Here it is the last day of September. As LONG as this year has felt, September has flown by. I took a walk this morning on the crisp cool overcast day. Wednesday has become my concentrated whole-house cleaning day and it does take me all day. I often get caught up in little side chores, like stocking the little drink fridge downstairs, cleaning out a drawer or cupboard, or looking for something that is eluding me.

Today I finished about 4pm with everything, but I had an errand to run. About noon, Ron’s aunt Darlene called me from her rehab facility (broken pelvis) with the news that she would be released on Friday. Great news — but I still had the walker she lent me when we thought Mom might use it. Mom couldn’t get the hang of it – so it was in my shed. We made arrangements for me to run it down to her at the facility – but before I could do that she called back. She’d sold one of my LETTERS TO MARY books to a staff assistant! I call her my publicist because she is talking up the book no matter where she is. I quickly made a package of those Pillsbury sugar cookies and packed them up with the book and walker and dropped them off. She called me within half hour to thank me for the surprise treat. At least I could put a smile on her face for a little while.

I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry, HEART AFTER GOD. God richly blesses those who cry out to him. His message was based on II Chronicles 7:14, as I mentioned yesterday. As a person, as a nation, we need to call on God to forgive our sins, as people and as a country, and if we repent he will forgive and heal our land. What a blessed promise! We have two obligations in asking for forgiveness: Contriteness (broken heart) – Be sincerely repentant and sorry. We need to love what God loves but also hate what God hates. It’s not the absence of sin, but grieving over the sins we have committed. Also, Conviction – Turn from our wicked ways. Make a vow to God not to repeat our sins, and keep it! Then he will heal – freely and completely.

On this day in 1898 the City of NY was established, and in 1950 Radio’s Grand Ole Opry first broadcast on TV. In 1960 the Flintstones premiered, and in 1991 The Jerry Springer show debuted. Truman Capote was born in 1924, and today my step-granddaughter Angela Helene is celebrating a birthday. Happy birthday Ang! Hope it’s a great day! Sending hugs! In 1955 James Dean (24) was killed in a car crash, and First Lady of the US Edith Roosevelt died at age 87.

TOMORROW October 1 is:

• National Black Dog Day
• National Hair Day – – I have hair; does that count??
• Fire Pup Day
• National Homemade Cookies Day (Opps! I was a day ahead of schedule!)

We’re almost at the weekend: Hang tight! God bless –

6am Walmart, then a quick walk almost around the block. I was almost home when it began to rain. I cut up through the yards and saved myself from melting from the raindrops! But the shortened walk gave me more time to get ready and I was at work early for a change.

The cooler, rainy weather inspired me to make stuffed pepper soup, and Joe gave me the nudge to stop and get the few ingredients I was missing. The sweet smell filled the house all day! The first thing I did, though, was to start my tradition of playing Christmas CD’s in September, although much later in the month than normal. I was a bit distracted up to this point, but back on track. Picked five of my favorite and sang all afternoon. Almost as a contradiction, I lit the ‘Fall Leaves’ candle downstairs, which competed with the fragrance of the soup and warred with the Christmas music filling the house with cheer!

I listed to Rob’s message from Martin’s Ferry, but I’m going to defer that to another day. I was bored with Hallmark (Say it isn’t so!!!) and decided to search out Amazon Prime movies. I watched a Christmas movie called THE PERFECT GIFT. It was a story about an overworked recently divorced mom of a young girl Max who hated the changes that were forced on her when her dad left. Their neighbor, an associate pastor at a local church, makes friend with a man named Jes that looks uncannily like Jesus – and the impact he has on the pastor, Max, and her mom – plus the neighborhood – settled into my heart. It’s an age old story, but so many lines were compelling and inspiring and even convicting. I ended up crying several times throughout the movie, especially the very wonderful ending. One thing that stayed with me was Jes explaining that while the shepherds were out looking for Jesus, God had come to earth looking for us!

It turned out to be a very emotional day for me: First getting caught up in my Christmas music, then listening to Rod’s message of my favorite verse (II Chronicles 7:14) that also grabbed at my heartstrings. Then I ended up sharing some very personal thoughts with a dear friend that needed said for a long time – then the movie. But I felt the cleansing of God’s love and grace washing over me and knew that His peace was already there for me.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. “

On this day in 1916 John D Rockefeller became the world’s first billionaire – and that is amazing enough to be all I’m sharing today!

TOMORROW, the LAST DAY of September 30 is:

• National Love People Day
• National Chewing Gum Day
• National Mud Pack Day
• National Hot Mulled Cider Day (I planned on buying cider this morning but they don’t carry it yet – bummer!)
• National Women’s Health & Fitness Day

I didn’t get my coffee today, and I won’t get my Cider tomorrow, but I have fall and Christmas all around me and that makes me happy! God loves you! God bless – – –

Another nice morning for an early walk. I think that is about to change, if the weather people are right. It was a long work day and I was really hungry by the time I got home. A quick left-over hot dog (I know, I know….) and then household chores – laundry, office stuff, title work that I brought home. I listened to two sermons – more about that later!

When I put the fall decorations up, I stuck a beanie baby ghost on my computer desk, as I have done for the past 5 or 6 years. This year, however, it sort of looks eerie. Like it knows something I don’t and can’t wait to spring it on me. Yikes.

One of the things I found in the shed this weekend was a book that Kelly got for Christmas the year before she turned one. It’s called Puddle Duck, and it was and still is a favorite! Poor Puddle Duck loves puddles but never remembers to wipe his feet on the kitchen mat, and his brothers send his wet self out of bed in a flurry of feathers. After some uncomfortable searches for a new bed, he finally realizes that if he just wipes his feet he will be comfy in bed with his brother! Wonderful book! I looked it up and was going to purchase another one (the one we have is Kelly’s) and the only USED one I found could be purchased for a mere $369.00! Yikes! Guess I won’t be buying THAT any time soon!

I will share the message from First Baptist of Greensburg – with guest pastor Shirley Farino about the Glorious Cross. The cross is synonymous with love, forgiveness, salvation. Meeting Christ changes your life, accepting that nothing can wash away our sin but the blood of Christ, God’s son. Someone had to pay the price for sin, and Jesus did that on the cross – the power of the cross makes the difference. The power of the cross of Christ is the door to Heaven. Embrace it!

On this day in 1781 the Siege of Yorktown began, and in 1961 the “HAZEL” TV show debuted. Kath and I LOVED that show! Tennessee Tuxedo cartoon debuted in 1963. Confucius was born in 551BC, and Ed Sullivan in 1901.

TOMORROW September 29 is:

• National Coffee Day
• VFW Day

I don’t drink coffee but I may have to make an exception tomorrow! Enjoy your Tuesday, and God Bless – –

Spent the morning at Hanna’s Town – Autmn was getting her senior photos taken by a good friend of her step-father’s – Dom. Very nice guy and very professional. Can’t wait to see them. He took two hours worth of photos, three different outfits. Josie came, too, and was in a few of the pictures. I even stepped into two or three – just for us.

While she was posing and laughing and being ‘queen for the day’, I walked around and took some new photos of Hanna’s Town. I was impressed with the progress on the two new ‘old’ buildings that have been being reconstructed on site. I even took the path in the woods where it was quiet and peaceful.

I stopped at the mall on the way home – stopped in Barbara Ann’s Country store and Bath and Body Works. Didn’t buy anything at B&B Works but am considering a small purchase. I’ll think about it a few days… I did get a cute coaster at Barbara Ann’s. Then I came home and pulled some of the morning glories off the fence and cut the grass. Then I listened to Paul and Steve.

I will share Paul’s message from River Hill – another post card message about walking with Jesus in the Word from II John. How is your walk? John tells us we should stay alert, be careful, and be grounded in the faith. How? By Obedience: Follow God’s commands. You can’t pick and choose like a buffet! You choose to obey. By Love: Love one another, not just God! By truth: Continue in God’s word Daily. These are necessary for a strong walk with God. Live what you claim to believe! Again, how’s YOUR walk?

On this day in 1779 John Adams negotiated Revolutionary War peace terms with Great Britain. Henry Ford’s first Model T leaves plant in 1908, and in 1954 the Tonight Show with Steve Allen premiered. In 1962 Rachel Carson published ‘Silent Spring’ about the impacts of pesticide use (I toured her house near Pittsburgh ten years ago. Very interesting!) Samuel Adams was born in 1722 (not the drink), Gwyneth Paltro in 1972, and Hugh Hefner died in 2017 (One of my Smail bosses was friends with him and has been to the mansion!!!).

TOMORROW September 28 is:

• National Drink Beer Day (Won’t be me!!!)
• National Good Neighbor Day(Used to be on 4th Sunday) (Always try to be….)
• National Strawberry Cream Pie Day
• National North Carolina Day  (Nope – not going there tomorrow….)
• National Family Day – Fourth Monday in September (I love my family!)

Celebrate tomorrow – and every day that God gives you – and walk with Him! God bless – – –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW September 27 is:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOTS going on tomorrow September 26:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW September 25 is:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW September 24 is:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW September 23 is:

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

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