Yesterday Kath and I headed north to Home, PA – and  Smicksburg’s 2017 Christmas Open House.  We took a quick side trip to the Eat n Park ‘Cares for Kids’ craft show at the Masonic Lodge in Greensburg.  It’s always a nice event and this year was no exception – especially the creative chocolates and hand-made crafts!

An hour later we were pulling into The Chocolate Shoppe, buying Christmas-colored non-perils and chocolate covered peanuts (double dipped!).  We were in all the little shops, seeing old favorites and new temptations.  We had a taste of Fudge at the Country Cupboard, popcorn in the Primitive Peddler, cake at the Drying Shed – all accompanied by holiday music and decorations. When were were done ‘downtown’, we headed back toward Sinktown road, stopping first at the Smicksburg Country Store for our traditional hot dog and cheese lunch, greeted by the resident cat. 

While we were buying fresh-baked  cookies from an Amish lady outside, we noticed a commotion on the driveway.  Turns out a guy got out of his truck for something, and the dog locked the doors – with the truck running – blocking the only way in and out.  He tried several ‘tricks’ to get the doors open, to no avail.  Finally, Tyler pulled the wooden post and rail fence out of the ground for several feet to make room for the cars to get past.  That little place is always full of action – last time we were there one of the cows escaped and was just strolling down the lane!  Again, Tyler to the rescue!!!

We stopped over at Yoder’s store, browsed around in there at the beautiful displays.   So appealing! We said hello to our cousin Colleen (who works there), and had a nice little chat with Santa.  He didn’t say if I had been naughty or nice, but when I asked him if he was ok (I was sitting on his knee!) he said he’d never be ok again.  I’m not even going to TRY to interpret that!

We then drove out to visit the aunts/uncle.  The views were spectacular and we snapped several pictures on the way over to Aunt Joan/Uncle Clifford’s.   We took a picture of Colleen’s front porch as it was colorful and inviting!

Then, after a quick stop to give Aunt Dolly hugs, we drove part way up the cabin drive to get pictures there.  Alas.  Certainly not in its prime.  Sigh. 

It was a lovely day – a bit windy but sunny and dry so we were quite content.  We made our usual stop at Blairsville Wal-Mart and the Dollar Tree before heading back to Greensburg and the comfort of home.  But I can say that a trip ‘Home’ is balm for the soul –  There’s no place like Home (home!). 

Halloween this year was spread out over a few days – starting with Saturday when I had Kelly help me create clouds and lightening bolts out of poster board.  It was for a good purpose:  Sunday evening we had Trunk or Treat at our church (Hempfield Church of Christ).  The weather being what it was, we transferred the creativity from our outdoor vehicle trunks to tables inside the old sanctuary.  There was a room full of tables decorated to represent everything from Noah’s Ark (us!) to a baseball diamond to a slime pit!  Miss Shirley very creatively just sat her HUGE candy bars out on a plain table – and the kids were just as excited as if it were Ceasar’s Palace!  Mary made our ark, Joni created rain out of yarn, and I added my storm.  We all pitched in some animals, and there you go!  Kind of fitting that it was raining.  We were ready!  The kids loved seeing the animals and picking their favorite – which was mostly the plump pink pig with huge round eyes!  Our chefs manned the grill, which sat outside under the deck overhang, and the hot dogs tasted extra good.  We had homemade donuts, chips, and of course way too much candy.  There were games with prizes, and even several opportunities for photo ops.  Of course I picked Linus’s very sincere pumpkin patch. 

On Tuesday, my two office co-workers got into the spirit of things and dressed up for Halloween.  Liz was Minnie Mouse and April was a major-leaguer.  Not sure what I was, actually.  Some said Lily Munster, some said medieval wench, some said it was just my normal dress! 

By the time I got home from work, it was too late to be part of the neighborhood pass-out-candy routine.  I changed clothes and hit the streets, running my two miles around the blocks.  Fire trucks were patrolling, flashing their lights, running sirens, and one actually sounded their horn and startled me so bad I jumped over the curb into the yard!  So many houses had fog machines, strobe lights, inflatables, all sorts of scary scenes.  Lots of people had fire pits in their driveways and sat in lawn chairs wrapped in blankets, handing out treats.  I stopped to talk to several of my ‘neighbors’, and enjoyed the evening WITHOUT treats as much as the kids enjoyed the treats. 

I’m not really a fan of Halloween, but I enjoyed getting dressed up, passing out snacks at our Noah’s Ark, and tramping the neighborhood in the dark on Tuesday night.  I guess maybe I’m just a kid at heart!  And I’m not quite sure how I actually resisted all that candy!  *Disclaimer:  I did have a baby Butterfinger.  Yum!!!

Despite the rain and chilly clouds, the Burkes and the Hanchers had a great time at Hanna’s Town for their Fall Family Fun Day on Saturday.  There were lots of programs and activities to keep everyone informed and entertained. There was a demonstration of potato jack-o-lantern carving on the porch, and a decorated tree in the display room.

Then Taylor – their youthfully exuberant tour guide – took Kelly, Peyton, Chrissy, Logan, and Chase for a complete tour of the tavern, the stockade, the covered wagon, the stocks, and the site.  They learned about life in the 1770’s, about the attack on the town by the Indians, and how the site because what it is today, complete with artifacts in the display cases. 

After the tour, the kids jumped in and played with the colonial toys, including stilts and tops and tug of war.  Just about then, Lisa rang her bell, and took the group on a cemetery tour.  We had not quite reached the path when a group of colonials jumped out and demanded that we release the deserter among us.  He stepped forward and was pronounced condemned to be shot for his desertion from his post.   Despite his protests, he was ‘shot’ on the spot and dragged away in the grass.  Lisa explained that this was a true story reenacted, and that laws weren’t as fair or clear- cut as they may be now.  At the cemetery she told the stories of those killed or buried there. 

Chase got cold part way though and I took him down to do crafts in the warmth of the tavern basement, but the rest stuck it out.  They joined us afterwards to make yarn babies and refrigerator magnets.  Proctor’s militia were having a weapons demonstration, which Kelly, Peyton and Logan went over to watch. 

We did have a great time, and are already looking forward to the next program at the site, which will be next summer.  In the meantime, check out the Candlelight Open house on November 2nd from 4 to 8pm, and the Colonial Teas on November 11th and 18th. There is also the Tree Centuries of Chrismas in American on December 2nd and 9th – check out all the programs on the site at www.westmorelandhistory.org – Hanna’s Town.  Hope to see you there!

Last Friday afternoon my sister Kath, her husband Paul (designated driver!) and I headed north up I-79 to spend some time with our parents.  We’ve learned to balance work, play, and rest so that every little need is met as best we can.  After a quick Wendy’s supper stop and a zip into Walmart, we arrived about 7:30 pm to settled in for the night.  The drive up offered a lot more autumn leaves than we expected as Greensburg really hasn’t changed to colors much.  We were discussing who was sleeping in what room, and Paul warned that when he rang the bell, we all had to change rooms!  Mom laughed but I decided I’d just lock my door…. 🙂 

Saturday’s weather flexed back and forth between sunny and cloudy, but was basically pleasant.  Kathy and I started with our typical two-mile walk back to the water fall (overflow!), and after breakfast started in on chores. 

We did a little laundry and cleaning just because we aren’t very good at sitting still.  Mom was wanting a perm so we took her to the salon when we went for groceries.  Dinner (meatloaf and cheesy potatoes and carrot cake!) was yummy, but the afternoon went too fast.

While John and Paul sat on the porch chatting, I took a little walk up and down the road to get some pictures near their house. The garden flag was still dancing in the breeze – without the garden! I saw an interesting tree that looked like it could be a fairy’s home, and low and behold!  There appeared right on my phone a picture of a little pixie!   (Actually it was a picture of my great niece Millie!) 

We regretfully headed back down I-79, having spend time with those we love most, already picking out dates for the next visit!  Time with family is always precious!

This year – for the first time since the late 1990’s – I decided to go to Ligonier Days.  I took half a vacation day, so a little after 12:00 noon I headed up.  Parking was in the field below the town, which meant a good bit of walking.  But as always, I was up for that!  There were craft booths and quaint stores and vendors all up and down the street so the walk was eventful from start to finish. Smail Auto had a line of cars displayed about a block from the diamond.  I really think we’re EVERYWHERE!  

I particularly liked the booths that were selling wood crafts, and had a hard time keeping my wallet in my purse!  The food vendors were all tempting, but I settled for curly fries, with a double chocolate chip cookie for dessert later. While I ate my fries, I sat at a table and listened to the country band – Regegade Ridge – in the gazebo.  They were really good!  

There were horseback rides outside of Agway, and the little trainer really wanted me to pet the horse.  I took a picture and told her it would be on my web page later, so here you go!  This one’s for you and your beautiful horse!

One of the antique stores had a bear perched on a chair as you walked in the door.  So of course I snapped a picture as a reminder of my ‘close encounter’ last weekend! 

I spent about 3 hours walking around, and I’m sure I didn’t see everything.  And I did not even walk over to the fort.  But it was a cool, sunny day, and a fun experience, and I recommend it as a delightful fall outing in the not-so-sleepy little town of Ligonier! 

Traditionally, our crocus teas are in March, when the determined little purple and yellow flowers poke up through the crusty white snow.  We bustle around the house, enjoying the warmth from cookies baking and feeling the cozy togetherness of being inside.  This year, however, due to a bunch of crazy schedule conflicts, our Crocus Tea was last Sunday!  Yep, October 1st!  I didn’t mention to the girls ahead of time that this would be the plan. I stocked up the day before, and kept the plans to myself.

We were on our way home from church and I asked them if they could agree on chicken nuggets from McDonalds, even though they each had their ‘favorite’ fast-food choices.  They did agree, and after the nuggets were safely tucked into the spare seat, I told them we were going home to have the tea.  And they were excited!  We bustled around getting ready – the lacy white tablecloth, the good China, water goblets, and fancy serving plates.  Christina decorated the pre-made sugar cookies, while Autmn cut the Colby cheese into fancy shapes. 

We had M&M’s, Vienna Sausages, Snowflake Ritz crackers, a mini pizza, the nuggets, pineapple tidbits, apple sauce, ranch dressing, chocolate donuts, and crinkle cut French fries.  I tried pushing the hot tea, but they ended up choosing Coke for the drinks.  It took us about an hour to get everything ready, including the fact that we had to salvage the pizza. 

There must not have been enough crust in the middle, because the bottom dissolved and all the cheese dripped onto the oven bottom and burned – smoking like crazy and making the pizza crust black.  Not the most appetizing!  But we trudged forward and enjoyed the tradition – our sixth annual Crocus tea! 

I’m so blessed that they are still excited to have it, and hope that none of us ever grow too old or become uninterested.  They both appreciated the event and thanked me for making it happen.  And since part of the excitement is not knowing when it will happen, I can’t even hint as to when it will be in 2018.  Even if I knew myself! 

On Wednesday the Hancher family drove up from West Alex to have a home-school field trip day.  I took time out of my work schedule and shared the adventures with them.  We started at the dealership, where several employees explained the process of purchasing a car or getting their vehicles serviced.  We walked through the accounting and title offices and talked about some of the strange and unusual PENNDOT regulations (like not parking cars on grassy areas for customer viewing).  They especially enjoyed the walk through the back shop (Thanks Derrek and Nick for the info!) 

We left there and went over to Twin Lakes Park and had a picnic lunch.  The boys were more interested in fishing that eating, but then, that would be boys!  Chase was sure if he stood on the stump he’d have a better chance of catching something.  Logan sat on the wall and was very patient – but the fish were more patient and waited it out.  Alas.  Peyton thought that if he stood on the one corner of the shore, he could cast his line close to the boardwalk where he had seen the huge carp.  None of their tactics, however, proved successful.  Peyton, Kelly and I took a walk around the upper lake, then walked down to the waterfall/spillway.  There was only a trickle of water but it was pretty, anyway.  We saw a heron sitting on a fallen log, and a little group of ducks that laughed every time someone stepped on the boardwalk. They made us laugh!  Logan settled in and said he wasn’t leaving until he caught a fish, but we were able to convince him to come home with us, after all. 

Back at the house, we painted tree stumps with purple paint (of course it was purple!) and Peyton helped me string fall lights across the back deck railing.  Friends Trent, Michelle, and Conner came for the evening and that was a total blessing, to spend that time with friends and family, sitting on the deck and watching the kids play in the yard.  I came away from the day feeling refreshed and happy, having shared the most precious gift we can give:  ourselves!

Camp Christian had their annual Women’s Retreat this past Friday and Saturday, with the theme this year being The ANTS Go Marching On!  I have been to several retreats over the years, and had been very agreeable when Kathy txt me on Friday morning to see if I would ride up with her to the Friday evening sessions.

After a yummy dinner, all the ladies gathered in the Chapel for a get acquainted session.  The idea was to break up into groups and work together to accomplish our little project.  We were instructed to dress one of our group as a black ant, using black trash bags, bunched up newspaper, construction paper, and an odd assortment of craft items.  Our little group – who were comprised mostly from the West Alexander church where my daughter formerly attended, chose young Hannah as our Ant.  We had a great time stuffing her up and giving her eyes and antenna! 

Jeania Bebech was the main speaker, and talked about anti-doubt (defeating doubt) – casting aside our reservations and leaning on God’s directions. As I looked over the program, I felt oddly bereft that I could not stay for the Saturday sessions, with workshops entitled ANTique, ANTifungal, ANTidote, ANTicipate.  Rats.  Or maybe, Ants….

The music leader was Marvin Whiteman, who has been blind almost since birth.  He stoutly claimed that he does not have a handicap – FEAR is the only handicap, and that is something you have control over!  We were SO tempted to stay for the campfire, but knew that it would be midnight when we got home if we did, so we passed on that and headed home. 

As always (with my sister and I!) we relived the evening, talking about highs and lows and blessings.  Camp has been in our hearts since a very young age, and God always refreshes us – from the minute we drive through the camp gates until we pull back out onto the highway.  And the uplifting to our souls continues long after the drive back home. 

Yesterday was a rare treat for Teresa and I.  We seldom get to go on outings together these days, where in the past we were always into something! We started our Tuesday adventure in the pouring rain, heading toward Valencia and the Wagon Wheel Antique shops. Although it was still a drizzle when we arrived, we were inside the buildings and didn’t mind.  Four buildings full of everything imaginable from the past – from comic books to clothing and dishware to doilies.  We found quite a number of things similar to what our parents or grandparents once had, and even things that we still owned.  My eye was drawn to the dark wooden cupboards and tables.  Teresa enjoyed the textiles and dishes the most.

From there we drove over to Harmony, where there were restored, quaint buildings on quiet streets.  The little German settlement was established by a self-proclaimed prophet, George Rapp, who had acquired a large following.  They actually followed him to the United States in the early 1800’s and thus began the little Butler County town of Harmony.  There is quite a history in this little group, but mostly they did not fit in well with the community.  They were, however, very prosperous, and by the time they relocated to Indiana (the state, not the PA city!), they had built a church, a school, warehouse, mills, tavern, grist mills, brewery, distiller and tannery. These days several of the buildings are often used for classes in such things as weaving.

Shortly after they relocated, ‘Father Rapp’ was able to sell their 9000 acres to Abraham Ziegler, a Mennonite from out east, and another community began.  This community was also very prosperous, and grew to great proportions.  All this – plus too much more to recount here! – we learned from Paul, our very knowledgeable and personable tour guide. His history degree from Slippery Rock gave him the qualifications, added to his obvious passion for history and the site.  We toured three separate buildings, and learned about the common (and uncommon!) lives of both groups of settlers, their buildings and business prosperity and religious practices.  We were in the wine cellar (which I really liked – thus the three pictures!), the post office, the warehouse, the settler’s cabin, and the doctor’s office – which displayed the original Zelienople  telephone switchboard.  Teresa especially liked this, as her mom was a switchboard operator in her little hometown for many years. 

After the tour, we each bought something that caught our eye (Teresa bought a glass duck planter and I got a black, wrought iron star-shaped soap dish), then went down to the Two Fraus Bakery for yummies.  I had a chocolate chip cookie make with potato chips.  And it was very yummy!  I highly recommend it!  I also recommend a trip to both the Wagon Wheel Antique center, and to the quaint little historic village of Harmony.  I hope you can ask for Paul to be your tour guide.  You won’t be disappointed! 

This has been the week of the tree at my place!  I didn’t realize when it started how much difference it would make.  I knew that the two maples in the front yard were like four times as high as the house.  In a housing plan, with the homes so close together, it’s not a great idea for them to be so high.  I also knew that the crab apple tree in the bottom yard was messy and dirty and had a tendency to have dead limbs throughout.  And the apples started raining down in the spring and only got continually worse – including a nice supply in my neighbor’s yard!  I had planted a pussy willow tree about 6 years ago on the hill, and didn’t realize how big it would grow.  And trimming it back last year only made it grown better this spring. 

So I bit the bullet this week and called Ansell Tree Service in Mt. Pleasant.  They very pleasantly and efficiently gave the maples a healthy trim, cut the apple tree even with the ground, and chopped the willow tree completely out. (NO TREE!) They cleaned up very nicely and now — perfection!  Couldn’t ask for a better job. 

Then on Saturday, Nate, Jen, Autmn and Chrissy and I drove to Albion to spend the day with Mom and John.  The original idea was to go to the lake, but cold, rainy weather chased that away.  But what we did find when we got there was that a HUGE cherry tree had come down in a strong wind and grazed the corner of the front porch.   I could not believe how huge the tree was, and what amount of cleanup there would be.  If you look closely, you can see Nate standing on the other side of the fallen branches. There was nothing we could do to help with cleanup.  They had contacted the county, who hopes to come out next week and clean up.  Several neighbors want the wood.  God was smiling on their little (???) farmhouse, as nothing at all was damaged. 

So this was indeed the week of the trees:  a lot good and a little bad.  But when it ends so well, there are nothing but blessings!