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…

Today is the day. After church and lunch, I lugged out all the supplies that Autmn and I had bought for her graduation party and I loaded it all in my car. Kelly and the boys came, and we made lunch #2 for her and the boys, then started cooking. She made her homemade mac/cheese and I was responsible for rigatoni. Autmn picked her favorite sauce.

It was — the best grad party ever! My sweet Autmn Rose was so excited, and so grown up, and so happy. She went around talking to every guest, laughing and smiling. I way-laid the DJ and every so many songs he’d override her playlist and instead play a Beach Boys song! Autmn and I danced and sometimes the other kids joined in too. The food was great, everyone loved the pool (Park N Pool, Youngwood), and the music was not too loud to enjoy conversation. More about the party and more pics tomorrow. It’s almost midnight and I’m exhausted!

I will share Kyle’s message from Hempfield. I AM ENOUGH – the matching necklaces that the two American volley-ball players wore in the Olympics. We ARE enough, because God sets our value. But it’s based on faith. We recognize our sin, and God forgives. We are enough to GOD, but not enough WITHOUT God. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. That’s how we learn, and grow, and witness.

On this day in 1786 US Congress unanimously chose the dollar as the US monetary unit, and in 1898 Will Kellogg invented Corn Flakes. Dustin Hoffman was born in 1973, Mel Tillis in 1932, and Esther Williams (Hollywood’s mermaid) in 1921. My step-brother-in-law Steve celebrated a birthday today – Happy birthday, Steve – hope you enjoyed your day! In 2001 Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman divorced. Glenn Campbell died in 2017 at age 81, and my children’s father (my ex-husband) Stoney Burke died on this date in 1991 at age 55. That was a hard time for all of us but I’m proud of the adults that they have become.

TOMORROW is August 9:

• National Rice Pudding Day
• National Veep Day
• National Book Lovers Day

Yes! Tomorrow is my day! I LOVE books! I will celebrate all day long. All week long. What am I saying? Forever! Have a great day, and read a book! God bless…

I am getting used to my new desk chair. It’s comfortable, but a lot bigger and has arms. That is a good thing, but I keep running into things. So, it will take getting used to.

Since I chose to spend the last 3 days with Kelly, Logan, and Chase, I had to work this morning. It was a mild day, though, so no problem. And since I couldn’t find half of the items I needed last night at Walmart, I ran to Latrobe after work. Between Walmart and Aldi I was able to get what I need.

I came home to find a zucchini on my front porch – I know who left it there so I thanked them on facebook. I spent the next hour plus grating the zucchini and making 4 loaves of zucchini bread. I put chocolate chips in them, and put walnuts in three of them. I plan to take some on Thursday to Albion. I had a piece with my corn for supper and it was very good.

Decided that even though it was pretty warm outside I would spend a little time getting fresh (if not very hot!) air. I finally scraped the last wall of the foundation. Next step is getting the paint and then actually painting. After that was done, I cut back the one section of Dutch Iris that was done blooming. Still several more to go, but one at a time! I just balanced my checkbook, and after this I will write out a few cards.

I did not listen to any sermons today – but I did study my Sunday School lesson for in the morning – it’s about Gideon. An angel appeared to him and told him he was brave and strong. He was confused, because he was afraid and hiding from the Midianites! Gideon had to face his fears and recognize that God would be with him. If God gives you something to do, he will not leave you alone through it!

On this day in 1782 George Washington created the Purple Heart Medal; in 1974 George Washington rebelling Western Pennsylvania farmers to go home and called for 15,000 militia. Farmers protested the excise duty of stills and spirits distilled in the US. In 1829 the first potatoes were planed in Hawaii, and in 1963 Jacqueline Kennedy became the first US First Lady to give birth since Mrs. Cleveland. Birthdays: Nathanael Greene (Greensburg was named for him) in 1742; Carl Switzer – Alfalfa on the Little Rascals – in 1927; Billie Burke (Good Witch in the Wizard of Oz) in 1884; Garrison Keillor – American Humorist and host of Prairie Home Companion – in 1942. Oliver Hardy (Laurel and Hardy) died in 1957 at age 65, and Peter Jennings – news anchor – in 2005 at age 67.

Tomorrow August 8 is:

• Global Sleep Under The Stars Night 
• National CBD Day 
• National Happiness Happens Day
• National Frozen Custard Day
• National Sneak Some Zucchini Into Your Neighbor’s Porch Day
• National Dollar Day
• National Spirit of ’45 Day –

Well funny! I had a zucchini sneaked onto my porch TODAY! And as for sleeping under the starts, Ron Shafer???? Have a great day, everyone! God bless…

Kelly and the boys stayed until after 4pm. We had a nice day, and of course the boys love the high-speed internet! Kelly had tons of lesson plans to work on for the upcoming home school year. I just went about the house and yard doing little chores. Kelly was looking for magnetic paper and pen holders for her ‘office’ space, and I had several. We spray-painted a purple one black and she was excited to take it home.

The front maple trees looked like their branches were sagging, so to head off getting myself slapped in the face when I cut the grass, I went out and snipped them as high as I could reach. Kelly held the branch and I snipped. Looks much better with the ‘hair cut’. I did a quick search on the internet, as for some reason I couldn’t remember Daniel’s regiment (Letters to Mary). I was amazed at how easy it was to find that. 82nd PA Volunteers, infantry. Union army/Private/Company D.

I keep finding little things in the trunk. I set some of them out, but when Kath gets back I will let her look at them to make sure she doesn’t want them. I think I remember her mentioning this little ‘leave a note’ house, and I’m pretty sure it will be something she takes!

I cleaned out the stove warming drawer, fed the boys numerous times, made a grocery list (again), swept the floors (the kitchen about two dozen times…), washed three loads of clothes, and watered the outside plants. Now I have Rick Steves’ Europe on in the background as I type. We are in Stockholm tonight.

Paul’s message from River Hill was THE WAR WITHIN – There is a constant struggle and conflict going on inside us all the time. The battle remains. The closer we draw to God, the clearer our sinful nature becomes to us. 1) Sin lives on in us. Satan never gives up. But we aren’t judged on our own; we are judged through Jesus and are FREE. We are resurrected to new life. As the apostle Paul says, he knows what he wants to do, but can’t manage to do it. He knows what NOT to do, but somehow does it anyway. It’s a constant battle. 2) God’s law delights us. The more we study the more important it is and the more it delights us. Love the Word and not the World. 3) We need to be rescued. Thanks be to God, who delivers us through Christ. The Law doesn’t save us. We see the battle but can’t save ourselves. Jesus won the victory over death and sin; he will lead us in the way we should go. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. HE gives us the victory.

On this day in 1774 the founder of the Shaker movement – Ann Lee – arrived in NY; wonder if she built my cupboard? I love it! In 1939 the Dinah Shore Show first broadcast on NBC radio; in 1945 the first atomic bomb was dropped by the US on Hiroshima Japan, and in 1960 Chubby Checker performs THE TWIST on the Dick Clark Show and started a worldwide dance craze. Birthdays: Alfred Lord Tennyson (poet) was born in 1809; In 1861 Edith Roosevelt (Teddy’s first lady) was born; Andy Warhol was born in Pittsburgh PA in 1928; Lucille Ball in 1911 in Jamestown NY; Jon Benet Ramsey was born in 1990 (murdered in 1996); and Soleil Moon Frye (Punky Bruster in 1976.

TOMORROW August 7 is:

• Purple Heart Day
• National Lighthouse Day
• National Raspberries N’ Cream Day
• National Play Outside Day
• National Disc Golf Day
• National Jamaican Patty Day
• National Mustard Day –
• Mead Day 

I really have to get busy and finish scraping the flaking paint off the last wall of the foundation. I keep finding other things to do instead. Tomorrow is the DAY!!!! (Gulp) God bless…

A beautiful, sunny day! I didn’t spend much of it outside; spent most of the day in the kitchen and running errands. And if you know me at all, you know the kitchen is NOT my favorite place to be! I seldom even EAT in there! But we mixed up homemade bread, made cream of potato soup (Gen Morris’ recipe!), and egg salad.

Kelly and I met Greg Voss (Camp Christian) at Connellsville High School to pick up shirt samples for the 80th anniversary celebration on September 4th. We saw a Medevac helicopter land in the pad right beside the parking lot, and then an ambulance came with a transport patient. Something I’ve never seen before and it was interesting. We had to meet another of Kelly’s friends at Cracker Barrel in New Stanton, and stopped at Burger King to get frozen drinks. Yum!

Thought I’d share 2 of the items we found in the trunk yesterday. The little Kellogg’s book is smaller than my hand. The clothespin man was carved by Mom’s uncle EDD for her – If you look very closely you will see DOT printed on the body.

I was blessed to talk to both Barb (step-sister) and Jim (step-brother) on the phone today, and it just reinforces the relationship we are building together. I am so thankful for that. So thankful!

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt, but I got so caught up in everything that I didn’t take many notes. It was MARATHON. The Bible says that ‘Your word is more precious than gold.’ Can we honestly say that? If you had a pile of thousands of dollars in front of you, and the Bible beside it, which would you pick up and walk away with? You will exist forever. Money will NOT be forever. We as Christians are a minority in a Christian county. What will save us? God’s word? Money? The choice is difficult. Sometimes it’s good to fail, because that’s how we learn. And pain helps us identify the things that are not right with us. God’s word trains us, so stick to your training; God is good. I fall short, but the Lord covers me. Love the Word.

On this day in 1864 David Farragut (Civil War) Union Admiral said: ‘Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!’ In 1884 the cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty was laid on Bedloe’s Island NYC, and in 1921 KDKA was the first to radio broadcast an MLB game: Pirates beat Phillies 8-0. In 1924 Little Orphan Annie comic strip was published; American Bandstand premiered on ABC in 1957. The Beatles YELLOW SUBMARINE debuted in 1955 (Pink Chevrolet???); Bobby Gentry’s ODE to BILLY JOE in 1967. Marilyn Monroe died from an overdose at age 36; Richard Burton in 1984 at age 58. Neil Armstrong was born in 1930; Maureen McCormick (Marcia on the Brady Bunch) in 1956. My dear friend Corliss Christopher is celebrating a birthday today – happy, happy birthday, Corliss! Jennifer Aniston married Justin Theroux in 2015. And today special friends Janet & Kyle Drown are celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary. Many, many happy years wished for you, my friends, and blessings to your beautiful family! Love you!

TOMORROW August 6 is:

• National Root Beer Float Day
• National Fresh Breath Day
• National Wiggle Your Toes Day
• International Beer Day
• National Water Balloon Day –

I have two unexpected free days this week. And for that I will take a fresh breath and wiggle my toes… Although I mourn the absence of what would have been fun events, there are dozens more on the very near horizon. So I will enjoy time on Friday afternoon and Saturday to get some household chores done. God bless!!!

I took a late walk, did a bit of housekeeping, got a shower and just finished dressing when Kelly and the boys pulled in. Logan and I had breakfast, then the boys set up their game systems. Kelly worked on school work for a bit (almost time for school to start again – 8/23) and I caught up on some other things.

As is normal, we made a quick trip to get a few groceries requested for the next few days. After a simple lunch Kelly and I made a big batch of brownie bites for Autmn’s party on Sunday (which of course we sampled – quality control!).

I spent the rest of the afternoon going through some of the items in the old trunk. Wow, there was a lot of really cool, interesting stuff in there! Bibles from the 1800’s that belonged to family. Receipts, sympathy cards from when Grama Crooks died, newspapers, certificates. It was like taking a trip back in time. There was even a newspaper from 1912 with the TITANIC headline! We found a Werner Primer from 1908. From the writing on the inside cover it looks like is was shared by several Crooks students. I plan to go through everything again with Kath – we’ll share some of the memories with those connected to the items. It was almost like time travel, and I was tired when I finished.

I will share Micah’s message: Behold I come quickly (Return of Christ). He promised He is coming again. 1) Anticipation a) release from this world b) Reunion with those who went before us c) reward; something we can offer back to Jesus. 2) Transformation a) He makes all things new b) What is NOT there – evil, fear, tears, death, curse, etc 3) Preparation a) believers need to stay focused and alert b) Unbelievers need to get right with God. – ask for forgiveness. BE READY. Look for Him, Live for Him, Love! Walk in His will; we all have our own path, and they are not all the same. Use CPR – Christ’s Promised Return. Our home is already prepared.

On this day in 1821 the first issue of the Saturday Evening Post was published; in 1862 the US government first collected income tax. In 1892 Lizzie Borden’s father and step-mother were murdered with an axe. In 1916 the US purchased the Virgin Islands, and in 1944 Anne Frank was arrested by German Security Police. BIRTHDAYS: Elizabeth, Queen Mother of England, in 1900; 1902 Clara Peller – Where’s the Beef? lady. In 1962 Barack Obama (44th President); and in 1981 Meghan Markle – Duchess of Sussex and married to Prince Harry. Hans Christian Andersen died in 1875 at age 70, and Paul Revere married Sarah Orme in 1757.

TOMORROW August 5 is:

• National Underwear Day
• National Work Like A Dog Day
• National Oyster Day
• National IPA Day 

Under where? Here! Work in your underwear! Anyway, have a happy Thursday and enjoy your day. God bless…

Another chilly morning walk, but yesterday was cooler. I worked both stores (Greensburg twice, because a title came in after I left), stopped to handle something for Mike, and got a few groceries. When I got home, I was excited to see that my new office chair had been delivered. I decided to work on the porch then wheel it down the driveway into the family room. As I unpacked the pieces I was a little intimidated about putting it together myself – but it was actually very easy and soon I was sitting comfortably answering emails!

My neighbor just dropped off a cucumber, some tomatoes and a few ears of corn – which is boiling now. Another great meal for tonight- Thanks, Al!

So I moved the chair into the kitchen, by the Shaker cabinet in the kitchen. I think it’s a better fit – but I still have several options. We’ll see where it actually ends up. As long as I don’t run into it where it is, I like it there.

Autmn and Nate stopped by last night, and Autmn showed me her card box for the party on Sunday. When we were shopping and she was picking out crafty items to create this box, I couldn’t picture it. She did a beautiful job. Just because I am so UN creative (in the craft arena) doesn’t mean everyone else is!)

I ‘ll share Jonathan Slatt’s message – he filled in at Hempfield on Sunday. His grandfather Ron was our church’s first youth pastor – and I had a huge crush! Thankfully I really liked the lovely woman he married – so all’s good now. Jonathan does look like Ron; he did a great job preaching and as part of the praise band. Ron did NOT have musical talent – he gets that from his grandmother Patty! The message was on cognitive dissonance – thoughts and feelings that occur at the same time but don’t belong together. Two thoughts that contradict, like thinking one thing and doing something entirely contradictory. Jesus preached about the letter of the law, and the people listening felt pretty good about themselves, as we often do. We obey the law, right? No murder, lying, steeling, adultery. But Jesus said if you even THINK these things you are guilty! Maybe we aren’t so good, after all! Now we feel uncomfortable. We are told not to even give an offering until we make things right. We need to follow more than the LAW. Jesus tore the barriers of sin down between us and God; it’s time to come back to God and modify our behavior. Choose to please God and follow His will – and that’s MORE than the law!

On this day in 1492 Columbus set sail for the ‘Indies’ with the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. In 1900 Firestone Tire and Rubber Company was founded, and in 1921 the first crop dusting by airplane was done in Ohio. In 1961 the Pirates routed the Cardinals 19-0, largest lopsided shutout in NL history. In 2004 the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty was reopened, closed since the 9-11-01 attack. Jay North (Dennis the Menace) was born in 1951; Tom Brady (Patriots quarterback) in 1977, and Martha Stewart in 1941. Do you believe that makes her 80 years old? Wow! Gwen Stafani divorced Gavin Rossdale (musician) in 2015. And today is my sister Kathy and her husband Paul’s wedding anniversary. Wishing them a wonderful day, and loving celebration, and many more delightful and healthy years together!

TOMORROW August 4 is:

• National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
• National Coast Guard Day

I just bought CC cookies! Reduced Fat ones, but they are still yummy. So tomorrow that will be on my list. Kelly and the 2 little boys will be here for 2 days, so we’ll eat them up! Have a great day! God bless…

I took a short walk this morning – I was uninspired! Di sent me the song of the day right on time (7:30am!), and this week’s theme is Cowboys. The song was: THE COWBOY RIDES AWAY. I love that song, but it always makes me cry! I listed to it all around the neighborhood, took a deep breath, and moved on with my day! (Just listened to it again and I’m sitting here sniffling!!! I’m such a sap…)

So to catch up on the last few days outside of Civil War Camp. Saturday coming back home after picking up pizza for the boys, the cars in front of me were all stopped. I couldn’t see a reason until I snaked past the tree line. There was a deer standing there just watching us all watching him(her?)! Then Jesse and Tonia had gone to Erie for a car show, and brought back the chair that got left behind last time we were at the farm. I was happy to have it, and tonight I scrubbed it up and rubbed it with lemon oil. It’s sitting in the living room beside the secretary/desk.

We had a nice visit with mom, and she actually made comments several time throughout our conversation. At a little after 5pm she tried wheeling away from us, and we figured she was hungry. Kath & I could smell the aroma of yummy food cooking. Mom probably didn’t want to miss out! I was glad to come home and eat (I stopped at Palmer’s farm and got corn, tomatoes, and yellow string beans).

I still haven’t had time to listen to any sermons – hope to do that as soon as I finish this. So I will leave you with one of my favorite verses, which often is what keeps me moving forward: However, as it is written: ‘no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.’ I Corinthians 2:9 Amen and Amen!

On this day in 1610 Explorer Henry Hudson entered the Hudson Bay (Wonder where it got its name???); in 1865 Lewis Carroll published ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.’ In 1909 the first Lincoln penny was issued, and in 1943 Lt. JFK’s PT Boat 109 sunk at Solomon islands. Birthdays: Pierre Charles L’Enfant, architect who laid out the design for Washington DC) was born in 1754; Frederic Auguste Bartholdi (designed the Statue of Liberty) was born in 1834; Kathy Lennon (Lennon Sisters!) in 1943. Wild Bill Hickok died at age 39 in 1876 -he was shot in the back of the head while playing poker; Alexander Graham Bell died at age 75 in 1922; Warren G Harding, 29th President, died at age 57 in 1923. Albert Woolson – last surviving Civil War Soldier – died at age 106 in 1956.

TOMORROW August 3 is:

• National Georgia Day
• National Watermelon Day
• National Grab Some Nuts Day
• National Night Out Day –

How can you go out at night in the day? Oh, well. Maybe that only happens in Georgia if you are eating watermelon. Don’t try it! Have a happy Tuesday – God Bless…

Day two of the Civil War encampment, and it was equally fun. Yesterday I had spent seven hours in the tavern, interpreting the 18th century history of the site. I was glad to have some time last evening and this morning to spend with Kelly and the three boys, and walk around the encampment and listen to presentations.

The Post Office (Judi!) was my favorite. Because of Letters to Mary, I was very interested in the processes of the mail sending and receiving, and the fact that they had a portable post office. Judi made this one herself, and spent untold hours researching the Civil War procedures and practices. This was inspired by actual letters that SHE had that belonged to her grandfather! And the bonus was that she actually bought a copy of LETTERS TO MARY from me!

Another interesting presentation was about Women in the Civil War – women often followed the army, and performed tasks or helped take care of the food, laundry, etc. They also often disguised themselves as men or boys to be part of the actual skirmishes and battles. Many, many of them were recognized as valid soldiers, drawing pensions and being buried as their male counterparts.

I met this woman on the battle field – loved her gown. She made ‘church babies’ – used cloth hankies to form little dolls to occupy the children during the services. I remember my grandmother and even my great uncle making these for us – but they were temporary (the way they twisted the hankies) and were made out of their own white handkerchiefs.

The first demonstration of the morning was the signal flags. I have to admit that I couldn’t decipher any of the signals! These flags could be seen for miles and were used well into the early 1900’s.

An advantage of having your own imprint business is that you always have an appropriate shirt for the occasion!

We stopped by General Meade’s tent and chatted with him before he received a missive from his orderly and had to act upon that. The flag flying above his headquarters had 35 stars for the 35 states during the Civil War.

The Civil War concert on Saturday evening was performed with brass instruments and drums. The conductor gave us a little bit of history between each song, and I actually liked that better than the music! Very interesting information!

Peyton could only take so much excitement – he had to curl up and catch a few winks before we continued with our ‘history’ lessons….

Beautiful morning at the encampment – flags flying and all is calm

One of the demonstration sites (which we missed!) The Rusty Candelabra

Chase was determined to be indifferent to everything, but he stood for a while inside the doorway of the Blacksmith shop, listening to his presentation.

One of Proctor’s Militia letting the boys handle weapons, which they liked alot!

There was a note taped to the door of the supply shed: Enter at your own risk – someone could be naked in there… Needless to say, we didn’t go in.

We had a lot of fun, and after my family left on Sunday I spent the rest of the day in the tavern. Richard Sheets was on the main floor, and I was upstairs. It’s really neat to have them enjoy the information we are sharing, and how surprised and please they are to learn new facts. Some even go get their friends and come back in. I was so glad to be a part of the weekend.

I think the next official event is the fall festival and the Halloween event, then the Three Centuries of Christmas. I’m already excited about being a part of that, and hope you can plan on being there.

I will have to catch up on my sermons, which I haven’t had time to do. So today I will just express how blessed I feel for being part of this event, and being showered with so many blessings. There is nothing like observing life in the 1770’s to make you be truly thankful for the blessings that you experience every single day: Like running water, electricity, my own bed that I don’t have to share with 4 other people, a refrigerator, indoor bathrooms! Thank you, God, for blessings overflowing!

On this day in 1781 the British army under General Cornwallis occupied Yorktown VA; in 1936 the Olympic Games were first televised. In 1944 Anne Frank’s last diary entry – 3 days later she was arrested; in 1961 the first Six Flags theme park opened in Texas, and 1981 was the debut of MTV – first 24 hour music channel (cable). Birthdays: 1779 – Francis Scott Key – wrote Star Spangled Banner words; 1819 – Herman Melville (Moby Dick); 1843 Robert Todd Lincoln (President Lincoln’s eldest son); 1931 – Tom Wilson – created Ziggy; 1933 Dom DeLuise. Mark Antony died in 30BC at age 53, and Elizabeth Taylor divorced Richard Burton for the second time, her 6th divorce.

TOMORROW August 2 is:

• National Coloring Book Day
• National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

As wonderful as my weekend was, both at Hanna’s Town and with my family, I’m ready to call it a day and curl up with my current read. Have a great week – God bless!