November is a special time of year to slow down, reflect on life’s blessings, and remember the people and experiences that make our lives meaningful. As we celebrate National Gratitude Month, we have an opportunity to think about what we are truly thankful for and how we can share that appreciation with others. With Veterans Day observed on November 11th, it is also the perfect time to recognize the brave men and women who have served our country and helped protect the freedoms we enjoy. …

There’s something special about pumpkins that makes fall feel even more festive. From pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread to cozy decorations and jack-o’-lanterns, pumpkins are one of the most beloved symbols of the season. National Pumpkin Day is celebrated on October 26th, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy everything pumpkin! Whether you love pumpkin-flavored treats, decorating your home for autumn, or picking out the perfect pumpkin, there are plenty of fun ways to celebrate t …

Remembering Halloween in a Simpler Time Halloween felt special when we grew up in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. The excitement wasn't about elaborate decorations, expensive costumes, or filling the front yard with inflatable ghosts and monsters. It was about carving pumpkins at the kitchen table, making homemade costumes, attending school Halloween parties, and walking through the neighborhood with friends on a crisp October evening. For those of us who grew up in small towns and rural communities, a …

Every year on October 12, we celebrate National Farmers Day, a day dedicated to honoring the hard work, resilience, and essential contributions of the men and women who keep our nation fed and clothed. Historically known as Old Farmer's Day, this tradition dates back to the 19th century and is intentionally observed in October to mark the culmination of the traditional fall harvest season. While modern technologies like climate-controlled greenhouses and specialized growing practices allow agri …

What if one small act of kindness completely changed someone's day? From sharing a homemade treat and giving a heartfelt compliment to helping a neighbor or simply checking in on a friend, there are countless ways to spread a little happiness. National Do Something Nice Day on October 5th is the perfect opportunity to put kindness into action and remind the people around us how much they are appreciated. Whether you're celebrating with your family, friends, coworkers, or community, these simple …

We already know that we don't need a National Day to remind us how important our families are to us, but someone knew how special this day could actually be!  This little saying came to my mind as I was thinking of what I'd like to write about to celebrate this special day:  "A family who plays together, stays together" National Family Day, celebrated on September 28, is a wonderful reminder to slow down, put away the distractions, and spend meaningful time with the people who matter m …

Manufacturers of solid braided multifilament polypropylene rope, it's the rope derby people love! "An All-Purpose, Utility Rope." The Troyer Rope Company began in 1965, when Andrew Troyer (Andy) and his dad went to a local auction to bid on a rope-twisting machine. While his dad made a bid for the machine, they were unable to get the highest bid, and it was sold to another family for $8.00. Even at this young age, the way the rope is made was still continuing to dwell in his mind. How can rope …

An Adventure Back to 1958 There was a time when a good mystery didn't begin with a glowing screen. It began with a book. For me, it was going to Stone Memorial Library in Conneautville, PA. Maybe it came home from the Scholastic Book Fairs, or perhaps it was waiting under the Christmas tree with your name written inside the cover. Then you found your favorite chair, stretched out across the living-room rug, or crawled into bed with a flashlight and started reading. Before long, yo …

You can always tell when fall is coming.. mornings are a little more crisp than what we have been used to, the dew on the grass takes a little longer to dry off, and the leaves are starting to show up on our lawns rather than just in the trees.  Fall always brings more yearning of comfort food to my mind, and comfort food can always be made in the crock pot!  Fall is my husband, Randy's, favorite time of year.  Not because of the things described above (he hates being cold) but be …

Celebrating Hard Work, Family, and the Simple Joys of an American Labor Day There is something special about Labor Day. Maybe it’s the smell of hamburgers sizzling on the grill, the sound of children laughing in the backyard, or a bowl of homemade potato salad sitting on the picnic table. Maybe it’s the American flag waving from the porch, a parade passing through town, or the feeling that summer is giving us one last warm hug before autumn arrives. For generations of American famili …