This was the first Wednesday I’ve spent the entire day home alone since the middle of February. It seemed really strange, and it took me until 12:02 (NOON) to actually get started on my cleaning. Lots of phone calls and emails to take care of. Things went better than expected! I stepped out on the front porch and saw a baby bunny hiding under the Dutch Iris plants. Then I stepped on the back deck and saw a rainbow reflected in the kitchen door – so snapped a photo of the reflection and the real thing. And there hadn’t been a drop of rain – so I think God was just giving me something MORE to smile about!

I listened to Micah’s message from Old Mahoning, entitled A BLESSED NATION. We are blessed because of the abundance we have within our nation; food, jobs, freedom, choices — Not everything is perfect but there are a lot of perfect things. We did not pick where we would be born; GOD picked that. But what could undermine a nation? Failed Strategy: Nations will fail if they don’t line their strategies up with God’s strategy. With GOD nothing is impossible, and even if it seems to be, it isn’t if it’s within God’s plan. Circumstances don’t determine outcome; GOD determines outcome. False Surveillance: God can see the whole picture; the whole world, but still see inside our individual hearts. If we follow God and serve him faithfully he sees that and we will never be sorry for serving him. False security: Often we rely on size, strength, and our defense resources to make us feel secure. But God’s protection is the only security we ever need. And what does God want from us? Our righteousness, and for us to give our hearts to Him, put our Hope in Him, and rely on His help. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!!

In 1776 Colonel John Nixon gave the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. In 1796 the US State Department issued the first US Passport. The Liberty Bell cracked AGAIN in 1835. John D Rockefeller was born in 1839, and Betty Ford died at age 93 in 2011. In 1942 Cary Grant & Barbara Hutton were married. Two friends from the Albion area are celebrating today: Lisa Carter Siders and Marcella Mooney. Happy birthday ladies.

Today is National Freezer Pop Day, National Chocolate with Almonds day, and National Video Game Day. I’m sure my grandson CHASE celebrated that, even if he didn’t know!

Love your nation, love your God. You will share what you love! God bless —

Today was a rather difficult day. Mom is having some health issues that we have to deal with, and it has made Kathy’s and my hearts heavy and sad. Thankfully we have a God who holds us in the palm of His hand. We trust that His care of all of us will be perfect and true. I got to work a little before one, and got home about 4:30pm. I did, however, get to talk at great length to Kelly, who is coping well and feeling pretty good, waiting on a care plan for the next month. I had about 15 minutes outside pulling weeds before the thunder rumbled and the rain came down. We need rain SO BAD that it was a beautiful sight!

I listened to Paul’s message from River Hill. This was their first week to meet back in the church, and I could feel the joy radiating from within. They were stepping out to trust God to keep them safe as they worshiped. Paul talked about the Israelites crossing the Jordan on dry ground, and stopping to gather 12 stones from the river bed and build a memorial of thanks. Paul explained that WE, the people of God’s church, are the memorial stones, and people look to us as the examples of God. Scripture says that even the ROCKS will cry out, expressing joy toward God. We need to praise God for all to see – praise him as an expression of joy, praise him for our new birth, and praise him as our living hope – eternity! Let’s all be the best rocks that we can, and PRAISE in all things. ALL things!

On this day in 1940 Ringo Star was born in Liverpool England, and Arthur Conan Doyle died at age 71 in 1930. In 1949 Shelley Duvall was born on this day and married on this day in 1970! Today is National Dive Bar Day, National Father/Daughter take a walk Day, National Macaroni Day, and National Strawberry Sundae Day. I did none of that! I think I’ll make it be – – – – National HAT Day! I did wear a hat on my walk this morning! Have a great day, and God Bless!

There are days when I’m not actually sure what day of the week it is! Normally I can figure that out by whether I had Mom for the day, went to work, or fulfilled an obligation! But if I’m guessing right today is Monday. Chris spent the night with me Sunday, and we visited with Grama Dot today. Chris helped me defrost the mini-fridge (purple!) downstairs as it was over-iced. I framed a post card that my cousin Beth found that was sent to Grama Crooks in the early 1920’s – almost 100 years old! – and hung it in my bedroom. After Mom went back to Kathy’s Chris and I went shopping. She is going to Outdoor Odyssey (Camp) next week and needed a few things. Short are almost as scarce as toilet paper was in March! We managed to get most of what she needed and then had Subway for supper.

I listened to First Baptist in Greensburg; a guest minister Mac Reed, whose sermon was FREE INDEED. He shared the following, listing 7 things that make our country great: Principles, values, courage, diversity, benevolence, possibilities, and being founded on God’s word. But this world (country) is not our home; we are passing through, and will go HOME because we have freedom in Christ: Freedom from the law, from guilt of sin, power of sin, power of darkness, fear of man, and the sting of death. And the question he asked at the end: Are YOU Free? Men have paid the price so American is free (some with their lives); Jesus paid the price so WE could be free!

On this date in 1776 the Declaration of Independence was announced on the front page of the PA Evening Post, and in 1942 Anne Frank’s family went into hiding. “Forrest Gump” was released in 1994. In 1971 Louis Armstrong died at age 69; in 1921 Nancy Reagan was born and George W Bush Jr – our 43rd president – was born in 1946. And today my friend Mary Ellen Neff-Miller is celebrating a birthday – I met her through association with the Saltsburg Historical Society. Happy birthday Mary Ellen!

Today is National Fried Chicken Day (I had grilled chicken; does that count?) and International Kissing Day (none of that here!) Have a great week and God Bless – – –

After the busy exciting 4^th celebration, today was quiet and laid back in comparison.  I took a very short morning walk and then waited for Mom. Paul was excited to be presenting his first in-person sermon from the pulpit of River Hill Church so I had Mom stay here with me.  We just hung out, went in and out the basement door about a dozen times an hour, and made a yummy lunch.  I have a few things I’d like to do later, but for now just chillin’ out in the coolness of my basement family room is ok with me.

We listened to Rod at Martin’s Ferry Church this morning.  It was part 2 in the series I FEEL GOOD (finding optimism – how to see things in a good perspective.  That is a decision you make daily!).  When we look around us we could find many things to be pessimistic about; but GOD is still in control, no matter that is happening in the world.  God said ‘I will never forsake you’; He is our help and we never need to be afraid.   As the scripture in 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, to make a difference in this nation we must humble ourselves and pray (a favorite verse!

Today’s movies and TV shows are dark and foreboding.  The characters refuse to accept God’s values and it pulls the nations down.  But God promises he will do amazing things!  Is our focus on the world or on God? GOD is still in control.  All the time!  God IS in control, not me, not politicians, government, rioters.  If we stand on GOD’s promises he will save us; again, he will never leave or forsake us.  “I will not be afraid; what can MAN do to me?” God doesn’t forget us, or His promises.  I know that I am saved, and will outlast the world.  I feel good!

On this day in 1810, PT Barnum was born.  In 1911 Lucy Maud Montgomery (author of Anne of Green Gables) married Ewan McDonald.  Today is National apple turnover Day, National Graham Cracker Day (all those leftover crackers from making s’mores yesterday!!!), National workaholics Day (I can relate), and National Bikini Day.

It’s also 95* in the shade!  But I don’t mind the heat.  Have a great week!  God bless…

Today has been the perfect Independence Day celebration for me. I took an early morning walk, noting the banners and flags and displays of our country’s celebration of freedom. I volunteered to be part of Hanna’s Town’s Free Museum day and was on site by 10am. Hanna’s Town is an historic site that dates to the Revolutionary War era. I was stationed in the Tavern, and was able to share with guests the history of that area of Western Pennsylvania, the town itself, and the colonial way of life in the 1770’s.

My sister and brother in law, my niece and her husband and their daughter came out to be part of the day – and I was so glad to have them there! Made me proud to share with my family! The site was busy all day, and I recounted the same facts so many times I lost myself trying to remember what I told which group. Some were very receptive and wanted as much information as I could provide; others wanted a quick synopsis and then were on their way to the next area. I loved sharing the information. One gentleman sat down and we just chatted for about half an hour – and he was excited every time he learned a new fact! He spent time with Proctor’s Militia as well, and they said he gave me 5 stars for presentation and information! How fun! I’m pretty sure everyone enjoyed their day.

Members of Proctor’s read the Declaration of Independence twice; once in the morning and once late afternoon. The familiar words brought chills to my spine, as I listed to the recitation and let the thoughts and intentions of those early patriots sink in. Very humbling and encouraging. There was even a rifle salute after the readings.

Several ladies from the militia were cooking over an open fire right outside the tavern window, and the roasting chicken aromas wafted through and smelled wonderful. The food they cooked would be served to the militia for dinner, as many of them were camping there overnight.

I left Hanna’s Town, came home and took a quick shower (it was very hot in the closed in tavern!) and spent the evening at Nate’s. He cooked burgers and dogs on the grill, and we all sat outside and enjoyed the summer evening. When I pulled into my neighborhood, houses up and down all of the streets were setting off fireworks. Probably the biggest display that has ever been set off in the neighborhood. I stood outside on the driveway and tried to look in all directions. The bright orange moon added to the wonder of the night sky, filled with bright colors of lights raining down over the trees and rooftops. Perfect ending.

But here are some facts that you may or may not know about the 4th of July. It was not declared a federal holiday until 1870. Three presidents died on July 4th: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe. John Hancock’s signature is the largest on the Declaration of Independence (and I believe he was the first to sign!). Fireworks have been part of Independence celebrations since 1777. Massachusetts was the first state to make Independence Day a Holiday. The liberty bell has not been rung since 1846 because of a crack which occurred that year when it was rung in celebration of George Washington’s birthday. And lastly, it’s my favorite holiday! Who knew???

On this date in 1776 the Liberty Bell rang for the 2nd continental congress. Also in 1776 the United States declares independence from Britain. General Lee’s army withdraws from Gettysburg in 1863. In 1884 the Statue of Liberty was presented to the US in Paris. US raises the flag at Iwo Jimo in 1944. And today is Independence Day. That is more than enough!

And let me say, as Lee Greenwood so aptly said years ago, GOD BLESS THE USA!

One more day! 🙂 I’m excited, just for the celebration of it. I’m proud to be a part of this great country – even with it’s flaws and distress. Because there is joy and love and beauty here, too. Sort of like Rod’s message yesterday: We have to decide what perspective we are going to take. It’s all in the attitude. Keep it positive.

Today was an ok day. I was thinking as I worked outside (for about 45 minutes) that even with the heat it was a glorious day! Mom and I basically stayed in – I thought it was too hot for her to be out. She sat on the deck at about 10:30am while I gave the thirsty flowers a drink, but then we went inside and did laundry, ironing, made potato salad, brownies, and lunch. After Mom went back to Kathy’s I had a quick 20 minute errand to run, then did the little bit of outside work. I sawed off some branches on the lilacs in the herb garden (looking good!) and took a few more pictures. Sorry that the ’76’ is backwards. I have it facing so I can see it from inside and sitting on the porches.

I tried to listen to Kyle at HCC, but their media wasn’t working and they were recording via phone. I couldn’t hear anything. I did, however, distinguish that Kyle was speaking about the next fruit of the spirit: Joy. The only points I could pick up were that we must keep our eyes on Jesus, and on the Joy set before us. On the horizon. We must trust Him daily (minutely!!!!) for our joy. I remember from other messages that joy is not happiness. Joy is a decision you make, a gift from God, despite circumstances. The Joy of the Lord is our Strength!

On this day in 1754 George Washington surrendered to the French at Ft. Necessity. Tom Cruise was born in 1962. Today is National Fried Clam Day (yuck), National Eat Your Beans Day (rats – we had peas!!!), Chocolate Wafer Day (do brownies count??), and Stay out of the Sun Day! (Of course I didn’t!!!).

Let’s have Snoopy have the last word. Love your enemies! It will bring you both JOY! God bless…

What was my day like, you ask. It was crazy busy mixed up and shaken together – but good! My work(s) were both busy & crazy. But good. I stopped and got gas for the car and stamps at the post office. After a quick sandwich I cleaned the house, but nothing outside. I didn’t really have time. I was reading contest stories as a guest author for my daughter. Ages 9-16. So fun to read that age! Some were very good!

I listened to Kelly’s preacher Rod at Martin’s Ferry Church. He made my cry. There is so much going on with Kelly right now, and the support and love and prayers from these Godly people are amazing. It leaves me in awe. I feel humbled. But his 3 part series is called ‘I Feel Good’ – taken from Ecclesiastics and Solomon’s musings. Are you a pessimist or optimist? Both are right, but optimists smile more often, and praise God more often. And it’s all in how you look at it. Solomon said everything was meaningless – wisdom, pleasure, career, riches and wealth, even religion. Nothing good under the sun. So. What is left? What gives satisfaction and meaning to life? GOD! He is our joy – the relationship we have with God. Working for God is not a chore; it is a privilege, because he’s our best friend. He is our shepherd, and we are the sheep of his pasture. WE are not the shepherd! God will lead, direct, and care for us – even the hairs on our head are numbered, he knows us so well! Feeling Good is being a sheep! It’s a DECISION! SO: Feel Good!

On this day in 1505 after a violent thunder storm Martin Luther declares that he will become a monk! In 1962, Sam Walton opened his first Walmart store in Rogers Arkansas. In 1979 the Susan B Anthony dollar – the first US coin to honor a woman – was issued. Ernest Hemingway died at age 61 in 1961, and Jimmy Stewart died at age 89 in 1997. Lindsay Lohan was born in 1986, and today is my friend Susan Zollinger’s birthday. Happy birthday Sue! Have a great day!

And a little known fact: On this day in 1776 the Continental Congress actually declared independence – It was on July 4th that the wording was actually approved. That day was chosen, almost 100 years later, to officially be our nation’s birthday. Even though the war began before that, and ended long after that, and the declaration wasn’t even completely signed until August! Check it out! Have a great day – God Bless…

It’s being said that July 1st, the first day of the second half of the year, is our new start! Everyone is saying HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I am praying that we indeed do have a brighter second-half 2020 ahead. That being said – it’s my youngest grandson’s (grandCHILD, actually) birthday! Eleven! Wow time really went fast! I’m anxiously waiting for them to come for another visit – after Kelly is done with her appointments and treatments. I miss them! I love sharing time and laughter with them!After a quick breakfast of hot tea and scones I brought mom over. We spent the afternoon outside, sitting on the deck, as there was a breeze that felt good sitting in the shade. I was able – after mom went back to Kathy’s – to clean part of my house, pull some weeds, and listen to Paul’s message at River Hill.

The message was People get ready for God’s amazing works! God through Joshua led his people across the Jordan river by having the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to the water’s edge. When their feet touched the river, the water stopped flowing and the people walked across on dry ground. God said, ‘My presence will go before you’. And it still does! The Ark represented God’s dwelling place, his direction, and his power. Today, we get those through Jesus. We must make God our focus- he promised he would do great things, and he does; still is. We often focus on the wrong things: not church, or the preacher, or people. GOD! God is our purpose – we mustn’t please ourselves; please God! and he is our deliverance. He led the Israelites, and he leads us today. We need to surrender to the presence of God and he will lead us.

On this day in 1776 the first vote was made on the Declaration of Independence (I know what’s coming!!!). In 1898 Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders charged up San Juan Hill. In 1904 the summer Olympic games were first held in the US (St. Louis), and in 1905 Albert Einstein introduced his theory of relativity. Estee Lauder was born in 1906; Olivia de Havilland (of Gone with the Wind fame!) was born in 1916, and Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales in 1961. ** This just in! Olivia de Havilland is 104 today – the last living member of the cast of Gone with the Wind! What an amazing achievement!

Harriet Beecher Stowe died at age 85 in 1896, and Marlon Brando, 80, died in 2004. Dwight Eisenhower married Mamie Doud in 1916. My writer friend from Florida, Skye Taylor, is having a birthday today, and as mentioned, my grandson Chase is celebrating eleven years! Happy Birthday to both!

Today is National Postal Workers Day and National Postage Stamp Day, as well as National Gingersnap Day (my mom loves ginger snaps!). It’s also International Canada Day, and National Joke Day. (Why was the stadium so cool? It was filled with fans! haha.)

Happy New Year (sort of) and God Bless!!!

It’s been a long time since I’ve spent a day trying to do one thing – it took me all day not to do it! Lots of interruptions and distractions – but all good. Started by taking Mom for bloodwork. We made lunch and then she had an appointment with her caregiver after lunch. I cut the grass – what little there is. Most of it is clover, and it seems that clover is mower-resistant. Ugh. Deb stopped over to borrow another 2 books from my Jan Karon series (my favorite!)

and we visited for almost an hour. Long overdue! I did paperwork for a long-time friend (he was working for Smail’s when I started there in 1967!!) and WE talked for well OVER an hour. It was nice to journey back those long-ago roads. The best of times; the worst of times. Where did I hear that before?

I listened to Bram from First Baptist. His message was God in three Persons. He had touched on this message back in March at the beginning of our quarantine but still always something to learn. The Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) mutually dwell in each other; different dimensions. Now we see through the glass dimly – we can’t explain the mysteries, but we must embrace them. He wants us to accept him; our faith promises the spirit of God will live in us. The goal is NOT to understand the mystery of the trinity. The mysteries of God help us to understand God himself, and know he is within us. It’s sort of like being one person but having three names: for me it would me Marge, Grammy, Mimi. I’m still the same person but people identify themselves with me differently.

On this day in 1613 Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London burnt down. In 1776 the Virginia state constitution was adopted and Patrick Henry becomes Governor of Virginia. Elizabeth Barrett Browning (poet) died in 1861, and Katharine Hepburn died in 2003. And today is my cousin’s daughter’s birthday, Aimee St Gelais. Have a great day, Aimee, and enjoy your celebration. Many More! God bless . . .

PS – I just went out to water the plants on the hill – and the yard is full of fireflies!!! Delightful!!!

Now that I’ve posted the Skunk Hollow details, I can get down to today’s events. A little late is better than never, especially if it’s to recount a fun party day. Today after my early morning walk (not too early; I slept in!) I baked fresh scones for Kelly. Then I mixed a batch of icing drizzle for her, too. Nate came over around noon and did a few odd jobs for me. He hung my new Peanuts perpetual calendar. The ‘months’ come in installments. I have four and am waiting on the next batch with excitement. He put a new wall switch for my downstairs closet light; tightened a door knob, cleaned a few ceiling panels, and hung the ’76’ medallion I got for my birthday.

I drove to Washington PA and met Kelly, Matt, Logan and Chase at Cracker Barrel. I hadn’t seen Matt since Christmas, and Kelly and the boys since the beginning of May. We had a yummy meal and a nice visit – but too short! I have some stories I need to read for her, to help judge a contest for home-schoolers. Also notarized a few papers. Drove through some rain coming home but it was an easy drive.

Since it was still daylight when I got back, I decided to celebrate Paul Bunyan day and chop off a few branches. I took the Rose of Sharon out of the corner of the fence. It was growing through the links. Then I trimmed back the big lilac at the bottom right corner of the yard. Bundled up the branches and there you go! Good ol’ Paul!

I listened to Micah, since it was a continuation and I just listened to it Friday! It was entitled You do You! – but it was still about God being the potter. We should do what God created and instructs us to do. He has a plan, but sadly not everyone (even Christians!) will follow it. If only we would recognize that we are in good hands – God makes us perfect and Jesus intercedes for us. How do we know what God wants us to do? We ask him! Listen as he speaks to you through His word. It’s not always easy, and we don’t always make the best decisions – we are human, after all. But God promises that all things work together for Good. That doesn’t mean all things ARE good – God takes what happens and uses it for good if we yield to him. Don’t ever give up and be ‘done with God’ – he’s not done with us! If You be You – you are one of a kind. Be the YOU God made for his glory.

On this day in 1776 the final draft of the Declaration of Independence was submitted to the Continental Congress. I’m getting excited! I know what’s coming NEXT WEEK!!! John Wesley was born in 1703; in 1836 James Madison, our 4th President, dies. In 1965 Merle Haggard married Bonnie Owens – who was divorced from Buck Owens. I was a huge fan of Buck Owens so I’m not sure how I feel about that….

Today in National Paul Bunyan Day (I celebrated!), National Insurance Awareness Day (I wasn’t aware!!!), National Alaska Day, and National Tapioca Day.

Since I didn’t really post yesterday, here’s what happened on June 27th (not much….) Helen Keller was born in 1880. It was National Onion Day, National Ice Cream Cake Day (We had Ice Cream AND Cake, but not ice cream cake); National Sunglasses Day, National Bingo Day, and summersgiving. Now we are all caught up! Have a great week…