Marianne Spampinato
@mts-wrtr.bsky.social
Writer, author of two books, crafter, dog mom. Fmr Red Cross communicator. Enjoys reading, tea, old movies, music, and British mysteries. Blue in a red PA county. Ovarian Cancer survivor. The Golden Rule. Galatians 5:22-23. Micah 6:8. No DMs.
Time to introduce Cocoa, a Labrador retriever mix I adopted yesterday from Ninth Life Rescue Center in Westmoreland County PA. Here's my post about the sometimes bumpy road to becoming a pet parent again: mspampinato.wordpress.com/2025/12/02/a... #rescuedogs #dogs #petparents #dogmom #animalrescue
A rescue dog picked me
About a month ago, I began my search for a new rescue dog to become my best furry friend. At the end of September, I returned home from an “Autumn in New England” vacation, including stays in inns …
mspampinato.wordpress.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:29 AM
Time to introduce Cocoa, a Labrador retriever mix I adopted yesterday from Ninth Life Rescue Center in Westmoreland County PA. Here's my post about the sometimes bumpy road to becoming a pet parent again: mspampinato.wordpress.com/2025/12/02/a... #rescuedogs #dogs #petparents #dogmom #animalrescue
Just completed my 51st book of 2025, a richly illustrated tabletop book I bought during a group tour of the #LincolnHighway Experience Museum located on the LH/Route 30 between #LatrobePA and #LigonierPA. Our experience was indeed great, including pie and coffee or tea in a refurbished diner. 1/3
December 1, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Just completed my 51st book of 2025, a richly illustrated tabletop book I bought during a group tour of the #LincolnHighway Experience Museum located on the LH/Route 30 between #LatrobePA and #LigonierPA. Our experience was indeed great, including pie and coffee or tea in a refurbished diner. 1/3
#HappyThanksgiving to you and your loved ones. And may every day provide blessings to be thankful for!
November 27, 2025 at 12:37 PM
#HappyThanksgiving to you and your loved ones. And may every day provide blessings to be thankful for!
Old enough to remember this classic the 1st time around🤣
"Oh, the humanity!"
Best ever television turkey episode. WKRP in Cincinnati, such a great show.
Of course, this skit is even funnier if you know what happened in 1937.
Happy Thanksgiving!
share.google/r1FIj24TcmCJ...
Best ever television turkey episode. WKRP in Cincinnati, such a great show.
Of course, this skit is even funnier if you know what happened in 1937.
Happy Thanksgiving!
share.google/r1FIj24TcmCJ...
share.google
November 27, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Old enough to remember this classic the 1st time around🤣
You bet I got in on the comments to this post...I've lost count how many times I've seen this classic!
On this day in 1942, my favorite movie Casablanca first premieres in NYC.
"Louis, I Think This Is The Beginning Of A Beautiful Friendship."
"Of All The Gin Joints In All The Towns In The World, She Walks Into Mine."
"Louis, I Think This Is The Beginning Of A Beautiful Friendship."
"Of All The Gin Joints In All The Towns In The World, She Walks Into Mine."
November 26, 2025 at 1:54 PM
You bet I got in on the comments to this post...I've lost count how many times I've seen this classic!
My 50th book of 2025 is a book set in Provence, meeting the "book set somewhere you want to visit" category - more than one book in this annual category has been set in the south of France...hmm, I guess I need to go to there! Runyan's novel opens in Connecticut, where Tempesta Luddington learns 1/3
November 19, 2025 at 11:48 PM
My 50th book of 2025 is a book set in Provence, meeting the "book set somewhere you want to visit" category - more than one book in this annual category has been set in the south of France...hmm, I guess I need to go to there! Runyan's novel opens in Connecticut, where Tempesta Luddington learns 1/3
My 49th book of 2025 leaves me with four categories to go on this year's reading challenge list. Recently unemployed and newly separated from her unfaithful husband, Thea learns she has inherited her Scottish great-uncle's house and property, including hundreds of valuable old books. 1/2
November 10, 2025 at 9:07 PM
My 49th book of 2025 leaves me with four categories to go on this year's reading challenge list. Recently unemployed and newly separated from her unfaithful husband, Thea learns she has inherited her Scottish great-uncle's house and property, including hundreds of valuable old books. 1/2
Trump likely never read "The Great Gatsby" (or most books unless they're about him) so probably doesn't know what happens to Gatsby. Can't stop thinking about this Nick quote, one of my favorites, near the end:
November 1, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Trump likely never read "The Great Gatsby" (or most books unless they're about him) so probably doesn't know what happens to Gatsby. Can't stop thinking about this Nick quote, one of my favorites, near the end:
I closed out October, the second month this year I've read mysteries, with a double shot of P.I. Kinsey Millhone in Sue Grafton's wonderful alphabet series. In "C," Kinsey is hired by a young man seriously injured in a car accident to find out who is trying to kill him. After he dies in another 1/3
October 31, 2025 at 9:14 PM
I closed out October, the second month this year I've read mysteries, with a double shot of P.I. Kinsey Millhone in Sue Grafton's wonderful alphabet series. In "C," Kinsey is hired by a young man seriously injured in a car accident to find out who is trying to kill him. After he dies in another 1/3
My 47th book of 2025 is another find from this year's Johnstown AAUW Used Book Sale. In the 7th book in the series, Nancy finds a diary - mostly written in Swedish - when she & her friends Bess & George stop to assist at the scene of a home explosion. Does the diary hurt or help an inventor who 1/2
October 26, 2025 at 5:04 PM
My 47th book of 2025 is another find from this year's Johnstown AAUW Used Book Sale. In the 7th book in the series, Nancy finds a diary - mostly written in Swedish - when she & her friends Bess & George stop to assist at the scene of a home explosion. Does the diary hurt or help an inventor who 1/2
I picked up my 46th book of 2025 at the local AAUW Used Book Sale in August. In the 3rd book in the Nancy Drew series, Nancy and a friend are rescued by Laura after their boat capsizes during a storm, then Nancy helps Laura after she escapes from her guardians, who aren't really her guardians, 1/2
October 18, 2025 at 8:38 PM
I picked up my 46th book of 2025 at the local AAUW Used Book Sale in August. In the 3rd book in the Nancy Drew series, Nancy and a friend are rescued by Laura after their boat capsizes during a storm, then Nancy helps Laura after she escapes from her guardians, who aren't really her guardians, 1/2
I'm among hundreds in downtown Johnstown (in a red PA county) this afternoon...hundreds here, and a LOT MORE HONKS in support than middle fingers to us. Folks who attended the June #NoKings rally told me there are a lot more protesters - all peaceful - today. #Freedom #USConstitution
October 18, 2025 at 6:12 PM
I'm among hundreds in downtown Johnstown (in a red PA county) this afternoon...hundreds here, and a LOT MORE HONKS in support than middle fingers to us. Folks who attended the June #NoKings rally told me there are a lot more protesters - all peaceful - today. #Freedom #USConstitution
I received my 45th book of 2025 as a birthday gift from Sara Rosett, author of the High Society Lady Detective series set in the 1920s - I've read and enjoyed all eight books. I selected the ebook edition of the first entry in Rosett's Murder on Location series. I'm not a fan of ebooks, 1/3
October 10, 2025 at 10:38 PM
I received my 45th book of 2025 as a birthday gift from Sara Rosett, author of the High Society Lady Detective series set in the 1920s - I've read and enjoyed all eight books. I selected the ebook edition of the first entry in Rosett's Murder on Location series. I'm not a fan of ebooks, 1/3
My 44th book of 2025 is the oddest Agatha Christie book I've read. Written in 1961, it's primarily told from the perspective of historian Mark Easterbrook, who is intrigued by a series of seemingly natural deaths that may instead have a sinister supernatural connection involving three unusual 1/2
October 6, 2025 at 8:35 PM
My 44th book of 2025 is the oddest Agatha Christie book I've read. Written in 1961, it's primarily told from the perspective of historian Mark Easterbrook, who is intrigued by a series of seemingly natural deaths that may instead have a sinister supernatural connection involving three unusual 1/2
During October, I'm back to mysteries with Halloween coming up, so expect a number of "reader's option" selections. However, my 43rd book does meet the "season in the title" category. The first in Malliet's Max Tudor series is a brisk, engaging read. Tudor, formerly of Britain's MI-5, became 1/3
October 2, 2025 at 8:53 PM
During October, I'm back to mysteries with Halloween coming up, so expect a number of "reader's option" selections. However, my 43rd book does meet the "season in the title" category. The first in Malliet's Max Tudor series is a brisk, engaging read. Tudor, formerly of Britain's MI-5, became 1/3
Just posted Part III of my Autumn in New England blog. Check out my experiences in #RhodeIsland & #Connecticut: lighthouses, FloGris Museum, The Kate, Mystic Aquarium (penguins!), Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic Pizza, Stonington. #Mystic #lighthouses #museums
mspampinato.wordpress.com/2025/09/29/2...
mspampinato.wordpress.com/2025/09/29/2...
2025 Road Trip: Autumn in New England – Part III
September 23 – Keene to Narraganset (Goodbye Covered Bridges, Hello Seashore) Before leaving Keene, I once again walked to the town square, this time to have breakfast at Birdie’s, where the ambian…
mspampinato.wordpress.com
September 29, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Just posted Part III of my Autumn in New England blog. Check out my experiences in #RhodeIsland & #Connecticut: lighthouses, FloGris Museum, The Kate, Mystic Aquarium (penguins!), Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic Pizza, Stonington. #Mystic #lighthouses #museums
mspampinato.wordpress.com/2025/09/29/2...
mspampinato.wordpress.com/2025/09/29/2...
My 42nd book of 2025 is a novel set in New England and based on the real Katharine Prescott Wormeley, born in Great Britain, but lived in the U.S. since age 18 with her wealthy family. She volunteered as a nurse on a medical ship during the Civil War, founded a school for underprivileged girls, 1/3
September 28, 2025 at 3:44 PM
My 42nd book of 2025 is a novel set in New England and based on the real Katharine Prescott Wormeley, born in Great Britain, but lived in the U.S. since age 18 with her wealthy family. She volunteered as a nurse on a medical ship during the Civil War, founded a school for underprivileged girls, 1/3
Supporters of PBS in Pennsylvania, especially central Pennsylvania, please read and sign this petition to save WPSU and support efforts however you can. #PBS #WPSU #publicttelevision
c.org/ztb76XHWhr
c.org/ztb76XHWhr
Can you spare a minute to help this campaign?
SAVE WPSU
c.org
September 25, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Supporters of PBS in Pennsylvania, especially central Pennsylvania, please read and sign this petition to save WPSU and support efforts however you can. #PBS #WPSU #publicttelevision
c.org/ztb76XHWhr
c.org/ztb76XHWhr
Just posted Part II of my Autumn in New England blog. #FortTiconderoga #Vermont #BurlingtonVT #EthanAllen #FannyAllen #KeeneNH #NewHampshire #travel #vacation #NewEngland #coveredbridges
mspampinato.wordpress.com/2025/09/24/2...
mspampinato.wordpress.com/2025/09/24/2...
2025 Road Trip: Autumn in New England – Part II
September 19 – Saratoga Springs to Burlington On my way out of Saratoga Springs via Route 50, I was able to pull over and park to take more photos of large old homes – all within a one-block area (…
mspampinato.wordpress.com
September 25, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Just posted Part II of my Autumn in New England blog. #FortTiconderoga #Vermont #BurlingtonVT #EthanAllen #FannyAllen #KeeneNH #NewHampshire #travel #vacation #NewEngland #coveredbridges
mspampinato.wordpress.com/2025/09/24/2...
mspampinato.wordpress.com/2025/09/24/2...
As noted yesterday, I'm currently on the road for Autumn in New England, plus a couple days along the Rhode Island and Connecticut coast before heading home. Part I of my blog, covering September 16-18... #SaratogaSpringsNY #Vacation #NewEngland #Autumn
mspampinato.wordpress.com/2025/09/22/2...
mspampinato.wordpress.com/2025/09/22/2...
2025 Road Trip: Autumn in New England – Part I
Origins of the trip When I started planning this year’s vacation this spring, I really wanted to tour New England during autumn. Galla, Joanne Mekis, and I drove through the area during the spring …
mspampinato.wordpress.com
September 23, 2025 at 5:33 PM
As noted yesterday, I'm currently on the road for Autumn in New England, plus a couple days along the Rhode Island and Connecticut coast before heading home. Part I of my blog, covering September 16-18... #SaratogaSpringsNY #Vacation #NewEngland #Autumn
mspampinato.wordpress.com/2025/09/22/2...
mspampinato.wordpress.com/2025/09/22/2...
Can't take aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen for pain bc of GI tract issues.
Seldom drink alcohol bc it affects sleep.
Other than chocolate, which doesn't help w arthritis, that (legally) leaves Tylenol, & I need something to get me through this administration.
Shove your voodoo medical advice.
Seldom drink alcohol bc it affects sleep.
Other than chocolate, which doesn't help w arthritis, that (legally) leaves Tylenol, & I need something to get me through this administration.
Shove your voodoo medical advice.
BREAKING: President Trump promotes unproven ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism without new evidence.
Trump promotes unproven ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism without new evidence
President Donald Trump is using the platform of the presidency to promote unproven ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism without giving new evidence.
bit.ly
September 23, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Can't take aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen for pain bc of GI tract issues.
Seldom drink alcohol bc it affects sleep.
Other than chocolate, which doesn't help w arthritis, that (legally) leaves Tylenol, & I need something to get me through this administration.
Shove your voodoo medical advice.
Seldom drink alcohol bc it affects sleep.
Other than chocolate, which doesn't help w arthritis, that (legally) leaves Tylenol, & I need something to get me through this administration.
Shove your voodoo medical advice.
It's been a while since I've posted bc I'm currently on a road trip from PA to Saratoga Springs NY to Burlington VT (and area) to Keene NH to Narragansett RI to Mystic CT, then homeward. My 41st book celebrates notable (and quirky) sites along Route 1 from Maine to Connecticut. 1/2
September 22, 2025 at 8:57 PM
It's been a while since I've posted bc I'm currently on a road trip from PA to Saratoga Springs NY to Burlington VT (and area) to Keene NH to Narragansett RI to Mystic CT, then homeward. My 41st book celebrates notable (and quirky) sites along Route 1 from Maine to Connecticut. 1/2
My 40th book of 2025 met the category, "character named Marianne (my name)." Of course,"Sense and Sensibility" is the most famous such book. When I selected this book, I didn't realize its lead characters are two generations younger than me, and so I had trouble relating to them. 1/2
September 11, 2025 at 11:21 PM
My 40th book of 2025 met the category, "character named Marianne (my name)." Of course,"Sense and Sensibility" is the most famous such book. When I selected this book, I didn't realize its lead characters are two generations younger than me, and so I had trouble relating to them. 1/2
Thanks to a fellow AAUW member for this sentiment, as I remember well the pain and anxiety of 9/11/2001, an attack from OUTSIDE our country. She worded my thoughts concerning a series of politically motivated attacks against people of varied positions, as well as all too common mass shootings 1/3
September 11, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Thanks to a fellow AAUW member for this sentiment, as I remember well the pain and anxiety of 9/11/2001, an attack from OUTSIDE our country. She worded my thoughts concerning a series of politically motivated attacks against people of varied positions, as well as all too common mass shootings 1/3
My 39th book of 2025 is a newly published page-turning read about one of the 20th century's most iconic couples. Intrigued when she came across the 1957 cover photo, Tripp references historical documents and biographies for this novel, which imagines Jackie's and JFK's thoughts and feelings, 1/2
September 5, 2025 at 12:18 AM
My 39th book of 2025 is a newly published page-turning read about one of the 20th century's most iconic couples. Intrigued when she came across the 1957 cover photo, Tripp references historical documents and biographies for this novel, which imagines Jackie's and JFK's thoughts and feelings, 1/2