These early walks have been balmy and calm, with the temperatures being so mild. I thank that is to end now. That being said, I spent the afternoon raking the front yard. I didn’t attempt the back, but that tree (in the neighbor’s yard) is just about empty. The front, however is not. I won’t rake wet leaves.

I finished my secret project. I will post a photo below and give you a day to figure out what it is. I will post the answer tomorrow!

While I was raking leaves I listened to Steve at Maplewood. The message was about the 10 virgins and their lamps/oil. Steve talked about wedding customs and expectations, and about how things don’t always go as planned. The groom in the parable was late and the 10 virgins fell asleep. Five were prepared and had oil for their lamps but the other five did not. When the bridegroom finally came, the unprepared virgins wanted the other five to give them oil for their lamps. They would not, because then none of them would have had enough to be attendants to the wedding. Of course this reminds us that we do NOT know when Jesus will return, so we need to be ready every day and prepared for the fact that he could come NOW! It’s not too late TODAY for you to be prepared for tomorrow!

On this day in 1885 Gottlieb Daimler unveiled the world’s first motorcycle; in 1911 Andrew Carnegie formed Carnegie Corporation. Walt Disney began serving as informer for the LA Office of the FBI in 1940, and in 1969 Sesame Street premiered on PBS TV. HOME ALONE premiered in 1990, and in 2014 Ethel Kennedy was awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom. Martin Luther was born in 1483, Henry Ford Sinclair (founder of Sinclair Oil Corp) died at age 80 in 1956.

TOMORROW November 11 is:

• National Sundae Day
• Veterans Day

Tomorrow, thank a veteran for their service – either in person or on social media! Your freedom depends on it! God bless…. (PS – maybe even buy them a Sundae!!!)

For being at the North Pole, it was very warm today! Not a trace of snow or ice. I took a quick mile walk this morning, then got the sleigh loaded up (actually emptied out to make more room) to head out. I picked up fellow elf (sister) Kath and we headed across the frozen (??) tundra (aka Route 30). The first stop was Dollar Tree in Mistletoe Town, where we picked up some cards and and a few little enhancements for Mom’s room. From there we went to Snow Lane, where we browsed a bit but only bought a pair of snowflake earrings for Kath. One of my favorite browsing places is Big Lots in Glitter City, a few miles east of Snow Lane. Got a few small things there that I could cross off my list.

Next we sledded across town to Christmas Village, which was in the midst of being decked-the-halls. Kath browsed around in Old Navy and we went to Bath and Body Works (always a dangerous stop! Too many temptations!). My favorite store there is Barbara Ann’s, and I bought a bar of Christmas pine-scented soap for my shower – which I will use immediately after Thanksgiving! Also a coaster (I’m addicted…) By then it was time for lunch, which was of course Chick Fil-A. We finished off our shopping at Walmart in the Crystal Sea (of people and STUFF!). Didn’t find everything we needed there but got a good start. I didn’t accomplish many gift purchases (not as many as Kathy) but did cross off a lot of items on my list. All in all, we elves had a great day and enjoyed our shopping time together.

On the way home I listened to the guest speaker at First Baptist. She first honored our veterans and thanked them for their selfless service. The message was UNDER THE RAINBOW. When the world was so horrid that God regretted creating it, he decided to start over. But he saw the righteousness of Noah’s family, and because of their faithfulness and devotion they were saved to build a new world after the flood. He made a promise with the rainbow that he would never destroy the world again by flood. There were absolutely NO CONDITIONS to that promise. It doesn’t hinge on our actions or behavior or attitudes or choices or obedience. It is simply a promise. As God looks on our world right now, we can be certain that he will keep that promise. Regardless of what happens, he loves us and wants to save us, and wants us to live. If we are like Noah and stay faithful to God, he will save us. In fact, he DID save us – he sent Jesus with the promise that if we were his children we would be saved. We live UNDER THE RAINBOW. Don’t fear the future. God’s in control and his promises still stand.

On this day in 1907 the world’s largest diamond was discovered. In 2003 Art Carney died just 5 days after his 85th birthday. Hedy Lamar was born in 1914, Spiro Agnew in 1918, and Mary Travers (from Peter Paul and Mary) was born in 1936. And my friend Kim Douglass is celebrating a birthday today. Wishing you a great day and a beautiful year, full of God’s grace and blessings – love you, Kim!

TOMORROW November 10 is:

• Marine Corps Birthday
• National Forget-Me-Not Day
• National Vanilla Cupcake Day

Eat a vanilla cupcake, don’t forget me, and thank a Marine! And have a blessed day! Seventeen days until Thanksgiving! But I’m thankful for YOU today! God bless….

Took a nice, early walk, had oatmeal for breakfast, then actually went to church. It was so comforting to be there, regardless of the distancing. I totally understand the lower attendance; so many people I talk to mention outbreaks of the virus in their congregations. It’s hard to know what to do. But I loved being there!

After lunch I changed the clothes on the Holiday doll. She needed to be ready for the harvest! I wish she had a name. I probably named her when I got her back in the day, but have no clue what it was! Nothing sounds fitting. I decided to start on my secret project. I’m posting a picture (half done) and will post a picture when it’s finished. See if you can guess what it will be!

Again, I raked leaves; both in the back and out front. Only two bags, which was great, but I still had to rake the whole yard and sweep the driveway. I discovered the ‘last rose of summer’ blooming by the front walk. There was also a dandelion in the back yard. I think fall is confusing itself with summer!

Mike’s message was again from Acts, about Paul and Barnabas’ missionary journey. They went about speaking effectively – and what would that mean? That they taught the TRUTH, which they had by studying the Word (written or witnessing). They taught that Jesus is the Christ, and salvation comes through Jesus Only. Many believed but some didn’t, and they were antagonistic and stirred up trouble. Does that sound familiar in today’s culture? We are entreated to speak boldly! WE are reluctant to do that; we need to be eager to speak out, and share that Jesus is the only hope, and everyone needs Jesus. We must spread the Word; THAT is the mission of God’s Church. And the Word IS being spread!

On this day in 1931 Ben Franklin opened the first library in the north American colonies in Philadelphia. In 1960 John F Kennedy was elected president. Movie actor Ronald Reagan was elected governor of California in 1966. Bram Stoker (who wrote Dracula) was born in 1847, Margaret Mitchell (who wrote our beloved Gone With the Wind) was born in 1900, and Patti Page was born in 1927. Doc Holliday – gambler and gunfighter – died at age 36 in 1887.

TOMORROW November 9 is:

• National Scrapple Day (KELLY will get this!!!)
• Microtia Awareness Day
• National Louisiana Day

Have a beautiful week, and if you can’t get to Louisiana, at least sing OH SUSANNAH! instead!

I came from Alabama,
Wid my banjo on my knee,
I’m gwyne to Louisiana,
My true love for to see;
It rain’d all night the day I left,
The weather it was dry,
The sun so hot I froze to death,
Susanna, don’t you cry.

CHORUS
Oh! Susanna, Oh don’t you cry for me,
I’ve come from Alabama
Wid my banjo on my knee.

God bless —

Saturdays are always ‘change the sheets’ day – so I know I will climb into a freshly made bed tonight! I met Ginny for breakfast this morning, and we had a great visit. I laughed so much! She was telling me about her new ‘adventure’ and I could just picture the whole thing. I’m wishing her well, and when she releases the information officially I’ll post pictures! Yesterday when I was at the store, they were giving away their gourds – free! So I grabbed a few and made a nice little display on my garden bench.

I was able to rake up the front yard again, only one bag this time. I looked up to see the neighbor’s house grazing happily in the sunshine. It still surprises me that there is a horse in my neighborhood! Also I mixed up Grama’s homemade buns this morning. They need to raise for another hour and then I’ll bake them – and have one for supper, warm from the oven. Yum. But after the buns were all lined up, I drove down to Woodward Walking Trail and did two and a half loops. It was a nice walk – and flat! – so I enjoyed that. Before I left I sat on one of the benches and read a chapter in my book. Quiet and relaxing.

By now we know the outcome of the election – some are thrilled and some are distressed, but most of us are just wondering what direction our country will go in. Pray every day for your country, our leaders, our neighbors and friends that are confused and angry and hurting, and be patient and supportive. Focus on God’s peace – which you have already been given – you just need to claim it! It doesn’t really matter who is President – God is still on His throne! Rejoice! And again, pray…

On this day in 1805 Lewis and Clark first sighted the Pacific Ocean, and in 2000 Hillary Clinton was elected to the US Senate, becoming first US First Lady to win public office and while still the First Lady. Butch Cassidy died in 1908 at age 42, Eleanor Roosevelt in 1962 at age 78, and Steve McQueen at age 50 in 1986. Frank Sinatra married Ava Gardner in 1951, and in 1982 Elizabeth Taylor had her 7th divorce from politician John Warner. Birthdays: Marie Curie in 1867, Billy Graham in 1918, and Joni Mitchell in 1943 (My friend Bill Smail LOVED Joni Mitchell! Probably still does!). My friend April’s son Chris is celebrating a birthday today – basking in the warm sun of Florida! Happy birthday, Chris!

TOMORROW November 8 is:

• National Cappuccino Day
• National Harvey Wallbanger Day
• National Parents as Teachers Day 
• National STEM/STEAM Day

I don’t know what you are going to do tomorrow, but I am going to have faith, have fun, play outside, watch Hallmark movies, read great books, think about those I love MOST in the world, and take the first step into the rest of my life! As Nate would say: NO DEBBIE DOWNERS! God bless —-

Although I did take an early walk, I ended up taking two walks today. Jeannette store was busy; Greensburg not as much. So after a quick bowl of soup I met Teresa at the Youngwood Train Station and we walked the Five Star Trail extension up past the Community College and over to end end at Ambrust. It was a beautiful day and we could catch up. We miss not getting together more often! Below are photos:

I listened to Greg from Vanderbilt church. He talked about the issues in Acts being so similar in principle to those of 2020. Human nature is not spiritual nature, and we tend to filter things through our own viewpoint. Opinions split churches, neighborhoods, families. Our job is not to take control; it’s to sew the seeds. What have you done to intentionally sew seeds? Is your personal ‘church’ active or passive? Get back to the mission: It’s God’s will that we be set apart and sanctified. Part of what we can do is live morally, test everything, and avoid every evil. Turn off the TV and get into the Word! Then, share!

On this day in1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th president, and in 1861 Jefferson Davis was elected for a six year term as confederate president. Elizabeth Warren was elected the first female senator of Massachusetts in 2012. John Philip Sousa was born in 1854, and 1946 Sally Field was born. My favorite roll of hers (other than the Flying Nun – have I given away my age here???) was Kate in KISS ME GOODBYE! I highly recommend it!

TOMORROW November 7 is:

• National Bison Day
• National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
• National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
• National Play Outside Day – I intend to!

Enjoy tomorrow – get outside and play, eat Chocolate, and maybe avoid Bison….. God bless!

I woke Chrissy this morning so she could log in to school, then went out for my early walk. Very balmy and bright morning. I changed the shower curtain and used the old one to tie around the decretive planter on the deck. Ready for winter! Chris did her school work and I went out and started on the leaves. She came out and helped during her break, and we got it all cleaned up. I cut the grass afterwards so we’re good for now. Another strong wind and more leaves will come down.

Last night Chrissy’s knee was hurting so I heated up George – our ‘rice bag’ lamb. He climbed in bed and waited for her and they cozied up together for the night.

I listened to Rod at Martin’s Ferry today. It was a continuation of 2 weeks ago, ‘What does faith look like?’ He talked about Abraham. Sometimes we want to do great things for God, but maybe He just wants us to live our lives for Him. This week it was about Miriam & David. They danced! The were so excited about what God was doing that they worshiped with music and dancing. We need to walk by faith – it’s amazing what Gad can do in your life if you just let him. The heart of God dances, so Dance! Live a devoted life, praising God!

On this day in 1913 Vivien Leigh (Scarlett O’Hare in Gone with the Wind) was born, and in 1977 George W. Bush married Laura Welch.

TOMORROW November 6 is:

• National Jersey Friday 
• National Nachos Day
• Saxophone Day

Take time out of your day to DANCE! (Maybe even play the saxophone!) Praise, play, have a great day! God bless —

Since I was off work sick yesterday I went in today. There was surprisingly quite a bit to do, and by the time I picked up necessary groceries (having missed my 6am Tuesday run!) it was almost 2pm when I got home. My back was still a little stiff and sore – I must have slept wrong on Monday night. But my morning walk seemed to help that a little.

After lunch I carefully and slowly took the lawn furniture down and storied it in the shed for the winter. I moved the reindeer out of the way first and moved them to the front, so they will be ready for their December appearance. Then I did some cleaning, had a salad, and hope to iron once I do this.

I listened to Steve at Maplewood Presbyterian this afternoon, and he talked about Jesus leading us, and preparing us to follow him. The leaders of His day – and also our day! – wanted fame and authority, and they loaded burdens on the people but they avoided those burdens and responsibilities themselves. The leaders liked to show off, but didn’t practice faith. But Jesus said the greatest should be the servants. Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law, but to fulfill the law. Jesus also told us his load is light; we should exchange our heavy burdens for His light one. We need to be filled with the fruits of righteousness not just APPEARANCE of righteousness. Our trees should produce fruit and reflect Jesus. A poor tree does not produce fruit – we should not ‘fake’ fruit! When we come to him, it should be in humility and worship. “I give you MYSELF, Lord!”

On this day in 1856 James Buchanan was elected 15th president of US – and our only PENNSYLVANIA president! Lots of birthdays. In 1879, Will Rogers was born, Walter Cronkite in 1916, and Art Carney in 1918. He played Ed Norton on ‘The Honeymooners’ – one of my dad’s favorite shows. In fact we always thought Dad looked a lot like Jackie Gleason! Matthew McConaughey was born in 1969, and Mary Todd Lincoln married Abraham Lincoln in 1842.

TOMORROW November 5 is:

• National Doughnut Day – YEA!
• National Love Your Red Hair Day
• National Cash Back Day
• National Men Make Dinner Day 

Eat a donut, enjoy the predicted beautiful fall day, and be a blessing to someone! And make sure your tree is bearing the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control! God bless…. Have a fruit salad and share it liberally!

Election day! I know it won’t put all of our issues and distresses to rest, but maybe some of the campaign ads will be gone. I did vote this afternoon at a local church. They had the entrance decorated in festive fall foliage, and I enjoyed that.

The funny little start to my day was that I was talking to my sister on the phone when my alarm went off. I could hear it ringing on my end but she couldn’t. When we hung up, I shut off the alarm and then scrolled to look at my emails. I found this: ‘SEE HOW YOU CAN GET RID OF THAT RINGING IN YOUR EARS’ …. Amazing. How do they KNOW?

Today my oldest grandson turned 15. He is an amazing young man, very energetic, talented, creative, quick-witted, sensitive, faith-focused, and motivated. I have enjoyed watching him grow and learn and mature, and can’t wait to see what God has for him in his life. I love you, Peyton, and wish the best for you in everything you do! I’ll just share some pictures…

Paul from River Hill spoke on the Rich Young Ruler: The One Thing That you Lack. It breaks down into several categories. 1) What do we desire? Solomon desired Wisdom, David wanted to be close to God, Paul wanted to gain Christ; to PRESS ON – forgetting what is behind and pressing on to the prize. We need to listen to Jesus. 2) One Thing is missing – We are unwilling to surrender all; let go and focus on following Jesus. 3) Jesus has the answers. We put our peace in things/people instead of Jesus. The one thing we need to do is follow Jesus. If Jesus had that conversation with you, what would He tell you that you lack? What should you set aside to follow Him? We must live to people see Jesus in us.

On this day in 1868 Ulysses S Grant won presidential election, and in 1911 Chevrolet officially entered the automobile market in competition with the Ford Model T; in 1956 the Wizard of Oz made its television premier – I was six years old! Sharing a birthday with Peyton is Charles Bronson in 1921. Annie Oakley died in 1926, and in 1990 Mary Martin died at age 76. She played Mary Martin in the televised ‘play’ version of Peter Pan – and still remains my favorite Peter Pan of all!

TOMORROW November 4 is:

• National Chicken Lady Day
• National Candy Day (I would have thought that would be Halloween!!)
• National Stress Awareness Day – 

Enjoy whatever you set your mind to do. Be thankful, be respectful, be happy! God bless…

Started the morning with a fun txt message, but also with snow! Just a dusting, but still. It’s only the 2nd. After work I came home and started a big pot of Stuffed Pepper soup. April is coming for supper and it’s a cool (but sunny) day. I also added a piece of leafy garland to the light string on the back of the couch (my sister’s garland inspired me!). It looks very stunning and festive!

April and I had a great visit – as it always the case – and we covered every topic from work to kids/grandkids to houses and being lonely and keeping busy and vacations — It was a fun night! We had the soup and garlic breadsticks and a salad, and I bakes a few of those pre-made cookies for dessert. It’s a blessing to have dear friends to spend time with, and it’s also very rare these days! A big thanks to April for spending her evening with me.

I listened to a guest speaker at First Baptist this afternoon. The message was about the first commandment. God wants a relationship with us; He must be first above all else. God not only made us in His image, but also bought us with a price, the death of His only son. Do you do allow other gods to take precedence in your life? Where is your center; where do you go when you need rest? What is most important to you? We must set our minds on things above, not on things of earth. God expects nothing less.

On this day in 1898 Johnny Campbell led the crowd in cheering for the University of MN – first cheerleaders! Quite a stretch from the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders!!! 1907 banker J P Morgan locked over 40 bankers in his library to force them to find ways to avert the NY banking crisis. (Glad I didn’t have to sit in on THAT meeting!!!) In 1983 president Ronald Reagan signed a bill designating a national holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “THRILLER” by Michael Jackson went worldwide. Lots of birthdays today. 1734 was Daniel Boone, who was born in Reading Pennsylvania. Marie Antoinette (“Let them eat cake!”) was born in 1755. Our 11th president James K Polk was born in 1795, and the 29th president Warren G Harding in 1865. Burt Lancaster was born in 1913. And my cousin Gwen’s daughter (Gwen is a skunk hollow girl!) Tara Louise Sadler is celebrating today! Happy birthday Tara!

TOMORROW November 3 is:

Election day!!! If you haven’t already, be sure to VOTE!!!

National Housewife’s Day

National Sandwich Day (I’ll take a BLT with lettuce and tomato, thank you!)

Regardless of the results of the elections tomorrow, stay strong, faithful, and commit to praying every day for our country and their leaders! God bless!

It’s a brand new month – it will get colder and the daylight is shorter now with the time change. I slept well last night and wasn’t in a hurry to crawl out of bed this morning. It was a low-key day. I did some small things in the house, took down the outside Halloween decorations and packed them away. Then I came inside and started the transformation from Halloween to Thanksgiving.

Kyle’s message from Hempfield church was about the church choosing between messages about condemnation or Grace.  He shared examples and scriptures and exhorted us to sit in God’s grace.  Sit and absorb the fact that GOD LOVES US ALL THE TIME.  NO MATTER WHAT.  We live out the message we carry within us, so we need to live Jesus.  He forgives ALL sins –  there is no line in the sand that says we should be unredeemabley condemned for a choice or lifestyle or decision.  We need to Embrace  the grace of God.  His grace transforms and changes us, and we don’t need to stand in condemnation.  Grace is free to all of us.  If we accept God’s grace, we  will be transformed to follow Him and live for Him.  We don’t have to live in a condemned state and feel guilty.  He loves us, all the time!

On this day in in 1800 John Adams became the first US president to live in the White House. In 1971 The Eisenhower dollar was put into circulation. In 1997 the TITANIC premiered, staring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet (I really like her as an actress!). Gary Player (golfer) was born in 1935.

TOMORROW November 2 is:

• National Deviled Egg Day (It’s not too late to make some!!)
• National Ohio Day
• Color the World Orange Day – (I guess changing my lights to orange was a great idea!)
• Job Action Day –
• Traffic Directors Day – 

Take time to rest deeply in GRACE, enjoy November, and make your own light! God bless….