My parents – Cliff and Dorothy Steiner – waited 18 days for me to be born.  I was due on June 1st.  Mom just told me that even after 18 days, I was not anxious to enter this world; my dad told her he was convinced I didn’t want to live with them!  But on that rainy, Sunday Father’s Day in 1950, I finally decided to show up!

My dad picked my name.  He saw the name Corene in a list of movie credits and had liked the actress in the part, so that was my assigned middle name.  I came into the world screaming and squealing, and according to all documented and recounted memory, I continued to do that for quite a while.  My mom used to have to chase me through the yard to rinse the perm solution out of my hair – Grama thought we were all crazy!

I made it thought my school years, and graduated from Hempfield with my class of 724 students!  I had already been working at Smail Auto for over a year by that time, so I slipped into a full time position in the office and have been there ever since.  So if you do the math, I have been at Smail Auto for 49 years this month!  Whew!

The last 66 years have seen many ups and downs – but I can honestly say I am happy and love where I am at.  My family, my friends – church, my home, my job – are all rewarding and supporting and good.  God has sent me so many blessings! 

Two of these special people in my life – Mary and Joni – baked me a special Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake, complete with purple icing and candy confetti!  Thanks to everyone who – every single day – blesses and enriches my life in so many ways!

Kelly, Matt, Peyton, Logan, Chase, Nate, Autmn and Chrissy popped over tonight with pizza, another giant chocolate chip cookie (they knew their mother!), and a new set of tier lights for my front walk.  Dear family and I love them to the moon and back!  I couldn’t have got where I am without you !  Love you guys!

Last Friday we went to Lancaster’s SIGHT AND SOUND Theater to see their production of Samson!  As is always the case, they did a wonderful job!  Samson and his family, his life, and even Delilah were portrayed so realistically, and they presented the story in a way that I had not thought about before.  The animals that they brought on stage added to the realism, and the actors/singers were excellent.

When the temple came down in the last scene, it was amazingly choreographed.  The huge columns came almost within inches of falling on the Philistines.  Lights dangled precariously from the ceiling above our heads.  It was very realistic! I highly recommend it for any age!

Paul was our chauffeur, as is usually the case, and always does an excellent job getting us around.  We stopped for lunch at a local diner, the Deinner!, which had delicious food at a more than reasonable price.  A huge thanks to my sister and brother-in-law for including me on their outings!

We took time for some photos outside the theater.  After the show, we headed home – with a quick stop to grab dinner on the go.  So blessed to have a loving family, and to have the opportunity to see these great productions centered on God’s word!  You can’t help but be inspired and impressed!

Last weekend the Skunk Hollow Girls had our annual spring outing – this time to the Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana PA.  I was delightfully entertained by all the photos, playbills, and displays, depicting his life in the military, in the movies, and at his homes in Hollywood and Indiana. I would recommend a trip there if you get a chance!

We were greeted at the entrance by Harvey, Jimmy’s Puka (look it up!), who welcomed us in.  It was amazing to see how many famous people that Jimmy had been friends with!  Even Robert Wagner (be still my heart!!!).

In the courtyard is a VERY TALL bronze statue of Mr. Stewart, and he agreed to pose with me for this photo.  Me and him, we’re buds!!!

The desk clerk was kind enough to take our picture with Harvey before we left.

We went back to Beth’s house for a way-too-much-food picnic, and then shared the clothes we had bought as a mission project for a local elementary school.  All in all it was a wonderful day, seeing new sights, visiting with old friends (cousins!) and being together.  Thanks, Beth, for hosting.  We had a great day!!!

Yes, a purple door.  And it’s on the main floor at His Place in Pittsburgh. I know it’s a bit fuzzy but it’s a scripture verse.  I need to hire a photographer because I cannot hold the camera steady!  Anyway, my sister Kathy, her husband Paul, my friend Joni, and me of course, go to His Place in Pittsburgh the first Friday of every month to teach elementary girls’ Care Club.  Jesus cares about us, and we should care for each other.

It’s pretty basic, but it’s also extraordinary.  Going to an unfamiliar area, teaching kids that we don’t know well, it’s a big challenge.  One that I know God has called us to do.  And as the scripture says, we do serve the Lord.

We’ve been able to get things into a workable routine, greeting the girls as they come in and getting them settled to hear the Bible story, which Kathy teaches.  They are like little sponges, absorbing the Bible words and learning the lessons God wants them to know.  Even when we think they aren’t listening, they amaze us with the right answers and surprising insight.

This week for one of our craft projects they tied a fleece blanket to give to someone who is ill.  The lesson was about being part of the Church, and we learned about Dorcas making clothes and giving them to those in need in the community.  This blanket is an outreach of their being part of the church, to give and love.

We have work pages, and arts and craft (which is Joni’s specialty!), and of course the evening would not be complete without snacks!  Usually we have healthy snacks, like cheese and fruit and pretzels and crackers.  We also have cookies and chips sometimes, and always end the evening with little M&M fun size snacks for each of the girls (that’s MY specialty!).  Songs and a prayer circle ends the evening as we send the little ones back out into the world. Rick and Deb are the directors, and believe me, that’s THEIR specialty!  A big thanks for all the effort, love, and prayer they put into all the kids, all the time.

Last Friday was our last class until October.  I wish the girls a fun, healthy, safe, and God-filled summer, with lots of programs at His Place.  Looking forward to seeing you all in the fall!  Enjoy!

Tonight we honored a very special person!  I have known Don Wassel since 1967 when I started working for Smail Auto.  He had been there about 4 years and was in the sales department, promoted to sales manager shortly after that.  He was a go-getter, a great salesperson, and lots of fun.

In those days there were about 30 employees; now there are over 450.  But some of that original group was there tonight, and we had a great time talking about those ‘good old days’ and catching up with each other.  Pictured are John Hampton, Don, and Bud Smail. 

The snacks were so cute – if you can’t read them, they were: twizzlers (jumper cables), trail mix (nuts and bolts), chocolate donuts (spare tires), and chocolate covered pretzels (dip sticks).  Also, cardboard cars with popcorn in them as centerpieces! There was tons of food, lots to drink, oldies music, and great people.  There’s something about having a long history with people that just makes the evening magic.

Even the cake had cars and a little road.  I know Don will keep busy, and never really stay away from the dealerships totally.  But the most emotional moment of the evening was when he handed his keys (53 years worth of office keys!) over to Bud at the end of the evening.  I can’t imagine how he felt doing that.

People were asking me if I was next, as I’m right behind him in length of service.  I’m not ready to turn in my keys, but cutting back hours sounds better and better.  I’ll keep everyone informed – and let you know my plans to retire…. the day AFTER I actually do!  In the meantime, best of luck and happiness to my friend Don and his wife Sharon as they take that road to the rest of their lives!  Love you guys! 

How thankful I am to have the opportunity to remember those who have done so much to secure our freedom, and to give us this great country to call our own.  I was inspired this morning on my walk in the early morning, seeing this brand new flag in a neighbor’s yard.  I decided to take a few random photos to show our expressions of patriotism.

In addition to the flagpoles, lots of houses had little flags lining their driveways and sidewalks. There were also banners on fences and railings, and even on porches. This flag happens to be hanging on my sister’s porch, and this banner is on my back deck. Note the 1776 flag, as well.

I even had a Snoopy and woodstock banner out front, and red/white/blue lights lining the back deck railing.

There are lots of ways to show our love and support for our country, for our grateful thanks to those men and women who – since the beginning of our great nation – have given so much.  Flags and banners are just a small demonstration.

This morning Kathy and I went to the service at Westmoreland County Memorial Park, and the speaker there was from the Pentagon.  She brought a flag that was raised half-mast, and that flag had flown at the Pentagon.  The heart of her speech, which was very moving, encouraged us all not to express our appreciation to our fallen veterans in words, but in giving back to our communities, states, and country, helping families make better lives for themselves by our service.  Well said.

After the service, Kath and I walked around the cemetery, stopping to honor our dad and to ‘visit’ our family members and friends buried there.  We paused for a photo shoot with President Kennedy before going on our way.

We came home to make ‘blue’ (??) popcorn, eat Jello/pretzel salad, and listen to old 45rpm records from the 50’s and 60’s.  So it truly was a day of remembrances.

But above all, again, it was an honor and a privilege to pause in our busy lives, and remember those who have fought, and those who have died, and those who are missing – the ultimate sacrifice for the land and the people they love.  Take some time out of your busy schedule, and be truly thankful.  And be blessed.

So when we were growing up, there was a set of railroad tracks at the bottom of the hill.  From there, we crossed a bridge over Jack’s Run (an unfortunately dirty creek!) to get to the bus stop. (where the hydrant is).  The railroad tracks were off limits for us – stay away, bad news, unsafe, hobos, TRAINS! 

Sometimes we did sneak away down there- we had a ‘club’ that we called the mysterious trestle club: kids doing what we shouldn’t do!  Now those tracks are the basic patch for the Five Star Trail, and is not only safe but we’re encouraged to go there!  I am standing on the trestle to take the picture.

There are even benches scattered along the trail at places. 

I decided I was tired of walking the neighborhood so I drove over to Buncher Park and walked a 2.3 mile loop.  It was hot, but a lot of the trail is shady.  I took a right on Shady Lane – the road we lived on when I was a young.

It’s a quaint little tree lined road, so much smaller than I remember!  It’s always that way.  And this is the house where I grew up – very much changed, at least in color and updates.

Cole’s pond was part of the charm, and although they are hard to distinguish, there are ducks swimming around.  We used to sit for hours on the fence post and watch the ducks, and think about what it would be like to OWN a pond!

It was nice to take a walk back memory lane.  I don’t know why I don’t do it more often!

According to the Bible, in the book of Esther (surprise!), a young Jewish girl was chosen by King Xerxes to be queen.  Esther’s story is one of my favorites, as she did not just have outward physical beauty, but strength of character, kindness, and compassion as well.

Sunday evening the very talented youth of the Hempfield Church of Christ presented the musical ESTHER-EXTRAORDINARY FAITH!  These young people did an amazing job with learning and presenting their lines, signing numerous (and often humorous and thought-provoking) numbers, and their stage presence was wonderful!  The scribe, recording in his book all the events that were happening in the book of facts, was named Xerox.  Now how fun is that?

Xerxes and Esther were beautifully arrayed in their royal robes and did a great job.  The soloists were all exceptionally talented and I believe we have several young voices that will go far. 

One of the numbers was performed in blacklight, and the white gloves glowed on stage as the group sang.

The evening was a great joy, and a big thanks to Janet Drown and all the crew who made it happen, and for all the heartfelt praise of these children who so obviously love the Lord!  Great job guys!  Can’t wait to see what’s next.

The day started with warm Popin’ Fresh cinnamon rolls with icing and moved from there to a rousing game of Monopoly.  Chrissy had the most property and I think Autmn had the most currency.  I just tripped along buying and not buying and paying a lot of rent.  Ended up in Jail, but the next turn lucked me into the Free Parking jackpot!

After the game, Chrissy went home but Autmn and I went to the Arona Road Greenhouse to pick out some flowers.  She has an eye for color and variety and picked a few things to plant in her own little space at home. I prefer the Gerber Daisy and the orange Marigold; Autmn liked the Geraniums and leaned toward yellow, mostly. We went next to Home Depot and got some potting soil for the yard pots and a few other flats to fill in.  I dropped her off and came home to put the flowers on my park bench under the top deck.

By the time I grabbed a bite of lunch it had started to rain.  🙁   So now I had a bench full of flowers and it was cold and rainy.  Bummer. But as I sit and write this, the rain is fading off to a light drizzle.  I hope to give it another 15 minutes or so, then layer up in garden scrubs and start to plant.  I’ll save Autmn’s flowers for a sunny evening when I can go over to help her weed and plant.

They have a lot of forget-me-knots and white Dutch iris over there;  I think maybe a trade can be negotiated!  Stay tuned for the outcome!!!

Happy 95th birthday, John!  Seven of the Skunk Hollow girls traveled to Albion for Friday/Saturday to have a fun weekend with my parents.  While we were at it, we celebrated John’s birthday with balloons, cake, and a banner that we bought at the dollar store that said HAPPY BRITHDAY!  Someone can’t spell….  We had a good laugh over that!  Good fun! (Beth on the left and Gail’s arm on the right holding sign over Mom’s head so John could see it!)

Freddie took the whole event in from a distance.  He really wanted to see what was going on, but would not let anyone get near enough to scratch his ear.  I think he was glad to see us leave!

Saturday morning after breakfast Kathy and I walked through the gardens to see what was blooming.  It was very cold and wet so we didn’t stay out very long.  These lovely flowers are informally called MONEY PLANTS, as after they bloom they get papery silver discs on them the size of a quarter that really look like money!  We’d all be rolling in the dough if it really was money!

This was one of my favorites, as I really love dogwood trees.  This particularly amazing tree – in addition to being hard to grow in the first place! – blooms both pink and white on the same tree!  Beautiful and puzzling at the same time!

After a lunch of salads and sandwiches and about 45 different kinds of desserts, we piled in 3 cars and headed to town.  There was a new thrift shop flea market that we needed to check out, and a resale consignment shop that has no end of interesting little items. By the time we were done browsing, it was time to pack up the cars and head back down I-79, back to our homes and – for Kath and I – away from two of the people we love most in our lives. 

Already looking forward to the next Albion trip, and the next Skunk Hollow Event (June).  See you then, family!!!