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!!!

Flowers!  I love to walk around my yard and see what is poking up and blooming.  There are various colors and sizes and shapes, all over the yard.  The ratio of flower beds to yard is almost equal!  That’s fine by me, but the weed whacking is a definite drawback.  

I normally lean toward shades of purple, but several years ago I decided I needed an orange Azalea.  It grew ok for a few years, then got lost under a hydrangea.  So I risked the move and it now lives beside my garden shed.  It bloomed completely this year, so I think it’s finally happy and will grow bigger each year.

All that blooms are not flowers.  This little rabbit on a swing hangs from the upper deck and watches me type through the stormdoor.  He’s made of heavy, cement stone material and I’ve konked my head frequently.  I’m sure he laughs and laughs at that.

I love to see Snoopy on the flag out front – I change it as often as I think of it!  The little dutch girl and boy (he’s been trying to kiss her for over THIRTY YEARS!!!) was painted for me and was a birthday gift from my mom back in the early 1980’s. 

I feel right at home with my flowers, and they like keeping me company.  And the blooms change throughout the summer.  Wonder what will pop up next?

Kath and I as so blessed to have such a wonderful, Godly mother!  From the time we were old enough to remember, she has been a rock to stand on, a blanket to keep us warm and close, and example to follow, and a woman to pattern our lives after.  Her faith and patience have been priceless as we have made our way through the maze of confusion we call ‘life’.

Mom is always up for fun, ready to have a good time, wanting to be part of the party, happy to share in our outings and projects. She has been my greatest champion, supporter, prayer warrior, – words fail me!  There has never been a time in my life – both the good times and the hard times – when she did not have words of support or encouragement or delight to share with me – and all of them wrapped in scripture and love.

To me this seems like such a small tribute, but it comes from the heart – and I know I speak for Kathy and for John’s daughters and sons who call her mother – and I just have to add this one thing:  Mom, you will always be the star in our lives, bright and shining and guiding.  We love you to the STARS and back!  Have a great day!!!