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!)

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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TOMORROW August 26th is:

• National Dog Day
• National Cherry Popsicle Day
• National Got Checked Day
• National Web Mistress Day
• National Women’s Equality Day

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.

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!

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.

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.

I still have towels to fold and put away then I’m done with today.

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.

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TOMORROW August 25th is:

• National Banana Split Day
• National Kiss and Make up Day
• National Park Service Founders Day
• National Secondhand Wardrobe Day
• National Whiskey Sour Day

I love second hand clothes! I don’t think I’m mad at anyone that I’d have to kiss and make up with. And four months from tomorrow is…. God bless!!!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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TOMORROW August 24th is:

• National Maryland Day
• National Peach Pie Day
• National Waffle Day

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!

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!

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.

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…

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.

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!

Quote – Two today!

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TOMORROW August 23rd is:

• National Cuban Sandwich Day
• National Ride the Wind Day
• National Sponge Cake Day

I found a sponge under the dryer yesterday – but it wasn’t cake! I’ll take my chances with the wind. Have a happy day. God bless…

It was sunny when I left for church, but I was only there about 15 minutes when it started to pour. There’s a member who rides his mountain bike to church every week, and he got caught in the storm. The educational wing doors are always locked but I heard him up there and ran to open it. He was dripping, soaking wet, but very happy to be safe! The radar had been clear when we left the house – he was not a happy camper! But he did have dry clothes so all was well.

I sort of thought that since it was pouring rain I could get out of washing and cleaning my car – NOPE! By the time I changed clothes and had lunch it was sunny, warm and clear. So that project is done and I have a clean vehicle!

While I had the car outside, I cleaned up the drink storage and switched it out with the paper product storage in the laundry room. Everything is now neater and easier to get to. Small things!

But this morning in Sunday School Mary had the kids playing a game which they love – and they had a great time with it! The lesson was about Daniel in the Lion’s Den and they learned about Daniel praying to God, even against the king’s new law. It doesn’t matter how many time I hear, read, or teach a lesson, I always come away blessed!

Di sends four of us a morning song (there’s always a theme), and this morning after the song she sent me pictures that our friend from High School took of Friday’s sunset. She lives in North Carolina. Her photos make mine look pale and dull! She’s a great photographer. Thanks for sharing, my friend!

Brian (cousin) fixed my mower and brought it back this afternoon. I’m so excited to have both mowers working now. So next spring I will get a small storage ‘shed’ and keep one mower up by the house and the other one down in the big shed. No more dragging the mower up and down the hill! Again, small blessings!

August 21 – Share an early experience with make-up. “We didn’t have lipstick but our cousin Helen brought us a bottle of fingernail polish (no polish remover). We painted our ears, chin and nose. Dad was so mad he made us keep washing until we finally peeled the bright red polish off our face. A lesson learned the hard way!” That is a funny story!

Calendar inspiration – Peanuts!

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TOMORROW August 22nd is:

• National Bao Day
• National Be an Angel Day
• National Pecan Torte Day
• National Surgical Oncologist Day
• National Tooth Fairy Day
• Never Bean Better Day

Ahhh. Tooth Fairy. I could use one. But I somehow doubt that will happen. Have a great week – God bless…

It was a beautiful summer day. The grass seemed like deeper green; the sky was deep blue with fluffy white clouds (Presque Isle Sky!). Just a slight breeze. After breakfast I went down to L&L Fleatique and just walked around. Saw lots of interesting things but nothing motivated me to purchase. I even went straight home and didn’t stop at the store. Amazing.

The sunny, bright day inspired me to clean thoroughly, which I spent all day doing. I was finished about 7pm, and THEN ran quick over to Walmart to pick up a picture from the one-hour photo center. I wanted the one of Chrissy by the sunflower to put in a frame on my bookcase. The only photo I need framed now is Chase – the other four photos are a unique photo or milestone event. So I’m waiting for Chase to be unique! (Did I really say that???)

I did pick up a bag of M&M’s – it’s the first time since May that I haven’t had red/white/blue M&M’s in my bowl!

Just as I was finishing up cleaning it began to totally pour down rain. I could almost not see past the deck. But suddenly the sun came out and there was a rainbow! It faded quickly but I did get a few photos. There was another one when I was driving to Walmart but I couldn’t take a picture while I was driving.

I am a judge for the Flash Fiction contest for Ligonier Valley Writers this year, along with two other people. We have to read 58 stories, score them, and then submit the results to the administrator. She will calculate the scores and send us back the names of the top 15, and we have to pick the top 10, in order. I’ve already read 10 of them (Flash fiction is 1000 words or less) and I’m sad to say that only one was even worth reading. I think they need a younger, more ‘in touch’ judge than me for this. I just can’t wrap my head around these stories. This should be interesting!

Flash Fiction Contest: (mermaids, selkies, and water dwellers)

I was going to watch the newest movie on Hallmark with Paul Campbell, but I got home after it started. I don’t want to spoil it having missed the beginning, so I’m watching a different channel. Next will be supper. I changed bed sheets and washed three loads of laundry in addition to cleaning and errands!

August 20 – Did you ever make a purchase that you later regretted? “Nothing ‘big.’ I bought a lot of small items like irons, food processor, stationery bike, etc. Always think before you buy any large, expensive item.” Great advise!

Calendar inspiration – Everything looks different with time & experience. Consider a new viewpoint on a familiar topic.

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TOMORROW August 21st is:

• National Brazilian Blowout Day
• National Senior Citizens Day
• National Spumoni Day

Tomorrow is going to be ironing and wash the car day. Two great reasons to celebrate — when the chores are done. Have a beautiful day in the house of the Lord. God bless…

I left the house this morning about 20 til 8am and picked up Kathy. Chrissy and Nate left their house at 8am, and we all met in Smicksburg at the farm for a day of corn!

When we got there, Uncle Clifford had already taken the little tractor and cart out to the fields and brought in a whole load of corn. He even had a tub of it already husked. Nate, Chrissy and I set to work husking and silking, and Uncle Clifford set the water to boiling and tended to the cooking. Kathy took the food up to the kitchen and …. didn’t return! But eventually she came back down with Aunt Joan in tow. Kathy took the job of cutting the corn off the cobs, and Chrissy – who was starting to break out from the husks – finished scraping the little pieces off the cobs. Nate & I kept husking. We worked to get it all cooked and cut before we broke for lunch, with over half a dozen tubs in the freezer.

While we worked, Aunt Joan kept us entertained by telling stories of their many guests to the farm, of life growing up on a farm, and stories of us kids growing up visiting the farm. Medicine for the soul and spirit! Chrissy went for a walk and took some pictures, and she sent me this one of a purple flower. I took her picture in the grape arbor with the sunflowers. It’s my favorite picture of the day!

We had saved a few ears of corn to have for lunch, along with macaroni salad, lunch meat and cheese sandwiches, grapes, chips and dip, and ginger cookies for dessert. Plus a fresh-sliced tomato! What a delicious lunch! We made short work of cleaning up and dividing the leftovers, then bagged the corn and stuck it in the freezer temporarily. Uncle Clifford took Chrissy out to gather up goodies for us to take home. And Chrissy got to drive the tractor. She was SO excited! They came back with not only a cart full of fresh fruit and veggies, but Chrissy had a tutorial of farm life and gardening. We brought home apples picked fresh, cantaloupe, watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, and corn (Chrissy picked it right off the stalks!). What wonderful blessings, in addition to all the bags of corn tucked in our coolers!

We totally decided it was a perfect day, spent with family on the farm in the fresh air! When we left, Kathy & I stopped at Smicksburg Country Store. I got a little pack of Amish-made chocolate chips cookies, a bag of chocolate covered peanuts for Nate, and a block of Colby Jack cheese for me. We were greeted by the resident cat, who actually seemed willing to climb in the car and come home with us!

Nate took our corn for his freezer, and a bunch of the ‘plunder’. I dropped Kathy off with her share of everything and then came home and put my food away. I could have just chilled out for the rest of the day, but somehow felt energized. I cut the grass, weed whacked, and blew everything clean. It’s nice to have the yard looking neat, especially when rumor has it there’s rain in the forecast!

August 19 – Did you ever experience home sickness? “When I was five years old Mom & Dad took a trip to Niagara Falls. I was very homesick for my mommy to come home. when I married your father I got homesick, being so far from home. Everything was so very different. I learned so much to first year I was married.”

Calendar inspiration – There’s an inspiring book just waiting to match your mood or interest – READ!!

Quote – two today

Scripture – not a scripture but an encouragement to STUDY them!

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TOMORROW August 20th is:

• National Accessible Air Travel Day **
• National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day 
• National Radio Day
• World Honey Bee Day

Tomorrow is ‘catch up’ day – I’ve spent a lot of time being everywhere and doing everything – lots of fun and family and friends. Time to get something done! Have a great weekend. God bless…

Matt and Logan left a little after 6am, but I didn’t really get back to sleep. They were quiet, and left everything neat and tidy, but I was awake for good. They were going to weed whack at Camp Christian and it’s shorter to leave from here. Chase, Kelly and I were all up by 7:15am, and Kelly made breakfast while I got ready for work. Chase requested pancakes. I got everything done at work and was home about 11am.

Kelly picked Logan up in New Stanton and Matt continued on home. Then she and I left for Laughlintown, as I had to meet Merilee at the Pie Shoppe to give her the Fields of Blue books she ordered. We had a nice chat, and I committed to going to the Flax Scutching on Sunday – September 18. Kelly hopes to come with me – girls day out!

We ‘needed’ Snails (a treat that the Pie Shoppe makes and is our favorite!) so we went in an got a dozen of those, and grabbed a bite for lunch. We sat at a picnic table out under a shade tree before heading home.

I worked on getting organized for tomorrow’s adventure and Kelly made food for the boys. We did three loads of laundry, and tried to organize her stuff for the trip home. The boys never want to leave! It’s always hard to see them go. I cleaned up the Flag room (which always looks like a tornado went through – leaving a LOT of love and happy memories in its wake!), and swept the Goldfish crumbs from the family room floor. It’s 9:32pm and I’m ready to be done!

August 18 – Share your childhood experiences with roller skates. “Our front walk wasn’t long enough to do much skating. We skated when we stayed on Mace Street with Uncle Charlie & Aunt Amy. We liked to use ‘Which Hazel’s’ skates because they had wheels with roller bearings & you could go faster!! Hazel & I shared a pair when we were at home. We took turns in Greensburg using our skates & ‘Which Hazel’s’ skates. The skates fastened on to the sole of your shoes with a skate key.” I had a pair like that. We loved to skate!

Calendar Inspiration – Good friends brighten every get-together. Sort of like Roller Skating and family tornados!

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TOMORROW August 19the is:

• International Bow Day
• National Aviation Day
• National Potato Day
• National Soft Ice Cream Day

Tomorrow we will celebrate… CORN! 🙂 More about that on tomorrow’s post! God bless…

TODAY is Skunk Hollow Cousin Karen Ober’s birthday. Happy, happy birthday, Karen! Hope you had a wonderful day, filled with paper dolls, taping your hair, and counting how many pieces of silverware you had to dry! And maybe even playing ‘little men’ in the creek. Love you!

Chase was up early, and we made French toast for breakfast. Logan slept until 2pm, but by then Kelly and I had left for the funeral home. I was happy to see and talk to Deanna, Angela, Nancy, and Mel. We were hoping Aunt Nancy and cousin Debbie would be there but didn’t see them. We stayed about an hour, but everyone was being pulled in many directions so we slipped out. I was surprised to see some photos on the picture boards that I was in. I think Theresa was ten when I met Stoney.

On the way home I happened to see the sign for Palmer’s corn so we swung a right and I stopped for tomatoes. That, and homemade bread toasted, was what I had for supper. Kelly and the boys had quesadillas. I did take a few minutes while Kelly was doing school prep and pull weeds on both sides of the steps to the bottom yard. Logan helped by using the blower to clean everything off.

Another thing Kelly was working on was tying strings on the tags for the Blessing of the Backpacks service Sunday morning at church. That’s such a good idea. We had a blessing for our students and teachers last Sunday but not like her church is doing. Good idea!

August 17 – Do you remember being really curious about something? “Yes – a young woman had said our dad was the father of her child. This was several years before he married our mother. This woman would get drunk & call Dad on the party line. Dad finally explained all the conditions and my ‘curiosity’ was satisfied.” I remember hearing about that!

Calendar inspiration – When you are in the middle of a big project, it feels like you’ll never finish. Keep going – finishing brings great satisfaction!

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TOMORROW August 18th is:

• National Fajita Day
• National Ice Cream Pie Day
• National Mail Order Catalog Day
• National Pinot Noir Day

Have a great day tomorrow. Find something to celebrate! God bless...

In honor of today’s National Tell a Joke Day:

Today was my checkup at my dentist. That went fairly well, but then they scanned my mouth for the implant crown. That was weird. And I won’t even tell you how much that’s going to cost. I’m looking at alternative plans…

That appointment pushed back my day, so I didn’t get home until about 2:15pm. Kelly, Logan and Chase got there about ten minutes later. Kelly & I made an emergency food run to Walmart, then I cleaned the grapes and strawberries and made egg salad.

I had emails to answer, and then I took a break to get food. We had fried squash, mac/cheese, French fries, and chicken nuggets. Logan gets settled in front of the TV, and about 20 minutes after the rest of us are finished and the kitchen is cleaned up, he’s done eating. So he’s gotten used to cleaning up his own plate.

It was sunny but cool today. I walked outside and found a Stella Doro blooming. And the hill looks so neat and much sparser since I cleaned up yesterday. It will be at least Saturday or Sunday before I have time to be outside again.

I was excited to see an email in my inbox from my author friend Liz! She was just checking in! I was still working on the review for her newest release, ‘Home to Brambleberry Creek’, so I had sort of stayed in the background. But it’s posted on B&N and on Kindle now, so I’m posting it here, as well.

From the first introduction of Esther and Billy, then Morgan Jo, and on through the entire story, I felt like I had stepped into a real life setting.  Morgan Jo’s family felt like my family, in that no one was perfect yet everyone was perfectly characterized.  And the fact that there were cousins, and extended family, and fields and pastures and farm houses and creeks, made me want to meet each one of them in person and move in the house down the lane.  There were secrets in this family, and heartaches, but also joy and love.  We are introduced to a life that felt right and good, even with the imperfections.  Why was Essie obsessed with her twin sister’s death?  Why was Morgan Jo reluctant to reconnect to her grandmother?  What traumatic event caused her disability?  And what part, exactly, does love and friendship play in helping Morgan Jo – and her family – heal? Each family member holds a piece of the puzzle, and as the story moves between Essie’s memories and Morgan Jo’s reality, we put the picture together one step at a time. And they didn’t have to be in complete agreement to support and encourage each other. I think one of my favorite parts was the connection that the cousins had. Family – and coming home… That is what’s important. Elizabeth’s style and writing is clearly evident, but it’s also very clear that she has broadened that style. Well written in Liz’s unique yet refreshing approach. I loved it! (Just a postscript here for my Word Garden readers – there is a close connection of cousins and other family in this book – that made me happy!)

August 16 – If you ever ran away from home, tell about it. “I wrote on February 7th about Ruth & me running away. That was the only time, and I do think ONCE was enough!”

Calendar Inspiration – and Snoopy should be an inspiration for me to get more writing done!

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TOMORROW August 17th is:

• Black Cat Appreciation Day
• National I LOVE My Feet Day!
• National Massachusetts Day
• National Nonprofit Day
• National Thrift Shop Day
• Congressional Startup Day

Well, I do have to admit that my feet have been there for me since the day I was born. We’re very close. And as for Massachusetts, I LOVE Boston! I’d go back in a heartbeat. My favorite Nonprofit (small) is Ninth Life Rescue, of course. Have a happy day tomorrow, celebrating what makes you happy. God bless!