August 17 - Hello Everyone: it’s Fran De Filippi Kurpil …It’s mid August, great vacation days in this beautiful countryside. I may have mentioned it before but, as I drive from Liberty, west on Old Rt. 17, the views of the mountains and trees are beyond gorgeous to me. You can see across the road to far-off hills and green valleys with not a lot of billboards blocking views. I remember our grandson, Andy Gieger’s wife, Emily, a Florida girl, raving of the beauty, mile after mile as we drove. Even our son, Mike, back from Colorado’s mountains, will stand and say, Catskill Mountains are the most beautiful.

Grahamsville Fair: Our grandson, Garrett Diehl has won, well deserved ribbons for his 4-H entries of his rabbit and calf. He is a dedicated “farmer” he tells me, and yes, thanks to Pete and Alice Diehl, his grandparents, at Diehl Farm, he is learning from the best. Garrett will explain all that went into earning the ribbons. If you know Garrett, you know how thorough his explanations are. From a little three year-old, grabbing apple seeds to plant, as I sliced an apple, to more recent, seeing my big jar of bird-seed and planting some. Who would think of that? Yes, I guess I’ll have my home-grown bird feed.

A Day At The Fair: Sunday the weather was perfect for touring the Fair, enjoying the food and music, but most of all seeing friends from years gone by. While visiting the 4-H exhibits of prize animals and handmade art work, it was heartwarming to see the dedication that is encouraged. The tribute to a lost young buddy, Hanselmier, was unforgettable. We met up with my sister, Rosemary and her daughter, Robin and after awhile sat in a shaded spot with cold drinks to visit and listen to music. Our Donnie and Chrissy were with us and there is no one who can get into conversation better than Chrissy. An older man was sitting by us and, “you look familiar” and other little chatter made him feel very included in conversation. In fact, he said how much it meant to him. Before long she was introducing him with laughter as Uncle George. Just old-time outreach.

Family Gatherings: Our granddaughter, Veronica Gieger had a great graduation party at Gieger Farm, and it was truly nice seeing and visiting with her teachers and friends from Damascus Christian Academy. Tomorrow we will gather again at the farm to celebrate with Dr. Andy and Emily Gieger for the birthday of their little daughter. They are here from California with their four children. I will have to ask Aaron Gieger my favorite question: “Aaron, after living in many places, what is your favorite”? A few years ago, without any hesitation he yelled… “THE FARM, FOREVER AND EVER”. Getting little cousins together will be a blessing.

Pray-Pray: World news is very upsetting, Haiti, Afghanistan and pandemic and such images of unbelievable concern. Lord Be With Us.