Walked outside – beautiful! But, followed by rain… Not too much work today, so I was home early. Stuck the roast in early this morning. Autmn and Eric are watching TV until it’s time to start the rest of dinner. She’s cooking for Eric – it’s their 6 month anniversary. Nate, Jen and Chrissy are coming over later.

Dinner was very tasty! We had a roast, and Autmn made mashed potatoes, broccoli cheese rice, green beans, noodles and gravy. And homemade bread. Oreo Ice Cream for dessert. Now we are all too full to move! They are still watching movies… I’m excited that I have three days ahead of me – maybe I’ll find a sunny hour or two to wash windows.

Today I will share Steve’s message from Maplewood: It’s not what you thought; follow me anyway. ‘Preaching is foolishness to the perishing but to us, the power of God unto salvation!’ Sometimes we don’t buy into or understand the teachings of God, but we have to go with God. We can’t think like the world thinks – they think it’s foolishness. Think on Jesus Christ and him crucified. There is power in the way God does things – and God does things differently. His death destroys our death. He brought life to all who receive him. We meet Christ at the table – it’s not insignificant. Follow Jesus to his cross. He makes all things new.

On this day in 1862 and 1865 a lot of Civil War things happened. Check it out! In 1918, US Army mess cook Private Albert Gitchell was the first documented case of the Spanish flu; created a world wide pandemic killing 50-100 millions. In 1997 Paul McCartney was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and in 2020 COVID 19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. And so it began… And according to Shakespeare, this was Romeo & Juliet’s wedding day. My friend Dave Baughman is having a birthday today. Dave worked at Smail’s a lot of the years I was there, and our daughters were very good friends in HCC youth group. I understand he’s going through some rough health issues – Birthday and get well wishes both to you, my friend! Thinking of you and praying for your improved health!

TOMORROW is March 12 is:

• National Working Moms Day *
• National Baked Scallops Day
• National Girl Scout Day
• National Plant a Flower Day

I will definitely go out and find a flower to plant! I can do that! And I am a working mom – even at this stage of life! God bless all your hard-working moms out there! GOD BLESS!!!

I walked outside again – sunny and much warmer! Had little chores to attend to in the morning, then I set about cleaning the house. I was finished about 3pm, when I started getting the food ready for our FAFF night. Tonight was a Williamsburg revisited night! I put in my Fife and Drum CD to play before the movie and at dinner. We had ham biscuits, steak fries, ginger cookies, and kettle chips — plus root beer! I printed out a label from Chowning’s Tavern and taped it on the bottle. It was a very festive night.

I also set out several Williamsburg coffee table books and my photo albums from all the trips. There was a little quiz about our numerous visits and we had fun figuring out the answers and discussing our favorite houses and trips. And we did watch ‘The Story of a Patriot’ DVD. All in all a very fun night!

On my walk this morning, I stopped and listened to the little stream down the road from my house. I was sort of taken by surprise when I went around the one corner and saw a house with the yard covered with pink flamingos! It was a startling sight – and I wonder what the people who lived there thought about that!

I will share Micah’s message NOT LIKE THE OTHER. You are not like the rest! Be different. God sets the standard, but we must love one another. The holy spirit guides and convicts us. We have a direct connection to God’s throne through prayer. 1) Build up your faith; pray without doubt a) have knowledge of His word b) keep within the love of God (obey!) c) recognize the power of the Holy Spirit. Joy comes when we obey. We couldn’t pick who God made us to be, but we can choose how we use our talents. 2) Look for our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus will present us a faultless before God – Jesus paid the price. We are not like the others if we are a child of God.

On this day in1849 Abraham Lincoln applied for a patent (only US President to do so) for a device to lift a boat over shoals and obstructions. The first telephone call was in 1876; Alexander Graham Bell says “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you” to his assistant Thomas Watson. In 1969 James Earl Ray pled guilty to the murder of Martin Luther King JR (It was his birthday – born in 1928). In 1978 The Incredible Hulk premiered. Osama bin Laden was born in 1957, Prince Edward in 1964, and Carrie Underwood in 1983. Harriet Tubman died at age 91 in 1913, and Vince Gill married Amy Grand in 2000. And happy birthday to Tracy Smouse Pfoutz – we’ve known each other for years, and she worked with me at Smail’s for a bit. Enjoy!

TOMORROW March 11 is:

• National 311 Day
• National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day 
• National Johnny Appleseed Day
• National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day
• National Promposal Day
• National Worship of Tools Day
• World Kidney Day 

That’s a lot of days to cover. I will give a big shout out to my long-time friend Jim Fritzinger, who is indeed a funeral director in Allentown. As for tool-worship – I barely know one end of a screwdriver from the other! God bless, you all!

I should have walked outside this morning but chose instead to do the treadmill. I didn’t realize how warm it was. Beautiful day! I worked until about 12:30, then came home and caught up on my daily journal. Obviously if I had been doing it DAILY I wouldn’t have to catch up! I got behind a few days. Feels like I track most of my days on the Word Garden and it’s like I’m doing it twice. I do not – mostly – share my FEELINGS on the Word Garden – which I do in my journal.

I picked up Autmn after lunch, and since everyone was out and about we brought her little sister Josie with us, too. We all three worked together to make Oreo Ice Cream dessert for Autmn’s dinner on Thursday. Josie licked the bowl, of course! Then Chris and her friend Hope skate-boarded over to visit for a bit. So I had all four girls here for a little while. Autmn made Josie mac/cheese and they are watching a movie on Netflix. I’ll take them home when it’s over.

I will share Paul’s message from River Hill today. The new series will lead up to Easter. This week, A FEARLESS SAVIOR. Jesus didn’t NEED righteousness; he WAS righteousness. When we was baptized, it symbolized that a sacrifice could not be offered until it was washed. We was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus would be the sacrifice for all mankind. Then, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted and tested – He was DRIVEN there; he didn’t just WANDER there. He prayed and fasted and resisted Satan and the wild beasts (which were NOT lions and tigers…). The angels ministered to and comforted him. Jesus did not cower; he was fearless. Satan tired to: 1) destroy the savior. God would determine Christ’s destiny, not Satan. 2) destroy our faith. FEAR is not part of our ‘God Image’ – fear is a product of our sin. God uses fear to build his kingdom. Put your trust in Jesus always.

On this day in 1864 Ulysses S Grant was appointed commander of the Union army, and in 1964 the first Ford Mustang was produced. In 2020 Italy locked down the whole country due to COVID-19 outbreak. Amerigo Vespucci was born in 1454. I never really understand how our country was named after him…. Bobby Fisher – world champion chess player – was born in 1943, George Burns died in 1996 at age 100, and in 1796 Napoleon Bonaparte married Josephine. And my friend Tom is having a birthday today – Tom is a fellow writer and a retired nurse. He likes to portray Colonel Sanders and does a great job! So happy birthday Colonel Tom Beck. Have a great day!

TOMORROW March 10 is:

• National Blueberry Popover Day
• National Mario Day
• National Pack Your Lunch Day
• National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
• National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day 

As I don’t have to go anywhere tomorrow, I won’t be packing my lunch. I’ll just think of something fun to have for lunch right in my own kitchen! It will be cleaning day for me – oh, fun! But I like to clean, so no problem! God bless…

I was able to get my first COVID Vaccine shot this morning in Latrobe. The follow-up (2nd shot) is in Norwin on April 5th. I feel fine except my arm is very sore. I don’t realize that until I try to move it suddenly – then I remember! I’m also very cold – but just came inside from playing in the dirt, picking up twigs in the front yard, and washing the car. It was sunny but still cold.

I sent Gen’s little granddaughters a fun card for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. She sent me a video of them and they were very excited! It was cute to see them, and they had the confetti all spread out on the blanket. They were sitting in the yard. Must be warmer here then there – GOOGLE said 67*. Quite a bit warmer.

I will share Bram’s message from First Baptist. This was his last week as interim minister. Scott will be here by next Sunday. We are not our best when we complain – we act irrationally. When we make our complaint to God, we are hoping God will respond to our need and suffering. As the Israelites complained after leaving Egypt – they did not trust God for their needs. When we look to the past, we romanticize and see only the good things behind us. They only thought about the FOOD and forgot about the slavery. It’s tempting to let the past be the Golden Age, but God is creating a bright future that leads us to the Promised Land. But when we idealize the past we fail to trust God’s future goodness. We deny that God has good plans for us. Our faith affirms that God is with us in the present and leads us to the future. We are not alone. God provides our needs wherever we are sent. We are sustained by God’s gifts that nurture our body and spirit. Learning to trust God requires that we let go of our fears and believe in God’s goodness.

It was a fitting message for looking forward – both for him and for the congregation. They had a cute little song that they performed for him at the end of the service, and gave him and his wife a card and flowers and gift baskets. I’ve known him mostly through the live streaming, but I have met him in person a few times, and I will miss his messages very much. God bless you, Pastor Bram!

On this day in 1817 the New York Stock Exchange was founded, and in 1948 the US Supreme Court ruled that religious instruction in public schools was unconstitutional. In 1973 Eisenhower tunnel – world’s highest and US longest – opened in Denver CO. Oliver Wendel Holmes Jr was born in 1841. Millard Fillmore – 13th president – died in 1874 at age 74, and William Howard Taft – 27th president- died in 1930 at age 72; Joe DiMaggio in 1999 at age 84. In 1820 5th US President James Monroe‘s daughter Maria was 1st child of a President to marry in the White House.

TOMORROW March 9 is:

• National Barbie Day
• National Crabmeat Day
• National Get Over it Day
• National Meatball Day

I AM over it – have been for months and months now! So I’ll just eat a meatball and call it a day! God bless….

I forgot to mention that I saw my first robin of spring yesterday! Such hope and encouragement! It was a fat little bugger, too!

Went to church – first service – this morning. Sat with my cousin Mark and we had a chance to chat and catch up. When I was leaving after service Mary and Joni and I spur-of-the-minute decided to go to breakfast at Eat-n-Park. We had a lovely time, and for an hour and a half sat and talked and enjoyed just being together! I love eating breakfast out, especially if it includes bacon! (And great friends!)

I stopped for a few groceries on the way home, and picked up my Easter ham. Superior Boneless Tavern Hams are kind of expensive but can be difficult to find, especially at the last minute. That is my family’s ham of choice, so I always make the effort. And thanks to Kath for the tip on finding one after her successful purchase yesterday. Then I grabbed a small pack of highlighers. When Kelly was up on Wednesday she was lamenting my sad supply. So I tested them all and now have an updated variety to choose from.

I will share Kyle’s message from Hempfield since I was there in person. We are starting on the Easter series, Easter expectations, with Palm Sunday. Sometimes we think there are discrepancies in the Bible but when we really look into them we find they support each other. Like, who found the donkey, Jesus or the disciples? and Who started the parade, the crowd or the disciples? The disciples knew that Jesus was the Messiah, the King. They knew the Messiah would die for us, fight for us, and deliver us – bring peace. When Jesus entered the city on the donkey, they knew that was prophesy – and that is was holy and right and good. But they were basing it on the expectation that God would do what we EXPECTED him to do, not what he DID (and still does) do. WE are not God! We think he should live up to our expectations, like we would know better than God what should happen. On that day, Palm Sunday, after 33 years on earth, Jesus got what he deserved: Praise and honor and rightful attention. He deserves that EVERY day. So we should rejoice always in the Lord – have have a reason to rejoice! So PRAISE continually! He deserves it!

On this day in 1774 King George III charges colonists in Boston with attempting to injure British commerce, paving the way for the closing of the port to punish colonists for the Boston Tea Party. In 1876 Alexander Graham Bell received a patent for his telephone in the US, and in 1955 Peter Pan (staring Mary Martin) was first televised. I absolutely LOVED that Peter Pan, and I was determined to go to never-never land, never grow up, and live with Peter! Never happened… In 2016 Peyton Manning retired. Franco Harris was born in 1950, and Lynn Swann in 1952; In 1998 Amanda Gorman, American poet and activist who delivered the poem “The Hill We Climb” at President Joe Biden’s inauguration. A long-time friend from out ‘Home’, Roger Griffith, is celebrating a birthday today. I know he never reads these posts so he won’t know I’m wishing him a happy birthday!

TOMORROW March 8 is:

• International Women’s Day
• National Oregon Day
• National Peanut Cluster Day
• National Proofreading Day

So, I had neither cereal or pancakes today. Mary and Joni both had a smiley pancake. So at least we were SORT OF celebrating! Tomorrow I will probably proofread something. It’s what I do! God bless…

I worked at chopping away at my Saturday list, and accomplished most of it. I’m working on a story to submit to a local publication but the guidelines haven’t been updated so I can’t finish until they are. But it’s pretty ready much ready to go.

I took an hour in the afternoon and went over to L & L Antiques. There were a lot of new items and even some new vendors. There were a few tempting things, but I just keep remembering how hard I’m working to REDUCE my household inventory. Purchasing more seems to make that effort futile. It would have to be very amazing to get me to buy! I did see really cool wooden flags painted on pallets – I sent the picture to Peyton – he could absolutely do that!

The PEEPS are trying to schedule a get-together. (Friends from Smail – there are 4 of us.) Waiting for everyone to get back with their availability. I’m so excited. Real people!!!

SO, the second message I’ll share today is from Greg at Vanderbilt: It begins. In the beginning, GOD – the world is STILL trying to disprove that. God created everything and saw it was GOOD. God knew it was not good, however, for man to be alone. Adam named all the animals but none of them would work, so he made woman, and the 2 became one. In the beginning the garden was pure (white). Adam and Eve (Male & female, two genders; just two) had ONE commandment, and the serpent convinced them to ignore it! We, too, try to replace God. They knew they had sinned and hid. Then God asked the very first question in scripture: Where are you? At this point, the color in the garden was BLACK – sinful. Not everything was good; things changed. God talked to ADAM; he blamed ‘the woman’ – she blamed the serpent. The foreshadowing is: He will crush your head, you will strike his heal – it’s a prophesy of Christ, fulfilled at the empty tomb. In the beginning there was a straight line from Adam to God – Repent and turn and come back to the straight line.

I will also share a joke that Bram had in their newsletter than fits with Greg’s message: At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created from Adam’s ribs. Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, Johnny what is the matter? Little Johnny responded, “I have a pain in my side. I think I’m going to have a wife.” (haha!)

On this day in 1836 – Battle of the Alamo. In 1857 the US Supreme Court ruled that Africans could not be US citizens, and in 1951 the Trial of Julius & Ethel Rosenberg began. Jack Nicklaus passes Arnold Palmer as golf’s all-time money winner in 1972. Michelangelo (sculptor and painter) was born in 1475, Elizabeth Barrett Browning in 1806, Lou Costello (comedian) in 1906, Willie Stargell in 1940, Shaquille O’Neal in 1972. Davey Crockett died at age 49 at the battle of the Alamo in 1836, Louisa May Alcott (Little Women) in 1888 at age 55, John Philip Sousa at age 77 in 1932, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr (93) in 1935, and Nancy Reagan (94) in 2016. In 1964 Elizabeth Taylor’s 4th divorce, from Eddie Fisher.

TOMORROW March 7 is:

• National Flapjack Day
• National Be Heard  Day
• National Cereal Day
• National Crown of Roast Pork Day 
• Finisher’s Medal Day 

So now, do I have cereal or flapjacks tomorrow? We’ll see! Have a great Lord’s day — God Bless – – – –

I’m going to post twice today – I had an extra sermon last week since I listened to the youth service at the Kittanning Baptist Church. So I’m sharing Mike’s message from Hempfield about Friendships – and you’ll see why at the end.

A good friend is a good find and a treasure; a present we give ourselves. There are several types of friends 1) acquaintances (those we know and enjoy but don’t know intimately). 2) Closer friends, those with common ground that we have more to share with. 3) Really close that we seek out and share part of ourselves with. 4) Best friends, who can share anything and are always there for each other, with no judgement and complete loyalty. These are rare! Choose your friends very carefully – don’t let them pull you from your relationship with God. Be sure they do not have anger issues, and that they share our disciplines. Be slow to enter into a friendship, but once you have formed that deep commitment, then stick close. Do not compromise Christ or follow blindly. Sometimes we lose friends to stay close to Jesus. Be friends with those who follow God. Don’t even DATE someone who is not a Christian. Friends aren’t perfect, but they can still be friends – don’t avoid those imperfect friendships, just be certain to stay within God’s guidelines. Friends are a good find, concerned about your well-being. They ease our burdens, and tell us what we NEED to hear, not what we WANT to hear. They won’t betray us, and to HAVE a good friend we must BE a good friend.

Here are some helpful hints: Remember names. Be relaxed and easy-going. Don’t be egotistical (know-it-all). Sincerely attempt to rectify grievances. Practice liking people (use patience and don’t be proud). Encourage and offer sympathy in love. A true friend makes sacrifices; be a friend even when it’s inconvenient. Be devoted, be personal – reach out to your friends. Don’t let the days go past without seeking them out!

I am blessed to have so many good, loyal, loving, steadfast friends. Some friends I see seldom but we keep in touch, and I know I can contact them at any time and we will be important to each other. I have met friends through my family, through school, in my neighborhood, at church, and even through other friends. They are all equally precious to me and I value them every one the same! And recently I became friends with a fellow author that I haven’t even met in person! I respect and admire her work, and her virtues, and rejoice in her vastly successful career (I should be so lucky – but it wasn’t luck. She’s VERY talented!).

Currently I am on her ARC list – (advanced reader copy) – and read the books before they are released officially. I have come to anticipate these new releases, and this week I read the whole book in less than 24 hours (and yes, I did sleep!). This past year Elizabeth shared in my concern with Kelly’s illnesses, and rejoiced in her progress and healing. She even purchased MY book! So here’s to Elizabeth Bromke and a special friendship that was unexpected but is cherished none-the-less. And I encourage you to check out her vast number of books – you will certainly enjoy them and appreciate her talents! And when I finished this last book – The Boardwalk House – I was over the moon to find my name listed as a friend and encourager! Thanks, Liz! Wishing you continued success!

More later, my friends!

Today was sunny but very cold. I hated even walking to the mailbox! My fingers get cold and I can’t type. But all is well!

I was getting ready for my shower this morning and one of the lightbulbs in my bathroom fixture flickered and went out. So I got a new bulb and changed it – but it didn’t work. Did that twice. Then I took the bulb and stuck it in another light fixture – it worked. So apparently the bathroom fixture is shot. I believe that it is about 28 years old, so I can’t complain. However, I can SORT OF complain because I bopped over to Lowe’s AND Home Depot and neither have the right type of light that I need that matches my current fixtures. So I guess it’s on to an internet search…

Since I didn’t clean on my normal Wednesday routine day, I cleaned the whole house today. However, my author e-friend Liz Bromke sent out her newest release to her ARC readers (that would be me!) and I spent as much time taking reading breaks as cleaning. It’s very good, and I can hardly put it down. I’m already 84% through the book – and it’s a two part series so I know there will be SORT OF a cliff-hanger. But it’s very good!

I also got around to filling my little pots of gold. Now if I could just tempt and capture a leprechaun – then I’d have endless resources! Dream on, sweet child. Dream on…

Also got a phone call and was able to schedule my COVID Vaccine shots. God makes things work!

Today I will share Bram’s message from First Baptist: Laying down our lives; we should be KIND. (Anyone who knows me well will know that is a subject near to my heart!) We should be devoted to one another; the sacrifice of one person can affect the course of a nation. Hard work helps us grow in love. Religion is not personal: It’s a community. It’s not a competition with winners and losers (like the Super Bowl) with power, bragging. It’s like Special Olympics: Everyone is special and appreciated, and everyone wins. We should help each other up and run together. We owe Jesus a debt of gratitude for his sacrifice. How often do we think of that? Remember his love, and be kind.

On this day in 1496 the English King granted John Cabot a commission to explore for new lands, and in 1836 Samuel Colt manufactured the first pistol. Steinway Piano Company was founded in NY in 1853, and the TV show THE OSBOURNES (starring Ozzy Osbourne, who my son loved!) premiered in 2002 on MTV. Andy Gibb was born in 1958, and Joseph Stalin died at age 73 in 1953. Patsy Cline was killed in a plane crash in 1963; she was 30. I remember when that happened. She was a very close friend of Loretta Lynn….

TOMORROW March 6 is:

• National Dentist’s Day
• National Dress Day
• National Frozen Food Day
• National Oreo Cookie Day 
• National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day

I just got my dental insurance card in the mail! So I’m all set. But I don’t think Dr. Lane wants to see me right this minute. And I DO wish I had an Oreo! Next week! Autmn and I are making Oreo Ice Cream for the dinner she’s hosting…. Have a great weekend. God bless!

My Aunt Hazel used to say that this was the most commanding day of the year: March forth!!!!

Treadmill this morning as it was cold and windy. I was glad to be inside. Work was busy – and I think things are picking up and we will be stepping up a pace or so in the next few weeks. After lunch I talked to my friend Joni – haven’t really talked to her since last spring. Might be able to get together with her and Mary soon!

Kath and I had a window visit with Mom – she looked neat and happy and smiled at us a few times, and waved when we left. So glad to see her other than on the little phone screen. Just makes us want to ‘break in’ and hug her! After the visit we had our FAFF – the movie was ‘What’s Up, Doc’ and we all laughed and laughed. So good for the soul! Kath had sandwiches and soup and apple pie. Very yummy – I was ready for it, and the soup warmed me up.

Kelly asked me to judge stories in their short story contest: the theme was ‘animals’. There were three horse stories and a zebra story. They were all different ages and the stories were all very creative. I enjoyed reading them – wish there were twice that many!

Tonight I will share Paul’s message from River Hill, still the ‘little child shall lead them’ series. It was about Paul’s nephew saving his life. Paul was falsely accused, arrested, and in prison – but had a right to a trial. The nephew overheard a plot to have Paul killed on his way to trial, and he told the guards of the plot. They believed him and saved Paul’s life. 1) The nephew heard the message 2) Nephew spoke the message – we need to step out and tell the truth – it may save someone. 3) This action saved Paul’s life. How does that relate to us? God still is in control – we need to take courage and be committed to step out. Be of good cheer: You will speak Christ! As God’s people we can always take courage, as He says, ‘I will never leave or forsake you.’ This world in not our home – we must be willing to do and say the right thing, and tell the good news. Saving one man saved thousands. Think of Paul’s missionary journeys, and all the letters of the New Testament. He reached innumerable people – us included. So Speak the message!

On this day in 1681 William Penn received a charter as sole proprietor of the colonial American Territory of Pennsylvania, and in 1791 Vermont was admitted as the 14th state (first one after the original 13 colonies!). In 1801 Thomas Jefferson was the first president to be inaugurated in Washington DC. In looking through the dates, there there 23 US Presidents inaugurated on this date, from John Adams in 1797 almost through FDR in 1933, including Abraham Lincoln in 1861 and again in 1865 (John Wilkes Booth attended his 2nd inauguration!). Luke Perry (actor) died at age 52 in 2019 and Lucille Ball filed for divorce from Desi Arnaz in 1960.

TOMORROW March 5 is:

• National Absinthe Day
• National Cheese Doodle Day
• National Multiple Personality Day
• National Day of Unplugging –
• National Dress in Blue Day – 
• National Speech and Debate Education Day –
• National Employee Appreciation Day 

First Friday in March – enjoy! Stay warm and happy and maybe even unplug something! Happy weekend! God bless…

Beautiful day! Took a longer walk outside in the frosty sunshine. Kelly’s family came up about 11am, and we had Abie & Bimbo’s pizza for lunch. The boys still had schoolwork and a few zoom classes; Peyton and Matt washed their honkin’ big truck with their power washer!

I called Sprint (Apple) about a question on my iCloud storage, and 40 minutes later it was still unresolved. They are going to call me back… Next I have to call Comcast about getting a new promotional package. Always something.

Today I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning. They had a guest speaker who runs an orphanage in Uganda and I listed to his story first, then Micah’s message: God has a plan and a purpose. We know there are people who make a difference in the world by what they do. Faith is the foundation, and add prayer, obedience, hope, and compassion. We should reach out to everyone; God still cares, all the time. DON’T be like the others; Step out and be different. What does God want US to do?

In 1791 Congress established the US Mint (And no, it’s not M&M candy). In 1837 President Andrew Jackson and Congress recognized the Republic of Texan, and in 1845 Florida became the 27th state. Anne Sullivan began teaching 6 year old blind-deaf Helen Keller in 1887. In 1910, John D Rockefeller Jr announced his retirement from the Rockefeller Foundation to devote full time to being a philanthropist – and why is this important, you asked? I’m glad you did! John D Rockefeller Jr. funded the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg, from which stemmed the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, which keeps this wonderful history alive! Thank you, Mr. Rockefeller! The Star Spangled Banner officially became the US National Anthem in 1931, and Mt. Rushmore was dedicated in 1933. And in 1986 ‘Master of Puppets’ – 3rd album – was released by Metallica. Alexander Graham Bell was born in 1847 and Lou Costello died in 1959.

TOMORROW March 4 is:

• National Grammar Day
• National Hug a G.I. Day
• Marching Music Day
• National Pound Cake Day
• National Sons Day
• National Hospitalist Day

It has been fun having my family here! Something I wish could happen much more often! Right now, everyone is eating Christmas M&Ms! Have a great day – God bless…