Milliron Monday: Jody's Journals May 1987

 

 Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:  

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: 

April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate 

the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, 

Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.

Jody's Journals: 1987

May

• dewormed, castrated sheep; turned out ewes, lambs in barn > to clinic > rode Barney, halter with Apple
• to Maranatha, watched Derby, home 2 am
• church, ate at home; fed at barn > took steaks, oatmeal cake to Bill, etc., nice visit
• new large black ewe lamb in hole at barn (new tack room ewe) > paid bills at clinic > showed Jack to Mrs. McKinstry > fed at barn
• lunch, had mushrooms > Pete to woods > wagged, took Jack, Colonel, saw 2 deer (fleetingly, 3rd meadow) > fed at barn
• rode Junie, Alrod, MA Morrison > ran errands > O'Hooley's > fed at barn
• went to Circleville after parts for truck > to clinic > fed at barn
• Laird's - Jack and I walked pasture, talked to Arnold, etc.
• rode Barney, Annie White rode her home, brought her back, checked her colt (crypt cost), rode Alrod
• sunrise, birdwatching, saw deer edge of pond > to Charleston, fumes - got muffler, to Bonnett's, Jim, Nancy, Jamie there > to Farley's, 2nd meal, Betsy Farley; skin (?) skin in bathtub at barn; stopped at Rock Springs, put Speed in ring, grazed
• to church, beautiful, excellent music > to barn > rode Barney, Pete rode Apple, took Colonel, to Marshal's, I rode back upstream by Bernie's, at New Covenant, stopped at uprooted tree "cathedral in woods" saw Peggy Gish > watched Benny Hill
• Memorial Day, walk around pond, led Barney out
• awake early, Pete and I walked, foggy > Pete went to hay meadow, I "communed with/circled with" Junie, then Barney came over, worked on mouth biting, held his mouth shut, seemed to work > to clinic, began transfer of bills paying process to J. C. > to barn, Pete clicked lambs tails (1 male, 1 female, black) > Allen trimmed Junie and Alrod's feet, Pete finished burros > picnic, dog show, took Jack, Colonel; Pete there briefly, storm, beautiful rainbow - I "chased it"
• finally, time again to think and write and think; "there is neither right nor wrong but thinking makes it so" > Emotions > Stop, Sit, and Think >  got circus reservations > D. Smart haircut > errands, farmer's market, no one there > tired, depleted, rest

• groomed Charlie, Ruff; Pete, Allen here for lunch; Mr. Jenkins called, I called Betty Fryman, thanked her for pie crust recipe; Pete, I to Dow Lake, pleasant swim > to clinic, changed clothes, to movies
• walked Charlie > Pete to woods, early church, lunch at Perkins with Katherine, Joanne, Shirley; rode Barney back thru Thompsons, met Austrian friends

For Exclusive Photos Follow on Facebook @ Milliron Clinic

Connect with Gina:

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com 

Hocking Hills Book Fair   

Hocking Hills Book Fair Author Podcast

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian. 

Milliron Monday: Jody's Journals March - April 1987

 

 Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:  

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: 

April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate 

the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, 

Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.

Jody's Journals: 1987

March

• Prayer breakfast, controversial discussion of lecture, evolution with Hank Akers; visited exhibits, luncheon; Homeopathic lecture; walked with Pete by concrete waterfall; Pete, Bud, dinner; checked calls, animals at clinic
• unpacked > to clinic, Cocker puppies, prospective "grand puppy" 
• caught up diary > wagged, took Jack, Colonel; Pete lunch here, worked in the stalls in new barn; hayed at barn, fed cats, dogs > to clinic, took payments to bank, post office > cleaned cat table > rewrote sayings
• Lenten Services, Catholic Lutheran Episcopal Galbreath Chapel > to clinic/barn > Lenten Communion, Good Shepherd
• Betty, Abbott here, met us at Lenten Service, Pete got there at end of supper
• H. Strode sheared sheep (B-A) left around 10

April

• Gary, Aggie, brought dogs to Pete for surgery > cleaned the garden pasture > rode > Pete, meeting; I went to library
• Easter church with family; potluck 
• church > Pete pallbearer Phyllis Farley (I went to library, then funeral), burial McDougal > rode Barney, Pete rode Apple 

For Exclusive Photos Follow on Facebook @ Milliron Clinic

Connect with Gina:

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com 

Hocking Hills Book Fair   

Hocking Hills Book Fair Author Podcast

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian. 

This Week @ Monday Creek: Charles DeLay World Artist

My husband was consumed with his drag bikes, racing at National Trails Raceway and other Ohio tracks. A devout motorcycle enthusiast (motorcycle maniac, like all of the D'Andrea brothers), I’ve seen him completely disassemble a motorcycle down to the frame and rebuild it, creating his own unique super-fast bike. I was never into the heat and smoke of the track; however, there’s something about a man in full leathers at the tree waiting for the lights to descend. The joy in his eyes and the anticipation for the win are thrilling.

A street rider, too, my husband has had more bikes than I can count (I suppose someday we’ll make a list)  – everything from a Honda “Super Blackbird” CBR1100XX, earning its name from the Lockheed SR‑71 Blackbird, the fastest jet ever built, to less intimidating CBR’s, dirt bikes, etc.

One day, my husband and my son returned home from a ride to Strouds Run State Park all hyped about a man they had met at the lake who wanted to buy my son's bike – the bike he was riding that day. The man wanted the bike, a Yamaha XT 250, to putt around the area where he lived. They agreed, on the spot, to sell the bike.

The man was world artist Charles DeLay. Not realizing at the time exactly who Charles was (I thought he was just another guy buying a motorcycle), I now realize the impact Charles has made through his creative endeavors. I wish I had taken more time to talk with Charles, look at his hands, discover his muse(s), and learn about his favorite poets. Besides writing poetry, he is renowned for his contributions to creative illustration and design, mentoring future generations and contributing to art initiatives, including regional art centers, private collections, regional galleries, and historical societies. You can see photos of Charles’ work on his website myplace.frontier.com/~cdelay/id30.

The day came for Charles to pick up his new bike. Charles, reaching in my direction, gently placed signed copies of two of his poetry collections in my hand, a gift that is kept safe and now worn from many hours of reading. His poetry resonates and makes me think of far-away places, transforming a moment into something else, a welcome distraction to a difficult day, or a stanza that gives new insights to a particular life event or image.

Of all the books on my shelf, Charles’ books are most treasured. A Strouds Run serendipitous encounter, I am thankful, Charles, for meeting you, for your poetry. Thank you.

More about Charles…

Charles DeLay is a prominent figurative sculptor known for his work in bronze, stone, and wood. He has been an artist for his entire life, starting his career at the young age of seven by selling oil paintings. Over the years, DeLay has completed more than 130 major commissions, many of which are large-scale sculptures located in public spaces and private collections across the eastern United States and Washington D.C.. His works often explore themes of birth and death, as exemplified by his sculpture "Fetal Man," which depicts a figure in a fetal position. DeLay's artistic approach emphasizes the emotional expressions of the human figure, reflecting his deep connection to the human experience.

DeLay's artistic journey reflects a deep commitment to his craft, and he continues to create impactful works that resonate with audiences. His sculptures often embody a blend of traditional techniques and contemporary themes, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

Sedona Arizona Community Library: https://communitylibrarysedona.libcal.com/event/14581509

https://www.redrocknews.com/2023/06/29/charles-delays-sculpture-arrives-at-sedona-library/

Arizona Artist Day

https://arizonaartistaday2.wordpress.com/2018/07/16/day-107-charles-delay/

This Week @ Monday Creek: Sun Spots Book launch

 

Jackson, Ohio — September 3, 2026. Monday Creek Publishing announces the release of Sun Spots, a curated collection of beloved newspaper columns by longtime Jackson journalist Ed Clark, with an official book launch event hosted at the Jackson City Library at 6:30 PM. The project is produced in collaboration with the Lillian E. Jones Museum, whose archival support and historical expertise helped bring Clark’s voice back into print for a new generation of readers.

A Voice That Defined a Community

Ed Clark (1923–2009) spent more than five decades chronicling the daily life of Jackson County and the surrounding region. After serving in World War II, including combat at the Battle of the Bulge, Clark returned home to southern Ohio and began a career in journalism that would make him one of the area’s most recognizable storytellers.

He wrote for several regional newspapers, including:

• The Jackson Herald
• The Jackson Journal-Herald
• The Telegram

His column Sun Spots blended humor, local happenings, personal anecdotes, and the unmistakable cadence of Appalachian storytelling. Clark’s reflections on community life — from Main Street merchants to church suppers to the antics of his wife Patty (“the Redhead”) — became a cultural touchstone for readers across generations.

A Museum Partnership Rooted in Local History

The Lillian E. Jones Museum partnered closely on the development of Sun Spots, providing archival materials, historical context, and insight into Clark’s legacy. The museum continues its mission of preserving Jackson’s cultural heritage and invites readers to explore its exhibits and collections. Museum Website: https://www.lillianejonesmuseum.org

Book Launch Event Details

The public is invited to celebrate the release of Sun Spots:

Thursday, September 3, 2026 - Jackson City Library, Jackson, Ohio  6:30 PM

Books will be available for purchase, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet contributors and community partners. All proceeds benefit the Lillian E. Jones Museum.

Quotes

A local contributor, said: “Ed Clark captured the heartbeat of Jackson. Preserving his work is preserving our shared story.”

Monday Creek Publishing added: “Sun Spots reminds us how powerful local journalism can be — not just as reporting, but as community memory.”

About Monday Creek Publishing

Monday Creek Publishing is an independent press dedicated to preserving regional history, elevating Appalachian voices, and supporting authors whose work strengthens community identity.

Call to Action

Community members, historians, and fans of local storytelling are encouraged to attend the launch event and rediscover the voice that shaped Jackson’s newspaper culture for more than half a century.

 

Milliron Monday: Jody's Journals February 1987

 Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:  

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: 

April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate 

the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, 

Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.

Jody's Journals: 1987

February

• to church > to clinic > Pete rode Apple, I rode Barney > to movies
• went to Columbus after part for skidder > to clinic/barn 
• dyed bedspread > worked on basement > to clinic > drove around to Strata well, Pete and Allen working on logs > E Davies plumbing at clinic, looked at house > O'Hooley's, Scottish singer, pipes, saw Sweeny's, Collier's, Farley's
• E Davies here, fixed leak > Pete - Howland's > worked at desk
• to Gallipolis, skidder parts, stopped at ABK, saw J L'H > rode Barney, led Speed, pack saddle, took cables over to log area
• rode Junie, took Julie, Missy Crippen riding > to movie and pizza, 
• Pete early church, lunch > riders to clinic, I rode Barney, Pete to woods > sym. concert, stopped at Oasis
• to barn > read part of Charlie Shedd's book > Pete "spirited" discussion > grey/white Tomcat, took to clinic
• to clinic, 3 surgeries, paid bills, took to Amesville Post Office, talked to Bill Jago > showed Jack to Mary, Helen Connor > rode Barney > watched Madison Square Garden Best in Show at Copelands, Pete, Donny W. 
• sorted things out > napped > clients picked up Tomcat, now neutered
• to clinic, briefly > to church > grained Bobbysox > Muhns here, horses across cattleguard, Apple and Junie
• neighbor Rick here about dog "Katie" > took brief nap in sun in yard > lured "Katie" into yard with Colonel, I took her to Rick's > to barn fed sheep > beautiful full moon > Pete brought lovely white mum and box of choco cherries
• up early, Pete early church, I took lambs to Sunday school; church, Urantia book to Anna Colbert for Taylor, lunch in Amesville C. DeWitt > Pete, lumber > to barn, rode Barney, Pete rode Apple, cold but pretty ride > to movie, fell asleep
• grey day > D. Smart haircut > met J L'H at O'Hooleys > to clinic
• flew to Atlanta-Sarasota (read Game of Life); Mom, Marge, Martha met me at airport; Mom another jawless little dog "Cutie"; to beach/sunset
• AARP luncheon, nice singing group, candlelight
• to beach, tour bus to Ft Myers "Parade of Lights" fireworks
• Presbyterian Church communion, drove back to Ft Myers > Octagon Farm, huge tiger, lions, wolves, bears, panthers, etc.
• to beach; author's luncheon, Yacht Club, mystery writer, visited Aunt ?, Mom birthday dinner at Trolley Car with Marge, Martha...saw dolphin (or porpoise?)
• to Sarasota airport, flight overloaded, 1st class next flight Atlanta to Columbus, got 2nd copy of Game of Life at B.Dalton, Eastland Mall
• unpacked, etc., to clinic, ran clinic errands, Pete tore out tack room, alleyway, etc. old barn
• up at 5 am, left for OVMA meeting, speeding ticket near Logan, Linda Tellington Jones lecture (Pete, me); Bud, Sylvia 
• Bud, Pete; I went to seminars Dr. K. biofeedback, etc., great dinner with Sylvia, Bud, Marty (lady vet from Cleveland); OVMA celebrities night, Challenger's, Kingston Trio

For Exclusive Photos Follow on Facebook @ Milliron Clinic

Connect with Gina:

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com 

Hocking Hills Book Fair   

Hocking Hills Book Fair Author Podcast

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian. 

 

Press Release: Local Author Joy MillerUpton Book Signing at Chincoteague Pony Centre, Chincoteague, Virginia

 

For Immediate Release

Buchtel, Ohio USA

July 12, 2026

Logan author Joy S. MillerUpton will be a guest of the Chincoteague Pony Centre in Chincoteague, Virginia, during the 101st annual pony swim and auction this year. MillerUpton will talk about her book, Journeys: Finding Joy on Horseback. She will be available to sign books at the Pony Centre from 3 to 5 PM on Thursday, July 30.

Local publisher Monday Creek Publishing released the book in 2021. The memoir is framed by six horseback rides taken by the author over a period of 27 years. It includes local history as her rides were all located in southeastern and southern Ohio.

One of her equine characters is her Chincoteague pony Jaca Del Mar, who she bought at the 1984 pony swim and auction. MillerUpton was the chief photographer at the Athens Messenger at that time and traveled to Chincoteague to do a story about a local man who was involved in the pony round up.

Excerpts from Journeys: Finding Joy on Horseback (c)

Milliron Monday: Jody's Journals January 1987

 Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:  

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: 

April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate 

the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, 

Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.

Jody's Journals: 1987

January

• watched Rose Bowl Parade > fed at barn > napped 
• Amy Abercrombie, Ed Perkins, Rebecca, Willie here, went for walk around lower logging road, took Colonel, Blackjack > to movies, Star Wars IV
• watched elephant "rodeo" on TV, Pam picked up Toby > to clinic, fed at barn
• went down after newspaper, took Colonel, Blackjack > to church, OU Inn > to clinic, Rick Bowen, Pete, muzzleloader > fed at barn, put Bobbysox in pen, rode Barney, Colonel chased deer; Pete rode Apple > picked up pizza > J. Hartley here > went into see Pam
• dewormed horses, burros, floated, etc., bonded Barney's feet
• to Columbus with Pam, doc appt, I visited Col. Catholic Cathedral, etc., picked up skidder part at John Deer Warehouse
• to clinic, horse surgery, Joanne Croxford training > to barn, Bobbysox broke out of lambing pen > turned horses loose
• Pete hunted briefly, saw several deer, many squirrels, no shots > put ram down at clinic > Pete rode Barney
• Pete hunted, heard shots, I rode Barney, Pete rode Apple til dark > Pete emergency/horse 
• to church, lunch at Sylvia's with family > to clinic > fed at barn > harp concert (lovely) > to library > to church, annual meeting
• Pam here briefly > to clinic > met Jessica at O'Hooley's
• to clinic, barn > wrote letters > went to hear Dixieland Band w Blocker/Light, etc. 
• to clinic, barn > rode Barney, checked Pete, tailed him up hill > 2nd electrician worked on generator
• to church, OU Inn (Pete out of gas) > Open House at Pam's > Pete, riding late
• to clinic > went to Marietta after parts, took Doris, Ruff, Colonel, Jack; stopped at bookstore, showed Jack to Darlene S. > watched 5 deer at Schmittauers 
• COAL meeting > Pete to church > O'Hooley's
• SEOVMA meeting, Marietta, Schultheis
• A Crippen here for breakfast > Pete helped feed at barn > to Charleston, Nancy Bonnett's
• Marietta, parts/equipment > to clinic, barn > Pete, UPS here, worked in woods

For Exclusive Photos Follow on Facebook @ Milliron Clinic

Connect with Gina:

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com 

Hocking Hills Book Fair   

Hocking Hills Book Fair Author Podcast

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.