Well Woodstock has the right idea!  Cousins are the best, and a special kind of love!  I was having trouble turning off my thoughts last night in bed, so I figured I should think of something fun and happy.  My mind started going back to my dearest Skunk Hollow Cousins, and I am ‘time-long’ to be with these wonderful ladies.  I need to stock up on laughter and fun and hugs, and just sharing our lives, layer after layer.  And Food!  Everyone has their specific expected offerings, like Holly brings triple chocolate brownies, Colleen bakes her tassies, Kath brings a shrimp ring, Beth makes her Buffalo Chicken dip, and Karen always brings cheese curls, and so it goes!  Susan always brought hand-dipped Chocolates from the Smicksburg Chocolate Shoppe; both are gone now.  We have an ‘established’ date of 1999, and we all have scarves (courtesy of Kelly) and some of us have hats (courtesy of Aunt Joan).  Picture is of Mom and Aunt Joan, the two original Skunk Hollow Girls! 

These current restrictions have kept us apart since our Christmas party at Colleen’s in December, and that is far too long to be separated!  I dearly miss these cousins/friends.

We have had so many fun and diverse outings!  We started out by having bonfires in Gail’s driveway, with S’Mores and mountain pies and hot dogs.  Those were the days of just the ‘older’ cousins, but slowly we added the younger ones, a few years at a time.  Now all the girl cousins (currently 10 in all) are officially part of our Skunk Hollow Women’s Fest events.  Over the years we have had picnics at Linn Run (with a crazy scavenger hunt that Connie created, complete with prizes.  Holly even climbed in a dumpster!), overnight weekends at the Dillweed Bed and Breakfast in Dilltown, PA, hikes to Buttermilk Falls, Tours of Hanna’s Town (led by yours truly) and the Jimmy Stewart Museum, a visit to the castle near Ebensburg, Christmas parties at each others’ houses, bonfires at Beth’s, Shopping trips to Volant, and group hikes. When my book was published some of them drove to Scottdale to attend a presentation I did, and then they threw a publication party, complete with a book-cover cake!  We have celebrated birthdays and marriages and births, and shared death, heartache and sorrow.  It’s true that happiness shared doubles it, but sorrow shared halves it.  So blessed! One year six of us spent five glorious days in Colonial Williamsburg! 

I think the most fun, and the best times, are when we all just show up with our snacks to share and hang out together on someone’s deck or family room, chatting until far to late into the night.  We aren’t spring chickens anymore, and SOME of us would have an hour-plus drive home afterwards.  One of the first things I want to plan, once this pandemic is past us, is our annual ‘spring’ Skunk Hollow event.  And I hope and pray that all ten of us will be able to come, and that we can chatter and hug and share for hours and hours! 

I keep you all in my prayers, sweet cousins, and in my heart every day.  God bless you all – and see you as soon as soon can be!  Love you —  

Today is Thursday, and Snoopy is looking forward to the weekend – as we all are.  But then again, I heard today that the new week consists of yesterday, today and tomorrow!  That’s about it.  One day just flows into another!  But I have been keeping busy and always seem to have a project on the back burner, and Saturday is still my day for projects.  Today I worked (safely) for a few hours, came home and cleaned the rest of my house, scrubbed the recliner (yuck), touched up some paint in the family room, and finished a good book.  Also listened to a notary webinar, which  of course was pure joy!  Yikes! 

This afternoon I listened to Micah from Old Mahoning Baptist, and the message was ‘Play to Win’ from II Timothy.  Paul admonishes young Timothy, as well as all of us, to play to win:  We  can participate (either play hard or be slacking) or just watch.  He encourages us to persevere during difficult times, play by the rules, and keep our eyes focused on Christ – or the prize.  What is the prize?  The crown of righteousness, eternal life.  He says to run ‘the’ race, not ‘a’ race; there is only one race, and there is not a choice. Don’t fight for the wrong cause.  But who are we fighting?  It is a spiritual battle.  We fight physical battles every day.  The race that Paul speaks to Timothy about is our life, every single day.  God gives us all we need to play and win, and if we keep the faith, we WILL win!  If you stay in the race, you have won already. 

On this date in 1789 George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States.  In 1904 the ice cream cone debuted at the St. Louis world’s fair.  In 1945 Hitler and his wife committed suicide and in 1997 Ellen DeGeneres declares publicly that she is gay.  In 1952 Mr. Potato Head is the first toy advertised on television. 

And as for birthdays, we have three CELEBRITY birthdays today.  First is the father of my children, Stoney Burke, who was born on this date in 1936, and passed away in August of 1991.  Second is my former boss of 52 years, Jim Smail.  Happy, happy birthday, Jim!  Sorry I wasn’t there to ‘sneak’ a card up to your desk for you to discover later in the morning.  And lastly my dear friend Teresa Shanta.  We have shared great times and hard times, laughter and tears, and went on lots of discovery outings together.  Can’t wait until we can get back to doing that again!  Happy Birthday, Teresa! 

As you walk through the week, know that your walk, every single day, counts for a LOT – Just keep going!  God Bless…

Snoopy has some great words of wisdom for us today.  And each day that we get through this distancing and separation, we know for a fact that our friends and family are the greatest blessings.  I miss mine dearly! Faith and Hope – which go hand in hand – sustain me through these sometimes lonely, confusing days.

Today Mom and I did absolutely nothing exciting!  We did go for a walk, sat on the deck a few times, listened to the radio, went up and down the steps about 40 times (yikes!!!), and took a little drive.  We saw a beautiful huge purple azalea bush and a very appealing stone wall, but nothing else to write about.  When I got home, I was able to cut the grass ahead of the rain – which seems to be predicted for the next four days.  I still had some outside time left, so I pulled the weeds on the hill between the two fences.  That is a HUGE job and I have to do it 3 times a summer.  So glad to get that done.  Oh, and in the morning, Maria on the Radio (Y108) messaged me that she liked a comment I made  and wanted to call me to be on the air!  That was fun!  I actually didn’t get to hear myself, because too much was going on and I couldn’t stay by the radio.  But it was nice to be called.  I made myself a grilled cheese on homemade bread for supper, cleaned half my house, and I’m ready to call it a day. 

Today I listened to Greg Pelc’s message from Vanderbilt church, the second message in a series on the Lord’s Prayer.  This one was ‘Thy will be done’.  It was such a good message – and it helped me to think about how God lets us know if we are within his Will for us.  Basically we are in his will if we are in His kingdom.  Be careful not to conform to this world, but to his will.  ‘I know the plans I have for you, plans for a hope and a future’.  God knows the outcome of everything that’s going to happen before it does, and even when it doesn’t make sense to us, it does to God.  Like looking at a tapestry:  If you look at the underside (as we look at life) it’s a tangled mess of threads and knots and colors.  But God is looking at the finished art – and it’s perfect, and it all worked together for our good.  God’s will should always come before our requests.  We should change our requests to stay within God’s will; not ask God to change his will to meet our requests.  God’s will trumps our will, but it is our nature to resist God’s will.  We just simply need to love Him.  Always and completely. 

On this date in 1861 Maryland voted against seceding from the Union (Civil War).  In 1967 “Respect” was released by Aretha Franklin, and in 2004 Oldsmobile built it’s final car after 107 years of production.  In 1863 William Randolph Hearst was born – the ‘master of fake news!’  Willie Nelson was born in 1933 and Jerry Seinfield in 1954.  And today my step-daughter Theresa Steele is celebrating a birthday, and if memory serves me (it doesn’t always!) it’s also her and Mel’s wedding anniversary.  Have a wonderful double celebration, Theresa!  God bless!

I can’t believe my little Chrissy is 14!  She has grown into such a beautiful, talented, loving, hard-working, sporty young lady!  I’m so blessed to have watched her grow in so many ways.  It’s hard to have these restrictions that make it impossible to celebrate the way we want to.  We look forward to a day when we can go to Cold Stone or Chick-Fil-A or wherever she chooses.  Her year is undoubtedly starting out strange and restricted, but that doesn’t take one little bit away from who she is and who she will grow into being.  Now — if only her present (which was shipped last week!) arrives by the end of the day as predicted!  And Snoopy’s words today are especially for Christina!  

I listened to Mike’s message today from my home Church of Hempfield.  The new series is about ‘Acts’ – about how the church began.  Luke explains that in his prior book he wrote down everything that Jesus did and taught until he was taken up into Heaven.  Now Luke is sharing the instructions that we need to live by, and that the disciples needed before they began to live out the Great Commission.  Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit – the power by which all is done and accomplished on this earth for God!  The Holy Spirit provides everything we need to live the life we are called to live.  And when it comes down to it, we are called to spread to Good News to Everyone in the World! (Great Commission)  We have a divine purpose.  God has big plans for us and equips us to do His will.  After I listened to the message, I tuned into a second performance by Patty Buschek and Jonathan Slatt – as she played the piano and occasionally sang.  Takes me back – decades….  Lifts my spirit. 

On this date in 1881 Billy the Kid escaped jail, and in 1990 “Chorus Line” closed after 6,137 performances!  James Monroe, our 5th President, was born in 1758, and Jay Leno was born in 1950.  And of course my lovely Chrissy, born today in 2006!  Happy birthday, sweet girl!  Many, many more!  Love you to the MOON and back!   

In your walk this week, Walk with the Lord!  He has big things planned for you!  God bless….

I was back to work at Pinnacle/Jeannette today, just for about an hour and a half.  It was good to be there and will be a slow process to get back on full swing.  I picked up Mom on the way home and she ate a second breakfast of a banana muffin and a mini donut with Kelly.  We did keep busy, as Kelly was changing sheets and gathering towels and dirty clothes.  She was packing to head back to her family.  Kelly was ready to get back into her business (PLC Designs, custom printing of tee shirts, etc), but I think the boys would have stayed.  Chase asked if they had stayed 10 days – I said it was more like 5 weeks!  After lunch we gathered up things from every room, plus cookies and brownies and Goldfish crackers, and loaded up the van.  Right before they left, Logan helped me install my new fire stick and he gave me a tutorial on its use and purpose.  It was my splurge, and I think I’ll enjoy it.  I only downloaded (or Logan did) three apps but I can add more later.  Mom and I stood on the driveway and waved as they pulled out of the drive, and I have to say there were tears on my cheeks as they left.  I don’t know what I would have done these last 5 weeks sequestered alone on my own.  Having them here was such a blessing.  We cooked and walked and baked and watched movies and baked some more!  I believe we set a record for scone consumption!  It will be an adjustment for me to settle in by myself again.  I need to get back to a regular walking routine and spend more time outside, as well.  But I will miss my little roommates!  God bless them! 

This afternoon I listened to Paul’s message from River Hill Church.  It was about Doors of the Bible.  Doors are opportunities that God gives us – Thomas Edison said that opportunities often come dressed in overalls and disguised as work!  And often we pass right by them because they ARE too much work, or look unappealing.  But the first door was on Noah’s Ark – God closed that door and no one could open it.  Although Noah warned the people about the flood and their need to repent, they ignored the warning, and then it was too late.  The second door was the one that God’s people anointed with the blood of the sacrificed lamb, alerting the death angel to pass over their house – they were a child of God. Of course, Jesus represents the blood that is our sacrifice and the door to eternal life.  The next door was the door to the sheepfold.  The Shepherd guards the door so that the sheep stay safe inside, and that wild animals and thieves cannot get in.  The sheep are safe with the Shepherd.  The last door is the door to our heart.  The Bible says that Jesus stands at the door of our heart and knocks.  If we willingly let him in, we share in His victory and in eternal life.  Don’t miss out on the opportunity!  Open your heart’s door and let Jesus in. 

On this date in 1810 Beethoven composed Fur Elise.  Samuel Morse (inventor of the Morse Code) was born in 1791, and Ulysses S Grant was born in 1822. I think he’s kinda cute.   

Oh, and just as an added note, I’m a homewrecker.  Overnight a persistent bird build a nest on the porch light outside my back door.  What a horrid, messy, MESS!  So I knocked it down and tied a bag over it.  (There were no eggs, etc – it was brand new!)

So just in case you have passed up opportunities before, take time to recognize them now.  The Shepherd will keep you in His loving fold!   God bless .. .. ..

Today my stepfather turns 99 years old.  An incredible life!  He is still mobile, independent, alert, and one of the most informed people I know.  I also know that being separated from my mom is very hard for him, and he would never have chosen for life to take this turn.  I am thankful that he has family and friends around him to watch over him, share with him, and stop after church and sing happy birthday from the driveway.  A huge thanks to Byron (minister at Keepville Bible Church) for making that happen.  His Greensburg family all wish this dear man much happiness and good health as he continues to live out his days for the Lord.  Happy birthday! 

Linus has uncovered a truth in today’s strip:  Sometimes practicality overrides vanity!  Linus was not sure wearing glasses would serve him well within his social circles, but in the end, being able to SEE won out!  How many times to we weigh decisions based on unimportant or trivial choices?   

After ‘church’ this morning Kelly and I baked brownies for Matt and cinnamon rolls for Peyton.   They are cooling, and then we will ice them.  Kelly is planning to order Abie and Bimbo’s pizza for dinner so they can take the leftovers home as well.  I wanted to send a peace offering to my brave little men when Kelly heads home. Three of their favorite foods, and their three favorite people!  God bless my little family as they are reunited. 

We listened to/and watched Rod from Martin’s Ferry Church this morning.  I really enjoy having real time facts mixed in with the message, and this morning Rod spoke about the importance in scripture of the number 40.  Look it up!  In Ohio (where the church is), they are released from the stay-at-home mandate on May 1st – 40 days from inception.  The root of the word ‘quarantine’ is ‘forty’.  If you take the year 2020 and add it the total is forty (20 + 20).  It means perfect vision.  In these 40 days, the earth has been at rest.  Waterways are cleaner, grass is green, cities are less polluted, highways are near to empty, people are largely at home.  He moved on to talk about Jesus ascending to heaven, and that he is indeed coming back.  As he left into the clouds, he blessed his disciples.  Even though they abandoned him and doubted him, He blessed them.  As many times as we have stepped away from the path we are called to follow, Jesus still forgives and blesses.  Stay focused on Him. Sometimes we think things are impossible, but with God the impossible happens.  Look to God AND the impossible; let Him work through you.  He is coming again!!!   

On this date in 1607, the Jamestown expedition made its first landing in America in Virginia.  In 1941 potatoes were rationed in Holland.  Melania Trump was born in 1970, and my step-father John R. Graves Sr. was born in 1921!   

Do some research this week and look at the number 40.  God Bless.  

As Bud would have said, it’s 8 months til Christmas day!  I have to say, I’m not ready.  Haven’t bough a single gift!  I miss that man and think of him often.  Snoopy’s words of wisdom for the day entreats us to wait patiently.  I for one find it very difficult to wait for ANYTHING!  Especially where there is an element of uncertainty about it.  As for the things I do not yet have, there are many — but honestly I don’t know why I should actually WANT for anything.  So today I am listing five things that I am thankful that I have in my life.  And these will be material things and not listed in order of importance.  First, my home.  I am so blessed!  I love every nook and cranny, every dust bunny, every dirty window, the full to overflowing pantry, warmth and comfort, peace.  Wonderful.  Second, my family.  They encourage me and challenge me and love me!  I can’t imagine life without them.  And when Kelly and the boys go home, it will be a huge gap in my little world!  Third, friends.  Truly they enrich my life and their loyalty and encouragement are priceless.  Fourth, sunshine.  How great it makes me feel, to be outside walking, cutting grass, even pulling weeds (well, SOMETIMES pulling weeds….).  It makes my world brighter in more than the obvious way.  Fifth, my job.  I respect and admire and enjoy the people I work with and am thankful for being part of their employment family.  All of these things are gifts from God – and he as blessed me abundantly through them!  I will TRY to be patient for what may come – and will be grateful for any and all additions to my life. 

Today I spent some time trying to figure out how to be a legal eNotary in the state of PA.  The websites are confusing and unclear.  I answered a few emails then went outside in the SUNSHINE!  I pulled weeds and cleaned up the gardens and trimmed a few bushes.  Finished that about 4pm and cut the grass, as I believe there is rain in the forecast.  I promised the boys Chick-Fil-A so we went through the drivethough for that.  I do believe that if our government was run as efficiently and pleasantly as Chick-Fil-A our country would be a better place!  Kelly and I finished watching White Christmas, and I sorted Mom’s journals. 

One of the things we brought back with us last Saturday on our Albion trip were her hand-written journals.  I didn’t know if they would all be there but they were.  First entry was January 1, 1985! The last one she managed to do was October of 2017.  I wish she could have kept writing but she couldn’t manage.  I can’t read them now – it seems like something so private should remain private even if she doesn’t realize what they are right now.  Kathy and I are thankful to have them as a future treasure, and I know they will bless us beyond measure.  As I glanced inside to get the dates to put them in order I caught glimpses of phrases.  So many scriptures, so much admonition to live for the Lord!  Her faith has sustained her through many hard and uncertain times, and that is a balm to my soul now, as she is so often lost and confused.  God truly is her strength and comfort. 

On this date in 1719 Daniel Defoe published Robinson Crusoe.  In 1886 Sigmund Freud opened his practice.  In 1994 there was 14 inches of snow in southern California.  Ella Fitzgerald was born in 1917 and Ginger Rogers died in 1995 at age 83. 

So why not make your own list of things to be thankful for, and then wait patiently for what is to come.  God bless.  He will!  

Today our Logan is thirteen!  Wow it seems like he was just a little bit of a thing, grinning up from his Mom’s lap.  Now he is officially a teenager and I can’t quite figure out where the years went.  The first birthday gift I actually remember getting him that he ASKED for was a ball glove, and a huge inflatable softball!  He loved playing ball. Now he loves watching Youtube videos, especially about Fortnite.  And of course, he loves playing the game itself, and interacting with Chase and his friends online.  They play for hours!  And Logan is the grandchild that will eat almost anything and is truly excited about food in general.  I think he can hear a Sunchips bag opening at 40 paces!  He is loving and kind and sweet and loyal and the last person to be upset or distressed about something.  I ‘stole’ some of Kelly’s photos to share here, as she have – of course! – way more than I do!  Logan at Disney last December; Logan with his 4-H pig, and visiting the one room school.  Also, in the church play with his very best friend Julia, and as a guitar rocker.  And lastly, the way Logan likes to sleep.  He’s like a hotdog all wrapped up in his blankets!  Wishing Logan a very happy, fun day, and also amazingly wonderful years ahead and he grows and matures in his life and love for the Lord.  Happy birthday Logan!

Rather than a message to share, I thought I would let this message of love and faith inspire you to share God’s love with those around you.  It doesn’t take much to offer hope to a fearful world! 

On this date in 1800 the US Library of Congress was established.  In 1888 George Eastman founded Eastman-Kodak.  In 1907 Milton Hershey opened Hersheypark, and in 1950 Peter Pan (my childhood FAVORITE!!!) opened in NYC theaters.  In 1969, Paul McCartney said there was no truth to the rumors that he was dead.  Well, imagine that.    In 1942 Barbra Streisand was born; in 1934 Shirley MacLaine was born.  Kelly Clarkson was born in 1982, and today my friend Melinda Donnelly is celebrating a birthday.  And of course, Happy Birthday to our Logan!   

And I’ll leave you today with Snoopy:  Be kind – share a little seed of faith and watch what happens!   God bless….

Snoopy’s brother Spike had words of wisdom for us today – God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.  Neither of us know exactly how to translate that!  Spike is a prickly little guy – haha.  I actually went to work for about an hour – and it was very good to be there.  Just a few stray chores from the month of close-down but hoping to slowly get back into things.  I came home and had a piece of the delicious banana bread Kelly and Mom made yesterday, then spent about 3 hours outside on the hill pulling and digging weeds.  It looks so nice, and almost done!  Just 2 little sections left.  After getting cleaned up, I dusted and swept the house before making dinner.  Logan asked for tater tots and fried spam; Chase wanted Goldfish.  No surprise there.  I watched a webinar on Remote Online Notarization (oh, joy) and Kelly had an online meeting.  We spent the last of the evening watching Anne – the continuing saga.  It was very intense and not my favorite but I loved the end!  You have to actually read the books (I think there are 8) to really get the story.

I listened to Micah’s message from Old Mahoning Baptist about ‘From Fear to Courageous.   Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to handle fear.  We can overcome fear by having a personal encounter with Jesus, as in through the instructions in the Bible and sharing with fellow believers.  Also, by following and taking to heart the instructions laid out for us, such as the Good Commission:  Go, Teach, Baptize, Preach (Matthew 28:16-20).  Also, we can believe and claim the promises Jesus gave us, i.e. He will be with us forever.  And last, believe in his power and the gift of the holy spirit in us.  And of course, believe he will come again.   

On this date in 1791, William Shakespeare was born. In 1791 James Buchanan – only US President from Pennsylvania – was born.  In 1861 Robert E Lee was named commander of the Virginia Confederate Forces. Shirley Temple was born in 1928 and was everyone’s favorite child star!  In 1954 Hank Aaron hit the first of 755 home runs. 

The Bible is full of comfort, instruction, and promises – discover them for yourself!  God Bless….

Snoopy and friends say Happy Wednesday!  We did have a good day, although it was surely too cold for the ‘end’ of April.  My friend Diane said when was the last time we cut the grass at the end of April in 42*  temperatures with gale force winds???  I tried pulling weeds on the hill and they almost blew into the bag themselves.  Mom was here today and we kept busy inside and out.  We made  fresh icing for the scones, cleaned a quart of strawberries, made banana bread from Kelly’s recipe (and 12 muffins), then after lunch went for a walk.  Mom sat on the bottom deck while I played Paul Bunyan and cut down a small Rose of Sharon bush – in the wrong place for its size.  We plan to watch part two of Anne the sequel tonight.  We are saving part three for the weekend. 

We all listened to Greg Pelc’s message from Vanderbilt Church about the importance of prayer, and focused on the Lord’s Prayer.  He talked about his young years in his home church and how prayer time was such an important time in the service. Greg started out with the fact the although prayers were said all around them often, the disciples recognized the uniqueness of Jesus’ prayers and asked to be taught to pray.  It was probably the attitude and atmosphere that Jesus evoked as he prayed to his ‘Daddy’.  When the prayer starts out, it begins, “Our Father”, showing that we are equal brothers (and sisters) with Jesus of our Father, and Jesus intercedes for us. Hallowed be your name.  Hallowed is not a common word; is no longer used.  Basically we should respect God, and His name.  That is sadly lacking in today’s society, the reverence and praise due to God.  And once we lose the respect for God, we lose respect for each other and for society in general.  If we reverence God our focus will switch from ourselves to Him; and when we praise God, we recognize that even though we are undeserving of forgiveness he has removed our sins/transgressions as far away as the East is from the West.  I loved the reference to Biblical writers and that when they wrote God’s name in any form they immediately broke the quill and threw it away, it was so revered.  Do we reverence God?  Do we even know how to pray.  In these trying times prayer is our conversation with our loving Father, who knows all about what is happening and what the future holds. 

On this date in 1823, R J Tyers patented the roller skate.  In 1991 Johnny Carson announced his retirement, and Glen Campbell was born in 1936.  

It’s about time we trust Him, and pay him the honor that is due Him.  Pray without ceasing!  God Bless –  have a great day tomorrow!