Today was a mix of rain, clouds and sunshine. For the most part we had a good day, and all the events on the schedule could take place. There were several fife and drum groups, and lots of cannon and gunfire. I was assigned to the upstairs area of the tavern so I missed most of it except for what I could see from inside, looking out the window. I was ‘working’ with several lovely guides so we had many conversations in between visitors.

The one time I was taking a picture from the upstairs window, and a reenactor from one of the troops saw me sitting in the window. He asked me to wave to him — and he took MY picture as I was taking his!

After a yummy lunch at the food tent I set up my book table. I had several people stop, and one bought a book. That was a pleasant surprise as that is rare at those type of events. We got quite a storm at 4pm so I loaded up and took everything inside. I’ll try again tomorrow!

I met Mark and his son Jake (and Jake’s wife Krista) at my place at 6pm to transfer a title. We got that handled and they invited me back to Paul’s house for pizza. It was a nice visit — it’s not too often I get together with those cousins. There was Mark and Jake and Krista; Paul and Laura and Nike; Mike and Talya. Plus me, a cat, and two HUGE dogs! We had Rocco’s pizza and dessert and lots of conversation! Very nice evening! (And sorry – I totally forgot to take pictures!!!)

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TOMORROW July 30th is:

National Climb a Mountain Day; International Day of Friendship; National Whistleblower Day; National Cheesecake Day; National Father-in-law Day.

I don’t have a father in law – never did. I’ll go for the day of friendship! Enjoy… God bless.

TODAY we celebrate the birthdays of two of our Skunk Hollow Cousins: Karen Valyo and Gwen Sadler. Happy, happy birthday ladies and many more! Love you!

I could not fall asleep last night- It was almost 3am when I last looked at the clock. I’m really ready for bed but need to finish this evening’s chores. Have to get organized for tomorrow as I have to leave here at 8am to get to Hanna’s Town for my early shift in the tavern! But as I sit here typing the wind is kicking up and the evening sky is dark even for 9pm.

On top of that I got up early and even before breakfast went outside and weed whacked. It’s usually a 45 minute job – today it was two hours, and I fully expended both batteries. And I didn’t finish. I had to lug the electric blower out to clean up, then drag out the hose to scrub the white fence. I finished weed-whacking and blowing when I got home tonight at about 6:30pm. But it’s all done for now. Probably within the hour all the weeds will grow back!

I had a few important emails to attend to this morning, then left the house about 1:20pm to get Autmn. The mountains in the distance were beautiful. Mt. Pleasant has so many beautiful views but I couldn’t take them while driving. I got to sit in on her checkup – they just weighed her, measured her tummy, and listened to the baby’s heartbeat. I have two kids and five grandkids and I’ve never heard an unborn baby’s heartbeat! THAT was very cool. I was honored to be part of her journey. We stopped at Walmart on the way home and picked up a few things for her and Noah.

From Autmn’s I went straight to Hanna’s Town. The Civil War ladies hosted a tea, with cookies made from a Civil War era recipe. They were very good – especially the ginger cookies! There were four or five ladies hosting, and we were privileged to meet a few of the distinguished guests at the encampment, such as President Lincoln, General McClellan, and General Grant. I think the weekend is going to be super fun!

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TOMORROW July 29th is:

National Lasagna Day; National Lipstick Day; International Tiger Day; National Chicken Wing Day.

If you are local, come out TOMORROW to Hanna’s Town and visit the Civil War reenactment. It’s worth the time! God bless…

This morning I worked both stores, and stopped to do something for Mike P. He wasn’t there but Renee was there so we worked it out. From there I popped down to Mt. Pleasant to pick Autmn up – she needed a ride to her mom’s. So I switched my day around and was able to do that for her. Noah is picking her up after he’s done work.

After lunch – as is my normal schedule these days – I took a half hour reading break. I’m re-reading the Birch Harbor series by Liz Bromke – I’m on book three. I read it before but I still love reading them.

I had some business and personal emails to answer, then I made another bath of Cinnamon Rolls for Peyton’s party. I’ll probably do one more, maybe two. I have time.

I kept putting off mowing because of the heat, and when it finally cooled off I sent outside to cut it — and it started raining! Bummer. But it only rained for about a minute and a half, so I was able to get the grass cut. If I get a chance in the morning I will weed whack. I walked around and checked the flowers – there are several things blooming. The grass looks nice – except for the unexplained brown patches in the bottom yard!

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TOMORROW July 28th is:

World Conservation Day; National Get Gnarley Day; National Waterpark Day; National System Administrator Appreciation Day; National Milk Chocolate Day; National Talk in an Elevator Day; Buffalo Soldiers Day.

Look up ‘Buffalo Soldiers.’ Interesting. I can get behind Mike Chocolate Day – but I prefer dark chocolate! And the best thing about waterparks is the lazy river — with the waterfalls! Have a great day! God bless…

I was up and moving early this morning, and was able to clean the whole upstairs before I had to get ready to meet my friend (and former neighbor on Mohawk Drive) at Bob Evans for breakfast. It was so nice to catch up and hear about her boys and granddaughter, and her two poodles Charlie and Gracie. Of course I filled her in on my job and family and adventures! Thanks, Ginny, for a wonderful time.

When I got home I got to work cleaning the downstairs. That took me a little longer because Three Wise Men and a Baby was on and I kept pausing in the middle of a chore to watch it! That movie makes me laugh, and we all need to laugh!

The last chore before posting was to cut the branches of the Rose of Sharon and Tansy that were poking through the fence. I got it all done, except the little tiny one that is directly under the loose post on Dottie’s side. Hoping that gets fixed so I can get that done!

Autmn sent me a txt photo of her haircut. She got a LOT cut off! The first picture is from yesterday when she’s holding her hamster. You can see that her hair is down past her waist. Noah said this is his favorite haircut ever. I told her she should hang on to that guy! He’s a keeper!

And here is another picture of the publication party:

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TOMORROW July 27th is:

National Love is Kind Day; National Korean War Veteran’s Armistice Day; National Chili Dog Day; National New Jersey Day; National Creme Brulee Day; National Scotch Day; National Refreshment Day.

I can truly embrace Love is Kind Day. My dad was in the Korean War. No Chili Dogs OR Scotch for me! Have a happy Thursday. God bless…

We had a nasty round of storms through the night. First thing I did this morning was check the yards for fallen branches, etc. But everything was fine. I spent about 45 minutes sitting in the office in Jeannette, talking to Sir Rege and Barry. Not sure we solved anything but we affirmed each other, for sure! There were a few things in Greensburg.

As promised last week, here is the picture that Ella drew for me when she was working with her pappy. It’s a purple cat, and I didn’t even tell her I liked purple!

After my chiropractor’s appointment at Align, I drove down to Mt. Pleasant and picked Autmn up. I was excited to see where she lives and help her with an appointment. She had to have routine bloodwork done, and it was one of those ‘drink glucose’ or something then wait an hour. We spent the whole hour chatting and it was a nice visit. We probably drove the other people in the waiting room crazy but my guess is we were entertaining!

After the appointment we stopped at McDonalds (aren’t pregnant women always hungry???). She was txting Chrissy to tell her we were heading down there, and I got a txt message from Chrissy asking for food! 🙂 So we took Chrissy cheeseburgers, fries, and a Sprite. I got home at about 4:10pm. But it was a nice day.

I then spent time outside, spreading Weed and Feed, then an hour pulling weeds and trimming stray shrub branches. Again, I was so sweaty and grassy that I took a quick shower. Now I’m typing and will get something to eat.

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TOMORROW July 26th is:

National Disability Independence Day; National Bagelfest Day; National Aunt & Uncles Day; National Coffee Milkshake Day; National All or Nothing Day.

Happiest day of days to Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford. I am so blessed to have them in my life! The milkshake thing is ok, but CHOCOLETE, not COFFEE! God bless…

It was quiet at work this morning – I ran a few errands on the way home and was still here before noon. Made a deposit at the bank and paid the cabin taxes. All done…

During lunch (the last of the potato soup) I made a chore list. There were a lot of little things on the list, like refilling the scratch paper in the kitchen. I pulled weeds on the hill for over an hour, took a break and then cut the grass. I tried to talk myself out of it, but there was a cool breeze and the back yard was totally in the shade.

After the grass was cut I stuck the yard sign out for Hanna’s Town Civil War weekend. I’m going to have a table out there for a couple of hours with LETTERS TO MARY so I’m excited. My schedule is Saturday from 9am to 1pm in the tavern (docent) and then from 1pm to 5pm in my little book booth. Sunday after Sunday School I will be in my book booth from 10:45am to 1pm, and in the tavern from 1pm to 3pm. Come on out – there will be a lot to see and do!

Here are a few pictures of the LR party that I just got online:

Last night when I turned off the lights I noticed that the outside lights reflected on the door like a curtain. Very cool!

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TOMORROW July 25th is:

National Hire a Veteran Day; National Wine & Cheese Day; National Hot Fudge Sundae Day; National Thread the Needle Day; National Merry-go-Round Day.

TOMORROW is 5 months til Christmas day (Thanks, Ron, for the reminder!). Have a Hot Fudge Sundae and celebrate! God bless…

I always think I am going to get the Word Garden posted early – and then… I don’t! But I did sleep well last night, as I was very tired at the end of the day. It was a good tired. The only crazy thing was that we had a lot of water left over from the party, and I was trying to stack it. I knocked into the stand where I keep the extras, and there were a few cans of soda on the top. Two of them flew through the air, hit the garage floor, and burst open. Sticky pop all over everything! So after I got the car unloaded I got the hose and some cleaner and got everything cleaned up. Today I took some time to organize the shelves and it’s much better now!

We didn’t have any students in Sunday School this morning – so Mary and I changed the bulletin board and organized the supply closet down the hall. We also found some crafts that we can use for our upcoming lessons so it was a profitable day. Our music leader was on vacation, so Patty, Jim and Dianne (along with Isaac on the drums) took the stage and it was so lovely to have them back, even for one week. Todd’s message was about Oppression – We have to recognize that God sees oppression and responds. 1) God always has a plan. 2) God’s plan rarely plays out like we think it will. Do you trust God? Proverbs 16:3.

But now let’s recap the Loyalhanna Review party. In the morning Tamara and her husband and I got everything decorated. They did most of it – but I got the tables done. We tested the sound system and I was amazed that it went smoothly. We got back to the church about 5:30pm and started putting out the last minute things. Nancy and Tom and their daughter Nicole, plus Joe and Susan Potts and Stacy D., helped set everything up.

Linda, Anita, and Judith worked the registration table, and Ruth (Editor) acted as M.C. Ruth had about a dozen people read excerpts from their essays and poems. There were a lot of lovely photos in the magazine, as well.

The food was very well received and almost everything was consumed. It was lovely visiting with everyone. My friend Alicia brought me prints of some waterfall pictures she took at Watkins Glen. I plan to frame one or two and hand them up.

Once the program was over, about a dozen people pitched in and helped tear everything down. I was so grateful for the help, and we had everything neat and tidy in no time. I even managed to shut the sound system down correctly!

After lunch today I went through all the boxes and bins and sorted everything out. Now decorations and supplies are all tucked away where they belong, much of it ready for Kelly to borrow when it’s time for Peyton’s party. Kathy stopped over with a check for the cabin taxes, and we stood in the garage and talked for about half an hour! It was good to catch up.

There were fresh veggies on the table at church, so in between everything else I made a zucchini casserole and roasted veggies. That will be several meals this week. Since I didn’t have the energy or motivation to cut the grass, I pulled weeds for about an hour. I saw my neighbor Al walking his dog (he’s the one with the antique cars), and got some details about his wife Joyce. She’s in the hospital and is struggling with pain and very weak. Please pray for both of them – much appreciated!

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TOMORROW July 24th is:

National Tequila Day; National Drive-thru Day; National Amelia Earhart Day; International Self Care Day; National Thermal Engineer Day; National Cousins Day.

YEA FOR COUSINS! Sending hugs to the Violets and the Skunk Hollow Girls! Love you! And tomorrow is also five months until Christmas Eve. God bless!

Today was the Loyalhanna Review Publication Party. It was very nice to have some help – and Tamara and her husband came out early and did a great job with decorations. They were very creative. Everything looks great.

Before we left that morning session, we went into the sound board and did a test run to turn on and off the sound system and mic. It wasn’t as intimidating as I feared so I think for the ‘main event’ it will be fine. Here is a ‘teaser’ from the party – I’ll post details tomorrow!

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TOMORROW July 23rd is:

National Vanilla Ice Cream Day; Gorgeous Grandma Day; National Parents Day.

Ice Cream! Yes! And I know SO MANY gorgeous grandmas. I can celebrate parents day because: 1) I had parents and 2) I am a parent and 3) I know TONS of parents. God bless…

I seldom do this, but this is going to be a very short post! Not much to report. Kelly and Chase left this morning before 8am, just as the neighbor’s workers started ripping their roof off. Noisy! I spent most of the day catching up on laundry and cleaning. The house really needed a thorough going-over.

Right now I’m sitting here listening to Hallmark’s A CHRISTMAS WALTZ movie and watching the fireflies out the window. I just came back from Irwin Walmart and got almost everything I needed. Two stops in the morning to pick up the helium balloons and a few bags of ice and I’m set. Tomorrow will be a busy day!

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TOMORROW July 22nd is:

National Rat Catchers Day; National Hammock Day; National Day of the Cowboy; National Penuche Fudge Day.

I think I’ll leave tomorrow alone, and celebrate the Loyalhanna Review! Have a happy day. God bless…

Today my mom would have been 93. I miss her in so many different ways! She was very excited that the first moon landing was on her birthday. She took it personally! Happy birthday, Mom!

I worked this morning while chase slept in. When I got to the Greensburg store Joe had his little granddaughter Ella with him for the morning. I found my crayons and markers and she set about creating pictures. I have one hanging on the wall. I’ll have to take a picture next week. I think she’s 4 or 5. Kelly txt me a picture of all the kids at the 4H camp at Jackson’s Mill in West Virginia. She said, “The boys (Peyton and Logan) are in there somewhere!

I came home and made Chase French toast, then he went back to playing video games and I got some chores done: Laundry, ran the dishwasher, cut the grass (it always feels so rewarding when it’s neat and cut!), changed the sheets. About half-hour ago he was again hungry, so we made Quilla-Dillas (quesadillas). So hopefully meals are done for the day!

Chrissy sent me a photo of her and Autmn at the pool – she is wearing her new suit. Autmn has her baby bump!

Chase and I carried the trunk that Beth brought down to me up to the living room. I had to move several things to different places in the room to make it work — it’s still not ideal — but at lease the trunk is out of the garage and won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures until we decide where it’s going to live. Kelly just called and she’s on her way up – so she’ll be ready for a rest once she’s here!

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TOMORROW July 21st is:

National Junk Food Day; National Be Someone Day; National Lamington Day.

I’m sure the junk food will be flowing tomorrow! And we will ALL be someone! Have a great start to the weekend. God bless…