Went to first service at church, and for the first time in about 18 months we had Sunday School classes for all ages. Mary & I taught ages 4 through 1st grade, and we had 5 students. They were glad to be back. What a variety we had – two of them could have told the entire Bible story (one of them just about did!); one little visitor fluctuated between crying for his family and be totally delighted in the activity projects! The other two – brother and sister – were typical siblings, rivaling each other for attention and out-doing each other! But they really did have a great time. So did we!

I came home and went through a few Christmas boxes to pull out about half a dozen decorations for the Christmas in July party on Saturday. I wrapped and carried several items to the shed that I need to store away, then drove over to Twin Lakes. Jen’s rescue – Ninth Life Rescue – was having a volunteer appreciation picnic and I was invited! I don’t volunteer with the rescue, only indirectly: I volunteer by rescuing Autmn and Crissy, giving them rides, taking them shopping, buying snacks and bathing suits and short! So I felt comfortable. It was a beautiful sunny day until we started up the parking lot to head home – the storm hit with a vengeance and it was more like 10pm than 4:30pm! But it was a very nice event – lots of food, games, and friendly people! And as I type this, the sun is shining and the sky is clear and beautiful again!

I will share Mike’s message from Hempfield: Are you a disciple of Jesus? There is a difference between Church membership and following Christ. Do you focus your whole life around Jesus? Just going to church isn’t enough. Is Jesus everything to us? Go back to the basics of Christianity, which is – simply – Jesus. It’s NOT teaching, buildings, traditions, programs (alone). It’s Jesus. Our purpose should be to make disciples; make Him the main thing. He’s our 1) Savior – saved us from God’s wrath, from Satan, for good works, and to be citizens of Heaven. 2) Lord – we belong to Him, and should make disciples. Don’t be casual; be committed!

On this day in 1804 Vice President Aaron Burr mortally wounded Alexander Hamilton in a pistol duel, and in 1960 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee was published; The Newlywed Game premiered on TV in 1967. Laurence Olivier died in 1989 at age 82 (he was in Rebecca – one of my favorites!). Lady Bird Johnson – first lady) died in 2007 at age 95. John Quincy Adams was born in 1767; E B White (wrote Charlotte’s Web) was born in 1899, and Giorgio Armani – designer – in 1934. And my brother in law Paul is celebrating a birthday with his whole family! Hope it was a great day, Paul!

TOMORROW July 12th is:

• National Simplicity Day
• National Different Colored Eyes Day
• National Pecan Pie Day
• Paper Bag Day
• Eat Your Jello Day

For me tomorrow is ‘go to work day’ . I’m happy to have such a wonderful place in which to work. Have a great week! God bless…

Today’s walk was in the beautiful, bright sunshine, but still a bit chilly. Very pleasant. I chatted with my neighbor Dottie, who was outside on her porch with her Latte, enjoying the morning. When I finished my walk, I got busy doing little outside chores and before I knew it, I had putzied through breakfast and it was 10am!

Kathy stopped by with Edy and Hattie on her way to Indian Lake for a day on the water. After brunch, Mary popped over with Poppy (her little cutie dog!) and we went over the Sunday School material. At 2:00, I picked up Chrissy and Autmn and took them to work at Bull River Taco – and was paid for my efforts with a yummy taco! (Thanks, Bull River! Yum!)

On the way home, since I was in Irwin anyway, I stopped and picked up a cookie jar that I had seen yesterday but was still deliberating on – it looks very cute in the kitchen, so I’m glad I did that. In addition, I had cleaned up the pestle that I brought home from the farm and put it in the wooden bucket that my Uncle Jim had made me very many years ago. I just love having all these little quint antiques scattered about my house. Now if I just had the antique house to match them! It’ll never happen. I love my house!

I will share another devotion from my Garden of Faith book: 1) We are not called to be burden-bearers, but cross-bearers and light-bearers. We must cast our burdens on the Lord – Corrie Ten Boom. 2)Never yield to gloomy anticipation. Place your hope and confidence in God. He has no record of failure – Mrs. Charles E Cowman. 3) Worship and worry cannot live in the same heart; they are mutually exclusive – Ruth Bell Graham. 4) Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear – Corrie Ten Boom. Lord, wherever I find myself, let me celebrate more and worry less. (Great thoughts – meditate on those!!) PS – Keep your feet on the ground, but let your heart soar as high as it will – A W Tozer.

On this day in 1040 Lady Godiva rode naked on horseback through the street to force her husband to lower taxes. THERE’s a thought…. In 1780 the Comte de Rochambeau and 7000 French landed in Newport Rhode Island to join the American Revolution, and in 1850 Millard Fillmore was sworn in as 13th President of the US, replacing Zachary Taylor who died on July 9th. John Calvin, religious reformer, was born in 1509 and Fred Gwynne (actor- Munsters) in 1926. Clement C Moore died at age 83 in 1863 (wrote ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas). In 2010 Carrie Underwood married hockey player Mike Fisher, and in 1975 Cher divorced Gregg Allman.

TOMORROW July 11th iS:

• National Cheer Up The Lonely Day
• National Rainier Cherry Day
• National Blueberry Muffin Day
• All American Pet Photo Day
• National Mojito Day
• National 7-Eleven Day

Not too much exciting today, but I was busy and happy all day! Have a lovely day tomorrow in the House of the Lord (as my Mom always said!) – God Bless…

It was a bit cooler this morning but still nice to be outside walking. I noticed the first of the morning glories blooming in the sunshine.

After breakfast Teresa and I went to Miller’s Crossing Fleatique and then L&L Fleatique. We had a really nice time, browsing around, chatting, examining everything. I spent a whole dollar and she didn’t spend much more. I saw this sign and txt it to my sister. WE couldn’t agree more!

I was able to get the grass mowed and also pulled a few weeds. Made a nice salad for lunch, and then just now I listened to Steven’s message from Maplewood.

Steve was talking about the courage of Jesus, and how some of the stories and examples he used were not-too-well veiled references to King Herod and his sons, who were horridly wicked people. Jesus was ‘poking the bear!’ He wasn’t afraid of Herod or his sons. One of them had 10 or 11 wives, and 43 children! When one of them married Herodias (his brother’s wife), she would have been his wife, his niece and sister-in-law! What a family tie! Herod had John beheaded and threatened Jesus – who said he would NOT stop teaching and healing and preaching, and he WOULD keep doing His Father’s will. Our message – Don’t be afraid – the Kingdom of God is secure!

On this day in 1775 the Battle of Ft. Duquesne (Pittsburgh) was fought; the French defeated the British. In 1776 the Declaration of Independence was read to George Washington’s troops in New York, and in 1956 Dick Clark first appeared as host of American Bandstand. In 1996 “BLUE” by LeAnn Rimes (album) was released. Zachary Taylor – 12th President – died at age 65 in 1850, and Fred Rogers married Sara Joanne Byrd in 1952. Elias Howe (invented the sewing machine) was born in 1819; O J Simpson in 1947, and Tom Hanks in 1956. And my writer friend Kerri Mountain is celebrating a birthday today. Kerri and I met at Seton Hill’s Writer’s Masters program, and found we had a lot in common. We have kept in touch all these years! Happy birthday Kerri!

TOMORROW July 10th is:

• National Clerihew Day
• National Kitten Day
• National Pina Colada Day

Tomorrow I will take Autmn and Chrissy to work – and possibly even get a taco for lunch if it works out! Have a lovely weekend – God bless!

I took a short walk in a light drizzle this morning, but it felt good to be out and in the fresh air. It rained harder when I was at work, but that didn’t last long. I stopped at the church after work and picked up the Sunday School material for this week’s lesson. I never gave it a thought that our classrooms had been ignored for almost a year and a half – and it needed quite a bit of sprucing up. Didn’t take too long, and now it’s organized and wiped up and ready for the kiddos on Sunday morning!

After lunch I changed and went outside in the gardens. It had quit raining entirely and the sun was shining. I cleaned up the front flower beds and trimmed plants and shrubs on each side of the walk. Then I tackled the hill. It was a little out of control. I’m much more pleased with it now and can enjoy a few days off, I think!

Since I haven’t listened to any sermons yet today, I will share two quotes out of my Garden of Faith devotional. 1) It’s incredible to realize that what we do each day has meaning in the big picture of God’s plan – Bill Hybels 2) Whether you have twenty years left, ten years, one year, one month, one day, or just one hour, there is something very important God wants you to do that can add to His kingdom and your blessing – Bill Bright. Lord, You’ve got something You want me to do – help me to figure out exactly what it is!

On this day in 1776 Colonel John Nixon gave the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence to citizens of Philadelphia; in 1796 the US State Department issued the first passport – wonder what THOSE passport photos looked like??? And in 1835 the Liberty Bell cracked again. Betty Ford – first lady – died in 2011 at age 93. John Pemberton – inventor of Coca-Cola – was born in 1831; Ferdinand von Zeppelin – founder of the Zeppelin Airship Company – was born in 1838; John D Rockefeller – founder of Standard Oil – was born in 1839, and Toby Keith – country artist – was born in 1961. And I have four friend birthdays today! First, Lisa Carter Siders – John’s niece (who was very close to Mom) is celebrating today. Mom’s friend from her church and neighborhood Marcella Mooney has a birthday today. George Gretz – who is my high school friend Debby Gretz’s husband – is celebrating today – and my Skunk Hollow Cousin Beth’s wonderful husband Harold has a birthday. Happy, happy birthday Harold! And have a wonderful year, Lisa and Marcella and George – and Harold!

TOMORROW July 9th is:

• National Sugar Cookie Day
• Collector Car Appreciation Day 

I don’t collect cars. I just drive ’em! I may come across a sugar cookie – but probably not. More likely a chocolate chip one! But either way – have a great Friday and a terrific weekend! God bless…

I spent my first waking hour propped up in bed with Liz Bromke’s newest ARC release: The House Around the Corner. I cannot put her books down once I start reading them. Each series gets better and better! I finally got up and showered, had breakfast, and then finished the book. I sent her a quick review and I was the first one to report in! I feel so blessed and honored to be one of her ARC readers. (Advanced Reader Copy – before it’s released for sale).

Here is the review I wrote, and it will be posted on B&N and Amazon once the book goes live:

Elizabeth Bromke’s THE HOUSE AROUND THE CORNER catches you with the first paragraph – clouds being pillows of sailing cottage cheese.  Wonderful.  The illusive narrator in the prologue pulls you in immediately, and she’s in your mind through the entire book.  The characters are strong, realistic, emotional every-day women, making their way through a life they seldom have full control over.  Their struggles are real, yet so are their delights and accomplishments.  It’s amazing to me that our author can weave these individual stories together and yet keep the lives separate; that she can go from chapter to chapter, woman to woman, taking each of their stories on its own path yet entwining them.  And in the last pages, you are rewarded with an amazing resolution – but yet, is it really resolved?  Who is the illusive narrator, and how does she fit into Harbor Hills?  I cannot WAIT for THE HOUSE THAT CHRISTMAS MADE!

I went out to sit on my park bench beside the back door, reflecting on the book and trying to sort out what might possibly happen in the final one. I heard the gate in the fence rattle and a fat little rabbit slunk through, sitting almost beside me, and started munching grass. He didn’t seem at all bothered by my presence. I think it’s Herb’s grandson….

My friend Diane stopped by after lunch with a ‘surprise’ – I said it was ok as long as it wasn’t a puppy and she laughed. When she got here I saw why. It was a vase with a flower that opened up when you pushed the button on the back, but it did have a Snoopy puppy on the front! Push the button again, and the flower closes. The inside of the flower (with a tiny butterfly) says ‘Consider yourself hugged.’ What a cute, heartfelt gift from a good friend!

I spent the rest of the day cleaning the house, as is typical for a Wednesday. Had several quick txts from Ron – the storm was downgraded and they missed the main surge. Beverly Hills (FL) will still get some rain but nothing like predicted. They dodged a bullet this time!

I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning: Land of the Free; Home of the Brave. We should focus on the pluses in our life, not the minuses. Freedom doesn’t depend on where you live. You need to be in the family of God to be free. If you are in Christ you are Free Indeed. Stand for the truth; You can’t be free on your own terms. Delight in the Lord and he’ll give you the desires of your hear. Dwell in His land and feed on his faithfulness. Don’t lose faith in God because of temporary setbacks. Go beyond circumstances, and cling to contentment, confidence, and comfort. You can be both Free and Brave: not because of who WE are, but because of who HE is!

On this day in 1456 a retrial verdict acquitted Joan Of Arc of heresy 25 years after her death. A lot of good THAT did her! In 1863 Lincoln’s assassins were executed for their role in the conspiracy to assassinate him. In 1930 construction began on the Boulder (Hoover) Dam, and in 1958 Eisenhower signed the bill approving Alaskan statehood. Ringo Starr (Beatles singer/song-writer) was born in 1940. Henri Nestle (found of Nestle Chocolate Company) died in 1890 at age 75; Johanna Spyri in 1901 at age 74 (she wrote HEIDI, and was the most influential writer/book to my love of reading, writing, and Switzerland in my life!). Arthur Conan Doyle (wrote Sherlock Holmes) died in 1930 at age 71, and in 1946 our 39th President Jimmy Carter married Rosalynn Smith. That’s a really neat love story – check it out!

TOMORROW July 8th is:

• National Freezer Pop Day
• National Chocolate with Almonds Day

My mom LOVED freezer pops – any color, any time! And I think I can manage Chocolate with Almonds tomorrow. Have a lovely Thursday – God bless!

I kept thinking today was Monday – but the fact that I don’t work on Wednesdays kept me on track. The last few weeks have been way off schedule – but no matter. I just have trouble remembering what day it is!

I did work this morning, then came home and had salsa and chips for lunch. Tried a new salsa and didn’t care for it – so that’s enough of that! I’ll make a salad for supper. I trimmed and painted my nails – but got a little too close on the third from the right. Ouch. Then I started scraping the pealing spots of old paint from the house foundation. There aren’t many, thank goodness. I have one small side left to go, then I can start painting. I’m SO not a painter – but I’ll get ‘er done! Next will be ironing. Tomorrow is cleaning.

One of the small things I brought back from the farm was the spinning wheel that my dad bought when he first opened Wagon Shed Antiques – and that was decades ago. I cleaned it up and it looks so comfortable in my living room! Brings back good memories. I will think of Dad – and Mom – every time I walk through the room!

Had a quick txt from Ron a little after lunchtime. It’s still quiet there, but the rain and wind are due to hit later this evening. He’s prepared – if you can be prepared for this Elsa storm!

I will share Paul’s message from River Hill – True Freedom. Our laws are based on the Bible; true freedom is found in Christ. Our country can’t give us freedom from sin. 1) Sin can dominate our lives, but if Jesus has set us free we are free indeed. 2) The human concept is that we get what we deserve. Karma does not work. Karma doesn’t take sin away. 3) Grace and Mercy – God’s love interrupts the consequences from sin, because He loves us and overcomes sin. 4) There’s a catch: we have to hold to His teachings! Truth will set you free: Bible reading, Prayer, Church. God will forgive us over and over and over. Jesus paid the price for our sins.

On this day in 1189 Richard the Lionheart was crowned King of England, and in 1699 pirate captain William Kidd was captured in Boston. In 1775 congress issued Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms – listed grievances but denied intent to be independent. In 1776 the US Declaration of Independence was announced on the front page of the PA Evening Gazette. In 1942 Anne Frank’s family went into hiding, and in 1994 Forrest Gump was released. John Paul Jones – navel hero who said ‘I have not yet begun to fight!’ was born in 1747; Nancy Reagan (first lady) was born in 1921; Bill Haley (Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll) in 1925; George W Bush Jr (43rd president) in 1946, and Sylvester Stallone also in 1946. William Faulkner (author) died at age 64 in 1962; Louis Armstrong in 1971 at age 69, and Roy Rogers at age 86 in 1998.

TOMORROW July 7th is:

• National Dive Bar Day
• National Father Daughter  Take a Walk Day
• National Strawberry Sundae Day
• National Macaroni Day

I’d take a walk with my dad – if I could. If you still have your dad, take a walk with him, or call him and TALK about taking a walk! And have macaroni and a strawberry Sundae while you are at it. God bless!

I don’t think anyone celebrated today, except for the fact that they didn’t have to work. I was happy to be home, catching up on a few things. After my walk and breakfast, I weed whacked. If you know me at all, you know I use a whole 50 foot spool in one session, and get sidetracked easily with weeding, branch trimming, and fence scrubbing. It took me well over 2 1/2 hours to finish! I took a shower, did some laundry, wrote out some cards, went for groceries, and answered emails. So there, you have my day! Nothing exciting. When I finish this I hope to un-decorate the house – all (well, most!) of the Red/White/Blue will be tucked away until Labor Day!

Today I’m going to share some photos that Ron sent from Florida, all of lakes in his area. The first is dinosaur clouds, and it really does look like dinosaurs! The next is the sunrise over the same lake, a few minutes later. Then the next two are watching the storm come in – the first one even has a fishing boat GOING OUT! I wouldn’t want to be on the lake with a storm approaching. Elsa is gearing up to hit Tampa tomorrow, and he’s about an hour and a half from there in Beverly Hills. So we’ll see what they get.

Here is Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. The message was very good and I got caught up in it and didn’t take a lot of notes. It was ‘Can I get a Witness’ – our testimony. Will YOU stand for God and speak up for Him? We should delight in God’s laws and commands and meditate on them day and night. They will be part of who we are, and they will be second nature. If we are asked to defend Him, it will come naturally. We don’t have to answer to the world. We answer to God. We won’t bow to the world. Our soul belongs to the Maker. Say with great conviction, “I’LL Be the witness. I’LL step up!” Don’t walk away from God. Be ready with your testimony.

On this day in 1775 the 2nd Continental Congress drafted the Olive Branch Petition to King George III (apparently it didn’t work…); in 1841 Thomas Cook opened the first travel agency, and in 1865 Great Britain created the world’s first speed limit law. Also in 1865 the Secret Service began operating. In 1937 SPAM (luncheon meat) was introduced, and in 1898 the Seinfield pilot episode aired. Also in 1989 Rod Stewart hit his head while on stage and knocked himself out. Hmmmm. David Farragut (American Admiral who said “Damn the torpedoes; full speed ahead!”) was born in 1801; P T Barnum – circus showman – in 1810. Susan Wojcicki – CEO of YouTube – born in 1968. Dolly the Sheep – first mammal to be cloned from an adult cell – was born in 1996. Chester Greenwood (invented the earmuffs) died in 1937 at age 78. In 1911 Lucy Maud Montgomery (wrote Anne of Green Gables) married Ewen McDonald on Prince Edward Island. And in 1957 Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner divorced.

TOMORROW July 6th is:

• National Hand Roll Day
• National Fried Chicken Day

My hand won’t roll – it’s attached. Hmmmm. So, everyone have a nice ‘go back to work’ day and enjoy your week. God bless!

After church I volunteered at Hanna’s Town; it was free admission day! The last few times I worked at the tavern site it was not too busy. Today it was crazy busy! They estimated about 200 people came through! I stood downstairs in the common room and greeted people and talked about life in the 1770-ish tavern and Hanna’s Town – for 3 1/2 hours without stopping! That’s amazing even for me. Here are a few of the pics:

One couple came through and commented on the flag: Don’t Tread on Me. She said that should be our motto today – we are all equal despite race, nationality, age, sex — We should respect all people equally. She said ‘Just leave us alone and let us be who we are – respectfully!’ Couldn’t agree more and it made my day!

I will share Kyle’s message from Hempfield today. Blaise Pascal said in the 17th century that all men seek happiness. But where do we find it? We often settled for far too less! Revelations 4 tells us about how amazing and awesome, rare, precious and beautiful heaven and our God is – almost indescribable. We all struggle with things in this life, and settle for less – but trudging through this life is worth it, because we will see God next! Stand strong and keep the faith. Look what’s waiting for you and is even with us right now. Through it all, God’s got you! It’s not too late to return to your first love. Only ONE in all eternity can fill you with happiness: God. he’s the source of every blessing. Don’t seek the gift; seek the Giver. A single glimpse of the Glory of God changes your eternity. That’s where your happiness is!

Our service this morning focused on our love for our country, and for God. The praise team led us in our National Anthem, pledge of Allegiance, and we watched a Marine video of Days of Elijah (OOYAH!). It’s very much worth watching! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjZ_IlP9c5A) Copy and paste if you are interested.

Below are a few obscure Independence Day quotes that you might find interesting…

ABRAHAM LINCOLN “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Hillary Clinton: “Freedom is never granted. It is earned by each generation.”

ELMER DAVIS “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. “From every mountainside, let freedom ring.”

LOUIS D. BRANDEIS “Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness.”

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT “With freedom comes responsibility.”

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN “Where liberty dwells, there is my country.”

WILLIAM FAULKNER “We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.”

WOODROW WILSON “The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiment, but of history.”

On this day in 1754 George Washington gave Ft. Necessity to France, and in 1776 according to popular legend the Liberty bell rang for the 2nd Continental Congress. In 1776 the US Congress proclaimed their Declaration of Independence, and independence from Great Britain – American is born! In 1796 the first Independence Day celebration was held and in 1802 the first US Military Academy opened at West Point. In 1803 the Louisiana Purchase was announced by Thomas Jefferson, and in 1826 both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In 1831 America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee) was first sung in Boston, and in 1861 there was a skirmish at Harper’s Ferry WV. In 1863 General Lee’s army withdrew from Gettysburg, and in 1865 the first edition of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll was published. In 1884 the Statue of Liberty was presented to the US in Paris and in 1964 the Beach Boys I GET AROUND went #1. Nathaniel Hawthorn, author, was born in 1804; Stephen Foster, composer, in 1826. James Anthony Bailey (Barnum and Bailey circus) was born in 1847, Calvin Coolidge – 30th President – in 1872; Neil Simon, playwright, in 1927. Andrew Walker – Hallmark actor – in 1967. John Adams – 2nd president – died at age 90 in 1826; Thomas Jefferson – 3rd president – at age 83 in 1826, and James Monroe – 5th president – at age 73 in 1831. Marie Curie (discovered radium) died in 1934 at age 66; Evan Gabor (Green Acres star) at age 76 in 1995, and in 1982 Ozzy Osbourne married Sharon Arden. Whew! Lots going on in history today!

TOMORROW July 5th is:

• National Apple Turnover Day
• National Graham Cracker Day
• National Hawaii Day
• National Workaholics Day
• National Bikini Day

I am so proud to live in this country, to be part of the USA, to be living in the greatest nation on earth – to celebrate independence and remember 1776!! God Bless — America!

Every day I think I’m going to have more time, get more done, catch up on chores and sermons and writing and errands. NOT! But today was a good day, despite a small argument with my lawn mower. I got up, changed sheets on the bed and threw them in the washer, then went for a walk. Decided that before I got a shower I’d cut the grass. It was still damp – so it was getting clumped under the mower deck. When I tilted it sideways to clean it out, I flooded the engine – or motor, or whatever. I had to leave it sit for half an hour before it started; so I pulled weeds and trimmed a few shrubs and swept the steps. I was REALLY HUNGRY by the time I finished mowing and ate breakfast.

So this post is sort of a catch up from the week. I wanted to post the delightful gifts Nate and Jen and the girls got me for my birthday (3 weeks ago!). And also, a few fun things to celebrate the holiday.

Yesterday my neighbor had a huge tree cut down in their front yard. What a difference it made. They will probably miss the shade in the mornings – they will get direct early morning sun!

I went over to Kath’s for a picnic with her family. It was nice to visit with them, and the food was delicious! My favorites were the broccoli summer salad and corn bake. Millie liked the deviled eggs and the watermelon, and Sarah brought two festive cakes!

This weekend when you are thinking about the freedom we have in this country, and the amazing men and women who founded our nation – remember that true freedom is in Christ – that we not only have a wonderful homeland now, in 2021, but have a wonderful home to look forward to in God’s beautiful heaven!

On this day in 1754 George Washington surrendered to the French at Fort Necessity; in 1863 Gettysburg – largest battle ever fought on the American continent – ended in victory for the Union (Civil War). In 1890 Idaho admitted as the 43rd state, and in 1985 the movie Back to the Future was released. Tom Cruise was born in 1962. Trigger – Roy Rogers’ horse – died at age 25 in 1965, and Jim Morrison – singer/poet – died in 1971 at age 27.

TOMORROW July 4th is:

• Independence Day (USA)
• National Barbecued Spareribs Day
• National Caesar Salad Day

After church I am volunteering at Historic Hanna’s Town. I will be interpreting at the Tavern. Come on out – Proctor’s Militia will be there and there’s lots to see and learn! I’d love to see you! 12:30pm to 4:30pm! Happy Birthday American – born 1776! God bless…

I know there is a lot of controversy about neighborhood fireworks, but I love them. I just stood outside on my driveway and watched the beautiful display across the street that lit up the sky with light and colors. There were several other families setting them off across the hills. That will go on all weekend.

Since yesterday’s post was the last vacation day, I will write today’s post about YESTERDAY, because it was a very amazing day.

Kath and I headed to Albion to the farm (we decided to call it that since Mom nor John aren’t there…) and a day of chores and decisions. John’s son Jim (executor of John’s will) was home from Virginia and was meeting with the lawyer, and Barb asked for help cleaning out the food, etc, from the house.

We as step-siblings almost never saw each other – so to have Barb, Jim, Dick, Kath and I together would be something new – especially working side by side to begin the cleaning-out process and to sort through items of interest. We had no idea what to expect – from the lawyer or from each other.

Turns out we had a marvelous day! We worked together, talked, got to know each other (After 35 years!!), laughed a lot, sorted through what felt like thousands of items but barely scratched the surface. There are so many little things to go through – and all of us were really laid-back about choosing anything. We took almost nothing. This will be a long process, but now that we know we enjoy each other and can work easily together, it will be a blessing to get to know the ‘siblings’ that we only knew at a distance. God is good!

When we got there, Kath and I walked around the yard. It was tradition to go with Mom through the gardens to a ‘flower walk’ every time we went up (weather permitting). So it was like an honor walk! We found more flowers blooming than we expected – considering that Mom hasn’t been there to tend them in two summer, and John didn’t fuss with the flowers. We cut a big bunch of Black Eyed Susans, brought them home, and Kath dropped them off for Mom at the Manor. A little touch of home to touch her heart!

Today I worked both stores in the morning, got home mid-afternoon, then after lunch cleaned the house top to bottom. In addition to celebrating our great nation this weekend, I need to pay bills, mow grass, get groceries, do laundry and ironing, clean the oven, and take walks around the neighborhood after dark (fireworks!). I’ll hopefully be back on track tomorrow with the posting schedule – in the meantime, God loves you and wants the best for you. Keep looking up; there’s hope in the heavens!

On this day in 1505, after an encounter with a violent thunderstorm, Martin Luther declared he would be a monk! In 1776 at the Continental Congress, John Dickerson abstained from the vote that declared independence. In 1843 an alligator fell from the sky during a thunderstorm in Charleston SC (Boy, I’m glad that didn’t happen last week!!!), and in 1863 it was the second day of the battle of Gettysburg. The founding of the East London Christian Mission was in 1865 (now called Salvation Army); President James Garfield was shot in 1881 and died 79 days later; and in 1979 the Susan B Anthony dollar was issued, the first US coin to honor a woman. Richard Petty was born in 1973 and Lindsay Lohan in 1986. Ernest Hemingway died at age 61 in 1961, and Jimmy Stewart at age 89 in 1997.

July 3rd

• National Fried Clam Day
• National Eat Your Beans Day
• National Chocolate Wafer Day
• National Compliment Your Mirror Day
• Hop-a-Park Day

If I complimented my mirror it wouldn’t believe me. Ha. This is the beginning of one of my favorite holidays – my favorite year is 1776! Spend some time this weekend thinking about our country’s humble yet determined beginnings, and how blessed our nation is to be free to celebrate it! God bless … America!