I woke up this morning with a sense of awe washing over me. If you do any research into the actual events, attitudes, conflicts, personalities, and deep details of the Revolution (or any war) there is so much more than passing a law or taking a side. These men and women were brave, and frightened, and stubborn and passionate and…. Well, I get excited! God bless America – 250!

I realized as I parked that the corn was INDEED at LEAST knee high by the 4th of July!

When I originally thought about what I would like to do best in celebration, I decided there couldn’t be anything more fitting than spending the day at Hanna’s Town – A 1770’s frontier town, that drafted the Hanna’s Town Resolves, a document that pre-dated the Declaration of Independence. It was very hot, especially in the tavern where I was stationed for the day. But sharing information with the guests and visitors is always rewarding for me, and you can always tell when one of them actually ‘gets’ it. At 12:00 noon members of Proctor’s Militia took turns reading sections of the Declaration of Independence under a ‘witness’ tree by the LeFevre House in the field. My friend Louise had her grown children there – and she is from England (But with American citizenship!). Her son took part in the reading, and to hear him passionately declare his sentiments with the British inflection was very moving and impressive.

Lara – our director of education and in charge of the event.

Reading…

Louise’s son on the far left; Scott (Militia captain) third one over.

After the reading, I walked around taking pictures in the buildings.

Prices for ale in the bar.

Currency from the 1700’s

Bedside light

Rope bed – sleep tight!

Spinning

Very unusual day lilies

Inside the Goal (jail)

The militia had a ceremony to take down the ‘Rag of a British Flag’ (their words, not mine!) and raised the flag with thirteen stars and stripes. The American Colonies had declared their freedom.

Militia watching the flag ceremony

Lowering the British Flag

New American Flag

At 1pm Scott Henry (Captain of the militia) explained the purpose, responsibilities, and bravery of the members, and described the weapons and what the differences were. Then they did march out of the fort and shot several volleys.

Scott

Marching from the fort

First Volley

Fire!

I saw my sister and Paul there – but didn’t get to talk to them. They were headed to see Young Washington at the movies.

Demonstrating guns – Kathy and Paul are sitting on the bench by the building (she’s in a red shirt).

It was 92*, with a ‘feels like’ of 99*. I was thankful to have had several bottles of water with me – and everyone I saw was faithfully staying hydrated. I came home with the intention of weeding for half an hour, but after 15 it started to storm, and a loud crack of thunder was so close I felt it in the ground. So I came inside. For a brief moment the sun peeked through and there was a rainbow – but now it’s storming again. Looks like I’m inside for the day.

Rain!

Rainbow.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 5th is:

Build a Scarecrow Day; Mechanical Pencil Day; National Apple Turnover Day; National Bikini Day; National Graham Cracker Day; National Hawaii Day; National Workaholics Day; Pet Remembrance Day; Work Without Your Hands Day; World Circle Dance Day.

The scarecrow should go in the corn field. Was it an itsy, bitsy, teeny, weeny, yellow polka-dot bikini? God bless – AMERICA!

On this day in History:1776 US Congress proclaims the Declaration of Independence and independence from Great Britain

AND M&M’s!!

Another HOT day! I wasn’t outside very much. This evening I spent about 40 minutes pulling weeds and hosing off the back patio stones. They look much better. I find that if I just do a little at a time I can manage something every day.

Messy

Pulling weeds

Under the bench

Door mat

Weeded and hosed off

Much better

Looks so nice!

Diane txt me mid-morning and said she was dropping something off for me. I was in the midst of making lunch for Kathy and I – we had our Altoona trip meeting today. But I had time to spend a few minutes chatting with Diane. And the great surprise was that she found a set of salt and pepper shakers that are COWS! How fun is that! Surprises come in the best forms!

Cute little cows!

My long-time friend Teresa called me and we talked for one hour and 16 minutes! We haven’t done anything together in a very long time and I miss that. Hoping we can do something fun this summer! But I finally got the laundry started and the lunch finished, and Kathy and I had a great meeting. She brought me two patriotic donuts and I sent brownies home with her! We had chicken salad on croissants, tossed salad, fresh fruit, and brownies.

The brownies I didn’t give to Nate and Jen.

Donuts!

We got our Altoona trip organized – we know who is bringing who, when we are leaving, which museum we will be going to first, and when the Baker Mansion will be open. And of course, the Boyer Chocolate Outlet! So we are all set. I emailed the details to Kelly.

Baker Mansion- Altoona

Then we planned out a trip to see UC/AJ and called them to verify that the date was good for them. We talked about a fall trip to Gettysburg, but that may have to be just Kelly and I – Kathy has a pretty full schedule, especially with the trip out West she and Paul have planned. We even talked about Williamsburg. Dare I hope???

Uncle Clifford and Aunt Joan

Quote for the Day:

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow July 4th is:

National Play Outside Day; Independence Day; Alice in Wonderland Day; National Caesar Salad Day; National BBQ Spareribs Day; National Hop-a-Park Day; Indivisible Day; National Hillbilly Day; Sidewalk Egg Frying Day.

Never fried an egg on a sidewalk or been indivisible. I think Independence is the BEST thing to celebrate! God bless…

On this day in History:

Actually, today should be Independence Day! July 2 is the actual date the Continental Congress voted to approve the Lee Resolution, legally severing ties with Great Britain. However, we celebrate on July 4 because that is when Congress formally adopted the written Declaration of Independence, the public document explaining that monumental decision. But since we’ve celebrated July 4th for 250 years we may as well keep doing it!

I did have a lot to do at work this morning. But for the most part everyone was in a good mood and figured even the tough ones out. I left Pinnacle and had to stop and help Mike P with something, then talked to Kelly on the phone for a bit. I had to make a few stops on the way home – got a case of water at Aldi, and potato sticks for Cameron at Dollar Tree (he loves those!). Got a few (like, four!) items at Walmart, then a string of butterfly solar lights at Big Lots while they still have some. Summer items are disappearing quickly. Then picked up something from Diane on her front porch.

Butterfly lights on the back deck.

From there I headed to Hanna’s Town as they were having a Happy 250 party, with cake and programs! I was too late for the program but did have a piece of cake.

There were a lot of flowers blooming, especially ones that draw pollinators.

Look like yellow stars

The last of the flax.

Hollyhawks

Cone flowers

Eutrochium?

Black eyed Susans

A full garden

Leadwort

My two new America 250 flags came – they were very inexpensive! They are made of a burlap-type material so they should hold up well, especially since I will only put them out for patriotic holidays and celebrations.

250 #1

250 #2

I plan to do my ironing next, then watch JD (History Traveler) and maybe a new episode of Waardenburg Family Farm. Then we’ll see what tomorrow brings!

QUOTE for the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 3rd is:

Air Conditioning Appreciation Day; American Redneck Day; American Sparkling Wine Day; International Plastic Bag Free Day; National Chocolate Wafer Day; National Compliment Your Mirror Day; National Eat Your Beans Day; National Fried Clam Day; National Stay out of the Sun Day; National Disco Day.

DEFINITELY will be a day to appreciate air conditioning! Chocolate of any kind is yummy – better that than beans or clams. And also a day to stay out of the sun! God bless…

On this day in History: 1962 Sam Walton opens his first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas

Today, July 1, 2026, Chase is 17! He did get his permit, but having a chance to practice is challenging. He isn’t permitted to cross state lines – they live 1 mile from the West Virginia border and everything they do is in Ohio or WV. Here’s hoping he gets opportunity! Happy Birthday Chase!

Chase is on the far right.

Cowboy Chase – isn’t he super cute?

Grown up Chase…

Autmn posted a video of Cameron learning to swim. They put the floaties on him, and he just took off across the pool! What a kid – he was having a ball!

Swimming at Nanny and Pappys!

It’s been a steadily busy day – so short post. Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow July 2nd is:

National Wildland Firefighters Day; National I Forgot Day; Made in the USA Day; National Disco Day; National Lint Awareness Day; Thirsty Thursday; World UFO Day.

I forget my fair share of things. I don’t give too much thought to lint. God bless!

On this day in History:

I woke up at 2:30am and couldn’t get back to sleep. I can ALMOST keep my eyes the whole way open! I stayed busy all day so I wouldn’t fall asleep. Work was very busy and I didn’t get out of there until after 12noon. I popped into L&L Fleatique but had one thing in mind – spent a few (very few) dollars and came home. Changed clothes to be comfortable and had some potato soup for lunch. These were my purchases.

Mini ducks and a turtle.

Gnomes

I took a little break after lunch, then pulled a few weeds. I was in the shade and didn’t mind the heat too much. My goal was to clean out around the big maple up front and line up the stones better.

Circle of the Maple.

Going around the Lilac.

Around the bridal veil bush.

There is a bright red rose blooming in my azalea bush!

Full bloom.

Peeking out of the azalea.

My friend Mary Lou sent me a book that she found at her doctor’s office (or some office; I forget!). It’s from 1962 about all the businesses in Greensburg. I only looked through it for a few minutes and had a good time with all the information. There was a two page spread on Bud Smail Lincoln Mercury – I worked with all but one of the people listed as employees at the time! Thanks, Mary Lou – it will be a fun book to explore!

It’s an old book!

My aunt’s name is the bottom one on the left page (Bookkeeper); I worked with all the managers but Harrold Price.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 1st is:

American Zoo Day; Canada Day; International Chicken Wing Day; International Joke Day; Love all Budgies Day; National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day; National Gingersnap Day; National Postal Worker Day; National U.S. Postage Stamp Day; Zip Code Day.

Haven’t been to the zoo in a while, or to Canada. I love ice cream! I just bought ginger snaps to take to work (A little goes a long way with those).Yea for zip codes! God bless…

On this day in History:1936 Margaret Mitchell‘s novel “Gone With The Wind” is published

For breakfast I made something I haven’t had in years — I toasted a bun and had an egg and cheese breakfast sandwich! It was very yummy. Other than a few bites on the go, I haven’t eaten since. I did laundry then went to my chiropractor appointment.

After that, I got gas in the Mazda then stopped to help Mike P with a title issue. Seems like the only thing I’ve been dealing with lately are issues. When I got home I got out the R/W/B decorations for the 4th. I have scaled down so much that it didn’t take me long.

Carry bag that Kelly made me. I love it!

Flowers

Desk

Suzie Squirrel aka Jennie Wade – with flag!

Autmn txt me that she was stopping by to do laundry and they were here for several hours. We filled the tote with water and Cameron gave his animals a bath. Autmn took a towel and did some sun bathing in the side yard. They took one (out of two) loads of clean clothes home but the other load is still in the dryer. They plan to pop in tomorrow and get it. I may fold them later – but maybe not! Cameron wears me out.

Petting the duck planter

Bubble wand

Empty bottle and a Dorito!

He likes to dunk his head in! Why????

Sand shovels but no sand…

Big decision: Do I have cream of potato soup or leftover pizza for supper? Still undecided!

Soup

Pizza

QUOTE of the DAY:

hahahaha…..

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 30th is:

International Asteroid Day; International Sailor Moon Day; National Corvette Day; National Meteor Watch Day; National Outfit of the Day; Social Media Day.

I don’t think we need an entire day dedicated to social media. We spend enough time messing up our minds with it as it is. I will never own a Corvette – but I think Chase likes them! God bless… (Also:)

ON this day in History: 1776 Virginia state constitution adopted and Patrick Henry made governor

My email is working in fits and spurts. All is well but no post tonight — except that I’ll try again later. God bless…. 🙂

I expected rain all day – but there was a lot of sun, as well. I was in Junior Church this morning, so after Sunday School I was with the kids. Anthony’s lesson was IN THE BEGINNING – and talked about God creating the earth – and everything in/on it – from nothing! That’s a hard concept. He showed a 6 minute video of some of the beauty around us.

God made the world and —

– everything in it. Fuzzy (sorry) frog

I went straight to Irwin after church – I was still looking into sweepers. I came away thoroughly confused and convinced that what I am looking for doesn’t exist. Bummer. But the strangest thing happened at Kohls. When I got home I realized there was a Snoopy RWB blanket in my CAR! Wow. How did THAT happen? Well, it was much less expensive than a sweeper!

How did THIS happen? (YES – I did pay for it!)

Since the sun was still shining by the time I changed clothes, I did a few outside projects. First I took the 2 car seats and installed them in my car – seeing which one was easier to install. They are about even. My issue is that when I push the red release button to disengage the straps they won’t open easily. I would certainly not want to get Cameron stuck in a car seat! Then before the rain came, I decided to weed whack and mow. It was pretty warm – but I got it all done. I was dripping wet (sweating) by the time I finished – but I got everything put away and was inside for about a minute and a half when the thunder and rain started. But I’m glad I won’t have to mow in 95* later in the week!

I extended the butterfly light string a little.

Rain

Yard…

Cut grass.

I got a shower, put on PJ pants and a t-shirt, then made the cream of potato soup. Yum. I just had a few bites to sample, but after I post this and answer emails I will sit down and have a bowl for supper. It’s still raining, but the sun is peeking through and there isn’t a downpour, at least. And THAT means a rainbow!

Full rainbow!

Cooking

Just a taste...

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow June 29th is:

International Day of the Tropics; International Fisherman Day; International Mud Day; National Almond Buttercrunch Day; National Bacon Burnt Ends Day; National Camera Day; National Darts Day; National Waffle Iron Day; Please Take my Children to Work Day; World Industrial Design Day.

No mud for me – I like Buttercrunch and bacon. I haven’t used a camera except on my phone for ages. I don’t have a waffle iron, either! God bless…

On this day in History:1776 Final draft of Declaration of Independence submitted to Continental Congress.

This morning I had the luxury of lazing in bed reading for an extra half hour. Chase slept late and I didn’t want to be doing laundry, etc, until he was up as today was his last day here. While I was waiting on Kelly to get here and Chase to get up, I made a batch of flax balls. They aren’t hard but they are messy. Glad they are done!

I ordered pizza for lunch, and then Kelly and I went through the books and movies that I was giving away. I was totally shocked that both Kelly and Nathan wanted the VCR tapes of when they were younger! I’m glad to pass them along. Kelly (who had been up at 4:30am every morning last week) took a nap to ensure safe driving on her way home. Chase watched a movie and I peeled potatoes in the hopes of making cream of potato soup. They are soaking in cold water, but that might have to be tomorrow as it’s already past 7pm.

It did rain on and off this afternoon so I didn’t even try to cut grass. I did take a flower walk to see what was blooming.

Day lily – gift from Susan and Gail

Thickseed???

Purple grouping

I trimmed the lilac yesterday…

…and the bridal veil bush

Lavender is doing well.

I received a post card in the mail from Gen – and it’s of the Stockade District in Schenectady NY – a suburb where Gen lives. She said they are filming the Gilded Age movie throughout the summer there. THAT would be so cool to watch!

You can see the older houses in the background!

Quote of the DAY:

PEANUTS:

TOMORROW June 28th is:

International Body Piercing Day; International Caps Lock Day; Log Cabin Day; National Fatherless Children’s Day; National Foodie Day; National Tapioca Day.

I am a fan of caps lock on occasion, and I like food. Let’s go with that! God bless…

On this day in History:1778 Liberty Bell returns home to Philadelphia after the British departure

I thought I’d have time for lots of little projects and a lot of nothing – but it’s 6pm and I left a lot undone! I did go over to Walmart for some normal type groceries after Chase and I ate breakfast. Yes, he was awake early enough to want breakfast! We had French Toast. I did some laundry, then decided to make one of the treats for my Pinnacle guys. So I melted the dark chocolate and made the chocolate covered peanut butter pretzels.

Milk chocolate from the other day and dark chocolate from today.

Once that was cleaned up, I decided to clean out the toy/book closet at the bottom of the stairs. I have two shelves of writing reference books, and some of them I know I won’t need or read again. I sorted them into three categories. One: KEEP! Two: take to my old writer’s group and see if anyone wants them. Three: History and research books that could be useful for non-writers. I heard JD (History Traveler) make a plea for old history reference and txt books. I know I won’t be going to Gettysburg any time soon, but if I find a way to get them there I’ll donate them. I also have some DVD’s that I’m passing along, which I will offer to Kelly and Kathy before I decide what to do with them next.

Books and movies being donated. But no, not the Elmo or the skunks!

But I got the remaining items sorted and re-shelved then went through Cameron’s toys and books. There were things that just didn’t work, or he didn’t like or weren’t practical for his playing style. I was able to make better sense of that closet and give him easier access to what he likes best.

I bought a little bag of black and silver glitter stars and put them in my empty honey jar. It looks nice in my kitchen! And that, my friends, is it for the day. Tomorrow I hope to make cream of potato soup (if possible) and maybe flax balls tomorrow evening or Sunday.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

So cool!

TOMORROW June 27th is:

Armed Forces Day (England); Great American Campout; Global Smurf Day; International Pineapple Day; National Bingo Day; National Ice Cream Cake Cay; National Onion Day; National Orange Blossom Day; National PTSD Awareness Day; National Sunglasses Day.

The game BINGO or the Bluey cartoon Bingo? Just sayin’… Smurfs go WAY back! I’m not much of a camper, actually. Haven’t had an ice cream cake in decades, I think. No onion for me! But I’m lost without sunglasses. God bless…

On this day in History:1997 “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” the first book in J. K. Rowling‘s bestselling series, is published.