I left for work in the rain and cold temperatures, but when I got home it was sunny and warm and bright. Good for the soul! I set about cooking a batch of fresh garden carrots to have later or Saturday, and then made a double batch of cream of potato soup. Ironically, Gen (whose recipe for the soup I use) called to catch up, and we talked for an hour. It’s sort of funny, because I get Kathy’s moving stories, and Gen’s moving stories, and my neighbor Dottie’s moving stories. I’m going to be an expert on moving tips by the time everyone gets moved this summer!

I checked on the plants I moved yesterday and they look happy. The hill is really filling in and there are about 50 shades of gr…. green plus some other colors to brighten it up.

Happy, happy birthday to Aunt Joan! Wishing you many more happy, healthy and fun birthdays – and hope to see you soon. Love you!

May 19 – If you have another photograph of your childhood to share, place it here.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Idaho – since Tuesday was National Idaho Day. Idaho is the Gem state. The picture posted was the Snake River Greenbelt. Here are other photos of interest:

Calendar Inspiration – We all have dreams or talents hidden away within us.  Let them grown and then share them!

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TOMORROW May 20th is:

• International Red Sneakers Day
• National Be a Millionaire Day
• National Pick Strawberries Day
• National Quiche Lorraine Day
• National Rescue Dog Day
• National Streaming Day
• NASCAR Day
• National Bike to Work Day
• National Pizza Party Day
• National Defense Transportation Day
• National Endangered Species Day

OK – I vote for being a millionaire! But it would have to be for more than a day. Tomorrow’s post will be very short but I’ll catch up on Saturday! God bless…

I’ll start with today then go back to yesterday. I, of course, cleaned the house, handled some emails, and even transplanted a few flowers. All that is pretty bland (although I enjoyed it!). Now – back to yesterday.

Kathy and I went to the program at the Greensburg/Hempfield Library to listen to President Ulysses S Grant. For being dead he was amazing. This guy had SO MUCH INFORMATION, and was very comfortable sharing his life and thoughts with us. We listened to him for two hours and it flew by. We heard stories about his military service, his presidency, his wife and family. He talked about Julia (wife) with so much affection and respect. He read some of his inaugural address and explained a lot of it. No matter what questions he was asked, he was able to expound on the subject and those around him who interacted with him. I’m really glad they have these programs. Not only are they entertaining but they are such a vital part of our nation’s history. He told us he never carried a weapon, not even on the battlefield!

Kelly sent me pictures of their homeschool Spring Formal. Peyton and Logan both went. It looks like they had a wonderful time! Peyton looks like a country music superstar- famous and happy! A lot of people worked hard to make that happen, and the kids all enjoyed every minute.

Decorations:

Kids:

May 18 – Share another memory involving a war during childhood or youth. “All the young men went off to war. We wrote many, many letters. All mail was opened & read. The service men could send letters free by writing ‘free’ where a stamp should be.” We have a bunch of letters that Mom got from her friends in the military.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Chattanooga TN – Mom’s cousin Carolyn lived there. The picture was on Lookout Mountain. Here are more pictures:

Calendar Inspiration – Something unexpected could happen any day – keep smiling and stay cheerful as you deal with it. 

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TOMORROW May 19th is:

• National Devil’s Food Cake Day
• National May Ray Day

Find something of your own to celebrate. I will celebrate feeling better – step by step! God bless…

Today was my fill-in shift at Hanna’s Town for the school tours. I was slightly intimidated, as I usually am by anyone who has more energy than I do. Which is most people, these days! But the day went very well, the the kids were generally interested in the site as a whole (their favorite was the militia at the fort) and enjoyed the tin punch project. Some of the kids had trouble with the process but most of them jumped right in and got it done. At lunch time I tried my hand at a tin punch star, but I didn’t have a pattern and it turned out … well, it didn’t turn out! But at least I tried my hand at it.

We did have a little interloper that snuck in hidden in a backpack. He didn’t cause any disturbance so we just left him alone.

The activity was in the Klingensmith house, and we had about 12 or 13 kids at a time, six groups. Claudia did the first group so I could see how to start the project. Lara came later in the morning after Claudia left and we took turns. There was a teacher/helper with every group. I did ‘dress the part’ but the other two just wore Hanna’s Town official shirts and slacks.

Also at lunch time I walked over and introduced myself to the goats and the donkeys. They weren’t impressed. The one goat was trying to climb the bush. The donkey just stood and watched.

This group was 5th grade from Latrobe Elementary. They were a polite, cooperative group and fun to work with.

I stopped to vote on the way home and ran into Dave D, who was also coming back from Hanna’s Town. He, however, was the judge for the court presentation.

I changed clothes, cut the grass, changed again, and am ready for the Ulysses S Grant presentation at the library tonight with Kath. I think I’ll share that tomorrow, as Wednesdays are always boring!

May 17 – Share a memory involving a war during your childhood or youth. “I was a student at Davis School when World War II started. We had a group that was nationwide; we were called Junior Commanders. I was the leader (captain) because my dad had been in the army. I even taught the group how to march (smile).”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was The Valley of 10 Peaks, Alberta Canada. Here are more pictures:

Calendar inspiration – Life is all about a happy balance between simplicity and luxury.

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TOMORROW May 18th is:

• National Cheese Soufflé Day
• National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day
• National No Dirty Dishes Day
• National Visit Your Relatives Day
• Emergency Medical Services for Children Day
• National Juice Slush Day 

The only way to have no dirty dishes is to not eat and not cook. Or eat out. None of the above! So many just visit your relatives and eat there. Have a happy Wednesday and God bless…

The beautiful end to the day yesterday was that the sky was blue and pink with fluffy white clouds. I did see part of the eclipse, and the blood moon. It felt very eerie. I tried to get a few pictures but I don’t have the right kind of skill or camera. The moon was perfect and round and huge. Several photographer friends took amazing photos!

Today started with a storm and wind and clouds and rain. I took my time eating breakfast, and by the time I left for work the weather had calmed down. Nate called me, and he and Dave had a schedule change, and they were going to clean my gutters and siding, and power wash my sidewalk and retaining wall. It was drizzling but they made short work of everything, and were soon on their way. Dave’s mom was on the list next. Apparently it was ‘Mom’ day!

Since Nate & Dave were working, and Jen had a clinic for cats all day, I picked up my Autmn and took her to work. She died her hair again – black with hot pink highlights! It did look nice! She was happy and excited to be going to work. I was going to get a frozen Coke but the line was so long in the drive-thru that it snaked all the way to the road. I came home and had a Pepsi…

I’m filling in for someone tomorrow at Hanna’s Town to help with a school tour so I packed my chill-bag with a few drinks, a yogurt, and crackers with string cheese. I should be done by 1:30pm. Then Kathy and I have a program to attend at the library tomorrow. More on those things tomorrow!

May 16 – Describe your military experience or that of someone in your family. “My Dad went to France & fought in World War One. My brother joined the Air Corp but the war ended before he was sent overseas. Your Dad (meaning mine) joined the Army & was sent to Korea to try to keep the peace. After he was back the Korean War started.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was a FARM vacation, and the photo posted was Sunrise Farm. Here are a few other farm vacation sites:

Calendar inspiration – savor the many scents of spring.

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TOMORROW May 17th is:

• National Cherry Cobbler Day
• National Graduation Tassel Day
• National Idaho Day
• National Pack Rat Day
• National Walnut Day

Tomorrow is also Peyton’s Spring Formal. Hoping I have pictures of that on Wednesday! Have a wonderful, sunny Tuesday. God bless…

I was still feeling a little under the weather when I got up today, although I slept really well. The sun was shining and it was warm, so that at least inspired me to get out of bed and get myself to Sunday School. I was able to teach the lesson (which was a hard concept for the kids for some reason!). The story was about Jesus in the temple watching the people give their offerings. The rich people were giving lots of money, but the poor widow had two ‘cents’ and gave all she had. The kids still though Jesus would be happier with the big amounts of money. It took several times going over the concept of giving with your heart because you love God but I think we finally figured it out.

I did help a little with the projects – which were piggy banks that they are to fill up and bring back – but I did not stay for church. I came home and did actually nothing but read for a few hours, then went out and watered the newly planted plants. Being outside actually helped a little, and I was able to go over to Kathy’s and help her finish up a moving project and pick up a few things that she didn’t want to keep.

I noticed that some of the trim paint in my family room had been scratched, so I got my can of paint and touched up the door and the stair railing. I painted all the spots, then came back down stairs and promptly gripped the railing. Ugh!

After I got home, I sat outside and read for a while. It’s still warm, and the view from my reading bench was peaceful and quiet. When this is done I will eat dinner and be done for the day, early as it is.

I found the old metal dustpan that was Mom’s, and I decided to spray paint it to match the milk can. I had one decal left….

May 15 – Tell about your high school prom or formal dance. “I went to Aunt Hazel’s prom with her. Back in 1946 it was the normal thing for girls to go together to dances, especially proms. The boys came in a group. I felt very grown up & had a good time. I don’t even remember where we went or with who we went. It is so different now in the 21st century.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Ligonier PA and the picture posted was the country/farmer’s market. That is something you really shouldn’t miss! Venders of all kinds. Other point of interest in Ligonier:

Calendar Inspiration – Peanuts

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TOMORROW May 16th is:

• Honor Our LGBT Elders Day
• National Barbecue Day
• National Biographer’s Day
• National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day
• National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day
• National Love a Tree Day
• National Mimosa Day
• National Piercing Day
• National Sea Monkey Day

Hmmm. I do love trees. I watered mine today. And I also did something nice for my neighbor today – I dug her a few plants that she wanted pieces of. Now — let’s see if I can find a sea monkey….

It was sad to see the kids leave this evening. We had a busy time but it was fun, even though I didn’t feel my best the whole time. I can’t remember the last time I was sick except for a quick few hour stomach bug. But we plowed through and still enjoyed ourselves. With the threat of rain it was windy and cooler, and I cut the grass. I was exhausted but it looks so nice – it helps to have the blade sharpened! Thanks, Peyton! I looked up at one point and there were a dozen or more birds circling overhead. Yikes! I didn’t think I was THAT sick!!!

Since it was outside, Kelly and I went to the Harrold Herb Fair. I bought a flower and lavender for on the hill. We did stop at L&L Fleatique but there was only one outside booth. We were only there 10 minutes then were back home. I basically just helped her with loads of laundry and changing bed sheets and we didn’t do anything else. I planted the plants from the Herb Fair and also the blue flowers that I bought from Kelly’s church school. I get a flat every year. This year mostly I grouped them instead of sticking one here and one there. I think as they spread they will look nice.

After the kids left I cleaned up the Flag Room and remade the beds and swept. Now everything is quiet and I’ll chill out and rest this evening. I have only sneezed twice today so we are making progress!

May 14 – Tell about the first dance you ever went to. “I went to a square dance with my brother and the group that were playing for the dance. I believe it was at the Creekside Grange Hall. I was in my early teens.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was suggested by Peyton. He wanted to go to Michigan in the winter! Here are more random winter pictures:

Calendar Inspiration – Everyday places offer a connection to your history and heritage. Explore your community’s past. That’s a great one for our adventure yesterday!

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TOMORROW May 15th is:

• National Chocolate Chip Day
• National Nylon Stocking Day
• Peace Officers Memorial Day
• Take Your Parents to the Playground Day 

Well, we have chocolate chip scones, chocolate chip muffins, and chocolate chip cookie bars in the freezer. So we can celebrate! God bless…

Other than the fact that I have been sneezing like a crazy person all day, we had a wonderful time. We left Greensburg with sunny skies and warm temperatures at 8:30am. The drive up and the scenery were beautiful. I love the clouds and the mountains. Pennsylvania is a beautiful state.

When we got to Stoystown it was cold and rainy and cloudy. No one had jackets or sweatshirts except for Logan! Smart kid! I looked at the hoodies and was not going to get one because of the expense, but in the ended I decided it was not only an investment in my comfort but also an investment in the site and in honoring the people who gave so much. The guides explained why they had a gift shop on site. So I purchased one and I was very happy that I did. And I must add that the Flight 93 Memorial is very much worth the effort to see, no matter how far you have to travel to see it. THAT is our history!

We got to the site about 10am, and waited for the others in the group to arrive. They had a longer way to go – from Wheeling and surrounding areas. Dave and Gregory were our tour guides, and they did an excellent job of explaining the day, and the thoughts, and the processes. They told about what the people in the area thought and felt and said. The building is constructed in a way that when you walk on the path, you follow the flight path of the plane. The displays in the visitor’s center were very informative and emotional. There is far too much information to share on this post – just look it up and be inspired by those brave people who made a difference. They were, indeed, heroes.

After the tour and the displays, we drove down to the memorial. All this time it was cold and rainy but we kept going. The walkway continued to follow the flight path. There was a ledge where people could leave tokens of their thanks and appreciation. The wall at the end listed the names of the people on Flight 93, and we saw one name that listed the passenger with ‘and unborn child.’ There was a little square place below Todd Beemer (Let’s Roll!) that said ‘Who’s to say that you weren’t born for such a time as this (from the book of Esther). That’s one of my favorite verses and it was very moving.

Next we stopped at the tower of voices, which weren’t voices at all. There are 40 different chimes that each have a distinct tone to represent the lives of those on the flight. The tower is 93 feel tall. All in all it is was an inspiring and moving day, and I wondered why it took me so long to go back. I was there the year after the crash, but I should have gone once the memorial opened. Please – it’s worth the trip.

One thing I never even thought about (I’m still re-living the bicentennial!) is that our nation will celebrate 250 years in 2026! So that is my new goal: To celebrate with our nation!

Several families stopped at our house after the morning and we all had lunch on the deck and inside when it began to rain. The plan had been Twin Lakes but the weather did not co-operate. After everyone left Kelly and I finished a project that we started yesterday. Peyton spray-painted gray a milk can that I had uncovered in the shed. Autmn had bought me decals last year, so we put them on as well. I think it looks amazing! My dad gave me that Milk Can from the Wagon Shed Antiques more years ago than I can count. Everything comes around!

We just ordered pizza for supper before Peyton and Matt leave to go home. That will be the end of my day. I need to put my sneezes to bed!

May 13 – What kind of dances did you do as a youth? “Square Dancing was my all time favorite. A friend of my father’s taught me how to waltz. Our neighbor, Stan Leczner, would jitterbug with me at “Meadow Brook Dance Hall.” Stan & I could Schottish better than any other couple on the floor.” It’s so fun to think of Mom having a ‘young’ exciting life!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Baltimore – and the picture posted was the USS Constellation. Other points of interest in Baltimore:

Calendar Inspiration – Share your best self — be patient, serene and gentle.

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TOMORROW May 14th is:

• National Buttermilk Biscuit Day
• National Dance Like a Chicken Day
• National Decency Day
• National Underground America Day
• Cornelia De Lange Syndrome Awareness Day
• National Archery Day
• National Dog Mom’s Day
• National Miniature Golf Day
• Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day 

I’m hoping that tomorrow isn’t national ‘sneeze’ day! I haven’t sneezed this much in decades! But it didn’t hinder the day significantly. So here’s to a sneeze-free weekend! God bless…

Here’s my limerick: There once a garden so fair; Everyone liked to be there. I’d go every day, cause I knew the way. It’s the most perfect place I could share! OK – there you go.

Worked both stores this morning, then stopped and got gas for the car and for the mower gas can. Got home about half an hour before Kelly’s crew got here. Gave me time to pull some weeds, spread some Round-up on the hill, and pull some totes out of the shed to take to Kathy to use for packing. Kelly’s hair is finally growing in, and it looks so cute! I love it!

Everyone pitched in and helped with the projects. Peyton dug the new hole for the fire pit and spread the extra dirt at the bottom by the deck. It leveled the area out nicely. Logan and I carried the stones up the hill to the new location, and Kelly dug up the old base and discarded it under the shed.

At that point Peyton and I went to Lowe’s and got grass seed, top soil, charcoal bricketts for the base of the fire pit, pond stone to filter around the outside of the fire pit, and oil and a spark plug for the mower. After he finished the fire pit, he spread the top soil and planted the seeds. He really does have a green thumb!

Next he drained the oil from the mower and changed the spark plug (never done!). He took the blade off and sharpened that, and then cleaned underneath the mower deck – but Kelly helped with that. We hooked the hose up and Logan came out and watered the new grass the the flowers Dottie gave me on Tuesday. Peyton also spray-painted my milk can.

By that time, we had finished all the outside projects, so Kelly and I took the totes over to Kathy then got groceries for the Field Trip tomorrow at the Flight 93 Memorial. After spaghetti and garlic toast for supper, we made chocolate chip cookie bars and muffins for tomorrow. It’s 10pm and I am totally done for the day. Whew. We sure got a lot done.

May 12 -Tell a favorite singer and a song that he/she sang? “Frank Sinatra was the # one singer when I was a teenager.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Butchart Gardens in British Colombia, Canada. Here are more pictures from these beautiful gardens!

Calendar Inspiration – Everyone has their own viewpoint; accept other people’s opinions even if you prefer your own.

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TOMORROW May 13th is:

• National Apple Pie Day
• National Crouton Day
• National Frog Jumping Day
• National Fruit Cocktail Day
• National Blame Someone Else Day 

Oh, boy. I can get into blaming someone else! I’m going to start making my list right now. I do wish I had a piece of apple pie with ice cream – but I’ll settle for a cookie tomorrow! God bless…

I’m starting to get used to these beautiful sunny mornings. Makes the whole day feel fun. On Wednesdays there’s not much to write about because I usually just clean. I was happy to get done inside and still spend time in the yard. I trimmed a half-dead lilac in the bottom yard and also pulled weeds on the little patch behind the bush. It was a profitable day! That being said – that’s basically all I did today. So it’s a short post.

Today is my nephew Jesse’s birthday. Happy birthday, Jesse! Hope you have a wonderful, happy year ahead of you!

May 11 – What was your favorite singing group or band? “Roy Rogers & Sons of the Pioneers.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Washington State. The picture posted was on San Juan Island. The book series I’m reading right now is set on the Islands. Here are other points on interest in Washington state.

Calendar Inspiration – Today someone will need your help. Be the one who makes a valuable difference.

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TOMORROW May 12th is:

• National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day
• National Limerick Day
• National Nutty Fudge Day
• National Odometer Day

See if you can write a limerick! They can be fun. Have a happy Thursday. God bless…

Another beautiful morning! Di’s song of the day was Lemon Tree by Peter, Paul and Mary (her favorite group). I remember doing creative dance to that song in either 7th or 9th grade. I ended up teaching the routine to my cousins and we performed for the aunts and uncles and Grandma Crooks! Fun memory.

I worked both stores, then stopped at Hanna’s Town and dropped the photos and forms off to Joanna for Mom’s wedding dress. There was a school tour in progress and there were kids everywhere. They were having a great time, well behaved, and happy. It was fun to see that dynamic in action.

I was just pulling onto my street when Keven called me and said they had a customer on my car. Could I switch out this afternoon so they could have it cleaned and available first thing in the morning? Since I had to meet Bear at the Civic Center after 2pm, I agreed to drop it off at 2pm and get a different car. It’s actually almost identical, but it’s dark gray and has heated seats. I have this knack of getting cars with heated seats in the summer and moon roofs in the winter! But any car is always fine and I love the color of this one.

Bob Zumbro’s obituary was in the Trib (finally), and i was able to leave a memory on the page for Chris and the family. It was fun to read about him and remember….

“Bob always had a smile and would give a stranger the cutoff sleeve t-shirt from his back. ” – This is a very true quote from his obituary!

After lunch I FINALLY finished the ironing; that’s when I switched cars and met Bear at the Civic Center. There was a crew working on the roof-top patio, so he took me on the ‘nickel tour’ up to the penthouse. The views were amazing. He showed me the architect’s drawings of the new patio and conference room, floors, lighting, and offices. It will be very beautiful! I’d never been upstairs before. I was there for an hour!

Next: Groceries! I talked to Kelly and got a partial list of their requests for the weekend; we’ll get the balance of missing items on Thursday afternoon if necessary. When I got home, Dottie (neighbor) was working in her yard and gave me some plants that she wasn’t going to use. I planted 4 coleus and an interesting purple annual that I don’t know the name of. I noticed that the seeds I planted last year (Forget-me-nots) came up full and beautiful. Hoping they will spread!

Teresa got her schooner ride! She txt me this photo first thing this morning. What a beautiful, peaceful sail. For lunch today they had a cheesecake and wine tasting event. (Her favorites were Lemon cheesecake with blueberry wine.) She met a lady from Virginia that loves to hike and they’ve struck up a friendship. Sounds like she’s having a wonderful time! Hard not to be jealous….

May 10 – Name some popular hit songs from your youth. “1. People Will Say We’re in Love. 2. Eddy Arnold’s song I’ll hold you in my heart til I can Hold you in my Arms. 3) Slow boat to China.” I loved Eddy Arnold, and still do! Gen bought me my first Eddy Arnold album in high school and I still have it!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was not a destination; it was a theme: RAINBOWS. Here are some of the best places to take a vacation that have the most beautiful rainbows. Yesterday’s rainbow picture was Iguazu Falls in Argentina & Brazil. Stunning views.

Calendar Inspiration – Practicing helps you learn a skill, but also patience and persistence as well.

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TOMORROW May 11th is:

• National Eat What You Want Day
• National Foam Rolling Day
• National Twilight Zone Day
• National Receptionists’ Day
• National Third Shift Workers Day
• National School Nurse Day 

Eating what you want can be a dangerous choice! Do so with forethought and caution, but enjoy! God bless…