I’m sure you are familiar with Charlie Brown’s kite-eating tree.  Well, we have a hammer-eating tree!  It kind of started when Kelly’s boys (Peyton, Logan, Chase) were tossing football with Kelly’s friend Jamie’s daughters (Josie and Julia).  The group came to spend the day and to sort through my boxes of Snoopy (etc) items.  Julia is a TOTAL Snoopy fan and knows all there is to know about all of the characters.  I invited them to ‘shop’ through my collection, as having it all sitting stored in the shed in tubs isn’t doing anyone any good.    While Kelly, Jamie and I took a little break to take a flower walk through the gardens, the kids were tossing the football. 

Peyton somehow got the football caught about 15 feet up in the crab apple tree!  And it wouldn’t budge. So his idea to get the football out of the tree was to toss my HAMMER into the tree.  Believe it or not, the HAMMER got STUCK! 

While they were considering what else they could toss into the branches of this hungry tree, we walked back into the yard.  After a brief consultation we decided on the extension ladder.  But the branches were so thin and brittle we couldn’t get the ladder close enough to help.  Alas.  Jamie then thought about poking it with a broom handle, but none were long enough.  Next came the spear throwing attempts, which did not dislodge anything. In fact, they got the spear caught in the tree…. 

Finally Jamie took 3 handles and taped them together with duct-tape, and climbed on a step stool with several spotters.  We finally got the hammer loose, which crashed to the ground with a thud amidst much cheering and clapping.  Five more minutes and we had the football down, as well.  By the time all this transpired, we’d spent half an hour trying to get our hammer-eating tree to shake down it’s prey. 

But we had iced tea, lemonade, chips, fresh (home made) chocolate chip cookies, and Abie and Bimbo’s pizza for lunch so it was all good.  We had a great day despite (or maybe even BECAUSE OF!) the tree, and it was a delight to have them here for the day.  Great memories, precious people!  FUN!

We had such a beautiful weekend to head up I-79 to visit our parents.  The sun was shining, the sky was pure blue, and the clouds were white and fluffy.  We even made the whole trip up in daylight!  We stopped at Walmart to grab food for the weekend, and our little cashier was so exuberant and friendly!  He wielded that cake around til Kath had to duck!  But it was all good. 

Mom was excited about going to the beach, so after breakfast on Saturday the three of us ‘girls’ headed to Raccoon Park.  I wasn’t totally sure of the directions, but Kath plugged it into her phone GPS and we had no problem.  The day was perfect – the water was about 60* – and we walked along the sandy beach and picked river rock.  Those are moments you don’t forget. 

Later back at the house – and after a scrumptious lunch! – we presented John with a ‘money’ pizza from “Pappa Johns'” for father’s day.  They snuck in a little week-early birthday celebration for me as well – with a crystal cut bowl and a Wendell-August Ford ornament from my parents.  Kath and I have Suzie Squirrel that we exchange for each birthday, and Suzie came back to live with me for the summer wearing a stylish M&M pinafore, holding a pack of fun-size M&M’s.  Perfect! It’s memories like this that carry me through the hard days, or the lonely days, or the busy/crazy life that I embrace.  Happy June, everyone! 

When my sister talked to our mom last weekend, Mom was nostalgically recalling the age-old tradition of putting flowers on the graves every Memorial Day.  Mom wasn’t certain that anyone would visit her parents’ graves and plant flowers.  So of course the first thing that popped into Kathy’s thoughts was, ‘Let’s do that!’  So early Saturday morning Chrissy and I picked up Kathy and headed out ‘Home’, stopping to grab a few flats of bright-colored flowers on the way.   We had stopped at the dollar store to grab cold drinks, and Chris picked a small package of modeling clay to keep her entertained. Chris wasn’t entirely certain that she was on board with this, but as the day progressed, she was fully engrossed.

The first stop was in Smicksburg, to ‘visit’ Aunt Hazel, Uncle Gene, baby Norman, uncle Dan Gaston, and Bob Walker.  Chrissy did the digging and was better at turning the dirt than I was.  Each time a flower was planted, we shared with Chrissy a little story that we remembered about that person.  Some were funny, some were sweet.  A firm pat of the soil around the flower, a good dose of water, and we were off.  But before going to the next cemetery, we stopped at the Chocolate Shoppe and got non-perils and chocolate covered peanuts.  Oh yum!  Next was the Smicksburg Country Store, where hot dogs were lunch, and where we also got cheese – my favorite in the world, by the way!  Donna had a star-spangled tree in the store, and it really captured the essence of USA!  I loved it!  But the fun part was that when we turned in the driveway to the store, there was a fair-sized calf just ambling up the road!  We stopped and watched as it wondered around, while the other cows (including an amazing long-horned steer!) stood in the corner of the fence and watched it.  I think they were trying to figure out how to join it!  A bucket of oats tempted our little escape artist, and soon the little guy was safely closed back inside the barnyard. 

Munching cheese and hot dogs, we headed down the lane to the Old Mahoning Baptist Church where Uncle Jim was buried.  More planting, patting, watering, and story-telling.  The last stop was Sagamore, where my grandparents (Jess and Erma Crooks), great grandparents, great aunts and uncles were resting.  We planted the remaining flowers, telling stories, and letting Chrissy look for the names on the tombstones to find our family.  During all this time, we passed Amish farms, buggies, kids playing, animals, clothes on the line — it raised tons of questions for our curious Chrissy, and she really asked good questions. 

On the trip home, she mixed and blended her clay into different shades and patterns, and soon had an entire universe of ‘planets’ arranged on the back of her phone.  So we entertained each other, shared some wonderful memories, and paid honor to people who were so dear to us – and when we called Mom, she was thrilled and delighted, and insisted that we made her day.  There’s nothing better than that.  So here’s to an amazing day spent with precious people, sharing memories of those who will never be gone, as long as there are people to plant flowers and share stories!!!

Early this morning Kathy and I headed down Route 119 to Friendship Hill, the home of Albert Gallatin.  This man has many incredible accomplishments to his credit, and I for one am not sure why he isn’t more widely celebrated.  He was a great statesman, business man, and political advocate. My recommendation is to ‘google’ him and see for yourself.  But back to the house.  We were greeted inside by a very knowledgeable park ranger, who gave us what she called the ‘Cliff Notes’ version of Mr. Gallatin’s life and the house and grounds.  We roamed through the house, seeing bedrooms, sitting rooms, huge porches, a very interesting kitchen area, and my favorite:  The writing desk with a fabulous view!  It certainly wouldn’t be hard sitting there to write!  After we were done exploring inside, we went out to roam some of the paths on the estate, heading first to the gazebo that overlooks the Monongahela River.  When we went in search of Albert’s first wife Sophia’s grave sight, we passed a pond.  Sunning themselves on a huge log were several very big turtles!  We were hoping to see them move but they were obviously content in their sunny spot.  The house, built in three different stages over the years, is beautiful and stately and the setting is amazing.  The view of the distant mountains is so charming!  I suggest reading a little about Albert Gallatin and then make it a point to visit Friendship Hill. You certainly won’t be disappointed!

Well, dog and baby birds!  The eggs have hatched, and it took me until they hatched to realize that Daddy bird is very involved in this event.  I was amazed when I went out on the deck the other morning and the robin flew off (as usual) but several little bald heads poked up and opened their beaks wide and high. Sorry, babies, no worms here!  To me they just look like a tangled mess of nakedness!

But as I sat on the deck last night, I watched both momma and daddy fly off and return with a piece of worm, which they dropped in those waiting mouths.  It was very cool to watch, especially when a hummingbird decided to have a sunset snack among my flowers. That was a fun treat.

This morning Nate brought Derrek Shepherd over to stay with me, because he and Jen had to work.  DS doesn’t like staying home alone!  So I am dog-sitting my step granddog, or something to that effect.  Derrek Shepherd is a very well behaved dog and seems totally content here.  He was delighted when a noddle slipped from the macaroni salad and landed right under his nose!  He doesn’t get much outside time at his place, and with my fenced yard this is perfect for him to go exploring, which he has done at great length.  Somehow it’s nice to have him here, curled up a foot from me, happy just to exist.  And no, Jen Johnson, I do NOT want a dog!!!  But he’s been good company and very relaxed.  He’s napping now.  Running in the yard all morning has tired him out!  It’s been a good morning!

Friday morning I left my house at 6:45am and headed to Cabela’s plaza in West Virginia.  I connected up with my daughter Kelly at 8:15, and we jumped on I-70 and headed west.  To Ohio.  To Amish country and a fun day out together!  The drive up was comfortable and easy.  Very little traffic and beautiful countryside. 

The sun was shining when we pulled into our parking spot in Berlin, and left the car tucked there for the day as we walked from one end of town to the other. Our first stop was a craft/garden shop, and I made friends with a huge horse statue out front.   I could probably have spent an entire paycheck in the store; lawn ornaments, plants, decor, benches, lighting – garden heaven!  We browsed around from store to shop to strip-mall for several hours, until we came to a little hot pretzel shop.  That was lunch!  And let me tell you, that pretzel was warm and salty and buttery and so yum!  Thankfully our entire agenda was walking, because we really needed to walk that off! 

At the end of town was a huge complex called Sol’s, and there was everything in that store that you can imagine.  There were displays of everything from clothing and jewelry to fake pigs, kitchen gadgets, and specialty coffees!  I especially liked going in a huge Victorian craft store, which offered — more of the same!  Somehow, though, the displays in the Victorian setting were so appealing.  There was even a huge claw-foot tub filled with Styrofoam peanuts that looked like a bubble bath!  One of my favorite displays was in a little craft mall situated on the highway heading out of town.  There were about a dozen square, galvanized wash tubs filled with potpourri.  We of course had to sniff them all.  Not even sure I could pick a favorite, but Cinnamon Bun and Vanilla were at the top. 

At the end of the day, we drove over to the Dutch Valley Family Restaurant and had a delicious meal there.  We both had the buffet.  We timed that perfectly, as we walked right in when we arrived, but the line was out the door and down the porch when we left! 

In that same little complex, in addition to a huge upscale hotel, were several shops, a theatre, and a little kid-sized village with the cutest houses ever!  Kelly and I went in several of them, but my favorite was the dark blue Victorian.  There were even steps inside, with a perfect sleeping loft, and little windows with screens that actually opened and shut!  Perfect tiny house!

We headed back home about 6:30pm, and I arrived tired but happy to Wren Drive at a little after 9pm.  A long but perfectly wonderful day, and a great big loving THANK YOU to my daughter for sharing her precious time with me!  Let’s do that again!  

This was a very full day.  It started at 4:45am; out of bed and my mile walk. I went with Ron to his doctor’s appointment.  More on that under the APPALACHIAN TRAIL tab so check that out. 

Had to cram 8 hours worth of work into 5 so it was tricky.  After work I buzzed over to Twin Lakes for my two mile daily walk.   It was such a beautiful day I couldn’t stand the thought of being cooped up inside or on the treadmill.  I ‘made friends’ with the one that got away.  But there were several gaggles of geese along the path, with babies from little to teen age.  Some of them hissed at me.  The nerve of them! 

The far end of the upper lake has a rock hill, and the temperature on that part of the path is always at least 5 degrees cooler. The spillway had more water than usual cascading down the falls, splashing into the pond below. 

By the boardwalk on the lower lake there were several flowering bushes – white, purple, and this vibrant red that really popped out. 

I left the lakes and went to the celebration at Smail Honda.  The dealership won the 2016 President’s award for top dealership performance.  It was a fun night, visiting with my Honda friends that I seldom see, being that they are a full quarter of a mile down the road from my office!  We had a DJ, a taco bar, and of course, cake! 

I came home, cut my grass, cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen, washed towels, and did a huge basket of ironing.  So now, if you don’t mind, I’m headed to bed! 

It started on Friday evening, when Kathy, Paul, Joni and I drove to Pittsburgh in the pouring downpour to teach at His Place.  It was a great evening despite the rain, and the kids did very well listening to the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 and also Peter walking on the water.  We had snacks and games and song time and the evening was a total blessing all around.

Early Saturday morning, Kathy and I headed north on I-79 to visit our parents.  Again, in the pouring rain!  We spent time visiting and cooking and even partying.  We celebrated John’s 96th birthday just a few days late, complete with a ‘critter’ kitty cake from Walmart bakery.  We also celebrated Mother’s Day a week early with another ‘critter’ skunk cake.  The most fun was that the black dye in the skunk’s icing turned Kathy’s and Mom’s lips, tongue, and even teeth totally black!  We all had a good laugh before they scrubbed it off. 

Kathy, Mom, and I took selfies with the skunk cake, in honor of our beloved Skunk Hollow girls, of which mom was one of the original ones!  We had a great day, and as always, are blessed by spending time with our precious family.  The time just goes so fast, but we cherish every minute together!  Love you guys! 

To top off the weekend, Ron arrived back on Melvin Drive about 6pm this evening (Sunday).  He has several doctors appointments and needs to get a few things handled locally.  It was great to see him and have him home, even knowing he was disappointed in having to step off the trail for a short time.  He’s still determined to get back to the Smokies as soon as possible and head back to Maine.  In the meantime, I’ll selfishly appreciate some time for us to be together!

We’ve been busy this last week.  Saturday April 29th Nathan had an 11th birthday party for Christina.  She had several friends and a bunch of family (Kelly with Logan, and Nate, hanging out) to help her celebrate. Her cake had sparkler candles and wouldn’t blow out, and they were the funniest thing to watch.  She got several fun gifts, including two of those spinner things that are so popular with the kids.  Her dad got her a scooter, which was – of course! – a huge success!

Later on in the week, Chris had to give a presentation at school.  All the kids in her class had to choose a personality, do research on that person, prepare a speech, dress the part, and perform for guests at the school.  Chris chose Walt Disney, which was a very fun choice!  She was practicing her speech for me and she did a super job.  I even learned things about Mr. Disney that I hadn’t known.  Her dad said the evening – and all the kids’ presentations – was a huge success.

Kelly sent me a photo mid-week of Peyton, who received an academic award for maintaining a 3.5 gpa or above for the entire school year!  Congrats to Peyton!  My ‘grands’ are the best!

This evening was a rainbow kind of day.  The first one appeared as I was driving home from work in Jeannette, and it was full and bright against the dark clouds.  I couldn’t take a photo as there was no easy place to pull over.  I enjoyed the sight, though, and watched it for as long as I could. I came home and changed clothes and headed out for my evening walk, umbrella in hand – – although hoping I wouldn’t need it. 

Alas.  I DID need it, and only a few houses up!  But the sun was shining brightly, and sure enough, another rainbow – then a second one appeared above it.  I wasn’t fast enough to get that photo, but no matter which way I walked there was a piece of the rainbow in front of me.  I didn’t even mind the rain so much, but it did make taking pictures a bit more challenging! 

As I sit and type, there is still a small piece of one jutting above the hill across the way, disappearing into the white puffs of clouds.  It really was a rainbow kind of day!