Early to rise!  We were up, had a delicious breakfast, and were on the way to Philadelphia – first view of the skyline! – with our trusty driver, Perry.  Thank heavens for Perry!  And Anita!  What a tour guide.  She had everything planned and organized and it was a wonderful blessing.  We stopped first at the visitor’s center to pick up our tickets to Independence Hall, which were for 2pm.  Our walking tour was scheduled for 10am so we filled in the time and got in line for the Liberty Bell.  Just standing there, looking at that bell, knowing it had rung to celebrate our declaration and proclamation of freedom was awesome.

When we lined up for our walking tour, our guide was full of life and humor and limitless information.  We walked for two hours, going past statues of our founding fathers – much, of which, focused on Ben Franklin:  His original home, his grave site, the first post office, and even a photo shoot with the gentleman himself!  We stopped to learn about Betsy Ross – maybe she lived there, maybe she didn’t. Maybe she sewed the first flag; maybe she didn’t!  We walked past Christ’s Church and cemetery, where so many of the people who forged our nation attended worship services together and are now buried together.  We saw the Ben Franklin Bridge which leads to New Jersey – Don’t go to New Jersey!  Why, you ask?  We have NO IDEA!!! 

Elfreth Alley!  Oh, I loved that place, and wanted to just walk up and down.  The oldest, continually inhabited street in the United States.  Quaint 18th century homes with bright colorful fronts and inviting decor.  I LOVED it!

Finally it was time for a lunch break, and where better to eat than Sonny’s – Philly cheese steak sandwiches!  Oh, yum!  With full tummies we toured Independence Hall – another awesome experience, hearing about those turbulent days of our nation’s first steps.  We walked through Carpenter’s Hall and had pictures taken there , then went through the US Mint (where, incidently, you can purchase a new penny in a little glass bottle for $5.99!).  So many firsts:  First bank, first post office, first flag, first everything for me!  One street had a long line of carriages for hire and as tempting as they were, we learned an incredible amount of information from our early morning tour guide! 

We walked through the Signer’s garden, walked down the side streets with bright painted murals.  History everywhere we looked.

Then we headed home for a walk around the quiet neighborhood, a late dinner of grilled salmon over salad greens, great conversation, and the making of never-to-be-forgotten memories!  Stay tuned for day three!

It seems that every year the crocus tea gets pushed back further into summer!  But regardless, we still really have fun.  Part of the ‘magic’ is that it’s last minute – the girls don’t know we are having it until the very minute we start preparing the food.  This year I drafted Nate into getting the girls to me on a Sunday afternoon.  Autmn’s half sister Penny was with them so we included her in the day. 

They found out what we were doing when they saw the note taped to the door – and were so excited to get involved in the preparing of the food and setting up the table.  Penny was in awe of all the fussing and thought the whole thing was great fun.  We opted to move the celebration out onto the deck under the huge purple umbrella – using red/white/blue plates and napkins, serving dishes and cups. Chrissy and I were even dressed to match the table ware!  We made cauliflower and sweet potato veggie tots, cooked cauliflower, veggie straws, cheese and crackers, Patriotic M&M’s, strawberries, grapes, veggies and dip, and pineapple.  And of course, the beautiful teapot sugar cookies that Ron bought especially for the occasion. 

We sat on the deck, under the shade of the umbrella, and I listened to my girls chat as they munched – they discussed politics (???) including Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump; they talked about middle school and high school classes and buildings and teachers, and talked about clothes and friendships and food and boys! They even specifically asked for my opinions.  It was delightful to hear the girls being so grown up! 

Regardless of whatever else in going on, or if they often spar (as sisters do!), we all come together for the Crocus Tea.  It’s a tradition that I hope the three of us can carry into all the years to come!  Thanks, girls, for great memories!

This year I had a double dose of the Arts and Heritage Festival!  I wanted to see the Patsy Cline tribute show featuring Cathy Rhodes – I’ve seen her many times and really love the shows and the music.  So on Friday after work I drove over walked around the park, visiting the craft booths and grabbing an order of hand-cut French Fries just in time to sit and listen to the music.  It didn’t disappoint! 

While I was searching out my fries I came across the Speals Tavern mobile food truck – and of course had to send a photo in a txt to Ron, who frequents Speals when his favorite groups are performing there. And of course, Snoopy and the gang are always on hand…

Later that evening I was asking Ron what he wanted to do Saturday  – and he said go to the festival!  So we drove out again, having picked several shows that looked interesting.  We stopped and talked to a few authors on the Heritage Trail, scoped out the booths, and then got chicken and fries to share.  We ran into several people we knew, and stopped to chat with them for a while.  Nate, Jen and the girls (Autmn, Chrissy, and Penny) met us for funnel cake, and I took the girls to get their faces painted. 

We stayed until the festival closed at 8pm, having had a full evening of fun experiences.  I seldom buy anything but dinner, but really enjoy the atmosphere and adventure of the festival, and look forward to it every year.  Only 11 1/2 months until the next one!

July 4th is one of my favorite days!  I love celebrating independence, and those men and women who risked everything to make us a nation, a great nation.  Several years ago we spent the 4th in Williamsburg VA and that trip, too, was one to cross off my bucket list. 

Here is a rough quote from a SWIP (Stalled work in progress!), taking place in front of the Capitol building in Williamsburg.  Several of the characters are listening to the Declaration of Independence being read, reflecting their thoughts on what it would mean:

The bell in the tower of Bruton Parish Church pealed wildly.  Guns fired into the air; men shouted in the streets.  Horses pranced at the hitching posts, agitated by the noise.  People ran from their houses.  The taverns emptied, the shops cleared.  A lone rider pounded his gelding down Duke of Gloucester Street, headed for the Records office, clutching a parchment in his hands. 

“What is it?” Hannah demanded, grasping her daughter’s hand as they stood outside of Tarpley’s store. 

“INDEPENDENCE!” someone shouted, and the crowd went wild with cheers and shouts. Kelly and Sky, along with Mr. Donovan, stood below Nathan, who was perched on the wheel of the cannon parked in front of the magazine.  Violet joined them breathlessly, smiling up at Nathan.  He jumped down, sending a cloud of dust swirling around their feet. 

Benjamin Waller stood on the top step of the Capital entrance. Ben began to read from the parchment in his hand, the final product of extraordinary yet very ordinary men.  “When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds…”  He continued, listing the grievances against the King of Great Britain.  “We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America…” 

The crowd cheered and hugged and clasped each other in excitement.  “Does this mean you won’t have to leave, Nathan?  Will the war be over?”  Violet whispered to Nathan. 

“No, Violet, the war will not be over.  It’s just beginning.  You don’t think Great Britain will give in that easily, do you?”

“…do solemnly publish and declare that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states…” 

Raven looked down at her sleeping babies, one in each arm.  If only she could believe that for herself, and for Thunder and Storm.  But freedom was for white folks, not for blacks.  They talked about freedom, when they really had no idea of what bondage really was. 

Sarah watched Nathan and Violet, and knew in her heart that Nathan would leave with Sky, and when he came back, Violet would be waiting for him.  Jesse took Erma from Elizabeth, jiggling her awake.  “Come on, Erma, this is your future.  Don’t sleep through it!” 

Skylar put his arm around Kelly’s waist; she smiled at him briefly, then turned her attention back to Mr. Waller.  Printer’s ink in her veins, he mused, willing himself to be patient. 

“…we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” 

A deep hush fell over the city.  Their course had been determined, their future set.  As dusk fell, bright illuminations lit the summer sky, brilliant colors arching and sparking in delightful array.  Williamsburg was alive with spirit and enthusiasm, proud for having taken the first step, determined to keep step.  Thirteen colonies, now the United States of America, stepping out in faith, following their dreams and their hopes, leading the way for generations after them.  Generations that, like themselves, would indeed, rejoice in this day, and be glad.

My hope is that soon this will be a finished work, that the process will be completed.  In the meantime, Read Psalm 118:24 again, and join me in wishing our country a very happy birthday.God bless…

We interrupt our regularly scheduled posts (the Philly trip!) to take you on a little journey back to Court Days 2018 at Hanna’s Town.  I have posted LOTS of pictures and information about Hanna’s Town, which was the first English court west of the Allegheny Mountains, and was established as the county seat of Westmoreland County in the late 1770’s.  Robert Hanna purchased a tract of land, and this little community became the convenient stop on the way to Ft. Pitt or Ft. Ligonier.  In 1775, Ft. Pitt (Pittsburgh) and Hanna’s Town were the same size!  The historical society is renovating the old Steele farmhouse in preparation for moving all the offices there, and are starting on an education center that will be adjacent.  It’s exciting to see the site grow!

This past weekend the staff and volunteers of Westmoreland County Historical Society and Historic Hanna’s Town put incredible effort into presenting life in the 18th century.  There were craft vendors, trade demonstrations, food (yea!), tavern tours, reenactor encampments, and portrayals of actual court trials held at Hanna’s Town.  There is a lot to do, including Colonial Dance lessons, kids activities, and live musical entertainment.  Proctors Militia performs skirmishes and mock battles, and the native Americans even raid the early Sunday morning church service. 

The tents in the encampment and the native American hut add authenticity and an air of enticement to the grounds. There’s even a short woodland path to take, just for the feel and coolness of the woods.  My suggestion is that you stop out and take a tour of Hanna’s Tavern and see the artifacts in the gift shop, any time you can, but be sure and put Court Days 2019 on your calendar for next year:  The last weekend in June.  You won’t be disappointed! 

It’s no secret to anyone who knows me even just a little bit that going to Philadelphia and getting ‘historic’ has been on my bucket list almost forever!  When Kathy and I finally decided that 2018 was going to be the year for that trip, we started looking up what we wanted to do and making an agenda.  We had no clue, however, as to where to stay or how to plan!  Aunt Joan suggested that we contact her son Perry and his wife Anita, who live in Newark DE, mere ‘miles’ from Philly.  We called them one evening to get suggestions and information, and before we were even 5 minutes into the conversation, Anita (and Perry, of course!) offered us their spare rooms.  Safest place in miles, she assured us!  And not only that, but since they are both retired, they could drive us into the city and we could all be tourists together!  The next thing we knew, Anita had put together a spread sheet (sample)

of our top 10 choices, added some ideas of her own that she had researched, and we were set!  In my wildest dreams I could not have imagined the wonderful time we would have had on this trip, and the gracious hospitality, fun, and laughs that we shared in those five days. 

Tuesday morning – up and out for my walk early, and came across this little guy in the neighbor’s yard.  What a beautiful way to start the day!  Estimated Departure Time was 3:30pm, and we pulled out about 10 minutes early.  We snacked in the car on the way down the turnpike, and when we exited to Route 30 and pulled into a gas station in Lancaster, we were greeted by an Amish horse and buggy.  And although there were plenty of ‘real’ Amish driving and parked all along our route, this one was just for display. Pretty sure horses do not need Speedway gasoline! Anyway, we took 896 South, got lost in Newark, found our way again, and pulled into their driveway a little before 9:30pm, tired and hungry but very happy!  Anita made a fresh salad, garlic toast, delicious lasagna, and strawberry shortcake.  A great way to end the day, and we went to bed excited about the adventures ahead of us in the morning! 

To be continued…

Today was an especially important day in our church history:  we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the first service of the Hempfield Church of Christ.  Out of the 100 original charter members, seven were in attendance this morning, and three others who attended that first service but were too young at the time to be members.  Our family became members shortly after the charter membership closed, but had been attending from very close to the beginning.  I stopped to think about it, and I am the third generation of five who have attended HCC. The first few years, services were held at the Jr. Mechanics Hall in Greensburg (there was more of a name to it than that, but this will do!).  Raldo Cook was our minister and served there from 1958 until 1970.  I was eight years old. Our current minister, Mike Hazelton, is the 7th.

One of our former ministers (Bob Berry and his wife Sue, who by the way sang a touching duet for us!) came back to Hempfield to be a guest preacher this morning, and had some memories of his own to share.

The pulpit on stage was the one that was hand built by a charter member, Joe Blanset, as the Mechanics Hall did not have anything to serve in that capacity.  It came out of storage for the occasion!  After the formal worship and music services, we enjoyed a pot-luck lunch – and there was way more food that could even begin to be consumed!

And the desserts were actually dangerous!  The tables were decorated to enhance the theme of the 60th anniversary, which is Diamonds, and to also reinforce the ‘Church on the Hill’ as HCC was called in the early days, sitting as it does high above Route 30.

It was so fun to see Ailene Wirick (she’s married now but can’t remember her last name!) and Janie Close Ball – both of whom were close friends in our high school youth group.  Several people shared memories of those early years, and what the church family has meant to them as they grew up and established homes and families in the area.  Our church family is very precious!  The last thing on the program was a game of Jeapordy, in which Kathy Earnest Heckman, Carole Means Ryder, and myself were the contestants.  I was convinced that I would completely lose and not even have any points at the end, but it was a very close race up to Final Jeapordy.  Kathy snaked ahead with the right answer, after having wagered her entire ‘winnings’.  We all made a good showing and there were a lot of laughs and memories shared. 

I was thinking as I was driving home, though, that I wondered what the next ten years would bring, and I hoped that we could get back together and do it all again.  As Dianne Enyeart Gresham is our church clerk – and has all the records of dates and events – I’m sure she’ll be up for the challenge.  And right now, I want to take this opportunity to send a huge thank you out to her as she picked up the reigns from her father (Dr. Harvey Enyeart) as historian and recording clerk, and let her know that we absolutely couldn’t have gotten this far without her!  Thanks to all who made this celebration a fantastically fun and hugely successful day!

The first Sunday of May each year is Free Museum Day in Ligonier.  This year, as part of their home school program, Kelly and Matt brought the boys up and we made a day of it.  The cloudy drizzle did not ward us off; we forged ahead relentlessly!  Matt was unsure of all this ‘history’ stuff, and of course the boys were following his lead.  But he surprised himself by having a good time.  We all did!  We started at the Train Museum, located in Darlington at the back tip of Idlewild Park.  There was a lot of information about the train wreck of 1912, including the newspaper article and a dress that one of the young ladies wore that day. The boys enjoyed the caboose and learned about the importance about the flagman stationed at the back of the train – and how the engineer relied on him.

From there we made a quick stop at the Southern Allegheny Museum of Art, looking at the displays and drawing symbols in the sand.  Chase liked watching but was still ‘protesting’ history and didn’t join in. Next stop was Compass Inn – my favorite, and I think the kids liked it as well.  There were lots of colonial games to play, and Matt kept the boys engaged while Kelly and I looked in the gift shop and checked out the blacksmith shop.

The last stop was Ft. Ligonier, and that was definitely the highlight!  The renovations (as mentioned in a previous post) were extremely well done, and there was something to entice everyone’s attention.  Here, again, we played some colonial games, walked through the fort, learned about battles and Washington and Indians. 

It was totally fun to spend the day with my family, surrounded by history and fun and food:  At every stop we grabbed chips or a piece of leftover pizza from last night’s supper!  Everyone learned something – from Chase (who decided he didn’t really like history!) to me – who knew all along that a day spent with those you love doubles the pleasure! 

The Hempfield Area schools are winding down for another year, and with it comes activities and concerts to share the student progress with parents and friends.  Last night I went to Harrold Middle School for their band concert performance.  Chrissy plays percussion and did a great job last night on several different instruments.  She was in the back so we didn’t get a clear view of everything but could see drum sticks flying around during their one song.   I know she played the triangle and the cymbals in the first song.  It’s amazing to hear these guys play, to see the way their talent grows each year.  But now, since the concert is over, for Chrissy it’s on to other things:  She just finished football camp, loved it, and can’t wait for the team to get out there on the field!  Diversity –  I guess that’s the secret!  You go, girl!

Last week I decided that the lilac shrubs needed cleaned out – they were too thick and too tall.  Got them thinned out, but didn’t want to cut them short until after they had bloomed.  So on Sunday night I started whacking.  I was only on the first shrub when I saw a bird’s nest snuggled in the branches.  There were no eggs and no bird close by, so I left the nest untouched and trimmed all the branches away.  It was totally exposed to the elements but I didn’t think it was occupied.  Well, on Monday I noticed a robin zipping back and forth and settling on the nest several times.  Still no eggs, but definitely a bird. 

By Tuesday morning there were 3 tiny blue eggs, and by evening there were four.  I feel really bad that this poor little bird family is totally exposed, but Ms. Bird seems undaunted. 

This evening I was able to get pretty close to take her picture.  I’ll keep watching to see if she hatches them out.  I’m going to have grand-birds!!!