Kelly and the boys left about 9:15am – She and I had zucchini bread for breakfast. The boys got up last-minute, packed all their gaming stuff, and off they went. Logan was more awake than Chase, but they were both agreeable. I always hate to see them go!
Well, today is the last day of August. The next thing we know it will be December! I’m NOT ready for that. But it’s a bit cooler, in the early morning and later in the evening. I went out this morning and found a huge spider web outside my door. There were droplets of water on it. Amazing.
See the water drops?
I spent the day alternately cleaning the whole house and reading. I should be grading Flash Fiction stories – that will start tomorrow! I read the first 2 stories in a series – The Sandbar Sisters – and the third one came out yesterday. I’m almost done with it. I think it’s the best of the three. I finished Liz’s newest book last night, and the next won’t be released until the end of September! But I am going to be Beta reader for the next book in her Prairie Creek series. That’s in about two weeks, so I have to get the stories judged and scored quickly!
Book 3 – really good!2nd book in series – very good!Just a few more weeks to wait…
On Sunday Sherree (Jen’s mom) gave me the Westmoreland ‘Best of County 2022’ magazine. Ninth Life made best non-profit! I’m so proud of them and the hard work and dedication – all volunteers! Not a paid person among them! Way to go, Ninth Life!
After I finally got the house cleaned and two loads of laundry done, I went out and cut the grass. It was well past dusk when I finished. I was a mess so I just got a shower. Next — food!
August 31 – Share a memory involving an outhouse. “Snakes like warm places to sleep. An outhouse in summer is a very warm place. When I was a kid I would run to the outhouse instead of going inside to our bathroom. One day when I went in and slammed the door a black snake slid down in front of the door on the inside. I was always VERY afraid of snakes but I stood on the toilet seat & screamed until Dad came & opened the door & chased the snake away.” That would freak me OUT!
Calendar inspiration – Favorite books are old friends – keep finding new ones to enjoy!
Most of life feels like no rhyme nor reason – so I guess we’ll go with that! Enjoy whatever you put your mind to, but consider reading a good book and make new ‘friends’. God bless…
I got up and went to work in Greensburg early. Joe had deals and a mileage issue on a title. Got that done and headed home; then Kelly & I drove down to Norwin Walmart. She was looking for clothes for Peyton – and she finally found what she needed. HOWEVER, we got caught in the rain and were soaked! After a change of clothes and a quick lunch for everyone, we mixed up zucchini bread because Matt was hungry for some. While it was baking, I zipped down to Jeannette to help Rege with a dealer plate mandate then came home. That has been the excitement of the day. So now, I finally think I’m prepared to post about the shower on Saturday!
One for Matt, one to freezeWith a little drizzle
So I left the house early on Saturday, and stopped at a few antique shops on the way to Smicksburg, one in Plumville. I was walking around and a customer and the owners were talking about events and family and it was funny to hear other people talking about people that I knew — or at least knew of! By the time I left, I had done the same thing with the owners. My cousin Bonnie used to cut her hair! Small world…
McCormick Mansion in Smicksburg- they were talking about this. I was in it at least once as a small child…
So from there I went to the Amish Bulk Food store, and did find chocolate wafers. I walked around looking at the the fun foods and items they had. I was so tempted to just keep buying. But I left with my chocolate, and tucked it in the cooler with ice.
Using my chocolate…
From there I drove into Smicksburg and parked by the Community Park. The first thing I noticed was that one of the houses was now an Inn – or Bed and Breakfast. Turns out it was my cousin’s wife’s mother’s house and they sold it for good purpose! It looks really appealing.
Charming and inviting!
What was once The Drying Shed (my favorite shop) is now The Farmhouse Finery. I walked across the street and went through all the rooms. Very much country farmhouse. This is their first official year open for business.
I then walked BACK across the street to the Country Cupboard just to look around. Again, hard not to buy! Their bath soaps smelled wonderful and were very reasonably priced. They had dip mixes and fudge and fall displays. But I was heading to the baby shower and was out of time…
Country Cupboard
On the drives around town and country I snapped a few photos of Amish – as long as I didn’t take their faces. It was a beautiful day, and it’s a beautiful area. It brings peace to my soul just taking it all in.
Drive through SmicksburgAfternoon drive Stop at a friend’s.Walking to where they need to go.
It was so great to see my family! I sat with Aunt Joan, Gwen and Gail, and a person from ‘Skunk Hollow’ (sort of) that I hadn’t seen since she was tiny. Now she’s married and has six kids and I THINK a grandson! I talked to Allen and Bonnie (the baby-to-be-born’s great grandparents) who are my cousins. I talked to Erin – the grandmother (Allen & Bonnie’s daughter), and a passing hi to several others. I saw Maria and Susie across the room but didn’t really get to chat.
Our tableAJ & I – Gail in the foreground.
Bonnie shared with me that she made the ‘bouquet’ on the registration table, and the ‘cake’ on the food table, and the centerpieces on the seating tables. I loved the centerpieces. I may consider asking her to make one for me. They were so pretty, and very unique.
Diaper bouquetCakeFlowers (from Bonnie’s garden) in Mason jars in the trough! I love it! Bonnie taking picturesLittle tea light
The food was good and plentiful – sandwiches, potato salad, veggies and fruit, rigatonis, fried chicken, pasta salad. Tons of desserts, including cupcakes, Jello-pretzel salad, and a pudding dessert.
Meat tray looked like a flower!flavored cupcakes
TONS of gifts, and I would bet my game prize that they got close to 100 outfits plus everything else. My favorite thing (since of course I am a blanket person) was the soft, fleece blanket with the baby’s name all over. So beautiful!
My game prize – can’t believe I actually won something!Shay’s blanketNight lightBeautiful baby blocksFor guests of honor, seats of honor. The blanket was Renay’s when she was a baby!Renay and Mackenzie All the gifts!
After hugs all around I headed over to the ‘farm’ to pick up the corn that had been picked for our families. There was over 11 dozen ears. But the bonus on that side trip was that Perry (cousin) and Anita (wife) were in from Delaware. We chatted and I hung around there for half an hour before heading back to Greensburg. It was a wonderful day, and I felt I represented the family admirably in this venture! Can’t wait for the next visit!
Welcome at the farm.
I got home and situated the corn, cut the grass, and prepared for my Sunday School lesson. I was tired and glad to say goodnight! But it was a great day and I was overwhelmed with love and gratitude for the blessings of this beautiful family.
Part of the corn.
So now it’s after 9pm on Tuesady, and we will probably have to think about food- which turned out to be pizza. Kelly planned on leaving this afternoon, but Matt & Peyton tour her bed apart to replace it and didn’t get it back together. SO…. I’m thinking she’ll hang here where at least she has a place to sleep!
Decided on Giannelli’s Pizza – Carbon.
August 30 – Tell about an incident when your mom or dad was very angry with you. “We were having a big family dinner. I was 3 or 4 and wanted a ‘big’ piece of cake. I was told NO which made me pout. Dad took me to the ‘very back’ kitchen & paddled my behind. I was so ashamed I hid in the broom closet. Uncle Fred Eakman came and found me :)” I love this little story! Poor little Dot!
I’ll gladly go back to South Carolina – Charleston was amazing! I enjoy a good trail mix and like to make it myself, and eat it outside. No matches for me, thank you! Have a happy day tomorrow – which is also the last day of August, 2022! God bless…
Kelly called about 9am saying she was on her way with the 2 boys. I was just setting things up, and decided that instead of being outside in the pounding heat (no shade in the back at all) we would set up in the garage. I had a nice fan, two tables, comfy chairs, and got all the pans and bowls and knives ready. By the time they arrived I had about 8 ears of corn husked!
Small pile of corn.
We decided to do one task at a time, so we husked everything and carried it upstairs in clothes baskets. We set the water to boiling, then got the boys lunch. Kelly and I had corn and a slider left over from Bingo. Once all the corn was cooked and soaking in cold water, we took a little at a time and de-corned the cobs. Is that a word? Kelly did the initial cutting and I scraped the cobs. We kept the bowls in the freezer until we were completely finished, then made sure everything was mixed well.
Transporting corn in clothes baskets a little a time. It can get heavy!Boiling the corn. Logan found a tiny cob. Insisted we cook it. He ate it!Cooling down the corn. In the cooler, and ……in the sink.Kelly cutting the corn off the cobs.Mixing everything together well.
We both worked at putting the corn in little bags and got them in trays in the freezer. They should be frozen enough tomorrow when they leave to get her safely home. After we cleaned up – she did dishes and I wiped everything in the garage and hosed it down – we popped over to Gabes and Walmart. Successful at Gabes, not so much at Walmart. She bought a back-pack purse at Gabes and I did NOT (well, maybe I did) buy a Christmas blanket…
Probably around 45 or 50 small packagesThe blanket I probably, maybe did or did not purchase…
Chase and Logan were eating PB pretzels when we got home, so we pulled out the chocolate that I bought at the Amish bulk store and melted it down. We made a huge try of the PB ones and two trays of the regular pretzels. Yum. Logan loved the PB ones.
Hamburger Sliders for supper, and potatoes. Chase had frozen pizza. Once this post is done I will be done for the night except to answer an email! Yea! It’s been a whirlwind couple of days. FUN – but a whirlwind none-the-less. I talked to Nate and he said the Bingo fundraiser was a huge success, and the the kitchen held its own. So that was good.
August 29 – Tell about an incident when you were very angry with your mom or dad. “I wanted to go with my cousin, Dora Burns, to see a big parade in Washington, D.C. Dad didn’t trust Dora to take care of me. I was very mad.” I don’t even think I would trust ME to go to Washington DC! But I’d love to go.
Calendar Inspiration- The school of life is a continual learning experience. What good lesson have you learned?
I won’t be visiting a beach, or having toasted marshmallows. I will spend the morning with my family then go to work in the afternoon! God bless…Hopefully the shower posts for tomorrow!!!
Here it is, after 10pm and I’m just starting this. So once again I will not share the shower with you. Hopefully tomorrow but don’t hold your breath! I spent the day – directly after Sunday School – helping Jen and Nate with the 9th Life Rescue Bingo Fundraiser. Sunday School was the last class that we would have JJ & Shanelle as they are moving to the 2nd grade class next week. Our lesson was on LOVE; who we should love and how God wants us to love them. They all made pictures and were happy to share.
Gracie, Shanelle, JJ, Max
So, I spent the day in the kitchen at the Bingo event. We served fruit cups, veggie trays, pierogis, rigatoni, ham BBQ, nachos and cheese, Ham, turkey and beef with cheese sliders (which went over very well!), chips, and there was a bake sale table, which sold out! And water and soft drinks, of course.
One of our best sellers!
There were 32 raffle baskets. Chrissy won a candle basket and was very excited, because the candles were from Yankee Candle. We had the same two favorite ones: Cedar and Lilac! They were all good.
About 1/3 of the baskets…
There were a lot of volunteers, but there were a lot of players. There were two rooms full of people playing Bingo. They had all sorts of different games, and pull tickets, and jackpot cards, and 50/50 raffle. We were totally busy serving food from about 2:30pm until close to 7pm. They are a really nice, hard-working, fun group, and I enjoyed spending the day with them. Jen had her bottle-baby kitty with her – it has to eat often so she couldn’t leave it alone all day. So tiny and cute! I will probably help again whenever they have the next one!
There was another whole room filled like this one!Nate and IChristine, Sheryl, and our kitchen helper, who’s name I can’t recall!Jen on the left, Daphne on the right, another helper in the middle!Chrissy hard at work!Jen and her kittyBitty Kitty
August 28 – Tell about going to box socials or pot lucks. “Once in a while the school house was open in the evening so we could have a get-together. Mostly cookies and cake was what we had to eat.”
Apologies to those of you are are hoping to see posts and pictures of my trip to Smicksburg and the baby shower, and to AJ/UC’s for the corn. It’s almost 9pm and I just finished cutting the grass and getting the corn tucked away. Where do you put 11 dozen ears of corn? So…. That entire story will wait until tomorrow. Let me just say that it was a wonderful day – and I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family! So stay tuned tomorrow night!
Old Mahoning Baptist Church – where the shower was.
August 27 – Did you ever have a fire in your home or accidentally catch something on fire? “Just the one in our Shady Lane house when your dad tried to start a fire in the furnace with gasoline. It caught the drapes on fire but when the coating burned off the fire went out. So thankful. I know you (meaning me!) were very frightened.” I remember that day very clearly! Kathy was a baby and she was in the house. I carried her out into the yard, and I wasn’t supposed to pick her up at all because I was only about 5 or so!
Calendar inspiration – Your hard work creates bountiful rewards. I’d say that my family’s hard work created rewards! Again, a huge thank you to AJ/UC, Jason, Miranda and families!
I lazed reading in bed to finish the last chapter of a book so I could start reading Liz’s newest release. I had just finished it and stepped in the shower and Kathy called. She never calls from work unless it’s something timely so I jumped out to chat. We discussed plans and I jumped back in – and she called back! So I jumped out again. I was laughing and dripping everywhere but it’s all good. Then after pulling weeds I came in and jumped in the shower real quick and again got a call! So showering today was a challenge. But I’m clean so that’s ok.
After a bagel for breakfast and starting laundry, I drove down to L&L. I was looking for board books for the baby shower (not to read in the shower!) and they always have really nice ones there. So I was able to get two cute ones. I saw a metal cooler like the one we used to have when I was growing up. Dad always said these things ‘fell off a truck.’ I don’t even want to analyze what that means… Then I stopped at Walmart to get items for the ‘pounding’ they are having for our new minister’s family. Do you know what a pounding is? I bought baking supplies because I think they are essential!
Old cooler
Once I had lunch I went outside to pull weeds. I got the rest of that section below the fence and a little section by the driveway gate. It’s shaping up but a lot left to do!
Tiny section by gate.Yikes! Wonder what lives in there…BeforeAfter
Kathy had put me onto a website where you can order free COVID tests from the government. They came today. There was a box missing (they send them two at a time), and I was curious about that, but the mailman stopped on his way back down the hill and put another package on my porch! I also got an LTD catalog which can get me into trouble if I’m not careful. Nothing called my name so I’m safe again! Maybe I’ll iron tonight, or read another section of stories. When I start reading Liz’s books I have trouble doing anything else!
Package of tests and the LTD catalog.
August 26 – Describe how you used the phone to call a friend. “We had to turn a crank on the right side of the wall phone. Each person had their own ‘ring.’ Ours was one long and one short. To call long distance you rang one long ring & then when you got the operator (Minnie Nephe) you gave her the town and number.” I remember doing that at Grama’s!
Calendar inspiration – Beware – it’s easy to get caught up in the trivial things of everyday life.
Today was Hempfield’s first day of school – and Chrissy is a Junior this year. How time flies. So many back to school pictures posted but here is Christina Kelly, ready to conquer the world (or at least the first day!)
A great start to the day.
I had Cheerios and a banana for breakfast before work. There wasn’t much in Jeannette, but the guys had to go pick up a car so I stayed and watched the phones and the lot while they were gone. Made me feel important! Then I went to Greensburg and did a few deals up there and helped Joe figure out an application for dealer tags. It was a basically quiet morning!
Watching the phone in Jeannette – It didn’t do anything….
At home I grabbed a small piece of leftover pizza and waited for my first appointment. ‘Sean’ came to explain different Medicare and supplemental Dental plans. I got enough information to at least make an informed decision as to my immediate decision. I have until December 7th to make a different choice. Then at 3pm my neighbor, Mr. G, who is my financial advisor, came over to guide me in the required distribution of funds from my 401k. So all taken care of, at least for now.
Mr. G
After that I went outside and pulled weeds on the hill. I forgot to take a ‘before’ picture, but if you look at the one photo you can see how it DID look and how it’s cleaned up. Still have a lot to work on. One weed at a time!
I didn’t do the top near the fence so that’s what the whole thing looked likeBy the stepsAlong the yardCornerBottom part weeded (the yellow is Creeping Jenny)
Kathy stopped over to drop something off, and we chatted for about an hour. It was good to catch up, and find out about Millie’s first day of Kindergarten and the plans for her birthday party Saturday.
Millie ready for her first day!
I have ‘A Royal Winter’ on in the background – and it’s one I really like. I love when the kids sing Lavender Blue. While I was watching that part I looked out the window. One little corner of the sky was lit up with bright pink clouds. Beautiful sky tonight.
Fun little movie – and I like Merritt PattersonEvening sky
August 25 – If you ever had a hero, tell who, tell why. “I think Rev. Russell Wilson from the Church of God. he was a young man & went in the army as a Chaplain. He wrote to Hazel, Jim & me.” Worthy person to be a hero!
Calendar inspiration – Life is the sum of our daily choices; choose well to live well.
Quote –
Scripture –
Random photo –
Sarah’s choice was to climb Grama Dot’s tree! 2008
Does NATE DOGG count for dog day? He’s my favorite!! I’ll stack my equality up against any woman’s. Have a happy Friday and a great start to the weekend! God bless…
Four months from today is … Christmas Eve. I love Christmas, especially the lights and the music and the movies. But I’m NOT ready to start thinking about it yet! Presents get tougher every year.
Lights!
I finished reading through all 58 Flash Fiction stories for the first read. Tomorrow I’ll start reading again and giving them scores. I have some favorites that I was impressed with, but the rest will be tricky to judge. We have until mid-September but I need to get them done. Liz’s new book that she asked me to be a Beta reader for is coming my way just about that time, too!
And it’s a CHRISTMAS one!
Today was a typical cleaning day, and that’s basically what I got done. I had to run down and do some notary work for Mike P, then stop at the bank. I came home and had the last two ears of corn on the cob. I decided NOT to do chocolate covered PB pretzels, as I didn’t have very much chocolate to melt down. So I took the broken pieces of my bag of Utz pretzels and did them. They are SO good. I think I like them better than the PB ones! I hope to grab more chocolate this weekend if the Amish bulk store is open.
They are REALLY yummy!
I was heading outside to shake rugs when I spied a little chippy playing on the deck. I stood and watched for a bit. He was jumping up and down from one level to the next. He lives under the deck box, I think. Or is it a she? I don’t know how to tell.
My resident chipmunk
I still have towels to fold and put away then I’m done with today.
Thankfully just a few
August 24 – Did you have to abide by a curfew as a youth? “Yes, and we didn’t always make it back in time. Most of us didn’t have a watch. Our curfew was 10pm on Friday & Saturday night. 9pm on all other nights, if we were allowed to go any place.”
Calendar inspiration – An opportunity will present itself -recognize it and more forward with confidence.
Quote –
Scripture –
Random Photo –
A teaching opportunity: Daddy and Autmn dying eggs – her first ones!
I went to work twice today! I went to Jeannette and helped Rege with a title that he needed. Then I went to Greensburg and did a few titles up there. Floor Plan was checking cars, so I was glad I was able to show up at the right store at the right time.
Accounted for – for another month!
After I got home, I cut, weed-whacked, and swept outside. The grass always looks so nice when it’s freshly mowed. I finished that task, then made a few more phone calls regarding my dental plans. I got some useable information from the Dental insurance provider. Now I just have to decide how to use it! Still waiting for Dr. Lane’s office (my general dentist) to call me back.
Dr. Greg Lane
Then — I went back to work. I had arranged to meet Jesse there to do a title transfer and tag for his truck. I know he was glad to get that done. Then Rege, Kevin, and I chatted for a bit before I left. I found out some interesting things about my buddy Rege – he’s actually sort of a hero type. I’m in awe now! Maybe I need his autograph. But seriously. He’s a seriously nice guy!
Rege is in the back, top right, with his family (in part).
When I got home again I made a pot of potato soup. I taste-tested it and am pleased with the results! I bought PB pretzel nuggets at the store but didn’t want to get involved with dipping them in chocolate today. It’s almost 8pm and that’s sort of late for that kind of project these days! Maybe tomorrow – or Friday. Thursday I have two appointments regarding my financial planning.
My soup
TODAY is the anniversary of Sally’s first appearance in the Peanuts strips. THAT’s something fun! I was nine years old…
August 23 – Tell about another favorite toy. “It wasn’t a toy but a ‘dresser set.’ Hand mirror, comb, and brush. I loved it.”
Calendar Inspiration – Life is the toughest teacher. Learn all you can in school to make life a little easier!
Quote –
Scripture –
Random photo –
Seton Hill University – where I got my Master’s certificate (in writing)
My personal favorite waffle is Eggo Chocolate Chip. And I do NOT like peaches, in pie or any other way! Maryland, on the other hand, is a pretty nice state… Have a great day and God bless…
Happy happy birthday to my second son, Dave Bath! He and Nate have been friends since grade school – and he’s been hanging out and sharing life with us for a long time. Hope all your wishes come true, Dave – sending hugs! Love ‘Mom’ #2!
At Raccoon Park – Erie CountyGrandma Dodt’sIn the tree…Lake Erie rocksFriendsDave and DeeganNate, Dave, PeytonDave & HannahHappy birthday, Dave!
I have to say, reading those Flash Fiction stories – which are all rather creepy – had me dreaming some strange dreams. After I finish this project I am going to have to go through detox!
Creepy – BE GONE!
I worked both stores, then came home, changed, and had lunch. I went outside to work in the front yard while I waited on the guy from Country Farms. He gave me a thorough idea about what would work and what they would have to do to get the hill gardens under control. He actually said the gardens looked nice! I was encouraged by that. They will send me an invoice and then I’ll decide. Tim was much more congenial than the other guy was… It will depend on the price, and if I can work it into my budget.
The experts.
Beth sent a txt message about a tavern in Vermont – the Skunk Hollow Tavern! So perfect! Maybe that should be our next adventure. It’s a little far for a day trip…
I should have started on my project for the day earlier than I did – but lesson learned. Things close earlier – like dentist offices. I called my Medicare provider to get information on their plan and what it covers. He was very nice, and helpful, but no — it doesn’t cover any part of implants. So then I called the person (broker) that Paul recommended, and he was very helpful. We talked about coverage and plans and providers and costs. He’s scheduled to come over on Thursday and we are going to go over a few different options. It’s fairly certain I will make SOME sort of change. And I’m not good with change…
Compare plans.
Other than that, it’s been a calm day. I had a fruit salad for lunch, and plan on having corn for supper. I may also work on cream of potato soup – either today or tomorrow.
Well, I’ll have the corn that’s still on the cob!
August 22 – Tell about a favorite doll, teddy bear, or other stuffed toy. “One Christmas Hazel & I both got dolls that had tin heads. We wore them out playing with them. Our mother had made clothes for our dolls. I wish I had it to show you.” I had a few toys growing up that I wish I still had, primarily my Gerber baby. And my Buzzy Bee toy! I would have liked to see the doll with the tin head, though.
Calendar inspiration – Learning the basics is the vital first step of education. Then you can achieve anything!
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