Today is Veteran’s Day – Thank you to all who have served and given so much. Including my dad.

Today was just a tangle at work. Our PENNDOT program kept asking me for a password, which it usually does once, not two dozen times. Then it kicked me off and said ‘access denied’ – not sure what that was about. I called our provider (CVR) and Madison helped me regain my access and process the deal. Then I stopped at Mike P’s and he had a problem deal that was throwing him over the edge. I’m not sure that it’s straightened out. We’ll see soon enough!

I went from there to the Mall. I was looking for pine-scented bar soup that I have purchased at Barbara Ann’s every year for probably 10 years. They aren’t carrying it this year. So I went to Bath and Body Works but their bar soup is limited and it wasn’t what I wanted. A stop at Claire’s didn’t turn up the necklace I was hoping to find.

So I figured since it was lunch time I would stop and get a Auntie Ann’s pretzel. I was prepared to pay a hefty amount for it – but when I saw the price I changed my mind. I could have had an entire meal at Chick Fil-A for less!

On my way out I took a picture of the center court decorated for Christmas. And Santa was having a photo shoot with two dogs! Cute!

When I got home the horses were out. They were munching away…

After lunch I cleaned off the bookcase with all the office supplies, extra notebooks and tablets, and staplers. No one needs seven staplers! The bookcase looks much nicer now.

I even put a little rack up by my desk for stickee notes and mini-note pads. All set!

My blessing today was getting through the PENNDOT morning unscathed!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 12th is:

Chicken Soup for the Soul Day; National French Dip Day; National Happy Hour Day; World Pneumonia Day; National Saddle Day.

Yesterday’s Fake day was National Grandson Day. I celebrate that every day! Tomorrow: Just have fun! Millie has Pneumonia but is almost completely clear so that is good news! God bless – Millie and everyone else!

Todd’s message this morning continued the LESS IS MORE theme. He talked about how our time and money need to be focused on others. Everything we own belongs to God so we don’t possess it. When we give selflessly we secure our eternal rewards.

After lunch and Cameron’s nap at Noah’s parents’ house, Autmn and Cameron came over to spend the afternoon. That little guy is SO BUSY – and mostly he doesn’t like toys. He was everywhere at once! All we got done doing was moving things away from his curious little fingers.

He loves watching his shows on TV, especially Miss Rachel. He also loves to dance!

Chrissy stopped over with new clothes that she bought for Cameron. There was a little preppy sweater jacket that looked like he could have gone to college classes with her!

Now I have to answer an email, compose a letter that I’m been putting off, and find something yummy to eat. I had Stuffed Pepper Soup for lunch so it will probably be something else.

It’s been a rainy day – and still raining.

My blessing today was having sweet Autmn and my wonder boy Cameron here all afternoon!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 11th is:

Veterans Day; Grandson Day; National Young Readers Week; Anti Bullying Week; National Education Day; National Origami Day; National Sundae Day; Remembrance Day; Singles Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Envelope Day. Tomorrow: Veterans of course. And who doesn’t love Sundaes! God bless…

I’m still basking in the delight of the movie yesterday. Kathy said she liked the old one with Loretta Swit more in some parts and this new one best in other parts. I just plain liked this one! But I was never a Loretta Swit fan so that may be influencing me! My favorite actress was Imogene. And I loved the ending. Sort of makes one a little teary eyed. There were a lot of laughs and some teachable moments and some great insights. I really enjoyed the whole movie! When we were leaving I was sure I recognized the artist of GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN. I was able to catch the credits and it was indeed Blake Shelton!

My day was pretty basic. Changed and washed sheets, ran the dishwasher, then did some errands. I found almost everything I needed. Then I ran out to Hanna’s Town and dropped off some items that belonged to Claudia (from the open house) and also took the clean/ironed linens in. I knew she was going to be there and it would be a straight hand-off, assuring that she got everything personally.

The shop was having a 75% clearance on their fall and some miscellaneous items, and I bought a pumpkin for $2!

Once I got home, I cleaned and cut up my cauliflower, boiled some carrots, sliced cheese into bite-sized chunks, and crushed a few walnuts into smaller pieces for cookies. I finished the laundry and took my empty tote to the shed. Balanced my checkbook and re-wrote my to do list. I did zip back over to Gabe’s but they didn’t have anything that I went for.

After I post this I’ll grab supper. On the recommendation of a fellow shopper in the pizza aisle (whom I did not know!) I bought a small one serving pepperoni pizza with cauliflower crust. We’ll see how I like that.

My blessing today was accomplishing a lot in the morning!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 10th is:

Area Code Day; National Envelope Day; Forget me Not Day; International Accounting Day; International Tongue Twister Day; National Vanilla Cupcake Day; Sesame Street Day; Dear Santa Letter Week; USMC Birthday.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Pool Day. Tomorrow: I know MY area code! And Cam loves Sesame Street. Everyone needs to write their letter to Santa! God bless…

After breakfast I went over to Kathy’s for a planning meeting – we’re trying to plan a little get-a-way somewhere! We thought Gettysburg but the only weekend we can go is not going to work with the schedule there. Newport is too far away to plan a spur of the minute trip. Biltmore has nothing available for the weekend we want. So, we started looking local and decided on a tour of the Oglebay Mansion. We’re still open to local suggestions – maybe a candlelight tour at Compass Inn!

But now to the Open House. Lisa closed up the shutters and lit candles and lanterns in the tavern. There were lanterns along the pathway to the other buildings.

Several people contributed to the savory food – sausage, cheese, pickles, ham, meatballs, crackers. It was all delicious and everyone really enjoyed the event. Amber and Tom were serving in the bar – two kinds of beer, mulled wine, and cider.

Although I didn’t get pictures of the shop, the sweets were offered up there. They had homemade jelly (which is for sale in the shop) with crackers. Snickerdoodles, pumpkin bread, and two kinds of beer bread, which are sold as mixes in the shop as well.

We had so many opportunities to share information about the history of Hanna’s Town, their continuing programs, and the upcoming Three Centuries of Christmas. It’s a wonderful site and it’s exciting to see it so well received.

Tomorrow I’ll post about the movie – Deb and I went to see BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. Great movie!

My blessing for today was having a delicious lunch with my lovely sister! Thank you, Kath!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 9th is:

British Pudding Day; Chaos Never Dies Day; National Pool Day; Go to an Art Museum Day; National Scrapple Day; World Freedom Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Fireplace Day. Tomorrow: I’ll agree with the Chaos statement! And celebrate freedom always. God bless.

I won’t post about the open house tonight. It’s getting late and I’m tired. So I’ll post pictures and stories tomorrow!

I worked this morning but not for long. I took the meat and cheese to Hanna’s Town as I knew I’d be late getting there for setup. I came home, had lunch, did some emails, watched Biltmore Christmas, then went to pick up Kathy at work. One of their cars is in the shop and she needed a ride home from work. I went straight from dropping her at home to the Open House at Hanna’s Town. If you’ve never been to this FREE event it’s a must attend for next year! Very nice.

My blessing for today was the delightful ambience of Hanna’s Tavern by candlelight and fireplace!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 8th is:

National Cappuccino Day; National Fireplace Day; National Dunce Day; National Parents as Teachers Day; Talk Money Day; World Pianist Day; National S.T.E.M Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Test Day. TOMORROW: Kelly is a teaching parent. And my Aunt Joan is my favorite pianist. God bless!

Well, we have a new President…

I was at Westmoreland Hospital at 7:30am, and walked out finished with my CT scan at 7:54am. I had half a bagel for breakfast and got started cleaning. I finished a bit earlier than usual.

The doctor’s office called me at 5:30pm with results, which I didn’t totally understand. What it boils down to is my lungs are lazy and I have to consciously breathe deeper! Also, though, another prescription! Antibiotic, I think. I might not be able to get it tonight. The office said it was totally treatable but I do have to work on breathing. I’ve been doing that for well over 70 years so not sure why it changed!

After I finished cleaning I changed the lights on the front deck. The fall ones I put out the other day went out (they were old) and the only color I had were purple or blue. I decided on blue because I had a few sets. I’ll leave them up until the Christmas ones get put up.

I noticed when I was shaking rugs earlier that there was a bloom on my white lilac… Ummm — it’s NOVEMBER!!!

My blessing today was an easy test and treatable results!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 7th is:

Hug a Bear Day; National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day; National Test Day; National Cancer Awareness Day; National Cash Back Day; National Men Make Dinner Day; Notary Public Day; National Book Award Week.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Hourglass Day. Tomorrow – anything chocolate is good by me! And I’ll take cash… I could also use a man to make dinner now and again. I’m a notary but that’s not something I would celebrate. I’ll stick with the book award. God bless…

First thing I did when I left the house was to stop and vote. It’s been over 20 years since the lines have been that long. They moved quickly and I was out of there in less than an hour. And the bonus is that Word of Life offers snacks and water for the voters. Since today was national Donut day I grabbed a mini-pack and had 2 of them when I got to work.

Sir Regis and I sat for about an hour and just talked about voting, and the election and the candidates and politics. I don’t know where I’d be without his insight; he does so much research and in-depth studying of the parties and people.

We also talked about dryer sheets. His wife is really into natural products and uses home-made cleaning products, and does not use the dryer sheets. She said to use wool dryer balls. I’m going to check that out. Gen suggested them, too, and I know Kelly uses them.

I was inspired on the way home by the view of the distant mountains. What would we do without mountains?

I stopped at the store to look for dryer balls but didn’t find them. I did, however, find Holiday Goldfish, Holiday Blend M&M’s (large bag), and Red/green tortilla chips. All I need now is the Utz pretzels in Holiday shapes and that will be it!

I also decided to make cookies. I’m not sure why – it came on me suddenly. They are all in the freezer but one cookie which will be my dessert after supper.

My blessing today was my chat with Rege. Well, Ken was there too. He put a wooly worm on Rege’s desk….

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 6th is:

Dog Film Festival; Marooned without a Compass Day; National Advent calendar Day; National Basketball Day; National Hourglass Day; National Nacho Day; National Saxophone Day; National Stress Awareness Day; National Team Manager Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Pink Day. Tomorrow: Celebrate Advent calendars but don’t get them out yet. And let me assure you I am well aware of my stress! God bless —-

Well, I guess I won’t get Grandmother of the Year! I wished Peyton a happy birthday on facebook and sent a card (of course with money — a teenager!) but forgot to mention his 19th birthday on the Word Garden. So sorry, Peyton!! So Happy, happy birthday to my Oldest Grandson – with a wish for many more! Love you!

I did some work in Jeannette this morning, stopped at the bank, got a few items at Walmart, and came home to leftover veggie soup for lunch. Did some laundry and emails and switched out some purple lights for two strings of orange (more fall-ish), answered some emails, and plan to watch Biltmore Christmas later. Big surprise there!

I did spend some time reading book 4 in the Asheville Christmas Cabin series (Traditions). There’s not a lot of Biltmore history in it, but as it’s set in Asheville and partially at the Biltmore I am enjoying it. I’m halfway through.

I updated my spending ledger spreadsheet and created next year’s to get a jump on things. It’s so much easier to compare expenses, etc, from that rather than digging through receipts and check registers. Especially utilities and taxes. So I’m glad that’s done. Then I looked outside at the sky and was rewarded with pink and blue and grey!

My blessing today was getting through my whole list – except for an ongoing long-term project!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 5th is:

American Football Day; National Pink Day; Bonfire Night; Election Day; Gunpowder Day; Guy Fowke’s Night; National Chinese Takeout Day; National Redhead Day (Love you Beth!); National Donut Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Devotions Day. Tomorrow: I will vote, and maybe have a donut. And sending hugs to my favorite redhead! God bless…

It was fun waking up to sunlight! Usually I enjoy hitting the snooze once but I didn’t need to do that today. But it’s still a little chilly. It is, after all, November!

November is our month to not teach Sunday school. So I again went to my own class. Since today was National Give Someone a Dollar Day I found Max and JJ after church and explained the ‘national’ holiday to them and gave them each a dollar. They were both excited. Those boys have done so many nice things for me (and Mary) over these last few years it was fun to do something back. They are young enough to appreciate a dollar bill!

Todd’s message was ‘Less is More’ and about having too much stuff. Reminded me of the Veggie Tales DVD about Madam Blueberry going to Stuffmart and she had so much stuff her tree house fell right out of the tree onto the ground! And like Madam Blueberry stuff doesn’t really make us happy. We shouldn’t put ourselves first (selfish). We need to lose ourselves to God (selfless). ‘Throw off everything that hinders…’

I went outside after lunch and did a few very small things. I needed to empty the lint in the outside dryer vent, hose out a storage bin, bring the Halloween projector and extension cord inside, and switch the Thanksgiving flag for the Fall one. I wasn’t out long but was glad to feel the sun — the air was really brisk!

I’m hoping to work a little on ironing the linens and my own laundry from Friday. The linens alone will probably take well over an hour…

Autmn, Noah and Cameron stopped quickly to give me the the baby Ruth candy bar that they saved for me from Cameron’s Trick or Treat. They were on their way to Noah’s family – they had an uncle from out of town visiting – and popped in here. Got to see my baby!

My blessing today was actually GIVING! To JJ and Max…

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 4th is:

Color the World Orange Day; Job Action Day; National Candy Day; National Chicken Lady Day; National Day of Community Service; National Devotions Day; National Easy-Bake Oven Day; Roast Dinner Day; Use your Common Sense Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Fig day. Tomorrow: Celebrate candy; what better thing! Probably good to hang on to common sense, as well. God bless…

Before I go on to the tea, I want to post a picture of last night. Paul, Kathy, Mae, Sarah, Kyle, Millie and Wyatt (and I) went to Cracker Barrel for supper. It was very crowded! But it was a nice evening and the food was good. Outside there was a parcel of ducks that followed people around and took a liking to Millie. They were very friendly and fun!

This morning I changed my sheets and got dressed and ready for the Tea at Hanna’s Town. Charles Dickens was our guest host and stayed in character to talk and visit with the guests. He did a great job!

The girls had put up a few more fall decorations before they left yesterday, and AJ got the final quote on the chalk board by the door. I love that quote!

About 10:45am we started cutting and plating the sandwiches, scones and sweets. There was so much good food! After the guests were seated they were served spiced tea, then offered figgy pudding. It was a very dense square of cake with warm caramel sauce and clotted cream. It was a huge hit.

We offered orange/cranberry scones and sugar-frosted frozen grapes as the first course, then the sandwiches. We had pimento cheese spread on white bread; Ham and Brie on party rye; raisin bread with honey pecan spread; and smoked turkey, cranberry relish and brick cheese on sour dough bread.

The desserts were pumpkin cookies, Hershey kiss acorns, mini apple crisp bites, and gingerbread thumbprints with Dulce de Leche icing. The fun part is the volunteers get to eat the leftovers!

Kathy came about 2pm to help with the second seating and with cleanup. All the volunteers did a great job and all worked together. Kathy got to talk to Mr. Dickens for a few minutes on his break, and I took their picture.

It takes a lot of people to make this event a success. Thank to every one of them, especially our ‘General’, Claudia and the other Lieutenant Roxane. I still have three loads of linens to launder, iron and fold — so I’ll be busy with that for a day or two!

My blessing for today was this dear group of lovely friends.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 3rd is:

Cliché Day; National Fig Day; Daylight Savings Ends; Give Someone a Dollar Day; Jellyfish Day; National Homemaker Day; National Sandwich Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Leaf Day. Tomorrow: I’ll have a sandwich! God bless…