Peggy's Ponderings at the lake

25th Anniversary. The Grove FD ladder truck holds the flag we honor as we remember the tragedy of 9/11 Photo by Peggy Steed on 9/11/26.   Today is one of those days that makes me sit on edge, knowing that the first responders in my life would run to a scene of terror, not away from it. Being a fire wife and a fire mom is not easy on a daily basis. Trust their training is what we tell ourselves. Fire wife, fire mom, fire daughter, and fire sister-in-law are proud titles I get to wear. And am I proud of them! "It’s in God’s hands," others will say. But that doesn’t ease the knowing as they head out to save others, knowing that harm could come their way every day, any day. Any missed step. The weight of this life isn’t found in a single, dramatic moment; it’s in the quiet spaces. It’s in the empty chair at the dinner table, the long shifts where the clock seems to stop, and the silent prayers whispered into the dark. We learn to hold our breath until the front door clicks open,...

Hello! I hope the rain isn't bringing you down. Grand Lake - Woodard Hollow June 2026 Lots of rain, sun, clouds, more rain, more sun, more clouds! And the wind! Oh, it howls here at Grand! It rocked the heck out of our boat the other day. I guess that's why the lake was so quiet and empty. It was a Sunday afternoon, and hardly anyone was on the water. We saw no sign of rain, so we went for it. Plus, we already had guests, so we of course didn't want to disappoint anyone. It took us most of the afternoon, but we successfully gave them the grand tour! From Wolf Creek to the Dam and back. It's days like that when you remember "this is what we work so hard for."  So, I guess it's time for me to officially let you all know I have a new job. I have a new hat to wear that I am super excited to announce.  I will be working at the Grove Alternative High School! Back to working with high schoolers and close to my grandsons.  I retired from being a full-time Realtor....

Today I had the opportunity to speak at the ribbon-cutting and dedication of the Espo Center at Wolf Creek. It was a sunny, beautiful day and a well-attended event. This wasn't my first time speaking to a crowd or with dignitaries in attendance, but I was definitely a little bit nervous for this one. Here is my little take, but check out The Grove Sun and Sheila Stogsdill/KSN-KODE , plus other social media pages have lots of photos. Dana Able had the building set up for ideas of different types of events. The Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau is definitely who you need to talk to about more information. I'm still grinning from ear to ear! I had my speech in hand and practically memorized it too! I just wanted to make a point with this speech. I want more of our citizens to be happy. If a person takes the time to appreciate the Expo Center, they will come to realize how it's so much more than a place to hold an event. And as visitors continue to come, I hope they conti...

When the  American Revolution   broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the  Second Continental Congress   met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force—with the hopes of more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “American” flag, the Continental Colors . ( https://www.history.com/news/what-is-flag-day ) Does this sound familiar? There are many conflicts in our country right now. COVID 19 and how to deal with it, Trump vs Biden, Democrats vs Republican, racism, kneeling during the national anthem, and much more. It saddens me to think that today, as in 1775 we are back to fighting under our own flags and not united under one. We still are a country of the free and the brave. ...