The morning sky looked dramatic – wondering if it was the prediction of what was to come!

Up early this morning to get organized – Deb got to my place at 8am and we rode to Camp Christian together. Even though we live a few miles apart we don’t get to chat much – so we caught up on a lot of stuff. We got there in time to have one of Camp’s signature cinnamon rolls! I’ve been dreaming about those things! Yum!

Once we finished breakfast we walked up to the chapel. The Theme for the Ladies Fall Retreat was LIVING HOPE. We had praise time and some schedule explanations then our main speaker. Her name is Olivia Pelc and she and her family are from Ohio. She’s a nurse, Bible leader, wife and mother of four – ages 1 through 7. She’s had some overwhelming health diagnosis over the past year or two that left her unable to care for herself or her family. She is an inspiration and encouragement to those of us who listened to her journey. We took time to encourage her and to have a prayer circle for her.

Olivia in the gold sweater and headband.

We had a free hour, time to visit and sit on the Mill House porch rockers.

Mill House

Sitting on the porch – Deb on far left; Ashly on far right.

Also the ladies provide items to be sold at the DORCUS Marketplace; and ALL the proceeds go to camp. I bought a few things, including a set of the softest towels I have every felt! And a kitchen dish cloth!

Ladies love to shop!

Towel set and a dish cloth – big surprise that they are purple!

Lunch was great as it usually is. We had a fresh salad, grilled chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy (I NEVER have those!), veggies, and a warm roll. Dessert was either apple crisp with ice cream or cupcakes.

Kathy and Sarah – mother and daughter

Dianne and Amy – Mother and Daughter

Sarah and Erin – new friends!

Directly after lunch Dianne led us in a Bible Trivia game – I did much better than I thought I would. Two of the questions I knew and just stupidly wrote the wrong thing down! But it was all in fun and everyone enjoyed it.

Dianne and Trivia

We had two afternoon workshops – the first one was in the dining hall (Mill House) – Making Peace with your Purpose led by Sarah Owens (my niece). She did a great job, sharing her journey of motherhood raising her daughter Millie (and small son Wyatt).

We had a 10 minute break to check out the DORCAS sale again, then headed up to the chapel for the second workshop. The next workshop was Holiness led by Ashly McMullen. I’ve known Ashly since she was probably 2; Now she has a two year old herself!

We had the closing program then headed home – the sky was very dark and there was lightening in the distance. Glad to make it home before the storm – which it’s doing now! It was a great day at Camp – I have been attending camp programs since I was in 7th grade! A lot has changed – but some of it will always be the same beloved Place Set Apart.

Left: The old chapel and some cabins. Me – age 12!

QUOTE:

PEANUTS:

TOMORROW September 13th is:

National Grandparents Day; National Bald is Beautiful Day; Positive Thinking Day; Uncle Sam Day; National Peanut Day; National Pet Memorial Day; National Hug your Hound Day; National Kids Take over the Kitchen Day.

I can easily celebrate grandparents! I am one and I’ve had several whom I loved dearly! God bless….

On this day in History:

Scripture:

Cool Photos:

One of our favorite spots at camp;

Wading in the creek

Jumping rocks.

Who would have thought: Frisbee Golf at Camp!!!

Since I’m leaving the house early tomorrow morning for a day at Camp, I changed sheets and washed them today, and did a load of regular laundry. I had to go to work for about an hour and handle a customer question – then popped into Dollar Tree for a few cards – birthday, encouragement and wedding. Then headed home to finish the laundry and grab lunch. I committed to taking macaroni salad to the church picnic on Sunday so I did that next. I made it with spaghetti noodles for something different. Sampled a bite and it passed inspection!

Diane dropped off some food for me and we talked for a while. I looked at the grocery list on my fridge and figured I best just get that done. Didn’t take long as I didn’t need much. So now I’ll just need to grab a few things before next weekend so Kelly and I have what we need for the Flax Festival weekend.

A Biltmore Christmas is on right now – so I have it on in the background. I can watch it any time within the next four days after the initial airing. And I will!

She broke the hour glass!!!!

There were a lot of comments and posts about the 25th anniversary of 9/11. It was interesting to hear some of the stories and see photos of the people on the planes or in the towers. Or the responders who helped.

Quote of the DAY:

(Regarding 9/11/01)

PEANTUS?

TOMORROW September 12th is:

Farmers’ Consumer Awareness Day; National Police Women Day; National Day of Encouragement Day; National Video Game Day; National Chocolate Milkshake Day; National Hug and High Five Day; National Just One Human Family Day; National First Aid Day; Drive Your Studebaker Day; Free Dental Day; German Language Day.

Celebrate chocolate milkshakes – Chase will celebrate Video Games. I don’t have a Studebaker and I venture to say most people don’t! God bless….

On this day in History:

Scripture: of sorts – encouragement.

Cool Photos:

The New York Memorial

Flight 93 Memorial

I was pretty busy all day – worked this morning, then popped down to L&L Fleatique. I was looking for a mini pumpkin – like the size of a nickel. Found it!

My castle gets little seasonal additions… The sunflower fairy on the tower.

Sunflower cow and mini pumpkin

Had toast and tomato for lunch, then changed the sheets on the trundle bed in the Flag room. It’s a chore, especially with my wrist not having enough strength to achieve certain tasks. Then I washed the other sheets – one to pass along (I’m not a fan of microfiber) and one to keep for the other beds.

First set of matching sheets for the trundle beds.

I took a few minutes to cut back the mini black eyed Susans growing in the gardens – there were 3 places. Got those bagged and up to the road with the trash. Then I ironed the sewn rice bags and filled them with rice, and stitched them shut. I have 8 for camp and 2 for here. The sunflower one is for the Crooks room, since it matches the theme in there.

Cut back the dead stalks

Rice bags

I have been putting off making potato soup all week – so today was the day. Just finished it, and will let it cool and have a big bowl after I finish posting this.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 11th is:

Patriot Day; National Hot Cross bun Day; National Make Your Bed Day; Libraries Remember Day; National 401(k) Day; No News is Good News Day.

Take a minute to remember Patriot day – Where were you that day? Did you call your mom? I always make my bed! God bless…

On this date in History: Battle of Lake Erie (1813) U.S. Captain Oliver Hazard Perry led a squadron of nine ships to a decisive victory over a British fleet of six warships on Lake Erie during the War of 1812

Scripture: *(of sorts) – food for thought.

Cool photo:

Market Square, Williamsburg. Look at that sky!

Took my time getting moving this morning – read a few chapters in my book, got breakfast, then started cleaning. That’s basically most of my day until mid-afternoon. Dom came after work and cut the grass. It looks perfect. The cooler nights are helping.

Bottom yard looks especially nice.

Side yard

I got a mum for my purple flower pot chair – it’s not blooming yet but it will be dark purple when it does. The petunias were scraggly and dying.

Once I looked at my bedroom, I decided I like my new ‘dresser’ too much than to keep it in the closet. So I moved a few things around. I like it better at least for now.

Much better arrangement if not a bit crowded.

Closet works better.

The marbles and little pouches for the Flax festival were delivered. They will be perfect! The kids can decorate the pouches and we’ll give them a few marbles to put in it. This is in conjunction with a new book (one of two) that we created for next year’s festival. That’s why I made the apron that I posted the other day.

The pen is there for size comparison.

Still needs flowers on it.

I got a little round platform for my lantern in the living room – so it doesn’t sit on the floor. Gives a whole different look and reflection for the lights.

Also put some pretzels in a little fall container to keep upstairs to have with cheese when I need a snack.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

If anyone likes Starbucks, look what they are promoting. I am not a fan of Starbucks but I may have to indulge. Depending on the cost….

TOMORROW September 10th is:

National TV Dinner Day; National Swap Ideas Day; National School Picture Day; Are You OK Day; White Balloon Day.

I’ll celebrate everyone being ok! Try your BEST! God bless…

On this day in History:

Scripture:

Cool Picture:

I’m not sure what happened – I lost my editing capabilities! I’ll see if I can figure it out before tomorrow! Sorry!!!

I had a meeting this morning at Hanna’s Town for the fall tea. We had a nice turnout with lots of input. However, my suggestion were not interesting, although I knew they wouldn’t be! But we did get a lot done. We were there almost 2 hours. I left and went straight to work, where I did title work for my cousin’s friend, then worked on Pinnacle deals. We had another quirky deal but I should be able to finish that up on Thursday. Rege and I got caught up on our holiday weekends. I stopped at Walmart to grab a Snoopy wall calendar for 2027 – I heard they were out and they go super fast! Also broke my sunglasses and got a new pair. That was a good move because there were not a lot left in the style I prefer.

Hanna’s Town

And when I looked outside at breakfast this morning I noticed I had lilacs blooming in my trees! White ones! Those trees are driving me crazy….

Trees are all but dead – but they’ve got flowers!

Autmn stopped yesterday and shared the pictures of her afternoon at the Renaissance Festival. It was kids’ weekend and Cameron had a ball. He loved meeting the mermaid, and having a dragon painted on his face! He’s just growing up so fast! They both looked adorable!

Cameron’s dragon!

Meeting the mermaid – feeling kinda shy!

Dressed for the occasion.

Beautiful mother and son!

Snoopy hay bails at a farm visit on the weekend!

As promised, here is a quick recap from our Skunk Hollow Swim Party at Colleen’s. I’m so glad we got to do that! We were all 10 there at least for a little while, and Kath and I did stay late into the afternoon. We stopped to say hello to Uncle Clifford and Aunt Joan – they had corn for us to share with our families. Such as blessing they are in so many ways!

Holly, Gwen, Connie, Kathy, Beth, Karen V, Gail, Karen O, Colleen – Colleen’s husband Larry at the sink; I was taking pictures.

We had a lot of food – Colleen had different drinks, hot dogs and buns. The rest of us brought side dishes, snacks, desserts, and goodies. We basically ate all afternoon except when we were in the pool. Not everyone went swimming but everyone had a great time talking and relaxing. Beth’s Harold bought r/w/b star headbands for all of us to wear and we all did! It was very festive. Connie is getting married this month, Karen V is dealing with Lyme disease (I can identify!), and Colleen is going to be a grandmother again twice! Kath shared about her trip to TX in October, Gwen’s granddaughter is starting pre-school (age 3!), Beth has a granddaughter in a nursing program at college and a grandson in basic military training. Holly is enjoying a little grandson who likes to have sleepovers, and Karen O and Gail shared just little bits of what was happening. I can always talk about Cameron! I also read my VALLEY FORGE essay that was in the Loyalhanna Review.

Lots of food!

Beth, Karen V, Gail

Gwen, Connie, Kathy

The back of Beth’s head; Gail, Karen O, Colleen

Beth, Karen V, Gail

Holly, Gwen, Connie’s head!

Non-swimmers: Karen O, Connie, Gail.

Gwen with the hat; Colleen, Karen V

Beth and Holly with their feet in – Kathy in the middle (Gwen in hat, Karen V on the left)

Big beautiful pool!

Colleen’s granddaughter Alea brought her earring display collection over and most of us bought something. She’s very talented and she’s been doing this for several years. Appears to be very successful!

Alea’s earrings.

Beth suggested that we plan a trip to the Dillweed for fall rather than a bonfire and we all agreed. So hopefully that will be early November! The day was perfect and being with cousins is always the best place to be!

Dillweed Bed and Breakfast

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 9th is:

On this day in History:1565 First permanent European settlement in the US is founded in St. Augustine, Florida

Scripture

Cool photo:

I could spend some time here…..

Well, yesterday pretty much finished up vacation – except for the 6 hour drive home. We reviewed every detail, the good and the bad (which weren’t really bad) and the easy and the hard (which were, in fact, a little hard to adjust to!).

Williamsburg to Greensburg

I had a good co-pilot – who had to follow the directions we printed to drive DOWN to Williamsburg backwards, so she gets an A-plus. We made it home in good time and avoided the predicted rain – it never did show up. I dropped Kathy off at her place then came home myself. It took me all evening to unload the car, sort out all the suitcases, coolers, packages, and put the house back on ‘live in’ mode, rather than ‘abandoned’ mode! Got laundry done and sorted out receipts and instruction documents and was in bed by 9:30pm. Saturday the 29th was our Skunk Hollow Swim Party at Colleen’s so I’ll post that tomorrow.

Home!

Now – the past week since I’ve been home! I already posted the little segment and photos of Autmn and Cameron stopping after church a week ago Sunday. Worked on Monday and got everyone caught up, including Mike P. Grabbed a few necessary items from Walmart. Tuesday I spent most of the day cleaning, as Kelly and Chase were coming up on Wednesday morning. Updated all my calendars to September and balanced my checkbook. Dom moved for me and I weed whacked…..

work!

After lunch on Wednesday Kelly and I popped over to Gabe’s – Chase says it’s not a visit to Grammy’s if we don’t go to Gabe’s at least once. We had Giannelli’s pizza for supper and went through all the Flax supplies in the shed – then made a list of what we still need.

I asked Kelly to get the little wooden block for me at Hobby Lobby – cute, huh?

Kelly had a boat-load of boxes full of shirts for Camp Christian, so Thursday we met Greg Voss (director) at Sam’s Club so he had them for Labor Day Weekend’s Family Camp. We also took Kathy’s shirts over to her for the Ladies Retreat Weekend – the ‘deanettes’ always get matching shirts. Kelly and I spent time planning and booking our October Gettysburg trip. We had a nasty triple storm about 6pm – just when we planned on starting supper! So we made do with cold foods that were in the house. Power came back on around 2am.

Storm clouds

More clouds

My new Williamsburg Lantern came in handy when the power went out!

Friday the sky was clear and the temps were cooler. Kelly and I drove over to the Thrift Shop in Export. It’s very big and has a ton of stuff! (Yes, Kathy, lots of clothes on the second floor!) Stopped again at Aldi and I got a little dresser to put in my closet – she helped me by putting it together. I really love it! Matt sent Kelly a picture of Ransom (supposed to be Logan’s dog but probably is more Kelly’s dog!) watching out the window for her to come home. She got home about 6pm and that was one happy dog!

Small purple dresser

Dresser

Where is my Mommy? Why isn’t she HERE???

Chase decided to stay until Sunday, and we drove over to get Domino’s pizza for him. The ovens broke down and it took well over an hour to finally get the pizza. But he had it for 2 days’ meals. I worked outside on Saturday and he played online video games with his friends. After lunch on Sunday I took him down to Sheetz to meet his Aunt Kimmie and Uncle Greg and they took him the rest of the way home. I washed the windows and worked on the Word Garden posts.

Today I lazed around doing little in-house chores until about 11am, then ran errands. I got corn and tomatoes from Palmer’s and had some corn for lunch. Also got potatoes at Walmart to make potato soup later. It was super busy at Walmart, and I asked a friend who works there what was going on – I guess 3 other local Walmarts were closed with no electricity so I guess everyone was at ours. I was glad to get home. Finished the laundry and that will be it – now other than tomorrow’s SHWF swim party post I am up to date! I’m sure I posted snippets of all this on other posts but here we are – done!

Karen gave me this mushroom – she forget to bring it in the spring!

Connie found this antique doll for me and knew I would love it – I had the perfect chair for her!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 8th is:

Star Trek Day; National Ants on a Log Day; World Ampersand Day; National Another Look Unlimited Day; Actors’ Day; International Literacy Day; National Dog Walker Appreciation Day; Pardon Day; Telephone Tuesday.

Pardon someone if you must! And I’m sure to talk on the phone! God bless….

On this Day in History:1936 Boulder Dam (now Hoover Dam) on the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona begins operation

Scripture:

Cool Photo:

Chrissy in AJ/UC’s sunflower patch. 2022

Chase and I went to Sunday School and church – he was the only person in his class. We don’t have high school kids and the college kids went back already! The sermon was great – about the examples that King David gave us – not what you’d expect! We came home and I made him Quesadillas. We loaded up his game system and met Aunt Kimmie and Uncle Greg at Sheetz in New Stanton. I grabbed a frozen Coke on the way home!

I had been neglecting my reading this past week – so I kind of took a little time to read a few chapters. I also washed the windows, which is my normal Labor Day laboring! Autmn just stopped to pic up a few things here – Cameron is staying with Noah’s parents for the night. Hope to see him next week!

Back to vacation – day 4 – Thursday. Since we were up early, after breakfast we went out to the mini golf course and played 18 holes. I am certainly NOT an avid golfer and do NOT practice; seldom play at all. But I got three holes in one! So at least I had something to my name!

Kathy at the course

My first hole in one.

Kathy with her eye on the ball!

Third hole in one!

We had been checking the app for the daily schedules for the Historic Area – and Basset Hall was open Thursday! We hadn’t been there in probably 20 years as it was closed. So it was super fun to tour it, especially with a docent and not just a walk through. This is the house that Abby and John D. Rockefeller Jr lived in when they stayed in Williamsburg during and after the restoration – they loved it there, and were very hands on with the work being done. And we found a butterfly in the garden.

Basset House

Front entrance

Added on to several times.

Butterfly

After that we went strait to the Capitol building, since we were told they too were giving building tours with a docent. That was fun as well! So many amazing things happened there in the original building – history was made for sure!

Capitol in the early morning light.

My capitol escort

Where the Burgesses met

County court – where CRY WITCH and TRIAL OF A PATRIOT were held.

British meeting room

DoG Street from the landing window

Out the back from the Capitol

By then it was time for lunch so we had a sandwich and cookie at the Raleigh Bakery – since we were very close by. We walked around to some of the other buildings, and made our way to the art museum auditorium. Thomas Jefferson was explaining some of his philosophies. He’s intelligent and humorous and talented. We have always loved seeing him. He and Martha Washington are my two favorite interpreters in Williamsburg.

And he’s Cute!

Troop inspection.

Palace rear courtyard

Armistead House – the only privately owned building on DoG street, if I remember correctly!

See???

Ludwell Paradise House – first house purchased by John D Rockefeller Jr and Rev. W. A. R. Goodwin for the restoration.

We realized that we were very close to the windmill, farmer, and the gardener – so we walked over there. We were amazed at how tall the corn was, and how fat and round the ears were. There were several plants in the garden area that I didn’t even know what they were but they were unique and beautiful!

Windmill

Tall corn!

Fat corn

Cypress Vine

Ricinus – VERY poisonous! Even to touch!

Two years ago the Foundation acquired the Bray School (for enslaved children) and totally restored it. The interpreter in there had great information, and since it was new (to us) and freshly opened we really enjoyed it.

Bray school

Teacher’s quarters – she had 30 plus kids all day – by herself! Ages 3 to 17!

Just walking around the streets, looking at the houses, feeling the sense of just belonging, make me happy – and still does!

Wheelright.

Market Square Tavern

DoG street toward the Capitol

Court House with Peyton Randolph House in the back left.

Bruton Parish Church

We had our picture taken after supper at the Merry Mushroom with our Kelly-made Williamsburg shirts in front of their Pizza sign! It seemed appropriate!

Just me

Both of us!

After supper and a little more shopping we went to our evening program. No photos of that – not permitted. It was a trial of a patriot who was found guilty of treason – under the supposition that the British won the war and the Colonists lost! Very intriguing.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 7th is:

I’ll buy a book! I plan to avoid LABOR! God bless…

On this day in History:1982 Pittsburgh Pirates retire Willie Stargell‘s #8

Scripture:

Cool Photo:

OK – here we are at Saturday. I changed and washed bed sheets, and will still have ironing to do later. Chase finished his pizza for lunch and I had the last slice of Wednesday’s Giannilli’s one. My first chore this morning was to make a small apron from a piece of flax material that Mom gave me when I first published the Fields of Blue book. Kelly is going to get flowers imprinted on the front (I’m sending it home with Chase tomorrow). That took a while – because the material was very old and I didn’t want to waste it or make a mess. I think it turned out nice, although it’s not totally done.

I balanced my bank statement – first time, no errors – which was a relief. I have been taking my time and paying closer attention to my entries…. Then I went outside for an hour and pulled weeds and cut back dead stalks. As fall creeps up there will be more of that to do. Something DID bite me on the arm – and now it’s itchy.

This is all cut back

Cleaned up

Itchy!

OK – now back to day 3 of Williamsburg – Wednesday. We went down to the lobby/breakfast room with the chickens and had a nice breakfast.

Chicken watching us eat!

Chicken overhead – and lots of room to eat breakfast.

Our friend JoAnn Peterson was doing a presentation on the Unsinkable Molly Brown at a nearby senior living community and was able to get our name on the list. I learned a lot about Margaret Brown, including that she didn’t like to be called Molly, and actually never was! And she was very civic minded and used her talents and finances to help her community and her neighbors – in addition to surviving the Titanic! Very good portrayal. And we even made her Facebook page!

Margaret Brown –

From her personal page.

(The groupies are Kath and me!)

We got back to the motel about noon and grabbed a snackish lunch – then walked around town visiting the trade shops and speaking with people of character in the Historic area. At 2pm went went to the Art Museum auditorium to see George Mason – and it was very interesting! He was very much a family man!

Kathy posing with George in the Visitor Center.

Kathy with Patrick Henry – I hear he’s retiring – after 30 years – in January!

George Mason

Preach on, Sister!

Peruke Maker shop (wig maker)

Blacksmith shop

We were able to walk through more of the shops and houses.

Horse pasture behind the Public Goal (Jail)

What did I do to deserve THIS??

Gardens, fences and houses

Print shop/printer – my favorite shop

Inking the presses

This picture is ‘tradition’ – we always get one taken here every trip. Behind the print shop.

We made it to Christiana Campbell’s Tavern for our supper reservation. Kathy had fried chicken and I had fish. It was OK – but we decided we needed a break from traditional 18th century meals! Bring on the pizza!

The tavern is the white building with the 4 upstairs windows.

My fish dinner

Kathy’s chicken.

We walked back down to Merchant’s Square (traditional shopping) – and enjoyed taking in the ambiance of the Colonial houses, quaint buildings, and shaded benches. This trip, that was my favorite part!

Duke of Gloucester Street – from the capitol toward Merchant Square

We got back to the room with plenty of time to swim – and since it was still 80-plus degrees the water felt good in the evening air. It was, in fact, a great day!

Pool at night (not us!)

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 6th is:

National Pastor’s Spouses Day; National Read a Book Day; National Coffee Ice Cream Day; Great Egg Toss Day; National Pet Rock Day.

I will for sure read a book. I had a pet rock before it was a ‘thing’ – her name was Sylvia and she had a shoebox bed and her own blanket! We can celebrate my sister as a pastor’s spouse (among a few others I know, like Heather Payton and Lynn Pelc, and Patty Buschek was…. And Kathy will also be celebrating coffee ice cream day! God bless…

On this day in History:

My Aunt Gail graduated in 1957, the first graduating class of the new school.

Scripture:

Cool picture:

We have had a few busy days – running errands, going through our supply of items for the Stahlstown Flax Festival which is September 19th and 20th. We had shopping to do, and meals to cook, a trip to plan – Kelly and I are going back to Gettysburg in October. But anyway – yesterday evening the storms got really bad, and super intense — in fact Greensburg and Hempfield Township both declared a state of disaster. Our power was out yesterday from a little after 6pm until in the middle of the night. That wasn’t too bad, but we were just starting supper and you can’t cook without a functioning kitchen! We had cold pizza and went to bed!

Today we planned on going to the craft festival at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds – but it was wet and muddy and drizzling so we went to a thrift retail shop in Export. It was fun to look around and they had SO MUCH STUFF! I got a little picture frame and a tiny purple bowl. Chase decided to stay until Sunday so we are ready to run over to get a pizza at Domino’s for his supper and tomorrow’s lunch. So – I’m taking a quick break…..

Well, here we are an hour and a half later. Domino’s had their oven quit working and had to have it repaired before they could bake the pizza! So we were sitting in the parking lot from 8:04pm until 9:10pm and that doesn’t count drive time. But Chase is eating his pizza happily and I am going to jump off here and find my own slice! I’ll post tomorrow — God bless…

Chase and his games!

I apologize for doing this – but the vacation recap is going to be delayed until Friday afternoon! Kelly and Chase are here, and we have a LOT to do, things to accomplish, plans to make, etc. Thanks for understanding – catch you Friday. God Bless…

Just a fun picture to make you smile!