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!!!

As mentioned in my last Word garden post, I am a little behind in things.  Sigh.  But that being said, just catching up on last weekend!  It was a beautiful, sunny day – perfect for an outdoor event, especially at the facilities offered at Greenhouse Winery in North Huntingdon.  I seldom get to see my step kids/grandkids, so having them all in one place at the same time was a blessing and an honor.

Having Ron attend with me as my guest also made the evening one step better. Thanks, Deanna, for including us!

While Kelly and Matt were deeply intwined in several other projects for the weekend, Nate, Chris, Autmn, and Nate’s date Jen were there, too.  Deanna is his niece (by blood) and it was great to see the families blended, even if just for an afternoon. Everyone looked amazing all dressed up – but of course, there was no getting Christina into a skirt or dress!  So there she is in a dressy shirt, tennis shoes, mismatched socks, and white jean shorts!  Autmn likes to dress up and add ‘glam’, so she was into it. 

Nate looked like he stepped out of a fashion magazine, and Jen was truly a China-doll beauty, especially with her bright eyes and genuine smile!  I like that girl! They had the reception at the Harrison Room – good food, time to chat and catch up with not only Theresa, Mel and Deanna, but Deanna’s daughter Rheanna (who was taller than her mom!) and son Jace; Nancy Jane and Mike (whom I was glad to finally meet!), and Angela and her son Alex. My kids even got into the dance-mode several times.  Autmn and her dad really got into Mambo Number 5!

Deanna was a beautiful bride, and her mom, Theresa, came close to out-shining her.  So glad to see the whole group – and to watch two happy people – Deanna and Bradley – choose LOVE!!

I had very good intentions (???) to post photos and highlights from the family wedding on Saturday, but that didn’t happen.  I also was going to do a happy birthday card to my dad, who would have been 88 on Tuesday. (love you, Dad!)  I was going to talk about school starting, and post a photo of the boys’ first day on Monday, and talk about my 3 hour school shopping adventure (!!!) with Chris and Autmn.  I was hoping to talk about the summer, and some fall plans to look forward to.  But my week has been extremely busy, and tonight – at 9:22pm – I still have miles to go before I sleep!  So I will wish sweet dreams to everyone and try to catch up a little next week!  God bless!  zzzzzzzzzzzz

I started out my walk tonight at about 8:45pm, after I got home from a way-too-long day at work.  But heading up my driveway took me past the new tier lights that I got for my birthday from my family, and it makes the front sidewalk look like a landing strip for a Boeing 747!  I LOVE them!  Just perfect.

The lights on the Rose of Sharon by the back fence are solar powered, and they mostly last all night if the day has been bright.  I love all the colors, and I can see the lights from my bedroom window.  That’s an extra special treat, as I often am up several times during the night.

As the evening got darker – as it got later – I could see all the stars twinkling overhead.  I stood in the middle of the street (not good, but what can I say?) and searched for the big and little dipper:  The only constellations I would recognize! 

The moon was full and bright, and followed me all the way on my two mile loop around the neighborhood.  For a few moments, though, I thought it might be Halloween.  As I walked up Mohawk, I had just passed under a street light when I saw a huge black cat run across the road in front of me and disappear into the darkness.  Good thing I’m NOT superstitious! 

It was a beautiful evening for a walk, and even though I was running late, and it’s 10:30 and I still have to finish my cleaning, I’m glad I can take my evening walks and clear my head and heart of all things crazy from the day, wrap myself in my cute little (safe, snug, secure!) house, and take a deep, cleansing breath.  Ahhhhhh.  Home. (Just kidding.  That’s the Governor’s Palace in Colonial Williamsburg.  HERE is my house!!!)

I headed out for my walk after work in a very hot 94*.  When I left the house I just wasn’t thinking about taking water along, but soon realized it was a foolish venture in the heat without a drink.

 I had just made a little loop around the block and was heading down Wren when my neighbor burst out the door.  “You need water!” she yelled, running out through her yard.  “It’s too hot to be walking.”

I did feel mildly embarrassed that I was fool-hearty enough to just get ‘er done regardless of being safe and sensible.  But she handed me the very cold bottle of water and said to keep drinking all around the block.  I thanked her and realized I was indeed ready for the cold drink.  Her little gray dog sat happily in the shade of their tree, watching the transaction.

So I was the recipient of two acts of kindness today.  A very dear, old friend (by old I mean knowing 49 years!) brought me the very first zucchini and pepper from his summer garden, because good things should happen to good people!  And then the neighbor rescued my thoughtless tail by keeping me alive in the heat! 

So I am going to keep my eyes open to see how I can keep the chain moving, and do something for someone else… just because I can!  Have a great day!