For starting out so cold and rainy, it’s a lovely sunny day! Still chilly but easy to be outside. Which is what I did! After getting groceries and doing a few chores, I drove over to Mammoth Park and walked the lake. While I walked, I snapped pictures and listened to Mike at HCC.

Mike’s message was about Peter being arrested by Herod, and an angel came to the prison and released him. He walked to the house where the prayer meeting was being held; people praying for his release. NO ONE BELIEVED THAT IT WAS HIM!!! The very thing they prayed for! But we have to recognize that regardless of what plans the world has for us, God has His own plans! We don’t always see God’s hand in what’s happening. He is a God of miracles. He is the One guiding our lives and our future; we don’t choose the outcome. Sometimes we start on a path and keep going and God blesses and uplifts us. Sometimes he changes our path. Our job is to not fear where that path takes us forward, but to share Jesus with all we know, those who need Him! God will be with us and guide us, no matter where our path takes us. He is in control!

On this day in 1492 Christopher Columbus anchored at the Bahamas, and in 1847 Charlotte Bronte’s JANE EYRE was published. C S Lewis’s LION WITCH & THE WARDROBE was released in 1950; Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited Williamsburg Virginia in 1957 (why is this noteworthy, you ask? It’s only my favorite place EVER!!!); in 1986 the US Government shut down because of a dispute between President Regan & the House — And you think all this unrest is something new!!!! Marie Antoinette died in 1793 and Shirley Booth (HAZEL) died at age 94 in 1992. Noah Webster was born in 1758 and Angela Lansbury in 1925. And today my nephew’s son Isaac Eisaman is celebrating a birthday, and my friend and former missionary to Ghana West Africa Barbara Kalb has a birthday today as well. Happy, happy birthday! Have a great celebration!

TOMORROW October 17 is:

• National  Edge Day
• National Mulligan Day
• National Pasta Day
• Black Poetry Day
• National Sweetest Day – 

And tomorrow is my favorite son’s birthday! More on that tomorrow…. In the meantime, rejoice in the beauty around you! God bless . . .

October is half over and it doesn’t even feel like we passed September! The weather has mostly been enjoyable, sunny and bright. That may change tomorrow… I worked this morning, then came home, ate lunch and cut the grass. I promised Bear I’d usher for him at the Civic Center play tonight and tomorrow so I’ll be leaving for that in about an hour. ** Footnote: The play was very good! It was called “Almost, Maine” – just the basic set and nine small vignettes about love and relationships. Some of it was funny, some moving. I really liked them all – except one, which is OK! The play run both Friday evening and Saturday if you want to check it out! I’ll be there Friday to usher…

The last section of our New York trip was the drive home. New York State and Upper Pennsylvania were peak for colors and it put on a show for us the whole way down. It was a quiet trip so we just enjoyed the scenery.

Today I will post Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. It was Hypocrisy 2.0. So many people were struggling with the concept of hypocrisy that he went over some of the points again. It boils down to who you are going to let be God/god in your life. The Bible says we are born to sin, and predisposed to considering the wrong choices all too often. We have to take up our cross and carry it every single day, and make those choices every single day. We often make choices that we really don’t intent to make or even want to make – and struggle with making them right and asking for forgiveness. When it comes down to it, if you choose to have God be the God in your life, you will always have the Spirit within you and can walk in the Right. If you decide to live life your way with no consideration of God’s will, then you have chosen to be the god of your own life. Those are the things to be aware of, and to guard against.

On this day in 1789 George Washington made the first presidential tour – in New England. In 1860 11 year old Grace Bedell wrote to Abraham Lincoln, telling him to grow a beard. He did! President Calvin College declared the Statue of Liberty a National Monument in 1924, and I Love Lucy debuted on CBS in 1951. President LBJ signed a bill in 1966 creating the US Department of Transportation (So my whole career is HIS FAULT!!! I started working the very next year.) In 1989 Billy Graham was given a star on Hollywood Blvd – the first clergyman to have a star! Penny Marshall (Laverne & Shirley) was born in 1943, and our 38th president, Gerald Ford, married Betty Warren in 1948.

TOMORROW October 16 is:

• National Sports Day
• National Liqueur Day
• National Dictionary Day
• Global Cat Day
• Department Store Day
• Boss’s Day (Happy Boss’s day to Rege, Joe, Ken, Barry – the best ever!!!)

I am going to be mourning the cooler temperatures tomorrow – but I’m thankful for the beautiful days we have had. Enjoy your Friday! God Bless – –

Today was Notary reappointment class at WCCC – a requirement to renew my notary. It was touch and go for me to renew; I thought I was about done with that. But I opted for the 4 year renewal and this is it. The class was informative and interesting so it was very worth going to. On the way home I hoped to avoid the torn up streets in Youngwood so I cut over by Buncher Park. Wouldn’t you know there was a train blocking the tracks! But it moved on quickly.

After lunch I cleaned the house then took a longer walk. The trees on the distant hills were glowing in the late afternoon sun.

VACATION Day #2: Thursday morning we headed straight for Jamestown NY and the Lucy-Dezi Comedy Museum. I wasn’t sure what to expect because I had never heard of it, but it was amazing! There were so many items from their stage lives, and information about both of their careers and their personal lives. Also lots of clips from interviews with them and their friends/family, trailers for movies, and footage from TV shoes and performances. There was even a place at the end that you could reproduce the Vitameatavegamin Commercial that Lucy did, complete with script to read so you could record it. Of course Kathy did! After the museum we walked up the Cherry Street to a quaint little cafe/pub. The food was great, the prices very reasonable, and there were pictures of performers framed all around the bar and dining rooms. My favorites were Shirley Temple and Johnny Cash.

The message I’m sharing was given my Dr. Frank Frischkorn from the American Baptist Church of PA & DE – subbing for Bram at First Baptist. He talked about Barnabas – how he was a ‘superhero’ – an encourager. We need God every day just to navigate. Life is challenging, and never more so than these last COVID months. We need encouragement to to navigate day to day – our encouragers confront obstacles and find a way through. Don’t let people pull you down by negativity; Lucy from Peanuts is known for that. Linus (her brother) said she was the crabgrass in the lawn of life! These are discouraging days, and every day life is complicated; it’s hard work. We need encouragement and we need to be encouragers. Share the good news that GOD’S GOT THIS! Make people want the Jesus that YOU have!

On this day in 1884 George Eastman patented paper-strip photographic film. In 1926 A. A. Milne’s book WINNIE THE POOH was released, and in 1957 the Every Brothers WAKE UP LITTLE SUSIE reached #1; Martin Luther King Jr. was announced as winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Bing Crosby died at age 74 of a heart attack in 1977. William Penn – founder of Pennsylvania – was born in 1644; Dwight D Eisenhower – 34th President – was born in 1890. Roger Moore (James Bond!) was born in 1927 and Ralph Lauren in 1939. My friend from Smail’s – Carrie Mitchell – is celebrating a birthday today. Happy Birthday, Carrie – Enjoy!

TOMORROW October 15 is:

• National Shawarma Day * (not sure what this is….)
• National Aesthetician Day
• National Cheese Curd Day
• National I Love Lucy Day ** How appropriate!!!
• National Grouch Day *** Lucy Van Pelt! (From Peanuts)
• National Latino AIDS Awareness Day
• National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
• National White Cane Safety Day
• National Get Smart About Credit Day –
• Get to Know Your Customers Day –

Enjoy tomorrow – and be a super hero in someone’s life! God bless – – –

Short walk this morning – then worked both stores. Not really too busy, so I came home and did a load of laundry, then went outside to pull weeds. Because of the snake issue I was extra cautious – I put on an extra layer of clothes in case it got aggressive. I felt that might be safe. But I didn’t see any sign of sneaky snake. Got the irises all pulled, and the day lily stocks, and the dead mint plants, and the other plants pulled. The herb garden is done now. On to the next section, not sure when! And for the first time since I can remember, the two trees in my neighbor’s yard are in full color.

I’m still short of time tonight so I’ll just post Paul’s message from River Hill. He talked about the Amazing Word of God. About what people have gone through, and the great sacrifices so many have made, to give us God’s written word – in so many languages! His message was spirit-filled, full of truth, guidance, inspiration, correction, encouragement . . .It has stood the test of time, and although thousands have tried to discredit and destroy it, His word still stands! The Bible reveals God’s plans for us, and his redemption plans. It is as relevant to our lives today as when it was first written through the Holy Spirit. We need to hide God’s word in our heart so we won’t sin against Him. His word should always flow out from us – in songs and words of praise and salvation. This message was wonderfully done, heart-felt, and God-breathed. How thankful we are that we have His personal love letters!

On this day in 1864 the Battle of Harper’s Ferry WV was fought; Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister, was born in 1952. In 54AD Claudius (Roman Emperor) dies at age 63 of poison mushrooms, and Milton Hershey (Chocolate tycoon) dies at age 86; Ed Sullivan died at age 73 in 1974.

TOMORROW October 14 is:

• National Dessert Day
• Be Bald and Be Free Day
• National Curves Day –
• National Emergency Nurse’s Day – They deserve a whole WEEK!!!
• National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work/School Day –
• National Stop Bullying Day – AMEN!!
• National Fossil Day –
• National Take Your Parents To Lunch Day – I’d LOVE to be able to do that! 🙁

I have a notary class tomorrow so I’m off to get some sleep so I can be a good student! God bless – – –

Back to UPMC Mercy this morning – ready for the day with my daughter. Several of her doctors came in the morning, and generally agreed on a diagnosis and a treatment. We were walking out the door for home a little before 2pm! She still has a lot of healing to do – a warning that the rash could get worse before it gets better. But hopefully we are on the right road! Helped with a few chores around the house, talked to the boys a while, and we got some groceries. Then the trip home!

The trees were beautiful and the bridge looked so appealing! I had to take photos. And also is a photo of the door mural that the boys made for a project for 4-H – all by themselves. It was a contest and they won first prize! I’m so proud of them, and for their combined efforts and creativity! So fun!

While I was standing at the front door admiring the mural, Turk the turkey walked up through the yard. Kelly said he comes most days, walking around and exploring. He was sitting on the picnic table one day, and if they leave in the car he follows it out of the driveway! Sounds like Turk likes hanging out with the guys!

I’m still a bit behind and it’s a little late (work tomorrow!) so I’m going to just post the ‘National’ days and catch up with everything as soon as possible. And here’s a HUGE thanks to Christopher Columbus for discovering our great continent! Oh – and happy birthday to a young friend from Church, Amy Gresham! Happy birthday Amy!

TOMORROW October 13 is:

• National Train Your Brain Day
• National Yorkshire Pudding Day
• Navy Birthday
• National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
• National No Bra Day

God bless us, every one!

This has been a high/low week! So much fun and such a delightful vacation, but then the concern over Kelly’s illness. It was after 3am when I fell asleep last night! But I was able to help out and spend the day with Kelly at UPMC Mercy. And those who know me KNOW that I don’t do Pittsburgh! Getting there was a cake walk: Drove right to it! Getting back – after dark! – was a little trickier. I am convinced that Gwyneth (My GPS) took me in circles to get back to I-376E. Even leaving the parking garage I went past my original parking space twice before I got to the exit! Again, I don’t do Pittsburgh! But Kelly and I took a little walk around her floor (9th – so we were up fairly high) and snapped some photos. She even shared one that she took last night on the way in after dark. So glad to be home safe and know she is doing pretty well. Still doesn’t have a diagnosis or treatment yet but all the doctors are convinced it’s not threatening. They are deferring to the dermatologist who should be in tomorrow.

I got the loveliest picture in the mail, created just for me from my great niece, Amelia (Millie for short!). Thank you sweet girl! And Kelly told me that Peyton (14) and Logan (13) decided it was time to put the Christmas lights up – I think they did an amazing job! Very festive.

Swingset in lights!

As it is late and I didn’t have the opportunity to listen to any online sermons – and that I’m pretty worn out tonight – I will continue with vacation recap later in the week. Plan to go back down again tomorrow and keep Kelly company – rather than her being bored and climbing the walls – at 9 stories up that’s not a safe idea!

On this day in 1926 J C Penney opened his 1252nd store, now having retail stores in each of the 48 continental United States. Henry John Heinz (H. J.) was born in Pittsburgh in 1844, and Eleanor Roosevelt was born in 1884. In 1975 Bill Clinton married Hillary Rodham.

TOMORROW October 12 is:

• National Savings Day
• National Vermont Day
• National Freethought Day
• National Farmer’s Day
• National Gumbo Day
• National Online Bank Day –
• National Kick Butt Day–
• Native American Day –
• Columbus Day –

Have a great week – and celebrate something special! God Bless . . .

Nice morning for a walk! Changed and washed sheets, shower and breakfast, then went outside to pull weeds and clean up the next section of the gardens. I worked for almost 4 hours until…. I opened the gate to come into the back yard and a little funky looking snake slithered into the iris bed – my next project. NOT! I cleaned everything up, took another walk around the house, and eyed up the irises and the azalea bush but didn’t see anything menacing. Still, I was done. Lots to do inside, anyway! But in addition to the little sneaky-snake, I saw two ugly black and yellow spiders with black hairy legs, two blue jays playing in the yard, and a chipmunk standing watch on the deck. Interesting day.

So on Wednesday, after we toured Fillmore’s house, we headed over to Niagara Falls. I hadn’t been there in YEARS and it was very exciting! Thankfully we took winter coats, because even though it was almost 60*, once you got near the falls it was windy, cold, and wet. The rapids on the upper Niagara river were rough and noisy but mesmerizing to watch. After taking a few photos Kath and I walked across to Goat Island and down to the overlook by Bridal Veil Falls. Although I love the views from the lookout, the heights scare me to death! I could barely walk over to the railing! But I did get some great photos. Kath took one for me while I was sitting on a rock. I took one of her by the railing and she got soaked in just those few seconds. It was so fun to be there, to see the splendor of the falls, hear the roar of the water, and feel the wind and the spray on our faces. It was a highlight of the trip for me!

Greg from Vanderbilt talked about presenting ourselves to others in a worthy and truthful manner. It’s so easy to pretend to be something or someone we are not, and he warned against hypocrisy. The difficulty in that is that sometimes we don’t even realize that we are living a pretense. We need to examine our lives every day and make certain that we are truthful with others, but also truthful to ourselves. We are God’s witnesses to the world- what are they seeing in us??

On this day in 1845 US Naval Academy opened in Annapolis, and in 1961 Bob Newhart Show premiered (We laughed and laughed -Larry/Darryl and my other brother Darryl!!!). In 1978 Congress approved the dollar coin honoring Susan B Anthony. Tanya Tucker was born in 1958. Orson Wells died at age 70 in 1985, and the same year Yul Brynner died at age 65. Christopher Reeve died at age 52 in 2004. In 1773 Paul Revere married Rachel Walker in Boston (No, not Paul Revere and the Raiders — they sang. The other Paul Revere road horses….)

TOMORROW October 11 is:

• International Day of the Girl Child
• National Sausage Pizza Day
• National Coming Out Day
• General Pulaski Memorial Day
• Clergy Appreciation Day 

I for one certainly appreciate all the ‘clergy/ministers/preachers/pastors’ that share themselves weekly and daily. They are an encouragement for me, and often make me stop and examine truths or thoughts – even about myself – that need a closer look. Take time this week to say thank you to those who inspire and encourage you! God bless – –

Late last night I received a call from Matt that Kelly was having an issue with an incision site from her surgery; he took her to the hospital and they are keeping her for a day or two so they can make sure it heals properly. So that information sort of sent me down another track! This morning I slept in a bit and didn’t walk, and there was lots to do in Jeannette (a little in Greensburg). I got gas for the car on the way home, ate lunch, walked, pulled weeds for about an hour, then cut the grass. I hit 10,000 steps while I was mowing the front yard. Now supper is in the oven.

So I will break the vacation up into three sections. Today I will talk about Millard Fillmore house. It was a small house, moved from a few streets up when they needed the space to build a theater on Main Street. Although small, the house fully represented Millard and Abigail Fillmore. It was furnished appropriately, and much of the contents actually belonged to the Fillmores. Both tour guides had great, interesting information about Millard’s presidency, the lives of his family, and that of his two children – Powers and Mary Abigail. Fillmore, then vice-president, became president when Zachery Taylor fell ill and died after presiding over a July 4th celebration. Fillmore was anti-slavery but worked very hard to keep the nation from going to war. He chose not to run for re-election, and later efforts to run failed. His presidency is very down-played and not much is taught about his accomplishments or achievements, which were many, as were Abigail’s (She started the White House library!). Mary spoke five languages! It’s worth looking up some info on him. I think you’d be impressed! My favorite ‘little known fact’ is that when he was born he was put in a maple trough to sleep because there wasn’t room or money for a bed!

I’ll share Steven’s message from Maplewood. As I didn’t take notes in the car, this will be short. Basically he challenged us to really look at what is important in our lives, and what we treasure. We might all say we ‘treasure’ Jesus, or God, or our relationship with them, but we also sort of take it for granted and focus on our possessions or status in life. We need to take a close look at our lives and put things in priority – you can’t take it with you! So store up for yourselves treasures in heaven….

On this day in 1915 Woodrow Wilson was the first US President to attend a world series game, and in 1936 the Hoover Dam began transmitting electricity. John D Rockefeller JR married Abby Aldrich in 1901 (they were VERY instrumental in the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg!!!). In 1973 Elvis and Priscilla Presley divorced about 6 years of marriage. And birthdays: John Lennon was born in 1940 and my cousin Karen’s daughter Brenda Lee is celebrating a birthday today! Happy birthday Brenda!

TOMORROW October 10 is:

• National Angel Food Cake Day
• National Cake Decorating Day
• National Handbag Day
• World Mental Health Day
• National Chess Day
• National Costume Swap Day
• National Motorcycle Ride Day
• I Love Yarn Day – (I know LOTS of people who will appreciate THIS one! Mary Ann Mogus, Kelly – just to name a few!)

Wishing everyone a peaceful, happy, healthy weekend! God bless….

It was a wonderful trip! Lots to share and talk about, but it’s late and I’m sort of tired out and a bit hungry so it will mostly have to wait. I will just say that we started out early Wednesday morning with bright sunny skies, but didn’t get very far til it was dismal and rainy. That was ok – it didn’t dampen our spirits at all! There was a minimal amount of color on the trees but as we got up into New York later there was both sunny skies and bright colored trees!

We made a quick stop in Albion to see John – he’s still looking good and getting along ok. It was difficult to only stay an hour but we had a scheduled tour 2 hours away! More on that later….

I listened to both Steve from Maplewood and Greg from Vanderbilt on my trip. I’ll share those messages later, as well. For now I’ll just say that God indeed blessed our trip with safety, fellowship, laughter, good food, and great memories! And love! Love my family!

On October 7th in 1959 PILLOW TALK with Doris Day and Rock Hudson was released. George Mason (American statesman) died at age 66 in 1792, and Edgar Allan Poe died in 1849. My friend and one of the SMAIL FAMILY, Kelly Carr Smail, celebrated a birthday yesterday – happy belated, Kelly! Miss seeing you!

On this day (October 8th) in 1942 Abbott & Costello launched their weekly radio show; in 1945 the microwave oven was patented. In 1964 Ringo Star passed his driver’s test (Not sure that I actually care about that…), and in 2001 George W. Bush established the Office of Homeland Security, in direct response to the attack on 9/11. John Hancock (first signer of the Declaration of Independence) died in 1793 at age 56, and in 1869 Franklin Pierce (14th President) died in 1869.

OK – I messed THAT up! I posted the wrong info on Tuesday evening! SO …. We missed October 7 (Wednesday):

• National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day (I LOVE chocolate covered pretzels! And I MISSED IT 🙁 )
• National LED Light Day
• National Frappe Day
• National Inner Beauty Day
• National Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day
• National Walk to School Day –
• National Pumpkin Seed Day –
• National Coffee with a Cop Day – (Never tried this…)

TOMORROW October 9 is:

• National Leif Erikson Day
• National Pro-Life Cupcake Day (What is a pro-life CUPCAKE??)
• National Moldy Cheese Day (YUCK!!!)

Hope your weekend is wonderful, filled with all the things that matter to you – More soon!!!! God bless – – –

What a beautiful fall day! Work was lighter than usual, so even though I took an early morning walk after the 6am Walmart run, I stopped at Twin Lakes and walked both lakes. Beautiful skies, the lake reflected the sun and the clouds, and the trees were just starting to turn in some places.

I grabbed a quick sandwich at noon, then got to work cleaning the house. It always feels so good to leave for a few days and know the house is spic and span. Then after I had cleaned and did a load of towels, I took another walk around the neighborhood.

I’ve been trying to make friends with the neighbor’s dog, Marley. His owner brought doggie treats this morning so I was able to coax him into a calm interaction. I will pick up doggie treats next trip to the store so I’m prepared to keep Marley happy with me! Dave and Liz live about 10 houses up from me on the right.

I’ll share Kyle’s message today from Hempfield Church – he talked about STORIES. Each character in the story has an arc. The heroes are uniquely qualified to defeat the enemy or solve the problem; something that sets them apart. Do you have to be extraordinary to make a difference? Be a superhero with ‘powers’? Not at all. The first church in Antioch was comprised mostly of gentiles; Everyone worked together and included each other in their quest to have the church succeed on God’s terms. Common, regular everyday people who just wanted to obey Jesus. Most of those mentioned in Acts about the first church were un-named! They didn’t achieve fame or fortune or notoriety! They just did what needed done, and did it in a spirit pleasing to God. WE just need to say YES and be the church!

On this day in 1889 Thomas Edison showed the first motion picture, and in 1961 JFK advised Americans to build fallout shelters (I remember that – my dad didn’t build one….) Alfred (Lord) Tennyson died at age 83 in 1892, and Bette Davis (age 81) died in 1989. In 1991 Elizabeth Taylor (age 59) married Larry Forlensky (age 39) – it was her 8th marriage. And in 1996 Faith Hill married Tim McGraw.

TOMORROW October 8 is:

• National Fluffernutter Day (You’ve GOT to be kidding! What is a fluffernutter????)
• National Pierogi Day
• American Touch Tag Day

Be a hero – be part of God’s story. He’s writing it down. How is YOUR arc?? And do whatever you have to with the fluffernutter…. God bless.