LOTS OF ORDINARY STUFF!

It seems like over the last few weeks there has been a lot going on – lots of ordinary but spectacular things.  I think it started back at Ligonier Days – when I was asked to join Ellen Smail and Alice Ann Templeton in the judges booth at the parade.  That was a first for me, and I loved it!  Not only did I get an up-front seat out of the cold and drizzle, but got to hear a play by play of the entries.  The theme was Ligonier’s Heritage: Then and Now.  I enjoyed the huge inclusion of history in the floats.  I felt a little tug of nostalgia when the Hempfield Spartan Marching Band went past;  not only is that my Alma mater but my kids graduated from Hempfield and my two granddaughters are in 7th and 10th grades.  Punxsutawney Phil made an appearance, even though he didn’t see his shadow.  There was everything from Monster trucks to good old Santa Clause.  It appeared that one unfortunate witch ended up ‘wrong side up’ in a planter.  Can’t explain that.  We enjoyed the morning, complete with corn dogs and French Fries with cheese.  The damp drizzle did not actually dampen anyone’s spirits and the crowds enjoyed the craft and entertainment booths as well.  A huge thanks to Ellen for lunch and the invitation!

The next weekend I kept Chrissy and Autmn overnight to give Nate and Jen a chance to attend the Metallica concern for his birthday.  Autmn looked so cute and grown up – almost 16.  Can’t believe it. 

After I dropped the girls off at their respective schools, I picked up Kath and we went north to see Mom and John.  We were able to take mom to her medical checkup, get some errands handled, and do some chores.  The rain held off enough so we could take a walk Saturday morning, and the leaves were starting to turn.  Rolling right into Sunday, the church had their Trunk or Treat, and Mary/Joni/I did our area as a matchbox city.  We had a plastic road and a village built with Little People and Fisher Price buildings.  The kids loved the matchboxes and we had a good time handing out the candy. 

The following Friday Kathy, Paul, and their grandson Isaac and I went to Lancaster to the Sight and Sound Theater to see the production of JESUS. Before the play we stopped at Cracker Barrel and Isaac challenged his grandma to a rousing game of checkers.  I hung out for a few minutes at the fireplace, which was hugely blazing and warm!  We stopped at a few shops to pass the time until 3pm, and got a photo in a horse and buggy (not real but very fun!).  The play followed the life of Jesus from when he called his disciples until the day of Pentecost.  My favorite parts where where Jesus calmed the storm (It really rained on stage!) and the scene with Mary and Martha.  I am so blessed to be included in these trips.  They are amazing productions! 

Finally we got to Halloween – we were allowed to dress in costume at work.  I decided to throw a costume together from odds and ends that I had at home, and ended up as a sort of island hippie! It was a fun couple of weeks, and now I’ll wait and see what’s waiting around the corner!