My morning started at 27* at 7am. I did not walk outside. But the sunrise was beautiful, clear and sunny and cold. Kath and I went to Smicksburg for the day. It was good for us because it was SO not crowded, but that can’t be good for business. The next two weekends are Christmas Open Houses so maybe they will have a little better turnout. We did a little shopping, both of us getting something fun. Me and my stars! I got a lovely floor stand, and hung a little star solar lantern on it.

We took some pictures of ‘fall’ and enjoyed the hills and the beauty around us. We walked up to the cabin but that was not quite so beautiful – so sad to see the detrition. Took a photo of mom’s old ‘homestead’, where my grandparents lived and where Mom grew up. Peaceful and serene. We had lunch at Smicksburg Country Store – their hot dogs are so good! Kathy bought some soup mixes and I got chocolate covered pretzels and double dipped chocolate covered peanuts. Both are very yum. And we both got cheese. Visited quickly with Allen/Bonnie, and with Gail, then headed home.

Chrissy came over and did a little trick or treating around the block, then I took her to Jaime’s to watch spooky movies with Autumn, Penny, and Josie. It was a very nice day, and I feel doubly blessed to enjoy the glorious day and spend it with my sister! And our October Blue Moon was bright and brilliant!

I didn’t get a chance to talk about REBECCA, the movie that Kathy, Paul and I watched. It was very good, a little Goth-like spooky, a great remake! Kathy had fun snacks – chips and cookies and a cheese ball and cheese/pretzels and popcorn. And candles glowing for atmosphere!

Rod was not preaching this week, but the guest minister talked about Christian’s place in government. We are subject to their authority over us, and we must pay taxes. But the government has a responsibility to us, as well. Both sides struggle with these principles. We think WE have to do something or all is lost, but that is not so. GOD is in control. He set the course of this world. We are the ones who create the chaos. The problems lie within the hearts of man. We need to pray, for our leaders and our country and ourselves.

On this day in 1541 Michelangelo finished painting The Last Judgement on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and in 1918 the Spanish flu killed 21,000 people in the US in a single week. Juliette Low – founder of the girl scouts – was born in 1860, and Vanilla Ice was born in 1967. Harry Houdini died in 1926, and Sean Connery died at age 90 in 2020.

TOMORROW November 1 is:

• National Authors’ Day YEA!!! We have our OWN day!!! Get writing fellow authors!
• National Brush Day
• National Calzone Day
• National Cinnamon Day 
• National Deep Fried Clams Day
• National  Cook For Your Pets Day
• National Family Literacy Day
• National Vinegar Day
• Daylight Saving Time Ends – (Turn clocks back, gain an hour’s sleep!)

Hope the Great Pumpkin visited your very sincere pumpkin patch, and that you enjoy your extra hours’ sleep. God bless!

I can’t believe October is over tomorrow! It’s gone by so fast; but even by saying that, this year has been unending! I know it’s because of the uncertainty and unrest and confusion – and even loneliness. We can’t resume our normal, comfortable activities, and hugs, and celebrations. We all need that, and I’m actively praying for an end to the ‘social distancing’!!!

After my walk this morning, I took everything out from under my bed. I don’t usually store things under my beds, except for luggage. But I have little bins with my shoes in them stuck under my bed, and it just seemed jumbled and confusing. I took it all out, cleaned everything and dusted well under there, and went through every pair of shoes. I discovered I am no longer comfortable wearing higher healed shoes, or loose fitting no-sole-support shoes. So I have a big bag of shoes to pass along. I also cleaned out my pantry shelves. It’s nice and organized now and I know what I have. Good thing I did that, because I realized I was almost out of ketchup, and that can’t happen!

I just sat down to look through some of my reference books about Colonial history and the celebration of Christmas. I told Pam at Hanna’s Town I would see if I could come up with some good ideas about a holiday program. Not sure if I have anything exciting, though. A project for the next few days!

During lunch I listened to Steve at Maplewood. I love sermons that share information that I had never heard before. Thanks Steve! The linage from Abraham to Jesus — interesting insight! But he talked about the Pharisees trying to undermine Jesus with three questions in the temple, days before his death. He compared those 3 questions to the 3 temptations of Jesus after his baptism. Like his ministry began and ended with his identity being challenged. But Jesus is the Son of God. When he was asked what the greatest commandment was, he shared that it was to love God, and the 2nd greatest love your neighbor. Those two commandments encompassed the entire law! If Jesus is Lord, than nothing else is. Sometimes we choose our own agenda to be lord instead of Him. This world is in a battle over claiming our lives. Will we let God reign, or take control of ourselves?

On this day in 1873 PT Barnum’s GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH debuted in NYC. In 1938 A Radio broadcast by Orson Wells (written by H G Wells) – WAR OF THE WORLDS – caused mass panic. In 1952 Clarence Birdseye sold his first packages of frozen peas. Steve Allen died in 2000, and Robert Goulet (my mom’s favorite singer!) died in 2007. Christopher Columbus was born in 1451, John Adams (2nd president) in 1735, and Ivanka Trump in 1981. And here’s an interesting fact on Charlie Brown: he is the only character to appear in the first Peanuts comic strip from October 2, 1950, and the last one from February 13, 2000. According to a 1950 comic strip, his birthday is on October 30.

TOMORROW October 31 is:

• National Trick or Treat Day –
• National Doorbell Day (Could the two tie together???)
• National Caramel Apple Day
• National Knock-Knock Jokes Day
• National Magic Day
• Girl Scout Founder’s Day
• Halloween

Happy 70th birthday Charlie Brown! You’ve aged very well! Charlie and I were born in the same year – but I’m a few months older! Have fun Trick-or-Treating tomorrow. Be safe and stay warm, be kind and share joy! God bless…

Didn’t sleep well last night, so I slept in just a bit and then went straight into work. Stopped to get ingredients to make stuffed pepper soup on Monday. After lunch I put a heavy blanket on the Crooks room bed in preparation for potential winter guests, then cleaned out a few closets and drawers.

Even though I’ve seen it several times, I watched CHRISTMAS LOVE STORY on Hallmark. It’s another one that always makes me cry at the end. I think it’s very well written.

Tonight I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning. The message was entitled Who am I and why am I here? Here are some notes. The throne of our heart changes when we are a child of God. God exposes who we really are, and we have to center on Jesus. People don’t want to be exposed, and have to face their sins and failings. God will supply our needs, strength, grace, forgiveness. He notices what we need! Always be grateful – God doesn’t HAVE to give us anything, but he wants to – He can make our ‘sorry’ self beautiful. Just be available and God will use you; it’s reasonable. We need to see ourselves, see God, and do what he wants us to do!

On this day in 1618 Walter Raleigh was beheaded for treason, and in 1682 William Penn landed in Chester, PA. Winona Ryder was born in 1971, and in 1951 Frank & Nancy Sinatra filed for divorce.

TOMORROW October 30 is:

• National Speak Up For Service Day
• National Publicist Day
• National Candy Corn Day
• National Pharmacy Buyer Day–
• National Frankenstein Friday –
• National Breadstick Day– Opps! Having those on MONDAY!!!

Hoping for a better night’s sleep tonight, and a fun, long weekend ahead! Enjoy – God Bless…

Today was a productive day. I waited until afternoon to take my walk because it was raining in the morning. Got started on cleaning pretty early, took my time, and enjoyed my clean house. When I did walk, I stopped to take some photos of leafy yards in my neighborhood.

I decided to try my hand at making chicken pot pie. I have never made a pot pie in my life! I just made up the recipe as I went along and it really was good. And as it makes a whole pie I will have plenty for a few more meals. I finished my sewing project, then Mark came to hook up the CD player. It’s slightly different from the other one but I’ll get used to it. It works perfectly! I’m very excited!

I will share Greg Voss’s message – he is the director at Camp Christian and was guest speaker at Hempfield last Sunday. He talked about the challenges of taking on a very new and different job in the midst of the COVID restrictions. But God is faithful; when he calls us to do something he’ll support us. He also talked about WHAT IS GOD UP TO? We know that our faith will be challenged; it’s always been that way. We can’t assume we always have the answers. Look to God; don’t solve the world’s issues by the world’s ways, and don’t accept the world the way it is. Seek God. Our hearts are unsettled by what’s going on around us. We don’t stand in our own strength. God takes care of things; we do it together with God.

On this day in 1793 Eli Whitney applied for a patent on the Cotton Gin, and in 1858 Macy & Company opened its first store in NYC – Gross receipts totaled $11.06!! Jonas Salk was born in 1914, Bill Gates in 1955, and Julia Roberts in 1967. Abigail Adams (2nd first lady) died at age 73 in 1818.

TOMORROW October 29 is:

• National Cat Day (Jen I hope you are celebrating!!!)
• National Oatmeal Day (Ron Shafer I hope you had this for breakfast!)
• National Hermit Day
• World Stroke Day

Time for a cold drink of water and some down time. Have a happy Thursday! God bless….

I think I’ll keep this short tonight. Started my day with Kath at our 6am Walmart grocery run, took a walk, and went to work. Not much going on there. My friend sent me her critique on my Christmas story, and I made the edits. I’m excited because I think it turned out pretty good! I did a few sewing projects and pressed them off. My CD player came today. My cousin Mark is going to help me hook it up tomorrow.

Kath and I are going to watch the newly released version of REBECCA on Friday, so I watched the old black and white version this afternoon. The one directed by Alfred Hitchcock. I’ll be excited to see how the two compare.

I listed to First Baptist today – they still have guest speakers because Bram is still recovering from his surgery. Two people shared the message. First was the fact that we are blessed to have the right to direct access to God – we need no intercessor but Jesus. But we also have a responsibility to others. There is no greater blessing than helping people find their talents and ministries, then watch them flourish. We need each member to help us use our spiritual gifts. We can’t do it alone. You need to ‘do you’ as the new saying goes these days. USE YOUR GIFT! Your talent is God’s gift to you; how you use it is your gift to God!

On this day in 1682 Philadelphia is founded by William Penn, and in 1947 YOU BET YOUR LIFE with Groucho Marx premiered. Walt Disney’s first TV Show, DISNEYLAND, premiered in 1954, and in 2014 Taylor Swift (again!) released a new album – her 5th – called 1989. Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president, was born in 1858, and he married Alice Lee on his 22nd birthday. Sonny and Cher were married in 1964, and Cher wore bell-bottoms.

TOMORROW is October 28:

• National Internal Medicine Day
• National Chocolate Day
• National First Responders Day

There are so many wonderful things to celebrate every day – God’s blessings is high on the list, but so is National Chocolate Day! Indulge and enjoy! God bless…..

The morning started out with a beautiful sunrise, yellow and red and pink. It was like a calming. I walked up around several blocks and found this scary pumpkin head watching all of us going by! I worked both stores, came home and did laundry, and listened to a few messages. I also edited my Christmas story and sent it off to be critiqued by a fellow author. Can’t wait for her comments. Then I heard the mailman go past, and found a fun little card in my mail – it’s always a pleasure to get hugs, happy thoughts, and smiles in the mail. Ahhhhh.

I am sharing Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. It’s a continuation of MISSION CONTROL (The mission of the Church) from Acts. The question he asked was ‘What can we do? Who have we talked to about Jesus? Shared Jesus with? Invited to church?’ Then the answer is …. (at the end). Sometimes the things that you feel can destroy you can be what refocuses and refines you. Don’t let circumstances destroy you, then them refresh and strengthen you. We are all one and all equal in Christ. So the answer to the questions is: You have NO SAY-SO in who hears the gospel. It’s for everyone! And it’s your responsibility to share it! The blood of Christ breaks down the barriers. Get the message out!

On this day in 1881 Gunfight at OK Corral – the most famous shoot-out in the wild west. In 1949 US President Harry Truman increased minimum wage from 40 center to 75 cents – can you even imagine living on that wage? In 1972 Guided tours of Alcatraz began. In 1947 Hillary Clinton was born, and 1967 Keith Urban was born (I love his music!!!)

TOMORROW October 27 is:

• National American Beer Day
• Navy Day (245th birthday of the US Navy)
• National Black Cat Day

The most important thing you can do is share Christ. It’s eternally important. But seeing how fun it is to get a card in the mail – why not send one to someone YOU care about? God bless…

Today, Bud would have been eighty-four. Miss you still, my friend! And you would undoubtedly say: “Two months until Christmas day!”

I looked out my window first thing this morning to see a ringneck (pheasant) ‘stuck’ between the fences! It wasn’t really stuck because it was open at both ends; but it didn’t seem to be able to figure out an escape route. It kept pacing up and down the stones. I finally went out and made some noise, and it ran down the hill and across the yard. I certainly have had my fair share of ‘wildlife’ in my yard this fall!

I made a list this morning and got several things checked off! One thing I didn’t get done was to make potato soup. That ship sailed; no time left tonight. So maybe tomorrow when I get home. I did, however, patch the Peanuts blanket that belonged to my Grama Steiner 40 plus years ago, and washed it. I also made a scarf out of the softest material, and it had stars on it. It shed so bad it looked like it snowed in the sewing room, and by the time I was done I had to sweep the whole house! I also made a quick trip to the mall for a cake of pine-scented Christmas soap, but alas. No pine. Maybe closer to Christmas. 🙁

The message today is from Paul at River Hill. He finished up the last verses of the 23rd Psalm. This sermon was very good, and I learned some things I hadn’t known, and it was also laced with enough humor to drive the points home in a different way. The Lord, our Shepherd, is our rock! Often we call on him only when we are in need, but he’s always there. Even as God punishes and corrects us, he has a plan to prosper and protect. 1) God restores us; takes old, broken ‘us’ and makes us new. 2) Guides us on the right paths. Left to ourselves we would be lost and in trouble. Jesus is with us through the valleys – in sadness, heartache, and even death. He overcomes death. He keeps us on the right path. 3) Prepares a table for us, a safe place for rest and food, until our lives overflow with goodness. And the promise is that as we follow our Shepherd all our days, we will dwell in His house forever. Amen.

On this day in 1760 George III became King of Great Britain (he was our royal nemesis!); in 1964 The Rolling Stones were on the Ed Sullivan show for the first time. Taylor Swift released her third album in 2010. Sharing a birthday with Bud are Pablo Picasso in 1881 and Katy Perry in 1984. Roger Miller died at age 56 in 1992. In 1764 John Adams married Abigail Smith, a marriage that lasted 54 years! And in 1859 our future 21st president Chester A Arthur married Ellen Henderson.

TOMORROW October 26 is:

• National Financial Crime Fighter Day
• National Tennessee Day (My sister will love this one!)
• National Day of the Deployed
• National Mule Day
• National Pumpkin Day
• National Mincemeat Day

Are you restored by the Good Shepherd? Follow His paths and dwell with Him forever! God bless….

As Ron pointed out to me– 2 months from today is Christmas Eve. And it’s my turn to host(ess) this year. I should start planning now…

I started out the morning watching Chris play flag football in the rain! They unfortunately didn’t win, but they played a good game and Chris had a lot of really great plays! You go, girl! Congrats!

By the time I got to Hanna’s Town for the fall festival there was no trace of rain, but it was still cold. Pam had the kids’ crafts set up in the pavilion, which meant OUTSIDE. But the kids didn’t seem to mind at all! We had about ten young ones stop by, and they could make yarn dolls or decorate pumpkins with markers and stickers. Most of them wanted to make pumpkins and did a great job being creative. Our little policeman decorated his mom’s mask, as well, and his brother did a good job making a scene. I particularly like the cat sitting on the moon. One very creative and imaginative little guy named his pumpkin BOB, and put the moon at the top of the stem so it looked like it was ‘floating’. He had a long involved story about what happened to the pumpkin, including the fact that the black cat died, which was sad, but he died laughing so that was ok! He had it all worked out.

I took a break and walked around, snapping pictures of fun fall things. There was a ‘haunted path’ that had about a dozen signs explaining the origins and meanings of Halloween traditions. That was probably my favorite part. Proctor’s militia had set up camp, and they had the cabin in the stockade fitted for their stay, complete with a bunk and a fire in the new fireplace. The new LeFevre house has doors and windows now. The first year cabin was converted into a blacksmith shop and was very busy all afternoon. Other than being really cold and windy it was a very fun day!

Taking a quote out of JESUS CALLING – 50 devotions for PEACE (by Sarah Young), instead of listening to the media proclaim a steady stream of bad news all day every day, focus on the living WORD – let scripture saturate your mind and heart and walk steadily along the path of Life. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but we can be sure of our ultimate destination. We will be with Him in Glory.

On this day in 1861 West Virginia seceded from Virginia. Daniel Webster died at age 70 in 1852, Rosa Parks (girl on the bus) died at age 92 in 2005, and Fats Domino died in 2017 at age 89.

TOMORROW October 25 is:

• National Greasy Food Day (THAT I can DO!)
• Sourest Day
• National Mother-in-Law Day
• Chucky, The Notorious Killer Doll Day (Ugh – not for me!)

Have a blessed Lord’s day, as my mom used to always say – God bless…

Another beautiful fall day – so nice to be outside! I did laundry this morning, then went to share a piece of cake with my long-time friend Mike – Mike was working at Smail Auto in 1967 when I started there, so we go way back. His birthday is today and he’s still working (although neither of us are at Smail’s)! God bless him! Wishing him many more happy, healthy years ahead.

When I woke up yesterday morning, the house behind mine was maroon. When I got home from work, it was yellow. I know it’s a rental property and I heard he was hoping to finally sell it. But it was a surprise….

I sat on the deck in the warm sunshine and listened to Mike’s message from Hempfield, still in Acts (chapter 13 now). Talks about the church being a SENDING CHURCH. We are to send out people to share the gospel of Christ; God’s plan is that the church is for everyone, not just Jews or in Jerusalem. Some of the church’s strengths are: Diversity (it set them apart but brought them together; unity in Christ). Synergy (teamwork) The strength of two yoked together produce more than what the two could do combined working alone. Fasting and prayer. Laying on of hands; and those who ‘send out’ are the ones to accept accountability. We need to be willing to go, and willing to send. AS YOU GO, teach and share!

On this day in 1941 Walt Disney’s DUMBO is released, and in 1958 the Smurf’s made their debut. Sharing a birthday with Mike is Johnny Carson, born in 1925.

TOMORROW October 24 is:

• National Food Day (I love food!!!)
• National Bologna Day
• National Make A Difference Day
• United Nations Day

I still have a few projects – sewing, ironing, eating! – so I’m off to get something done. Have a happy weekend . . . God bless!

It was a beautiful morning for a long walk! Work was mildly busy but I had several stops on the way home – seems like I often do, these days. Bank, mulch, searching for a new CD player for my entertainment system. Ended up finding one online, thanks to Joe’s recommendation and my cousin Mark’s advise. A tad expensive but I cannot survive without my Christmas CD’s!!!

After all that was done, I raked the front yard and then spread 4 bags of mulch in the side flower bed. I cut the last of the dead flowers from that section, and don’t want them to come back. So I dug some of them out, put down plastic, and spread mulch. Hope that stifles or totally stops their return.

I listened to Steve from Maplewood, about wisdom; discernment. We should be very cautious in these times; there is deceit, lies, confusion, and agendas all around us, and it’s very hard to tell the truth from all of that. We are to be wise as serpents and as gentle as doves. In other words, be clever and wise enough to see the deceit around us, but not employ the deceit and lies as part of our own agendas. There is so much destruction when we try to deceive. Be very discerning and wise to the ways of the world; recognize that people are working for selfish gain. Don’t be crafty or deceiving; but be gentle. The world stands in opposition to God. Knowledge is not enough. We need WISDOM (goodness, kindness, truth!) WISDOM comes from God. Pray for wisdom.

On this day in 1906 Henry Ford became president of Ford Motor Company. In 1907 Ringling Brothers Greatest Show on Earth bought Barnum & Bailey Circus (Greatest Showman??? I loved that movie- especially the song A MILLION DREAMS!). In 1969 Paul McCartney denies rumors of his death (Somehow that doesn’t entirely make sense….) In 2008 Google Play is launched.

TOMORROW October 23 is:

• National Boston Cream Pie Day
• National Mole Day (Oh, joy – now if I only had a Mole….)
• National TV Talk Show Host Day  (Johnny Carson’s birthday)
• Swallows Depart from San Juan Capistrano Day
• iPod Day

Be wise, and listen to as much Christmas music as you can! Brings joy and happiness! God bless – – –