We had our three regular attendees in Sunday School this morning, and our lesson was about making decisions. Sometimes they are easy, sometimes hard, and often confusing. The Bible lesson was Paul & Silas in prison and how they had to decide whether to move on to another city to preach or stay in Philippi and risk going to prison. Decisions ARE difficult!

Our worship leader (songs) was on vacation, and the substitute was ill – so we had no song service this morning. Then the screen computers kept shutting down, and the outlines and scriptures were not on the screens. It was a very strange morning. Two good things (other than the message) were that 1) we got out very early! and 2) they played Aunt Joan’s CD during communion. I LOVED that part!

After church I finally dropped the two Hanna’s Town yard signs off at the site, then came home and had the last of the left-overs for lunch. Although it was pretty warm outside, after seeing that there are storms threatening for the next 3 days I opted to cut the grass. It took me longer than normal, as I kept stopping to drink water in the shade. All done now!

But right before I mowed, I pulled out all my files and visual aids for Letters to Mary. I switched them from the bottom shelf in the coat closet in the garage to an open shelf that was easier access. I organized the books and media information and put it on the shelf, and will look through the reference books and notes and copies of the letters before I put them back. I’m so glad I read the book again. Felt like an old friend!

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TOMORROW June 26th is:

National Coconut Day; National Beauticians Day; National Barcode Day; National Chocolate Pudding Day.

Barcode? Hmmm. Enjoy and celebrate what makes you happy. God bless…

Typical Saturday morning – changed the bed sheets and remade the bed; did that laundry. Had a bagel from Panera Bread for breakfast. The day has been alternately sunny and rainy. Just took these photos of the rain pouring down.

I took some time to clean out the leftovers in the fridge. I cut the rest of the zucchini bread and froze it in separate baggies. Froze the muffin tops and the Panera bagels. Froze the extra loaf of bread since we didn’t eat it. The only left-overs that I have to finish up are half a grilled cheese sandwich and a scoop of egg salad. So I’m in good shape.

After breakfast I went to L&L Fleatique just to look around. Didn’t purchase anything – didn’t need anything! But I saw a funky Halloween ceramic tree (not a fan) and a vintage suitcase make-over. The suitcase I really liked!

I stopped in Jeannette to drop off a check before heading to Walmart, and Sir Rege asked me to grab him some cough drops. He is by himself today so I was very glad to do something nice for him!

It’s been a week, so I took my birthday cards down. So many sweet messages. I love to keep the special ones!

Now here is the weird part. I decided on Wednesday that I was going to re-read Letters to Mary. I wrote it back in 1999-2001, and did research for about a year before that. And it was published in 2014. So it’s been at lease 9 years since I’ve read it straight through, beginning to end. It surprised me! I remember doing extensive research – going to Albion and Girard and Cold Harbor and buying book after book. Going to lectures and talking to reenactors and digging through Mom’s attic. Taking notes and pictures. What I didn’t remember was how tightly it fit together; how the letters told the story and led the characters from 1863 to 1869. I cried and laughed out loud! So much of it I didn’t remember until I read it again. Wow. Why can’t I do that again! I’m not sure where the creativity came from!!! I was so closely connected to Mary and the kids and the community – my parents lived in the house Charlie built! I am going to pull out all the copies of my notes and the letters and look through them. It’s consumed me!

My next chores are ironing and writing out the Baby Shower invitations for Autmn and Noah. I was going to mow but the grass is now soaked! Maybe tomorrow.

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TOMORROW June 25th is:

Day of the Seafarer; National Catfish Day; Global Beatles Day; National Strawberry Parfait Day; National Leon Day.

OK – Beatles are great! Sing along! “We all live in a Yellow Submarine…” (I bet you sang!) National Leon Day surprised me. It’s the 6 month mark until Christmas day – a day when crafters begin their plans for homemade decorations and gifts for the holidays. Who knew? God bless…

I stretched the day out long today. Got up early, but climbed back in bed with my book and read for a while before breakfast! It’s been quite a while since I didn’t get up and run errands on a Friday morning, since it’s my day off!

Since I still haven’t posted about Court Days – Hanna’s Town last weekend – I will recap that with my photos. Saturday I worked the 10am to 1pm schedule, and stayed a while later to help out. I was stationed upstairs in the tavern. The two facts that people seem most interested in about the upstairs are 1) Robert and Elizabeth Hanna and their four daughters totally lived in one room – They obviously didn’t spend much time there because it was an all-consuming task to run the tavern. 2) When you paid to spend the night as a traveler, you didn’t get a ‘room’. You got a space in a bed with 3 or 4 other people that you didn’t know. Fully clothed!

Sunday I went over after church, and worked 1pm to 3pm. Again, I stayed a bit extra. Got to talk to a lot of the volunteers (that have become friends) on both days. Really a great group of people. Saturday I spent a lot of time talking to the midwife and the lady who practiced Herbal Medicine. So very interesting!

Today’s sky is very dramatic – bright sun but dark clouds. Cooler and breezy and anticipated rain. I’m staying in tonight!

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TOMORROW June 24th is:

Global Smurf Day; National Patch Day; International Ragweed Day; World UFO Day; International Fairy Day; Summersgiving; National Pralines Day.

Smurfs! My kids used to love them! Fairy’s are fun – sometimes. That’s it for today! God bless…

I had a few things to finish up from Tuesday at the Jeannette store, then went to Greensburg. Joe had several things he needed done, as he is away on vacation and I’m handling things on our local end. Also had some paperwork to do for Mike G. Got that done, but had to go back to Jeannette because I forgot a paper there I needed. Finally, all of that is done!

After a quick stop at the bank and at Panera Bread (I bought a few bagels to freeze for future breakfasts) I came home and transplanted a few plants. Dottie said I could switch out some white yarrow for a few pieces of her yellow. Got that done and a snippet of some pink flower that appealed to me. By then it was time for my chiropractor appointment, which went well. The treatments feel good and they do help.

I stopped in to see if Craftique Corner got the flicker bulbs in, and they did! So I got one for the lantern, and also bought an electric candle for the school desk where the doll sits. So it was a successful trip. I had a lovely chat with the owner which I enjoyed very much. The new location off George’s Station Road is very nice and also convenient.

Once I post this I’m done with my projects for today except for supper – and I have plenty of left-overs! Tomorrow will be cleaning day and I plan on staying home all day!

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TOMORROW June 23rd is:

National Pecan Sandies Day; International Women in Engineering Day; International Widows’ Day; National Take your Dog to Work Day; National Detroit-style Pizza Day; National Pink Day; United Nations Public Service Day; National Hydration Day.

Take your dog to work, but make sure you give him/her enough water! And maybe grab a pizza on your way home. God bless!

TODAY is the longest day of the year! I love it being light later in the day. I’ve used my time wisely (so far) and it’s only 6:30pm!

Kelly & I had breakfast this morning (Zucchini bread) while the boys were still sleeping. I had to meet Lynda Sue at Kathy’s office (HDS office) as she had a birthday gift for me. She knitted a blanket for me! Not that I’m into blankets or anything. This one will be great for fall – both warm and colorful.

Back home, we had about an hour to chat before I had to pick up Diane. We were going to a luncheon and performance at the McKenna Senior Center. The lunch was actually breakfast; the performance was by Sean Moran, who is currently with the ‘VOGUES’. Believe it or not, the Vogues performed at our high school prom in 1968. I believe that was the last time they performed that was not a ‘professional’ performance! Sean has been with the Vogues for over 17 years. He sang a ton of songs and did a wonderful job. Everyone was singing and dancing and having a great time. I’m not certain, but I surmised by Sean’s comments that he expected our group to fall asleep during dinner and have little enthusiasm. Wow, was he WRONG! He loved it as much as we did!

(Just a footnote here – on the way to the show this morning, his car tire blew up and left him stranded along the road. A friend picked him up and his car got towed, but all his performance outfits were in the car! So instead of dazzle and diamonds, he wore a t-shirt and jeans. But he sounded great!)

I dropped Diane off at her home, then went straight to Westmoreland Manor. A friend of mine has a good friend who needs to sell her car, and can’t get out to a notary. I met them there and did everything the right way so they can transfer the title. They were very appreciative – and grateful.

I came home to an empty house – (the kids left right after I did at 11am) – and organized a few things from the busy week. After changing clothes I went outside, pulled a few weeds, and cut the grass. Used the blower to clean the walks and the driveway. Took the trash to the road. Mixed up a meatloaf, which is now baking, and that will be my day – unless I find some extra energy to finish the ironing! Still seeing my little baby bunny buddie in the yard!

Generally I don’t post comments about current events or news stories – but that Titan sub that is missing (while looking for the Titanic) is really sad and scary. I would not like to be bumping around on the sea floor knowing that I only had a few hours of oxygen left and I was going to die! It just brings home how vast the oceans really are, and how easy it is to just disappear! I understand the sub isn’t even big enough to stand up in!

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TOMORROW June 22nd is:

National Onion Rings Day; National HVAC Tech Day; World Rainforest Day; National Chocolate Éclair Day; National Kissing Day.

Can’t think of any person I would consider kissing – except friends, platonically. Well, maybe one… But Onion Rings are ok…….. Have a great Thursday and God bless!

This morning after breakfast I met my friend Debbie at Pinnacle to handle the title transfer for her mother’s car into her name. She was thankful to have that done. After lunch of egg salad and apples with caramel dip Kelly and I went to Sam’s club for pretzels. More on that later — much later!

My neighbor Al had offered to show Logan his antique and collectible cars – so we walked over after lunch. Al took Logan for a ride through the neighborhood and showed him his workshop and garage area. Kelly took a sneak peek as well. It made Logan’s day! So we made chocolate chip muffins – two batches. One was for Autmn (as promised last week) and the other we sent over to Al and Joyce – along with a few pieces of zucchini bread that we made yesterday and topped with chocolate covered pretzels just for fun! Thanks, neighbor! So that was our day.

I’ll see what kind of crazy that I can get into tomorrow!

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TOMORROW June 21st is:

National Arizona Day; Anne & Samantha Day (Look it up – very interesting!); National Selfie Day; National Day of the Gong; World Peace & Prayer Day; Summer Begins (Longest day of the year); National Sea Shell Day; National Peaches N Cream Day; World Giraffe day; National Daylight Appreciation Day; National Smoothie Day; World Humanist Day; Go Skateboarding Day; International Day of Yoga.

Have a great day – God bless!

I was watching for the mailman all afternoon until I realized that today was now a legal government holiday! No mail today – and a lot of people were enjoying a day off.

I did work this morning at both stores – surprisingly there was something to do at each. I stopped and got gas for the car, then came home to find Kelly and the boys here already. We had lunch, went for a few groceries, made zucchini bread and mixed up icing, then the boys had their homeschool end-of-year certification. They are now official! School’s out for the SUMMER!!

My neighbor (who has the antique cars) was out mowing, so I was able to catch him at his break and arrange for Logan to go over tomorrow. If it’s not raining he’ll take him out; if it is, they will just explore from inside the garage. The garage in itself is a very neat place! I hope to have photos to share later.

In the meantime, here are the photos (as promised) from Friday night’s 95th anniversary social at West Overton Village. We really had a nice time.

When I went to leave for home, I realized I was in trouble. There was a FORK in the road! Which way should I go! 🙂

But it was a very interesting, informative, historic evening, and hearing Pam read her book, and then purchasing a copy, was such fun! It would be a nice place to volunteer….

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TOMORROW June 20th is:

National Vanilla Milkshake Day (I’ll take chocolate – from McDonalds!); National Hike With a Geek Day; World Productivity Day; National American Eagle Day; National Ice Cream Soda Day.

However you look at it, have ice cream tomorrow! And take a HIKE! God bless…

It was a good start to the day, having Autmn and Noah come to church this morning! I was so happy to have them there. It was an extra special birthday gift.

Todd’s message was grace vs. truth. We should clothe ourselves in: Compassion; kindness; humility (Not thinking less of yourself – thinking of yourself less); patience; forgiveness – and be united in love. Get into the fight; tell them about Jesus!

And if you’re a dad, be a DAD – be a best friend later!

Again I spent the afternoon at Hanna’s Town. I’ll post about that later in the week. But I did make the decision to get a shift, skirt, and ‘jacket’. So I am having one made! This week I will pick out the material that would be appropriate for colonial frontier environments!

I was invited to Nathan’s for supper. We had burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, macaroni salad and potato salad, and cupcakes. It was nice to spend a few hours there with my family!

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TOMORROW June 19th is:

National Sauntering Day; National Watch Day; Juneteenth; National Garfield The Cat Day.

I’m not going to celebrate anything but chilling out! Have a great week. God bless…

Last night at West Overton was super nice – and it was fun that Kathy & Paul came down, as well. But I’ll talk about that event later in the week.

And I spent all day today at Colonial Court at Hanna’s Town – which was a very nice event, as well. I have lots of pictures for that event, too – which I will share Monday or Tuesday. I will be out there again tomorrow after church, and then I’m going to Nathan’s for supper in the evening. So there will be a lot to catch up on!

In the meantime, I went to Kathy’s for supper after Court Days. Paul manned the grill, and the rest of us all contributed extras. Jesse, Tonia and Isaac were there, and Kyle, Sarah, Millie and Wyatt came. Kathy’s friend Lynda Sue was there as well. All the food was really good – and we had the Oreo Ice Cream for dessert, which is always a hit.

Millie wanted to listen to church songs, so Kathy put on a DVD of kids songs. Wyatt put on one of Millie’s shoes, and Millie climbed up on Kyle’s lap to watch and sing along. Millie loves to sing, and has a strong, true voice. Maybe she’ll be the next Taylor Swift or Carrie Underwood! Or Amy Grant!

When I finally got home I jumped right into cutting the grass. So that is done for a few days, and it’s a good thing. Kelly and the boys are coming up for 3 or 4 days next week. I’ve had a busy week, so that’s it for tonight. I’ll have a LOT of explaining to do next week!

It was my turn for Susie Squirrel – she came home with me in her new outfit and her newly awarded distinction of Master Gardener! She even has fresh flowers in both hands and on her head! She’ll stay with me until December.

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TOMORROW June 18th is:

International Panic Day (What?? You have to PLAN that???); National Turkey Lover’s Day (Thought that would be Thanksgiving): National Wanna Get Away Day; International Sushi Day; National Splurge Day; National Go Fishing Day; Father’s Day.

Happy Father’s Day to Matt, Nate, and all the other dads out there who go the extra miles for their families – including their moms! Love you — God bless…

First off, today would have been Ron Buschek’s birthday. I still miss hearing his laugh. He was our first youth minister at Hempfield church. Happy birthday Ron! He’s been gone since 1988.

After breakfast and throwing a laundry load in, I headed to Irwin to grab some groceries. I actually accomplished most of that at Aldi’s, then Walmart. I was surprised to see Todd and Heather there (Hempfield minister). They were coming back from an appointment in Pittsburgh. We were both, like, ‘What are YOU doing here?’ as it’s not our typical area. I bought what I needed to make Oreo Ice Cream for the weekend, which I accomplished after a lunch of 3 different leftovers!

I am going to a 95th anniversary celebration at West Overton Museum tonight. Got an email that they are moving the event inside the big barn because of the weather. That’s a good thing – can’t eat pie outside in the rain!

The last few days I’ve had the little yellow bird at my living room window. It must be the week for little animals. There was a baby bunny nibbling the grass – I’m pretty sure it lives under the bottom deck. There’s also a small gray dove that keeps walking in front of my family room door.

Last night’s sunset was glowing through the trees across the road – I couldn’t capture the full effect. It was actually glowing!

Once it got dark, the red/white/blue lights and the color-changing solar flowers were glowing, too.

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TOMORROW June 17th is:

National Cherry Tart day; National Apple Strudel Day; National Eat Your Vegetables Day (after the tart and strudel you’ll need veggies!); World Juggling Day; National Mascot Day; National Root Beer Day; World Croc Day.

My early birthday present was a phone call from Gen! It’s always such as special treat when we can chat and catch up. I miss our in-person visits but spending 45 minutes together was wonderful. I know it’s a highlight for me! Have a happy day – God bless…