As promised, here is a recap of our wonderful Skunk Hollow Women’s Fest at Kathy’s yesterday. It was such a lovely day. We gathered about noon and set out our individual contributions of food, and everyone fussed over Mom! We were celebrating her 90th birthday (actually July 20th but this was perfect!) and she always likes the attention. Kathy ordered Jioio’s pizza (my favorite!) and I picked it up. There was so much food! My favorites (other than the pizza) were Gail’s strawberry jello pretzel salad and Holly’s fudge brownies. I should have liked the salads and the read foods (which I did!) but I’m a junk food junkie at heart.

Someone brought mom a huge cat balloon that said Happy Birthday, and it floated around by the TV all afternoon. After we finished eating (we never finished talking!!!) we opened presents, sang, and had cake and ice cream. Mom got a floppy sunhat with bright pink flamingos from Beth, and I believe Holly brought her a tea mug that said ‘Faith’. She drank her tea out of it for Sunday breakfast. She also got a few other little things but mostly she liked the attention – and the cake. She wanted the piece with her name on it so we cut it out of the middle of the cake for her. It’s the little things.

I don’t believe we solved the world’s problems, but we possibly talked our way through some of our own. I think the saying is that problems shared cuts them in half, and joys shared doubles them. We did a lot of halfing and doubling! The day just flew by and it was after 7:30pm before everyone headed home.

I would be remiss if I didn’t say a huge thank you for the cards and gifts and birthday wishes that I also received. They mean the world to me, as do these dear ladies, and as we all left we were already planning our next event at Beth’s in the fall!

We need each other – we love each other – and we need that love! The sweet fellowship of our kindred spirits (as Anne Shirley would say) is a rare and precious blessing. God has INDEED blessed us….

Well the long-awaited Skunk Hollow Women’s Fest – Spring Edition – had finally arrived! Nine out of ten of our cousins traveled to Greensburg to be with us and celebrate – family and fellowship! I will post tomorrow about our day, and attach photos, but it’s late and I still have things to do! So in the meantime, here are the Woodstock Cousins to give you a preview of things to come – either tomorrow or Monday!

I am thankful for this wonderful group of Christian, Godly ladies, who share a common blood bond, a common fellowship, a common Father, and a common love. So, until tomorrow! God bless…

Mom and I managed to run a few errands this morning, do laundry, iron, water the plants, make a cinnamon strussle cake, a pitcher of iced tea, and listen to Micah’s sermon. Pretty productive day! After supper I ran over to Walmart and got a few things I need for tomorrow’s picnic, then came back here and read for about half an hour. Thus way my day!

Micah’s message seemed to be part one of two- life on purpose, one of a kind. He talked about the difference between hearing and listening. Mostly it was about the potter making things, and sometimes he is the only one who sees the imperfections. Then he puts the clay back and starts again. God wants us to submit to his hands – we are in Good hands in God’s hands! We need to conform to the potter. God doesn’t need our permission to form us as he wants us. He provides the best for us; he knows us and understands what we need. God will also do what he wants with our nation. He may have had plans to prosper us, but when we deliberately turn from him, he changes his mind and can bring the nation to its knees. The power is given to the potter, not the vessel. There will be blessings if we follow God, but he doesn’t promise everything will be perfect. We have made some pretty dumb choices; we think we know better than God what we need. We have a choice to make. If we yield to God he will bless us; otherwise we face disaster. What’s your choice? God’s not done with us yet!

It seems to have been a slow day in history, at least for anything noteworthy and interesting to ME! Today is National Coconut Day; National Beautician’s Day, National Chocolate Pudding Day, and National Take your Dog to Work Day. It’s also my friend Kathy Heckman’s birthday. Kathy and I met when we were in early elementary school, as we were in the same Sunday School Class! She is a wonderful, loving Christian – a mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, and friend! Happy birthday Kathy – here’s to MANY more happy times!! God Bless.

Six months from today is Christmas Eve. That, my friends, is in memory of Bud! Today Autmn and I hung out with mom for a while. We took a short walk, made lunch, watered the plants, ate cookies on the deck, and I was able to handle some phone calls and emails with Autmn here helping. Looking around the yard I appreciated that MOST (never all) the flower beds were virtually weed-free.

Last night I listened to Justin from Martin’s Ferry church – Standing firm in the Fire (Still in Daniel). He began by referencing the scripture: In this world you will have trouble; but I have overcome the world. I Peter says that trials prove our faith, and faith that is tested is a faith that can be trusted. We all go through seasons of fire – here are some points to encourage you to rely on and strengthen your faith. 1) Faith obeys God instead of following Man – we will honor our God. 2) Faith obeys in spite of what it sees; faith has to rise; God is willing and able. Our circumstances don’t define us. 3) Faithful obedience is our responsibility but the outcome is God’s. That statement touched me to the core! So many times I try to solve things; not my job! God will show us His presence often; but FULLY show us when we go through the fire. And fire will burn what binds us. Stand Firm In The Fire! Thanks, Justin!

On this day in 1901 the first exhibition by Pablo Picasso (19 years old!) opened in Paris. In 1916 Mary Pickford became the 1st female film star to get a million dollar contract. Jack Dempsey was born in 1895; Grover Cleveland (our 22nd and 24th US President) died in 1908 at age 71. Today is National Parchment Day (???) and also ‘Midsummer.’

Snoopy has sort of summed up life for us today – but go back and reference point 3 in the message! We’ll get there! God bless.

Lots to do today! I went for the 6am senior shopping at Walmart – but had to go alone today. I missed my sister being with me! Got a few things for her, as well. Came home and walked, ate breakfast, pulled weeds, and cut the grass. After lunch I went over and helped with Mom’s shower. She decided she didn’t want one – but we ended up persuading her and all was well. My new flags came today! My old ’76’ flag was ripped and tattered – it will go in the designated box by the post office. And also it RAINED today – at least for a bit. We actually need even more than we got. This morning I bought a fresh bag of red/white/blue M&M’s in anticipation of next weekend. My favorite! I’m baking a meatloaf for lunch tomorrow, and will grab supper when I’m done with this.

I listed to Greg’s message from Vanderbilt church. Sometimes the sermons are as much a history lesson as anything, which I dearly love! I crave learning new details and how seemingly unrelated events are actually very tied together. The sermon was Bad Advice not Taken. The idea was that we need to be aware enough to know the entire circumstances before we make any judgement on whether to follow advise. His example was that in Matthew Peter revealed that he believed that Jesus was the Christ, the son of God. Jesus told Peter he was ‘blessed’ and his kingdom would be built on those words. A few verses later, after Jesus explained what would happen to Him in Jerusalem, Peter said “Never Lord! This shall never happen to you.” And tried to dissuade him. After blessing Peter a few moments ago, Jesus turned to him and said “Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block!….” Peter was suggesting that Jesus step away from his plans – and Jesus knew that this was bad advise. We often think about things in earthly terms and not heavenly ones. Jesus said whoever would gain the world would lose his soul; what will you give in exchange for your soul?? We must deny ourselves and follow Jesus – Don’t exchange JESUS for the GOLDEN CALF of doing whatever you think you want to do. Jesus is our answer!

On this day in 1683 William Penn signed the friendship treaty with Lenni Lenope Indians (Pennsylvania). In 1810 John Jacob Astor organized the Pacific Fur Company in Oregon, and in 1955 Walt Disney’s Lady and the Tramp was released. That is the first movie I took my daughter Kelly to the theater to see! June Carter Cash was born in 1929, and my 2nd (or is it 3rd???) cousin Eric Patterson is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday Eric! Today is National Hydration Day (drink lots of water!), National Pink Day, National Pecan Sandies Day, and National ‘Dark and Stormy’ Day — If you are a Peanuts fan you know that is Snoopy’s famous first line in almost all of his attempts to write novels! Have a happy day! God bless —

The weeding on the hill is done – for the third time this season! Yea! Trying to keep it weeded so the ground cover can take hold and fill in. When that happens it will be so much easier! I watered it twice as the threatened rain never happened. I was finally able to get a haircut and I’m very relieved. Other than that it was a pretty normal Monday – laundry, watching mom for a few hours, working outside.

I will share Bram’s message from First Baptist. He shared a few tips on how to be a better parent, based on the scripture : Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. But how do you train them? What IS that ‘way’? First, set an example. Pray for and with your children. Read and teach the Bible, live up to the prayers and readings and live out your personal faith. Children may not inherit a parent’s talents but will absorb their values. Love the Lord first of all, and do so in a happy and joyful manner. There are incredible challenges and pain in raising a child, but also incredible joy!

On this date in 1969 Judy garland died at age 47; Fred Astaire died at age 88 in 1987. In 1965 Actress Lana Turner married for the SEVENTH time! Who would DO that? Today is National Chocolate Eclair Day, National Onion Rings Day, National Kissing Day (missed out on THAT one!), and National Take your Cat to Work Day – wonder if anyone actually did that??? Have a great day – God bless…

This day has been one for the books — And no a book I want to re-read. I did get a walk in early this morning. It was warmer than I thought and was over dressed but refreshing. I made a double batch of scones and put them in the freezer for Kelly – hopefully next weekend we can connect up and she’ll have a nice supply. I pulled a few weeds and trimmed some plants, made lunch, and that’s about the extent of my day so far.

I listened to Paul’s message from River Hill, a Father’s day message on ‘A Father’s Influence can be Positive or Negative.’ He listed 3 traits to make a successful father, who can create a safe and happy place.

1. If you want your home to succeed, focus on your family as a priority. 2) Walk with God, before God, in His ways, and in His laws. Take the time for Bible study, prayers; attend Sunday School and Church, and have fellowship with other Christians. Be an example! 3) Fear the Lord to receive a blessing. Fear?? It does actually mean fear, not respect or devotion. He loves us and protects us – and promises that we will lack nothing. Remember this: If we fear God we will fear nothing else; if we don’t fear God we will fear everything else. Wise words. If you are connected with JEsus you will be connected with God.

ON this date in 1834 Cyrus McCormick patented thee reaping machine; in 2003 JK Rowling released her 5th Harry Potter book. In 1631 John Smith (In charge of the Virginia colony – Jamestown) died at age 51. Birthdays – 1982 Prince William! Also my childhood friend – we have know each other since before we started school! – Sandy Nelson Brinker – and my cousin John’s wife Judy’s daughter Jaclyn Leona are both celebrating today! Happy birthday. Today is National Skateboarding Day, National Selfie Day, Daylight Appreciation Day, and Turkey Lover’s Day. Also HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO THE WONDERFUL FATHER’s WHO HAVE MADE SUCH AN AMAZING DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF SO MANY!

And since I didn’t post yesterday, on THAT day in 1840 Samuel Morse patented the telegraph and in 1893 Lizze Borden was Acquitted – REALLY???!!! in 1867 the Alaska Purchase was announced. Brian Wilson of the Beloved Beach Boys fame was born in 1942, and Nicole Kidman in 1967. Yesterday was National American Eagle Day, Seashell Day, Longest Day of the Year, and Vanilla Milkshake Day. Also, Ugly Dog Day – sorry – I didn’t make it up!!! God bless….

In the midst of distress, uncertainty, concern, love and prayer, the Word of the Lord stands firm.

I have to admit, I had to look this up! This year it has received more attention than in previous years. No one should be a slave – to anything except good works and kindness.

I took a shorter walk this morning as I slept in – 7:15am. I’m always awake by 6am or so and drift in and out of sleep for about 45 minutes. I must have been exhausted. Mom and I drove to Pinnacle Greensburg so I could drop off my new chair. I think Joe or Ken is going to put it together for me. I decided one of my projects for today was to sort through my huge box of greeting cards that I have saved over the years. Mom and I sat on the deck and I went through all the cards. Some brought happy memories and some, not so much. Some I didn’t even remember who sent them. So that is all done. We had potatoes and spam and green beans for lunch and a cookie for dessert.

I had lots of emails to answer and send out so that’s what I did in the later afternoon. The sky darkened and thunder grumbled, but no rain and no storm. I was ready…. Lots of churches are meeting in their buildings again; ours plans to do that Sunday. It’s a big decision to go or not. It’s a good thing to gather together – also a good thing to be cautious and considerate.

Also listened to Rod at Martin’s Ferry. Still in Daniel, it was Stand Firm. As the story begins, King Darius chooses 3 key people to be administrators, and an 80-year-old Daniel is one – but the others are jealous at the choice. They plot against Daniel; and since they found no fault they created one: No one was to pray to anyone but the king for 30 days. Daniel, of course did not do that. As was his custom, he prayed morning, noon, and evening by his open window. When the other administrators reported this to Kind Darius, he was distraught. He loved Daniel. But the law was firm. Daniel was to be thrown in the lion’s den. We all know the story. God sent Angels to close the lions’ mouths and Daniel was safe. Rod’s message was 3 truths to help you stand firm. 1) When God raises you up, expect people to tear you down. Be Strong! 2) Daniel stuck to the training he received as a young persons in Jerusalem. He never forgot, and vowed not to defile himself and to always seek God. 3) When you do right you can always trust God with the results. Remember that we do not know the end of the story when we’re in the middle of the story. Daniel stood firm; we, too, can stand firm.

On this day in 1865 the end of slavery was celebrated across the US as ‘Juneteenth’. In 1952 “I’ve got a Secret” debuted on CBS. I remember watching that show and trying to guess the secret! Birthdays today are Blaise Pascal in 1623, Wallis Simpson in 1896, and Lou Gehrig in 1903 – And my friend Lisa Jones is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday Lisa! Nathaniel Greene (for whom Greensburg was named!) died in 1786 at age 43. In 1942 Marily Monroe married her first husband, James Dougherty, a policeman. Today is National Garfield the Cat Day, Wear Blue Day, and Flip Flop Day. I wore my red/white/blue flip flops and didn’t even know! Have a great weekend . God bless…..

It turned out to be a lovely day! The rain held off, although it was cloudy on and off. I took an early morning walk, worked until about 1pm, picked up my new office chair at Staples, came home and ate breakfast for lunch (egg on English Muffin), weed whacked, cut the grass, dusted, and swept inside. Nate and Jen popped over with fun gifts – and I am so excited with my black ’76 medallion with the stars cut out (it’s about a foot in diameter) and my wooden Snoopy calendar! I have ALWAYS wanted one! I got to talk to my daughter for almost an hour, sitting out on the deck and watching the baby bunny nibble on the grass. I had a piece of fish for supper and plan on having a birthday brownie when I finish this post! I know I had about 70 birthday posts on facebook, several txt messages, emails, phone calls, and actual cards (via USPS). Feeling loved and blessed!

I listened to Mike’s message from Hempfield – Life by the Spirit (fruits). We must walk by the spirit – it’s a gift – and we need that spirit within us. The flesh is weak. Our spirit and flesh are in constant conflict. We argue with ourself about doing what we want – but when we do, we live with the results of our choices. Sin is a choice – we are in a constant mental battle! We know what’s right and choose not to do it, or we know what isn’t right and do it anyway. The spirit of God within us changes us. So we need to live by the fruits of the spirit: Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness Faithfulness Gentleness Self-Control. These fruits will lead us to walk in the spirit and not follow the desires of the flesh.

On this day in 1682 William Penn founded Philadelphia; the battle of Waterloo was in 1815. In 1873 Susan B Anthony was fined $100 for voting for the US president – we’ve come a long way!!! In 1940 Winston Churchill gave his ‘This was their finest hour’ speech. Paul McCartney shares my birthday (1942, though), and in 1953 Martin Luther King Jr. married Coretta Scott. Today is National Go Fishing Day – which I did not do!

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes. I do feel blessed to have you all in my life!