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.
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.
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.
In 13 degree weather, over 73,000 people watch Penn State and Michigan’s State knock a puck around. No, we didn’t go but several of our friends did and we had people staying downstairs who went.
Instead, Friday night Bill and I went to the PSU vs Nebraska match in the BJC. More competition this time. We won but lost 3 matches, Braden Davis, PJ Duke, and Cole Mirasola. Here's the wrestler I enjoy watching - Mitchell Mesenbrink. He wrestles with lots of energy and a smile on his face mostly.
On Monday, Bill wanted Darren to experience shoveling snow.
My garden cardinal was having a hard time swinging her tail through the snow
After the shoveling experience, we took Darren on a ride to show him the snow around State College.
Always a favorite is the Lion Shrine on the way home, we saw a car in the ditch on Bernel Road. Luckily, there were people already there to help but we had to turn around and go a different way to get home
Tuesday morning brought bright sunshine with temps in the single digits. Early morning sunrise.
The meteorologists have been talking about this snowstorm for days. It finally happened. Started early Sunday morning and continued all day.
I attempted to keep the sidewalk clear so I could take the dogs out. Lost count of how many times I went out.
Bill was on the plow for 3 hours trying to push about 12-14 inches of snow with his little tractor.
He was so cold when he came in. A shower, some tea and butternut chili helped him warm up.
For Winter's 28 birthday, she wanted to eat at Robinhood Brewery and then bowl.
