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.

Monday, January 19, 2026

Milliron Monday: Jody's Journals March 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

March

Ohio Center, OVMA meetings > ate at Ohio Center/One Nation > went to see Jerry Clower, Serendipity Singers
Ohio Center, OVMA meetings > Dr. Phillips > astronaut meeting > vet care video > stopped at Pat's on way home, watch movies on TV
to clinic, children's tour/Puff at clinic > to barn
to clinic, ran errands, hunter meeting
to clinic/barn > Church > K Foster preached
Worked in house, fixed dictionary stand > to clinic, children's tour/Puff > worked on Mayle's case
11 am D. Wortshafter > case > ran errands > took 'Harper's Weekly' bound and other books to OU Library/donation > to barn, dead roster, stepped on by horse under hay?
to clinic, paid bills > Pete fed at barn > dance concert > ate at CJs > hot fudge Sundaes (love)
to Church > to clinic, cleaned up, saddled Apple, Pete rode down to Wagner's; I took Sissy, Bullet, Streak for walk around pond, walked up to top of ridge and back, took Colonel, Puff > 2 dead baby rabbits
to clinic/barn > wrote letters to Mom, Betty/Abbott
to clinic/barn > Church of Good Shepherd Evensong
to clinic > Pete, Carl Sweeney, oxen, potluck, Larry, Betty Larson, wedding reception > watched Dr. Who
took Puff/Colonel after paper, let Alrod out > to Church, took copy of Urantia info to Stan C. > rode Junie, came back to look for Colonel (gunshy) > fed at barn > Pete rode Apple > worked in study
worked at desk briefly/wrote mom letter, sent pictures > sheared sheep, Howard Strode, 27 head, 22 ewes, 4 ewe lambs, ram > to clinic/barn
checked snares > to clinic/barn > Lent Service
to clinic > SEOVMA meeting, Marietta
to clinic/barn > Junie down for AI attempt > wagged Colonel/Puff
Lucille Jennings "Hunter" walked up to locust grove, back > to clinic > napped > to barn > boiled goose eggs
made deviled eggs > to clinic > Church 'God at Eventide' book to Shirley S. > draft horse meeting > to clinic > rode Junie around ridge above Negro Den, back down thru blackberry meadow, took Colonel > Pete sawm Apple in McDougal Creek by Marquis', rode by snares
washed Pete's good sweater > to clinic/barn > Pete vaccinated our cats > sorted papers/read
to clinic > lunch O'Hooley's > Pete and I ran errands > to barn > Pete emergency surgery
Pete/me, apple cider vinegar > wagged Puff, Colonel > saw first coltsfoot, wild mums > to clinic > put headlight in Olds, checked Subaru > to barn
to Charleston with Pete on calls, Nancy Bonnett's, Maranatha Farm, home 2 am
wagged Colonel, Puff > to clinic, Steve Shingler brought Standardbred gelding to barn
took change down to clinic > Standardbred tried to bite and cow-kick several times, walked him out across bridge, by stream, Pete dewormed/floated/vaccinated him, took him up to barn, shut gate on horse shed > worked at clinic > Pete on calls > fed at barn > put Standardbred in yard overnight > picked up Marshall, took his car to Lam's Garden > Mike, Karen, Sam, Ellen Jones by to see Pete
took Standardbred up to barn, horse shed > to Church (early!) trumpet music, etc. > rode Junie, led Standardbred down to white gate, back, around pasture, etc., shut Standardbred in horse part of barn, left gate unlatched
to clinic > Pete, Dr. Ragg, mycoplasma/lump, throat, etc. > to barn

For Exclusive Photos Follow on Facebook @ Milliron Clinic

Connect with Gina:

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

https://www.mondaycreekpublishing.com/category/historical-fiction

Saturday, January 17, 2026

This Week @ Monday Creek: Welcome to 2026! New Year, New Books!

At the office (c) Monday Creek Publishing LLC

Welcome to 2026 — a fresh chapter, a clean page, and honestly, a pretty exciting moment for everyone here at Monday Creek Publishing LLC. If you’re new around here, pull up a chair. If you’ve been with us for a while, you already know we love kicking off a new year with big energy, new stories, and plenty of reasons to gather with fellow book lovers.

NEW YEAR, NEW BOOKS

We’ve been busy behind the scenes, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of our most creative years yet. Several new titles are rolling out — a mix of fiction, memoir, poetry, and those wonderfully quirky projects that only our authors could dream up.

You’ll see fresh voices joining our lineup, along with returning authors who continue to surprise us with new directions and bold ideas. We’ll be sharing cover reveals, author spotlights, and sneak peeks as the year unfolds.

NEW TITLES COMING SOON

If you love being the first to know what’s brewing, here’s what’s coming soon…

Poetry/Limerick

Twin Flame Souls: Soulmate Poetry by N.R. Hart

Live, Laugh, Limerick by Gennadiy Gurariy

Children’s Literature

The Nicknames: Book 2 Bigfoot Kid Series: Bigfoot Forever by Mark M. Dean

Amazing Adventures in Alliteration by Jennifer Stine and Miriam Thomas

I Don't Mind Written and Illustrated by Erica Magnus

Pudgy Possum Finds a Family Written and Illustrated by Kathy S. Elasky

123 Pig Written and Illustrated by Kelly Lincoln

Runaway Mustang Written and Illustrated by Ernest John

Fiction

Anne of Maine by John Williams

The King of Clemens by George Wood

The Challenge in Finding His Plan by M.Beth King

Non-Fiction

Sun Spots: Selected Columns by Ed Clark: Volume I 1952-1969
Edited by Ashley Aldrich, Lillian E. Jones Museum, Jackson, Ohio

Sun Spots: Selected Columns by Ed Clark: Volume II1970-1994
Edited by Ashley Aldrich, Lillian E. Jones Museum, Jackson, Ohio

Carriage Tales by Martha S. Matheny and NC Matheny

HOCKING HILLS BOOK FAIR: MARK YOUR CALENDAR

One of our favorite parts of the year is gathering with readers, writers, and creators at the Hocking Hills Book Fair. If you’ve ever been, you know it’s more than an event — it’s a community moment.

We’ll be sharing dates, featured authors, and vendor info soon. If you’re planning to attend, start thinking about which authors you would like to meet and which books you want signed!

Author registration is OPEN! Register here...

March 14 - Fairfield County Fairgrounds, Lancaster, Ohio
Author Registration Form: https://forms.gle/H8XYvzi3Kc1icEB28

May 16 - Hocking Hills Resort, Logan, Ohio
Author Registration Form: https://forms.gle/hZoU8zXRkDGtY9uU6

November 21 - Hocking Hills Resort, Logan, Ohio
Author Registration Form: https://forms.gle/fLCPzo3cz9xemC1x7

HERE’S TO A YEAR OF STORIES

Whether you’re here for the books, the events, the authors, or just the joy of discovering something new, we’re glad you’re with us. Monday Creek Publishing has always been about connection — between writers and readers, between stories and the people who need them, between creativity and community.

So here’s to 2026. A year of writing, reading, exploring, and celebrating the stories that bring us together.

Member:
Hocking Hills Chamber of Commerce
Hocking Hills Tourism Association
Nelsonville Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Monday Creek Publishing Digest: Explore Award-Winning Historical Fiction

Monday Creek Publishing showcases a growing roster of award‑winning historical fiction authors whose works explore American history—especially the Civil War era—with depth, accuracy, and compelling storytelling. Their catalog highlights writers such as Curt J. Robinette and T.W. Harvey, both recognized for historically grounded narratives that resonate with readers and critics alike.

Curt J. Robinette

Award-Winning Titles:
Chauncey’s Blood: A Hiram Robinett Story of the Civil War
Until I Have No More to Give: A Hiram Robinett Story of the Civil War

T.W. Harvey

Award-Winning Titles:

Answering Lincoln's Call: War in America

Seeing the Elephant: One Man's Return to the Horror's of the Civil War

From Vicksburg to Bennet Place: The Long March to Victory

Recognized as award‑winning historical fiction authors with a strong focus on Civil War history.

Publisher Recognition:

Themes Across Their Award‑Winning Historical Fiction
Civil War history, especially Ohio’s role
Character‑driven storytelling rooted in real events
Detailed military and historical research
Exploration of duty, sacrifice, and American identity

These works appeal to readers who enjoy historically accurate fiction that brings lesser‑known regional stories to life.

Monday, January 12, 2026

Milliron Monday: Jody's Journals February 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.

Heartfelt condolences to Sam Jones, his family, and all who knew Ellen. We are deeply saddened by her passing. Her warmth and generous spirit touched so many lives, and she will be profoundly missed. Please know you remain in our thoughts and continued prayers. Ellen Jones • 1939–2026

Jody's Journals: 1986

February

Pat brought "Tucker" new beagle by, black dog chased buck, locust grove, hay meadow, white gate, etc. > to clinic/barn > ran errands, to movies, got milk
to Church > Pete ODNR meeting, hunting laws > rode Junie up to reset snares, took Colonel, Bullet, Sissy, Streak > read by fire > Pete sorted old books out of study > called Bill P. regarding form for hunting injunctions
to clinic/barn > Ice Capades, picked up Pat, Karen, Jessica, ate at Root's, to Ohio Center
wagged, took Puff, Colonel > Gordon pulled woodstove out, cleaned chimney, fireplace > to clinic/barn > Pete sorted slides for talk
desk, briefly > to clinic, ran errands > Pete to Sam's Gym > movie (okay)
wagged, took Puff, Colonel > to clinic/barn > Pete swimming, saw Schultheiss > to movie (excellent!)
took Junie down to clinic for AI breeding > paid bills > to barn > Toughman Contest, boxing, Parkersburg, Kip bookman
to clinic, diabetes/cat > to church, OU Inn lunch > back to clinic > read by fire > rode Junie, Pete rode Apple, saw Peggy Gish walking same place on ridge again > OU Wind Symphony, Richard Syracuse
Gordon sanded Pete's study floor > to barn > worked on sorting boxes from Pete's old study
heavy snow, wagged Puff, Colonel > to barn > Pete took porch off, burned it with old magazines
began juice/spirulina fast > to clinic/barn > wrote letters
wagged Puff, Colonel > to clinic > Pete fed at barn > to clinic, did call backs > Lam's Garden, hot sour soup > Nickelodeon, Dixie Land Band, Gene Blocker, etc., Phyllis Dick D., Eugene J., home 2 am
heavy snow > to clinic/barn > Pete fed hay > Pete plowed clinic driveway > went on 2 calls with Pete > Memorial Aud Concert (late) Athens Trio for Neville Rogers, etc., ate at CJs, Rick, Casey Bowens, chocolate cake/ice cream
to Church > Shirley Sennheiser (?) at clinic > rode, footing not too bad > motorcycle rut on Connor hill trail > chamber music, oboe concert > DQ
to clinic/barn > wagged Colonel, Puff, pulled snares > took sheep down to clinic, sorted, A Crippen hauled 24 lambs to stock sale, Amesville > cleaned out rabbit hutches
ran errands, paid taxes > to clinic/barn > drove Olds to Columbus > Delta flight to Atlanta, Delta to Sarasota, late arrival, Mom met me
went to Ott Herrmann's Lipizzans Horses, training demo, etc. > to beach
to Church, beach > Eastern flight, late leaving, Atlanta flight to Columbus, visited Gayette, stopped to look at Zach, ferret, Lancaster > Junie at Clinic, he was at Windy Hills
to barn, took key down to lock clinic after Pat locked out, lights on > Pete moved more things upstairs "office closet" > worked at desk briefly
Ohio Center OVMA meeting, Darlene Smith, lunch at Schmitt's > meetings, dinner, met Bud Strauss

For Exclusive Photos Follow on Facebook @ Milliron Clinic

Connect with Gina:

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

ANYA the German Shepherd Dog

Sunday, January 11, 2026

This Week @ Monday Creek: Paws, Posts, and Pure Joy: How Adorable Dogs on Social Media are Making the World Kinder

In a world often tangled in headlines and hashtags, there’s a soft, tail-wagging revolution happening right under our thumbs. Scroll through Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, and you’ll find a universe of dogs—fluffy, goofy, soulful-eyed companions—performing tricks, reacting with uncanny human-like expressions, and sharing slices of their lives that feel oddly familiar. These digital darlings aren’t just entertaining us; they’re stitching together a more

From skateboarding Bulldogs to Golden Retrievers who “talk” using soundboards, the internet is bursting with canine talent. These tricks aren’t just impressive—they’re endearing. They remind us of the joy in learning, the patience in training, and the celebration of small victories.

Every dog account has its lore. Like the time Benny the Beagle stole a burrito mid-photo shoot and wore the most unapologetic grin. Or when Daisy the Dachshund refused to walk unless she was wearing her favorite pink raincoat. These stories, often told in captions or short clips, feel like inside jokes shared among millions. They’re the kind of tales that make you chuckle in line at the grocery store or tear up during a late-night scroll.

Perhaps the most magical part of following dogs online is witnessing their emotional intelligence. The way a Husky throws side-eye when asked to go outside in the rain. The way a Labrador comforts a crying baby with gentle nudges. These moments blur the line between species and remind us that empathy isn’t exclusive to humans. Dogs mirror our moods, respond to our voices, and sometimes seem to understand us better than we understand ourselves.

Social media, for all its chaos, has given us a global dog park. A place where someone in Tokyo can fall in love with a rescue pup in Brazil. Where a lonely college student in Berlin finds comfort in the daily antics of a Newfoundland in Nova Scotia. These connections are real. They’re built on shared smiles, mutual awe, and the universal language of love.

In following these furry influencers, we’re not just consuming content—we’re participating in a movement. A movement that values joy, celebrates innocence, and fosters kindness.

Here’s a few of my favorites to follow:

Hambone Unleashed

hotrod552

bustersworld4

Winnie the Cattle Dog

Monday, January 5, 2026

Milliron Monday: Jody's Journals January 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

January

morning reading > Pete worked on firewood > rode Junie, got mail, etc., for Pete, took Puff, Colonel, to barn > to Windy Hills, took spiced cider, apricot roll, watched Venice New Year, Lipizzaner horses
to clinic/barn > CJs office dinner > to movies, "Young Sherlock Holmes"
to clinic/barn > wagged Colonel, Puff > J S. brought venison sausage
to clinic, late to barn (C. Bail had to leave to work at Kroger's) > CJs dinner > awake most of night
up early, Pete got paper, read by fire > to church, OU Inn > Pete took pen out, pulled feeder out of barn > rode Junie, took Streak, Colonel, Puff > to clinic 4:30-6:30 (Christy work, Kroger's) > read by fire, went to Pat's watched TV/movie
worked at desk briefly > to clinic/barn > put away Christmas decorations > read
took salt to barn, wagged Colonel, Puff, put more logs/brush under fence above snares > to clinic/barn > ate at Manna House > meetings, hunting problems > got Marshall's mail > read
to clinic, paid drug bills, met Jessica at Townhouse, ran errands > Pete to Sam's Gym > watched "Citizen Cane" at Pat's > rode Junie, muzzle gun deer season
to clinic/barn > drove around block a few times, twice
rode Alrod, saw 2 does very close, beautiful, hawk, owl, grouse > to barn/clinic > to movies "Spies Like Us" > Pete went after bulldozer, rode Apple
to Church, OU Inn > to clinic, drove Junie up road by Eddy's, back > took dog/cat food to barn, took Bullet, Sissy, Streak for a walk around pond > read > made tape copy for John Branner > up in night
work at desk briefly > to clinic/barn (nerves shot?) > listed to Lake Wobegon tapes, mended > Pete swimming
wagged Colonel, Puff > to clinic/barn by flashlight > Pete to Sam's Gym > Pete gave talk to Martin's [?] Equestrian team, ate at CJs > called mom regarding airline flights
to clinic > short nap > worked at desk > to town after oil for bulldozer > Pete swimming
wagged Colonel, Puff > unwaterlogged well pump > to clinic/barn, ran errands for Pete, library > symphony - too modern > Pete to Sam's Gym
to clinic/barn > Pete swimming > read, popcorn
to clinic/barn > on calls with Pete, foggy
to Church Ecumenical Service > wagged, rain, Puff, Colonel > hole in board > to barn
several inches snow > to clinic, Charley castrated, tattoo in right ear > to barn
Pete and I, dogs walked to top of ridge, beautiful > to clinic, ran errands > Church > read by fire
to clinic/barn > read > went to town, mailed in forms (clinic) > Pete swam > Dixie band (G. Blocker) wrong night, got ice cream
wagged > to barn > SEOVMA meeting Finney Murray, talked with Sheila Theiss, etc.
9 am meeting, ODNR, hunting problems (over environmental items) > to clinic/barn > talked to Pam Collier
wrote Mom > heard dog in woods, couldn't see it > ran errands, saw M. Morrison > to clinic/barn > Pete grouse hunting > to Windy Hills > Pete on farm calls
Church, Pat, Vance, Catherine Dewitt > to clinic, rode Junie, pulled snares, took Colonel, pretty snow, but muddy, slippery > met Peggy Gish at barn > read by fire
to clinic/barn, extra hay for all > on calls with Pete > to Maranatha, Nancy Bonnett's, Burdette's

For Exclusive Photos Follow on Facebook @ Milliron Clinic

Connect with Gina:

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com