A Wrestling Weekend

​Friday, February 13 was the dual meet of the season between Ohio State and Penn State. I knew Penn State would win but wasn’t sure how many bouts Ohio State would take. The first match between Lilydahl and Busakis was exciting and had my heart beating fast. Luke Lilydahl came out on top. PSU captured every bout except for Branden Davis at 141. Score was 36-5. The win clinched the 2026 Big Ten Regular Season Championship in front of 10,006 fans, a new NCAA and Penn State wrestling indoor attendance record. 

Saturday we made our last trip to Lehigh University to watch the Mountain Hawks beat Bucknell. Nate had a good solid win.

You may ask, why is he wearing a mask?  At the Army match the other week, the Army heavyweight head butted Nate.  The ref did absolutely nothing.  Nate had to have 10 stitches  

 It was senior night. Lehigh graduated 6 student athletes. The picture below is Carter Bailey's family receiving the Lehigh blanket. 

Then Sunday Nate was wrestling in the Lock Haven Open. He needed to wrestle a couple more matches for NCAA seeding. He wrestled 3 matches, 2 tech falls and 1 pin. So glad we went. 

Remember I said Nate had stitches?  Phil, the trainer removed the stitches after Nate was finished wrestling.

Fun weekend. On to the EIWA championships at American University in Washington  DC.  

February 12 - Honey Pie at Elk Creek

​Honey Pie (Molly Countermine, Renee Weitzke, and Sam Christensen) had Elk Creek rocking with their music. Gale, Ken, Beth, Ken and Bill and I were mesmerized by how well their voices blended together. Great evening again with friends. 

So Much To Catch Up On

​February 7 - Ribs, Ice Cream and Games was such a fun evening. Ken Raney made his now famous ribs and ice cream. Then we played Flip 7 card game and dominoes. 

Then on Sunday, February 8, Kristen, Kya and I learned to decorate fancy cupcakes at an Acres Project event. Didn’t think I was teachable but the cupcakes turned out pretty good. AND we had lots of laughs  

Darren has been staying with us while finishing his work on a PhD. Time has flown by and it’s almost time for him to head back to Australia. BUT not without a proper send off. 

Tuesday, February 10, Beth and Ken Raney, Darren, Bill and I went to the Tavern Restaurant for some delicious food and drinks.

February 11 was send off day for Darren. Ted Alter came to pick him up. Got a photo before they left for the airport. 

A great week with friends and family. 

February 5 - Gimme Shelter Benefit

​Tonight was the Gimme Shelter Concert to benefit Housing Security in State College. It was a wonderful way to raise money for the several Non-profits in State College who provide shelter, support, food and many more services.  The participating bands that provided music were The Nittany Knights, Biscuit Jam, Eric Ian Farmer, and My Hero Zero.

Was definitely eye opening for me. As each of the different non-profits told us about their services, I didn’t realize the great need for housing, food, support and more in our community. 

February 4 - Ag Bags Luncheon and Good News

​Tami Torquato, Kathy McCartney, Gale Miller, Gloria Ohs, Dawn Holsopple and I had our monthly luncheon at the Corner Room. Elizabeth Matthiesen couldn’t be with us this time. Lots of talk about families and life. Great to see everyone and catch up!  

Other good friends, Walt and Lisa received good news. Walt's kidney transplant is a go for February 19!  His sister, Sue is a good match so will give one of her kidneys. Praying all goes well for everyone. 

February 3 - Harry Carey's Funeral

​Today we said goodbye to a good friend and coworker, Harry Carey. He was 89. Bill was fortunate to travel to Swaziland with Harry in 1993 as part of a reaching project. Then later Bill, Drew and I went to Puerto Rico on another project. Harry loved working with people to help improve their lives. As you read, you’ll see how active he was up until his death.  This is one person who will be missed.

This is his obituary:

Harry Albert “Sonny” Carey, Jr., was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, on May 9, 1937. Harry lived a life shaped by curiosity, service, and adventure. A retired Extension Educator in the College of Agriculture at The Pennsylvania State University, he was a gifted teacher known for making complex ideas practical and engaging. He also operated a farm, raising crops and livestock and living the principles he shared with farmers and communities. Harry's creativity and love of learning were evident in the educational materials he designed and the generosity with which he shared his knowledge.

His love of people and exploration took him far beyond Pennsylvania. Harry completed two multi-year international assignments with Winrock International and USAID in Swaziland and Zimbabwe and traveled on shorter projects to places including Lithuania and Italy. Africa held a special place in his heart, especially Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Botswana, and Lesotho, where friendships and experiences became lifelong treasures.

Adventure was central to Harry’s life, along with his love of Harley-Davidsons. In 1995, he organized the Harley Owners Group Rally in State College, famously riding his Harley through the lobby of the Scanticon Hotel. He later completed a solo, month-long motorcycle journey to Alaska, traveling with little more than his bike, a hammock, and an independent spirit.

In retirement, Harry continued helping others, working part-time at Home Depot and delighting customers and coworkers with his practical “can-do, fix-it” knowledge.

Harry passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry A. and Olive (King) Carey; his sister, Helen “Toosie” (Carey) Ritchey; and his infant brothers, Harry and Roy.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Carey; his children, Cynthia (Corey) Carey, Sandy (Mark) Shelow, and Thomas (Sabine) Carey of State College, PA; Sally Carey of Pittsburgh, PA; and Aijalaya McArthur-Carey of Harrisburg, PA; his grandchildren, Mattie, Lexy, Nick, and Tyler; and his great-grandchildren, Blair and Roger. He is also survived by his brothers, Albert “Skip” Carey of Shippensburg and John A. Carey of Loganton, as well as his stepdaughter Cherette McArthur, step-grandchildren Rashien Phillips, NyJah Phillips, Che’Rae Phillips, and Jayceon Irvin, and step-great-grandchildren Karter Pate, Meh’Lani Wright, and Amein Phillips, who brought great joy to his life.

Harry will be remembered for his generous heart, adventurous spirit, and the many lives he touched through teaching, service, and friendship. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

February 2 - A little walk and Turkeys

​Even though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, the weather at least warmed up to a whopping 26 degrees and sun!  We had to get out for a walk behind the Ale House. 

Penn State had plowed the roads (trails), but some had ice so we had to tread carefully. Even Lenny on his 4 legs did a little slipping from time to time  he was definitely ready to get back in the truck.

When we got back home, the turkeys had come for their dinner of soybeans. There are about 40+ that have shown up for the last week.