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Thomas and Schroeder tennis “Pink Out” to benefit Gilda’s Club

18 Sep

I only just got this press release today, but wanted to share it with you all while there’s still time for you to put it on your calendar.

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Webster Thomas and Webster Schroeder High Schools will come together for a special “Pink Out” Tennis Tournament on Saturday, September 19, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at the Webster Thomas tennis courts, bringing athletes and the community together in support of those affected by breast cancer.

Approximately 50 girls from Webster, Brighton, Pittsford, and Greece high school tennis programs will take to the courts for a morning of competition, camaraderie and community spirit, with proceeds from the event benefiting Gilda’s Club.

The Thomas tennis courts will be flooded in pink as players show their support for breast cancer survivors, those currently undergoing treatment, and the families and friends whose lives have been touched by the disease. Fans, students, families and members of the Webster community are encouraged to attend and wear pink.

“Breast cancer has touched so many lives, including members of our own community,” said Linda Vazzana, Webster Thomas varsity tennis coach. “This event gives us an opportunity to come together not just as athletes, but as a community. The girls are proud to play for something much bigger than tennis. It’s an honor to be part of an event that brings our town together for such an important cause.”

Admission to the Pink Out Tournament is free, and donations benefiting Gilda’s Club will be accepted throughout the event.

Come out, wear pink and join the Thomas and Schroeder tennis teams for a morning of great tennis and community spirit as Webster rallies together for a cause that reaches far beyond the court.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Location: Webster Thomas High School Tennis Courts
Admission: Free — Donations encouraged
Benefiting: Gilda’s Club

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 9/18/2026)

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September History Bit: Celebrating America’s 250th birthday at the Museum

17 Sep

This month’s History Bit is more like a history “chunk,” as the Webster Museum invites the entire community to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary by exploring the rich history right here in our own backyard.

From 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, the museum will host its Celebrating 250 America Festival, highlighting Webster’s agricultural, business, educational and pioneer history, giving residents a chance to learn more about the people, places and stories that helped shape our town.

Almost two dozen displays and hands-on activities will be set up throughout the museum and (weather permitting) in the front yard, giving visitors not only the opportunity to not learn about Webster history, but also try some “old-timey” activities for themselves.  

For example, you can taste some dried apples and vote for your favorite apple variety, practice your letters on a slate in the one-room schoolhouse, peer through a stereoscope (which is kind of like a View-Master), play with some vintage toys, churn some butter and help make a paper quilt.  

The kids will especially enjoy buying penny candy at Witmer’s Variety Store (the museum will provide the pennies), getting an ice cream from the Candy Kitchen, painting a pumpkin, and joining the Children’s Broomstick Muster led by Michael Grenier, which takes place at 1 p.m.

But there’s more! At 2 p.m., Colin Scott will introduce us to Webster and talk about how Webster became Webster; at 2:30 p.m. there’ll be cake, and at 3 p.m. the kids can sit down for Story Time with Mrs. Nesbitt.  

Basically, this is a great opportunity for the whole family to get better acquainted with the Webster Museum, while having a lot of fun learning about our town’s history.  

It all happens on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. Admission to the event is free. For more information, visit the Webster Museum website.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/17/2026)

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A sneak peek at this weekend’s Mud Run

16 Sep

Most of the hay bales are in place, the pits are ready to be muddied, and the excitement is building for this year’s Mud Run, hosted annually by the Webster Recreation Center.

The Mud Run is a a non-competitive, un-timed, less-than-a-mile run/walk through the Recreation Center’s fields and trails. Some of the run will be through water and mud, and there will be some challenging obstacles. (There are ways to get around the mud and obstacles, but what fun is there in THAT?)

My buddy Kevin and I walked the course after our workout on Wednesday morning to see how preparations were going. And since Kevin has done the run the last two years (when I couldn’t), I wanted his help reminding me of some logistics. (He also kindly demonstrated a few of the elements so I could take some photos for the blog.)

Most of the obstacles are the same as I remember from three years ago, when I last participated — there are some climbing things, crawling pits (notably through mud), running-through things. But I’m told that this year the trail has been extended a bit at the end, with more mud and a few more obstacles (don’t worry, it’s still no more than .75-miles long).

Also new since my last time are the inflatables for the kids (there should be at least one there) AND lots and lots of colored foam to run through and play in at the end of the course. And as always, the Webster fire departments will be there to spray you down if you want. (I recommend it for the sake of your car seats. Just bring a few towels.) Plus, remember there’ll be fried cakes and apples at the end of the run, and some vendor and informational tables for you to check out.

What’s really neat about this event is that kids and their adults can do it together. As you can imagine, the kids just love to see their parents (and grandparents, come on!) get down and muddy. I can personally attest that it is tons of fun. (That’s me in the photo, taken by my friend Patty.)

The fun all happens this Saturday morning Sept 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. (off of Phillips). Cost is $5 per person, and the Rec Center would love it if you could register ahead of time so they have an approximate count for the donuts and apples (click here — program 301202-A). But you can show up anytime between 10 and 11:30. You might want to give yourself time to run it twice. It’s that much fun.

And don’t worry if it’s raining. You’re gonna get wet anyway.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/16/2026)

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24 hours. 45 students. One secret musical.

14 Sep

Webster Schroeder High School will host a fast-paced 24-Hour Musical Challenge on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. in the school auditorium, 875 Ridge Road. In an intense 24-hour sprint, a team of 45 student performers and technical crew members will learn all choreography, music, stage blocking, and technical cues before performing a complete, live musical production for the community.

In addition to the tight timeline, the title of the show is being kept strictly confidential. The mystery production will be officially revealed on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. via the Webster Schroeder Musicals Facebook and Instagram pages.

The event serves as a major fundraiser for the school’s award-winning drama program. Proceeds from ticket sales will directly support Webster Schroeder Musicals’ production of Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, scheduled for February 2027.

The mystery musical will be presented on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. Tickets are $20 and are on sale now. Click here to order yours.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/14/2026)

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What’s happening with the Women’s Club?

12 Sep

Now that it’s September, the answer to that question is … LOTS.

The autumn season actually kind of kicked off on August 20, when 30 Women’s Club of Webster members and guests gathered on a gorgeous Thursday afternoon for a leisurely 90-minute cruise on the Sam Patch along the Erie Canal in Pittsford. Thanks to Captain Zach for the smooth ride and First Mate Bob for serving up beverages and some very interesting canal history.

The canal cruise was just the first of several special events the club is planning for the 2026/27 year. Next up is the Women’s Club’s annual Card and Game Party, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Participants can play any number of card games or, if you don’t like card games, bring a game of your choice. You can play with friends or take advantage of the opportunity to meet some new people. There are door prizes, raffles, 50/25/25 drawings and more. 

Coffee and danish will be served beginning at 10 a.m. with a buffet lunch at 12:30, including salad, eggplant parmesan, chicken French, roasted rosemary potatoes, fresh vegetables, rolls and butter, with cookies and brownies for dessert.   

It all takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at Glendoveers, 2328 Old Browncroft Rd. Donation is $45 and reservations are required by Sunday, Sept. 20. For tickets, send a check payable to the Women’s Club of Webster to Diane Miller, 428 Seneca Park Ave., Rochester, 14617. Make sure to include the names of anyone you would like to play with. 

Sip, Shop ‘n’ Savor at Lala’s

This is going to be a fun time.

On Thursday, Sept. 24, Lisa Schlonski, owner of Lala of Webster, will host one of her very popular Sip, Shop, Savor & Support events to benefit the Women’s Club. Basically, this is an evening of coming together as a community to have fun with friends, meet new people, and benefit a good cause at the same time.

From 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday Sept. 24, shoppers are asked visit Lala’s and purchase items worth $15 or more to be included in raffle baskets being prepared for the Women’s Club’s Card and Game Party, scheduled for Sept. 29. As a thank you, shoppers can take advantage of a 20% discount off your entire Lala purchase that evening. Then, after you’re done shopping, head next door to Jojo Bistro & Wine Bar for more discounts, live music and special appetizer and drink menus.

Details are still coming together for this terrific evening out, but put it on your calendars now.

Lala of Webster is located at 38 East Main Street in the village.

Give blood, enjoy homemade cookies

The Women’s Club is also proud to assist once again at the American Red Cross Blood Drive scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. Women’s Club members will staff the canteen, offering donors supremely scrumptious homemade cookies, congenial conversation and a friendly word of thanks for giving the gift of life.

Walk-ins are welcome, but it’s always best to make an appointment. Log onto redcrossblood.org/give, or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/12/2026)

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Don’t miss the Garlic Fest

12 Sep

I spent a little time at the Webster Garlic Fest at the Webster Recreation Center this morning, which was packed with vendors and garlic-loving crowds. As always, I was amazed by the wide selection of crafts and food items, not to mention more varieties of garlic than I ever knew existed.

I was fortunate to be there to see the Garlic King and Queen open the ceremonies, assisted by Webster Town Supervisor Alex Scialdone, and I personally met Count Snackula, the Garlic Fest’s very own garlic-loving vampire.

I couldn’t stay very long, which meant I didn’t have a chance to drop the supervisor into the dunk tank, and I didn’t try out the duck pond game. But I did wander around to check out all the booths and took lots of photos. Some of them are here, but I’ve posted a lot more to a Facebook gallery here. And if you don’t have access to Facebook, you’ll also find them on a Google gallery here.

The Webster Garlic Fest continues Saturday Sept. 12 through 5 p.m., and Sunday Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s being held at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. Parking is across the street in the former Xerox parking lot, where free shuttles will be transporting guests back and forth.

Single-day tickets are only $5, and children under 12 are free. Tickets will be available at the door, or if you buy them online ahead of time, you can sail right through the ticket lines.

Proceeds from the Webster Garlic Fest benefit

  • Wreaths Across America: Honoring and remembering veterans resting in local cemeteries on National Wreaths Across America Day, December 19, 2026.
  • Blue Star Mothers ROC NY8 (military families): Building Care Packages for locally deployed service members and helping military families in our area.
  • Gold Star Mothers Rochester (mothers who have lost a child, spouse, sibling, or parent in active duty): Helping community veterans-in-need with meals, resources, and year-round support.

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(posted 9/12/2026)

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

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Hope garage sale returns next week

11 Sep

The huge Webster NY Hope Garage Sale is coming up next week, from Sept. 16 through 19, and you want to put this on your calendar for sure.

The garage sale, held at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd., Webster (just east of Phillips Rd.), is Webster HOPE’s largest fundraiser, the culmination of a year’s worth of volunteer effort collecting, sorting and pricing items. Items are clean and organized, and include a wide range of high-quality goods. They include household items, crafts, tools, sporting goods, electronics, holiday, books, games, puzzles, toys, décor, floral, baby, pets, lamps, jewelry, collectibles, small furniture, Christmas items and more. The gymnasium and another large room in Murphy Hall are set up by “department” with the different categories of goods.

Here are the details:

  • Sale begins Wednesday, September 16, 6 to 8 p.m., Preview Night, Murphy Hall at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd. (just east of Phillips Rd.). Admission is $10 for this special preview.
  • Thursday, September 17 and Friday, September 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 19, 10 a.m. to noon only, everything is half-price!
  • Cash, credit cards and Venmo will be accepted.
  • All proceeds go to Webster Hope.

Webster Hope serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, providing food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need. 

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/11/2026)

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Rec Center exhibit commemorates 9/11

2 Sep

This year marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11. In remembrance of that awful day, a very moving exhibit will be visiting the Webster Recreation Center this Friday, Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It’s called “America United: The Days After 9/11.” The traveling exhibit was created around portions of two heat-twisted steel beams from the wreckage of the Twin Towers that traveled from New City to Oak Lawn, IL in 2010. The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn created the exhibit with help from the Genesis Therapy Center.

Community members are invited to stop by the Recreation Center anytime between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to view the exhibit. There’s no admission charge.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr., just off of Phillips Rd.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/2/2026)

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Webster community mailbag

30 Aug

September is still a day or two away, but the September events are piling up, even more than they did over the summer. Looks like it’s going to be a busy fall.

It all really starts on Friday, Sept. 11, when the Village of Webster holds its annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park (Gazebo Park) on North Ave., beginning at 5:30 p.m.

It’s hard to believe that 2026 is the 25th anniversary of that awful event. The Village always does a very nice job commemorating it. The ceremony usually lasts around 45 or 50 minutes and includes first responders and local and regional political representatives who offer some comments. The Chorus of the Genesee or Village Band will also be there to perform patriotic tunes.

Chicken BBQ … yum

St. Martin Lutheran Church will host their next Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday Sept. 12 from 4:30 p.m. until they run out. Dinners include 1/2 chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie for just $15 (cash or check only). Pull into the parking lot, place your order using exact payment, and the dinner will be delivered to you as you drive up in your car. Proceeds will support the church’s Little Free Pantry and annual Christmas Stocking Project.

St. Martin Lutheran Church is located at 813 Bay Rd.

Health and Wellness Fair

The Webster Business Improvement District (BID) will host its 4th annual Webster Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, September 12.

The fair will showcase businesses and professionals throughout our community that address all aspects of health and wellness. It will be held at Lattimore Physical Therapy, 70 Barrett Dr. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and there’s no charge to attend. The fair will feature all aspects of health and wellness, including physical, mental, environmental, social and financial health. Pharmacists from Wegmans will also be on hand for a vaccine clinic.

During the Wellness Fair, the BID will also host a free shredding event from 10 a.m. to noon in the parking lot.

This is a drive-through event. Please bring paper only, and staples do NOT need to be removed. Paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (no plastic), with a limit of five boxes per vehicle.

Webster Museum program

The Webster Museum will host their first program of the fall season on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Karen Lankeshofer will speak about the life of cycling legend Elsa Von Blumen (1865-1935). Elsa gained national attention initially for her lengthy walks, but soon caught further attention for her race against a horse here in Rochester, and a 1000-mile bicycle trek over 6 days.

Fit for the occasion, Tim Warren will be atop the museum’s penny farthing bicycle to demonstrate the skills required to operate this venerable device.

The presentation will begin at 3 p.m. It’s free to attend and refreshments will be served. The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park

Vintage book sale

The next Friends of the Webster Public Library Vintage and Collectible Book Sale has been scheduled for Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the community room.

There will be 14 tables with about 250 books, grouped into the following table themes: U.S. Civil War; mystery, spy and suspense fiction; travel; juvenile fiction; art; animals, birds and nature; Rochester and Upstate NY; titles published by The Modern Library; American history; poetry; medical and health; and older fiction.

Nearly all books offered are in good or better condition, many with their original dust jackets in a protective plastic cover. Some are first editions or early printings. Most books being offered were published in the 20th century, and most are priced under $20.

The sale will be held Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the community room of the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd.

And these things …

Also coming up this month:

  •  Webster Comfort Care Home’s 5th Annual Raise the Stakes Casino Night, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. This is an exciting evening of gaming, prizes and fun while supporting a great cause. Click here to read more about it.
  • The Webster Garlic Fest, Saturday and Sunday Sept. 12-13 at the Webster Recreation Center. A “stinkin’ good time” for young and old. Click here to read more about that.
  • The Mud Run, on Saturday Sept. 19, also at the Recreation Center. This is sloppy, muddy fun for the whole family. Click here to read more about that.
  • The Village of Webster Beer Walk and Car Show, Saturday Sept. 19. The Car Show will be from 3 to 6 pm. on West Main St., and the Beer Walk will run from 4 to 7 p.m. Registrations for the Car Show are closed and no drive-up registrations will be accepted. Tickets are not yet available for the Beer Walk, but stay tuned here for more details when they become available.
  • The Webster Comfort Care Home hosts their annual Their Light Shines remembrance event on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the home, 700 Klem Rd. Participants are invited to purchase a luminaria and personalize it for their loved one. They’ll all be placed around the home’s parking lot on the evening of Sept. 29 in loving memory of those we’ve lost. More information to come, but the luminaria are available for purchase now. They cost $15 each or $25 for two. Visit the Webster Comfort Care website to learn more.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 8/30/2026)

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Where have all the robins gone?

29 Aug

Believe it or not, a few days ago I was musing this exact question. We always see a lot of robins welcoming spring, but this time of year they seem to have disappeared.

Then, by chance (or fate), I got my monthly informational email from the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) which very neatly answered that question, and assured me that they’re still around. They’re just doing what they do during the summer.

Specifically, the Friends wrote,

During spring and summer, robins are often seen hopping across lawns, searching for earthworms and insects. As summer progresses and the ground becomes dry and hard, their diet shifts toward fruits and berries, which are often found in wooded areas and shrubs.

Mid-to-late summer is also molting season for adult robins. They replace their worn feathers, which can leave them looking a little scruffy. During this time, they tend to be quieter and more secretive, helping them stay protected while they grow new feathers. As fall approaches, robins begin forming large social flocks. These groups can number in the thousands or even tens of thousands. Flocking helps robins locate food, stay warm, and watch for predators.

And when you don’t see them much in the winter, it’s not necessarily because they’ve migrated south — well, at least not very far south. Some might travel only a short distance based on food availability, while others migrate further. But rest assured, when the ground begins to thaw again and the earthworms and other insects wake up, they’ll be back, welcoming spring.

So, if you haven’t seen many robins lately, don’t worry, they haven’t disappeared. Look toward wooded areas and berry-producing shrubs, and you may find them gathering in large flocks.

More news from the Friends

Remember all of the work the Friends of Webster Trails recently put into improving the Hojack Trail? For several months through last summer and fall and into this spring, workers resurfaced the entire stretch between Holt and Drumm roads, improving drainage, and adding plantings, signage and benches. 

They’re finally ready to show it off.

On Thursday, Sept. 3 from 4 to 5 p.m., the Friends of Webster Trails will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially introduce the improvements to the Webster community. The event will be held at the Hojack Trail crossing on Klem Rd. (just west of Park Vista Trail). The community is cordially invited.

This would be a great time, by the way, to take a quick hike on the Hojack, which is the FWT’s September Trail of the Month. The Hojack connects with several other trails, including the Michael A. Johnson and John Ungar trails, giving you the opportunity to extend your hike and explore more of Webster’s trail system.

P.S. YOU, TOO CAN BE PRIVY to these interesting bits of nature news and notices when you become a member of the Friends of Webster Trails.

If you’re a regular user of any of Webster’s 28 miles of trails, please consider showing them some love by becoming a member of the Friends. It doesn’t cost much (really, just $15 for an individual or $20 for a family) and the funds go directly to making our trail system better for everyone to enjoy.

You can find out more about the organization and see an interactive map of all the trails at the Friends of Webster Trails website.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 8/29/2026)

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