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…

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 —