HOW CAN I BE SO OLD?  (My 50th Class Reunion and much more!!!)    In my May newsletter, I told you we made a stop in Colorado. It also included my 50th Class Reunion in Colorado Springs. How is it possible that I'm that old?  In reality, I graduated from Herington, Kansas. But at our All-School Reunion last year in our hometown, a bunch of us decided we’d change locales. Shake it up a bit in our old age. Wink! Wink!   Moving on to the reunion, I must admit that I haven’t had so much fun a looooong time. And the turnout was amazing. As you can see, sixteen classmates attended the festivities and braved the COLD on top of Pikes Peak the first morning. Our spouses were busy taking lots of pictures to prove we were there.   After we recovered from the altitude on Pikes Peak, we ate and then ventured to the Garden of the Gods. Our first stop: the Balanced Rock (see above). I bet most of you have the same shot. We drove around the park, showing our friends Bruce and Diane. They’d never seen it before. I’m sad to say, our 50th Class Reunion came to a close, and we had to say goodbye. A fun time had by all…even the spouses said so. I’m left to wonder where the Class of ’74 will go on their next reunion…   (We included spouses in the farewell photo.) ON THE ROAD AGAIN!!! Below I've included assorted photos on our way through Utah and into Idaho (our final destination for the summer). I hope I don't bore you too much with all the pictures I share, but I say again, “We live in a beautiful country.”   (Me clowning around with a moose in Provo, UT) (Bridal Falls in Provo, Utah) (Craters of the Moon in Idaho. WOW!) (An interesting fact from the Idaho Potato Museum) (The amazing Idaho Falls falls)   That's all for now, but please share a photo from one of your class reunions or a special travel pic with me. I'd love to see either or both!!! MY WRITING NEWS:   God’s Grace in Our Grumbling is a 30-Day Devotional. You will learn the Lord is ready to rescue us from whatever life throws our way. He will give us grace when life causes us to grumble. I hope these stories change your heart, as they did mine.  https://amzn.to/47CExnE PS: Next month, I'll share more photos from our travels through Idaho. Aren't you excited? Until next time…   Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances “Turning Life Into Comedy” E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

UNEXPECTED HAPPENINGS  (OTRA to Colorado)    “Spring makes me want to sing!” I’m not sure who wrote this quote, but you DO NOT WANT ME TO SING. I’d have lots of subscribers opting out of my newsletter if I included audio of me doing that. HA!!!   As you know, I always have a story to tell you. This one includes an unexpected trip to Colorado. While there, the weather people predicted high winds for the area. Since they’d had the devastating fires a few years ago, the electric company turned off the gird to over 150,000 people. They didn’t want the chance of sparks from downed powerlines to start other fires.   And where we stayed while in Colorado was in the middle of the outage. And we made the best of the almost two-day shutdown. But as with any power outage – you can count of funnies happening. I’m sure you’ve done some of the same things. HA!!! 1) I put something in the microwave to heat it up. But when I pressed the buttons, it didn’t turn on. I finally realized that nothing was showing on the display. I turned around and Ray and our friends were staring at me. Yes, I’m fun to watch. 2) Someone mentioned later in the day that the Colorado Rockies were playing. Our friend said, “Let me go in and get the clock radio. Then we can listen to the ballgame…NOT! 3) The four of us are avid card players, and the lack of lighting didn’t stop us from playing. We got out candles, lanterns, and anything else that illuminated the area where we played. I thought maybe me and my partner would win under these darkened circumstances, but our losing streak continues.   Tell me a funny story about when the lights went out in your neighborhood…   I mentioned above that we were in Colorado for a while. And before I tell you the reason, I almost feel like I need to write out my hubby’s family tree to make this part clearer.   All I can say is a lot has gone on since my last newsletter. On March 17, our sister-in-law, Diana, passed away. She was married to Ray’s middle brother, Rich. It wasn’t totally unexpected, but it still surprised us. I do wish everyone could have met Diana then you would understand her sense of humor. Let me give you one example of her funniness:   We were on a girl’s weekend years ago. I’m probably in my mid-twenties. I ran out of money, for whatever reason, and I don’t have my checkbook. On our way down the mountain on I-70, Diana said, “Janetta, I’ll give you $50 if you moon the car that’s coming up on the right.”   For a nanosecond, I considered it. Then I looked over to the person sitting next to me, and it was our mother-in-law. I thanked Diana but declined her offer. I believe souls were saved that day when I didn’t share my wherewithals on a major highway. Thank you, Lord.   I still laugh whenever I remember that story, and I almost shared it at her memorial. But I didn’t. It’s our story. I hope it made you chuckle too. Oh, and I must say—her funeral was one for the record books. Not a dry eye in the house. The tears were from laughing at her antics.   Now, to the second part of why we were in Colorado – Ray’s oldest brother, Jim, passed away on April 1, two weeks and one day after Rich’s wife, Diana, died. Ray and I both said at this point, “You cannot make this stuff up. WOW!!!”   Again, I wish you had met my brother-in-law. Joseph James (Jim) Messmer, Sr. was my biggest cheerleader concerning my books. He loved the Lord and wasn’t afraid to share his faith with those he met.   His funeral fit the man. Tears fell, but everyone in the pews heard the gospel preached that day. My sister-in-law, Donna, sat at a table after the service and told me later, “People came up to me and shared how Jim impacted their lives. Some said they came to know Jesus because of him.”   That’s the testimony I want at the end of my days.   FYI: I didn’t share the above to depress you but to introduce you to two of the best family members God graced me with for over 43 years. Rest in peace Diana and Jim. You will be missed.   And please pray for our family. As we all know, grief is hard. But memories of our loved ones help carry us through. AMEN!!!     Yes, Pigtails and a Tool Belt is ON SALE for .99 cents until May 1. Hurry and get a copy before it’s too late. https://amzn.to/3sa1KNP   And if you missed last month’s newsletter, here it is. STRIKE A POSE - http://mailchi.mp/8d23354b834e/janettas-march-almost-springtime-newsletter-6720239     Until next time...   Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances “Turning Life Into Comedy” E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

   

STRIKE A POSE
(With friends and surprises!)

As I’m writing this newsletter, I can hear the song, Play That Funky Music White Boy. It’s not on the radio—it’s down at our grill a quarter of a mile from our park model. Glad I love the song because it’s LOUD!!!

 

What were some of your favorite songs from when you were growing up? (I share mine at the end).

 

Speaking of growing up. I’m on Facebook three years ago and I saw a post from Bruce (see photo above), who was a classmate of mine. He and his wife were heading to Mesa, Arizona.
 
I had no idea they came to Arizona in the winter. We got together with them countless times that year and those that followed. Earlier this year, they bought a park model in where we live.
 
The other lady in the photo is Kathy. She, too, was a classmate of ours. When I talked to her on her b-day this past January, I invited her and her hubby down to Arizona. Lo and behold, they took me up on the offer. WOOHOO!
 
The three of us got together (with our spouses). We called it a Mini 50^th Class Reunion. What makes this so extraordinary is the three of us went through kindergarten to senior year together.
 
Besides that, Bruce and I can boast that we were in the 1^st Baptist Church’s nursery together. And with Kathy and I – our moms were in the same room at the hospital, getting ready to have us. I was born on January 3, and she came on January 4. Still hard to believe!!!
 
Fun was had by all!!!
 
I’ll ask you another questions – Do you have a story about a longtime friend from school that you’re still in touch with? If you do, please share it with me.  
 

Speaking of friends, we met a couple in the park the first year we came here. A few weeks ago, they delivered the above cribbage board to us. It was a Just Because gift. Can I hear some oohs and aahs out there? Derek made this beautiful work of art.
 
When he handed it to me, he pointed out the dark line on the moose and said, “You just never know what the wood will look like when you cut into it.” Ray and I told him at the same time, “We think it’s perfect.”
 
Derek, a job well done!
 

This part may be more geared toward the women in the group, but men, if you’ve had a Glamour Shot done, I’d like to see yours too. This photo was mine from almost thirty years ago.
 
A friend and I went together to have it done. We had a blast. What we laughed the most at was when she dressed up in a Wonder Woman costume. I wish I could find it and put it on here. HA!!!
 
Please, if you’ve had a Glamour Shot done and can find the picture, send it to me. I'd love to see it.
 
WRITING NEWS: 
I’m over 7,000 words on my WIP (work in progress). YEAH!!! I’m having fun with Miss Bell’s Bounty of Benevolence. Can’t wait to get it into your hands later this year.
 

 

March Madness: Instead of naming this section what I did, I should have titled it – Maggie’s Madness. The photo is her NOT waiting patiently for her dinner. Reason for my delay: I was trying to get in some extra steps that day, and she was having none of it. “Mom, bring me my food. Now! HA!!!
  
Until next time…

PS: My other favorite songs from the 60s and 70s were from the Eagles, the Guess Who, Lobo, Bread, Barry Manilow, and countless others. Yes, our generation had the BEST music.
 
PSS: If you didn’t see February’s newsletter, here is the link: http://mailchi.mp/b22ac004eb78/janettas-february-x0x0-newsletter-6691387
 

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances

“Turning Life Into Comedy”
E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

 

 

I’m beginning this month’s newsletter with ‘presents’ from me and my fellow Winged Publications authors. Starting February 12 and going through February 16 these books are FREE! FREE! FREE!!! Do you feel the LOVE! Grab yours before it’s too late. https://wingedpublications.com/free-promo-2024/
 
Other Writing News:
I told you last month that I’d share with you what my latest book is all about. Miss Bell’s Bounty of Benevolence is my working title for Book #12.
 
Friday afternoon, Rebecca Bell Conway retires from working on the light rail in Phoenix. Monday morning, she jumps back on the train with a new mission that the Lord has placed on her heart.
 
She’s going to show the people she meets on the train that they matter. Follow along with her antics as she gives gifts, plays matchmaker, and fills her new friends with hope that tomorrow will be a brighter day. And who knows – Becky may receive some bountiful blessing of her own.
 
February Funnies:
I’m teaching my ‘Tell Your Story’ Class again this year. Last week, I introduced myself (as I usually do for the newbies) then recapped what we’d talked about the previous week.
 
A lady in the front row raised her hand when I finished and said, “I think I’m in the wrong class. I wanted the Memory Class.”
 
Her statement cracked everyone up, including me. In a short while, we settled down and one of the students stated, “The Memory Class is next week.” Then I added, “You can stay for this one, if you’d like.”

She didn’t and announced as she headed to the door, “I’m an author of eleven books too.” Then she left. I looked at the class and said, “I don’t know how I’m going to top that one.”
 
I guess I must have done okay. No one else left the class.
 

 
You know from past newsletters around this time of year, I have to talk about the Kansas City Chiefs. They made it to the Super Bowl and won over the 49ers Sunday night.

I'll be honest with you; I am a little sad that Brock Purdy's team lost. But I'm glad I had the privilege to watch him share with the world how important his faith in God is. No doubt he will make a return trip (or two) to other Super Bowls. 
 
Until next time…
 
Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances

“Turning Life Into Comedy”
E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

2024 - A FRESH START (And some exciting news too!)   2024 is upon us, and it’s time to make a fresh start. But wait, I’m not ready to let go of Christmas yet. And this month, I had to share a few of the pictures I took when we visited the Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo with friends in December. What a spectacular display of colored lights.     And during our evening stroll around the zoo, we walked by flamingos, alligators, and koalas. Each was lit up for the visitors to enjoy. I can’t imagine the hours it took to decorate for such an extravaganza.     In the last section of the zoo, we spied a live animal—one lone elephant. Off in the distance were some of the twinkling lights, but he didn’t seem interested in anything other than standing around. I felt sorry for him and hoped his friends would show up after we left.     Speaking of friends showing up, the Snowbird migration is in full swing in Arizona. Our pals have arrived, and it’s like old home week around the park. I’d add photos of our shenanigans, but I’ve been too busy having fun! Maybe next month.     Now for some exciting news! Yes, we’ve bought another place. This time, it’s at the park Ray works at. It’s our fifth season in here, and I can’t imagine going anywhere else. (FYI: We'll still RV in the spring and summer.)   And you know us, a FUNNY came along for the ride. We’d decided on the place and had signed the papers to buy it, but we wouldn’t take possession in a few days. Imagine our surprise when we took Maggie for a walk by our soon-to-be-home, and it was all lit up. I said to Ray, “Our park model is decorated.” The next day, we talked to the previous owner, and he said, “I went ahead and decorated but didn’t go too crazy. I wasn’t sure how much you wanted to take back down.”   People never cease to amaze me!!! This time, it was in a good way.   WRITING NEWS: I have more great news. I have an idea for my next book!!! Glory Hallelujah!!! I’ll tell you more about it in February, after I write the synopsis. I’m excited. Here’s a hint…a train is involved.   I’ll leave you with another funny. Ray and I attended his employee Christmas Party. They had a hors d’oeuvre table set up. After we put our stuff down, we went over and helped ourselves. As some of you know, I love anything to do with pasta. There, right in front of me, was a humongous bowl of bowtie pasta salad.   I took a generous helping and enjoyed it. Then I went up and got more. If you talked to my hubby, he’d tell you I had another dollop before the night was over. I wish I could include a sample here, but I can’t. You’ll have to take my word for it.   What happened next is not my normal M.O. But at the end of the evening, I went up to Ray’s boss and asked him, “Do you know who I can talk to about taking the rest of the pasta salad home? I’m sure I can find a baggy to put it in.”   Now, before you question my sanity, I was half joking, but the assistant to the big boss heard my request and said, “Take the whole thing ‘cause it’s going in the trash.” I did, and the only thing Ray said as we walked out, “You do surprise me sometimes.” That’s his nice way of saying, I’m a nut. HA!!!   Until next time…      Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances “Turning Life Into Comedy” E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

 

 

THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT IS ALL AGLOW The holiday season is in full swing in our part of Arizona (photos later in this newsletter). Down here, I do find it difficult to get in the spirit because I won’t wake up to a winter wonderland on December 25. But I love the warmer weather.   In December, it’s fun to drive around our park. And this year, we got in the mix of things. Ray wrapped the bottom half of our palm tree in lights. He also decorated Rusty the Moose so he wouldn’t feel left out of the festivities. As you can see, nothing is safe from tinsel and lights this time of year, including golfcarts. HA!!!   The above photos are from the Mesa Arizona Temple. While we toured the grounds lit up for all to enjoy, we marveled at the beauty surrounding us. I wanted to ask someone at the Visitor’s Center how long it took them to complete the massive project, but I forgot by the time we finished. I’ll ask next year and let you know.   WRITING NEWS: An Unexpected Christmas Gift is doing quite well. THANK YOU for buying my books. I love reading the reviews on every one of them. FYI: If you haven’t purchased my latest book yet, the price for the e-book goes up on January 1, 2024. It would make a great Christmas present for family and friends. Hint! Hint!!!   And I have to also THANK YOU for sticking with me for another year of newsletters. And as 2023 comes to a close, I’m not sure what 2024 holds. None of us do, but I’ll trust the Lord does, and He will help me write more stories to share with all of you.   In closing, I know I’m not alone in saying that December is a busy time for all of us. But amid the added stress, remember the Reason for the Season – Jesus Christ. He came to earth to save us from our sins. Turn to Him today! Trust me, you will never regret that decision.     Until next time…      Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances “Turning Life Into Comedy” E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

 

A SEASON OF THANKFULNESS   I mentioned last month that we’re back in Arizona. The spot we picked this year is perfect, and we love our neighbors. Ray officially returned to his bartending job November 1, and I’ve been promoting my latest book, An Unexpected Christmas Gift.     As I said in my last newsletter, my book released on November 1. The pre-order was a success, selling over 100 copies. YEAH!!! If you’ve bought a copy, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I adore my loyal fans. And please leave a REVIEW, if you haven’t already.   OTHER WRITING NEWS: If you’re interested to hear about how my last two books came to be. Click on the link to a podcast where I talk to Jennifer Sienes about Rekindled for Christmas Eve and An Unexpected Christmas Gift. It lasts a little over thirty minutes. https://sites.libsyn.com/441480/author-janetta-fudge-messmer     You may wonder why I put the 49ers logo up instead of the Chiefs. I have an interesting story to tell about their quarterback, Brock Purdy. As some of you know, this young man took over as the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers after Jimmy Garoppolo and his backup (Trey Lance) got injured.   Because of Brock’s draft pick (261 players were picked before him), he was called “Mr. Irrelevant.” But as the saying goes, “Never underestimate anyone.” He stepped into the quarterback job and took the 49ers to one win away from going to the Super Bowl this past February.   Unfortunately, Brock got hurt, and the 49ers lost the game – but his story continues. He has returned from his injury (earlier than expected) and is an inspiration to everyone. What I love is that his parents are at the games, rooting him on. Joy is written on their faces.   A few weeks ago, I must have paid extra attention to the announcers when I heard that Brock’s parents own a hot tub place in Mesa, Arizona. Well, isn’t that interesting? We’re in Mesa in the winter. What would be the chances we’d ever meet Brock’s dad in such a large area?   It happened!   We rounded the corner at the flea market, and there was a hot tub place. I said to Ray, “I wonder if that’s Brock Purdy’s parents’ place?” Then, I spotted a mug on the counter. IT HAD A 49er STICKER ON IT. Being the shy person I am, I stated, “I’m going over to talk to him. He looks like the guy on the jumbotron.”   And I did. We shook hands, and I told him I loved his son and thought he was a fantastic quarterback. His dad smiled and said, “Brock always wanted to be a quarterback in the NFL from when he was a little boy.” I told him to tell him that I was a huge fan.   We talked for a few more minutes, then I walked back and met up with Ray and our friends. I’m glad I was brave enough to step out of my comfort zone. Sometimes it’s worth it. You never know how much it may brighten someone’s (and your own) day.   Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. It is truly a season of thankfulness. I hope your coming days are filled with a generous helping of your favorite fare and a grateful heart. We are truly blessed. Love you all!!!   Until next time…   Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances “Turning Life Into Comedy” E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

   

THE HEAT IS ON IN AZ
(And Book #11 is available!)

 

Yes, we’ve landed in Arizona again, and temps are hot. And our odometer shows that Winnifred took us over 10,000 miles this summer. We clocked 171 days on the road and lived to tell the tales.
 
We traveled through twenty-six states. Some we drove through. Others we camped for a period of time. I’ve said it before – we live in a beautiful country, but we wished they’d fix the bumpy roads. WOW!!!
 

 
WRITING NEWS:
An Unexpected Christmas Gift is out. It’s on pre-order through October 31 for only .99 cents. Get your copy before the price goes up. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL53W615.
 
And I have to thank those who volunteered to be on the launch team. Your feedback/corrections helped make it a better book. Also, thank you for sharing the memes on social media that I sent you. You’re the best.
 
The design (above) is one of the memes. They were so much fun to make.
 
WRITING NEWS – PART 2:
On our way back to Arizona, Ray asked me if I had an idea for my next book. I said, “I have nothing.” He gave me an odd look and said, “How about we stop for lunch?
 
We did, and Ray went in and grabbed two corndogs. We ate and got back on the road. After nourishment, we brainstormed possible scenarios for Book #12.
 
Still nothing. Then an idea hit me from what we’d talked about. I wrote it down and said to Ray, “Who knew that a corndog would cause my creativity to kick into gear?”
 
I’ll share more about my next book in future newsletters. And as always, I’d appreciate your prayers for the words to flow. I’m doing NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) again in November.
 
And speaking for prayer - what can I pray for you? Let me know.
 
Until next time…
 
PS: Don’t forget to get your copy (or copies-wink) of An Unexpected Christmas Gift. FYI: When you order it on pre-order, you’ll receive your e-book on November 1 when it releases.

PSS: The first photo is one I took in Colorado on our way to Arizona. This was on Wolf Creek Pass and the aspens gave us a show. Thank You, Lord, for your beauty!!!
 

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances

“Turning Life Into Comedy”
E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

  

TOWELS, B-DAY & Boo-Boos
(God is in our everyday)

 

Before I talk about our jobs at the campground, I have to tell you about Ray’s Surprise Birthday Party. The staff at the KOA (and my sister, who was visiting) helped me pull it off. The look on my hubby’s face told me (and everyone else) he didn’t have a clue.
 
Decorations (as in the above photo), food, and excellent weather made Ray’s 70^th Birthday a very special occasion. And, no, he doesn't look (or act) his age. HA!!!
 
Now to our jobs. I told my sister after the second day, “No one should have to do manual labor after you’re 65 years of age.” She laughed, but boy, did our bodies hurt. Who knew that folding thousands of towels (I’m not exaggerating) and cleaning toilets could immobilize you?
 
One night, right after we started the job, we managed to get up into our RV. We lounged in our recliners for a good half hour. I finally looked into the kitchen and said, “I wonder if cans of soup can cook themselves?” HA!!! We survived and lived to tell the tale.
 
Then our Jeep broke down while we were in the middle of working. Lord, this isn't in our plan.
 
If you’ve ever doubted - there IS a God. He exists and came to our rescue when the Jeep’s steering went out. We’d planned to travel to the far reaches of Maine that day, but at the last minute we stayed within twenty miles of the campground.
 
At one point in our trip, Ray made a sharp turn around, and our vehicle made a noise I’d never heard before. The mechanic in Ray said, “We have a problem.” He was able to get us to a town nine miles from home, stopping to put power steering fluid in along the way.
 
A phone call to a recommended shop doused our enthusiasm. “We can’t get you in for three weeks.” Ray decided to drive to the KOA, and then he’d have it towed and get a rental car the next day.
 
On our way out of town, the Jeep dealership loomed in the distance. I suggested we stop there to check their prices, knowing it’d be out of our price range. Here is where you can key in heavenly music. They could do it the following week, and they also had rental cars. Hallelujah!!!
 
They fixed it, and we’re On The Road Again!!! Almost…
 
Two days before we hit the road, we took a hike to see some seals. In all my years of hiking, we’ve never been on a trail with so many roots. We trudged along, missing them as best as we could.
 
Both of us were getting tired and discussed turning around. I don’t know what happened, but the next thing I know, I’m flat on my back and my wrist hurts. Owie! I’m positive the animals of the forest heard my colorful vocabulary.
 

And speaking of trails, before we experienced our two boo-boos (Jeep and wrist), we traveled up north to touch the Appalachian Trail. I’m sure I’ve mentioned that I’ve always wanted to walk the 2,198.4 miles. That was until I found out that mice tend to sleep with you.
 
NO! NOPE! AIN’T HAPPENING!
 
Yes, I do digress. And we found one of the trails to say we’d touch part of it in Maine. We took a few pictures and could now officially say we’d touched four different spots of the AT and walked some of it.
 
When we returned to the car that day, a young man came across the road. I knew he was an AT hiker. We talked to him for about a half hour. He said he’d started in Georgia in March and had 100 miles to reach the top of Mount Katahdin in Maine.
 
I gave him one of my business cards and asked if he’d let us know he made it. Ten days later, I got an email. He’d made it. Congratulations, Alex!!!
 
Oh, and while we were up north…we saw a moose. Sorry, no photos.
 

 
While my sister visited, we all went out on a boat ride from Bar Harbor. It took us around Acadia National Park. The photo above made all of us laugh. Not sure you can see it, but an eagle is on the front steps of the lighthouse. Was he/she coming for a visit? Lunch? Dinner?
 

 
All is well. I only sprained my wrist (Thank You, Lord). And during my recovery, we began our travels again. One of our stops was Niagara Falls. It's unbelievable and a must see.

And I can't forget to include pictures of our friends that we visited along the way. 
 

 
WRITING NEWS:
On September 19, Salt + Sparrow featured one of my devotionals. You can click here to see it. https://saltsparrow.com/devotional-an-answered-prayer/
 
As always, thanks for reading my ramblings. Remember, I always love to hear from you. And I will answer you back.

Until next time...
 

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances

“Turning Life Into Comedy”
E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
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TROLLS & OTHER NEWS (And our usual craziness)   So, how is everyone’s summer going? I hear the shouts of, “HOT! HOT! AND MORE HOT!!!” Sorry, but for whatever reason, we’ve not had much heat. But rain and fog have come along for a ride through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and now Maine.                        And when we moved to Maine, we were in for a BIG surprise. They have trolls. Now before you call the authorities – I’m not nuts. We spotted five of them are at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. As you can see they’re sizeable. The last one was so enormous; I couldn’t fit him all into one photo. HA!!! And the gardens were spectacular!!!   We left the trolls behind, and you may have heard, when you’re in Maine, you have to visit multiple lighthouses. We have and they were gorgeous, but this one is Maggie approved (see below photo). She’s all smiles!!!     And now I’ll mention our other BIG NEWS. Ray and I are employed. The main reasons – the cost of campgrounds and the lack of availability for staying for a longer period of time. Now we have a spot, and are getting paid. We’ll be here until the first part of September.   Next month, I’ll tell you all about our jobs…let’s just say we’re tired pups…   WRITER’S CORNER: I am thrilled to once again showcase J. Carol Nemeth’s books on my newsletter. Today she is featuring Battlefield of Deceit. It is Book #5 in her Faith in the Park series. And she has some exciting news. She’s a semi-finalist for the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Carol Award with this novel. WOOHOO!!! I’m so excited for my friend.       A diary on loan to the museum. An old Civil War house on the edge of the battlefield. Could these two things be connected? Gettysburg National Military Park historian, Chloe Rogers, begins her research into both: to prepare for a donor event and to discover if it can be restored for public viewing. Chloe and her fellow historian, Clifford Weston, discover a virtual Pandora’s box in the cellar beneath the house revealing more questions than answers. Park policeman, Blake Hunter, becomes embroiled in the old house mystery but gives Chloe cause for concern when her widowed heart responds to his attentions. She’s simply not ready to move on. Is she? When unwelcome things begin to occur, they realize they have to discover who’s behind them and soon. Will Chloe find the answers in a packet of old letters discovered in the cellar? Then there are the unexplained footsteps… Purchase Link for Battlefield of Deceit is: https://amzn.to/3x8NLIp     A native North Carolinian, Carol always loved reading and making up stories since childhood and began writing in junior high school. As a young adult, she worked in the National Park Service and served in the US Army where she was stationed in Pisa, Italy. While there she met the love of her live, Mark Nemeth, also an Army veteran. They’ve lived in various locations including North Yorkshire, England. Now living in West Virginia, in their spare time they enjoy RVing and traveling to research for Carol’s books. They have two grown children, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, three amazing grandchildren, and a lab fur baby named Holly. Carol is a member of ACFW and an Amazon Bestselling author. She writes both Christian historical and contemporary romantic suspense. Filled with drama, suspense, faith and romance, Carol’s stories will keep you turning pages until the very end. You can also find Carol’s books on her website where you can sign up for her newsletter https://www.jcarolnemeth.com/ Please check out her books. Trust me, they’re fabulous. Until next time…   Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances “Turning Life Into Comedy” E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge