Larry A. Smail's Blog

  This past week was another “normal” week for me. When I say normal, I am slightly kidding around. A much better description of my week is “busy”. Along with the events listed below, I was cleaning the basement; of course, working on my art and some limited yard work.

Monday, December the 10th, after erecting our Christmas Tree, Laurie and I headed for Tarentum, Pennsylvania for a Christmas party. This annual party was being hosted by the Alle-Kiski MS group which Laurie is a member. We enjoyed some good times with friends; present exchanges and a fine meal.

Chestnut hulls

On Tuesday evening, we headed south again. We exited at the RIDC exchange off of Route 28, just north of Pittsburgh. This event was a MS conference with a power-point viewing. This presentation was completed by Doctor Malcom Berger. He is Laurie’s doctor. Of course, another meal was enjoyed by us all!

Vine twisting around sapling

Wednesday evening, Laurie and I were at the Kittanning Free Methodist Church for our weekly Bible study groups. I have been leading my group since 2010. I chose to discuss the Apostle Paul.  The study began with the Book of Acts. We are currently in the Book of Philippians. I have my study notes typed into the computer from Acts up through the Book of Hebrews. (I have the pastor and assistant pastor attending my study. I have to behave myself!) By the way, if anybody would like to do this study on their own, I do have them typed into the computer and I can send them along as needed via e-mail. Just let me know!

Thursday morning found me visiting my mother and step-father, Bob. This has become a tradition for us all. After breakfast, Bob and I went for a woodland hike to visit a site that had been clear-cut last year. We enjoyed hunting flintlock deer at this site. Many acres were cut. I have heard a gas well event may be scheduled here. I saw 7 deer and a squirrel.

Fur and bones from owl vomit.

Friday morning, I was honored to be treated to a breakfast with my friend Randy Tost. We talked over our deer season adventures. Later we visited at my home. Randy always enjoys seeing the steps to my various art projects. The evening, after we ate out for supper, Laurie and I went on a relaxed drive to view Christmas lights.

Puff ball

Today, the 15th of December, I managed a 3-4 mile hike at State Game Lands 247. The spring-like weather was comfortable to hike in. I heard deer in the multiflora brambles, but I couldn’t see them.  I witnessed  a small flock of bluebirds eating seeds.

Crow at home after tearing away some deer meat.