Riding &amp; Writing...

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.

Sunday, July 12, 2026

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)

Monday, July 6, 2026

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

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

This Week @ Monday Creek: FAITH AT EVERY CORNER: A History of Buchtel Ohio Churches

At the office, sorting through archived photos of Buchtel, Ohio, churches.

Today’s conversation with Rodney Galentin—Buchtel, Ohio’s premier historian and the devoted curator of the Buchtel Mine Museum—was memorable.

Rodney approached me about collaborating on a new publication that will highlight the rich history of Buchtel’s churches—every denomination. With his deep knowledge and the extensive archives he stewards at the Buchtel Mine Museum, this project is already taking shape as a meaningful tribute to the town’s spiritual and communal heritage.

Rodney and I have begun assembling a collection of photographs and stories that trace the spiritual and communal life of Buchtel through its churches. These congregations—small, varied, steadfast—have anchored the village for generations. They’ve hosted weddings, funerals, potlucks, revivals, choir practices, youth groups, and quiet moments of prayer. They’ve been places of refuge, celebration, and connection.

Our working title, FAITH AT EVERY CORNER: A History of Buchtel’s Churches, captures the way these buildings and the people within them have shaped the town’s identity. Every corner of Buchtel holds a story, and every steeple points to a chapter worth remembering.

Why This Matters Now

In a time when small towns often struggle to preserve their histories, projects like this become essential. They remind us that community isn’t abstract—it’s built by hands, held together by traditions, and carried forward by those willing to remember. Rodney’s dedication ensures that Buchtel’s story won’t fade. Our collaboration aims to honor that legacy and invite others to share their memories, photos, and reflections.

What’s Next

As we continue gathering materials, we’re uncovering forgotten snapshots, handwritten notes, and engaging stories. This project will grow page by page, voice by voice, until it becomes a tapestry of Buchtel’s faith communities—past and present.

Submit your stories, poems, photos, etc., by email to mondaycreekpublishing@gmail.com, or mail to Monday Creek Publishing, PO Box 399, Buchtel, Ohio 45716. If you would like to sit and reminisce, we would be thrilled to hear your story. Give Rodney a call to schedule a time that works best for you.

All proceeds from the publication will be donated to The Village Church, ensuring that the work not only preserves Buchtel’s past but also directly supports its present-day community.

Rodney Galentin sorting through old photos @ Monday Creek Publishing

Monday, June 29, 2026

Milliron Monday: Jody's Journals December 1986

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: 1986

December

rode Barney, Allen, Pete patrolled, hunted, found hunters...
rode Barney, rain; helped Allen look for possible wounded deer near New Covenant; walked up, down streams, flooding, worked on ditch for road
took Colonel, looked for wounded deer, hauled in young buck Pete had shot, rode Speed all day, some rain, some light snow > wrote letters
Pete, Allen rode, patrolled
drove to Beverly to sign mortgage for L place, closing on sale of property... met Jessica at O'Hooley's, ran errands > rode Barney, ran off hunters from Hocking Tech > to clinic > party Unitarian Church for M Miller, M Hart, etc., took fudge, met Mitch Cummings
rode Barney, worked on trails a little, saw hunter up on Marquis place/Keirns (Clyde?), Pete rode Apple
to church, Lam's Garden, miniature railway show/craft show/sale at Judy Morgan's > rode Barney, Ann, Gerry, Josh; Pete joined us later, Leroy Duhl here, coffee, fudge, etc., watched cats program
to clinic, paid bills, ordered Christmas presents, hair cut/D. Smart, bank, errands, new tires Olds rear
to Columbus with Pete, short course OSU, I visited Carol ? at her museum OSU Zoo, saw new puppy; to bookstores; Pete and I went out w Bud, Sylvia
hayed at barn > Pete on calls, clinic
to clinic, to Parkersburg Mall, ate at Sebastian's
to church > fed at barn, rode Barney, Pete, Larry Bailey, rode Apple briefly > AC Landowners, history making at Amesville Firehouse
wagged, saw dead doe > on calls with Pete, Paul Lewis' gave us Jack Russell Terrier puppy, took him on calls; Newt's, left halter bridle, breast collar, lumber chaps for repair > dinner at Nancy Bonnett's, dewormed her horses > back to clinic
took Jack to visit Pam C, etc., Georgeann Thomas, clinic, meeting regarding Longwell mining at Paul, Linda Keirns Lady Barton, etc.
wrapped Mom's package, wrote her > to clinic, went to Marietta after parts for logging skidder > got employee gifts at Gus, Susan Sherman's
scrubbed out hay chute, part of wood floor; returned wrong parts Marietta - got correct parts, stopped at bookstore, fed at barn
Mitch brought Bongo, Waldo, had tea; fed at barn, to Windy Hills
to church, ate at Sylvia's, Shirley S., Katherine F., Joanne L., got Pete's muzzleloader > to clinic, rode Barney, Pete rode Apple, saw two turkeys, good ride, called for party at Pam Collier's, watched John Denver Christmas movie
went on calls with Pete > worked at desk
exchanged gifts Pam's, lunch, ran errands, went up to Ron Vickie Linker's ? wholesale imported items
wrapped/mailed packages, took card to Connors, showed them "Jack" > Thompsons came in clinic, fed at barn, Pete fed hay, moved cats to back, made two lambing pens > Marshall here early > dropped off at Connors, drove by big lights/tree > Christmas Eve service, very pretty, kept falling asleep
Pete, Pat cut down dead (dying) oak by house> made turkey dinner > called Betty and Abbott, Marshall's mom
worked at desk > to barn > got geese back from bottom (2 trips), patched fence
Pete, Alex C grouse hunting > to clinic > to church, ate at Amesville diner, got milk - to clinic, Pete on calls > rode Barney, briefly, Pete rode Apple > potluck, Larry/E. Larson, watched Benny Hill
office/clients, staff party Cat's Eye Saloon
to town, got groceries, took Colonel; to party at Pat's, wore silk blue green dress, rhinestones, etc.

For Exclusive Photos Follow on Facebook @ Milliron Clinic

Connect with Gina:

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

This Week @ Monday Creek: Good Neighbors

Stamps and a special snowflake from Tom.

My neighbor, Tom, is an engineer—and the kind of neighbor you don’t see often, but when you do, he arrives carrying good energy, fascinating stories, and sometimes even gifts. He grew up in the house next door. I remember his parents, Art and Waveline, fondly. Tom spends his days making intricate, high‑stakes components for large engines.

Recently, Tom stopped over with two surprises: the newest horse stamps (he enjoys visiting with my mare, Zubedia) and a delicate “snowflake.” The snowflake, however, isn’t just decorative. As Tom explained, it’s a small demonstration of additive technology—the kind of 3D‑printing‑based process that can create shapes impossible to form through traditional machining, where material is carved away. Additive manufacturing, especially in metals, has become increasingly sophisticated, and Tom is using an indirect additive method to produce turbine airfoils for aircraft engines.

This work traces its lineage back to industrial ceramics—“probably second only to coal mining,” as Tom put it.

So this little snowflake isn’t just a thoughtful gift. It’s a miniature echo of the very components that help propel engines, airplanes, and even rockets. A tiny piece of engineering magic, handed over the fence by a very good neighbor.

With 2026 already feeling like a turbulent year, Tom’s snowflake carried a deeper meaning for me. It reminded me that even the most powerful engines rely on very small parts—and often many of them—to move forward. In the same way, small developments can lead to big momentum.

Thank you, Tom, for your thoughtfulness. The snowflake now lives on my fridge, a daily reminder that through innovation, steady intention, and small, consistent practices, I can keep propelling my days in the right direction.

On another note, I’m sharing these photos a bit later than planned, but they’re from my local greenhouse—Fannin Family Farms in Nelsonville, Ohio—where the plants are always exceptional. I buy their hanging baskets and set them into my favorite patio urns since I don’t have a place to actually hang them.

I love the sweet scent of a petunia, the velvety touch of a geranium leaf, and the bold, joyful colors of begonias. Every flower is a vision of beauty.

Ah, summer…

Monday, June 22, 2026

Milliron Monday: Jody's Journals November 1986

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: 1986

November

rode Speed, put up more signs, Colonel, Streak tracked turkeys, checked well > John Light's memorial service McDougal Church > to clinic, paid bills > listened to Prairie Home Companion
went down after paper with dogs, to church, festival Eucharist/All Saints Day > Lam's Garden > to Pam's open house ceremonies; evensong > with Pete to movies
lamb caught in feeder > to church, Rev. Dorsey Blake, African delegation, ate at Farley's > to clinic, Shingler tried out "Barney" 8 yr br bay, singlefooter; Pete vac, dewormed, etc., fed at barn, headlights/lanterns
made 2 oatmeal cakes, turned Barney out > voted > evensong, parish dinner > read
up at 3 am > sorted table/desk > rode Barney, snaffle Pelham very good, put up a few signs, took Colonel, Streak, saw several deer > to clinic > Marshall here for supper, went down to clinic to see Brad Harter's Canadian Trooper Saddle
to barn, took Barney's temp 104, Pete on calls
up at 3:30 am, took Barney down for treatment (in by oxen), put Speed, Barney in upper barn > to clinic, paid some bills > turned Speed out, put Junie in, fed at barn
rain, Pete on calls > to clinic, Jerry Hartley there > Bando/Kickboxing tourney
took Colonel, Ruff after paper > to church, ate at Lam's Garden > rode Junie, Pete rode Apple < came back and watched saddle horse championships on channel 20
put sheep down, wormed, Allan helped > picked mint, checked spring, took Puff, Colonel brought horses in, unwaterlogged well pump; put in storm doors, windows, napped > Pete got milk, read
to barn, turned Barney, Junie out > to clinic, met Jessica/lunch > paid bills, ran errands
Puff had stroke, treated/clinic, brought Puff up to barn, 2nd stroke, unable to stand, 9:30 euth. > we left for logging seminar Frostburg, Maryland
Pete seminar, I drove back to motel, stopped at Iron Furnace, 2 Episcopal Churches, shopped, got barn boots, etc., dinner w loggers
watched part of competition, read books, drove home on 50, pretty scenery, ate in Parkersburg, very crowded, home, fell asleep at table but watched most of CS Lewis' Shadowlands on TV
took Colonel down for paper, jumped on Red; to church reception for Father Bishop, ate at OU Inn > to clinic > Pete canoe, checked for fish > rode Junie, cut parts of tree on Marquis ridge above Wagner's, Pete put up a few signs > coonhunters on ridge, in sheep pasture, almost shot Ruff
rode Speed, put up some signs on Marquis ridge, checked well > R G ditching in gasoline > to clinic, paid some bills > OU play, Sherlock Holmes, hot chocolate, cookies; got milk
to clinic, took Pat's truck to Pam Collier's, helped her move some things to her new house, couldn't get truck started, Pat brought Olds in, took truck, Pete on calls
to church, lunch, Lam's Garden> read paper > rode Speed, walked down slippery hill > watched Benny Hill
to clinic, met Amish at bus stop, took some to McDonald's, took rest home (5)
to clinic > caught office phone during surgery > watch movie
court hearing, deer hunting case
to barn; Pete gate, Dutch Creek, timber buyer > to church > to Mansfield, called Ann Katen
sorted sweet potatoes > to barn, rode Barney, saw huge owl, took Colonel, Streak
to church, ate at OU Inn > rode Barney, found fawn in field on well road near Dutch Creek, hid it, went back after it with Pete

For Exclusive Photos Follow on Facebook @ Milliron Clinic

Connect with Gina:

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com