It’s 11pm and I just got back from Kelly’s. My eyes are tired and so am I! I will post pictures and messages tomorrow as I plan a stay-at-home, low key day! In the meantime, enjoy your Memorial Day! God bless…

On such a cold and rainy day, it was surprising the warmth and love and happy memories that accompanied our trip as Kath and I drove out to HOME to place flowers on the graves of our beloved relatives. We had flowers, kneelers, gloves, trowels, top soil, rags, and happy hearts. We started with Grama Erma and Grandad Jess Crooks, and walked across the road to Grama’s family (or was it Grandad’s?), James and Mary Little. Not sure why we are always drawn to them, except that Mom used to tell us stories! Although there were already flowers on some of the graves, we just added a few more.

Then we went to Old Mahoning and planted on Skunk Hollow cousin Susan’s grave, her parents Jim and Dolly Crooks, and her great nephew Andrew Bradley Patterson. Finally we drove to Smicksburg, and there planted on several graves, but I have photos of Aunt Hazel’s and Uncle Gene’s, and baby Sophie (their Granddaughter Brenda’s tiny baby). Lastly we stopped at the bottom of the cemetery and planted a few marigolds on Roger’s twin brother Richard’s grave.

From there we headed to Donna’s store (Smicksburg Country Store). It was pretty busy – lots of shoppers! We each had a hot dog, cheese, a cookie, and bought chocolate to take home (chocolate covered peanuts for me!). The store had a facelift and looked wonderful with the new siding, windows, and double door. The sheep by the fence on the driveway were content to watch everyone come and go.

From there we drove up to the cabin – which is in deplorable condition – but it still evoked memories and took us on a happy journey. And in the end, it’s the good earth and the heart-felt memories that matter.

Ron sent me a few photos of his morning kayaking on the lake. This is the beautiful sunrise!

I will share Scott’s message from First Baptist – Is the deck stacked against us? Was Israel chosen to win or lose? God promised the Messiah would come through the Jews – He entrusted them with His commands, and they were to instruct. BUT they would be disciplined – because he disciplines those he loves! God keeps his promises, and He sent his spirit to be inside of us. God has stacked the deck IN OUR FAVOR! Jesus covers our sin and God sees us through the lens of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is with us 24/7 – God wants us to succeed, not fail. We are his children!

On this day in 1721 South Carolina was incorporated as a royal colony, and in 1765 Patrick Henry made his historic speak, which included: “If this be treason, make the most of it!” In 1912, 15 young women were fired by Curtis Publishing in Philadelphia for dancing the Turkey Trot during their lunch break!!! Our locally famous Ship Hotel had its grand opening in 1932 – I remember going there and standing on the deck, looking out over three states! In 1942 Bing Crosby recorded White Christmas – world’s best-selling single – and in 1960 the Everly Brothers’ “Cathy’s Clown” hit #1. Birthdays: 1736, Patrick Henry; 1903, Bob Hope (who was born in London!); 1917 John F Kennedy, 35th president of the United States; 1958 Annette Bening, actress (American President – a favorite!!); and in 1963 Lisa Whelchel, actress. Mary Pickford, actress, died at age 87 in 1979.

TOMORROW May 30th is:

• National Creativity Day
• National Water a Flower Day
• National Hole In My Bucket Day
• National Mint Julep Day
• Loomis Day
• World Multiple Sclerosis Day

I am going to Kelly’s for the day tomorrow after church, so I’m entrusting God to make sure the flowers are watered. If not, I’ll do it when I get home! Have a great day in the house of the Lord! God bless…

Took an early walk, ate breakfast, then washed windows. I JUST FINISHED and was cleaning up when the rain and wind came through. At least it was clean water on the windows! When I was doing my bedroom window the blind fell down – the screw wasn’t quite long enough and all the up/down movement loosened the grip. I fretted over the solution while I finished the upstairs windows, then went and dug in my screw drawer for a longer screw. I actually managed to pull off a home improvement repair all by myself! Imagine that!

Went to visit my two little fleatiques – it rained all afternoon so it was a perfect day for it. Made a lasagna for Nate and a little mini one for myself. Then I took a few photos of the red/white/blue with a little nighttime ambiance!

I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry – it was to the graduates, and it was Abundant Life. We should have 1) No fear. God says GO , but we DON’T go – we wander aimlessly. Don’t be afraid to follow God’s lead. 2) No debt (no GREAT debt). Debt takes away your hope and future. 3) No regrets- make choices based on ancient, Godly truths. Choose to forgive and receive forgiveness, and learn from your failures. Move forward. 4) No doubts. We are a child of God! BELIEVE IT. 5) No identity crisis. Go make a difference and watch the giants fall – the best is yet to come. And ultimately, we will all meet at the RIVER!

On this day in 1754 – the battle of Jumonville Glen – that’s right down the road from here! Great historical significance. In 1830 President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act, setting the stage for the Cherokee Trail of Tears. In 1900 a Total Solar Eclipse occurred, and in 1928 Dodge Brothers and Chrysler Corporation merged. In 1944 Rudy Giuliani was born – the mayor of New York during the 911 attack, and Noah Webster (Dictionary) died at age 84 in 1843. Today is also the wedding anniversary of my cousin Brian and his wife Kim, as well as Lindsey Smail Schneider and her husband Karl. Congrats to both couples – wishing you many more happy years together!

TOMORROW May 29th is:

• National 529 Day*
• National Paperclip Day
• National Coq Au Vin Day

It’s 10:00 and I’m tired and hungry – so off I go. Have a great Memorial Day weekend! Remember to spend some time this weekend being thankful for those who fought and died to keep our country free. God bless.

What a crazy busy day! I had five outside title appointments today – but I’m always glad to help when I can. I came home, had 2 reduced fat cookies, then weed whacked and cut the grass. Got finished in time to take a quick shower and head to Kathy’s. We had a facetime visit with Mom this week because her unit was on yellow alert – there was a COVID exposure somewhere. After our visit we drove down to Arona Road Greenhouse and got some flowers to take out Home on Saturday and plant on the graves. There may already be some there but we’ll just squeeze ours in! It’s a lovely day today to be outside.

When I went down to mow I was shocked to see that the row of lilacs on the other side of the fence (not my trees) were gone! Wow! Everything looks so open. I also noticed that my rose bushes on the hill are in full bloom for the first time ever since I’ve lived here.

Last night the solar light that I got in the auction basket was lit. It’s so pretty – thank you, Tammy! You put together a great basket of garden treats.

I will share Steve’s message from Maplewood – Burning with Enthusiasm (Pentecost). We feel burned out and lose enthusiasm – too much clutter and mess in our lives. Conflicting views, weight of the world, stress. Our fire grows cold – what do you do? FAITH needs the company of others to remain strong. Fan into flames the gift that was given to you: Faith, power, love, self-discipline. Don’t be ashamed to share the gospel! WE are the temple and we need to keep it strong and secure. Keep pressing on; fan the flame. But remember that fear can squelch the flam. 1) Break the cycle; get out of the rut. Use your gift for the good of the body of Christ, and life will fan into flames: both for you and those you serve. 2) Pray often 3) Get back to basics: read the word, stay connected (gather together). The life of God within us will grow.

On this day in 1907 the Bubonic Plague broke out in San Francisco; in 1930 Richard Drew invented Masking tape, and in 1941 the German battleship Bismarck was sunk by the British. In 1961 the first black light was sold; in 1969 Walt Disney World began construction, and in 1995 actor Christopher Reeve became paralyzed from the neck down after falling from his horse. Birthdays: 1794 – Cornelius Vanderbilt, Railroad Magnate; 1837 Wild Bill Hickok, cowboy and scout. In 1907 Rachel Carson, biologist, conservationist and writer was born in Sprindale PA, and Herbert Humphrey, 38th VP of the US, in 1901. John Calvin – theologian – died at age 54 in 1564.

TOMORROW May 28th is:

• National Beef Burger Day
• National Brisket Day
• National Hamburger Day
• National Don’t Fry Day
• National Road Trip Day
• National Cooler Day

I could go for a burger about now. And wouldn’t you know: We are taking a road trip on Saturday! My day tomorrow – if goes as planned – will be wash windows, go to my little fleatique that I like, and grab a few weekend groceries! Have a happy Friday! God bless —

I did get to take a walk this morning, then started cleaning. As I always do, I took the throw rugs out to the deck. Then I clean the upstairs, run the sweeper and mop the floors. THEN I shake the rugs and put them back down. About 11:30am it started to storm, and I didn’t even realize what that meant as the windows were all closed. Suddenly it dawned on me that the rugs were outside in the POURING rain! I threw them in the dryer but the heavy ones didn’t get dry. I hung them in the garage as it may rain again.

After I finished cleaning, I picked Autmn up at work and had my delicious payment – a fresh taco! When I came home, I moved a few plants that weren’t working where they were. Dottie (my ambitious gardening neighbor) inspired me, as she has a small ‘nursery’ over there, planting and moving and landscaping every day! Some of the gardens around my house are full of beautiful blooms! So far, that has been my day!

I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning – Careful Considerations. God is faithful and expects us to be moral – don’t fall for temptations. He doesn’t play favorites – the ground is level at the foot of the cross. We have to learn from our own mistakes. 1) Examine our thinking – watch your pride (Devil’s tool). Our mind is a battlefield – concentrate on what you know is truth. You take God with you everywhere you go: Is He as happy as you are? 2) Escape temptations – temptations are blessings – Satan doesn’t tempt the ungodly. When you fail you’re not done – He forgives and cleanses. He will never say “NO” if we ask sincerely. 3) Endure the test. Satan exhausts us! Emotional stress is harder than physical. When you quit, you stop too soon. Press on! Put on the armor of God and STAND! It’s our own fault if we live a defeated life, because God gives us everything we need to press on and LIVE!

On this day in 1805 Lewis and Clark first sighted the Rocky Mountains, and also in that year Napoleon was crowned king of Italy. Boston University was chartered in 1869, and Dracula by Bram Stoker was published in 1897 in London. In 1941 Betsy Ross’ home was given to the city of Philadelphia, and in 1975 Rhinestone Cowboy was released by Glen Campbell. Birthdays: Al Jolson, jazz singer, in 1886; John Wayne (who’s real name was Marion Robert Morrison) in 1907. Jack Kevorkian – right to die activist – in 1928, and Hank Williams Jr. – Country singer and song-writer – in 1949. Edsel Ford – son of Henry Ford and former President of Ford Motor Company – died in 1943 at age 49; Eddie Albert, actor (Green Acres) died in 2005 at age 99; Art Linkletter at age 98 in 2010. Michael Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley in 1994.

TOMORROW May 27th is:

• National Cellophane Tape Day
• National Grape Popsicle Day

Grape was always my favorite popsicle! So glad it has its own day. I’m a mild-mannered fan of Cellophane tape, I guess. It sure can come in handy! Have a great day tomorrow – God bless!

As mentioned several times, Kelly’s boys are home-schooled; they also belong to a co-op that combines the kids for tricky classes to get the best resources. Tuesday night their group sponsored a formal event for their high school students. There were about 18 students and 3 adult sponsors at the formal. Kelly (a sponsor) sent me pictures of the decorations – the building was an historic church that was repurposed into an event center, and very appropriately classy.

The food looked pretty good; made me hungry when I saw the spread. She said that there was some dancing going on, but often the boys were at one table playing cards and the girls at another. Also a lot of line dancing and group dances, too. But she assured me that they all had a wonderful time. So good that the kids could be together and actually do a normal high-school tradition.

Below are pictures of Peyton and his date Evelyn. They have been friends for years, and have enjoyed doing things together, including this!

It’s good to see the students smiling. Hope this is the first of many fun events! Proud and happy Grama, here!

I woke up in the middle of the night and took a picture of the moon out my window; then this morning took a picture of the shadows of the star decals on my window shade! Very nice morning walk – then short work day! I snapped a photo at a red light of a little leaf that hitched a ride on my windshield. I was surprised at how long it hung on before flittering off! After doing a few chores, inside and out, I rode with Teresa down to Arona Road Greenhouse. She wanted to get flowers and we needed to catch up. I couldn’t wait any longer- since I was impatient – so I put Autmn’s graduation sign in the front yard! Yea! Next Friday 6/4 is the day.

Ron sent me a picture from his Sunday evening walk — only ten feet away from this thing. I’ll stick with my bunnies! And by the way, I did sneak a photo of Bonnie Bunny fussing with the nest on Sunday night. Then she covered everything up and you can’t even detect it’s there. I was transplanting a small plant to another flower bed and disturbed an anthill. By the time I realized what happened they were swarming all over me. I got bit several times and my leg and arm are stinging something fierce. And I’m also ‘antsy’ (get it?) that there are others ones still crawling in my shirt! Think I’ll take a shower – be right back!

OK I’m back. All showered and put anti-itch cream on. Hoping it helps quickly! Today I will share Paul’s message from River Hill – Gospel according to Paul (Romans). To start: We can’t save the world – but we can make a difference to one at a time! Gospel means Good News. Here are the ‘P’s that Paul presented: 1) Pride – we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. 2) Power – Gospel is more powerful that dynamite – it’s the power of God unto salvation and can overturn sin. It’s spiritual power and eternal. 3) Pardon – we are saved by the Gospel of Christ – it’s the cancellation of our sins by the Lord. When we pray, Jesus PAYS! 4) People – the gospel is available to EVERYONE – Jesus took the penalty for all people; we must just BELIEVE to RECEIVE! The ground is level at the cross. 5) It is the righteousness of God. God will never act contrary to his nature. We receive a new life, new way to live, new & living hope. There is Power in the Blood.

Just throwing this in at the last minute – My friend Mike G that I do paperwork for – – his daughter Madison got married on Saturday. I got to see pictures of the wedding – and here is one I managed to get of Michael and Madison. It’s nice to have fun things to share!!!

On this day in 1738 a treaty between Pennsylvania and Maryland ended the boundary dispute, and in 1787 the constitutional convention opened in Philadelphia with George Washington presiding. In 1895 Oscar Wilde was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment for gross indecency, and in 1919 Casey Stengel released a sparrow from under his baseball cap. In 1927 Henry Ford announced he was ending production of the Motel T, and in 2011 The Oprah Winfrey Show ended its 25 year fun. Ralph Waldo Emerson (philosopher) was born in 1803, and Frank Oz, muppetteer (Grover on Sesame Street) was born in 1944. In 1898 Milton S Hershey married Catherine Sweeney.

TOMORROW May 26th is:

• National Blueberry Cheesecake Day
• National Paper Airplane Day
• National Senior Health & Fitness Day 

I did paperwork for my cousin Paul this afternoon, and his wife sent over fresh, warm muffins for me. It wasn’t Blueberry Chessecake – better! Oh, yum! Delight! God bless…

I started out for a walk early but wasn’t very far when it started to rain – lightly. I kept going, but it kept getting harder. By the time I got home I was soaked through three layers! Work was not busy, but I just got home when I got called out to meet a friend who wanted to buy a book. We had lunch and caught up, then I came home and started putting up the red/white/blue decorations. I figured if I was going to all that effort, I should enjoy it for at least a full week!

Last Friday night was the playoffs for Chrissy’s flag football league. They won all three games and ended up the Champions! And Chrissy made a touchdown! So proud and happy for her. She loves her flag football!

First Pres of Inverness FL (where Ron attends) has had interim ministers for over a year. They finally called a minister to give a trial sermon and be voted on – the vote was a yes, so I will be sharing some of Lou Ellen Hartley’s messages from time to time. Her official start date is July 11th. Today’s message was Pentecost, which was actually a harvest festival 50 days after the Passover. Our story starts there, since the beginning of time it had finally all come together. God was fulfilling his promises. The Bible is the story of our relationship with God and His with us – the Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost – and thankfully it was poured out on flawed, ordinary men. This is their story, and our story. We are God’s child: share His love, tell the story. DON’T tell the story of fear or anxiety or concerns; tell the story of the Spirit: Love, Grace, and Hope – and God.

On this day in 1738 John Wesley was converted, launching the Methodist movement; and in 1775 John Hancock was unanimously elected president of the continental congress. In 1844 Samuel Morse tapped out “What hath God wrought” – world’s first telegraph message. In 1883 the Brooklyn Bridge opened, and in 1899 the first auto repair shop opened (in Boston). “Sugar, Sugar” was released by the cartoon band The Archies in 1969, and in 2016 Bill Cosby was ordered to stand trail for sexual assault. Bob Dylan was born in 1941; Roseanne Cash in 1955. Dick Martin (Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-in) died at age 86 in 2008, and in 2014 Kanye West married Kim Kardashian.

TOMORROW May 25th is:

• National Missing Children’s Day
• National Tap Dance Day
• National Brown-Bag It Day
• Towel Day
• National Wine Day

Tomorrow is also seven months until Christmas Day, as Bud would remind me faithfully! But I’m glad it’s May – one of my favorite months! Enjoy! God bless…

Went to first service at Hempfield, then Mary and I had breakfast. I stopped at the store on the way home and bought 2 sleeveless tops to wear on vacation. Knowing that it would be HOT, and that I really didn’t have any cool shirts, I felt it was a good plan. Since we had a nice breakfast, I didn’t have to eat lunch. I started by making icing for the scones and a few other kitchen chores, including to mix up the feed for the hummingbird feeder that was in the basket I won last night. Also planted the seeds that were in there, too. I hope they grow! I don’t have much luck with plants from seeds.

I did pull a few weeds, tidy up a few beds, then watered everything. The gardens are looking bright and colorful – but I suspect I need to branch out more. So much purple! But I do love it.

I discovered a big hole in my side flower bed – not sure what intends to live there but hoping it’s not a skunk! I think it’s going to be baby bunnies – but it was suggested that MAYBE it’s fairies or hobbits! Hmmmm.

I will share Mike’s message since I was there this morning – We are still in James and talked about taming the tongue (it’s been called a 2 ounce beast!). Words from the heart are what can defile you; if your heart is right the tongue will NOT defile us. To control the tongue is to guard our hearts. 1) Be a cautious teacher; words we speak affect many lives and we will meet stricter judgement as teachers. 2) Learn to control your speech; it determines your course in life. Filth can accumulate there; the tongue is a beast that we cannot easily train and is full of deadly poison. Speak words that are good and kind and true. 3) Nature is consistent; our tongues are not. It speaks evil and good at the same time. Like a doctor with a tongue depressor – look behind the tongue to the heart. Who is in control of your tongue? God? Be under His control, not OUT of control. The Holy Spirit will help us. More people have been slain by the tongue than by the sword. KEEP CONTROL of the tongue; don’t destroy others or what we stand for as children of God.

On this day in 1785 Benjamin Franklin announced his invention of bifocals, and in 1922 Walt Disney incorporated his first film company. Bonnie and Clyde were killed in a police ambush in 1934, and in 1985 President Ronald Reagan awarded Jimmy Stewart the President’s Medal of Freedom and promoted him to Major General on the retired list. Birthdays: Douglas Fairbanks, actor (3 Musketeers, Zorro, Robin Hood) in 1883; Drew Carey, comedian, in 1958; Ken Jennings – 74 time American game show champion – Jeopardy, in 1974. William Kidd, pirate, was hanged at age 56 in 1701; William Bradford, printer died at age 89 in 1752 (Pennsylvania’s first printing press); Kit Carson, frontiersman and Indian fighter, died at age 58 in 1868; John D Rockefeller, philanthropist, at age 97 in 1937, Sam Snead, golfer, at age 89 in 2002; Roger Moore, actor, (James Bond) in 2017 at age 89, and in 2020 Saturn – American-born alligator that escaped the Berlin Zoo during WWII – died at age 85 in the Moscow (Russia) Zoo.

TOMORROW May 24th is:

• National Yucatan Shrimp Day
• National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day
• Brother’s Day
• National Scavenger Hunt Day
• National Escargot Day
• National Wyoming Day 

Why are Yucatan Shrimp so special? Are they all brothers? I bet if we went to Wyoming we would find out. Have a great week and God Bless…

I changed it up a bit this morning – after breakfast I went to a few community garage sales. I bought 2 small things, plus a lemonade from an enterprising young lady. The bracelet is my color, of course, and the plaque is near to my heart! The price on the back said $24.00. I bought it for $3, although it’s a bit worse for wear – which you generally pay big bucks to have things look like that on purpose! They call it ‘distressed’, I think! I stuck the little heart sticker where Home PA would be!

Came home and cleaned out a few little boxes of things that collect junk. I had phone charger cords that didn’t work – why am I keeping this stuff? Out they went! Before I left, I snapped a picture of my burgundy iris blooming. Beautiful! Then, I headed down to Kelly’s church (Martin’s Ferry) to the 1st Annual Car Show. It was super fun, and appeared to be very successful. I spent most of the time with Kelly in the tee shirt booth – I even bought a shirt to help out the fundraiser. One of the sample shirts caught everyone’s attention. I think I now no longer have to explain myself! Peyton’s job was to mingle through the crowd to remind everyone of food and auction in the gym. He did a great job and never stopped!

Here is a view from the rooftop that one of the girls took… There were 3 parking lots and at least two streets blocked off with cars!

There were 137 entries (cars) registered – and some were amazing. They were all wonderful and fun to see. It’s worth the trip out there so I hope next year a lot of people will go down from this area. It’s only an hour and a half to drive and it’s straight I-70! There was a food booth, live music, silent auction baskets (I was high-bid on the garden basket! So excited!), give-a-ways, and of course Kelly’s booth. I walked around several times looking at the cars, and took some photos of my favorites. Saw a booth for the motorcycle group 2nd Thief – there is a couple at our church who rides with them! (I even sold a copy of my book – that was a surprise!)

When I got off I-70, the sunset made the sky a beautiful pink. Perfect ending to the day!

Was excited to see the ‘Welcome to West Virginia’ sign on the way down, and equally excited for the ‘Welcome to Pennsylvania’ one on the way home. Never did see an ‘Ohio’ sign! But went through a tunnel, across an island, and over several bridges through the three states. Matt does that every day going to work! But again, it was a lovely day!

I will share Dennis’ message from Inverness Pres: Ten things to learn from Noah. First thing was that Noah listened to God’s plan – and ACTED on it! 1) Don’t miss the boat; let God be in charge. 2) Remember, we are all in the same boat and have things in common. 3) Plan ahead – it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark! 4) Stay fit – when you are 600 years old who knows what you will be asked to do, and we ALL have a talent. 5) Don’t listen to criticism; do your job! 6) Build your future on the higher ground. 7) For safety sake, always travel in pairs. WE is stronger then ME. 8) Speed isn’t always an advantage. Snails and cheetahs got there at the same time. 9) When you are stressed, float for a while. Take time to be with God. 10) Remember: The ark was built by armatures; the Titanic by professionals. Know-it-all people don’t always know it all! When God speaks, we have to act – Noah made history; be a team and support each other.

On this day in 1807 Former VP Aaron Burr was tried for treason (acquitted), and in 1849 Abraham Lincoln was the only president to receive a patent – for a devise to lift boats over obstructions. In 1892 Dr. Washington Sheffield invented the toothpaste tube, and 1992 was Johnny Carson’s final appearance as host of the Tonight Show. Arthur Conan Doyle (author – Sherlock Holmes) was born in 1859 and Laurence Olivier, actor (REBECCA – one of my all-time favorite movies!) was born in 1907. Martha Washington died at age 70 in 1802, and in 2001 Jane Fonda and Ted Turner were divorced.

Historic fact of the week: on May 21, 1937, Eleanor Roosevelt visited Norvelt. Norvelt was created during the New Deal as a Subsistence Homestead for unemployed coal workers. It was originally named Westmoreland Homesteads but was renamed Norvel in 1937 to honor Eleanor Roosevelt, a strong advocate for the program. The new name was created from the last syllables of her first and last names.

TOMORROW May 23rd is:

• National Lucky Penny Day
• National Taffy Day

It’s late and I had a busy day – so I’m off. As my mom always said, ‘Have a blessed day in the house of the Lord!’ God bless…