I was up with the birds again this morning – and about now I am losing steam. I started the day (after a shower and breakfast) doing a load of laundry. I did have a full list, including little things like changing batteries in some wall clocks that I look at all the time – and they had stopped. I had a few lilac branches that I had to trim down by the shed. First, they were covering the big purple star on the side, and second, when I mowed the branches would slap me in the face. Good to have that done. While I was in the bottom yard with a trash bag and clippers and a shovel, I attacked the overgrown plants on the corner opposite the shed. It made a big difference – there were huge clumps of wild grasses everywhere (which I dug out), and a half-dead hosta that I cut back, and a few spring stalks that were done.

Looks better….

As much as I hated to do it, I took all the light strings off my deck railings. They were half burned out, and not long enough, and just had too many extension cords. It’s the first time in at least a decade (probably longer) that I haven’t had lights on the decks all year long. I may put something up if I find the perfect thing, but hoping they will be solar so I don’t have to stretch extension cords everywhere.

I did the ironing and got laundry put away, then I had to approve edits on my 2026 submission to the Loyalhanna Review. Just got an email that my story is approved for publication, and I needed to read over it to make certain it was correct. So I’m pretty excited about that and can’t wait until July/August when it comes out.

About 2pm or so I picked up Autmn and Cameron and took them to the house. Autmn stayed and worked, and I brought Cameron home. I have to say for the first time that I can actually remember he was 99% pleasant, happy, and agreeable! It was a lovely day, and I feel there’s hope (for me, not him!). He wanted Scrench Fries (French Fries) and nuggets so we stopped in New Stanton on the way home for that – which he did well eating the better part of it.

No he doesn’t eat with his feet!

We had ‘spa’ day – I filled an empty tote with water from the hose, but it was so cold we carried a few buckets of hot water from the laundry room to warm it up. He bathed his animals, including my yard turtles (which he kissed soundly on the top of their shells). We went straight inside to the bathtub, as he had grass and dirt in his hair and down his clothes. He did have a wonderful time!

Those marks on his face are from M&M’s!

I made him chicken rice for supper and he ate 2 servings – cleaned his plate. We watched a million episodes of BLUEY and one was about safety – which I appreciated because they were issues that Cameron and I discuss all the time – like the hot stove, holding hands crossing the street, jumping on the couch. We talked about them each after they were over. I hope that helps reinforce what we have been teaching him. And it did save me from watching repeats of THE DRAGON KING!

It’s 9:20pm so I’m jumping off here. It sure looks dark out my door without the lights! I do have 2 small solar flowers so that helps!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 6th is:

Butterfly Education and Awareness Day; D-Day; International Tabletop Day; National Applesauce Cake Day; National Black Bear day; National Bubbly Day; National Eyewear Day; National Gardening Exercise Day; National Trails Day; National Yo-Yo Day; World Tetris Day.

I wear my glasses (eyewear) every day for a least a little bit. I haven’t even TRIED a yo-yo in years. My cousin’s granddaughter went outside to take a walk up her road – and :

Yep – just hangin’ out!

On this day in History: 1937 Henry Ford initiates a 32 hour work week

I had one deal at work this morning, and processed it with the new CVR system. I got through it just fine – I did forget to change one small thing but it didn’t effect the processing and all is well. I was happy to have navigated through that.

I came home and had a few household chores – Since the burger grease dripped in the oven, I spent a while cleaning it out and wiping the racks. That was a good chore to get done. From there I scrubbed both bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen. Wiped up the floors and spritzed everything with Lysol.

By then, I heard from Autmn, and she was desperate to get back down to the trailer and get some things done. I picked up her and Cameron at Nate’s and then dropped her off. She sent me a picture – she had part of the flooring laid in Cameron’s room! She’s determined!

Already performing!

And Kelly sent me a photo of a travel mug she found. I think she looked at it yesterday and wasn’t sure – but then decided she WAS sure! So glad for that!

Cameron and I were outside for about an hour or so – it was pleasant and he loved playing in the water and riding his airplane. We came inside for a break, then went back out again. He sat under the lilac trees and played with my lawn turtles for a while.

Autmn arranged for JoJo (her sister) to come down and play with Cameron for a while and keep him busy. It will be a nice distraction for him. He had a piece of pizza, cheese cubes, and green beans for supper, and when JoJo got here they shared some M&M’s I put in the back of his farm tractor!

Since my purple LED lights burned out around my bookcase, I dug the R/W/B ones out and put them back up. I will probably leave them up all summer if they stay lit!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 5th is:

National Donut Day; National Fish & Chip Day; National Gingerbread Day; National Hot Air Balloon Day; National Ketchup Day; National Moonshine Day; National Sausage Roll Day; National Veggie Burger Day; World Environmental Day.

I could go for a donut. And I love fish & chips. Kelly used to love hot air balloons – they used to land in the field above our Mohawk Drive house and we’d chase them when they took off! Ketchup? Has to be Heinz! God Bless…

On this Day in History: My stepfather John passed away in 2021; and Autmn graduated from Hempfield in the same year.

Today was a ‘travel’ day for me! I left the house at a little after 8am, got gas in the Mazda, and headed to Washington PA. I met Kelly at Hobby Lobby and we spent the day store-hopping. It was a great day – to be away from work and chores and obligations and just spend money! I was looking specifically looking for a travel mug to represent America 250. It wasn’t exactly what I wanted but even the internet (Amazon) didn’t have anything I liked. This one is cold-drink only, but that was mainly why I wanted it. I also got a Snoopy phone charger! Both were reasonably priced.

My travel cup.

perfect company for in the car! I’ll never travel alone!

From there we went to Gabe’s, where I got Green Apple Peelerz for Autmn – she had asked for them for Christmas and I couldn’t find them anywhere. So I finally got her some. I know they are busy with the house, etc, but I haven’t heard from her today. Hoping she checks in when she can.

We were at Target, Marshalls, Big Lots, Aldi, and Walmart. I didn’t really get anything else exciting but it was good to spend the day with Kelly. I was thankful and humbled that she could take a whole day out of her crazy schedule to spend with me. We had lunch (well, Kelly had breakfast!) at Cracker Barrel so we got to sit down and relax!

When I got home I had to crawl under my car seat – I dropped a pair of nail clippers on the floor and couldn’t reach them. All is good! I gathered up all the trash and took it up to the road for tomorrow, then watered the grass I planted yesterday. Next I spent almost an hour pulling weeds around the top 3 steps that go to the bottom yard. Now I’m typing. I’ll leave you with a picture of the baby bunny that lives under my deck!

Most of the rest is ground cover.

Herb-bunny the 4th.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 4th is:

Audacity to Hope Day; International Corgi Day; International Day of Innocent Children; National Cheese Day; National Clean Beauty Day; National Cognac Day; National Hug your Cat Day; National Old Maid’s Day; Shopping Cart Day.

I do have hope – for redemption, for forgiveness, for impatience, for selfishness — THANKFUL! My girls are all Cheese-heads – as is Cameron. I don’t have a cat – I’ll hug my stuffed cow. God bless….

On this day in history:1864 General Robert E. Lee wins his last victory of the US Civil War at the Battle of Cold Harbor (Cold Harbor plays a big part in Daniel’s life in my book, Letters to Mary.)

It felt strangely quiet to wake up alone in the house! I slept all night – which never happens – so I feel rested today. I even did a few morning chores before getting ready for work. There wasn’t much to do there – I stopped and got laundry detergent on the way home so I could do towels and sheets and finish up the laundry from the kids. The last load (sheets) are in the dryer.

When I got home, I had a banana and a pretzel and changed into work clothes – and cut the grass. It was warm but there was a nice breeze, so I managed. I finished in time to get cleaned up and change back into ‘work’ clothes, and be at my eye appointment on time. Everything was good – Didn’t even need a new prescription. Since I was sort of saving money (not buying glasses) I got a few bags of top soil and one of grass seed and that was my afternoon chore.

Got the grass cut.

Planted grass by the deck.

And some around the old stump in the bottom corner.

I even pulled a few unruly weeds on the lower hill. My new flowers are really doing nicely!

New flowers – so pretty!

got some unruly weeds out of there.

I took a picture of the moon last night – it came out kind of spooky!

I thought I would just sort of catch up on some pictures I have from the past week. But I think I posted them. This is a rare quiet moment!

Taking a little cat nap.

QUOTE:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 3rd is:

Global Running Day; Insect Repellent Awareness Day; National Chocolate Macaroon Day; National Egg Day; National Itch Day; National Repeat Day; National Repeat Day (haha); National Tailors Day; World Bicycle Day; World Cider Day.

I like hot Cider, especially from Williamsburg! Not much of a runner any more. I hope Cameron’s rash has cleared up so he’s not itchy today! God bless…

On this day in History: 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey, London, England (I was only 3 so I don’t remember this, but my mom ‘grew up’ with Elizabeth and was very excited to follow the whole thing!)

Here we are, a new month. It will be a very busy one for me.

I had my chiropractor appointment at 10am, then came home and sprayed the weed killer on the rocks on the hill. Autmn made her and Cameron cheese pasta for lunch – I did a load of laundry and then finished the ironing.

Nathan picked up Autmn at about 1pm and they spent the day getting organized at the house. Cameron was in rare form, defying and testing every thing I said! We tried to compromise all day – until he begged to play with his rubber duckies (he has about 40 of them). He dumped them all over the floor then kicked them everywhere. I gave him about an hour and really that’s all he did – throw them and kick them. So he wanted to play outside – I said OK but he had to pick up his ducks then we’d go out. No go. For FORTY-FIVE minutes we had a stand off. I refused to pick them up and so did he. He finally decided it would be wise to do that – I turned off the TV, restricted him from all his other toys, and confined him to the rug! I’m sure a mean Mimi. But he picked them up quickly once he made up his mind. The rest of the afternoon went well.

I guess this is how we watch TV!

Nate and Autmn and then Noah seemed to accomplish a lot. A, N, and C are staying with Nate tonight. So tomorrow the plan is to work in the morning, rush home and cut the grass, then go to my eye appointment at 2:15. That should work!

And THAT is all I’m posting today!

QUOTE for the DAY:

Reporting in from Wren Drive…. All is well!

It’s about 7:30pm and I’m just posting a quick note on here. It was a quieter day than usual but I don’t want to get into anything as I know the ‘kids’ will be home any time – then it’s all hands on deck! Autmn and Cameron came with me to church this morning. Cameron loved it (Autmn did too but this was a first for him) and he was saying hello and waving to everyone! He never met anyone that wasn’t a friend! The nursery worker said he was pretty good for her, but when he was playing with the little kitchen set he bit the end of the rubber banana! Go figure. All is well, though.

Noah’s brother Gabe picked up Autmn and Cameron about 1pm. He took Autmn to the new house, and kept Cameron all afternoon! They are all still out – I think Nanny (Noah’s mom) is getting Cameron from Gabe and keeping him for a bit. Autmn is getting a ride home as Noah is stopping there on his way home from work.

Cameron – ready for anything!

I folded all of Cameron’s clothes and sorted them so I could find what I needed when I help him get dressed. Then I went outside and finished weeding the hill. I’m so relieved. I don’t think I would have been able to get it all done today if I hadn’t had a few afternoon breaks — Kathy called and Kelly called and then Autmn checked in. Just enough of a break to be able to finish it off. So relieved. I will spray weed killer tomorrow or Tuesday.

Yesterday – half-way done down the hill. The little green spots near the top half are ground cover.

All done…

All the way to the bottom.

After that I sewed a seam in Noah’s work pants, and I think that’s all I’ll do for today. I’ll try to catch up with pictures and stories tomorrow if I can. And yes, Kelly, I’m still alive and alert! 🙂

And the fence didn’t fall down!

Quote:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 1st is:

Stand for Children Day; Wear a Dress Day; World Milk Day; Dare Day; Dinosaur Day; Flip a Coin Day; Global Day of Parents; National Billboard Day; National Game Show Day; National Go Barefoot Day; National Hazelnut Cake Day; National Nail Polish Day; National Olive Day; National Pen Pal Day; National Say Something Nice Day.

Cameron will for sure celebrate dinosaurs – he loves them, especially a T-Rex. And parents are a wonderful thing to celebrate. I go barefoot all the time in warm weather – no shoes right now! God bless…

On this day in history: 1889 Johnstown Flood; 2,209 die in Johnston, Pennsylvania when the South Fork Dam, located on the Little Conemaugh River fails

I expected to have a little more time today – but it sort of didn’t end up that way. I did get a few things done – grocery replenishment, pulled weeds, 3 loads of laundry, chasing Cameron around outside most of the afternoon. We’ll see what happens tomorrow. But Tuesday is possibly the first day I’ll have time to myself. So don’t be alarmed if you don’t see posts until then.

Tomorrow is the last day of May. It sure has gone quickly. Have a great day – God bless…

Another short post – I had Cameron all day – and since it is Bella’s graduation from Hempfield tonight (Bella is Noah’s sister) Autmn and Noah went to the graduation. They plan to pick Cameron up at 9:15pm (???? REALLY????) and go do dinner. I will have a little time then but I’ll be worn out by that point.

So I’m hoping tomorrow provides a bit more down time. Have a happy day. God bless….

Everyone slept all night – Autmn put Cameron to bed, then she and Noah went. I was watching History Traveler ROAD TRIP (Route 66) for just a bit of quiet time. Noah left about 6:30am and I didn’t even have to wake him! And I was amazed that I slept all night – no waking up in the middle of the night. Amazing.

I’m learning a lot!

Scott (Noah’s step-dad) picked Autmn up and they spent the day working at the new place. Katrina (Noah’s mom) kept Cameron. I love that little guy like crazy but it was a much needed break. I had PENNDOT training on our CVR system (Ken and I) at 10am. It went much better than I thought it would. I actually understood everything and a lot of it will be easier. I don’t think there is any aspect that is harder than it was.

The trainer even put a shortcut on my desktop!

I left work a little before noon, stopped at the bank (needed cash) and got gas in the Mazda. All those trips to Elizabeth goes through gas quickly. For lunch I made a chipped ham sandwich, then got started cleaning the house. It SO needed to be cleaned. Did a load of laundry, too. It’s almost 7pm and I just finished all that. This is my last chore of the day. I’m hoping to have another few hours later in the weekend to clean up the rocks between the fences outside. It should be good weather to do that.

Need to pull weeds.

Wednesday morning when I got up, I was in the kitchen and I heard a noise downstairs. I went down to check, and Cameron was snuggled in a blanket sleeping on the couch. All by himself! I guess he just wanted something different. Maybe he’s taking after Chase! Autmn had no idea he did that and it shook us both up. Trust me when I say keeping up with him has been a challenge! I know there are a lot of disruptions in his life right now – and he’s picking up on the tensions and pressures from his parents. But we’re all doing the best we can! Again, I do love that little guy!

He seems happy enough…

Also, Wednesday afternoon we drove Autmn down to the new place, and Cameron was fussy. I decided to pop into the Dairy Queen and get him a little ice cream. He wasn’t interested at all. I found out later that he’s not a big fan of ice cream – prefers candy, including M&M’s (and knows where they are!) So later that evening I was eating half a Klondike, and he wanted a bite. He ate the whole thing! What’s up with THAT??? Silly boy.

EAT it?????

No thanks….

But I’ll eat YOURS!!!

We also spent a little time outside, since it was decent weather. He loves playing in water, and we had a few buckets filled, and he was watering the plants with his can and a spoon! He had a great time – and of course was soaking wet! While he played, I pulled weeds on the patio stones. So we were both happy!

I love to stir flowers!

And water them.

That’s about it. Autmn’s family is hanging out with Scott and Trina for supper, so I can just do some little projects. Hopefully I can manage to post over the next few days!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 29th is:

European Neighbors’ Day; International Everest Day; Learn About Composting Day; National Alligator Awareness Day; National Biscuit Day; National Heat Awareness Day; National Paperclip Day; National Snail day; World Digestive Health Day; World Tiger Nut Day.

I know a little about composting – but don’t do it. Cameron likes alligators – although I don’t think he’s ever met one personally. Biscuits are good. Paperclips come in handy. God bless!

On this day in History:1754 Battle of Jumonville Glen: Forces led by George Washington kill French Canadian officer Joseph Coulon de Jumonville. (I was there for a history tour – very interesting!

Just a short update. I’m compiling stories (if I have the nerve to share them!) and photos but I’ve been too scattered to put my thoughts down.

I kept an eye (or 2 or 3) on Cameron most of the day – and he was in rare form. I’m not sure how either of us survived. I did have enough focus to make Cameron and I lunch, a snack, do a load of laundry, iron yesterday’s laundry, and cut the grass/weed whack. I also had time to pay a few bills online.

So I’m off to end my day – and hope there’s sleep involved somewhere. God bless!