This has been a high/low week! So much fun and such a delightful vacation, but then the concern over Kelly’s illness. It was after 3am when I fell asleep last night! But I was able to help out and spend the day with Kelly at UPMC Mercy. And those who know me KNOW that I don’t do Pittsburgh! Getting there was a cake walk: Drove right to it! Getting back – after dark! – was a little trickier. I am convinced that Gwyneth (My GPS) took me in circles to get back to I-376E. Even leaving the parking garage I went past my original parking space twice before I got to the exit! Again, I don’t do Pittsburgh! But Kelly and I took a little walk around her floor (9th – so we were up fairly high) and snapped some photos. She even shared one that she took last night on the way in after dark. So glad to be home safe and know she is doing pretty well. Still doesn’t have a diagnosis or treatment yet but all the doctors are convinced it’s not threatening. They are deferring to the dermatologist who should be in tomorrow.

I got the loveliest picture in the mail, created just for me from my great niece, Amelia (Millie for short!). Thank you sweet girl! And Kelly told me that Peyton (14) and Logan (13) decided it was time to put the Christmas lights up – I think they did an amazing job! Very festive.

Swingset in lights!

As it is late and I didn’t have the opportunity to listen to any online sermons – and that I’m pretty worn out tonight – I will continue with vacation recap later in the week. Plan to go back down again tomorrow and keep Kelly company – rather than her being bored and climbing the walls – at 9 stories up that’s not a safe idea!

On this day in 1926 J C Penney opened his 1252nd store, now having retail stores in each of the 48 continental United States. Henry John Heinz (H. J.) was born in Pittsburgh in 1844, and Eleanor Roosevelt was born in 1884. In 1975 Bill Clinton married Hillary Rodham.

TOMORROW October 12 is:

• National Savings Day
• National Vermont Day
• National Freethought Day
• National Farmer’s Day
• National Gumbo Day
• National Online Bank Day –
• National Kick Butt Day–
• Native American Day –
• Columbus Day –

Have a great week – and celebrate something special! God Bless . . .

Nice morning for a walk! Changed and washed sheets, shower and breakfast, then went outside to pull weeds and clean up the next section of the gardens. I worked for almost 4 hours until…. I opened the gate to come into the back yard and a little funky looking snake slithered into the iris bed – my next project. NOT! I cleaned everything up, took another walk around the house, and eyed up the irises and the azalea bush but didn’t see anything menacing. Still, I was done. Lots to do inside, anyway! But in addition to the little sneaky-snake, I saw two ugly black and yellow spiders with black hairy legs, two blue jays playing in the yard, and a chipmunk standing watch on the deck. Interesting day.

So on Wednesday, after we toured Fillmore’s house, we headed over to Niagara Falls. I hadn’t been there in YEARS and it was very exciting! Thankfully we took winter coats, because even though it was almost 60*, once you got near the falls it was windy, cold, and wet. The rapids on the upper Niagara river were rough and noisy but mesmerizing to watch. After taking a few photos Kath and I walked across to Goat Island and down to the overlook by Bridal Veil Falls. Although I love the views from the lookout, the heights scare me to death! I could barely walk over to the railing! But I did get some great photos. Kath took one for me while I was sitting on a rock. I took one of her by the railing and she got soaked in just those few seconds. It was so fun to be there, to see the splendor of the falls, hear the roar of the water, and feel the wind and the spray on our faces. It was a highlight of the trip for me!

Greg from Vanderbilt talked about presenting ourselves to others in a worthy and truthful manner. It’s so easy to pretend to be something or someone we are not, and he warned against hypocrisy. The difficulty in that is that sometimes we don’t even realize that we are living a pretense. We need to examine our lives every day and make certain that we are truthful with others, but also truthful to ourselves. We are God’s witnesses to the world- what are they seeing in us??

On this day in 1845 US Naval Academy opened in Annapolis, and in 1961 Bob Newhart Show premiered (We laughed and laughed -Larry/Darryl and my other brother Darryl!!!). In 1978 Congress approved the dollar coin honoring Susan B Anthony. Tanya Tucker was born in 1958. Orson Wells died at age 70 in 1985, and the same year Yul Brynner died at age 65. Christopher Reeve died at age 52 in 2004. In 1773 Paul Revere married Rachel Walker in Boston (No, not Paul Revere and the Raiders — they sang. The other Paul Revere road horses….)

TOMORROW October 11 is:

• International Day of the Girl Child
• National Sausage Pizza Day
• National Coming Out Day
• General Pulaski Memorial Day
• Clergy Appreciation Day 

I for one certainly appreciate all the ‘clergy/ministers/preachers/pastors’ that share themselves weekly and daily. They are an encouragement for me, and often make me stop and examine truths or thoughts – even about myself – that need a closer look. Take time this week to say thank you to those who inspire and encourage you! God bless – –

Late last night I received a call from Matt that Kelly was having an issue with an incision site from her surgery; he took her to the hospital and they are keeping her for a day or two so they can make sure it heals properly. So that information sort of sent me down another track! This morning I slept in a bit and didn’t walk, and there was lots to do in Jeannette (a little in Greensburg). I got gas for the car on the way home, ate lunch, walked, pulled weeds for about an hour, then cut the grass. I hit 10,000 steps while I was mowing the front yard. Now supper is in the oven.

So I will break the vacation up into three sections. Today I will talk about Millard Fillmore house. It was a small house, moved from a few streets up when they needed the space to build a theater on Main Street. Although small, the house fully represented Millard and Abigail Fillmore. It was furnished appropriately, and much of the contents actually belonged to the Fillmores. Both tour guides had great, interesting information about Millard’s presidency, the lives of his family, and that of his two children – Powers and Mary Abigail. Fillmore, then vice-president, became president when Zachery Taylor fell ill and died after presiding over a July 4th celebration. Fillmore was anti-slavery but worked very hard to keep the nation from going to war. He chose not to run for re-election, and later efforts to run failed. His presidency is very down-played and not much is taught about his accomplishments or achievements, which were many, as were Abigail’s (She started the White House library!). Mary spoke five languages! It’s worth looking up some info on him. I think you’d be impressed! My favorite ‘little known fact’ is that when he was born he was put in a maple trough to sleep because there wasn’t room or money for a bed!

I’ll share Steven’s message from Maplewood. As I didn’t take notes in the car, this will be short. Basically he challenged us to really look at what is important in our lives, and what we treasure. We might all say we ‘treasure’ Jesus, or God, or our relationship with them, but we also sort of take it for granted and focus on our possessions or status in life. We need to take a close look at our lives and put things in priority – you can’t take it with you! So store up for yourselves treasures in heaven….

On this day in 1915 Woodrow Wilson was the first US President to attend a world series game, and in 1936 the Hoover Dam began transmitting electricity. John D Rockefeller JR married Abby Aldrich in 1901 (they were VERY instrumental in the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg!!!). In 1973 Elvis and Priscilla Presley divorced about 6 years of marriage. And birthdays: John Lennon was born in 1940 and my cousin Karen’s daughter Brenda Lee is celebrating a birthday today! Happy birthday Brenda!

TOMORROW October 10 is:

• National Angel Food Cake Day
• National Cake Decorating Day
• National Handbag Day
• World Mental Health Day
• National Chess Day
• National Costume Swap Day
• National Motorcycle Ride Day
• I Love Yarn Day – (I know LOTS of people who will appreciate THIS one! Mary Ann Mogus, Kelly – just to name a few!)

Wishing everyone a peaceful, happy, healthy weekend! God bless….

It was a wonderful trip! Lots to share and talk about, but it’s late and I’m sort of tired out and a bit hungry so it will mostly have to wait. I will just say that we started out early Wednesday morning with bright sunny skies, but didn’t get very far til it was dismal and rainy. That was ok – it didn’t dampen our spirits at all! There was a minimal amount of color on the trees but as we got up into New York later there was both sunny skies and bright colored trees!

We made a quick stop in Albion to see John – he’s still looking good and getting along ok. It was difficult to only stay an hour but we had a scheduled tour 2 hours away! More on that later….

I listened to both Steve from Maplewood and Greg from Vanderbilt on my trip. I’ll share those messages later, as well. For now I’ll just say that God indeed blessed our trip with safety, fellowship, laughter, good food, and great memories! And love! Love my family!

On October 7th in 1959 PILLOW TALK with Doris Day and Rock Hudson was released. George Mason (American statesman) died at age 66 in 1792, and Edgar Allan Poe died in 1849. My friend and one of the SMAIL FAMILY, Kelly Carr Smail, celebrated a birthday yesterday – happy belated, Kelly! Miss seeing you!

On this day (October 8th) in 1942 Abbott & Costello launched their weekly radio show; in 1945 the microwave oven was patented. In 1964 Ringo Star passed his driver’s test (Not sure that I actually care about that…), and in 2001 George W. Bush established the Office of Homeland Security, in direct response to the attack on 9/11. John Hancock (first signer of the Declaration of Independence) died in 1793 at age 56, and in 1869 Franklin Pierce (14th President) died in 1869.

OK – I messed THAT up! I posted the wrong info on Tuesday evening! SO …. We missed October 7 (Wednesday):

• National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day (I LOVE chocolate covered pretzels! And I MISSED IT 🙁 )
• National LED Light Day
• National Frappe Day
• National Inner Beauty Day
• National Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day
• National Walk to School Day –
• National Pumpkin Seed Day –
• National Coffee with a Cop Day – (Never tried this…)

TOMORROW October 9 is:

• National Leif Erikson Day
• National Pro-Life Cupcake Day (What is a pro-life CUPCAKE??)
• National Moldy Cheese Day (YUCK!!!)

Hope your weekend is wonderful, filled with all the things that matter to you – More soon!!!! God bless – – –

What a beautiful fall day! Work was lighter than usual, so even though I took an early morning walk after the 6am Walmart run, I stopped at Twin Lakes and walked both lakes. Beautiful skies, the lake reflected the sun and the clouds, and the trees were just starting to turn in some places.

I grabbed a quick sandwich at noon, then got to work cleaning the house. It always feels so good to leave for a few days and know the house is spic and span. Then after I had cleaned and did a load of towels, I took another walk around the neighborhood.

I’ve been trying to make friends with the neighbor’s dog, Marley. His owner brought doggie treats this morning so I was able to coax him into a calm interaction. I will pick up doggie treats next trip to the store so I’m prepared to keep Marley happy with me! Dave and Liz live about 10 houses up from me on the right.

I’ll share Kyle’s message today from Hempfield Church – he talked about STORIES. Each character in the story has an arc. The heroes are uniquely qualified to defeat the enemy or solve the problem; something that sets them apart. Do you have to be extraordinary to make a difference? Be a superhero with ‘powers’? Not at all. The first church in Antioch was comprised mostly of gentiles; Everyone worked together and included each other in their quest to have the church succeed on God’s terms. Common, regular everyday people who just wanted to obey Jesus. Most of those mentioned in Acts about the first church were un-named! They didn’t achieve fame or fortune or notoriety! They just did what needed done, and did it in a spirit pleasing to God. WE just need to say YES and be the church!

On this day in 1889 Thomas Edison showed the first motion picture, and in 1961 JFK advised Americans to build fallout shelters (I remember that – my dad didn’t build one….) Alfred (Lord) Tennyson died at age 83 in 1892, and Bette Davis (age 81) died in 1989. In 1991 Elizabeth Taylor (age 59) married Larry Forlensky (age 39) – it was her 8th marriage. And in 1996 Faith Hill married Tim McGraw.

TOMORROW October 8 is:

• National Fluffernutter Day (You’ve GOT to be kidding! What is a fluffernutter????)
• National Pierogi Day
• American Touch Tag Day

Be a hero – be part of God’s story. He’s writing it down. How is YOUR arc?? And do whatever you have to with the fluffernutter…. God bless.

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW October 6 is:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOMORRW October 5 is:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW October 4 is:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW October 3 is:

• National Techies Day
• National Boyfriend Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW October 2 is:

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

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