On This Day in 1920

On August 31, 1920, John Lloyd Wright was issued a patent for "Toy-Cabin Construction", now known as Lincoln Logs.

On This Day in 1901

On August 1, 1901, Hubert Cecil Booth patented the first motorized vacuum cleaner.

On This Day in 1758

On August 29, 1758, the first Indian Reservation was established in the United States in what is now known as New Jersey.

On This Day in 1956

On August 28, 1956, the United States raised the price of milk to 24 cents per quart when purchased in a shop and 27 cents per quart for delivery.

Melody Returns

 The WellieWishers are working on their Activity Boxes on this very warm Saturday morning.

 Kendall is keeping her eyes open for Melody.

She should be home very soon!

 It's a perfect day for hopscotch!

 Chloe sees someone coming down the path to their playground...

 Maryellen is the first to welcome her very best friend, Melody, home from Music Camp in Detroit!

Who has she got with her?

 It was the happiest of reunions for Kendall and her big sister!

 Melody can't wait to tell Kendall all about her amazing month in Detroit.

 Melody's surprise is their very own dog!  One of the Music Camp teachers needed to find a home for her dog because she is going on tour.

His name is Mo...short for Motown...the greatest music on earth!

Later...

 Melody learned much at her camp, including you can make beautiful music anywhere...especially right here in Hittyville.

The big news is a music producer is going to visit their parents all the way from Detroit to discuss Melody's musical future!

~Welcome home, Melody~

On This Day in 1912

On August 27, 1912, Edgar Rice Borroughs published "Tarzan of the Apes".

On This Day in 1498

On August 26, 1498, Michelangelo was commissioned to make the "Pieta".

Ten Years Later

 Ten years ago, Ashland University built an amazing Rec Center.  I was able to use the indoor track several times when Brooke was a graduate student at AU.

I fell in love with the Center and tried in vain to get a Community Membership which was not available or even on their radar.  I contacted AU on a yearly basis to see if they had changed their minds about opening the Center to the public...which they hadn't...until NOW!!!

I paid my membership fee and passed the background check and got my very own membership card.

And this morning...I walked the track in complete happiness.  I watched the AU marching band practice through the third floor windows where the track is located and observed a training session for Rec Center employees below on a basketball court.

It was fun to be part of the hustle and bustle of university life once again.

Brooke and Noah both got their undergraduate and graduate degrees from Ashland University, so I feel a sense of belonging to this academic community.

~I love walking~

Anticipation

 Ivy and her little sister, Emerson, and Maryellen and her little sister, Willa, invite Kendall to join them for some fun with their dogs.

Kendall thanks her friends, but is going home to get ready for Melody's return from Music Camp.

She has missed her big sister with all of her heart!

And then...

 Chloe and her little sister, Camille, and Annie and her little sister, Ashlyn, also invite Kendall to join them for a walk in the park with their dogs.

Kendall thanks her friends, but wants to go home and make a big welcome back sign for Melody.

She is expected to arrive home from Detroit tomorrow morning!

Kendall is excited to see her big sister who has been gone all month, but she can barely contain herself because Melody's morning email hinted at a big surprise she is bringing home with her.

Tomorrow can't come too soon!

On This Day in 1609

On August 25, 1609, the first telescope was demonstrated by Galileo.

She Said Yes

 Scott proposed marriage to Brooke...on the farm with her beloved dogs close at hand.

Scott believed it would be the perfect setting for the most special moment and he was absolutely right!

 Brooke and Scott are indeed a match made in Heaven.

My heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude.

 Brooke's beautiful ring will also serve as her wedding band.

It was without a doubt...the best of days!

~Love~

On This Day in 1853

On August 24, 1853, the first potato chips were prepared by Chef Crum in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Abe's First Day of School

Our precious grandson began his first full day of Montessori School today and he can't wait to get started!  Abe had the absolute best of times at his "easing in" sessions and as an early childhood educator, I do believe this is the perfect school and method of learning for him.

~Happiness~

On This Day in 1904

On August 23, 1904, the automobile tire chain was patented.

On This Day in 565

On August 22, 565, the first sighting of the Loch Ness Monster was reported.

On This Day in 1896

On August 21, 1896, the dial telephone was patented.

On This Day in 1930

On August 20, 1930, Philo Farnsworth patented the television.

Today

Today was about blogging, dolls, an art lesson with Kelly Rae Roberts, starting a new art piece, and giving my feet a bit of a swim.

~Bliss~

Big Sisters

 Willa loves spending time with her WellieWishers, but treasures sister time with Maryellen.

At the Playhouse...

 Kendall asks Camille where Maryellen is today.

 Camille explains Willa is spending the day with her big sister, Maryellen.

Kendall is missing her own big sister and can't wait for to come home.

She has been visiting friends in Detroit, Michigan.

~There is nothing quite like family~

The End of Summer Lunches...For Now

Brooke and Scott saw WICKED last night in Columbus, Ohio and thought this little monkey belonged in Hittyville.

They gave it to me during our "last" summer lunch together as they go back to their teaching duties on Monday.

Thank you so much!!!

Brooke and I have always loved our summer lunches and this year more than ever because she no longer lives at home and it has been a way to touch base with one another.

Brooke shed a few tears as we parted ways today.  Transitions are always hard for my dear daughter.

I know she will quickly adjust to her new schedule and I will be happy to work on my projects oblivious to time.

But I must admit...I wiped away a few tears of my own on my way home.  I am not always a big fan of change as well...

~Next summer~

Two Little Artists

 Emily is happily planning some new fabric projects...

Saige could paint from morning to night every day!

I love that I have so many creative Hittyville Friends.

On This Day in 1909

 
On August 19, 1909, the first car race to be run on brick occurred at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

My Journaling Room Window

My little picture window for my journaling room finally came in and Joe got to work!

Lots of drywall dust...

Some of the wood is over 100 years old!

Goodbye studs!

A bit later...

This man can do ANYTHING!

Removing the siding...

Cutting through...

That Joe...He crawls around like a monkey!

Thank you to Scott for helping put the window in.

Brooke was his moral support!

And then...

The outside is finished!

 Joe has already cut and stained the molding...Now to find time to put it all up.

And then I can decorate and bring up all the rest of my journaling supplies!

Oh the view...the beautiful view!!!

Thank you so much, Joe...You are simply amazing!