It’s after 9:30pm and I’m exhausted. In addition to doing six sessions with ninety 2nd graders at Hanna’s Town (tin punch), I worked at both stores and got home about 3pm. After I changed clothes I got 3 bags of pond stone for a back yard project and 10 more bags of mulch, plus a graduation card for my prayer partner and some artificial flowers for Mom & Dad’s grave. My neck is so stiff from lugging mulch and stones and crawling around spreading it all. So… I’ll catch you up tomorrow evening. Thanks for sticking by me! Have a happy Wednesday!

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TOMORROW May 24th is:

National Escargot Day; National Wyoming Day; National Yucatan Shrimp Day; National Scavenger Hunt Day (this one’s for Kathy!!!); Emergency Medical Services for Children Day; World Schizophrenia Day; Aviation Maintenance Technician Day; Brother’s Day.

I never had a brother – so maybe I’ll celebrate Wyoming! God bless…

PS – I was just attacked by a stink bug – but I showed him! He’s now outside in the trash. But on the bright side, the neighbors has their fire pit lit and the wood smoke smells so good!!!

Started the day (after breakfast) by taking Chrissy and Dray to school. They are both so respectful and polite and always thank me. Dray always says, ‘Thank you, Mimi.’ I think that’s so cute!

There were only deals waiting for funding in Jeannette but I did have several in Greensburg. A problem that I was working on is finally resolved and I’m very relieved since I created the error in the first place! After work I stopped and looked at the two recliners again – I think I’ve made up my mind. The one I am liking is strictly a recliner; it doesn’t swivel or rock. I think I will totally be happy with that and it will probably be more sturdy. Autmn and Noah will appreciate having the old one, which is a recliner and a rocker.

After lunch I started on the red/white/blue decorations, and put the new lights on the decks. I couldn’t take a picture because it’s not dark enough yet. I’ll take some later and post tomorrow. I did put the little stars out, too, and then came in and worked on the decorations inside. I ran out of steam about 15 minutes ago so the window stickees will have to wait until tomorrow, as will the outdoor flags.

I did take a mid-afternoon break and finally plant the two flats of sedum that I bought. I just filled in throughout the flower beds in the yard so there would be more ground cover. Hoping that happens fast.

Oh – and I also moved the furniture around in the Flag Room. I think it makes more room in there and hope the boys like it. It’s the room they use for gaming when they come.

I did a load of laundry but thankfully there’s only a few items to iron. Another thing for tomorrow as it’s 8:30pm and I need to grab food. Tomorrow is a school tour (tin punch); two more (Wednesday and Friday) and then I’m done for this spring. Next will be the guided tour shifts, whenever. To close off, here is a picture from Sunday at Kelly’s church. They honored their graduates – here is Peyton with his Grama Ruth Ann!

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TOMORROW May 23rd is:

National Lucky Penny Day; National Taffy Day.

I love lucky pennies! Aunt Darlene used to always find them. She bought me a little zipper coin purse to keep them in. So good luck finding lucky pennies. God bless…

TODAY is Sherree’s birthday – Jen’s mom. She is their jack-of-all-trades, rescue everything and everyone (including cats) ‘mom’ and much appreciated. Happy birthday, Sherree! Enjoy – despite the fact that you spent your birthday at a Bingo fundraiser for Ninth Life!!!

Todd’s message this morning was about being deep-rooted in Christ. Give all you have to prayer and leadership. “Busy” takes us out of our Christian life – distracts us and undermines our efforts. We have time for everything but God. Read II Chronicles 7:14 (a favorite verse of mine!). We should be living that verse. Here’s our instructions from Colossians: 1) Be strong in heart. 2) Be united in love. 3) Have complete understanding. 4) Live for the Lord. No one is perfect, BUT we are covered by Christ. We need to be overflowing with thankfulness.

After lunch I went outside to work all day. I was feeling a little jealous of my grass-mowing neighbor. He unloaded probably a dozen bags of mulch and several plants, dug the grass out of the back side of their house, planted the plants, spread the mulch, lined the area with a stone border, and did his routine mowing. During this time I managed to drag seven bags of mulch (wrapped in an old bedsheet) down the hill and behind the shed. Sigh.

But, I got the mulch spread down there and that looks wonderful. I used the other 3 bags for the L-shaped beds around bordering the driveway and part of the flower beds down the stairs.

A bunch of naughty birds had made a total mess on my front deck and bistro table and chair. I took the hose, a soapy bucket, and a brush and scrubbed it all off. I also moved three plants, two of which went down on the hill where the clumps of grass were. First I had to dig out the grass, which I did.

I cut the grass next, watered the newly moved flowers, hosed off the driveway and the border stone that lined the beds, and cleaned up steps to the bottom yard. By now it was after seven pm and I was exhausted. But it was a successful day! I took a shower, made muffins for a few upcoming breakfast treats, and will probably have a salad. My whole body aches from lugging those bags of mulch around. Hoping I can get out of bed in the morning!

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TOMORROW May 22nd is:

National Solitaire Day; International Being You Day; World Paloma Day; National Craft Distillery Day; National Buy A Musical Instrument Day; National Vanilla Pudding Day; National Maritime Day.

I play spider solitaire sometimes but as I rule I’m not a game girl. And I prefer being ME than being YOU. That’s it for me. Have a great week. God bless…

Today is Byron’s birthday (my friend from Albion). Wishing him a lovely day and a great celebration of love and family!

It was a rainy, cool day to start with. After breakfast I headed to Latrobe to check out a few furniture stores – looking for a new recliner. There were a lot to choose from online but I need to sit my butt in the chair to know if it will work for me. I may try one more place tomorrow after church.

I made potato soup after lunch, marinated the chicken breast, and got the salad ready for supper. Teresa and Gigi came over, and we shared stories and pictures from each of our vacations after we ate. Gigi feels comfy in my house but barks back at the all dogs that are outside next door.

Theresa brought pasta salad and I kept the left-overs. She also made me a bowl cozy that can go in the microwave. It will be perfect for heating soup and other goodies. It’s so cute and functional!

Besides Gigi, I had visits from a chipmunk that ran across the back patio and a rabbit that was in the side yard. I tried to snap its picture but he took off down to the bottom yard.

I liked the view of my little angel girl on the bench by the firepit. So peaceful!

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TOMORROW May 21st is:

National Waitstaff Day; World Day for Cultural Diversity; National Memo Day; National American Red Cross Founder’s Day; National Take Your Parents to the Playground Day; National Strawberries and Cream Day; International Tea Day UN.

I love tea! Let’s go with that. Have a happy Lord’s Day – God bless!!

TODAY is Aunt Joan’s birthday! Happy birthday, sweet aunt! Sending hugs and blessings your way – love you!

I mixed the day up a little. When I got up, I threw on old, warmer clothes and went outside after a quick breakfast. I was out there for a little over 3 hours, pulling weeds and cleaning up the hill. I got everything done but a section right in the middle that was just a clump of thick grass. I’ll have to dig that out with a shovel.

Time got away from me and I didn’t realize it was 1pm! I had to pick Shannon up at 1:45, meaning I needed to leave my house at 1:30. So I did some scrambling to shower and get dressed and out the door. But I managed; except for the fact that I skipped lunch! We accomplished our task in good time and everything went better than we anticipated so that was a relief. When I dropped her off I remembered that I had some hard candy in the front console of the Buick. When I pulled it out I found my Williamsburg lanyard with my visitor’s pass. I was so excited! Such a silly thing but it was important to me.

I came home and had a quick bowl of soup, then grabbed my shopping list and left again. I went to Walmart for a few (5) items plus 10 bags of mulch for around the shed. Next was Lowe’s for ground cover but they didn’t have any, so I left there and went to Home Depot and bought it there. I still need two small bags of pond stone and an extension cord. Another day!

Saw a deer and a turkey in the field on the way home. Made tuna/macaroni salad, a pitcher of iced tea, and icing for my scones. All set!

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Tomorrow May 20th is:

National Be a Millionaire Day; International Red Sneakers Day; National Pick Strawberries Day; National Quiche Lorraine Day; National Learn to Swim Day; World Bee Day; Armed Forces Day; National Sugarbee Apple Day; National Streaming Day; National Rescue Dog Day; World Metrology Day.

I could be a Millionaire – I’d even share. I already have Red Sneakers and I like strawberries. I do stream, because I cancelled my cable 18 months ago. So… All set! Have a happy weekend. God bless…

It was sunny all day, but now is a bit cooler and breezy. After work I spent all day outside, pulling weeds, trimming overgrown plants, watering the newer flowers, mowing, and blowing everything clean. Still have a little over half of the back hill to finish weeding – maybe tomorrow.

I am enjoying my blooming plants. I have an errand to run for a friend who is on vacation so I will go back out in the afternoon.

My friend Greg sent me some pictures of his purple plants! (Thanks, Greg!)

My cousin Deb popped over after work to borrow a book. They are going camping this weekend and she needs a good read to relax with. I lent her DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT from the Williamsburg series because her and Jim are planning a trip down there in June. (I should bum a ride!!!) Then Mary stopped after work to pick up some items I had for her. When I pull weeds I ALWAYS come in and shower all the plant ‘contact’ off my skin, so I did that and now posting this.

I did talk to my friend Teresa today – she was out west on a vacation trip for 11 days – she had some amazing adventures and her photos are impressive. We are planning to get together on Saturday to compare vacations. (These are from her trip.)

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TOMORROW May 19th is:

National Bike to Work Day; National Devil’s Food Cake Day; National May Ray Day; National Endangered Species Day; Malcolm X Day; National Defense Transportation Day; National Pizza Party Day; Nascar Day.

Pizza! I’m in. I don’t have to work tomorrow, nor do I have a bike! So I’ll stick to pizza. God bless!

I know Wednesdays are usually cleaning day; I did clean today, but not until this evening. I started the day at Hanna’s Town doing a school tour. It was a small group and the classes were only 6 or 8 kids each. That was very nice and the kids all did well. When the bus stopped to ask where to park I heard one of the kids yell, ‘WE’RE HERE!’ They were very excited. There was a ‘photo op’ template set up, which was new, and it was in front of the Klingensmith House, where tin punch is set up.

I was home by 1:30pm, and that gave me time to change clothes and get directions to Priscilla’s. The ‘Tea Team’ was getting together to celebrate a successful tea, and the leaders hosted. We discussed some changes for fall (and future) events. The house was an open floor plan, and one wall displayed Priscilla’s beautiful hand-sewn quilt.

So then, I cleaned and did laundry, and now it’s late and time for a quick bite to get me through till breakfast!

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TOMORROW May 18th is:

National Cheese Soufflé Day; National Visit Your Relatives Day; National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day; National No Dirty Dishes Day; International Museum Day.

Having no dirty dishes means I won’t eat or cook – not going to happen but it’s fun to consider eating out all day! Have a happy day – go visit your relatives and eat there — God Bless…

Another beautiful day! I was happy to spend the day outside, but it did get cooler and breezy as the day went on.

First thing I did when I left the house was vote. It was 8:30am and I was #20. Hope the numbers increased as the day went on. From there I went to Jeannette – there were a few things to do there. Chrissy asked me yesterday if I could give her and Dray a ride to school – they could go in later if they had transportation. Jen and Nate both work on Tuesdays so I said sure!

And speaking of Chrissy – Ninth Life Rescue participated in a 5k race and car show at the UPS location site on Saturday. Chris ran the 5k and won first place in her category! I’m very proud of her – just for sticking with it in the rain and cold! Way to go, Chris.

It was still early when I got home, so I changed and went down to work around the shed. I pulled weeds and cleaned up and organized my little pile of wood for the fire pit, then straightened out the plastic. The mulch is long gone so that will be the next project after everything is weeded.

The rest of the afternoon was devoted to starting to weed and clean up the left side of the hill. I first got all the weeds and vines cleaned out of the thyme at the top of the steps. I didn’t want the vines to trip anyone (mostly me!). Then I dug out the very top between the steps and the fence. It’s ready for mulch, too.

As for the side going down the steps, I sort of cleaned it out, same reason as yesterday: There were plants coming up that were being choked. Hosta, columbine, Lady’s Mantle, Peonies, ferns. So I at least started that. I came in about 5:30 and got a shower. I do hope to iron when I am done here because I want to wear something tomorrow that’s in that pile.

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TOMORROW May 17th is:

National Cherry Cobbler Day; Emergency Medical Services for Children Day; World Telecommunication and Information Society Day; National Walnut Day; National Idaho Day; National Pack Rat Day; National Graduation Tassel Day; World Hypertension Day.

Tomorrow for me is another school tour. Smaller group this time. Then I have an event at a friends house in the afternoon so it will be a busy day. Enjoy your Wednesday! God bless…

I was busy all day but nothing exciting to write about. Jeannette store was really busy – lots and varied things to do. I was glad that business was good last week! After I was done at Greensburg I stopped to help Mike P with a deal. I had a few errands to do that involved three different stops but I was home at 2pm. Heated up the last of the soup then went outside.

While the laundry was flopping around in the dryer I went outside to water the flowers I planted yesterday and then pull weeds. I started on the top right by the fence, which involved getting stuck in the lilacs several time and also sliding down the hill more than once. It’s 7:30pm and I just came in and showered so I was out all afternoon. It was a beautiful day to be out side!

I weeded the bottom center, and although there’s not as much color with the yellow gone, there are about 8 plants that were being choked out by the buttercups. So now they can flourish!

It appears that my grass-cutting neighbor got his wife a flowering bush for Mother’s Day – another thing to mow around! This is getting interesting…

But, that’s it for my day. I worked up an appetite so that’s next: Food!

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TOMORROW May 16th is:

National Sea Monkey Day; National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor day; International Day of Living Together in Peace; National Mimosa day; National Love a Tree Day; National Classic Movie Day; National Coquilles St. Jacques Day; National Piercing Day; International Day of Light; National Barbeque Day; National Check Your Wipers Day; National Biographer’s Day.

I’m for peace, and trees, and light. My wipers are fine. I do have pierced ears but that’s all. Maybe I can think of something nice to do for my neighbors…. Enjoy and God bless!

Sending out a special wish for God to shower all the mothers with an extra blessing! It’s a tough job – but none better! This is the second Mother’s Day without Mom – still feels surreal that she’s gone. But I’m sure she’s in heaven dusting off haloes that rolled under the table and hugging encouragement all around!

Mothers special to me!

It was foggy when I woke up this morning – Almost like a Brigadoon morning! I taught the Sunday school lesson to Max, Grace, and Ben about Joshua and the wall of Jericho, and the significance of the number seven in the Bible. Then Mary had the kids plant a Marigold in a bright pink cup and decorate it to take home to their moms. They were surprisingly neat! Todd’s message was about being reconciled to God; long story short – it gives us peace and assures us that we belong to God.

All mothers got a devotion booklet and a little treat bag with candy and a pen. It was a nice remembrance.

I stopped real quick at the store on the way home as I was looking for a pair of sort of dressy capris (not jeans) for work and church. I found a black pair and a red pair so I was pleased. After lunch Nate came over and installed my solar flood lights on the top of the shed. It’s motion activated so if I go down there after dark I will be able to see to open the combination lock! I’m waiting until it gets dark to go down and test it.

Nate stayed and talked for a while, and although we didn’t solve any problems we didn’t create any, either! It was nice to have a visit, just us two, catching up.

I spent the next 5 hours working outside. I pulled weeds and cleaned out the L-shaped flower beds bordering the driveway, and also did in-between the patio stones. I had two packages of flower seeds from a gift basket raffle that needed to be planted so I did that as well.

Autmn and Noah stopped over and brought me Mother’s Day flowers – purple and white! That was so sweet! So I planted them, too, then cut the grass again. My neighbor asked me why I was mowing on Mother’s Day – I said probably because I’m a mother!

I came in and took a shower, had a bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup for supper, and that will be it for me. I hope you spent time today enjoying your Mother’s Day or helping to celebrate a special mother!

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TOMORROW May 15th is:

International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day; National Nylon Stocking Day; International Day of Families; Bring Flowers to Someone Day; Peace Officers Memorial Day; National Chocolate Chip Day.

Autmn brought me flowers so I celebrated that today! I think chocolate chips will be the best choice. I can always celebrate that! God bless…