After a productive week at the other Burke household, several dozen dyed eggs became a part of the Easter dinner preparations today at THIS Burke household.  Autmn and I had a busy morning, with more to look forward to this afternoon.

After normal household chores – like changing/washing sheets, treadmill, shower, breakfast – we ran some errands and were home before 11am.  Then it was the attack of the egg shellers. 

We had them done in a snap – many hands make light work! – and Autmn happily laid claim to all the colorful shards.  The work had just begun!

Boiled potatoes got chopped, and then we added a few eggs – a little mayo and some spices and we had potato salad.  Next came the egg salad, which she diced to perfection!  Good job, Autmn!  But in her opinion, the best was yet to come.

Autumn sliced the eggs in half and scooped out the yoke into a separate bowl.  We stirred and mixed and scooped and there was the finished product! She insisted in being the taste-tester, ‘just in case!’  What a kid to take one for the team!

We are going to take a break outside for a few minutes, then get a jump on things for the over-worked Easter Beagle and fill several million (well, slight exaggeration!) plastic eggs with candy for tomorrow’s anticipated Easter Egg Hunt.  A big thanks to Autmn for the expert help!  And a happy Easter to all of you!

TODAY … is Good Friday.  I could never really understand the origin of that name.  I realize that what was accomplished that day was very good . . for US.  But I cannot imagine ANYONE on that day smiling and saying it was good.  Even Jesus, on the cross, said ‘It is finished.’  And God turned his face away.

TODAY … I was thinking back to when I was very young – junior/senior high, then part of the working world.  Every Good Friday our church would have services from Noon until 3pm.  Area churches would join with us, and their ministers would share thoughts on the seven statements that Jesus said when He was on the cross.

In between the devotions, we would sing the old, favorite hymns, like ‘In the Garden (My dad’s favorite) or ‘The Old Rugged Cross’.  Then there would be special music by the Heavenairs, church choirs, or soloists, duets, and quartets.  We always looked forward to ‘Our Minister In Song’ – Raldo Cook – bringing us closer to the cross.  Some people stayed for the entire three hours.  We usually stayed for about an hour.  Once I became employed, I would take my lunch hour and drive up to the church on the hill to be part of that very profound service.

TODAY … I grabbed a lunch of frozen waffles and a diet Pepsi on the run, and spent the day handling work issues and catching up the boss’s emails and correspondence.  There are no ‘darkest hour’ services at noon any more, no gathering of sister churches, no seven words offered.  But TODAY, I thought about all of that, and what Good Friday is, and why – ultimately – it WAS and IS good.

And I said thanks.

Yesterday I had the very great pleasure of spending the day at Martin’s Ferry Christian School.  My three grandsons (Peyton, Logan, Chase) go to school there, and my daughter is a teacher’s assistant.  I took my ‘road show’ down there, and presented a workshop on reading, writing great stories, and Civil War history/research to three classes:  3rd/4th grade (Darla Hannen), sixth grade, seventh grade (Zach Rhodes).

The students were all very attentive and participated in discussions, and had super great questions!  They most especially loved the history segment, and liked hearing the stories about Cold Harbor, Dan Rice, the Underground Railroad, and also seeing Mary’s wedding dress and Lydia’s church dress.  I was so glad to share my time and information with them.  And – as always! – did get lots back in return!  A big thanks to the students and the teachers for being such gracious hosts!

After a full day at school, I went home with the Hanchers to a yummy dinner prepared by MA (the other grama!), and spent some time with the family.  Also got to see the newest addition to the farmyard family:  Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie, three black baby chicks that live in a Rubbermaid tub in the camper!  They are patiently awaiting their buddies – 3 white longhorn peeps – that will arrive within the next few weeks.  Something is ALWAYS happening with the Hanchers! 

(I’m afraid to say I can’t tell them apart!!!)

Yesterday Autmn and I spent the morning in Smicksburg.  Even thought it was cool and cloudy, we still had fun!  We stopped first at Smicksburg Country Store, where Donna (the proprietor) helped Autmn with her list of  cheeses for her, her dad, and her sister.

From there we went to the Chocolate Shoppe – and got the BEST chocolate-covered peanuts in the USA!  Yum!  We also got non-perils and a huge slab of bulk Premium Milk Chocolate.  This will be melted down in pieces for my Easter projects:  Peanut-butter pretzel nuggets, Oreos, and Ritz crackers spread with Peter Pan.  That will be NEXT weekend’s project!

With our major chores done, we parked over by the post office and walked around town, peeking in all the shops and seeing the unique and interesting crafts and décor.  We both saw tons of things we just HAD to have, but ended up just choosing a few small things to bring home.  Even left some  Letters to Mary postcards in one of the shops with a sales clerk whose brother is a Civil War buff.  Autmn made friends with the resident cat in The Drying Shed (by far my favorite shop!) and the cat liked the attention, as well.

We stopped in Indiana on the way home, grabbed McDonalds for Autmn’s lunch, and hung out there for a while.  All in all it was a great day, and we both enjoyed the company and the window shopping.  Such a great way to spend a Saturday – with people you love! 

Today is Bear’s birthday.  Barry Shirey –  my special, delightful, talented friend for over 25 years.  We worked together, played together, even acted together (I had a cameo in a play about a year or so ago!) and ushered together.

I have sat in the audience spell-bound at wonderful shows like ‘Same time next year’ and ‘Witness for the Prosecution’, and laughed at the British Comedies.  Sang along with the musicals and enjoyed every one.

I’m surprised he trusted me with the gun, although of course it wasn’t loaded – he had to give me a hand holding it.  ha ha. But I’m here to wish the happiest of days and a wonderful year to my Bear – from his #1 fan –  Break a leg, Bear.  Love you!  Happy Birthday!

Just an update to add to Saturday’s post.  Here is a photo of the three of us after the workshop.  I am holding my storyboard and am on the far left. 

Joanna Moyer, Educational Director for the Westmoreland County Historical Society, is back-center.  She spoke on genealogies, researching them and interpreting them and even creating fiction stories from what you uncover.  Lots of amazing things out there if you are open to the possibilities!

On the far right is Mary Ann Mogus, a member of both the Greensburg Writer’s Group and the Ligonier Valley Writers.  She also volunteers at the historical society and is well versed in archives and archeology.

It was an amazing day; a great pleasure to work with both of these ladies and to have the opportunity to be part of this project.  Fun times and great people!

Well as you can see, writing Memoirs can take a lot of out you:  I had 2014 on the program booklet!  I guess I had already decided to go back in time…

We had a great turnout at the workshop, and spent about 90 minutes talking about unearthing memories that were buried in time. There were a lot of laughs, deep thinking, and the sharing of memories some had long-forgotten.  I talked about the importance of journaling (Just do it!), how to jumpstart your creativity, what structure to use in putting your work together, and how to research publishers.

There are several ways to jar your memory.  Look through old papers and photographs, revisit homes or schools that were a major part of your life.  Cook foods that were your favorite; listen to those songs from yesterday, and do storyboards and time lines.

I did two story boards; one of my neighborhood growing up, and one of Grama’s house.  We had a good time talking about how one memory (steeling a kiss in a friend’s car) can lead to a whole string of memories (cat-tails in the pond in the fall).  I don’t suppose you could get the connection, but there definitely is one!

If in the future you’d like to have me present a workshop for writing Memoirs, just let me know.  I’d love to share some of my history with you, and help you remember some of your own!

We arrived at mom’s just a little before dusk on Friday, but by the time we had eaten our grilled cheese and soup, the full moon had risin and was glistening on the snow – all 18 inches of it!  So peaceful and beautiful!

My parents are in good health and great spirits, and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.  One of our chores was dumping the compost bucket out in the wood.  My short little mother gets lost in the snowdrifts so we bundled up and set out.  We didn’t have boots high enough to tramp through the deep snow, so we taped Walmart bags over our boots and pantlegs.

Then we set out.  We had fun following the paths around the driveway, then trudging through the uncharted fields. 

Kath led the way, so I could follow in her footsteps.  As it should be – she’s the perfect person to emulate! 

As we pulled out of the driveway on Saturday, the view of the old farmhouse, with the inviting porch and the two precious people inside, I was struck again by the fact that I am blessed beyond words – to have such wonderful parents, a kindred-spirit sister, and a family who loves each other and their God.  Indeed, a priceless blessing!

After a crazy 24 hours of snow and impossible roads, I was glad to get home after work safe and sound.  I cleaned off the driveway again (3rd time in that same 24 hours) but had a little help from the friendly moon.  It really did glisten off the snow and made everything bright and clear.  I must say, though, that it was very cold!  My fingers were REALLY numb by the time I got the last little corner cleared.

All the little shrubs and bushes wore their winter white, and seemed to dance with the songs playing on my old radio in the garage.  Regardless of the tiresome work and the very cold, it was very beautiful.

I do believe that my Adirondack chair did not at all call my name, and I’m sure my cousin Susan (who loves the beach!) would agree that now is not the time to stick your toes in the sand.  Kenney Chesney, enjoy your old blue chair in the sun!

I’ll keep shoveling and waiting for spring –  I’d much rather cut the grass!!!

I had my little Chrissy – who is almost nine! – spend the night with me on Friday.  We went for groceries, had chocolate chip cookies with green icing, and stayed up until almost 11pm!  When it was time for bed, Isabelle – her new American Girl doll – quickly donned her new PJ’s – complete with eye mask – and climbed into the spare room bed.  They both slept all night with nary a peep!

Saturday we pretended it was Isabelle’s birthday, and wrapped a gift for her and made posters to hang up.  The neighbor girl Torilyn came over and shared lunch with the ‘girls’, and watched another American Girl movie – McKenna. 

We had a great time together, and I feel very blessed to have my girls so close to me.  Love you!