When I got to work this morning there was a lot to do. Rege and Ken were both off last week and they had to catch up – and a lot of it ended up in my bin! I knew I had Jerome the paint guy heading over this morning, so I went to work and did what I HAD to do, then brought the deals home to organize and review. There was a lot to clean up.

Autmn stopped by to bring me a birthday gift. It’s one of those garden kneelers with handles on the sides to help you get up. Or you can turn it upside down and sit on it. So thoughtful and I can’t wait to use it!

You can sit on it, or….

…kneel on it. And it has a little pouch for garden tools, a drink and even a cell phone!

She also left Cameron here for a few hours – she was determined to finish painting today and this was the only day she didn’t have enough sitters. So Chase and I kept him here for a while, then Noah’s family picked him up for the rest of the day. I did have a lot to do – I had to go back to work and finish everything, first of all. But he does like playing with his barn.

Animals getting tucked into bed.

And yesterday I took my sweeper to the little Vacuum Cleaner shop in Greensburg. He took the bottom cover off and pieces just started flying and dropping everywhere. It was so brittle and cracked. So I guess you could say it died on the operating table! I wasn’t entirely happy with the ONE product he had to replace my broken one, so I zipped out to the mall. I thought Penny’s might have something. Well, no – they don’t.

Maybe I’ll have to settle for this!

But I did get my little cow trivet – and while I was in Barbara Ann’s I noticed that they not only have summer products, and America250 products, but also Halloween and Christmas! When I was at WOW outlet last week they have a whole section of inflatable Christmas decorations, lit trees, and ornaments on display. Wow. Not even July 4th yet!

Halloween…

Christmas

Cow Trivet

So today after work I stopped at Walmart to check out the sweepers. They had three that I thought would work well – Bissell and Shark. However all they had were the display models – none actually for purchase. Bummer. So, still on the hunt. I could order on line but I really want to see them and figure out if I like certain features. I’ll keep looking – but probably not this week.

I just came inside from mowing – and that’s it for my day. Jerome’s paint crew will be back tomorrow to prime and paint the foundation and the decks – yea! So I’ll stay close to home for sure.

Grass is cut…

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 24th is:

International Fairy Day; National Bakewell Tart Day; National Day of Joy; National Parchment day; National Patch Day; National Pralines Day; National Relationship Equity Day; National Upcycling Day; Reserves Day; Swim a Lap Day; World UFO Day.

My writer friend Linda C will be celebrating fairies! It’s always a good day to be joyful. Probably won’t be swimming – and doubtfully will see a UFO! God bless…

On this day in History:2014 Claude Monet‘s Water Lilies is sold at auction for US$54 million

I will catch you up tomorrow on today’s activities. It was a decent day but busy. Autmn called me about 4pm and JoJo needed a break from watching Cameron. He was quite willing to come and spend the late afternoon with me – and he was much better behaved that I thought he might be. I met Autmn at Nate’s with Cameron (they are staying there this week while Chase is here) and when Cameron and I pulled into the driveway, Cameron said ‘We’re HERE! Whew!’ It was very funny.

Chase and I got food, I watched day 15 of JD (History Traveler)’s Sea to Shining Sea – they were at Buffalo Bill Cody’s mansion. I’ll share my vacuum cleaner experiences tomorrow! God bless…

A special happy Father’s Day to the amazing dads in our lives! First to my dad – he was fun and giving and very caring. He shared with others every way he could. Then to Matt, Nate, and Noah – such wonderful families you have to love and teach! Blessings to you all!

Mom, Dad and me (I was 6)

Matt and Logan

Nate with his ‘little’ girls! So long ago…

Noah with Cameron

Church and Sunday School were very nice – always blessed to be there. And today it felt like an extra blessing. It was announced that HCC’s mortgage has been officially paid off. It felt like a very emotional moment and I’m very excited that we have accomplished that.

After church Chase and I stopped at Shop and Save – it’s the last day of their sale. I was able to find my favorite Klondike ice cream bars, so I’m set for a while.

We picked up a Domino’s Pizza for Chase, then I got Autmn from her dad’s and took her to the new place. They are making progress and we are all thankful! We made a quick stop to get a gallon of paint and some snacks. I dropped Autmn off then headed home. I decided I would make a few chocolate covered peanut butter pretzels, and I used the left over melted chocolate to cover a few chocolate chip mini cookies.

Peanut butter pretzels.

On the detour from Nate’s to Route 70 there was a deer standing along the road. It was very comfortable just standing there watching us. Autmn sent a picture to Cameron as he loves ‘reindeer’!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 22nd is:

B Kinder Day; International Being You Day; National Chocolate Eclair Day; National HVAC Tech Day; National Onion Rings Day; World Rainforest Day; National Kissing Day.

Always good to be kind. Never been to a rainforest! God bless…

On this day in History:1879 Frank Winfield Woolworth opens his first successful “Woolworth’s Great Five Cent Store” on North Queen Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

I got up early this morning to start the day. I made 3 trays of chocolate covered Pretzels (Stars and Flags shaped) and one of mint Oreos with Dark Chocolate. Once that was done and the mess cleaned up (I always make a mess melting chocolate!) I heard Chase getting up – so I told him I was going garage sale-ing – Fort Allen had their community yard sale today. I have never seen so many people or cars or sales in Fort Allen in all the years I’ve lived here – since 1976! I got Cameron a cute little wooden barn that matches his Easter blocks, and also a small Christmas picture frame. Spent $4!

Milk chocolate covered pretzels

Dark chocolate covered mint Oreos

Wooden barn – not TOO little.

Did a few loads of laundry when I got back, then Chase and I went to the mall. I was out of hand soap from Bath and Body for the bathroom. Got a few Father’s Day things while I was there. We were heading to Chick Fil-A and took a second in the Second-Hand store – found two Beanie Babies – one cow and one skunk. I know Beth already had a skunk that my mom gave her – but my original goal is now complete. I actually personally found TEN Beanie Baby Skunks!

TEN! Count ’em!

Our cow collection – the new one is top left.

Chase found a video game that he wanted for his birthday – so I was able to get it for him. Made us both happy!

Chase and I zipped down to Nate’s and gave Autmn the little items for her dad (from Autmn and Chrissy!) and for Noah from Cameron, then stopped at Shop and Save for Klondikes. They are on sale from $5.00 to $2.88 a package. Good bargain! On the way home we saw that one of the houses that had a sale today had set everything left over out for the trash. They had wooden snack trays – we use those every day at my house. So we picked the two up that weren’t broken and now I have two more for parties and dinners. So – profitable day. And I got a little ‘FLAG’ folding table for snacks and casual work. Light weight and portable.

Snack trays

My table for the Flag Room.

I just looked out the door and it’s POURING down rain! BUT — there is a FULL RAINBOW out as well. Wow. Sun is shining and — now it’s a DOUBLE rainbow (although faint!)

Full rainbow

Very bright!

You can see the second one on top very faintly – Chase took this one.

So last night when Jerome the Paint Guy called and said he was coming Saturday or Sunday to power wash, I knew I had to move everything off the decks and away from the foundation.

Pealing foundation…

Everything off the decks

Everything lined up….

That included cutting back some shrubs. While I was at it I pulled a few weeds.

Weeded to expose Hosta

Cleared around little rock walls

A patch of day lilies

Rose Campion – from Grama Crooks and Crownvetch (lilac-colored)

Weeded more around the tree

Chase put the little Bistro table and chairs under that tree – and it looks so quaint and cute I almost wanted to leave it there. But I’d have to move it (and it’s SUPER heavy) to mow, plus the poopy birds (literally) in the tree would make a mess. So once the front porch is painted and dry I will put them back.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 21st is:

Father’s Day; National Cookie Dough Day; National Dachshund Day; National Peaches ‘N’ Cream Day; National Selfie Day; National Smoothie Day; National Seashell Day; National Turkey Lovers’ Day; National Yard Games Day; Shades for Migraine; World Motorcycle Day.

I do miss my dad! Not a fan of selfies or smoothies. Turkey is ok but not a favorite. I’m past my motorcycle phase! God bless!

On this day in History:1908 Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery receives her first copy of her novel “Anne of Green Gables” (published April 1908, a bestseller)

( – an absolute favorite!!!!)

I know you guys are tired of hearing this — but I’m going to wait until tomorrow to post. Long day – worked two places this morning, got Autmn and all their stuff from Jaime’s to Nate’s for a few days, drove to Latrobe to get melting chocolate (gonna do pretzels tomorrow!) and got Chase Chick Fil-A for supper. Now it’s time to make a salad. My paint guy Jerome is coming tomorrow so I had to take everything off the decks (Chase helped) and away from the foundation and cut back some prickly shrubs. So that’s it for me! I’ll catch up Saturday.

Tomorrow June 20th is:

International Surfing Day; International Tennis Day; National American Eagle Day; National Dog Party Day; National Hike with a Geek Day; National Vanilla Milk Shake Day; West Virginia Day; World Juggling Day; World Productivity Day.

Tomorrow is also a community yard sale in Fort Allen. We’ll see if I can squeeze that in! God bless…

On this day in History:1778 George Washington‘s Continental Army troops finally leave Valley Forge, their winter encampment

Seventy-Six. Seems really old to me. But other than getting tired earlier in the evenings I don’t feel any older! I worked this morning for a short while – but have to go in tomorrow for a short time. I got home the same time as Kelly and Chase arrived. We got everything organized and settled in. Kelly was making sails to put on hot dogs for their 4-H picnic for ‘boats’. She bought me Jioio’s pizza for lunch – my favorite! Yea! Thanks, Kelly!

Chase’s nest for the week – favorite blanket!

I’ve received a bunch of lovely cards in the mail, and tons of Facebook messages for my birthday. Ruth Ann (Kelly’s Mother in Law) made me a beautiful Red/White/Blue ornament. I think it’s a ‘liberty’ bell. Peyton sent a card that sings happy birthday when you open in. The trick is that you can’t turn it off. So far we are at 5 hours of continuous singing. I finally put it in the garage… I certainly won’t forget THAT!

Hand-made by Ruth Ann.

The card that keeps on singing.

Kelly took Chase for his Home School Junior Year evaluation – so now he is officially a senior! Can’t believe – one more year of high school! Congrats Chase!

Chase – I surprised him!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 19th is:

National Garfield the Cat Day; Juneteenth; National Watch Day; International Box Day; National Flip Flop Day.

I haven’t worn a watch since I got a cell phone! Blessings —

On this day in History:1864 Siege of Petersburg: Ulysses S. Grant ends four days of assaults and begins a nine month siege

Nate and Dave stopped early this morning and put the screen back in the window. So that’s handled and all is well.

I had a cup of tea and then started cleaning. Took my time – sort of – and got it all finished in time to get the house cleaned.

I was cutting the back yard afterwards and I looked across at the neighbors and there was a family of skunks waddling down through their yard! It took me too long to get my camera out and focused but at least you can see part of them. There were 4 or 5 small ones and a mommy. They squeezed under the wooden fence and disappeared. Wow. Hope I don’t see them again. Maybe they were going to Grama’s house! But at least I got the weed whacking done and the grass cut.

Not a great picture – but there was a total mass of them!

Crawling under the fence.

Bottom yard mowed.

I was sitting on my park bench and saw a little chipmunk sitting on the deck steps – then when I put the mower away there was a rabbit by the shed. Must be ‘animal day’ in Ft. Allen!

Chipmunk

Rabbit

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 18th is:

National Go Fishing Day; National Splurge Day; National Wanna Get Away Day; Clean your Aquarium Day; International Panic Day; National Picnic Day; Wear Blue Day.

No fishing or splurging for me – I could use getting away! Panic has been becoming fairly normal lately – but nothing too distressing. Pizza tomorrow so that could be a picnic! God bless…

On this day in history: 1885 Statue of Liberty arrives in NYC aboard French ship `Isere’

First, I want to wish a lovely, happy, healthy birthday to my boss, Barry Freger. Barry and I worked together at Smail’s before Pinnacle – in fact, he was the manager that assigned me my first demo – a 1996 (brand new!) Pontiac Grand Am – dark green! I loved that car. So have a great day, Barry and a great year!

My bosses – Ken, Sir Rege and Barry – Happy birthday – 70 is great!

So it was an intense Monday evening and also Tuesday morning – but that is behind us all and it’s time to post this and get some sleep. Autmn and Cameron are staying with Jaime for a few days – and Noah is at the trailer (I think). He did take time to play with his blocks and his little horse – he loves those animals!

My busy little guy!

Starting back at last night: Kathy and I had signed up for a program in Norwin – a presentation by JoAnn Peterson of Amazing Women of History (U.S.). In Monday’s program she portrayed Abigail Adams, and she does such an excellent job. It’s incredible to hear her share a bit about life in the 1770’s and also her personal journey. Truly it was great.

Abigail Adams – wife of our second President, John Adams

Abigail Adams

aka JoAnn Peterson

I worked this morning – only a few things to do but it took a while. Then I stopped to help Mike P with a few deals. Picked up a prescription and got gas in the Mazda – then took Autmn and Cameron down to Nate’s to pick up her laundry. We stopped at Taco Bell to see Chrissy (Aunt Sissy – she works there!) and have a taco. Jojo and Penny wanted ice cream so Autmn had me stop at the Frost Shack down the road from me and got them all treats. I didn’t get home until 2pm.

I got busy stripping and remaking the spare beds and cleaning up the rooms. Did a load of laundry and of towels. Did not have time to pull weeds today. Left a little before 4pm to pick up Kathy – we stopped at Chick Fil A for a birthday supper (a little early – she will be out of town on Thursday and wanted to treat me!). Yum! Kathy also gave back our Susie Squirrel – dressed in her America 250 outfit and holding a loaf of bread. Susie is portraying Jennie Wade, who was making bread for the Union soldiers at Gettysburg during the Civil War when she was killed by a stray bullet. I’m honored to host Susie for the second half of the year!

Jennie Wade Squirrel – holding the soldiers’ bread

JoAnn Peterson was doing another presentation in Latrobe – Mercy Otis Warren. SO Kathy and I attended. Mercy was an amazing woman – accomplished so much for our nation, including being very instrumental in having the Bill of Rights added to our constitution. Very interesting portrayal and great information!

Mercy Otis Warren 1788

Look at this dress!

See how close the dress she is wearing resembles the dress in the book she’s holding? Actual picture of Mercy Otis Warren.

We all got to sign the Declaration of Independence!

Hard to see – but my name is near the top left and Kathy’s is below mine (space between)

Once I got home I did another load of laundry and then talked to Nate – we had a lot to discuss and I think we both felt better afterwards. He is going to stop tomorrow and reinstall the window screen that fell out of the spare room window – with a little help of two little hands! He was taking selfies in the car – and took his face and feet and a view through the sun roof of the clouds!

Cameron’s feet!

Two little eyes and blond hair!

Cameron’s Clouds!

I took this one….

I took this through the sunroof!

I still have to make the one spare bed before I can go to bed, and put a load of clothes in the dryer. Then I’m done. Tomorrow I will clean and maybe mow if I can. I was looking for the planets in the western sky but it seems there is too much cloud cover! But in the meantime here are my lit solar butterflies!

Quote of the DAY:

I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight!

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 17th is:

Global Garbage Man Day; National Apple Strudel Day; National Cherry Tart Day; National Eat Your Vegetables Day; National Mascot Day; National Root Beer Day; World Croc Day.

I appreciate our garbage men – what would we do with our trash if they didn’t come for it? Are French Fries veggies? God bless…

On this date in History: 1903 Ford Motors under Henry Ford incorporates

Sorry to break it to you – but no post tonight. And I do have a few things to post about! Maybe tomorrow or Wednesday! Hugs!

Small improvement in my sleep last night – but still up and down. It’s 6pm and I don’t feel sleepy but running out of motivation and energy! We finished up the ‘God’s Will’ lesson by Bill Pullin in Sunday School, and Todd preached on the next session of John 3:16. God loved, and GAVE: It’s up to us to accept and believe. He can’t do that for us.

I needed a few food items (seems like that happens a lot these days!) so after church I stopped first at Aldi’s. I needed just a few things. I was in line to check out with my dozen items and the cashier rang them up with the order in front of me. I stepped up and said those were mine, and he needed to separate them. He told me that the lady was generously paying for my order – and she said she liked to pay it forward when she could. We chatted for a few minutes – she handed me a card that basically said ‘God Loves You’. We have a mutual acquaintance that now attends church at Hempfield. But I had never had that happen to me and I thanked her several times!

So I finished a few other chores and popped into Big Lots – I wanted to get a small (short) string of solar lights for the front deck, since the back ones look so nice and are so easy! The cashier rang up my purchase and informed me that today was customer appreciation day and I would get a 10% discount. So God had his hand in giving me a bit of a spiritual lift today. Much needed and appreciated!

After lunch of potato salad, watermelon (that Gen left for me) and an Oreo I did some chores in the house. I haven’t heard from the kids so I don’t know if they are coming tonight or not. So I didn’t want to get into a big project. After catching up on emails I went outside to pull weeds and thin out plants by the steps in the garden. I’m determined to spend a half an hour a day cleaning up outside if I can. Today I cleared the butter cups from both sides of the steps, and finally got everything cleaned out from around the forsythia.

Left side of steps

Right side of steps

Forsythia

‘Before’ picture from yesterday – forsythia.

It’s windy and I did hear a rumble of thunder – chance of storms but the sky is fairly clear. Tomorrow is laundry, chiropractor, and an historic program by Abigail Adams in Irwin with Kathy. Hoping to make it all work!

Front sky

Back sky

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 15th is:

National Big Boy Day (the train or the sandwich??); National Smile Power Day; Nature Photography Day; Clean your Vents Day; Global Wind Day; National Bug Busting Day; National Prune Day; Sneak a Kiss Day; Take your Cat to Work Day.

I doubt I’ll clean vents, although they need it. It’s windy right now! I just killed a bug on the door – no kiss-sneaking! No cat! God bless…

On this day in History: 1777 US Continental Congress adopts the Stars & Stripes flag, designed by Francis Hopkinson, replacing the Grand Union flag

(Just hear there is a tornado warning!!! Yikes!!!)