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.

Early morning walk, then work. Went to Jeannette, then to Greensburg, then back to Jeannette to help Rege with a deal. Came home and had carrots for lunch. It was my day to organize and pack as much as I could for our little overnight trip to New York. I feel settled with everything I got done, but still will have last minute things that I need until we leave.

I took another long walk. I turned right at the bottom of Wren, then right again at the blinking light and left onto Zoe, which led to Brown Sugar Court! The houses are a definite step up from my neighborhood (this was Grandview Estates) and it was fun seeing the different styles. One house had a big inflatable archway. I enjoyed the quiet of the two streets.

I listened to Shirley from First Baptist (Bram is still recuperating) – and it was World Communion Day. She talked about Jesus coming to earth to establish His church, then left it in our hands. He was made higher than the angels but when he came to earth he was just a little lower than the angels. But he came to bring us unto himself, and he is one of us and one with us. He’s not ashamed to call us sisters and brothers. Our time on earth is a journey not a destination, and the process of being a child of God is just that: A process. It’s a continual work. We are worked and molded into what God wants us to be – He made us His family. We thank God that we are not alone, but have God’s spirit among us always.

On this day in 1924 the first Little Orphan Annie comic was printed in a newspaper. In 1947 Harry Truman made the first presidential address televised from the White House. In 1956 the Ten Commandments directed by Cecil B DeMille opened in the US, and in 2005 The first TWILIGHT vampire novel was published. Chester A Arthur (21st president) was born in 1829, Mario Lemieus in 1965, and Kate Winslet in 1975 (I LOVED her in THE HOLIDAY!!!)

TOMORROW October 6 is:

• National Coaches Day
• National Orange Wine Day
• National Plus Size Appreciation Day
• National Mad Hatter Day
• National German-American Day
• National Noodle Day – we can celebrate that! My family LOVES noodles, so much so that John always called us noodle heads!
• National Eat Fruit At Work Day –

Take a few minutes to be yourself – and maybe eat some fruit! God bless . . .

It was a crisp, nice morning for a walk. Chrissy was still sleeping but she’s old enough to be by herself. Since today was National Cinnamon Bun day, we made Pillsbury rolls for breakfast. Yum! I took her home about noon as she wanted to go to a fundraiser for a rescue that a friend of Jen’s was having. She was hoping to help.

I busied myself crossing things off my list – moving some jackets and coats from the storage wardrobe into the house as the weather is getting cooler. I ran the sweeper and swiffered the floors and tidied up a bit; changed the spare room sheets. Autmn needed a ride home from her friend Seanna’s house in Scottdale, so I did that. There were a bunch of chickens running around – and a rooster was showing off. Autmn said she woke up to the rooster crowing this morning. On the way home she shared that she was STARVING!!! so we went through the McDonald’s drive-thru in New Stanton and got her nuggets and a smoothie. (I’d say chicken nuggets too but in light of the photo below…..)

Last March I took off my fitbit after 3 years of wearing it every day. I felt motivated to charge it and re-sync it with my phone and computer – so maybe I’ll be able to keep better track of how lazy I’m being these semi-retired days! We’ll see.

I have a cute little coaster on my desk – and it’s a touch of fall right at my side. Reminds me to worship and be glad!

Today I will share Paul’s message from River Hill. It was a great sermon – I recommend looking at River Hill Church of Christ’s website and listening to it. JUDE is another postcard message – a very short book right before Revelation. Jude does two things: Issues a warning and gives encouragement. Satan is infiltrating churches with false teachers and dissention. These people try to divide and destroy the church by crushing witnesses, confusing the believers, and poisoning the unity. Satan sneaks his ‘secret agents’ in and they create doubt. The message was very thorough and deep – I can’t recap it well enough. We are all called, loved and kept. God’s word and Jesus’s plan for our salvation will not change or be added to. God’s plan is final and perfect. Build yourself up in the faith and live it daily! Pray without ceasing – and draw on God’s power, cleaning, and joy every day.

On this day in 1777 George Washington’s troops attack but are defeated by the British at Germantown PA. In 1854 Abraham Lincoln made his first political speech at the Illinois State Fair, and in 1883 the Orient Express departed on its first official journey from Paris to Istanbul. Leave it to Beaver debuted in 1957, Beverly Hills 90210 in 1990, and in 1999 “BREATHE” by Faith Hill debuted and was Bilboard Song of the Year in 2000. Rutherford B Hays (19th president) was born in 1822, Charlton Heston in 1923, and Anne Rice in 1941. Janis Joplin died at age 27 in 1970 from a drug overdose.

And TODAY was Snoopy’s first appearance in the comic strip! Welcome SNOOPY!!!!

TOMORRW October 5 is:

• National Get Funky Day
• National Rhode Island Day
• National Do Something Nice Day
• National Apple Betty Day
• National Consignment Day –
• National Child Health Day –

Rhode Island day! Oh, YEA! I missed my planned vacation to Newport this June so I will definitely be into that one. And Do Something Nice – that’s always the right choice. Just do it! Have a great week – and God bless . . .

It was a struggle (smile) but I got up in time to change my bed sheets and also take a quick early walk. The mist was rising on the hills across from the house and it looked peaceful and serene.

Paul was our driver, and he did great (as always) finding our way to Wagon Wheel Antiques. There are 4 buildings full of almost everything you could think of. I was actually looking for a china cupboard (wanting to replace mine) but it has to be PERFECT – and I needed the right type and texture of wood, the right size, and the right features. So no go on this trip. But it was fun to look at everything, especially in finding items that I have at home already or things that I grew up with that are long gone. It makes you want to save everything you have just in case!

Chrissy chose Burger King for lunch; I noticed that Kathy’s hair had somehow curled around her glasses! How cute! The ride home was beautiful. As my kids remember me saying, “Look at the clouds!” It was hard to capture the color as the bright trees were very infrequent. But it was a very nice trip and we had a good time. Sorry Beth – but no pictures as there really wasn’t anything noteworthy to commemorate!

Chrissy and I took a quick trip to a fleatique nearby and we both found a little something we liked for very reasonable prices. Chris watched a movie and I worked on this post. We decided we were getting too lazy, so we took a long walk on the Five Star from Buncher Park up Shady Lane and back. Autmn asked for a ride to a friend’s house, so we managed that and then had supper. Now we are watching an American Girl movie – Saige. Neither one of us are too old to really enjoy the American Girl movies!

Today I am sharing Greg’s message from Vanderbilt church: Be warned; be strong. Can people tell from your life that you have been with Jesus? Today it is righteousness verse evil – Satan is dividing our people. We have to proclaim God: Don’t stop talking about Jesus. Christians are in the minority but you know what to do – so don’t stop talking! Tips: 1) Embrace opposition 2) Proclaim the resurrection of Jesus. 3) Spend time with Jesus – in prayer and in His word. 4) Keep on trucking. WE MUST SPEAK ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE SEEN AND HEARD!

On this day in 1913 1% US Federal Income Tax signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson. In 1945 Elvis Presley’s first public appearance at age 10, and in 1954 Father Knows Best Premiered. Captain Kangaroo premiered in 1955, Mickey Mouse Club in 1955 as well (I loved Annette!), Dick Van Dyke Show in 1961, and also in 1961 Mr. Ed debuted – that was Bud’s FAVORITE show! He’d binge watch… In 1995 O.J. Simpson was found NOT GUILTY of murder, and in 2018 research revealed that since 2011, 259 people had died taking selfies. James Herriot (Veterinarian and Author) was born in 1916, in 1941 Chubby Checker was born, and in 1969 Gwen Stefani (Blake Shelton’s ‘squeeze’!) was born. St. Francis of Assisi died at age 45 in 1226 and Myles Standish died at age 72 in 1656. And in 1992 Barack Obama married Michelle Robinson.

TOMORROW October 4 is:

• National Cinnamon Bun Day
• National Taco Day
• National Golf Lover’s Day
• National Vodka Day
• World Smile Day
• National GOE Day (Stands for GROWTH, OVERCOME, EMPOWER – you can do the research!)

I think I can eat a Cinnamon Bun or a Taco and smile – but that’s as much as I can handle. In the meantime, let Jesus be seen in you by the way you live – God bless!

Finally took a longer walk this morning. Saw a little squirrel sitting on a rock, eating an acorn. He didn’t even move when I stopped to snap his picture. Also saw the quaintest yard – a swing, fire pit, stacks of cut wood, even a creek to the left (probably can’t see it). Made me want to build a fire in my fire pit – hope we have a balmy night soon to do that. I have one hot dog left and I’ll cook it and watch the flames….

Also finally had scones for breakfast. I like to take my time with them so only eat them when I don’t have to hurry. I did laundry, ironing, and organized things for our little mini- antiquing trip to Butler tomorrow. And filled the M&M bowl with Ghoul Mix!

Lucy had a good thought yesterday. I should have shared it then but forgot. I AM very blessed: family, FRIENDS, a comfy house, great job – a God who loves and forgives….

Today I will share Steve’s message from Maplewood: By what authority? Jesus spent his adult life in ministry making a journey back to the temple in Jerusalem. He started there at 12 and now he is making his way back. The book of Matthew highlights the authority of Jesus – he has authority over things that have authority over US! Death, nature, sin, anger. They must obey Him. BUT: We don’t! WE have a choice; God leaves it up to us to decide. He doesn’t exercise his authority over us. We don’t HAVE to obey, but when we become children of God, we want to obey. Let go of your ways and acknowledge his authority and obey and follow and love him. Which son are you, the one who says he will obey and then doesn’t, or the one who says he won’t obey but does. Choose God!

On this day in 1895 the first cartoon comic strip was printed in a newspaper. Beatrix Potter’s Tale of Peter Rabbit was published in 1902. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEANUTS! The first Charlie Brown comic strip by Charles M Schulz was published in seven newspapers in 1950 (PEANUTS is the same age as I am!). Alfred Hitchcock presents debuted in 1955; Twilight Zone in 1959, Ben Casey in 1961 (I had a ‘Ben Casey’ shirt – I loved it!!!). Groucho Marx was born in 1890, Bud Abbott in 1897, and Samuel Adams died at age 81 in 1803.

TOMORROW October 3 is:

• National Techies Day
• National Boyfriend Day

Alas – I’m not a techie and don’t have a boyfriend. Whatever shall I celebrate? Maybe – a day trip with my lovely family! God bless…

Here we are in the last quarter of 2020. Let’s hope things take a turn to the upswing!

I took a short walk this morning – I could NOT sleep last night and finally fell asleep about 5:45am. Then mid-way through my walk I saw a neighbor and we chatted for a few moments. In the middle of the night, when I got up to go downstairs to read a very important midnight email, the moon was so bright it looked like snow sparkling on the ground. THANKFULLY it wasn’t! Just the beautiful moon!

The early sun was shining on the last of the morning glories, and on the one little spark of color in a maple as I walked around the block. I took Joe a bowl of Stuffed Pepper soup and I think he was pleased. Just hope he enjoyed it! When I got home I changed the Peanuts calendar to October. One more installment (Nov/Dec) and I will have all my pieces!

I will share Kyle’s message from Hempfield – Disappointed! The world is constantly changing and so are our expectations. When we see changes coming we should change our expectations. The secret is in the conversion: I can change, too! I don’t have to stay who I am but can become who God wants me to be. God NEVER changes! He wants to change us! Celebrate what God has done ; He wants to save everyone. As things around us change, can we accept the truth? God’s got this!

On this day in 1868 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was published; in 1908 Henry Ford introduced the Model T for $825.00. The Honeymooners debuted in 1955 – we LOVED that show (we thought dad looked like Jackie Gleason!) In 1959 ‘In God We Trust’ was first printed on US paper currency. In 1961 the Beach Boys (be still my heart!) debuted ‘Surfin'”; and in 1971 Walt Disney World opened in Florida. Bonnie Parker (of Bonnie and Clyde) was born in 1910; Jimmy Carter (US President) in 1924, and Julie Andrews in 1935. E B White (Charlotte’s Web) died at age 86 in 1985.

TOMORROW October 2 is:

• National Produce Misting Day
• National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day
• National Name Your Car Day (I’ve never done that!)
• National Fried Scallops Day
• National Manufacturing Day –
• National Body Language Day  – I don’t think I want to hear what my body has to say….

Look for change; embrace change for the better. Name your car and listen to your body language. It probably has something important to say! God Bless!!!

Here it is the last day of September. As LONG as this year has felt, September has flown by. I took a walk this morning on the crisp cool overcast day. Wednesday has become my concentrated whole-house cleaning day and it does take me all day. I often get caught up in little side chores, like stocking the little drink fridge downstairs, cleaning out a drawer or cupboard, or looking for something that is eluding me.

Today I finished about 4pm with everything, but I had an errand to run. About noon, Ron’s aunt Darlene called me from her rehab facility (broken pelvis) with the news that she would be released on Friday. Great news — but I still had the walker she lent me when we thought Mom might use it. Mom couldn’t get the hang of it – so it was in my shed. We made arrangements for me to run it down to her at the facility – but before I could do that she called back. She’d sold one of my LETTERS TO MARY books to a staff assistant! I call her my publicist because she is talking up the book no matter where she is. I quickly made a package of those Pillsbury sugar cookies and packed them up with the book and walker and dropped them off. She called me within half hour to thank me for the surprise treat. At least I could put a smile on her face for a little while.

I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry, HEART AFTER GOD. God richly blesses those who cry out to him. His message was based on II Chronicles 7:14, as I mentioned yesterday. As a person, as a nation, we need to call on God to forgive our sins, as people and as a country, and if we repent he will forgive and heal our land. What a blessed promise! We have two obligations in asking for forgiveness: Contriteness (broken heart) – Be sincerely repentant and sorry. We need to love what God loves but also hate what God hates. It’s not the absence of sin, but grieving over the sins we have committed. Also, Conviction – Turn from our wicked ways. Make a vow to God not to repeat our sins, and keep it! Then he will heal – freely and completely.

On this day in 1898 the City of NY was established, and in 1950 Radio’s Grand Ole Opry first broadcast on TV. In 1960 the Flintstones premiered, and in 1991 The Jerry Springer show debuted. Truman Capote was born in 1924, and today my step-granddaughter Angela Helene is celebrating a birthday. Happy birthday Ang! Hope it’s a great day! Sending hugs! In 1955 James Dean (24) was killed in a car crash, and First Lady of the US Edith Roosevelt died at age 87.

TOMORROW October 1 is:

• National Black Dog Day
• National Hair Day – – I have hair; does that count??
• Fire Pup Day
• National Homemade Cookies Day (Opps! I was a day ahead of schedule!)

We’re almost at the weekend: Hang tight! God bless –

6am Walmart, then a quick walk almost around the block. I was almost home when it began to rain. I cut up through the yards and saved myself from melting from the raindrops! But the shortened walk gave me more time to get ready and I was at work early for a change.

The cooler, rainy weather inspired me to make stuffed pepper soup, and Joe gave me the nudge to stop and get the few ingredients I was missing. The sweet smell filled the house all day! The first thing I did, though, was to start my tradition of playing Christmas CD’s in September, although much later in the month than normal. I was a bit distracted up to this point, but back on track. Picked five of my favorite and sang all afternoon. Almost as a contradiction, I lit the ‘Fall Leaves’ candle downstairs, which competed with the fragrance of the soup and warred with the Christmas music filling the house with cheer!

I listed to Rob’s message from Martin’s Ferry, but I’m going to defer that to another day. I was bored with Hallmark (Say it isn’t so!!!) and decided to search out Amazon Prime movies. I watched a Christmas movie called THE PERFECT GIFT. It was a story about an overworked recently divorced mom of a young girl Max who hated the changes that were forced on her when her dad left. Their neighbor, an associate pastor at a local church, makes friend with a man named Jes that looks uncannily like Jesus – and the impact he has on the pastor, Max, and her mom – plus the neighborhood – settled into my heart. It’s an age old story, but so many lines were compelling and inspiring and even convicting. I ended up crying several times throughout the movie, especially the very wonderful ending. One thing that stayed with me was Jes explaining that while the shepherds were out looking for Jesus, God had come to earth looking for us!

It turned out to be a very emotional day for me: First getting caught up in my Christmas music, then listening to Rod’s message of my favorite verse (II Chronicles 7:14) that also grabbed at my heartstrings. Then I ended up sharing some very personal thoughts with a dear friend that needed said for a long time – then the movie. But I felt the cleansing of God’s love and grace washing over me and knew that His peace was already there for me.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. “

On this day in 1916 John D Rockefeller became the world’s first billionaire – and that is amazing enough to be all I’m sharing today!

TOMORROW, the LAST DAY of September 30 is:

• National Love People Day
• National Chewing Gum Day
• National Mud Pack Day
• National Hot Mulled Cider Day (I planned on buying cider this morning but they don’t carry it yet – bummer!)
• National Women’s Health & Fitness Day

I didn’t get my coffee today, and I won’t get my Cider tomorrow, but I have fall and Christmas all around me and that makes me happy! God loves you! God bless – – –

Another nice morning for an early walk. I think that is about to change, if the weather people are right. It was a long work day and I was really hungry by the time I got home. A quick left-over hot dog (I know, I know….) and then household chores – laundry, office stuff, title work that I brought home. I listened to two sermons – more about that later!

When I put the fall decorations up, I stuck a beanie baby ghost on my computer desk, as I have done for the past 5 or 6 years. This year, however, it sort of looks eerie. Like it knows something I don’t and can’t wait to spring it on me. Yikes.

One of the things I found in the shed this weekend was a book that Kelly got for Christmas the year before she turned one. It’s called Puddle Duck, and it was and still is a favorite! Poor Puddle Duck loves puddles but never remembers to wipe his feet on the kitchen mat, and his brothers send his wet self out of bed in a flurry of feathers. After some uncomfortable searches for a new bed, he finally realizes that if he just wipes his feet he will be comfy in bed with his brother! Wonderful book! I looked it up and was going to purchase another one (the one we have is Kelly’s) and the only USED one I found could be purchased for a mere $369.00! Yikes! Guess I won’t be buying THAT any time soon!

I will share the message from First Baptist of Greensburg – with guest pastor Shirley Farino about the Glorious Cross. The cross is synonymous with love, forgiveness, salvation. Meeting Christ changes your life, accepting that nothing can wash away our sin but the blood of Christ, God’s son. Someone had to pay the price for sin, and Jesus did that on the cross – the power of the cross makes the difference. The power of the cross of Christ is the door to Heaven. Embrace it!

On this day in 1781 the Siege of Yorktown began, and in 1961 the “HAZEL” TV show debuted. Kath and I LOVED that show! Tennessee Tuxedo cartoon debuted in 1963. Confucius was born in 551BC, and Ed Sullivan in 1901.

TOMORROW September 29 is:

• National Coffee Day
• VFW Day

I don’t drink coffee but I may have to make an exception tomorrow! Enjoy your Tuesday, and God Bless – –

Spent the morning at Hanna’s Town – Autmn was getting her senior photos taken by a good friend of her step-father’s – Dom. Very nice guy and very professional. Can’t wait to see them. He took two hours worth of photos, three different outfits. Josie came, too, and was in a few of the pictures. I even stepped into two or three – just for us.

While she was posing and laughing and being ‘queen for the day’, I walked around and took some new photos of Hanna’s Town. I was impressed with the progress on the two new ‘old’ buildings that have been being reconstructed on site. I even took the path in the woods where it was quiet and peaceful.

I stopped at the mall on the way home – stopped in Barbara Ann’s Country store and Bath and Body Works. Didn’t buy anything at B&B Works but am considering a small purchase. I’ll think about it a few days… I did get a cute coaster at Barbara Ann’s. Then I came home and pulled some of the morning glories off the fence and cut the grass. Then I listened to Paul and Steve.

I will share Paul’s message from River Hill – another post card message about walking with Jesus in the Word from II John. How is your walk? John tells us we should stay alert, be careful, and be grounded in the faith. How? By Obedience: Follow God’s commands. You can’t pick and choose like a buffet! You choose to obey. By Love: Love one another, not just God! By truth: Continue in God’s word Daily. These are necessary for a strong walk with God. Live what you claim to believe! Again, how’s YOUR walk?

On this day in 1779 John Adams negotiated Revolutionary War peace terms with Great Britain. Henry Ford’s first Model T leaves plant in 1908, and in 1954 the Tonight Show with Steve Allen premiered. In 1962 Rachel Carson published ‘Silent Spring’ about the impacts of pesticide use (I toured her house near Pittsburgh ten years ago. Very interesting!) Samuel Adams was born in 1722 (not the drink), Gwyneth Paltro in 1972, and Hugh Hefner died in 2017 (One of my Smail bosses was friends with him and has been to the mansion!!!).

TOMORROW September 28 is:

• National Drink Beer Day (Won’t be me!!!)
• National Good Neighbor Day(Used to be on 4th Sunday) (Always try to be….)
• National Strawberry Cream Pie Day
• National North Carolina Day  (Nope – not going there tomorrow….)
• National Family Day – Fourth Monday in September (I love my family!)

Celebrate tomorrow – and every day that God gives you – and walk with Him! God bless – – –