October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween --- Boo!




Happy Halloween to all! It was a great Fall day. Frosty on the pumpkin in the morning and warm and sunny in the afternoon and Booinksy in the evening. Tonight was the last high school football game and the Middle school band was the opening entertainment playing 'Soul Man'. Samantha tooted her flute well and stayed in step. She was a hippy for trick or treat (need to get that pic on here) and she was just froggy for school today. We're looking forward to a weekend with no particular plans to get ready for our big trip coming up to Philadelphia with the Hocker girls to witness The Revolve Tour . Woohoo!

October 30, 2008

Happy Birthday time again!


It's birthday time again~! Happy Birthday to my Mother-in-law. She is an animal lover and a wildlife rehabilitator. She's had every kind of wild animal that can be found in Pennsylvania. Her favorite I believe was probably Bucky the deer who was around for 15+ years. There's numerous ducks and geese and pigeons and any kind of bird around. Her favorite cat Ian, only has one paw but somehow manages to get through life just fine with Mim's loving care. Her most favorite animals though are her grandchildren. She keeps tabs on all their events which are in endless supply. Happy Birthday Mim and many more!!!!








October 28, 2008

Cleversburg Stained Glass



Just a quick post tonight. It's windy and cold and I spent the evening teaching myself some new photoshop tricks that didn't pan out very well. It's time to go have a good warm cup of tea and relax with a good read of some type. This picture is from my church. The stained glass windows go so unnoticed by most everyone because they are in the back of the church. I have the privilage of looking at them each week since I sit up front and look back over the congregation while playing the piano. They are inspiring and when you're in the church when the light is just right they take your breath away. They were dedicated to the church in 1949 by the Ladies Aid Group. Thanks to all of those ladies in the church history at Cleversburg! Hopefully many generations to come can enjoy this as much as I do.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

October 27, 2008

Eternal Peace



Just a hazy Monday trying to get back into another work week. Why is Monday so uninspiring?
A few more pics from yesterdays journey to Gettysburg. There's something about singular trees that I find intriguing. This tree was plain and simple but appears so elegant with the Fall colors lifting it up. The cross reminds me that even in fallen times God doesn't turn his back on us. 'Eternal Peace' is straight from the Peace Light. What beautiful simplicity lies all around us if we choose just to notice....

October 26, 2008

Views from Gettsyburg

What a fantastic day. We took a drive on one of my most favorite paths that leads to Gettysburg, PA. It was another adventuresome Jeep tour. It was the perfect Fall day and everyone was out and about as well as ladybugs by the thousands. We drove through the quaint little village of Mt. Holly Springs and then onto Biglerville better knows as The Apple Capital of the World then onto Gettysburg's battlefield for some most awesome views along the way.

This is my parents at Little Round Top.


This beautiful lady was found climbing rocks and posing until the ladybugs attached her. This is my daughter who is the most easy going person I've ever had the privilage to know.

This was one of my favorite shots of the day. If this tree could talk.... These roots date back to The Civil War at the top of Little Round Top. I wonder what tales it could tell us.




This was another favorite shot taken close to The Eisenhower Farm. It's as simple as a rock fence but the best part is the tree at the very end of it. BEAUTIFUL!

This was my most cherished shot of all. For years and years I've passed this house sitting up in what appears to be the middle of an orchard. It seems it could be haunted but at the same time it is so very charming. I apologize to the owners for snapping this picture. I wonder if they've ever thought of turning this into a Bed and Breakfast. If they did I surely would look into putting my guests there who go on the Jeep Tours with me, but only after I stayed there myself and got to experience each of the different rooms.



October 25, 2008

Thinking of Warm Days



Today was such a dreary day with much needed rain falling all day long. It was a good day to get caught up on all those little things you put off when you cannot be outdoors. I posted this picture today for several reasons. It's the time of year where we have cut this bush (Trumpet Vine) back and now it looks so bare. I miss the flowers. I also posted it because I was able to capture a busy bee at work. In the top picture he's at the tip of the picture coming in for a landing. On the bottom picture he's busy pollinating in the middle of the flower. See if you can find him! Click on the picture to bring them into a closer view. I also posted them because I ws thinking of going to see a flick called 'The Secret Lives of Bees' out in theatres now. I read the book and it was excellent but I was hesitant on seeing the movie in hopes that it won't be a disappointment to the book. Just why is it that the book is always better? Go figure.... -----He hath made everything beautiful in his time. - Ecclesiastes 3:11

October 24, 2008

Happy 12th Birthday!

Today is my nephew's 12th Birthday. He's quite the talented young man. He plays ice hockey, football and baseball. He has a very kind heart and a beautiful smile. In a few years all those girls will be swarming his way--Actually I believe that has already started! He plays hard and is very competitive in all his attempts at just about any sport. I'm proud to have him in my family and wish him nothing but the best.

October 23, 2008

My Wordle~~~~

This is my wordle I created with random words from my blog. Click on it to enlarge it and when you are finished viewing click on your back button to bring you back to my blog. -Enjoy!


Go to wordle.net and try one yourself!

October 21, 2008

Jeep progress




The jeep is coming along nicely. My daughter has laid claim but what will her brother have to say about that? It's been jacked up and new tires have been found. There's still lots of work to be done but that will keep my husband busy and content all Winter. We had to try it out on these rocks to see how it held up. Nice driving there Missy!!!

October 19, 2008

Happy Birthday Dad and Tony~

Today is my Dad's birthday. I hope he enjoys it to the fullest. This past week was my brother's birthday too. Happy Birthday Tony! They are both avid hunters so good luck in the coming season and be safe!

October 18, 2008

Cumberland Couty, PA





I spent another Saturday out in the exquisite Fall foilage. These pictures are from places around Cumberland County, Pa. Seeing the colors of the world as you drive around puts you in a peaceful mood. These are all places that I've been to all my life and probably never fully appreciated. I'm thinking we need a Pink Jeep Tour of these beautiful surroundings. My parents and daughter and I spent the day at a Meadowbrooke Gourd Farm, (see my gourds in the pic above) beautiful Opossum Lake, and viewing the North mountains. Opossum Lake has been attempting to fix the dam. I sure hope that all the efforts put into this follow through so the next generation can enjoy a day at the lake. Just these places alone could expand into a full day of site seeing. Maybe I need to think about that business venture....Pink Jeep Tours!

October 15, 2008

Busy Life

Hold on tightly to what is truly important in life.
Hold on to faith;it is the source of believing that all things are possible. It is fiber and strength of a confident soul.
Hold on to hope;it banishes doubt and enables attitudes to be positive and cheerful.
Hold on to trust;it is at the core of fruitful relationships that are secure and content.
Hold on to love;it is life's greatest gift of all, for it shares, cares, and gives meaning to life.
Hold on to family and friends;they are the most important people in your life, and they make the world a better place. They are your roots and the beginnings that you grew from; they are the vine that has grown through time to nourish you, help you on your way, and always remain close by.
Hold on to all that you are and all that you have learned,for these things are what make you unique.
Don't ignore what you feel and what you believe is right and important;your heart has a way of speaking louder than your mind.
Hold on to your dreams;achieve them diligently and honestly.
Never take the easy way or surrender to deceit. Remember others on your way and take time to care for their needs.
Enjoy the beauty around you.Have the courage to see things differently and clearly.
Make the world a better place one day at a time, and don't let go of the important things that give meaning to your life.
~~ Author Unknown ~~

October 13, 2008

My piano

Spent the day researching my piano. One would say -- but why?! My piano is 130 years old. It's made by a company that was called Malcolm Love out of Waterloo, NY. It was patentened June 18, 1878. It's an upright Grand piano. It still sounds magnicificent! It was a gift 25 years ago from my Father-in-law right after I was married. He had the entire inside redone and new keys put on. Music and especially playing the piano has been in my life from when I was very young. I can remember my neighbor playing (by ear!) and I wanted so much to be able to play like him. When I was in second grade I was surprised by my parents with a brand new piano! I can honestly say it's still the best gift I ever received from anyone! I took piano lessons for years along with my brothers and sisters. Now 37 years later I still look forward to sitting down and playing. My daughter now takes lessons and she is a great memorizer! I don't even try that department any more. In my findings on my piano I've discovered that I have a masterpiece that needs taken care of fondly. I'm always on the look out for a new song that gets in my head and out through my fingers!

October 11, 2008

Cumberland County, Pennsylvania

Spent the day outdoors again checking out the Fall colors. We went for a hike up Waggoner’s Gap also known as Kittatinny Ridge. It's a rugged climb up over a huge rockpile at the top but well worth the outsatnding views of Cumberland County and Perry County in Pennsylvania. This area is known for birdwatching but for me it provides serenity. Personally I could spend a couple hours sitting up there enjoying the beauty that only God can paint.

October 10, 2008

Country Walk

What a fabulous day. Finally a day off with no obligations! I got to spend some time in the morning taking a huge walk and enjoying the nature around me. I've wondered for awhile now what this bush is in the picture. It's berries are only out during the Fall and they are beautiful. The sky this morning was just perfect. I was led down this path and got to witness the very best scenery. Get out there and just enjoy the day! Being alone outside gives you time to reflect on the blessings all around you if you just choose to acknowledge them and be thankful.

October 8, 2008

Happy 20th Birthday Cory!



Happy Birthday to Cory!!! 20 years! Cory turned 20 yesterday Oct. 7th. He is living his dream down in the Big Easy -- New Orleans playing Division 1 Baseball for UNO. He is missed at home but we're all proud of him to be brave and venture out on his own to fulfill his dreams.

Samantha's Willy

Sam has wanted a Willy's Jeep for quite awhile now. We found this 1958 Willy along the road in Perry County , Pennsylvania. It was even her favorite color --Yellow!! She has laid claim to this but just where does a youngster acquire the funding for such a splurge?

October 5, 2008

Sporty Weekend

Oh where oh where do the weekends go? I found this group of lovely young ladies spending the day at a filed hockey tournament. They are a lively bunch full of charm and character. THey stuck it out in the cold and the rain and a good time was had by all....

October 2, 2008

Kindness


Kindness. -- It's a hard thing to find most days. Somedays it's harder to find it within yourself let alone from others. The old saying kill them with kindness does have a lot of truth behind it. If I can control my feelings or attitude toward others most times the same thing comes back to me from others. But have you ever noticed that there are those you just can't reach and you have to move on and let them behind just so the bitterness doesn't follow? Maybe we just need a backhoe to dig deeper with those people?
Ephesians 4:31, 32Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
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Aren't these the cutest flowers! They're glass! This was taken in Las Vega at The Bellagio.

October 1, 2008

Goodbye September


September has come and gone and Fall has arrived to welcome October. It was goodbye to my intro banner and hello to a new month banner. It's a month of brilliant colors in the mountains and in the sunsets. This is World Series month too and the question is --How far will the White Sox go!!!!? My son Cory turns a whopping 20 this month. No more teen years for him! He continues to grow into a wonderful young man coping with college life. I'm just so darn pround of him. It's a huge birthday month with my Dad, my Mother-in-law and my Brother. Happy Happy to everyone! It's Halloween -- Boo!, and Columbus sailed the ocean blue along with time to remember what to do in case of a fire. -Fire Prevention week! And all you beautiful women get those mammograms this month!
Happiness on Earth ain't just for high achievers.......