Kath and I parted ways with Kelly, who was going to my place to have some much needed quiet time, and Di and Shannen after the Hanna’s Town program, leaving the two of them still chatting with the presenters.  I overheard Shannen telling someone she had a Coke can with the Santa on it – so there was a lot of excited chatter.  But Kath and I headed out Home, as today was the annual Skunk Hollow Girls Christmas Party Fest.  We were going to celebrate this year at Colleen’s house, one of the further trips we make for our events.  Colleen and her husband Larry live in the old farmhouse of Larry’s family, and still run the farm with dairy cows and crops.  But I should clarify.  When I say old, that only refers to longevity of ownership.  The farmhouse is absolutely beautiful!  Every corner and facet of the place has been updated and renovated, until it would rival any magazine spread on the market today.  The kitchen/dining room has a table that easily held the 11 of us without crowding. Holly was at a wedding, and of course Susan was celebrating Christmas with the angels, and Jesus himself! 

We were blessed with a tour, where every corner held pine and candles and twinkling lights, quaint snowmen and centuries of Santas and toys and photos.  Even the framed pictures on the walls reflected and holiday and the season.  I think Beth had her eye on the one in the entrance hall that said about all roads lead to Grama’s house.  I hope it was still there when we all left….  Such a comfortable, welcoming home, perfect in every way, a great place to gather and be thankful for our blessings and each other.  Colleen’s parents, Uncle Clifford and Aunt Joan, live right up the road, and she invited them down to share the evening.  As we sat there around the table, in the waning dusk we could see light snow falling, coating the ground with a light layer of white.  I had to fight down the nervous edge about driving home, especially the first 20 miles on rural, unlit, isolated roads.  “I can’t think about that today.  I’ll go crazy if I do.  I’ll think about that tomorrow.”  (Quote from Scarlet O’Hara, Gone with the Wind.)   

We gathered around the Christmas tree to take a group picture, one including both AJ and UC, and one that UC took for us of all the girls, including AJ. (Left ot right:  Kathy, Gail, Colleen, Aunt Joan, Connie, Gwen, Karen V, Karen O, Me, Uncle Clifford.  Beth replaces UC in the second photo) It was a wonderful evening with those we love most in the whole world, in a place that is as dear to us as our own home (Home!).  It’s always hard to leave, and since everyone else was local, Kath and I had to pull ourselves away from the festivities to make our way home the 60 miles to Greensburg.  Post Script:  Roads were fine, but the threat of deer and snow kept us at a pretty slow pace until Indiana!  Already looking forward to our spring event, but as for this, it was at the top of our Christmas favorites – sharing thoughts and laughs and food and faith.  Love you guys!

As you can see by the title of this post, I am a little behind schedule!  But December 14th was a big day, and lots of fun.  The morning started at Eat n Park where my daughter Kelly, my sister Kathy and I met up with my friend Diane and her daughter Shannen.  We had a yummy breakfast and spent an hour and a half chatting and catching up – and even spent a few minutes with the food service manager, Sally, who is a long-time friend.  From there we caravaned to Hanna’s Town, where we browsed around in the beautiful new gift shop looking at the books and decorations and snacks while we waited for our program.  Back in September we had signed up for their program, ‘Three Centuries of Christmas’ – and for once I was a attendee rather than a hostess.  The day was rainy and very cool, and even though the programs were inside, walking from building to building was a very chilling experience. But so fun! The first stop was the Tavern, and once we were inside we were warm and toasty, with the fire blazing in the hearth and dozens of candles glowing.  Pam and Joanna welcomed us as guests, and once we were all seated, Pam started with the 1700’s.  She gave a detailed and interesting presentation about how the Christmas holiday was celebrated (and often FORBIDDEN to be celebrated!) in the colonies. The tree was a simple pine branch, hung with common, local fruit.  It was common to go ‘wassailing’ but gifts were not a part of the celebration as such.  We met Belsnickle, who barged in on our presentation, poking people with his stick and asking them if they were good.  His determination produced either a piece of candy or a lump of coal.  He was a colorful gentleman that was full of orneriness and silly stories, and after offering us a cookie, led us to the next stop. 

The Klingensmith house represented the first half of the 1800’s, where the tree was strung with popcorn, candles,  and little handmade ornaments.  We learned about Clement Moore’s ‘The Night Before Christmas, and had a taste of cocoa with our cookies.   

The Steele house gave us a taste of the second half of the 1800’s, where we learned about Christmas celebrations during and immediately after the Civil War.  The years following the war were very prosperous, with the onset of the industrial age, and electric lights and German ornaments were very popular on trees.  Toys were introduced with movable parts, and dolls went from being ‘adult’ dolls to ‘baby’ dolls, which also introduced all and every accessory know to babydom!  Christmas cards came into the picture, which was a boon for the US Post Office as well as a new greeting card industry.   Again we were offered cookies – fruit cake and shortbread – and made our way to the new education center to visit the 1900’s and the beginning of the 2000’s. 

I didn’t even think to take pictures, but of course most of the items were very familiar – Flexible Flyer sleds, Fisher Price toys, the introduction of electronics (boom boxes and cassette tape recorders), Barbie dolls and tiny twinkle lights.  Santa became the image on the Coca Cola cans, and Rudolph and Frosty and most of the classic songs and movies were introduced. 

This was an amazing program, which is offered every year, and I heartily recommend attending.  It was fun and informative and even tasty!  I’d sign up early, like late September or early October, because even though there are several sessions over two weekends, space is limited and it fills up fast.  Set a reminder in your calendar, and join us next year.  You won’t be disappointed!  I guarantee it!

PS:  Photo credits go to Kelly!

Wednesday night was Harrold Middle School’s Christmas Band Concert.  Chrissy is part of the percussion section of the 7th and 8th grade band. 

My favorite song of the evening was ‘The Holly and the Ivy’, but my favorite performance was ‘The Polar Express’ – because our Chrissy had a Marimba solo!  We were so proud of her. 

As I sat and looked through the program, I noticed that Christina Burke was actually a Section Leader.  There she was, practically a celebrity, and I didn’t even know it!  I had missed the choral program the week before (second row from the bottom with the glasses), so I was doubly excited to attend the band concert.  And Chrissy even wore a dress, and declared that she even liked it.  She looked so grown up, confident and smiling. 

So I guess this means that Chrissy will join the marching band next year at the high school:  long practices, band festivals, and sub sales.  Get ready, Daddy – 4am comes really early!  And great job, Chrissy.  I love you and am proud of you!

Today I ventured over to Barnes and Noble to story time and book signing in the Haunted Woods.  My friend Sharon Full, who writes under the name Sharon Parker, read her children’s ‘read along’ book about Grama Aggie and the dancing chickens!  The chickens loved to dance with Aggie, and by the end of the book, the grumpy farmers were laughing and dancing and eating Aggie’s rhubarb and strawberry tarts.

It’s an amazing, delightful book, with cute rhymes and colorful photos – and a captivating story.  And the children in attendance all agreed, and were spellbound the entire time.  Aggie not only read the story, but sang two songs and even taught the kids to yodel.  All the little ones could choose a sticker of Aggie yodeling or the chickens dancing, and she also had a little treat to hand out, with Aggie’s picture on the outside.  She was engaging and drew all of us in, and in addition has a very good singing voice, including the yodels! 

If you get a chance, pick up the book for a special little one in your life, and keep your eyes alert for more great things from Sharon.  I’m sure her creativity will not be stifled and we will see her all over the place.  And in the meantime, get out there and dance with the chickens.  And don’t forget to yodel!

The last time Kelly’s family was up, Chase brought along his little stuffed Giraffe.  Chase always travels with a montage of stuffed animals, but this was a newer addition.  Purple Eyes (my name for him) actually has another name but I can’t remember what it is, now.  But when he came, he seemed to attach himself to me!  So I adopted him for the afternoon.  I had chores to do, and was cleaning, etc., so Purple Eyes just jumped on and went with me.  First we dusted, and he snuggled up to me and told me where to clean.   Next we ran the sweeper, and he liked the ride!  He sat on top of the lantern above the steps and watched while we cleaned the shelves. 

He was a very good helper, but got hungry sort of fast, so I sat him down at the table and had him eat a carrot.  Chase wasn’t impressed with that, as he doesn’t particularly like carrots.  But I explained that if P. E. ate his carrot, he would get a snack.  And low and behold, he did!  So he got a little Hershey bar to snack on. (It’s a stretch – you really have to look to see it!) 

Once he’d had his snack, he joined his buddies on the bed and watched while Chase and Logan played video games.  

They seemed to really enjoy doing that.  But I could see all this activity was wearing him out, so he climbed in the little cradle (which belonged to my mom when she was a child) and took a little nap.  I think he had a good time at Grammy’s house, and feel certain that he’ll want to come back again.  But right now Chase and Logan are at Disney with their aunt and uncle, and are not thinking of visiting Grammy’s house or even about stuffed animals.  But when they get back, maybe they will come back to help clean again.  We had a great day together, and I enjoyed entertaining P. E.  Maybe some day he’ll even spend the week! 

In the meantime, I hope he has his letter ready for Santa.  I know I do! 

Today’s event was very different but equally fun to the Candlelight Open House.  The 1910 Steel farmhouse was host to two sets of twenty-four guests for the semi-annual tea.  In years past the teas were held in the Klingensmith log house, but since the renovations had been completed, the new space was the perfect setting for the Victorian tea.  Lillian, as usual, was hostess for the event, brewing the tea, which was served in heated pots (thanks to Louise’s expertise!) and placed on the tables.

The mantles and tables were decorated for fall thanks to Paul, our resident floral expert, and they looked elegant and amazing.  Our young servers, Jamie and Aleena, assisted in serving the guests and seeing to their needs.  When the guests arrived and were seated, the ambrosia was already at their place on the table.  Once Lillian welcomed everyone, the servers carried the plates to the tiered trays on each table. 

The top tier contained scones, chocolate-tipped apricots, and sugared grapes. The middle tier held the sandwiches: chicken salad, egg salad tied with chives, cucumber on wheat-bread ‘leaves’, and date bread.  The bottom tier offered Russian tea cakes, tiny gingerbread men dusted with powdered sugar, pound cake (my absolute favorite – thanks, Lisa!), and pumpkin iced sugar cookies that looked delightful. 

The ladies (and I believe one gentleman!) consumed amazing amounts of spiced tea and enjoyed the formality of the tea and getting to know one another.  Thanks to everyone who made this event yet another vastly successful and entertaining one!

Friday evening Hanna’s Town hosted the town at a candlelight open house at the historic tavern.  The log building was decked out to be cozy and inviting, and at the stroke of 4pm it opened it’s doors to the public.  I remember reading that several dozen candles in the Palace Ballroom (Williamsburg Virginia) resulted in it being ‘well lit’.  Our dozen or so candles created the same effect.  There were candles on the mantle, on the ‘savory’ (food) table, the writing table, on the stairs, tucked in the china cupboard, and in the bar.  Those candles, plus the blazing, warm fire, created a welcoming effect.  There were over a hundred people coming and going, pulling up a chair or a bench by the fire, and partaking of our fare. 

Our hostessses served cheese  cubes and dipping mustard, gherkins (pickles), ham, Trail bologna, corn muffins, beer bread with melted cheese, meatballs in sweet and sour sauce, and a variety of crackers.  Beer and wassail, ginger ale and cider were served in the bar.  Lisa positioned herself by the fireand answered colonial questions and engaged the guests in conversation.  It was a lovely evening, and very well received by the entire company.  At one point there were about 15 people huddled together by the fire, newly introduced to each other, sharing drinks and stories and enjoying the ambiance. The militia was standing by outside the door, ready to escort guests up the path to the new gift shop, where cookies and spiced tea were served as they browsed the beautiful display of gifts and souvenirs. 

I was excited to be part of the evening. Once our guests had left, and the tavern cleaned up and put back to rights, the militia and the hostesses carried their lanterns to the buildings and made sure everything was locked up. 

The colonial reenactors, the lighted lanterns, the log structure, all made me just stand there and imagine that just for an instant I was transported back to 1763, when Hanna’s Town was a thriving town and was the county seat – and the first court west of the Allegheny mountains.  I felt blessed to be co-hostess, and enjoyed every minute of the evening.  I encourage you to check out future events at www.westmorelandhistory.org.  You won’t be disappointed.  

This past week I had a meeting at Hanna’s Town, and since it was an unseasonably warm 70* day, I decided to swing into Lynch Field for a jaunt around the track.  I had been inspired by a little cluster of colored leaves on my back patio and decided to immerse myself in a little fall.  It had been a while since I had been at Lynch, and I forgot about the army helicopter and the playgrounds and how many sports fields there are down there.  The maintenance guys were working on the Veterans Pool complex, and I hadn’t been THERE since I was in high school.  I didn’t even realize there was a giant slide into the deep end.  But as I walked I enjoyed the gurgling of the little creek along the path, and the displays of leaves and trees and foliage.  I especially liked the Willow Trees along the back corner beside Route 119. 

My favorite part of the walk was looking up at the huge Colonial house that had once belonged to a friend of mine’s grandmother.  When Carol and Mike lived there, years ago, we would all gather up at the house (now the humane society) on the Saturday night of the Greensburg Community Days fireworks.  The year that Nate was old enough to help direct parking in their lower yard he felt like a million bucks – and even made a few of those bucks as a reward for a job well done.  He was beyond excited.  We all took snacks and munchies to share, and blankets and chairs to sit on, and lounged back after dark to watch the fireworks burst over head into the clear night sky.  Some happy memories back then, gathered with friends. 

By the time I had finished the end of the mile walk, the temperature had dropped about ten degrees, the sun had lost itself in the gray clouds, and the wind was swirling the leaves around me as I hurried to the car.  It was a good walk, a good clearing of the mind, and a good walk down memory lane.  It spanned several decades, from swimming there as a teenager, to taking the kids and even grandkids ice skating, and watching fireworks on the front lawn.  I won’t wait quite so long to take that walk again!

Last Thursday I was the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Saltsburg Historical Society.  It was such a quaint little town, almost familiar; I felt like I had been there before.  I was able to catch a ride over with Mary Ellen, whose knowledge and passion for the town and its history captivated me as we drove through the streets.  She had a narrative of the houses and streets and buildings and even the waterways that border the town that would inspire anyone to absolutely love history!   

Our first stop after the little driving tour was the Point Street Tavern, which obviously was part of the town’s historic charm.  It’s one of those towns where everyone knows everyone else, where the food is great, and the atmosphere is relaxing and fun.  After our meal, we walked the half-block to the little stone museum. 

I was amazed when I stepped through the old-fashioned screen door, the kind with the spring that pulled the door shut and the bar diagonal across the screen to keep it from being pushed against.  I was amazed by the display of artifacts that depicted the life of Saltsburg back in the days when it was a thriving town, one that laid a claim to fame because of the salt mines.  In the entrance hall beside the staircase sat a display of period hats – my cousin Gail would have swooned over those.  To the left was a cozy parlor, warm and inviting.  To the right was a receiving room, of sorts, displaying furniture and clothes and blankets, dolls and dough bowl and dishes. I browsed around in there soaking up all the artfully displayed items. 

Walking straight on through the door were two more rooms, and the items there were too numerous and diverse to even recount.  Everything from toys to military uniforms and high school yearbooks and dioramas of of the town’s layout. I was immediately taken by the antique typewriter  (The Saltsburg Press- we’ve come a long way!). There was too much to even take in. 

The meeting consisted of society finances and end-of-year plans, plus presentations of plaques to two local churches erected in the later 1800’s.  After business was concluded, it was my turn.  I took time to introduce my writing history, the premise of Letters to Mary, and all the research required to present accurate facts in the book. 

The presentation was very well received and I knew everyone was walking away with a bit of information and even encouragement to do family and community research for themselves.  I sold several books while the group wandered through the rooms, munching on desserts and trying unsuccessfully to open two bottles of wine!  By the time we cleaned up and packed up and headed back to Greensburg it was after 9pm.  Twice we had to slow our drive, giving right-of-way to two very determined deer who took up more than their share of the road.  The first one was a very large buck, extremely intimidating. 

By the time we reached where my car was parked, I had learned a number of historical facts, had been encouraged and congratulated regarding Letters to Mary, and had met new friends, including Mary Ellen.  I really enjoyed my evening, my lessons, and the kindness of everyone I met.  It was a great evening – I love playing in the ‘gardens’ of history!

Even though the day was not sunny and bright, it was warm and dry and was an easy drive.  Teresa and I left after church and headed to Smicksburg to play in their Fall Festival.

All the shops and buildings were open except for the Smicksburg Country Store (really missed getting cheese and a yummy hot dog, Donna!).  Before we actually got there, though, we stopped at Yoder’s Pop Up Shop / aka Smicksburg Retreat Center.  I have to say that it is a wonderful resource for crafters, quilters, writers, or just friends who want to get away for the weekend.  Plenty of room, modern amenities, and darling guest room.  Check it out! 

We parked and walked up the street to the pottery,  

where the owner was making a bird.  I was amazed that she could look at a blob of clay and see an beautiful piece of art.  I saw a blob of clay. The fall adornments in the yards were cute and inviting.  We went next to the Primitive Peddler.   

The first thing we noticed in there was the wonderful aroma of butter-popcorn.  We walked around the store munching (sorry about the pieces that fell under the display racks!). If I had an extra two rooms in my house I could have bought a few dozen items.  Alas.  My favorite store is always The Drying Shed.  The aroma that hits you when you enter is from the huge bins of potpourri.  This time of year it is fall fragrances, like pumpkin and cinnamon and apple. The clever use of berry garlands and small glowing twinkle lights brought out the fall displays to their fullest.  The lantern displays on the second floor sparkled in the lights and snowy glitter.

Across the street at the Country Cupboard there were kitchen gadgets, little stuffed animals in a huge basket, and best of all:  fudge samples!  The chocolate walnut was my choice – ummm good.  Another pottery shop was a few houses down, and the proprietor was watching the Steeler game.  She also spent several minutes showing us her beautiful hand painted bowls and mugs featuring her pet bunnies.  Apparently she has had several.  They have their own room, their own bed, and always watch TV with her on the couch.  They also loved stuffed bunnies to play with.  Who would have thought. 

The Heritage Center is a small museum, featuring items donated by the town folks and those in the surrounding area.  There were several items donated by my Aunt Joan, including her upright piano.  We saw pictures and furniture spanning two centuries, and read articles about the McCormick Mansion and the very prevalent Amish community. And speaking of Amish, we spent several minutes walking through the Amish furniture and craft store.  I’m half-heartedly looking to replace a china cupboard and was dream shopping through all the delightful aisles.  A few more stores and an old schoolhouse antique shop, and we’d spent three hours browsing Smicksburg. 

And of course, although we had a great time looking through all the shops, the comments, conversation, and friendship we share when we spend time together was the real delight of the afternoon.  We had dinner at Valley Dairy in Blairsville, and their fish sandwich and sweet potato fries were the whipped cream on the top of the adventure.  I can’t think of a better way to spend any day than in a place very close to my heart with a friend who is equally so.  Already looking forward to the next outing.