So yesterday was a busy day – but every step went well and I had lots of help and encouragement.

I got up early to handle my Saturday morning routine, when picked up the cantankerous balloons that did not want to stay in the trunk. I wrangled them in and all was well. Next I picked up the slider trays at Walmart and picked up two boxes of snack crackers in case we needed them with the charcuterie boards — I had no idea what all Joe and Susan were including with those.

Since the tables were set up and arranged, I was able to organize the supplies and decorations while I waited for Tamara and her husband. They are both good workers and creative so we had the tables done, the decorations handled, and the food tables ready in a little over an hour. When we left there, it was all ready except for the food and the guests.

I had time when I got home to catch up a few things around the house, then got changed and ready to go. I stopped at Kathy’s and watered the plants for the last time — their flight was delayed because of the Microsoft issue so they drove home – and the poor little flowers were thirsty. Thankfully I could stop at the Dollar General a block or two from their house and pick up the ice on my way to the party.

I grabbed a hammer and nails, and stopped at the bottom of the church road and tacked the directional sign to a pole. Being bright pink it draws enough attention – although I’m not sure there were any new attendees this year.

There was so much food! People were very generous and brought more than I anticipated. We did have a lot of leftovers, but everyone was willing to take things home. The only food I brought home was the box of snack chips – and since I purchased them I’ll save them and donate them to Chrissy’s grad party in two weeks! We had some drinks left, too, but we’ll have no trouble using those up.

Ruth – the editor – was the M.C. for the evening. About six people read all or part of their story or poem. Ruth also went over all the art and photo submissions. They were all amazing! And the stories that were read were all very good – I did read the first part of mine and it seemed to be well received!

Judith and Linda handled the registration table and served as the welcome committee. Tamara left two Aloe Vera plants and a beautiful sunflower photo to be door prizes. The sunflower photo would have looked wonderful in my Crooks room! But alas, I did not win it.

Unbeknown to Ruth, her committee created a new award to honor Ruth’s 21 years as editor — and to the amazing improvements and beautiful quality of the Loyalhanna Review. It’s called the Ruth McDonald Fan Favorite Award, and we can pick our favorite entry and email our choice to one of the co-editors. The author or artist with the most votes wins an honorarium. Such a great idea – a way to honor both Ruth and those whose creativity brought such success to the magazine.

The crew from HCC’s Helping Hands ministry got there about 9pm and we all started helping to pack things up and let the guys get the room back to rights for Sunday morning. Everyone worked together – even helping carry boxes and totes out to the cars – and we were done in good time. It was a lovely night with lots of food, fun decorations, creative authors and artists, entertaining readers, and great company. Another one in the books!

My blessing – both yesterday and today – was the success of wonderful people working together to honor and uplift each other.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW July 22nd is:

National Mango Day; National Hammock Day; World Brain Day; National Penuche Fudge Day. TODAY was Take a Monkey to Lunch Day; National Ice Cream Day.

Friday’s fake day was National Door Mat Day. Since we missed today’s ice cream celebration I’ll do that – but not with a monkey! And not in a hammock. God bless…

(PS – when the group photos get posted online I will grab a few and share them!!!)

Happy birthday to Mom!

That is all the posting I am going to do tonight. It’s late and I’m exhausted. I’ll recap the delightful party tomorrow! Sweet dreams!

After breakfast I did a quick clean of the house, since I was busy all week. Brown’s came at 11am and Kevin checked my air conditioner for its yearly service. It’s OK for this year but it’s nearing the end of it’s life. It is 32 years old!

I had the rest of the potato soup for lunch, then loaded the car as full as I could and took it all out to the church. They had the tables all set up and it looked very nice. Tomorrow morning we will decorate and get organized, then I’ll go early and set out the food and get the registration table ready.

Matt sent me a link to what he suggested as the best tablet for me since mine warped and quit working. I will probably order it on line next week.

I spent about an hour outside, walking through the yard and pulling some weeds and dead stalks. I still haven’t had to cut the grass and that is a small relief.

I also did a quick spray paint on the clapper of the wind chime. It was drying out and cracking so I hope this preserves it longer.

My blessing today was enjoying some comfortable time outside!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW July 20th is:

International Chess Day; National Moon day; National Fortune Cookie Day; National Lollipop Day; National Door Mat Day; National Pennsylvania Day; Space Exploration Day; Woodie Wagon Day; World Jump Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Yard Sign Day. Tomorrow would have been my mom’s 94th birthday. As for the Woodie Wagon – listen to The Beach Boys song ‘In My Room’…. God bless…(Oh, and I like the moon.)

Although my stomach was unhappy for a few hours this morning, the day started out good! Got an early email that CVR was up and running! That was such a relief! One day short of an entire month of inconvenience and altered processing. All good now!

Kelly and I worked on little things in the morning after breakfast. One of the games she came up with for the Stahlstown festival was ring toss – and look what she did to the cones! Candy corn! How fun is THAT!

She left a little after 11:30am and I went to work. I had to verify a license plate for her and Matt – I think it’s all worked out now. I did what work was in Jeannette, then stopped to help Renee at Mike P’s place, then finished up in Greensburg. Stopped at the bank on the way home and by then it was almost 3pm.

After lunch I changed into outside work clothes, and for the first time all week worked in the yard. The grass is still acceptable so I didn’t mow; but I did work on the stones between the fences. I trimmed the shrubs that were sticking through the fence, then dug up the weeds buried in the rocks. So that’s good! Now all the beds have been cleaned up fully three times since spring. Now I guess we start over! But they look pretty good…

I’m just going to chill out for the rest of the evening. Tomorrow and Saturday will have to be focused on the LR party!

My blessing today was for sure CVR being up and running!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW July 19th is:

National Football Day; National Words With Friends Day; National Yard Sign Day; International Retainers Day; National Play Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National VCR Day. Tomorrow – let’s play! God bless…

Well, Kelly and I didn’t let any grass grow under our feel again today! After breakfast we did two loads of laundry, updated our lists, and started brainstorming for – although it’s still early! – The Stahlstown Flax Festival in September. We are in charge of the kids’ activities and story table, and we made up our mind last year to add a few fun activities to the ones we already had.

I took a few minutes to clean up downstairs – yesterday’s ‘workshop’ for the centerpieces made a total mess of the floors so I swept and cleaned up. I feel better now!

Kelly wanted to make salt dough starfish for their ocean VBS theme, so while she was doing that I made the pepperoni biscuit balls for the LR party. We finished up about 1pm and headed out to do our never-ending list of chores and supplies. We ended up at the mall so we had Chick-Fil-A for lunch before we did any shopping. I took a few minutes to walk around Barbara Ann’s Country Store, and am pleased to say that I did NOT spend any money!

Kelly was looking for hand soap at Bath and Body Works and was excited to see all their hand soaps were on sale for $3.95. So she got what she needed for her kitchen and bathroom.

From there we went BACK to the Dollar Tree and grabbed a few things for our extended projects, then to Ollies next door. She bought a hilarious book about complete instructions on being a pirate! Trust me it was really funny. The checkout clerk ask her what a pirate’s favorite letter was and Kelly said, ‘ARRRR’. The clerk said you would think that, but it’s really the ‘C’ (sea – get it???). Everyone’s a comic these days.

Our Frosty Shack had a fundraiser for Hempfield Band so we stopped there for before supper treats. But then, we didn’t want supper! We came home and finished several projects (including updating our lists!) and then went over to Five Below. We found a few things we wanted there, then went to Walmart — where immediately it poured down rain! While we were waiting for it to let up, we bumped into a long-time sweet friend Ashly and her new baby boy, Obie! How fun that was to meet him in person and talk to Ashly.

So now we are home, time for supper, and neither of us are hungry! We have a few small items to finish up tomorrow morning before she heads home and I head to work! It’s been fun having her here, visiting just us two, brainstorming and working on projects, and sharing meals. And I did not pull even one weed!

My blessing today was meeting baby Obie!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW July 18th is:

Insurance Nerd Day; National Sour Candy Day; Perfect Family Day; National VCR Day; World Listening Day; Get to Know Your Customers Day; National Tropical Fruit Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Check your List day. But we sure did enough of that! Tomorrow — I will try to listen, and be perfect. God bless…

Kelly and I stayed up talking last night much later than normal, so we had a slow start this morning. We had hot tea with honey and Poppin’ Fresh cinnamon rolls for breakfast. We both had a few things to work on, and lists to update. We did a little project shopping, then stopped and watered Kathy’s flowers.

We were busy all afternoon – we did some touchup painting, worked on her VBS lessons and experiments, made centerpieces and decorations and signs for my LR party Saturday, and then updated the lists. I’m so glad to have so much done. Two weeks ago I didn’t think I could even manage it. Tamara called me and she’s really helping out, making and buying food for the party, and even made an amazing spreadsheet to keep track of everything. I’m so thankful for both Tamara and Kelly – and their amazing help!

We had an ice cream break about 4pm. Now Kelly is upstairs organizing her VBS schedule while I do this post. It looks like I’ll make a trip out to the church on Friday night, and then Tamara and I will decorate and finish up Saturday morning. It’s all falling into place!

We were going to take a road trip today but it was too hot to consider walking around local historic districts. So we’re waiting for cooler weather.

My blessings today were Tamara and Kelly being such amazing help!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW July 17th is:

National Hot Dog Day; National Lottery Day; National Peach Ice Cream Day; National Tattoo Day; Take Your Poet to Work Day; National Check Your List day; Yellow Pig Day; World Emoji Day; National Wrong Way Corrigan Day.

Yesterday’s day was National Lemonade Day. Tomorrow I’ll do ice cream, but not peach. I already have a tattoo. Maybe I’ll do a hot dog! God bless…

This post will probably be a bit uninspiring! As Kelly does not plan on arriving until later this evening, I made some lists and handled some emails in regards to the LR party on Saturday.

I did work both stores this morning, and had interesting conversations with both Sir Regis and Joe. Tried to get reliable information as to when my processing program would be back up, but that didn’t work.

After toast and tomato for lunch I did a load of laundry. Also got several new emails about Saturday so I updated my list. The week will slip away from me quickly, so I handled ordering the balloons and the sandwiches and picked up a few things that are sometimes difficult to find. The rest will have to wait until Thursday or Friday.

A picture from Autmn.

Since it’s sunny and hot (93*) I am opting to stay inside for now. There is a brisk breeze right now but not enough to make sitting outside comfortable. Maybe tomorrow will be more interesting!

My blessing for today was Sir Regis and Joe!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW July 16th is:

Fresh Spinach Day; Lemonade Day; Guinea Pig Appreciation Day; National Cherry Day; National Corn Fritters Day; National Personal Chef Day; National Wedding Invitation Day; Rural Transit day; World Snake Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Iced Water Day. Tomorrow? DEFINITELY NOT Wedding Invitations or SNAKE day! NO NO NO NO NO!!! I’ll take a personal chef. I would eat much healthier if I had someone shopping and cooking for me! God bless…

I got a lot accomplished this morning at church. I was able to pick up a key for the building so I can access the welcome center to decorate and prep for the weekend. Also talked to Stephanie and Kim about our rotation teaching idea, and remembered to ask Kim to help teach on the 28th when Mary is away. After church Paul showed me how to work the new wireless mic and speaker set and it’s (thankfully) very easy.

The kids were very talkative but good listeners in Sunday School. We had six – two girls and four boys.

I made lists as to what I need to take and also purchase for the weekend’s publication party. Also forwarded the RSVP list to Ruth. I’ve received 3 different emails regarding RSVP’s since the deadline closed! I’m guessing it’s not over yet.

I sprayed some weed control along the fence, which I hope will help. Also trimmed back the Rose of Sharons on the hill. As a whole the yard is looking less wild!

I made the potato soup and had a bowl for supper. Kelly called while I was finishing it up and is hoping I save her some. If I ate an entire batch of Cream of Potato Soup by myself is less than 24 hours I’m in trouble!

I’m sleepy tonight. But I’m trying to keep from going to bed too early because then I wake up too early!

My blessing for today was my sweet friend Mary who encouraged me when I was feeling tired and overwhelmed – even if she didn’t realize it!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW July 15th is:

Celebration of the Horse Day; Global Hug Your Kids Day; National Iced Water Day; National Be A Dork Day; National Get Out of the Doghouse Day; National Give Something Away Day; National Gummi Worm Day; Orange Chicken Day; National Pet Fire Safety Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Blow up a Balloon Day. Let’s hug our kids, give something away, and figure out what it means to be a dork. God bless…

Saturday! Clean sheets, laundry, English muffin for breakfast. I drove over to Ruth’s to get the bin of supplies for the LR Publication Party which she keeps stored in her garage. Now I’ll just have to go through it to see what we still need.

I stopped and got potatoes and milk; tomorrow I will make potato soup. It’s easy on my stomach and provides meals for several days. I did the ironing, then went outside for a while. I spread my paint blanket on the lawn then put the bistro table and chairs there – then gave them a touch-up. They look very nice and spiffy!

By the time I got all that done it was a little cooler and there was a nice breeze. I cut back some overgrown mint, the dead day lilies, some hostas and trimmed a few shrubs. Had two bags of yard trash. I came inside and got a shower and hair wash and all that’s left is to have some dinner once this is posted.

Kath forwarded me a newsletter from Senator Kim Ward — Pennsylvania is the top state for tick related incidents in the entire country. I talked to Kelly and she said their dog Camo has Lyme disease — so he’s a statistic!

Kelly has a project to work on for VBS and needed 2 shades of spray paint. I already had the dark purple so I found a lighter shade for her project. We’ll work on that next week when she’s here.

While I was outside I switched out the big stepping stone and put it down back by that spigot, and put the two flat ones up front. Makes using the upfront spigot easier to get to in my bare feet!

I’m surprised that I kept so busy all day! I’ll be ready for a good rest tonight.

My blessing today was the last ears of yummy corn for lunch! God knew what he was doing when he planted that stuff!

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW July 14th is:

Barn Day; National Be Nice to Bugs Day (I don’t THINK so!!!); National Mac & Cheese Day; Blow up a Balloon Day; National Nude Day (ummmm, no); National Tape Measure Day; Shark Awareness Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Lid Day. Tomorrow: Barn day! Lovely! I used a tape measure today. So I am a day ahead of schedule. God bless!

I had to work in Greensburg this morning so no sleeping in or slouching around. I was glad to be of help, and got the title applied for and one of the deals mailed out. Then I went to Palmer’s farm stand and got yellow beans, corn, and a squash. Yum! Great lunch.

I did a load of laundry, then went outside to water plants and cut back a few dead plants. Took about 10 minutes. It’s too hot to be outside. I did some chocolate covered popcorn but again, the sweets don’t settle well with my stomach. Only Ice Cream. Go figure!

Yesterday I made trail mix – today I took a little sample to Joe.

There are a few plants blooming despite the heat. Today has been a ‘tiring’ day – I don’t feel like I have much energy. Maybe it’s the heat, as I felt pretty good yesterday. I get restless when I have to be still for very long – but I shouldn’t over-do it. I still have a little ironing to do which I can finish after I post this.

Autmn sent me a picture of Cameron having a playdate with a new friend. Also, he loves to swing! I know I saw him on Wednesday but I miss my baby hugs.

Today’s blessing was having a cool, comfortable home to be inside, away from the heat.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW July 13th is:

Fools Paradise Day; International Skinny Dip Day; National Beans N Franks Day; National Rock Day; National Lid Day; National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Rooster day. Tomorrow- how about rocks? I love rocks! God bless…