The last time I took an entire week off work was in 2014. So I made sure to really enjoy my time off! But it is nice to be home too. I really missed my dogs and kitties and my bed!

Jimmy was nice enough to stop by and see my cats while we were gone, and Wolf Run Vet took great care of the puppers. I think they are both still a little mad that they no longer have a doggy door to go outside whenever they want.

I also want to say thank you again to Jaimie, Wes, and Joe for covering for me while I was gone! They all did an amazing job, and I am super appreciative of the help.

So what did y’all do while I was gone? Did anyone make that chicken marinade?

I did, and it was amazing! 10/10 recommend! I think it’s going to be great for the summer. I think it will be really good to refrigerate and then use it on salads and wraps.

The kids are out of school, and summer has officially kicked off! I’m thrilled to get some warm sunny weather finally!

Remember to travel safely — especially now that school is out. Kids aren’t always great at paying attention and are even less great at being aware of their surroundings, so keep an extra eye out as you drive.

Construction season has also officially started, so please be careful in those areas, too. I almost got taken out by a Ford Explorer on my way home the other day by someone who was being impatient on 15N, where it was down to one lane. I promise, getting where you’re going a little late is better than not getting where you’re going at all…

Also, ‘Paul Miller’s Law’ is now in full effect. According to pa.gov, “Paul Miller’s Law prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other momentary delay. Pennsylvania already enforces a texting-while-driving ban that prohibits drivers from using mobile devices to send, read, or write text-based communications while their vehicle is in motion.” Law enforcement can now issue summary citations to violators.

“Paul Miller’s Law is about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Your choices behind the wheel can change lives forever. Make the safe choice. Put your phone out of reach and don’t text and drive. One text, one glance down – it could kill someone. And it’s not worth it.”

The law is named for Paul Miller Jr., who was tragically killed in a crash with a tractor-trailer in 2010 in Monroe County, as a result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving. Since his death, Paul’s mother Eileen Miller has become a national advocate for stronger laws to curb distracted driving.

“Nearly 15 years ago, two Dunmore state troopers knocked on my door to tell me that my son was killed,” said Eileen Miller, Paul Miller Jr.’s mother. “My son did everything right – he was killed by someone else’s unsafe choices behind the wheel. This law is for every family in Pennsylvania that doesn’t have to experience two state troopers knocking on their door to tell them that their loved one was killed by distracted driving. Paul Miller’s Law will be a beacon of protection for every driver and passenger in Pennsylvania.”

So please be safe out there. Get home safe, so others can get home safe.

Since summer is in full swing, don’t forget to enter our Great American Cookout Giveaway! We have an awesome package to give away that includes a flattop grill and $50 gift cards to Rupert’s and Frosty Beverage. We’ll be delivering the grill right before the Fourth of July, so you’ll have it for your July 4th celebrations! You can find the entry form on page 10! Mail it in or come say hi and drop it off at the office!