TODAY was beef day – something that has been a tradition in our family for most of the last 25 years.  My uncle (and now his grandson) raise beef cattle, and every fall we put our heads together to organize a day that the already-butchered cow can be cut, trimmed, wrapped, and / or ground into hamburger.

I really didn’t take any pictures this year – except for the over-flowing freezer full of Nate’s portion (middle and bottom) and my portion (top).  This photo is from last year. Looks like a Flintstone’s steak for their backyard Bar-B-Que! 

Our dearest Aunt was in the hospital, recovering from a recent illness, and my uncle was in there visiting her.  But Jason (grandson) stepped in to save the day and help Nate and Dave make the major cuts and trim off the steaks and roasts.  We call worked at trimming the meat for grinding – until I stepped away to handle lunch.  Feeding seven hard-working beefers is a big deal!  We had all pitched in and spread a feast of lasagna, broccoli-chicken cassarole, Italian bread, salad, and chocolate pudding cake.  Yum! 

Having a freezer full of home-fed, well-raised beef is a great opportunity, but the conversation, hard work, and ‘bonding’ are the best parts of the experience.  We were blessed that by the time Jason had to leave, Uncle Clifford had arrived to finish out the day’s work.  We all pitched in to get the work space, tables, saws, and grinder all scrubbed and cleaned, ready to be tucked away until next season’s butchering.

As we prepared to leave, Uncle Clifford talked about what they had gone through in the past three weeks with my aunt’s illness, and how God had carried them all through these past very rough times.  We formed a prayer circle, held hand, and prayed together, a blessing that few realize in this world today.  I am indeed blessed with this loving family – and close friends (Sarah and Lynn) who are exactly like family – and it was a precious day with an even more precious end.  The 90 minute drive home had Kathy and I reflecting on the day’s events, and how a day spent with family is indeed more precious than silver or gold – or even a freezer full of beef!

And we are already talking about next year!  Love to all, and a huge thank you!!!

Thanksgiving was such fun this year!  It was wonderful to have my family all here and enjoy a day of fun and food.  I am thankful for each one who came, bringing their own offerings of love and joy. But ironically, the day started with a Christmas present!

Peyton climbed out of the van and carried in a long, wrapped plank that looked like a rectangular ironing board.  I could not even imagine what it could be.  He was beaming with excitement and presented it with great flourish.  I took the very heavy object and tour off the paper.

I cannot even tell you the amazement and joy that settled over me when I looked at this present.  Between Peyton and Kelly (his mom/my daughter!) they explained that the evening before Peyton had taken this heavy, rough plank of wood and sanded one side smooth.  Then he had painted the scene – the snowy ground, the blue sky with snowflakes, the bright green trees sparkling with gold ribbon, topped by shining stars.  I was speechless, which for me says a lot.  Even as I write this the tears are in my eyes and on my cheeks.

That little man is beyond talented.  To create such a piece of art and beauty is a blessing and a gift.  I have watched him create his projects from the time he could pick up a crayon, then a hammer, and now this.  I’m not sure I can put it away once Christmas is over!

But after dinner and dessert were over, and we had placed the Nativity pieces in their traditional places (always on Thanksgiving when we are all together), the kids needed something to do.  Peyton and Autmn got out the art paper and masking tape (of all things!), and Peyton set about making a basket (sort of the bottom of a hot-air balloon).  We were looking for something to put inside when we came up with the Peanuts idea.  Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Woodstock are now floating below the window by my desk, watching me type and taking in the sights.

I am thankful for each person in my family, and all of my ‘grands’ are special in their SPECIAL ways, but this Thanksgiving I am especially thankful for my young grandson with a very loving, giving spirit, that he would present me with something that will last my lifetime and beyond, and for sharing his talents in so many ways.  Love you, buddy!  Thanks from the bottom (and top!) of my heart!!!

On November 3rd, 2005, my daughter gave birth to her first born son — and no, she did not lay him in a manger!  It was more like in a little plexiglass bassinet that wheeled around the hospital. And thus arrived my first grandson.

It was not quite that easy, though.  Matt and Kelly had decided to share their birth of their first child together, and the family was asked to wait until the baby was born.  I sat – and paced – at home until I got the call.  But it was slightly different than I expected.  The baby had lodged itself in a position that made natural birth impossible, so they were prepping Kelly for a C-Section.  Could I come down right away?  Of course I could – but ‘right away’ was an hour’s drive.  It was definitely one of the longest drives of my life!

But backing up a minute – or eleven years!!! – I was scheduled for Jury duty that day, and you don’t just not show up for jury duty.  I was advised to wait until I was called to the judges chambers, explain the issues, and asked to be excused — if I was called at all.  Thankfully, I was NOT called, so I rushed home… to wait! 

I was just pulling into the parking garage when Matt called to tell me that Peyton Matthew Hancher had arrived, and both mother and son were doing fine.  I raced the 47 miles (???) from the parking garage to the maternity ward to see my daughter and her tiny boy. 

Now, in 2016, Peyton has grown into quite a little man – doing well in school, participating in sports, raising pigs for 4H and showing them at the fair, part of the Bible Bowl team, and a huge help to his parents and to Ma (grandmother). Last year he went to his parents and told them he wanted to be immersed, to be baptized and become a child of God and follow Jesus.  That was a happy day, and the angels in heaven rejoiced with us.

So now, as he celebrates being eleven years old, I want to wish him a very happy birthday and many more wonderful years to grow and learn and service God.  Love you, Peyton!  See you next week!!!

What a beautiful weekend!  So hard to believe it’s the end of October and still in the 60’s.  The sun was shining, the sky was bright blue with puffy clouds, and the cows were in their fields.  Kathy and I hit the road for Home early Friday morning, and stopped to visit the aunts (and uncle!).  We got a bonus visit with cousins which made it perfect.

After a picnic lunch at a roadside pulloff, we headed to Route 422 and up I-79 to Albion.  The leaves were spectacularly colored under the bright skies, and we could not help being taken up with the beauty and majesty of it all.  What a glorious drive!  It was great to see our parents looking happy and content, and we were so glad to be spending the time with them.

Because it was such a balmy evening – most likely one of few that would be left – before supper Kath and I took a walk out to Route 18 and back.  The fallen leaves accented the woods, the little ponds, and even the huge red barn near the corner.

We were puzzled, however, over a fork in the road, and were uncertain as to which way to go. 🙂  We decided to ‘leaf’ the way we came and made it back safe and sound.

The next morning, bright and fairly early, we took our 2 mile ‘constitutional’ down Crouch Road and captured the sunrise, as well as the little overflow under the bridge. After breakfast we got to work, cutting tree limbs, carrying dead branches back to the woods, cleaning up leaves, sweeping off the porches, and climbing 100 year old ladders (That was KATH!!!) to unclog the porch gutters.  The friendly birds had deposited seeds and there were clusters of grapes growing from the roof!  Silly birds….

By lunch time we had worked up quite an appetite, and truly enjoyed sizzlers, cauliflower, scalloped potatoes, applesauce, and carrot cake for dessert.  Yum!  The afternoon sped by, and by 4:30pm we were back on our way down I-79, sad to wave goodbye to two dear little parents standing in the drive, but anxious to reach home and our families.  A 30 minute delay by Moraine State Park set us back a bit, but we arrived home tired but refreshed from the lovely days of visiting with the people we love most in life.  So to Aunt Dolly, Aunt Joan, Uncle Clifford, and of course Mom and John, we love you to the MOON and back!!!

Over the last several weeks I’ve had outings every Saturday.  All but one has found me tramping around on cool, cloudy rain-filled days.  But last Saturday – October 15th – was the exception.  My friend Diane from high school invited me to join her and her daughter Shannon on their monthly hike, this time at Moraine State Park.  I pass this State Park every time we make the trip to Mom’s and back, but have never veered off the highway to explore.  So I was excited, and the bright morning sun and calm no-breeze day added to the adventure.  We left Greensburg close to 7:30am, and took a lot of side roads up to Butler and across to Route 422.  It was a very scenic route and not the boring Turnpike/I-79 view that I am accustomed to.  As we pulled into the parking space and got out of the car, I looked over my left shoulder to the lake.  It was beautiful.  The leaves were just beginning to turn colors, with spots of bright red and creamy yellow interspersed. 

The first hike was through the Sunken Garden, and — unlike the Appalachian Trail! — was wide and level and smooth walking.  Shannon is into mushrooms and I got a lovely education about the many different kinds we saw along the trail.  There was also an abundance of wild flowers for so late in the season.  We finished that section and drove to the other side of the lake, where we took the Butterfly Trail, which wound around through various plants and flowers and across little wooden bridges over streams.  There was a gazebo and a trellis and quaint little benches to rest along the way.

By now we were ready for lunch –  which we had each packed on our own – and sat beside the lake in the pavilion and ate.  Diane had booked a water tour on their nature cruise – 90 minutes! – and we listened to stories of fish and birds and wildlife, as well as the history of Lake Arthur and the surrounding acres.  It was a very fun day, spending time with Di and getting to know Shannon, and being outdoors walking in the sunshine and fresh air.  I’m so blessed to be included – for the second time! – in one of these hikes, and am looking forward to another one in the spring.  Thanks, my friend, for a lovely day!

This past Saturday, the original four Skunk Hollow Girls met at Volant (just outside of Grove City, PA) to have a fun day of shopping and visiting.  It seems like forever since we’ve done that, and despite the rain and cold we had a wonderful time!

We parked by the old mill – and armed with rain wear, ‘mad’ money, and a heart for a day of shopping and bonding – we set out through the little village.  The street is several blocks long, with quaint stores and boutiques lining each side of the road.

Evidence of fall was everywhere – from pumpkins and corn stalks to witches and ghosts and goblins—- Oh My!  The little shops welcomed the shoppers in out of the cold rain, and we spent far too much time chatting in the middle of the aisles and standing in front of the displays! 

It was exactly what we all needed!

We ate lunch at the little restaurant, where the food was old-fashioned made from scratch yummy, and we sat over our teas and iced water for longer than the waitress probably appreciated.  When we walked out with our tummies full, the sun was shining through puffy white clouds against the bright blue sky.  We had all bought treats at the old fashioned candy store, and shared our dessert snacks as we finished up looking through the shops.

We found garden flags on clearance in one store, and I found a beautiful Christmas flag with a white church and a steeple.  Kath was immediately taken with it, and was compelled to buy it.  She insisted, however, that it was MY FAULT that she bought it and also insisted that I owe the money for her buying the flag!  I think this friendly little battle will keep going for a long time – and I also think she made a great purchase! Other than that – and a table runner that Susan found – we bought very little, but we loved browsing and chatting and catching up. 

You can’t put a price tag on friendship, especially between sisters and cousins. THAT is invaluable!  The day was perfect from start to finish, and we’re already talking about when we can do it again.  So to Sue and Gail and Kath, thanks for a lovely day, lovely memories, and a prescription for happiness that was just what the doctor ordered!  Let’s not wait so long next time!  Love you guys!

On October 17, 1981, my little son Nathan was born.  I didn’t know too much what to do with boys – I had no brothers and wasn’t THAT close with my country cousins.  But from the moment I held him, and counted his little toes, and looked into his eyes, I was captivated!

A lot has happened since then.  In 2003 HE became a parent, and my little Autmn Rose was added to the garden of love.  In 2006 Christina came along and now there were two little Burke girls.  He’s been a great dad, a wonderful son, and a hard worker.

He has grown into a great person, one whom I am proud of to the max, and am so pleased to see such success in both his personal and business lives.  I’m happy that he and Jen are happy together, and the business (B&B Window Cleaning) is doing so well.  I can’t wait to see where life leads you – I love you!  Happy birthday, my son!!   

Last Saturday Ron and I drove down to Harper’s Ferry WV to do some exploring, both of the quaint, historic city and the Appalachian Trail.  The AT headquarters is there, and as that is on Ron’s ‘bucket list’ (NOT on mine, I might add!), we stopped to get some information and inspiration.  I do believe I may have gotten more of both than he did!

I really had a good time, both browsing the Conservancy and hiking the trail.  We went about 4 or so miles, in the rain, over rough and often slippery terrain.  The views were wonderful, and the rocks and mountains were beautiful. Low-hanging clouds on the mountain; crossing both the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, Jefferson Rock, even the AT signs!  I hope to someday do it again – but 4 or so miles is probably my limit.  None of this 2,180 miles from Georgia to Maine for THIS chick!

Harper’s Ferry isn’t half way but it’s very close.  We met a lot of hikers on the trail, and met one guy who had just finished that very hour, coming in from Maine.  There was definitely an atmosphere of excitement and inspiration as everyone greeted and welcomed him back.  I can’t imagine spending ONE night sleeping on the trail, let alone over 6 months of nights!

After finishing our part of the trail, (of course we had TRAIL MIX!) we walked back up through ‘Old Town’, where the museums and boutiques and eateries were. So much history there!  I especially loved seeing the old buildings perched on the hills, and the ruins of the church that they eventually rebuilt across the street.  I want to go back and explore when it’s not raining and I have time to really see everything.

We finished the afternoon later in the day with a picnic lunch in a dry pavilion area, and were joined my a mommy deer and her two almost-grown children.  Mom is hiding behind the tree to the right, you can just almost see her.

It quit raining and the sun came out about 25 minutes from New Stanton.  Go figure!  But the rain had not dampened our spirits, and it was a day well spent, and I loved the adventure of walking the historic AT and seeing new places.  Can’t wait for the next adventure – stay tuned!

Every Labor Day the little town of West Alexander (1 mile from the West Virginia border on Route 70) holds its community fair.  I’ve been going to the fair with Kelly, Matt and the boys for a number of years, and it’s always fun and never the same experience twice!  This year turned out to be no exception.

Despite the dark clouds and wet grounds, everyone turned out to have a good time.  We walked through the exhibits and picked our favorites, not always the ones that won ribbons.  I didn’t get to visit all the animals, but we of course hung out with the pigs, as Peyton (2nd Place) and Logan (6th Place) had pigs through 4H.  The pigs will be sold at market this morning and I’m excited to hear how they will do.

One of the things I always look forward to is getting Cheese Fries from Dana’s concession truck.  Yum!  The boys got pizza but the ‘adults’ got the cheese fries, and didn’t share!  Yum again!

When Uncle Mark showed up, we treated the group to funnel cakes, which made us all happy.  I particularly enjoyed the fact that the PA system was spitting out my favorite country tunes, and when the rain began in torrents a little later, I slipped into the stage pavilion and listened to the local bank Cross Creek – again country – playing cover songs and doing a great job!

The main reason I chose Friday for the fair this year was to pick up 13 Mums of varied and sundry colors that several of us had ordered from the boys for a Bible Bowl fundraiser.  I hadn’t given much thought as to how I was going to fit 13 HUGE Mums into my Mazda CX3, or how we were going to see the tiny little color dots on the black pots in the dark rain at 9:15pm.  So 45 minutes later – with 4 of us wet and dirty and a very mixed up tangle of confusion of colors and numbers, I was headed back I-70 toward New Stanton and a warm home.  I was soaked and tired and thirsty, but took a deep breath….  OK, wrong thing to do.  The pungent fragrance of those mums stung my eyes and made my nose tickle!  But anyway, I decided that this was an adventure, and everyone pitched in to be part of it, and the boys’ team made over $1000 total toward their program, AND I love those guys!

So this morning, in the bright morning sun, I have 13 happy Mums lined up on my back deck, delightedly waiting for their adopted families to pick them up.  I’ll enjoy them while they are here, and I can’t wait to see these little buddies blooming bright colors!  My purple and pink will serve to remind me that every day can be an adventure, and that we only have one chance at it!  Happy flower day, everyone!

With everything going on – including a 17-hour marathon garden clean-up! – I’m behind again.  But over the last week or so my kiddos have all gone back to school.  

Peyton, Logan, and Chase went back first.  They go to Martin’s Ferry Christian in Martin’s Ferry Ohio, where my daughter Kelly is employed, and where they all attend Church.  It’s hard to believe that Peyton is in 5th – and really likes his history teacher.  Yea history!  I liked him, as well, last year, when I did a presentation to his class on Letters to Mary.  Logan is in 4th, and Chase is in 2nd, and I’m not certain, but I believe Chase is still planning on running for President as soon as the opportunity presents itself.

Autmn is in 8th grade this year, and she likes her history teacher as well.  They are studying the presidents and also the original 13 colonies.  I’m hoping to learn something from HER.  She’s at Harold Middle School (Hempfield Township). 

Christina is in 5th, as well, and in her last year at Ft. Allen.  She’s determined to do really good this year, and I know she can do it.  I know they can ALL do it, and I am proud of each of them.

Happy studies, my darlings – and have a super great year!  I know you’ll shine!  Love you!!!