Back to work! There wasn’t an excessive amount to do in either store. I got home about noon, and checked my list for the day’s chores. I opted to give my tired, dry feet a bath in a tub of hot, soapy water. It felt very good. I don’t know why I don’t do that more often!

I had a paper that needed notarized, and had a friend coming to the house to do that. In the meantime I did some ironing and put laundry away. Laura and I had a nice chat, and I copied my papers and put them in the mail. One more thing done!

My eye appointment was at 2:15. I really like the Eye Center – Rhonda is very thorough, informative, and encouraging. My prescription did change a tiny bit, so I picked out frames and we ordered new glasses. It’s been several years since I had to do that. So now I’m waiting on the recliner to come in and for new glasses!

I dropped off title work for Mike G, then came home and did a few outside chores. Nate suggested I try changing the batteries in my weed killer wand – that worked! The fence still isn’t fixed so spraying this will help control the weeds in the stones. I also spent a good deal of time really soaking the new plants.

Normally I clean my windows over Memorial Day weekend, but I was a few days behind – I did them this afternoon. My hands still smell like vinegar! Two little bunnies sat outside the living room window and watched me the whole time! Made a burger for supper, and all that’s left for tonight is writing in my journal and reading my Devotion.

Oh – and speaking of devotions, yesterday’s was about cherishing friends (it was about David and Jonathan) – so here’s a shout out to my dearest friends that keep me going day after day (in no particular order): Skunk Hollow cousins, my sister, my family, Mary, Gen, Teresa, Diane, April. Sir Rege. Wishing you the blessing of friendship that warms the heart and lifts you up! (There are more – these are just a few!)

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TOMORROW May 31st is:

National Senior Health & Fitness Day; National Smile Day; National Speak In Complete Sentences Day; World Parrot Day; Necrotizing Fasciitis Day; National Utah Day; National Flip Flop Day; National Save Your Hearing Day; National Autonomous Vehicle Day; World No Tobacco Day; National Macaroon Day.

My sister will for sure celebrate Flip Flop Day – and we can all celebrate SMILE day! I’ve never been to Utah so I’ll forgo that — have a happy Wednesday!

I had a laid-back, low key day today. Did my normal Monday laundry, had a muffin for lunch, and then took Nate’s chocolate down to him. We chatted for a bit and then I went on the back roads over to Home Depot. I got another tray of sedum and filled in at the bottom of the hill, where I planted the iris on Saturday. It seemed smarter to do that than to spread mulch, because the mulch will fade and wash down the hill and the sedum will spread and fill in. More bang for my buck – and effort.

I put the deck umbrella up for the first time this spring, but it was a bit windy and almost tipped the table a few times. I wound it down part way and it was fine until I took it down and came inside.

Obviously I planted the sedum, and also moved a few smaller pieces of ground cover from other places to help fill in. Then I watered everything. The front yard is looking nice and the house looks neat. I came inside and took down the window stickees and a few other decorations in preparation of washing windows within the next few days. Now I’m going to get something to eat. Doesn’t sound like a full day but I haven’t sat down since breakfast!

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TOMORROW May 30th is:

National Creativity Day; National Mint Julep Day; World Multiple Scleroses Day; Loomis Day; National Water A Flower day; National Hole In My Bucket Day.

How can you water a flower if there’s a hole in your becket? Well, it’s important so I’ll try! Have a lovely week – short one work day. For me that means two days of work this week! God bless…

Sunday School is Cool! Today we learned that we can’t always know what’s ahead of us, or know what’s going to happen, but God is always with us. Mary had 6 paper bags and in each was something different. Max and Ben had to stick their hands in the bags without looking and guess what was in there. She had liquid hand soap, cereal, crayons, peanut butter — several times there was a resounding YUCK! But I think they got it.

I decided to get a package of hot dogs, and hopefully one evening this week the wind will die down and I can do my fire pit! Already anticipating that…

I had a Panera Bread bagel (chocolate chip) for lunch, then went outside. I watered all the plants – front and back – and then pulled weeds. Got the little bit by the steps under the deck, and then around the big maple tree up front. Also finally sprayed the rocks with weed killer. The sprayer didn’t work so well – not sure why – but hopefully the weeds will die. By then maybe the fence will be secure and I can work over there again.

Some new flowers are blooming. Well, old ones that come up every year at different times. I especially like the red hot poker!

It’s especially nice to know that tomorrow is a holiday! Not sure what all I will do but it’s nice to have a laid-back day.

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TOMORROW May 29th is:

National COQ AU VIN Day; Memorial Day; National 529 Day; International Day of UN Peacekeepers; National Paperclip Day.

Wait. Paperclips have their own day? Wow. Hmmm. It’s important to remember those who have given so much to make and keep our country free. Make sure you take time to do that tomorrow. God bless us, every one!

I picked up Kath at a little after 8am and we headed out Home. We had a trunk full of flowers, kneelers, gloves, trowels, water, rags, garden shoes, and sunshine.

First thing we did was stop at Donna’s store, and got cheese for Autmn/Noah and for me. Also got some candy for Nate and I to split. We went up the road a bit to the Smicksburg cemetery and planted flowers on the Cornman graves, Uncle Dan, and baby Sophie. Beth had already been there and planted but we added a bit to it.

The second cemetery was Old Mahoning, where Uncle Jim and Aunt Dolly and Susan (Crooks) are buried. We planted several flowers there, then moved on. From there we went past the cabin driveway but it was too overgrown and rutted to pull in. We only pulled over long enough to pick up a few stones for in my garden (and one for Kathy’s window sill). We saw Josh outside getting ready to mow so stopped and talked to him for a few minutes.

The third cemetery was in Sagamore where our grandparents – Jess and Erma Crooks – are buried, along with Mom’s Uncle Edd and HER grandparents. Again, Beth had been there but we added a few to hers. Kathy had bought granite cleaner and spent some time cleaning the headstones. I think we improved it just a bit.

There were so many iris growing around James and Margaret Crooks that I dug up a small cluster and brought them home to plant. I know those iris have been growing there for a very long time.

Once we were officially done planting, we went back down Sinktown Road and popped in to see Gail and Jack. It was a nice visit and we were glad they were home! By now it was after lunch time so we went back to Donna’s store to get hot dogs but they only had one left! Kath and I split the hot dog and shared cheese and chips before heading over to visit AJ/UC.

That too was a nice visit, with several trips back memory lane and a few laughs – and lots of stories. It was hard to leave but we had miles to go! We stopped near an Amish farm and took a picture of a new mama horse and her colt before heading down Route 119 toward home (not Home!).

It was such a lovely day and beautiful weather – and great company. We not only went back memory lane but we made new memories in the process.

I knew I couldn’t slack, so I planted the iris right away, then pulled weeds between the fences. Dottie’s fence is loose again so I was afraid to work under the loose part. I’ll get weed killer and spray through the fence tomorrow. I’m not risking the fence falling on my head!

The car was brown and dirty from the back roads so I finished up the day by washing it. My neighbor came over and offered me a bunch of peonies – pink and white – which I put in a vase on the deck. They still had ants on them so I didn’t want to bring them inside. But I can see them from where I sit! All in all it was a great day, and I’m ready to be done!

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TOMORROW May 28th is:

National Brisket Day; National Hamburger Day; National Family Fun Day; National Beef Burger Day.

I love hamburgers and having fun! So I’ll celebrate both. Have a lovely day and God bless…

Another early morning picture from my bedroom window! It was a beautiful morning and a lovely day. The iris in front of the Steele house at Hanna’s Town were bright and blooming!

Today was my last scheduled school tour at Hanna’s Town. There are some home school groups in June, I think, and I may help with that if they need me. This group had about 80 kids. We had two of us working Tin Punch and one new person shadowing. She was very good and was doing it on her own before the day was over. The kids enjoy their projects, love having something to take home that they did themselves, and have a good time all day.

Joe called and asked for some guidance with a title. Since I was so close I just ran over to work after I was finished with the school tour. While I was there I finished up the leftovers from Thursday so I’ll be all ready for Tuesday. I pass the cemetery (where Mom and Dad are) on the way home, so I stopped and checked out the grave markers. I love the flags along the driveway. It’s very awesome and inspiring!

When I got home I finally swept up all the little nasty helicopters from the maple trees and bagged them. I also cut the grass then watered the newly planted flowers. The seeds I planted on Mother’s Day are peeking up out of the ground. Can’t wait to see what colors they are and how many come up!

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TOMORROW May 27th is:

National Grape Day; National Grape Popsicle Day; National Cellophane Tape Day.

Grapes are fine – but I’m not celebrating tape! Tomorrow is a planned trip to put flowers at the cemeteries out Home so that will be a good sisters day! Enjoy your holiday weekend – God bless…

Woke up this morning to stars on the window shade! I love the shadows the sun makes.

I was glad for a break in the school tours today, especially since I had so much to do at work. Still have one thing to finish on Tuesday, as there were some pieces of the ‘puzzle’ missing. I did stop on the way home and got 4 more bags of mulch and that finished up the front project and some of the hill. Not sure what I will do with the rest of the hill. I think mulch will wash away, and river rock will get washed out. But it’s good for now.

I had a salad for lunch then did the mulch. Took time to weed-whack and then blow things clean after. Also watered the new plants. I bought a few to take to the cemetery on Saturday, too.

Diane is in Cape May NJ for the holiday – she has been sending photos. I’m glad she’s getting a break and having a good time!

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TOMORROW May 26th is:

National Blueberry Cheesecake Day; National Cooler Day; National Don’t Fry Day; National Road Trip Day; National Paper Airplane Day.

I’m taking a small cooler with my lunch in tomorrow. I’ll save the road trip until Saturday. Tomorrow I’ll stay home and cut my grass. God bless!

Wednesday – a day for house cleaning. I worked until 11:30am, and got the upstairs done. After changing to my official shirt, I went out to do a school tour at Hanna’s Town. It went really well, and I had an ‘intern’ (Anthony) who picked up the pieces and handled most of the sessions. The kids had a little extra time and almost everyone finished their projects. I was home by 2pm and started on the downstairs cleaning.

BUT – I stopped part way through to take Chrissy to work. The funny thing about that is before 10am I had my cousin call with title work needing done tomorrow; a former co-worker who purchased a car and needed title work tomorrow; and my friend’s niece who just moved from NC to PA and — needed title work done tomorrow. Then Mike P called and they needed titles handled tomorrow, too. So tomorrow is shaping up to be a crazy day! I was glad Chrissy needed her ride today and not tomorrow!

As promised here are some photos of yesterday’s projects.

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TOMORROW May 25th is:

National Tap Dance Day; World Thyroid Day; International Plastic Free Day; Geek Pride Day; National Missing Children’s Day; National Brown-Bag-It Day; Towel Day.

Tomorrow is seven months until Christmas day! Missing Children make my heart sad. Pray for them and their families. God bless…

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…