Cleaning day! First a walk, shower, breakfast. Emails. But by 3:30pm the house was spanking clean. I had time to go outside and finish cutting back the stalks and weeds on the left hill. All done and ready for winter. The sage is still growing so it may not get cut back until early spring. I’ll watch it.

My friend Diane’s daughter is making masks for a fundraiser for her daughter’s sports team, so she made some Snoopy ones. Di shared and I got my Snoopy mask tonight in a little zip lock bag with ‘Aunt Marge’ written across it! Lori was in my wedding (I think she was 5 or 6!) and still thinks of me as Aunt Marge. So fun! I had a quick chore to do, and Big Lots is a very real and present danger for me. They have the most unique and classy and unusual products! There were so many SNOOPY things. I did not buy even ONE! I did, however, get two place mats. For some reason I have been irrationally drawn to different place mats since last winter. These two, although they were with the Holiday displays, could be all year. Joy and Peace know no season!

I am watching the CMT Awards – Dan & Shay just won video duo for ‘I Should Probably go to Bed.’ Cool song. Happy for our Pittsburgh guys!!!

I listened to Rod at Martin’s Ferry tonight: What does Faith look like? It looks like Abraham, who is the father of our faith. Faith stands on the promises of God. Ironically, he never saw God’s promises fulfilled in his lifetime. He had faith that they WOULD be fulfilled. God said GO, and he did! He walked by faith. We need to follow God’s plan, not our own. The Christian life is always coming back to God. It’s in our DNA. God is pleased when we obey him, no matter what he has us doing. Abraham: That’s what faith looks like. BUT — not always . Tune in next week for part two of what faith looks like!

On this day in 1854 Florence Nightingale and 38 staff nurses were sent to Crimean war; in 1959 Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, opened in New York. Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) was born in 1956.

TOMORROW October 22 is:

• National Make a Dog’s Day
• National Nut Day
• National Color Day

So see if you can figure out what your own faith looks like; and check next week to see what Rod has to say about this! God bless – – –

6am Walmart; then a walk, then work and errands. Autmn was hungry for pineapple so I dropped some off at the house for her so it would be there when she got home from work. It was a cloudy but warm day, but my chores were inside so no yard work. Maybe tomorrow after the cleaning is done!

The sunrise was pretty this morning, even thought it wasn’t totally bright. And Snoopy shared his little words of joy today – I can think so several people who bring me job in my life; but the Joy of the Lord is my strength.

I listened to Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. He referred to Stephen in the book of Acts. Like Stephen, our countenance should reflect God within us. Don’t be fussing over the election and the candidates. We should be focused on our relationship to Jesus and sharing Him with those we come in contact with – the world desperately needed Jesus and his salvation. Often we brag on ourselves, our country, our lives. But we should be bragging on God! Find a framework to hang your faith on so that you can easily share God with those you meet; how will YOU share the gospel and be effective? Stay focused on what is important. Eternity is a long time to be wrong!

On this day in 1817 the first Mississippi SHOWBOAT left Nashville on its maiden voyage. In 1864 Abraham Lincoln formally established Thanksgiving as a National Holiday. Walter Cronkite hosted his first weekly documentary in 1957, and in 1979 John F. Kennedy Library was dedicated in Boston. Herbert Hoover (31st president) died in 1964 at age 90, Burt Lancaster died at age 80 in 1994, and Jane Wyatt died in 2006. Jacqueline Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis in 1968. Christopher Wren was born in 1632. Why should we know him? He was an architect that designed the Wren Building for the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg VA. Mickey Mantle was born in 1931, Snoop Dog in 1971, and my friend Dianne Gresham from childhood through all these years – from Hempfield church – is celebrating a birthday today. She is Autmn’s prayer partner and has had a huge influence in both Kelly’s and Nate’s lives. She is a strong, loving, gracious, faithful Christian woman and I’m glad to call her friend! Happy birthday Dianne!

TOMORROW October 21 is:

• National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
• National Reptile Awareness Day
• BRA Day USA –
• Hagfish Day – (I can probably count on Ron to tell me what this is…)
• Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce –
• Medical Assistants Recognition Day 

Remember – over the next few weeks – keep your focus on what is important. Be kind, all the time! God bless. . . .

It’s hard to believe, but today was a totally uneventful day! I worked both stores, helped out Mike, got gas for the car and a book of stamps, then came home to eat a bowl of leftover potato soup. I did a load of laundry and started working on the story I am writing. It’s been a long time since I wrote anything of any length. This won’t be book length but more than 7 or 8 pages. It will take a while to write and edit.

My cousin Deb stopped for the last 3 books in the Jan Karon Mitford series. We talked for a while, and then I listened to First Baptist of Greensburg – Mac was the fill-in speaker. He talked about always speaking with Grace: staying sweet in a sour world. A kind word can build people up. To speak with grace you need to have grace in your heart. What’s inside comes out! 1 – you get grace through salvation; 2 – you need to completely submit. There are four tests for gracious speech: 1) Is it true? 2) is it complete information? 3) Is it necessary? 4) Is it kind? Then there are four choices you have to make and stick to: A) be determined to control your tongue (NOT easy!) B) Only say good things about other people. C) Remember your accountability D) Ask the Lord to help you. If you follow these guides you will be gracious of speech! Good advise!

On this day in 1512 Martin Luther becomes a doctor of theology. In 1782 Cornwallis (British forces) surrender to George Washington at Yorktown, ending the Revolutionary War, and in 1932 Henry Ford gave his first radio speech. (Not much happened anywhere today, apparently!!)

TOMMOROW October 20 is:

• National Youth Confidence Day
• National Brandied Fruit Day
• Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity
• National Pharmacy Technician Day –

I appreciated this message today, as everyone knows my mantra is IT’S BETTER TO BE KIND THAN TO BE RIGHT!!! Enjoy your day – God bless . . .

I waited until it warmed up this afternoon to take my walk. When I see frosty roofs out my bedroom window first thing in the morning I rearrange my day! Even though I spent so much time in the kitchen yesterday (not a favorite chore) I put together a big pan of roasted veggies. I had a little bowl when they were done – yum. I saw that St. Bruno’s was having a craft event outside so I drove over there. It was nice to be outside and see some festive wares for sale, but nothing caught my eye (or more to the point, my budget!). I drove down to Midway and walked the Five Star back up past the Waterworks. It was a nice afternoon for a walk. I made a new friend (photo below). When I came home I finished the right section of the garden on the hill. All that is left now is the left section. Hoping it won’t be too hard, as I already did the iris bed on that side.

I listened to Paul’s message this morning from River Hill. He will be doing a series on the 23rd Psalm. We did verses 1 & 2 this morning. He started out by reminding us how much we are like sheep. With each example I could see how this Psalm has been such an inspiration and comfort. His first point was that the Good Shepherd always gives us ALL we NEED – we always seem to want more or different things than what we have. But God provides. 2) God MAKES us lie down in green pastures. We are so stubborn that we want to keep on going, and are too stressed or distracted to sleep! 3) He leads us by quiet waters. We can get rest and refreshment from a quiet stream or pool – but would not be able to drink from, say Niagara Falls! God knows what we need. We need to stay close to the Shepherd and be guided by Him.

On this day in 1867 US took possession of Alaska from Russia ($7.2 Million); in 1931 Gangster Al Capone was convicted of tax evasion, and in 1967 Walt Disney’s JUNGLE BOOK film was released. Thomas Edison died in 1931 and First Lady Bess Truman died in 1982. Chuck Berry (Rock star) was born in 1926, George C Scott (actor/director) in 1927, Lee Harvey Oswald in 1939, and Mike Ditka (football coach) in 1939. And my cousin Gail (one of the Skunk Hollow Girls) is celebrating a birthday today. She’s the oldest cousin on my Mom’s side! Happy birthday, Gail!!! Love you!!!

TOMORROW October 19 is:

• National Kentucky Day
• National Seafood Bisque Day
• National LGBT Center Awareness Day
• National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day  (I clean EVERYTHING – that shouldn’t be a problem!!!)

Take time to rest with your Shepherd. He will keep you in his loving care. God Bless – – –

Today is my son’s birthday. I want to help him celebrate and also look forward to many more wonderful years! Of course I can’t share future photos but I can share some from his early years! Some are a little fuzzy; I was taking pictures of pictures! So here goes:

I spent the day doing chores – mostly cooking. Nate requested Tuna Casserole, and I made him butterscotch pie, and Chrissy wanted potato soup. I found a surprise in the potatoes (No, it wasn’t a snake!). But one looked like a heart and one looked like Mickey Mouse! Fun!

I picked Autmn up at her friend’s house, and the view at the end of my road is so beautiful I stopped and took a photo. Later I pulled weeds (again, no snake), then took the food over to Nate. Jen and the girls got him a frisbee golf basket and I ordered him a frisbee. He’s all set! They love their frisbee golf!

I listened to Steve from Maplewood, and he spoke about be like minded. It’s important for Christians to understand that most churches do have conflict. There are falling outs and people go their separate ways. There shouldn’t be division – we should be of the same mine, like as in Christ Jesus. Above all, if you have a disagreement, don’t insist that one or the other give in, or take take a vote and take sides. Have your mind be as in Christ Jesus, and you will be facing the same way! Hebrews says to pursue peace with everyone, making sure no one falls short and that no root of bitterness grows up among you. Paul was NOT casting shame – he stressed that they all rejoice in the Lord! You should have love for Jesus and love for one another. In these troubled times even within the church people have strong opinions and bring them into the church, and the whole body hurts. Be careful; be like minded with Jesus! (Philippians 4)

On this day in 1979 Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Price, and Jimmy Carter created the Department of Education. In 1991 Pittsburgh Penguin Paul Coffey set NHL defenseman scoring record: 1053 career points (I met him once! He made a personal appearance at the dealership!). In 2018 Caroll Spiner (Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch) left Sesame Street after 50 years. Daredevil Evel Knievel was born in 1938, and my friend Nancy Baughman is celebrating today. Happy birthday Nancy! Have a great day!

TOMORROW October 18 is

• National Exascale Day (has something to do with super computers)
• International Legging Day I LOVE WEARING LEGGINGS!
• National Chocolate Cupcake Day
• National No Beard Day OPPS, RON, this will be a problem for you!!! 🙂

Happy birthday Nathan – I wish you many more and lots of love and success! God bless – –

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

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

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

TOMORROW October 17 is:

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW October 16 is:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW October 15 is:

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

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW October 14 is:

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW October 13 is:

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

God bless us, every one!