D Day 2020
I looked up a little information on D-Day –
I have to admit I’m not as up on the world war histories as I am in Revolutionary and Civil war facts. I may have to correct that. Snoopy will help me, I hope. I started the day out by going to the Lynch Field Farmer’s Market. I was looking for specific veggies but I think it was a little early for what I wanted. I was able to get a jar of Local Honey for my sister. Since I was so close, I drove over to Hanna’s Town just because – – – I COULD!!! I talked to Lisa and Joan and Anita and Pam and also make plans to go over tomorrow and do some weeding. I wouldn’t touch the kitchen garden as I don’t know what’s planted in there and might not identify colonial important plants. Flowers I can handle. So that will be my treat for myself tomorrow. From there I stopped at work in Jeannette, as I had to help a customer with a license plate. While I was there I just did what was on my desk. That will free my Monday up a little. By the time I got home, it was well past lunch time. I had a turkey bacon sandwich on light bread, then went out and pulled weeds in my OWN gardens, then cut the grass. On this date in 1716 the French transported the first African slaves to Louisiana. In 1844 the YMCA was founded in London, and of course D Day landing in Normandy France was in 1944.
The last Ed Sullivan show aired in 1971. Nathan Hale 
(I regret that I have only one life to give for my country) was born, and died at age 21 in 1776. Patrick Henry died at age 63 
(Give me liberty or give me death!). Robert Kennedy died at age 42 in 1968 (assassination). Today is National Yo-Yo Day, National Drive In Movie Day, and National Black Bear Day. It’s also ‘Buy your favorite little sister a present’ day. (It’s not really, but as I bought her one, please don’t tell her!) Today two of my friends are celebrating birthdays: Sharon Full Cowan
(who just recently got married – congrats!) and Jennifer Forrest. 
I met Sharon as a fellow writer, and Jennifer was the editor of a magazine I LOVED writing for back in the early 2000’s! Happy birthday ladies! Have a great year! God Bless. (PS – spoiler alert for tomorrow – it’s National …… a definite favorite of mine! Wait and see!)
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Green day, 2020 (6/5)
I am going to start by sharing Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry Church.
He is in a study of Daniel (STAND!) and this week was Stand Up! He talked about the King having a dream that he didn’t understand, and all of his council and wise men could not (most likely were afraid to!) interpret it. Finally he called for Daniel, and although Daniel hesitated, he was honest with the King and explained what would happen. If the king did not repent and turn from his sinful ways, he would be ‘cut down’ from ruling the kingdom and be sent into the wilderness for 7 years, verging on madness. Daniel actually loved the king, and begged him to heed God’s warnings. The king, however, did not. The predictions came true, and the king was banished for the 7 years. Daniel could have stepped back and not told the king the meaning – but he was God’s messenger and was an honorable man. He could have been punished or killed for giving the king bad news, but he did the right thing. He stood up for right. BUT — he was gentle and kind in presenting it. If the king would have listened and obeyed, he would have avoided 8 years of distress. In the end, the king did repent and was restored to his throne. Why don’t we recognize that God is in charge of our life, and we need to accept Jesus and follow God? What does God have to do to get our attention? (Perhaps — a pandemic????)
Today is our GREEN day in this county. Although restrictions and precautions are still in place, most businesses are opening slowly and cautiously. I have listened to the radio all week, with people sharing what they are going to do first. Most (sadly!) said go to a bar; lots said go out to eat. Everyone had something they were looking forward to doing. I gave a lot of thought to that, and here’s what I decided I am going to do this weekend. First I am going to drive to Newport Rhode Island and visit all of the gilded mansions and do the Cliff Walk and take the historic walking tour. Then I am going to drive to
Colonial Williamsburg and walk through every single garden, tour every building that is open, eat at Chowning’s Tavern (my favorite historic tavern), do an evening lantern tour, walk up and down Duke of Gloucester Street
and St. Francis Street and every other street, and go to every single gift shop, both in the historic district and Merchant’s Square, I am going to purchase a tee-shirt 
and a book and get my picture taken with George Washington and maybe even Thomas Jefferson. I will get hot cider in the morning and have a ginger cookie and a ham biscuit for lunch with a cold Root Beer. Then on the way home I will visit every antique shop and flea market I come across. I think that is enough for two days. Alas — if only.
But I did spend time outside today, dead-heading my spent irises and pulling weeds and cleaning up the patio stones. Mom and I did a load of laundry and I was able to get the ironing done, too. Now I am going to sit down and watch the Colonial Williamsburg channel and get lost in a video about how to shoe horses or make Christmas wreaths or why tinsmiths were so important. I hope you have as much fun as I intend to do, going green. But as Kermit would say, it’s not easy being green! 
I’ll be exhausted.
On this date in 2004 Ronald Reagan (our 40th president) died at age 93. Today (if you haven’t already heard all the hype!) is National Donut Day! What is your favorite kind? If it is a Dunkin’ Donut, it would be a buttercrunch (I think they are called butternut now). Otherwise it would be a glazed chocolate iced with non-perils on top! 
It’s also National Veggie Burger day and National Moonshine day. Neither of which will not cross my lips! 🙂 Have a great weekend, my friends – and maybe I’ll run into you in Newport or Williamsburg! God bless —
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The day started out sunny, hot, and humid. Still enjoyed my morning walk, and took time to give my plants a drink before getting ready for work. It was a longer work day- lots to do in the two stores! Cleaning the house was boring but rewarding, because I love a tidy house. I also loved my Snoopy calendar page for the day – it’s sort of a thing with me, this kindness thing
(Better to be kind than to be right!). Heard reports of tornadoes to the north of us, but here it merely rained. I used the cooling off to make potato soup and had some for supper.
Last night I listened to Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. 
He talked about the phrase SON OF MAN, and how may times it was mentioned in the old and new testament, and how many times Jesus referred to himself using that term. There are several scriptures reflecting that it was not always used in a flattering manner – but then again, he pointed out how God takes our humility and unworthiness and turns it around. Sort of like a ‘bus boy’ in a restaurant, who comes after people and ‘cleans up the mess’! Jesus is always taking the mess we make of our lives and cleans it up – He referred to himself as a servant, but then was exalted and elevated about all. We need to be on our knees to God – that is what matters – and God will lift us up. Whatever is happening around us is temporary. God’s got this!
On this day in 1896 Henry Ford took his first Ford through the streets of Detroit. In 2018 Bill Clinton and James Patterson co-publish ‘The President is Missing’. King George III (from whom the thirteen colonies won their independence) 
was born in 1738, and today is National Old Maid’s Day, National Cheese Day, and National Hug your Cat day!
(c) TOMEU OZONAS
If we humble ourselves God will exalt us. That’s not an easy concept – but God can do all things! God bless – – –
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June 3, 2020
As strong as the threat of storms were today, it hasn’t happened so far (8:30pm). When I took my walk early this morning it was very warm. But I like the warm weather and the sunshine so I was good with that. Mom and I watched a bit of Home & Family (Hallmark talk show, which I really like) while I did my ironing. We sat outside for a bit, made dinner, took a walk, and that was it for our time together. I came home and cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen, 
washed a load of towels, and did some yard cleanup. that is a never ending task! But it does get me outside. I watched a Williamsburg video interview with the teacher of the Bray school, Ann Wager – which was a school for free and enslaved blacks. Very interesting information! She is a very engaging young lady. And even though I didn’t realize it – I think it was ‘talk on the phone’ day! I talked to Mary, Teresa, and Deb at great length! Nice to ‘get out’ in that manner.
The message I am sharing today is from Kyle at Hempfield Church, still in the book of Acts. This was a very powerful, moving message, and I won’t do it justice to share it – but I will say one or two things. Peter & John were arrested – basically because the church leaders were jealous. The leaders asked them by what power they healed the lame man – When they said God’s, the leaders could not deny it (there were too many witnesses) but they still fought against the truth. Peter & John said: We cannot help speaking about what we’ve seen and heard. They did not threaten, and they asked God to keep using them. The apostles had so much power that people flocked to them. The leaders released them, threatened them, but they did not stop witnessing. Peter and John did not rebel – they went on their way, preaching. Sometimes we have to accept what we don’t agree with, and just share what we have seen and heard. I did not do justice to this message – I recommend listening to it – look for Hempfield Church of Christ on facebook for May 31st.
Not much happened today that was note-worthy. In 1864, General Robert E Lee won his last victory of the Civil War at Cold Harbor. (BTW – read my book Letters To Mary to find out more about why Cold Harbor was important!). Jefferson Davis 
(President of the Confederate States of America) was born in 1808 (picture). Muhammad Ali died in 2016 at age 74. Today is National Egg Day, Global Running Day, and National Repeat Day. National Repeat Day.
Every day we should pray that people see something in our life that draws them to us – then we can witness. Let God work through you! God bless —
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June 2, 2020
Busy day! Worked both Pinnacle stores, did some notary work, and helped a friend with some titles. Although it was raining early morning when Kath and I went to Walmart at 6am, by mid-morning it was sunny and warm. I love being outside. After a quick lunch of leftover (ugh) spaghetti I tidied up the yard a bit, trimming some bushes and pulling weeds and fixing some misplaced stones. I was very careful to keep my eyes wide open so I wouldn’t disturb Snoopy if he was lounging in a tree somewhere.
I cut the grass, watered the flowers, and cut a few stumps out of the herb garden. I still have about a dozen to get rid of, but it’s hard to get the ones close the ground. A few at a time is all I can manage! I took about 45 minutes while I was eating my salad at supper and watched a program on Wheelwrights in Colonial Williamsburg. I feel I did learn quite a bit — but it’s not a profession I will ever choose!
I listened to Micah’s
message from Old Mahoning church yesterday so I’ll share that today. His message was ‘Victory is an Option’. It was based on the passage where Jesus and the disciples got into a boat to go across the lake, but the storm came up and the disciples were frightened (Jesus was asleep). Now, these disciples had been taught by Jesus, and everything they needed to know was explained to them. They should have had faith that He would get them to the other side. Where do you put your faith? Jesus promised that he would have the solution to anything if we have faith. There will always be obstacles (such as the STORM); why would we even think we’d always have smooth sailing? But we have options: His power, his promise, his presence. The disciples had those things, and we do too. Those options provide the victory – but it’s your choice; choose faith. You can have NO faith, LITTLE faith, or BIG faith. Seldom do we have BIG faith, and we often have NO faith – but even faith the size of a grain of mustard seed can move a mountain. PRAY for faith, and wait for the outcome – the thrill of victory. Something I never thought about – the scriptures said there were other boats that left shore when the disciples did. They reaped the benefits of Jesus calming the storm. Can you imagine how they felt when that miracle happened! It was AMAZING. The outcome IS amazing – Jesus can do more than we can ask or think. Jesus can calm the storm; but he’d rather calm US!
On this day in 1835 P T Barnum took his circus on the first US tour. In 1875 Alexander Graham Bell makes the first sound transmission. In 1933 FDR authorizes the first swimming pool to be built inside the White House, and 1953 was the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in Westminster Abby, London. Happy Birthday Martha Washington! 
Our first First Lady was born in 1731. And my daughter’s sister-in-law, Kim Wright, is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday, Kim! Wishing you many happy and healthy years ahead! 
Lou Gehrig died at age 37 in 1941 (Lou Gehrig’s disease). In 1886 President Grover Cleveland (age 49) married Frances Folsom (age 21) – which was the first presidential marriage to be held at the White House. Today is National Rotisserie Chicken Day and National Rocky Road Day (I’m thinking the Ice Cream!!).
So, my friends, how is it that we have so little faith? Why are we fearful! Victory is an option! Thanking God that it is so…. God bless.
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June 1, 2020
I changed my calendars early this morning, but it didn’t sink in that it was JUNE until just now when I typed the heading. 
And tomorrow is the day to VOTE in the Pennsylvania primary. Don’t forget! I put a note on my dash. After a brisk walk and a scone this morning I picked up mom. We went for a short drive to enjoy the beauty of the day, then sat on the deck for a while. I ended up pulling some weeds and Mom walked a little looking at the flowers. She liked the purple dutch iris. 
I do too! The cover was coming off of my wrist rest for my keyboard, so I dug in my material, chose a patriotic Snoopy pattern, and hot glued a new cover on (and glued myself to it several times….). After lunch we took a walk and talked to the neighbor, who is reworking her front gardens. SHE, however, has HELP!! 🙂 I finished putting Pond Stone around the stepping stones by the herb garden, listened to two sermons, and made speghetti. Every time I make it I remember why I DON’T! Not a favorite… But I DO like the garlic toast! Before I can go to bed I need to pay bills. Ugh.
I chose Paul’s 
sermon to review (From River Hill). The topic was Setting a good example. Thomas Jefferson said (paraphrase) It is more profitable to set a good example than to follow a bad one. JESUS is our example, and we must follow that example and be a examples for others. Some people don’t think they need Christ, but we must live out the message and be the example that will show them the truth. We do that by being humble, serving; not by being proud. Jesus is our teacher and Lord, and he became a servant to give us an example to follow. Others need to see the good in us; through speech, conduct, example – examples of love, faith, purity and integrity. Not an easy task.
On this day in 1533 Anne Boleyn was crowned Queen of England, and in 1862 General Robert E Lee assumed command of the Confederate Army. 
In 1880 the first US Pay phone service was set up in Connecticut. in 1971 ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ 
opened in Golden NYC (You Go Snoopy!). Marilyn Monroe was born in 1926, and in 1934 Pat Boone was born (my mom’s heart throb!!!). James Buchanan, the 15th President (and the only one from PA) died in 1868 at age 77. Lizzie Borden died in 1927 and Helen Keller in 1968 and age 87. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez were wed for the second time in 1949, and on this day in 2001 my lovely, wonderful daughter Kelly Sabrina married Matthew Hancher!
Happy anniversary, and I pray for many more! Today is National nail polish day, and national go-barefoot day. Probably because after you paint your toenails you can’t put your shoes on . . .
Each day, all the time, remember that you are to be an example to those around you – what will they see! Let them see Christ! God bless…
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May 31, 2020
It was cool this morning but sunny. I was happy to be walking outside. After watching a service from First Baptist, I drove over to Hanna’s Town and met Teresa there. We socially distanced and took several walks about the property, 
and snapped a few pictures. WCHS was given a log cabin from the turn of the century (1800’s, give or take). 
They took it down piece by piece and are rebuilding it piece by piece. It’s huge! Teresa and I both very much enjoyed seeing the new old building take shape. 
We share a love of history and historic sites and were sharing information. We are ‘planning’ a road trip once it is safe and approved – either Ft. Ticonderoga NY or Marietta Ohio. Maybe July – – But we hadn’t visited in so long we spent 3 hours hiking and snacking and talking. Friends are the best medicine. I got a picture of my herb garden
in the sun (not quite the whole thing, but close), and I also took a picture of the maroon irises
in the front yard. When Nate began driving in 97 I moved the bulbs to make an extra parking space. I think this is the first year they have bloomed. In fact I was ready to dig them out. But they came out in full bloom this year.
My first email of the day was from Diane, sending the link to her church (First Baptist). So I listened to Bram’s
message about Pentecost. There were three things that stand out about the presence of the Holy Spirit: It appeared SUDDENLY; it touched everyone; and even though one man spoke, everyone could understand in their native language. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to live the life God asks us to live; to obey God’s commandment to GO! The gift of the Holy Spirit is promised to all children of God; we can all experience that power and presence. Open your heart and mind to receive it.
On this day in 1790 US Copyright law was enacted. In 1879 Madison Square Garden opened in New York, named after the 4th president, 
James Madison. 2209 people died in the Johnstown Flood in 1889, and in 1911 the RMS Titanic launched in Belfast. In 1968 movie star Jimmy Stewart 
retired from the US Air Force after 27 years of service. In 1910 Elizabeth Blackwell, physician, – the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States – died at age 89. Clint Eastwood was born in 1930. My dad’s cousin’s grandson (??) Matt Choate is celebrating a birthday today, as is my high school/youth group friend Cathy Rose. Happy birthday! Today is National Smile Day and National Macaroon Day!
So smile, everyone! 
It’s not only good for those around you, it’s good medicine for the soul! God bless . . .
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May 30, 2020
Only one more day and May 2020 will be history. 
And speaking of history – I spent an hour this afternoon pouring over an intense and lengthy article in the Westmoreland Country Historical Society magazine. It was about the border dispute in the 1770’s between Pennsylvania and Virginia for Western PA. We very nearly were part of Virginia! They were a strong force, and Lord Dunmore (governor of Virginia and a strong loyalist) was a force to be reckoned with. After a lot of arrests and incarcerations, it didn’t look good for PA’s cause. Only the heating up of the war against Britain, which wholly united the colonists against the King, and toward that cause. PA & VA elected delegates, who resolved the border dispute and created the boundaries that we know today. So here we are – residents of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania! Hazzah!
But I’m getting ahead of myself. I know if I would have searched hard enough I could have found a sermon to listen to, but I chose to immerse myself in history instead.
After breakfast I spread the last of the stones, 
but then did have to go to work for an hour; then I picked up Autmn and we went bathing suit shopping (for her). She ran the blower on the driveway and walks after I weed whacked, and also hosed off the white fence after I sprayed cleaner and brushed it clean. Somehow that darned hose just had a mind of its own, and by the time we were done, I was soaked. Go figure. Next time I’LL do the hose and she can do the scrubbing! I was feeling nostalgic today so I watched A Godwink Christmas – my go to movie when I need to ground myself. Ahhhh. I also made 2 more masks (just because), changed my sheets (and washed them) and took a 2 miles walk. So it was a full day! I enjoyed having Autmn here. It can really get quiet being here all day.
On this day in 1431 19 year old Joan of Arc
was burned at the stake. The first car accident happened in 1896 in NYC – driver hit a cyclist. Hersheypark opened in 1906, and Evel Knievel on his Motorcycle jumped 16 cars. Today is National ‘water a flower’ day (Autmn did that for me!) and ‘Mint Julep’ day.
If you have time this week, look online at that dispute from 1775.
Get the full story of how the land was claimed by Virginia. I’m glad to be a Pennsylvanian! God bless.
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May 29, 2020
Morning outdoor walk; chocolate chip bagel from Panera bread for breakfast, then got Mom. She was basically very quiet to start with but perked up as the morning went on. We sat outside on the deck and listened to the birds and the breezes blow. I had some cards to write out and mail, which I did. I was so behind in my ironing that after lunch and dishes I tackled that. Autmn came over for a while and visited with mom, then went with me to Lowe’s. We got more pond stone (HEAVY pond stone!) and I finally replaced a dilapidated wicker chair with chairs that match my table/chair set. Looks so nice, and long overdue! I think the wicker was about 13 years old. It was a comfortable evening to be outside, so I was spreading the stones in the herb garden when the rain hit – no warning, just a downpour! 
Got 3 out of 4 bags spread so one left for tomorrow, along with the dreaded weed-whacking! All day I kept thinking it was Saturday; who knows what day I’ll think it is tomorrow!
Since it was raining buckets, I couldn’t listen to Rod from Martin’s Ferry church on the deck. I pulled up the youtube video on the fire stick and had a piece of pizza. Rod’s message was very good – I’d love for all the teens I know (and even don’t know!) to hear it; about Daniel, and how he made it a point to stand out. When you believe in something, you stand in the right way at the right time for the right reasons. This will change your life; compromising will change it too, at a great cost, and not for the good. You can’t be a ‘sort of’ Christian, not really living the life. Just drifting. You have to put on the full armor of God and STAND. The way to do this is to make a predetermined resolution. Decide ahead of time, before you are tempted, and stick to your commitment. Stand out; don’t blend in. Read the story of Daniel and how he refused to eat the king’s food. He didn’t protest or argue or fight. He offered rational, respectful alternative. God was with him, and it worked. Daniel did stand out. Rod emphasized that it’s better to be remembered for standing out than forgotten for blending in.
On this date in 1765 Patrick Henry 
gave the treason speech: If this be treason, make the most of it. Ironically, it was also his birthday (1736). Rhode Island became the last of the 13 colonies to ratify the constitution in 1790; in 1942 Bing Crosby recorded White Christmas, which sold over 100 million copies and is the world’s best selling single. The Every Brothers’ song ‘Cathy’s Clown’ hit #1 in 1960; Bob Hope was born in 1903 and John F. Kennedy in 1917. And today is National 
Paperclip Day – I have a purple one shaped like an airplane. A little friend of mine used to make bracelets out of colored paperclips – I spent many a nickle on those!
So make it a point to Stand Out – resolve that you will make good choices, stick to your resolutions, and be remembered for standing out – God will bless your life!
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May 28, 2020
I got up this morning and dressed to do my treadmill. By the time I got downstairs it had quit raining and the sun was trying to peek out so I walked outside instead. It was actually a nice walk. Not much in Jeannette at work but Greensburg was pretty busy. I stopped at Aldi’s on the way home to get a new kneeling pad for working in the garden. It’s bigger and thicker than my old one (which is close to 30 years old!) so I’m excited to try it. The rain held off again until I cut the grass which should get me through the weekend. This is my favorite day – the whole house is clean and fresh, the grass is cut, and I love it! I also took pictures of my gardens – they inspired me!
I ate supper on the deck while I listened to Kyle
from Hempfield church. We are still in Acts and the message was ‘Lost in a story’. He talked about getting so caught up in a story we sometimes miss the focus; or else we can’t get caught up at all and miss the point. Acts 3 is the story of the early church, about Peter and John healing the lame man. He pointed out that the chapter is not actually about the healing; it’s about stepping back and letting God’s spirit work through us! We all have different gifts/talents. But whatever they are, if you let God use you, he will do mighty things. Just as Peter said to the man: I don’t have money, but what I have, I’ll give to you — we can say to those in need. We may not be able to heal, or have limitless funds, or the answer to everyone’s problems. But we do have a gift, and if we offer that up and let God work through us, we can change the world. And that doesn’t just apply to the apostles. The Lord is still powerful and active in our lives today – he works through our willingness to let him! Our willing attitude can change everything! I have to admit I never looked at that story that way. I love learning new things about familiar stories!
On this day in 1754 George Washington
led his troops in the battle of Jumonville (killing the French leader by that name). In 1900 there was a total solar eclipse, and in 1928 the Dodge Brothers Inc. and Chrysler Corporation merged. Noah Webster died at age 84 in 1843, and today is National Work From Home day (how many of us have been doing that for months???) and National Hamburger Day. 
Snoopy is grillin’ a bunch so get in line! 
The next time you read a story – Biblical or secular – step back and look at it in a different light. You may learn something, too! God bless.
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