The day started out to be pretty chilly, but I was upstairs in the tavern from 11am until 1pm so I was warm. By the time I started my turn in the food booth it was comfortable. This was my first year working with the food – it was easy, but that crew is – at the very least -entertaining! Great bunch of people.

There were several demonstrations of the militia which were very well done, and court was in session twice. They did six different trials which were well received by those attending. I love the special programs; they are informative and fun and the people are great. Below are some photos that I took today.

When I got home, I changed clothes then cut the grass and trimmed a few straggly limbs from the lilacs by the fence. I noticed that a crew has been working on my neighbor’s tree. Here are the before and after (so far) pictures.

June 18 – Where did you go swimming? “We had a deep spot in the little ‘run’ that came through the neighbor’s field. That is where we went to “Splash” in the water. When someone had a car we would go to Little Mahoning Creek. I would ride in an innertube up and down the creek for a hundred yards or so.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Apple Valley Ohio and the picture posted was Honey Run Falls. Here are other things in Apple Valley:

Calendar Inspiration – Remember and be thankful for the helpful guidance in your life.

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TOMORROW June 19 is:

• Juneteenth
• National FreeBSD Day
• National Garfield the Cat Day
• National Watch Day
• Father’s Day
• Turkey Lovers’ Day 

Tomorrow is a tribute to fathers. And destination Rhode Island! Enjoy your day — God bless.

Moving day – a long time coming. I think it’s been like 10 years for my sister. Hoping it all goes well and they settle in happily contentedly. They had the moving team at their house about 9am, and by about 11am they were headed to the new place. Sarah was helping and it was a big help. I had to run down to work but was home in time to meet them at the new house.

I did a load of laundry early, and threw in a dirty potholder. This is what happened. Anyone want a brightly colored hand-made potholder? Assembly required….

The movers were very efficient and had the truck unloaded, the beds and furniture put together, and everything where it belonged by about 1pm. We stopped for lunch, then the movers left and Paul took the truck back. Sarah, Kathy, and I worked all afternoon to unclutter as much as possible. The main bedroom is pretty organized, and the furniture in the living room and dining room are good. There are still boxes to unpack, and my cousin Mark was to stop over and connect everything after work so they have TV, internet and phone.

Kathy and Paul went to get the kids at daycare, and Millie was excited to see the new house. When I left she was having her snack on Paul’s desk, while Paul entertained Wyatt. I came home and cleaned up the remnants of our lunch and finished making a list for tomorrow and Sunday. Still a few things to do. But it was a good day and a lot got done!

June 17 – How did you learn to swim? “I never learned to swim.” That being said, Mom liked the water. They put a pool in at the Shady Lane house, went to Keystone Park all the time, and spent untold time at Presque Isle and Lake Erie. So she didn’t let it intimidate or frighten her!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Olympic National Park in the state of Washington, and the picture posted was Hurricane Ridge. I’m reading a book set in that area and the author (Tammy L Grace) described it beautifully. Other sights in the park are:

Calendar Inspiration – Taking it easy is a state of mind, not a particular activity.

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TOMORROW June 18 is:

• National Go Fishing Day
• National Splurge Day
• National Wanna Get Away Day

Tomorrow I will get away to the 18th century! It will be a fun day. Stop out at Hanna’s Town and see what it’s about, and you’ll have a great time. God bless…

Another very hot day – but a tiny breeze is saving things. I worked at both stores and ran errands after – including picking up the lunchmeat to feed tomorrow’s movers and stopping at Diane’s to get some excess food from the food bank. She gets excess from a friend and there was so much that she called me to help distribute. I have a few people that welcome the extra, which is good because with leaving on Sunday I could not utilize the fresh food.

Sir Rege switched out my car this morning – a 2021 Kia Seltos. It’s a very nice little SUV, and I’m really excited. There will be plenty of room for our 4,375 items (???) to fit in the vehicle, plus it should be fairly good with gas mileage. It’s very comfortable, as well. Thank you, Rege! YOU are the best!!!

I made macaroni salad after lunch (for tomorrow) and plan to help Kathy this evening – so this is the extend of my post. Tomorrow will be busy but I’ll post what I can.

TODAY is Barry Freger’s birthday (one of Pinnacle’s owners, whom I have known since the early 90’s or before) and also would have been Ron Buschek’s birthday. He was our first youth pastor at HCC and I was stricken with a huge crush on him. He was a special guy and I was glad to have called him my friend. Thinking about both of these guys on the celebration of their birth.

June 16 – Relate your happiest memory as a youth. “I think it was being grown up enough to be allowed to go out with the older boys & girls to just do what young kids do best. NOTHING. We had fun & we didn’t spend money because we didn’t have any to spend.” It would be interesting to see today’s kids buying into that mindset!!!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was not a destination. It was ‘jokes’ or things that make you laugh. Here are more:

Calendar inspiration – There is quiet beauty in even our hardest chores.

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TOMORROW June 17 is:

• Global Garbage Man Day
• National Apple Strudel Day
• National Cherry Tart Day
• National Eat Your Vegetables Day
• National Mascot Day
• National Stewart’s Root Beer Day
• Wear BLUE Day
• National Flip Flop Day

Tomorrow is moving day – and Kathy LOVES flip flops. So join me in celebrating my SISTER! And have a piece of Apple Strudel while you are at it. God bless…

It’s 92* here with a heat advisory – feels like 99*. It’s been a very long time since it’s been this hot. I was glad to be inside, although I did spend about half an hour pulling weeds. The rest of the day I spent cleaning, doing laundry, and working on my ‘to-do’ list. I need to take the trash up to the road and also get the mail. Next on the list.

I printed out my parking pass for Hanna’s Town on Saturday – Frontier Court Days. I will be working the top floor of the tavern from 11am to 1pm, and then was snagged into the food booth from 1pm to 5pm. Never did the food booth – I’m more into the history aspect – but I’m sure I’ll catch on. I have noticed several people stopping to snap photos of my yard sign and I hope it entices them to come out.

One of the little side projects I got distracted with was to frame a gift bag from a purchase. I think it looks cute in the gold frame, and I have it sitting on the Secretary in my living room. It’s the little things…

Thanks to a recommendation from my friend Liz Bromke, I found a fun author to follow. Tammy L Grace – and she writes no-nonsense Beach books set in Washington State. I’ve read a few other books set there, but her descriptions are marvelous. I just started book #1 – Beach Haven – and am really enjoying it. I just finished a book by Tracy Rees – The Little Christmas House – and it’s set in the UK. Very different from most of my reads, but it was cute and rewarding and left me wanting to read more. It was, however, a stand-alone novel. Other books were set in the same town, but the characters are different. I do recommend Tammy Grace’s book. Makes me really want to visit Olympic National Park…

Last night I attempted to take photos of the Full Super Moon – but I’m not the best photographer. It was cool standing on the deck, watching the bright orange moon slip up above the trees until it was fully visible in the night sky. I’m sure there are beautiful photos posted on facebook! The supermoon for June is the Strawberry moon…

June 15 – Share a childhood memory about a death that affected you. “When Becky Sink’s baby died. She lived with her parents & her brothers & sisters. They put pennies on the babies eyes so they wouldn’t open. Becky was Ruth Sink’s older sister.” That would be a hard thing to witness.

Yesterday’s vacation destination wasn’t a real destination. It was a scene from Anne of Green Gables, and the picture was what Anne called ‘White Way of Delight’ – and Matthew called ‘The Avenue’. Here are more scenes from the movie:

Calendar Inspiration – Peanuts’ Lucy:

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TOMORROW June 16 is:

• National Fudge Day
• National Career Nurse Assistants’ Day

Ooooo. Fudge! I don’t think I’ll come across any fudge tomorrow but I can dream. Seems more likely that I’ll have Macaroni Salad… Have a happy Thursday. God bless...

I wore my Snoopy shirt with a flag on it to work today in honor of Flag Day. Worked both stores and stopped to help Mike P. Then I did stop and get groceries – for Friday (moving day), vacation (Sunday), and just to replenish stock at the house. First thing I did when I got home was turn off the little downstairs fridge and start defrosting. I don’t use the tiny freezer section but it does get jammed with ice. That was 9 hours ago and there’s still a piece of ice melting outside. Imagine how big the chunk was! All done and turned back on.

I had leftovers for lunch, then went to work cleaning out my car. I had to take everything out and put it in a clothes basket. I was correct in assuming that Rege would want to put me in another vehicle for vacation, one with less miles. I also swept the seats and floors, and wiped out the interior. So on Thursday I’ll be ready for the switch. Not sure what I’m getting but I think a small Kia SUV. We’ll see!

When I was cleaning things out, my favorite Snoopy travel mug went crashing to the ground and cracked. Kelly bought me that for Christmas many, many years ago. I felt very sad to throw it away, and will probably keep an eye out for a replacement. I have travel mugs, but that was my Snoopy buddy! Sad…

Next I spent a few hours pulling weeds, dead-heading flowers, and then cut the grass. Hoping that I’ll have time Friday or Saturday to give it a quick once-over before we leave. I noticed (tee hee) that my neighbor (that cuts grass every day) had someone outside with him discussing the huge maple in his yard, right at the cusp of my yard. He had said last year that he wanted to trim it back or have it removed. They examined it from every angle; it won’t be easy to get either of those things done. It’s a huge tree!

Finally I mixed up a meatloaf (Di told me this afternoon she was making one!) and then while it was cooking I made my potato soup. The soup is done and the meatloaf should be finished in a few minutes. That will get me through the rest of the week, since I’ll have lunch at Court Days on Saturday and am making food for Friday’s move for Kathy/Paul. Checking things off my list!

June 14 – Tell another memory about a parade. “When you were 2 years old we were crossing the street to walk up to Uncle Charlie and Aunt Amy’s house on Mace Street. You lost your ‘Mary Jane’ shoe in the middle of the street. It was the firemen’s parade & I had to run back & get your shoe before the next fire company marched all over it.” Now that sounds like something that would have happened to Kathy. She was always losing her shoes!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Prince Edward Island, in honor of the Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables) quotes. Picture posted was the PEI National Park – and Anne always wondered what made the ground red. Other sites on PEI are:

Calendar Inspiration – Daily routine can offer comfort in an unpredictable World.

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TOMORROW June 15 is:

• National Megalodon Day
• Nature Photography Day
• National Smile Power Day

Tomorrow will be laundry, cleaning, finishing up with chores that have to be done before I leave. Nothing difficult. I have a list. Have a wonderful day! God bless…

The machinery woke me early this morning. They were paving the road behind me and my window was open. By lunch time – when I got home from work – they were in front of my house. Made the house vibrate! My road – Wren Drive – is totally paved and rolled smooth. Impressive to watch them work, but I wouldn’t want that job!

I did laundry, ironing, sorting and packing. So I think I’m pretty organized. That’s a good thing because this week is stacked full of obligations! Nothing hard – just steady, busy. Kathy stopped on her way from 317 Overview to 10 Seneca and we went over last minute notes for vacation. In between now and Sunday we have to finish packing and moving Kathy/Paul, get things organized enough for Paul to manage while we’re gone. I need to finish up my last minute chores and am schedule at Frontier Court Days all day Saturday. Plus get the grass cut before I leave. And I still work two more days this week. A healthy, busy schedule.

Over the weekend when we were moving items, it came up that Kath did not want the butter churn that was at Mom’s. No one else seemed to be interested so of course I brought it home. I’ve moved it to 3 different places; not sure I’m done moving it yet!

After Kathy left I snapped a few pictures of new blooms in the garden. Next will be supper. I have to work tomorrow and check on the car. Not sure what they want me to take.

June 13 – If you were ever in a parade, tell about it. “When we had the horse & buggy we drove in a parade down main street. Dusty, the horse, got upset when the band got too loud in front of us. Your Dad jumped out & grabbed the halter & I pulled back on the lines so hard my hands had blisters. We turned off at the first side street. Very frightening experience.” Dad’s horses did not like parades. They had a few scary experiences.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Napa Valley CA (I was there once!) and the picture posted was St. Helena. Other points in Napa are:

Calendar Inspiration – What is truly important in your life? Seek a proper viewpoint and peaceful spirit.

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Scripture – (implied)

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TOMORROW June 14 is:

• Army Birthday
• International Bath Day
• National Bourbon Day
• National Flag Day
• National New Mexico Day
• National Pop Goes the Weasel Day
• National Strawberry Shortcake Day
• Call Your Doctor Day
• National Forklift Safety Day

Yes! It’s Flag day! Our great Aunt Amy’s birthday was on Flag Day. Mom told us that every year. I remember Aunt Amy very clearly. There are other things tomorrow, but I can be pretty sure I won’t be involved with a forklift! Have a wonderful day. God bless…

It was very cool this morning but has warmed up and is sunny and bright. Sunday School went smoothly (no wayward donkeys) and the boys made a mat by weaving construction paper strips together and tying twine on the ends. Mary is so resourceful in the craft department. Our lesson was about the four friends who lowered their sick friend down through the roof so Jesus could heal him (which He did). Max was concerned about how they got all the bricks off the roof. It all worked out.

After church I stopped and handled a vacation errand. I was going to pop into Walmart but didn’t have it in me. I also stopped at the $ Tree and got a small plastic boat that we will float in a pan of water for next week’s Sunday School lesson, which is about Jesus calming the storm. Also got a little package of wooden sailboats that the kids can decorate and hang in their room to remind them of Jesus’ power.

Talked to Autmn for a while, and she needed a ride to a friend’s 16th birthday party. It’s about 20 minutes away and a beautiful drive so I didn’t mind. I took some pictures of the view from the top of the hill by Sianna’s house. Amazing.

I didn’t get the ironing done last night so I may do that once I finish this. Also want to review my options to pack for Newport. One week from today!

June 12 – Were you ever chased by some animal? “Mostly a cow that just had her new baby calf and didn’t want anyone near her newborn calf.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Sioux City Iowa and the picture posted was the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Here are other sites in Sioux City:

Calendar Inspiration –

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TOMORROW June 13th is:

• National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day
• National Sewing Machine Day
• National Weed Your Garden Day
• Random Acts of Light Day

I don’t think I’m a klutz in the kitchen, nor am I a pro with a sewing machine. But I CAN weed my garden like a pro. Find a random act of light and share your kindness – God bless.

Today – is a beautiful day! Very sunny with puffy white clouds against a beautiful blue sky. I was outside mowing and trimming and weeding, and I could hear the planes from the Air Show at Arnold Palmer Airport in Latrobe. Great day for the air show. Perfect.

I spent the morning getting organized – other than clothes – for our trip to Newport. Food, drinks, maps, wipes, masks, chargers… All accounted for! Then I ate the rest of the soup (about 2 tablespoons left! So sad!) and went to work outside. I found that my lily is blooming and hope the rabbits don’t eat it. They ate ALL the purple blooms and buds off the flower I just bought about a week ago. Rats! No — Rabbits!

Here are pictures of the bench with the stones under it, and the bench/fire pit and the bench/fire pit/step. I like how neat they look!

Next I went over to Kathy’s new place and helped organize some book shelves and closets and watched my son paint the kitchen. It looks so nice! I especially like her shower curtain and rug in the main bathroom. You can memorize scriptures while you get a shower! Fun!

Today is my friend Linda Beer’s birthday. We became friends when our kids were in Bible classes together – they were two. NOW they are 40! Happy birthday, Linda. Hey – that doesn’t mean WE got any older, right?

Yesterday was Janet’s birthday, and their family came back from Iowa to spend a few weeks with her parents in Latrobe. They hosted an open house and Mary and I went. It was so nice to see everyone.

June 11 – Tell about any other paying jobs you held as a youth. “I would go & stay at the home where some woman was expecting a baby. I took over the chores when she had her baby. I sometimes was the first person to hold the newborn baby. Most babies were born at home.” That is so cool!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was (as mentioned) part of the best summer vacation destinations – and the picture posted was Cappadocia – land of hot air balloons. Here are other summer destinations:

Calendar Inspiration – Create a serene daydream or mental get-away to escape daily stress.

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TOMORROW June 12 is:

• National Jerky Day
• National Loving Day
• National Peanut Butter Cookie Day
• National Red Rose Day
• National Children’s Day

Not a fan of Peanut Butter cookies or jerky. But I love to love those I love! And I have red roses growing outside my window. Have a lovely day – and celebrate the children in your life! God bless…

It’s such a beautiful day outside today. I am probably going out to play in the dirt for a little while after I post this. After breakfast I handled some errands – first to Lowe’s where I got keys cut for Kathy, and pond stone, etc. I needed to pick up a card for a birthday open house later today, and do some laundry. So now it’s time to finish up some of the things that I started.

Today is a day of reflection. I was just thinking about how much has happened in the past year. Through no small effort, Autmn graduated from Highschool! We all celebrated, but no more than her!

John passed away in June, then we started cleaning out the farm (since Mom was in a care facility) and eventually sold it. That was a great move, as the new owners love the place and have been making great strides to bring it back to a working farm. So happy to see the improvements.

Mom passed away in September, and although we mourned the loss of her physical presence, we rejoiced in her heavenly reward and the gathering of so many in one place who loved her – and shared their love with us.

And just like that – thirty-five years were a part of the past.

We had an estate sale at the farmhouse, and all of us ‘shopped’ freely and got small things that meant something to us. Some from our growing-up years, but a lot for the 35 years that we spend sharing time at the farm with Mom and John. I have a few simple things, like hot pad/trivets and books and small items (like a thimble) from Grama Crooks. Plus the furniture, which I love!

In addition to those life-changing events, we had other adventures, as well. Kathy, Paul, and I went to Charleston and Savannah (a destination on Kathy’s bucket list and I loved it!).

Nate’s family bought a house and got moved in on one of the coldest days in late January/February. Autmn moved from her mom’s house to Lori’s place and then in with Nate & Jen. Peyton got his permit and 6 months later passed his driver’s test. He’s happy as a lark in his cowboy boots and hat and working long hours helping on neighborhood farms – independence!

I discovered a water problem in my basement that initially sounded like a $20,000 repair – but a competent young plumber discovered a leaky pipe in the wall and the problem was resolved in a few hours for around $300.00 . THAT was a major blessing, which I am reminded of daily!

My friend Gen put her New York house on the market and sold it immediately; she is headed from the Buffalo area to Albany where her son Chris’s family lives. Congrats to Gen and that major change.

Kathy and Paul bought a beautiful condo across town and are moving in next Friday – and will sell their house asap. My niece Sarah’s family bought a house in Jeannette and the closing is next month – another life-changing event that will be a huge plus, having two kids and only two bedrooms! So happy for THEM! The neighbor to my immediate left should close on their new home within the month, and I’ll be looking at a new neighbor…

Matt left Staples after about 20 years or so, and he (and Peyton mostly) run a lawn care/landscaping business. He’s much more relaxed and loves being outside. A huge change for him, for the good. Logan is stepping into a few roles in taking care of the yard – like weed-whacking.

Three good friends from my years at Smail Auto -Bill, Zum, Dave – passed away around Easter, and my friend April lost her two-year-old grandson to a freak infection the week before. God’s grace and comfort got all of us through that.

The Skunk Hollow girls got together several times, which is always balm for the soul and spirit. Love those girls!

Kath & I are planning on getting away for a few days to Newport RI – to see the Gilded mansions and explore history and adventure – and great seafood!

I am blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends and family, and to have the support of so many around me. Thank you to all of you who have supported me and held me up through all the changes and adventures this past year. I think God for you all daily! Please know that my prayers for you are continual.

Now we wait and see what God has planned next – All things work together for good to those who love Him!

June 10 – How much did you get paid? “I was paid $1.00 a day & I felt rich.” Can you imagine any of us being excited about that wage these days? That wouldn’t even buy a gallon of gas — or milk!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was places where you could have family fun, and the picture posted was Acadia National Park in Maine. Here are other family-friendly vacation spots:

Calendar Inspiration – In between your chores, make time to play and rest.

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TOMORROW June 11 is:

• National Outlet Shopping Day**
• National Corn on the Cob Day
• National German Chocolate Cake Day
• National Making Life Beautiful Day
• National Rosé Day

Let’s all just make like a little more beautiful – just by being kind! God bless …

I worked both stores this morning, then went down to Excela Health Norwin Square to get my COVID booster. No side effects and cannot even tell I got it. I left there and stopped at the bank before going home. The Township crew was putting a base coat on Wren Drive, and the flagman told me I couldn’t go home today. He was kidding. I was home long enough to grab a quick lunch and then headed over to Kathy’s. Friends from church came and helped clean a little and packed up stuff in the garage. The living room looks so empty – probably because it is.

The flowers beside the porch looked perky and colorful. I buzzed home to work on the Word Garden for a bit, then I’ll go back and help take a load of boxes to the new house. Tomorrow I am off – no Pinnacle, and Kath doesn’t need anything else until next week. So I have errands to run tomorrow and my checkbook to balance. Then a birthday party for a friend – Mary and I are going together.

My thumb is still swollen, but it feels much better. I’m being careful and using ice (which is what the nurse at Excela Health suggested).

June 9 – What was your first job? “I helped on the neighbor’s farm. I helped with all the housework, washing, ironing, cooking & I helped with the canning of fruits and vegetables.”

Tuesday’s vacation destination was New London CT – we intended to take an extra day and just explore, but decided to stay a little longer in Newport and take 2 days to drive home. But here are some things to see in New London: (Yesterday’s picture was the Whaling Wall)

Calendar inspirations – Peanuts:

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TOMORROW June 10th is:

• National Ballpoint Pen Day
• National Black Cow Day
• National Egg Roll Day
• National Herbs and Spices Day
• National Iced Tea Day
• National Movie Night

Not sure what I will celebrate tomorrow. Possibly a movie – or ballpoint pens! Or black cows, like FLUFFY!!! Have a happy Friday – God bless…