I keep thinking of other friends I want to mention – and there are so many. Teresa – who has held me up often enough! And to my PEEPS (in addition to April) Liz and Joelyn — so glad these friends are part of my life!!!

Another full day – early morning walk, change sheets, shower, breakfast — then I put up the window clings. It always feels like I have so many until I start sticking them – then it doesn’t seem like quite so much! I did the ironing, changed the clothes on the doll to more fall-ish clothes, ran the sweeper, and did some office stuff.

I decided I wanted to cover the pillows on my couch with fall prints, so I went over to Joanne Fabrics. Holy COW there are so many fun material patterns! I wanted to buy about 2 dozen, but what would I sew with them? And the Christmas fabrics are out; I just walked around and tried not to drool. I finally chose a lighter color with small pumpkins, some of which were purple so they match the couch. Then yesterday when I was digging through boxes I found 2 travel pillows so I bought material for pillow cases for them, as well. I guess they are actually a Christmas print but they just are fun to me! I’m used to dark or bright colors so these light ones are really a deviation from the norm.

I picked up Autmn and Josie at about 3:30. Autmn wanted to get her nails done for her senior pictures tomorrow. Josie went too because at 7 she couldn’t stay by herself. She’s so grown up and very well behaved! I stopped at Kathy’s to drop off something, and they were getting ready for a walk down the road. They have Millie for the weekend so I walked with them. She sure loves her Grandfather! It reminds me of Heidi when she calls for him: “Grandfawder! Grandfawder!” So cute!

I came home to make a salad and garlic toast, but I had less than a cup of lettuce. I ate it, and it was yummy – but I believe I will be hungry again soon. Not quite enough.

Since Micah from Old Mahoning did not post a sermon, I’m going to take our inspiration from Snoopy. And friendships are the foundation of life. I’m so grateful for mine! My dear sister Kath, and Ruth from LVW with a sweet email, and Mary with a concerned txt, and Gen with a lovely long email from Colorado, and Ron’s txts and emails from Florida, and Di sharing hiking photos and Snoopy GIF’s, and the Skunk Hollow cousins…. just to name a few! And April! Nice little note from April. Even if I didn’t name you by name, you, my friend, are important to me! Thanks for reading and being faithful and for your love and care!

On this day in 1665 during the height of the Great Plague of London 7,165 people died in one week. British General William Howe occupied Philadelphia in 1777, and Thomas Jefferson was appointed 1st US Secretary of State in1789. Gilligan’s Island debuted in 1964. St. Francis Of Assisi was born in 1181, T S Eliot in 1888 and Olivia Newton-John in 1948.

TOMORROW September 27 is:

• National Chocolate Milk Day
• National Crush a Can Day
• National Corned Beef Hash Day
• National Scarf Day
• National Gold Star Mother’s Day– Last Sunday in September
• International Daughters Day (4th Sunday of September) (Love you Kelly, and to you, too Jen!!!)

Have a beautiful day tomorrow! And thanks for taking the time to pray today for our country! God bless – – –

I am exhausted. Started today with a nice walk, shower and breakfast – then set about chores. I was looking for Kelly’s photo album, so I started in the downstairs closet. I found one, but not both, but while I was in there I decided to organize and straighten things out. Two hours later… Then I went down to the shed again and checked, but no album. But while I was in there I decided to organize and straighten things out. I did get rid of a lot of things and I like the feeling of minimizing.

After that I took all the yard decorations and put them in their bins, and carried them down to the shed. No easy task. Another two hours. I stopped to make a small pizza for lunch about 3pm. NOW I could get to my main chore of the day: Putting up Halloween and fall decorations. I got everything done but the window clings and that’s a job for tomorrow. Other than emails and this post, I am done for the day!

Today I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry called THE AMERICAN DREAM. I suppose everyone has their own definition, but Rod shared that it’s really One Nation Under God. We should not trust in ourselves or others, or resources, or wealth, but trust God. Everything else will be shallow and disappoint you. The challenge is: can you keep it, this nation under God? We are being attacked from inside. II Chronicles 7:14 (one of my favorite verses!) says to call on God and he will heal our land – and that happened. It can happen again and could change our nation forever. Our rights come from God; the key to our nation is not man, a president, or congress. It’s US! His people! Me and you! It’s an awesome responsibility.

Tomorrow hundreds of thousands of people will gather in Washington DC and in homes and churches across this nation in a day of prayer for our country. Pause in whatever you are doing tomorrow to pray, sincerely and honestly, that we as a nation can turn from sin and back to God. It’s the only answer.

On this day in 1775 American patriot Ethan Allen was captured, and in 1780 Benedict Arnold (spy and turncoat) joins with the British. In 1926 Henry Ford announced 8 hour 5 day work weeks; in 1949 Billy Graham began his crusades in a circus tent in a parking lot, and in 2018 Bill Cosby was sentenced for sexual assault. Ethel Rosenberg, American communist, was born in 1915, Barbara Walters in 1929, Michael Douglas in 1944, Christopher Reeve in 1952, and Will Smith in 1968. Arnold Palmer died in 2016, and in 1873 Wild Bill Hickok married Calamity Jane!

LOTS going on tomorrow September 26:

• National Compliance Officer Day
• National Dumpling Day
• National Johnny Appleseed Day
• National Shamu the Whale Day
• National Pancake Day
• National Situational Awareness Day
• National Public Lands Day– Usually Last Saturday in September September 26, 2020
• Save Your Photos Day– Last Saturday in September
• National Hunting and Fishing Day– Fourth Saturday in September
• National Family Health and Fitness Day USA– Last Saturday in September
• National Ghost Hunting Day– Last Saturday in September
• National Seat Check Saturday – Usually Fourth Saturday in September
• National Singles Day– Saturday of Singles Week –September 22, 2020

My choices would be Save your photos (I did most of that today), Ghost Hunting Day (although I’ve never seen one…), and for Peyton, National Hunting and Fishing Day!

So do something inspiring, and also take a few quiet minutes to pray for your country. YOUR country. God bless the USA – – – –

As my friend Ron reminded me in an early morning txt, 3 months from today is Christmas Eve. And me, not having bought a single gift!

After working both stores and running a few pointless errands (couldn’t find what I needed) I had a chipped ham sandwich for lunch and started with the outside fall decorations. Got the boxes down off the shelves and set them out, ready for tomorrow. NO ONE should have as many strings of lights for ANY season as I do. NO ONE!!!

I’m ready to grab dinner so that’s all for tonight.

Steve’s message from Maplewood was on Envy – great topic. Basically it can be translated as resenting God’s goodness to others: THAT’S NOT FAIR! Also ignoring God’s goodness to you. Envy rots the bones; destroys us and leads to every evil practice. It’s an ATTITUDE. The kingdom of God does not operate by our standards so don’t compare yourself and your life with others. We are not rewarded by merit but by grace. Social media is killing us; making us believe everyone else’s lives are better than our own. Focus on what you HAVE because envy is based on a lie. GOD is always gracious! Read the parable of the vineyard in Matthew 20.

On this day in 1493 Christopher Columbus began 2nd expedition to new world with 17 ships, and in 1788 Allegheny County was formed out of part of Westmoreland County. In 1952 KFC opened first franchise, and in 1968 plans were announced for a Chrysler plant near New Stanton. In 1995 Pride And Prejudice with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth made its BBC TV premier. Dr. Seuss died at age 87 in 1991, and F Scott Fitzgerald (wrote the Great Gatsby) was born in 1896; Jim Henson in 1936. Two friend birthdays today: John Poole from Smail Ford has a birthday today, and Cheryl Shafer (Ron’s sister in law) is celebrating today. Happy birthday to both!

TOMORROW September 25 is:

• National Quesadilla Day (Dia de la Quesadilla) *
• National Daughter’s Day (I AM one and I HAVE one!)
• National One-Hit Wonder Day
• National Comic Book Day
• National Lobster Day
• National Tune-Up Day
• National Research Administrator Day
• Math Storytelling Day
• National BRAVE DAY– Fourth Friday in September
• National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – Last Friday in September

Instead of looking around you in envy, look inside yourself with gratitude! God bless – –

I seem to be making a habit on Wednesdays of rolling over at 7am and not getting up. It’s like a built-in snooze alarm. But I have plenty of time throughout the day to walk, shower, eat, clean — any number of mini-projects that catch my attention. I walked outside this morning early into the cool sunshine and was struck by the beautiful day. Time to start filtering in the fall – so I put up the fall banners and garden flags. Also still enjoying the huge urn of purple flowers that are sitting on my bottom deck.

Today, however, two of my extra projects did not turn out so well. I put cut hydrangea in a purple vase — it was top-heavy and I promptly knocked it on the floor. Water and glass shards went everywhere. I cleaned the floor – again – and threw the glass in the outside trash can. Then while I was working on a computer project I put carrots on to boil for supper. I got carried away and forgot (yes, I FORGOT!) that I had turned them on, and a bit later I remembered. As I had a ‘fall leaves’ candle burning downstairs I did not smell the carrots burning upstairs! Cleaned that up – the pan is soaking overnight, but the carrots are history…

And speaking of history, Kathy and Paul came over for an actual visit (we seldom do that these days!) and we firmed up plans for our trip to Wagon Wheel Antiques in Butler in October, as well as our New York overnight trip to Millard Fillmore’s house later in the month. Once that was done, we watched a 48 minute presentation by Thomas Jefferson in the Palace Garden in Williamsburg – in 1779! This portrayer is VERY informed and equally amusing, and we thoroughly enjoyed listening. And the amazing thing is that what he said (the program was taped 2 years ago) is extremely pertinent in today’s world!

Today I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt church – ON A MISSION! We AREN’T here to save our country- we are here to share the message of Jesus (although we DO need to care about our country!). Our concern is that we get Jesus out to others. Ten ways to make every situation a chance to share: 1) Cultivate JOY 2) See people who are invisible (quiet, in-the-background ones) 3) Minister as a team 4) Help someone out! 5) Build bridges 6) Be bold about sin 7) Lift up the name (JESUS – not CHURCH) 8)Speak often of Jesus’ death and resurrection 9)Call on people to put their faith in Jesus 10) Tend sheep. We all have ’40’ people in our flock; people we see/talk to often. THOSE are our sheep!

On this day in 1969 “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” premiered. Ray Charles was born in 1930 and Bruce Springsteen in 1949. Two friends have birthdays today; Lauren Hancher (a girl Kelly met in college but not related!!!); and Mary Spencer Parente. I’ve known Mary – well maybe even since she was born! Her mom was a mentor to

Kelly and a good friend. So happy birthday Lauren and Mary! Enjoy!

TOMORROW September 24 is:

• National Cherries Jubilee Day
• National Punctuation Day
• Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving (What is the WORLD is THAT??)

Have a thrilling Thursday! God bless – feed your flock…

Today was a busy day! 6am Walmart shopping with Kathy; a quick walk around the block, shower and on my way. Headed to Kelly’s about 8:30am. The ride down was beautiful. Around so many bends were ridges with clouds floating down – and in one place the mists hung over the river. But going 65 MPH down Route 70 West was no place to take photos!

I stopped for a quick minute at Washington Walmart, and was greeting by twin vampire Snoopys! I wanted to hug them, but you know: COVID!!!! It was nice to see Kelly and the boys, and catch up on things. We did laundry, some dishes, and then Peyton and I went on a alternator quest. We stopped at the local garage that had their Honda Odyssey and picked up a wrong part and also the broken one – drove to Elm Grove to Auto Zone or Auto Parts or something and returned the wrong part. The salesman checked out the broken part and was able to get us the right one. We drove back to the garage in West Alex and gave the mechanic the right part, then went home for lunch.

The boys had zoom Math classes, and after that was done Kelly and I went for groceries. I found a little THANKFUL house that Kathy has been diligently looking for. This was the 5th Walmart I checked before I found it – bought the last one, so yea for mission accomplished. We picked up the newly repaired Honda on the way home. After supper we worked on cutting out papers for her American Heritage Girls troop, and about 8pm I headed home. BUT – in the meantime, THREE TIMES I went around a bend and there were deer on the road! Broad daylight. Once, on Route 40, a baby fawn jumped a ditch and ran across the road. It was definitely a deer day! Was glad to arrive home safe and sound.

I’m sharing Mike’s message from Hempfield, which was from Acts 9: The conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. Some of his points: 1) God uses the least likely person for His work. As Ananias said to Saul – What are you waiting for? Follow God! We should do the same. We can say we have faith, but that requires action, not just words. We need to encourage other to pray, repent, turn to God, be baptized – baptism washes away sin and gives us new life. Let God use you – we have a job to do!

On this day in 1761 it was the coronation of King George III, who was on the British throne during the American Revolution, and in 1817 John Quincy Adams because US Secretary of State. In 1862 Abraham Lincoln announced that he would free slaves in all states on January 1st. In 1982 FAMILY TIES premiered, staring Michael J Fox; FRIENDS debuted in 1994. In 1776 Nathan Hale was hanged at age 21 by the British as a spy, and in 1989 Irvin Berlin died at age 101 (wrote God Bless America and White Christmas). George C Scott died at age 71 in 1999, and in 1973 Charles M Schulz married Jean Forsyth Clyde.

TOMORROW September 23 is:

• Celebrate Bisexuality Day
• National Checkers/Dogs in Politics Day
• National Great American Pot Pie Day
• National Snack Stick Day
• National Teal Talk Day
• Innergize Day – Day after the Autumn Equinox
• Restless Legs Awareness Day(Different sponsor from the July Weekly Observance)

I have no idea what some of those things actually are. Just have a great day and God bless!!!

Short brisk walk to start the day – then worked both Pinnacle stores. Rege and I had a great conversation about the climate of our country. He’s very versed in this and I appreciate hearing his POV. I did laundry, ate lunch, ran a short errand, looked through the new LTD catalog (danger!!!), and picked up some tickets from Diane for the zoo. She gave me some healthy snacks – I ate part of the one and it was tasty (as Logan would say). I pulled weeds on the hill, picked a few hydrangea for a vase, and saw 2 deer walk through the back yard! I tried to get a photo but they kept ducking behind shrubs. It was really cool to see them so up close! They just looked at me – no fear!

I listened to Bill (filling in for Bram) at First Baptist. It was entitled Tell the Towns that God is coming! It’s great news, and we need to be ready – we don’t know when He will return. Sometimes it’s hard to stay focused, but God is BIG – he has vast size and power, and if we trust He will renew our faith and our strength. We should walk each day with God – Isaiah 40:31 – He WILL come back – so let’s share it from the mountain! Be ready!

On this day in 1776 Nathan Hale (colonial spy) arrested, and in 1937 JRR Tolkien’s THE HOBBIT is published in London. Perry Mason premiered in 1957 – my mom’s favorite show. She LOVED Raymond Burr! H G Wells, sci-fi author was born in 1866, Stephen King in 1947, Bill Murray in 1950, and Faith Hill in 1967.

TOMORROW September 22 is:

THE FIRST DAY OF FALL! It will take me some time to adjust to that. I’m in mourning…. But also it’s:

• National Online Recovery Day *
• American Business Women’s Day
• Car Free Day
• Dear Diary Day
• National Centenarian’s Day
• Elephant Appreciation Day
• National Girls’ Night
• Hobbit Day
• National Ice Cream Cone Day
• National Legwear Day
• National White Chocolate Day
• National Voter Registration Day – Fourth Tuesday in September
• Autumnal Equinox – Changes AnnuallySeptember 22, 2020

Those of you who can, embrace the change! The rest of us will slide into it slowly! 🙂 God bless – – –

Nothing very exciting to report today. Took a cool walk this morning, watched Paul and Rod to hear their messages, ate scones for breakfast, and then went outside to pull weeds left-handedly. It was cool but sunny and I loved being in the fresh air. The right side of the hill garden is looking good! Even the gerbera daisy that I bought back in May is still blooming. I purchase one every year; it blooms once and dies out. This one has been blooming all summer! I’m so excited!

It got sort of cool in the house last night, but not cool enough to turn on the heat. It will take the thermostat to register about 67* before I switch to heat! I did turn on the little heater downstairs to keep the chill off my toes!

Paul’s message from River Hill was ‘Postcards from the Bible’ – meaning, the smaller books of the New Testament that are small in length but have powerful content. Today was Philemon – about forgiveness. Philemon’s servant ran away, and ended up with Paul in prison. Paul was able to share Jesus with Onesimus and then persuade Philemon to forgive him for leaving. The points were that we all need love and forgiveness; from others and from God. 1) We all need an advocate 2) We have an unpayable debt 3) Our debt has been fully paid. Forgiveness makes us want to do more than asked for or expected. As Jesus unconditionally forgave so should we forgive. Our lives should be refreshing to those around us.

On this day in 1519 Ferdinand Magellan set off on his 1st successful circumnavigation of the globe. In 1881 Chester A Arthur was sworn in as 21st president (My sister’s dog was named for him….) In 1904 Orville and Wilber Wright flew a circle in their Flyer II, and in 1967 British liner Queen Elizabeth II was launched. In 1980 Blizzard of Ozz – solo debut album of Ozzy Osbourne – was released (This one’s for YOU Nate!!). Jacob Grimm (wrote Grimm’s Fairy Tales died at age 78 in 1863.

Three friend birthdays today. Brandon Yeager from Hempfield Church is celebrating, A good friend I met at Seton Hill – who attends Maplewood church! – Katy Doran has a birthday today, and Keepville Bible Church pastor Byron’s wife Abby Lea Gurnee is celebrating today too! Happy birthday to all of you! Enjoy!

TOMORROW September 21 is:

• National Chai Day
• National Pecan Cookie Day
• National New York Day

Enjoy your week! God bless – – –

How do you describe ‘cousin love’ in nine words? Gail, Karen O, Connie, Karen V, Colleen, Gwen, Beth, Kathy, and Marge! It would have been ten (Holly) but she was unavailable and we missed her! The Skunk Hollow cousins had a great time at the bonfire at Beth’s on Friday night. It was a very cool, windy evening but the fire was blazing and we were content.

We had the traditional hot dogs, chips, mountain pies, s’mores – but Connie made apple crisp that was one of the best I ever ate! Yum! I even had to forgo the s’mores for a second bite of the crisp! As is tradition, I had a short essay that I read, one that included Susan, so it brought her into the group in a special way. Hard to believe it’s been over a year since she has been gone. After we ate, we went around the circle and updated everyone on what was happening with our families, jobs, homes, life in general. It was great to catch up and see what everyone has been doing, especially factoring the pandemic into the equation!

We never lack topic to discuss, never have a lull in the conversation, never leave without being able to share what is on our hearts and minds. It was great to hear so many positive comments and so many good things happening, despite the topsy-turvy year of 2020. Kathy, Karen O, and I even wore our Skunk hats!

Even the trip back to Greensburg from Indiana went smoothly (no deer or roadkill to contend with, and no strange weather to buffet us around), and we arrived home in almost no time (even staying within the speed limit!). Our Skunk Hollow Women’s Fest events keep us fueled and content until the next one, which in this case will be Christmas. I thank God for these wonderful women, for their faith and love and steadfastness, for their support and their generosity. Can’t wait until December, but in the meantime, my fuel tank will run on memories! Love you girls!!

Micah did not post his message this week, so I will quote a line for the book I am currently reading. Layla, the main character, is struggling with a big decision, and is talking to her pastor about her indecision. He says: “It’s hard to act without knowing what will come. Sometimes we get hurt; sometimes we fall. Sometimes we get lost. But no matter what, we’re never worse off when we act in faith.” Stay true to your faith and to God’s direction and He will keep you in his Hands.

I had ordered a new star light for my flag room (spare bedroom) and also a pen holder for my desk (I saw Mary Ann’s and was sinfully covetous and ordered one!) and they came today! Small things, great joy! It’s my consolation for giving up summer for fall weather 🙁 .

I picked up Chrissy this afternoon and we ran a few errands – went to Miller’s Crossing fleatique (She got a tiny Ty beany baby and a Ty Dori – from Finding Nemo) and stopped at Walmart really quickly (she got Dove chocolate – her favorite!). I got lettuce. How boring… But good! We had fun together and I was glad to see her for a while.

On this day in 1796 George Washington gave his farewell address as president. In 1893 New Zealand became the first country to grant all women the right to vote, and in 1960 Chubby Checker’s ‘The Twist’ hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Jimmy Fallon was born in 1974 and in 1881 James Garfield (20th President) died at age 49. Orville Redenbacher died at age 88 in 1995, and in 1945 Shirley Temple (age 17) married John Agar (age 24). In 2016 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filed for divorce.

TOMORROW September 20 is

• National Fried Rice Day
• National Pepperoni Pizza Day
• National Punch Day
• National String Cheese Day
• Wife Appreciation Day – Third Sunday in September

Have a beautiful (albeit cool) Sunday. God bless!!!

What a change in the temperatures. Sunny skies, cooler weather. Thankful for the sun but missing the higher temps.

Today was a catch-up day. I made a batch of scones to bake in the morning, sewed some seams in a woven rug that were coming apart, researched some things online. Also received the Pioneer Woman Salt and Pepper shakers that I ordered for Kelly. She’ll be excited! I marinated chicken breasts for tomorrow or Sunday.

But I’m still basking in the afterthoughts of last night’s PEEPs get together. Liz and I met at Joelyn’s house for an evening of Chinese food, warm chocolate chip cookies, deep friendship and lots of conversation. A few deer even wondered out of the woods and across the yard – fun! We talked about work (we are all in the same line of work!) and the challenges, inconsistencies, and injustices of the profession. I felt very blessed as I listened because again it’s driven home to me how fortunate I am to work for a group of extremely nice, professional, and strongly ethical men! I thank God for them!

We did have a great time – sharing funny stories, some struggles and heartaches, some excitements. Joelyn’s daughter is a Freshman at a college in Arizona, so she’s doing the empty nest thing. Liz is knee-deep in college classes for a para-legal plus working full time. We all have a lot going on, but again how thankful I am, for my flexibility of schedule, the love and support of family and friends, and for these two ladies who love and support without judgement. And the icing on the cake is that Liz and I got to take home the leftover General Tsos! Yum! Thanks, Joelyn, for a wonderful night of fellowship and friendship!

Tonight will be another blessing. Eight of us are getting together at Beth’s house for our annual Skunk Hollow Women’s Fest bonfire – social distancing in place of course! But this fellowship of cousins is precious and special, and I will share that tomorrow!

Today I listened to Mike at Hempfield Church. He was back in Acts, following the apostles as they taught and preached everywhere they went. Christianity starts out for most of us being easy, a natural part of community and of life. But America has made it difficult – so much ridicule and abhorrence for God and for Who we stand for. Life today can break our hearts. We may find that following Jesus may get very real – it could mean persecution or punishment, and definitely discomfort. We have a lot to do as we live to honor God. But He can turn bad circumstances into something good, so we cannot give up. God is still on the throne and it’s not the end of the story! Keep sharing Jesus with a starving world!

On this day in 1793 US President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. I Dream of Jeannie premiered in 1965, and Jimi Hendrix died at age 27 in 1970. Two friend birthdays today: Liz’s mom Gretchen Pahel (who previously worked at Smail’s) and Marilee Pletcher, part of the historical society and very instrumental in my involvement with the Stahlstown Flax Festival and writing the Middle Grade historical fact-based fiction book FIELDS OF BLUE. Happy birthday to both of you – enjoy your day!!!

TOMORROW September 19 is:

• National Butterscotch Pudding Day (Nate may need another pie!)
• Talk Like A Pirate Day (Ahoy Matey!!!)
• National Dance Day– Third Saturday in September
• National Gymnastics Day– Third Saturday in September
• Boys’ and Girls’ Club Day for Kids – Third Saturday in September
• Puppy Mill Awareness Day – Third Saturday in September
• Responsible Dog Ownership Day – Third Saturday in September
• National CleanUp Day– Third Saturday In September

Enjoy your day – choose one or two fun things to celebrate tomorrow! God bless —