the observance.

Below are a LOT of pictures of flags in my immediate neighborhood:

I will share Steve’s Memorial Day message from Maplewood, about freedom to live our lives. Ask Jesus into our life. What matters most is that we are alive day by day and living for Christ. We are ALIVE in Christ. We were made to fill each other. We are filled, then empty ourselves into each other. In our nation thousands have given their lives so others may live – they emptied themselves for us. Jesus makes it all possible by His death and gives us life. He emptied HIMSELF for us; He took in all the sin and suffering and gave Himself. When you give yourself to Jesus, His love is given to us. We remember Jesus’ sacrifice – that keeps us faithful. We remember those who gave themselves so we can be faithful and live our life in Jesus.

On this day in 1775 the US Army was formed as the Continental Army to fight the American Revolutionary war, and in 1777 the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes flag. Sandpaper was patented in 1881, and in 1923 was the recording of the first country music hit: Little old Log Cabin in the Lane. In 1940 Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp opened, and in 1942 Anne Frank began her diary. Harriet Beecher Stowe was born in 1811 (author – Uncle Tom’s Cabin), and Donald Trump – 45th President – was born in 1946. Benedict Arnold died at age 60 in 1801, and in 1963 Betty White married game show host Allen Ludden.

TOMORROW June 15 is:

• National Megalodon Day *
• National Smile Power Day
• Nature Photography Day

Take time when you read this to be appreciative of our country, and the flag that represents it. We may have strange and distressing issues to deal with these days, but it’s still the greatest nation under God – and in the world! God bless…

After early church Mary and I went to breakfast. We have really come to appreciate those shared times. I came home and started on my thank you notes – did a flower walk around the yard. Then I saw one of the baby bunnies nibbling beside the deck. I’m sure there are more than one!

I will share Jim’s message last week from 1st Pres Florida – A closer look at Jesus. 1) Jesus is compassion – he knows our lives better than we do. He wants to be your companion; share your life with Jesus. 2) He invites us to be with him – we can make a difference in the world through relationships. Make friends, be friends, bring them to Jesus. 3) Compass – he’s the way, truth, life – he points the way we should go. Through: A) Bible B) Prayer C) Others who know and love us D) Circumstances E) Peace He’s our GPS – God positioning system. Follow His life!

On this day in 1777 the Marquis de Lafayette landed in the US, and in 1888 congress created the Department of Labor. The US Post Office announced children could not be sent by parcel post (true fact!!!) in 1920. Martha Washington – our first 1st Lady – was born in 1731 (or June 2 – no one really knows….); Tim Allen in 1953, and Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen (Michelle on Full House) was born in 1986. Benny Goodman – King of Swing/bandleader – died at age 77 in 1986, and Chuck Noll (NFL/Steeler coach) died at age 82 in 2014.

TOMORROW June 14 is:

• Army Birthday
• International Bath Day
• National Strawberry Shortcake Day
• National Pop Goes the Weasel Day
• National Flag Day
• National Bourbon Day
• National New Mexico Day

Gen and I went for a walk (with Rainy) around the block taking pictures of flags for the Flag Day post tomorrow. Stay tuned for details! God bless….

Dillweed Pick-A-Dilly Herb Faire! Kathy and I met our Skunk Hollow Cousin Karen V there at 9:15. We were both wondering why we were so determined to keep our schedule going at such a pace; the events of the last few weeks, including the funeral, left us drained. Emotionally and physically. But the event sounded so FUN and we were so excited to spend time with Karen that we sallied forth!

And it was an amazing morning! There were flowers and herbs and craft booths and people and food venders and people and more venders. And the prices – especially for the plants – were very reasonable. We were tempted by the handmade soaps, specialty teas, handmade windchimes, dog treats and shampoos, garden art, salves and creams, jewelry – all delightful. We had a very early lunch – Karen and Kath had Pesto Pizza and Apple Mint Julep, and I had a chicken salad croissant and water. Both very yummy. The day was sunny and warm but very comfortable – with clouds now and then. We took a picture on the way home of the distant mountains but didn’t do it justice.

My favorite thing was the booth that was called Spoonful of Heritage – Jewelry and Unique Gifts. She did make jewelry out of spoons and it was beautiful, but she also made necklaces, rings, and bracelets out of old fashioned typewriter keys. It’s worth checking out. Unique is the right word! I talked to Franki and I plan to order one from her – I wanted the ‘back space’ key but she only had it in yellow and I preferred black. I may even get a bracelet rather than the necklace. They were just perfect for me! Can’t wait to see what we come up with.

After we got back, I stopped at the house, checked on Rainy (Gen was at a reunion), and then went to the Mall. I was looking for comfortable shoes for vacation. I found a pair of support sandals that I hope will be just perfect! I plan to wear them all week so they are comfy for vacation. I cleaned the painting Kelly wanted from the cabin and then washed the car. Gen and I had sliders and broccoli salad for supper, walked the dog, planted a rose cutting, and now — Word Garden!

Martin’s Ferry had a quest speaker, and he talked about relationships and the Trinity. The trinity is amazing and mysterious but also practical and helpful. Relationships are actually the theme of the whole Bible – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In trying to reach those who need God, don’t use CHURCH terms – they don’t really understand them. Use love, and talk about relationships. We are made for relationships, which are God-given because we are made in His image. We need to keep God in our relationship with Him and with others. Worship God as who He is, not who we THINK He is. Our relationships are broken because of sin – we miss the mark of God’s holiness. We need to reconcile with God and each other through Christ; He is the answer to restore relationships. The pattern is this: Generate life – beautiful relationship! Then degenerate – Satan destroys them. Regenerate through Jesus. There is one God – but He is 3 persons – and exactly what we need for our relationship with Him and each other.

On this day in 1776 Virginia adopted the Declaration of Rights, and in 1908 the Lusitania crossed the Atlantic in a record 4 days/15 hours. In 1923 Houdini freed himself from a straight jacket while suspended upside down; in 1942 Anne Frank got a diary as a birthday gift, and in 1965 Sonny & Cher first appeared on a TV show (American bandstand). George H W Bush (41st president) was born in 1924; Anne Frank in 1929, and Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle) in 1930. Gregory Peck died at age 87 in 2003.

TOMORROW June 13 is:

• National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day
• Random Acts of Light Day
• National Weed Your Garden Day
• National Sewing Machine Day
• National Children’s Day 

For me weed your garden day is every day! I love playing in the dirt! Have a lovely day, but it looks like there are storms in the picture so be wise! God bless…

Gen and I took Rainy for a very slow walk this morning – Rainy is a very dedicated sniffer! Gen planted my birthday gift (lavender!!!) and I pruned the lilac so the lavender would get more sun.

We had a nice breakfast on the deck together, then both went our separate directions. Kelly and the boys were up – they love my internet and always mourn the fact that they have to leave!

When Gen brought rainy back and left to go to dinner with her sister and their nephew, Rainy just plopped on Gen’s bedroom floor and pouted. She is really waiting for her return!

Today was Ron’s last day of work – officially retired. Congrats to Ron on the new path ahead of him. Lots of fun choices and new directions! As he said in his txt to me this afternoon: “Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis and Ron have just left the building.” Blessings to him and his bright, full future.

I’m sharing last week’s Word of Life message today by Sheldon – View of Eternity. 1) We need to fix our gaze on what cannot be seen; live your best life now, but don’t focus on now. Focus on the promises of God. 2) Focus on eternity – magnify the presence of Christ and minimize problems. Magnify Christ 3) diminish the hold the world has on us. Things that are seen are temporary. Don’t love the world. 4) Bring into life genuine pleasure and joy. Change your focus – What really matters? Eternity. You spend all your time and focus on preparing for this life – you should be preparing for eternity.

On this day in 1742 Ben Franklin invented his Franklin stove, and in 1776 the Continental Congress created a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence – including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ben Franklin and others. In 1964 Queen Elizabeth ordered the Beatles to her birthday party – and they attended; in 1982 E.T. was released. American Idol premiered in 2002 and Ronald Reagan’s funeral was in 2004. John Wayne (Marion Mitchell Morrison) died at age 72 in 1979 and David Brinkley, news anchor, died in 2003 at age 82. Vince Lombardi was born in 1913, and my friend Linda Beer is celebrating a birthday today! Linda and I met when our youngest kids were 2 (they are now 39!) and I taught the 2’s and 3’s Sunday night Bible Class. Happy birthday Linda — many more!

TOMORROW June 12 is:

• National Red Rose Day
• National Jerky Day
• National Peanut Butter Cookie Day
• National Loving Day
• National Rosé Day 

I think …. I love flowers and family and my house and my friends and God (most of all) and M&M’s and sleeping all night! Have a happy Saturday and I hope you LOVE your weekend! God bless…

It was good to catch up with my walk this morning – I didn’t sleep well last night and was up pretty early. The fresh morning air felt good and peaceful. I like this house – it always decorats windows for the seasons or the holidays. Stars!

Work was a zoo for a bit, but then I was able to get home in time to cut the grass before the downpour. Kath and I had a visit with Mom, but facetime isn’t the best choice. Hopefully next week we can visit in person. I took a little flower walk after the rain and found a bright pink lily and a few buds, not quite ready to bloom.

Gen is here from New York, and after she made dinner (I love it when she cooks!) we went outside and cleaned up some of the flower beds, pulled weeds, trimmed plants. It felt good to be outside working together. When we came in, I started working on this and Rainy decided she was going to nap on the rug behind me – but it was bedtime for them so they went upstairs. I’m looking forward to our visit over the next several days!

Today I’ll share Sheena’s message from Word of Life – Walk in your rightful authority! The Bible promises that we can trample the devil under our feet – keep on tramping! 1) The devil is a liar – God is truth. Don’t put the devil on a pedestal, put him under your feet! Jesus already defeated Satan – you are a kingdom kid. 2) You are not a victim – we are filled with God’s power. He tries to attack and strip us of our power – But our past is behind us – just march. Your ammunition is the Word – Train your brain! 3) Stay in the rest – think in peace. God’s got your back and is fighting our battles. Recognize God’s voice. Don’t be anxious about anything. Keep tramping!

On this day in 1692 the first victim of the Salem Witch Trials was hanged in Massachusetts, and in 1752 Ben Franklin tested the lightening conductor with kite flying. The first public zoo opened in 1793 in Paris. Spencer Tracy died in 1967 at age 67 and Ray Charles in 2004 at age 73. John Jacob Astor III (American businessman) was born in 1822, Judy Garland (whose real name was Frances Gumm!) in 1922, and Lee Brice (Country music artist) in 1979. And my friend Janet Drown had a birthday today. Happy birthday, Janet – hope your day was full of fun and love and laughter. God bless!

TOMORROW June 11 is:

• National Making Life Beautiful Day
• National Corn on the Cob Day
• National German Chocolate Cake Day

Tomorrow is a continued visit with Gen and Rainy, and Kelly is coming up for a while. I’m looking forward to spending most of the day at home! Lots to do! Have a happy Friday! God bless…

Today was a long, emotional day – but we all managed very well together and separately. Kath and I left at 8am, and only drove through about 20 minutes of pouring rain. The rest of the day was clear and sunny (except for a few clouds on the way home).

The private family viewing at the funeral home was at noon – and we finally met John’s youngest daughter Judy. John’s two sons were not able to attend. Jim had obligations that he could not avoid and he is out of state. Dick and his wife Bobbie were still in Colorado and won’t be back until Sunday. But there were a nice amount of people there – friends and neighbors and those from church. It was so nice to talk to John’s granddaughter Tracy. She and Mom were VERY close, and they helped each other navigate some dicey waters when things got rough. We promised to keep in touch – her twins Gracie and Owen are about 9 days older than Autmn. She’s a lovely woman and I hope we CAN keep in touch.

John’s niece Donna (also out of state) sent the most unique basket – all fresh vegetables. I never saw anything like it.

There was a beautiful butterfly and bow tree that was somehow a comfort.

The pastor (and friend) Byron Gurnee gave the celebration service – he talked about the fact that John rejoiced in his life even when it was difficult. He quoted Job 1:21 – and the last part reads: The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. Byron said that John told him the ‘God’s been better to me than I’ve been to Him.’ I think we can all say that. John trusted the Lord and believe the John 14: 1-4 – ¹“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ²My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴You know the way to the place where I am going.” One of my favorite verses. No doubt John’s room is on a farm somewhere, with gardens and trees and a porch with kittens and a nice breeze. And a John Deere that he can ride to cut the grass! His niece Lisa said she asked John what he thought contributed to living to be 100 – his answer was to love the Lord and serve him. Byron was pleased to find John studying his Bible – wanting to find and trust the Living Hope of Jesus his redeemer. It was a lovely service.

On this day in 1732 a royal charter was granted to Georgia, and in 1958 ‘Purple People Eater’ was #1. The emperor NERO died at age 31 in the year 68AD, and Charles Dickens at age 58 in 1870. Birthdays: Michael J Fox in 1961 and Johnny Depp in 1963. And today my fellow writer and good friend Ron Shafer celebrated a birthday. Happy birthday Ron! And many, many more happy and fun days to celebrate!

TOMORROW June 10th is:

• National Egg Roll Day
• National Ballpoint Pen Day
• National Iced Tea Day
• National Black Cow Day
• National Herbs and Spices Day

It will be a long time before I can actually think of John being gone. It just feels like he should be there, sitting in his chair by the window, having the television up too loud, reading his manuals and magazines and newspapers. But I know he’s rejoicing and happy ‘home’ where he wanted to be! God bless…