HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Susan, one of the Skunk Hollow girls and possibly one of my longest, most faithful. encouraging fans!  I have known Susan since…. Well, since she was born, as she is my younger cousin.

We have shared memories together from —- playing ‘little men’ in the creek behind Aunt Hazel’s house, to eating sugar cookies at Grama Crooks’, to camping in the woods, to trips to Williamsburg, to touring castles, to hiking and eating and laughing and crying!  Times with those we love are always the most precious, and today, I celebrate the precious life of Miss Susan, friend, cousin, hand-maiden of the Lord, loyal, faithful, loving — Thank you Susan, for all you do and who you are.

Can’t wait until the Dillweed next weekend when we can make more memories and be drawn closer into God’s circle of family, friendship and love! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!  Love you!

This morning I woke up thinking about the end of summer, and the last of the colors of the flowers that still dot my yard and the fields along the roadways.  I know fall signifies color, as well, but fall sends my thoughts in an entirely different direction. 

Amidst all the uphill climbing I have done this week, I am thankful that I can look at the view from the top, and know that God puts everything in our lives for a reason, and when we trust, we know that all things work together for good.  So many GOOD things to look forward to, (like Dillweed B&B next weekend with the Skunk Hollow Girls!) and so many GOOD things to smile about right now, today.

I will make TODAY’s good things my focus, and ‘rejoice in the day that the Lord has made!’  God bless…..

Part of our walk along the creek on Sunday took us past a white, clapboard cottage perched about 20 feet up a steep bank from the water.  Some of the charm came from the stone paths and walkways, and the little arched stone ‘troll’ bridges dotting the yard. The steps into the house were also formed from natural stone, and it was totally inviting!

The house itself seemed to smile and wink with all the windows and little nooks and crannies.  We took the steps down to the creek, which were made of solid stone blocks. The railing was painted green pipe that was the only thing between us and a hillside of undergrowth and tall spindly trees.

By the time we had walked all the paths, tramped over the bridges, peeked in the windows, sat on the wooden plank benches, and explored the outbuildings, we had composed several ‘what if’ stories – people who might have lived there, people who might haunt there, people who might like to stay there (us!). I hope to do some research and find out what it would take to sit in the cozy great room, with the floor to ceiling fireplace and the wooden staircase, and sip hot cocoa as the snow drifted down.  That, my friends, is to be determined!

Sunday, early evening, we left a writer’s meeting and went hiking at Linn Run.  As dusk was falling we wove our way slowly past the Mellon estates and watched for deer – saw 15!  I think that was a record. 

We also got several photos of the moon, peeking out from the swirls of clouds painted in pinks and yellows as the sun set.  It was a quiet end to a busy day and really helped settle the soul.  As Anne Shirley says – again – God is in His heaven and all’s right with the world.  Amen, and Amen….

Last night I had the pleasure of going with Ron to his 45th high school class reunion.  Although I didn’t know anyone there but Ron (and one previously-introduced friend), it was interesting to sit and listen to the conversations going on around me.  Thankfully, our table were ‘entertainers’ and we had a lot of laughs.  There were the standard ‘we’re old’ jokes and the ‘way back when’ stories that talked about party lines and TV antennas.

The highlight for me was when the DJ switched from the ‘Mony-Mony’ and the ‘Electric Slide’ songs into the mellow late ’60’s slow-dance tunes.  Ron and I took advantage of the opportunity and I enjoyed every minute.

My reunion was last year, and it was such a similar format that I’m thinking maybe there is a book out there that everyone just follows.  I knew the people, of course, but the conversations of ‘catching up’, who’s retired, grandkids, ailments…..  Same!  But last year the highlight was spending time with my two best-friends-from-highschool- and- still- are- the -best-friends Diane and Gen.  It’s great to remember where we started, but even greater to enjoy where we are!  God bless – happy Lord’s day.

The West Alexander fair ended as it began:  Winners!  On Monday, Peyton won first place for his quilt, and we are all very proud and excited.  Wednesday Peyton and Logan were showing their pigs.  One was named Ham Bone (I don’t know the other one). 

I’m excited to say that they both placed!  Peyton got third place and Logan got fourth!  Again, we are very proud and excited for their hard work and success.  Great job, boys!

Chase, of course, was just hanging around all afternoon waiting for the pigs!  I think all he really wanted was French fries from John Danna’s food wagon.  I’m with Chase!  But congrats again to the winners – great memories!

As I took my walk late this evening, I was contemplating my day.  It was long and a little tough, dealing with things that were maybe harder than I’d like to deal with, and being disappointed in several things that were not going as expected.

I glanced at the sky above the hills and the light was almost luminous as it glowed with the pending sunset.  I watched the patterns change as I walked and was caught up in the beauty and peace of the clouds.  When the kids were little, we spent most of our vacation days visiting Mom, trekking across I-90 from Albion to Presque Isle, Erie.  The sky was often the brightest blue with huge puffy clouds, like cotton batting scattered across the heavens.  We adopted the concept and called any ‘amazing sky’  Presque Isle Clouds.  It got to be our by-words:  Look at the CLOUDS! 

So I let the peace of the day’s end wash over me, and appreciated the gifts of beauty, ‘clouds’, freedom of choice, and health overtake the disappointments of the week.  I am SO thankful for my family, my friends, and a God who often has to remind me:  Be still, and Know that I AM GOD! 

The West Alexander fair is always the week starting with Labor Day.  This year my grandson Peyton entered a quilt project that he had worked on – either scouts or 4-H, I don’t remember.  But I know he chose his own colors, material, and pattern, and worked on the quilt diligently.  He’s eight years old!

I was so excited for him when I got the text message on Monday that his quilt had won first place!  So here’s a big CONGRATULATIONS to Peyton and a job well done.  I’m so proud of you, and crazy-happy for you!  Love you!

Even though it wasn’t the best of circumstances that propelled us into a trip to Albion, we had a lovely and blessed visit with our mom and step-father.  We were able to bring John home from the hospital on Monday afternoon and see that they were settled and comfortable before heading back down I-79 to Greensburg.

As a little bonus treat to ourselves, we took a minute before we left to have a garden photo-shoot with Mom.  There was peace and comfort in standing there with Mom, enjoying the beautiful fruits of her labor and God’s gifts before making the three hour trip home.

We offer prayers on their behalf as we leave them in the care of the One who cares the most!  Love you both!

 My sister Kathy and I had a wonderful day yesterday in Smicksburg with my Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford at their farm.  SUNFLOWERS!  Dozens and dozens of them.  UC picked a few for Kathy and I to carry home with us.  Bright and cheerful and inviting. 

We put up dozens of freezer bags of corn – fresh picked while we sat there! – and had a yummy garden lunch.  Couldn’t have asked for more.  Such a wonderful, loving family – one of God’s greatest blessings!  Add to that little take-home containers of fresh green beans, chocolate from the Chocolate Shop down the road, cheese from Smicksburg Country Store, and it was a perfect day. 

A special thanks for my dear family, so gracious to share their bounty, their time, and always —- their love!  We love you back!