After work today I went up to the church to do a project for Mary and I. Our storage cupboard and shelves were a mess, and we could barely find anything and never what we actually needed. So the first thing I did was take everything out of the cupboards and off the shelves and piled it around the room. I sorted things and threw a lot of stuff away. There was so much random junk in that room!
Just SOME of the stuff…Part of the cluttered cupboard
After I got everything emptied, I wiped it all down. Then I went through and sorted things out and put them away neatly. I spruced up the bulletin board with some photos, and put little butterflies and lambs on the one wall, and organized the toys and games. It looks so nice, and feels fresh, and is ready for us to be more efficient and capable!
Wiped cleanBulletin board with photosTidy shelvesToy shelvesButterflies, kittens and lambsSorted and organized
My little love-smitten bird has spent the afternoon courting the solar bear. It’s really cute, watching him dance and flutter and tap at the window. I wonder what would happen if I put the little bear on the outside ledge? I couldn’t get the video to post but it’s on facebook if you’re interested…
Bird on the fence – right above fish…
Once this is done, I have some inside projects to do, then maybe pull more weeds. I did not get to the ironing last night, so that’s still on the list! So I will keep busy this evening.
July 26 – Share a special memory about riding in a boat. “When I was 17 I spent the summer with Aunt Blanch & Uncle Harry. I had a fellow that asked me for a date & took me out on Lake Erie in a speed boat. It was a moonlight night and very romantic.” That sounds like something out of the book I’m reading!
Calendar Inspiration -Focus on a goal, follow through, and you’ll see great results.
Quote –
Scripture –
Random Photo –
This is Dad and I on a boat, but it wasn’t Lake Erie!
Now that the big event is past us, my days will slow down and there won’t be much excitement to write about daily. Unless pulling weeds, doing laundry, and running errands is excitement!
My exciting laundry…
I found that I had (unthinkingly) ordered two of the same DVD movie, and Amazon makes it pretty easy to return them, so I stopped at the UPS store on the way home from work and handled that. After lunch and laundry I drove out to Blairsville. I have been wanting to visit the Blairsville Fleatique (right before Walmart plaza) and today was the day! I was looking for something specific, which I did not find, but spent less than $3.00. The view from the parking lot alone was refreshing and made the trip worth the drive. I do love walking through those antique and resale shops, though. So it was fun!
Nice little Fleatique, but L&L is still my favorite.View from the parking lot
If it cools off a little, I will go out and clean up another section of my gardens. I have a few flat stones to rearrange, as well. Then I plan to finish the ironing. Again: Excitement! Oh! But this just in. I have a little yellow and black bird that is trying desperately to make friends with the little solar bear on the window ledge. He’s been at it all weekend. He flaps and taps and clacks incessantly! I can hear it over the TV! I feel bad, because this relationship is going nowhere. If I get a better picture later I’ll repost. When I get too close Bird flies away...
July 25- What memories do you have of lightning or thunder during your childhood? “I hardly remember but the lightning struck the barn. It came down the side, where the chicken coop was. It cooked a whole nest of eggs that one of the hens was laying to hatch.” THAT would have been amazing!
Calendar inspiration – Keep the good ‘early morning’ feeling that you begin the day with – it gives you a calm spirit!
Scripture –
Quote –
Today’s quote borrowed from Beth’s post on facebook. Thanks, Beth!
Oh! I will have a bagel for breakfast tomorrow – but not, EVER, have a coffee milkshake! I have one aunt and one uncle (who are dear and special to me!) and hope to visit them soon. Go for the ALL rather than the NOTHING! God bless…
Uncle Clifford and Aunt Joan in their sunflower field!
JJ & Max are on vacation, so they were not at Sunday School. It always feels strange when they aren’t there. Ben and Shanelle were there, though. Our lesson was about Paul & Silas in prison, and they made paper chains with wrist cuffs. They took up the challenge to do the right thing, even when it’s hard.
Shanelle and Ben in chains!
So – last night’s event. Everything went so well! We had just the right amount of food, a little too much Lemonade (last year we ran out!), and a room full of talented and engaging writers and readers. We had a table of snacks, a table of sandwiches and fruit, bowls of M&M’s (my contribution!), and coolers of bottled water.
Roomful of writers…M&M’s, sandwiches, fruitSweets and snacks and more M&M’s
Ruth (our editor-in-chief) started the program with announcements and introductions. I was the first reader, and read about a third of the story. Sort of to break the ice. I haven’t read all the stories yet, but the ones who read had great pieces, and Joe Potts always makes us laugh! He has a totally unique way with making common, ordinary words and events seem extraordinary! His wife Susan had photos included in the magazine. I have included one of her photos here.
Ruth – our Editor and program chairmanRegistration table – Linda, Anita, Judith
I was very thankful for all the people who helped set up and tear down, and who packaged and distributed left-overs and helped carry things out to my car. Tom, Nancy, Joe, Susan, Ruth, Linda, Judith – thanks for your help! It made getting home and unloading the car easier since I didn’t get totally worn out tearing down.
My dear friend Nancy in the red . Happy writers
There were several younger ones there, and once the event was over I had them pick their favorite star balloons to take home. Several adults (including me!) also took some. I have red, black, and purple balloons floating around my family room! It was a great night – lots of good comments on the book covers and first lines – and several people took the decoupage cans home! The evening was a little rocky getting started for me (I sliced my finger trying to open a box of Loyalhanna Reviews!) but everything else was 100% and I got nothing but appreciation and favorable comments. Whew! Another event on the books!
My personal balloon rescue…2022 issue – photos, art work, stories, poetry, and talent!Contributors who attended the event last night. Some of my helpers in the front row – Nancy, Ruth, Susan Joe is the tall one in the back row right (Susan’s photo)
July 24 – Relate a memory of a tornado, hurricane, or destructive wind. “We had a very bad storm come through in 1939 or 1940. It took the tops out of all the trees on Sinktown Road. It missed our place but did take the roofs off the neighbors’ out buildings.”
The day of the long-awaited Publication Party has arrived. I was up very early; changed and washed bed sheets, made breakfast, then left to collect all the last minute items.
The HCC Helping Hands ministry leader was at the church to help finish setting up, and we placed tables and chairs around comfortably. He also set up the mic and reading stand and showed me how to turn it on and adjust the volume. I got busy with tablecloths and centerpieces, balloons and crape paper. I was at the church about three and a half hours. I’m happy with the way it turned out, even though I’m not super creative! AND happy for the help!
Colorful tablesCenterpiecesBalloon and crape paper on the railing.
I did plan on getting some yard work done between morning and evening at HCC, but 96* (real feel) and high humidity was very unappealing. So I heated up some soup, emptied the dishwasher, and folded the dryer load. On with the day!
It’s now almost 11pm, and we had a very successful evening. Lots of fun, yummy food, good stories, and nice people! Everyone loved the centerpieces! But since it’s late, I’ll recap the event tomorrow. Right now, it’s unwind and then bedtime!
July 23 – Relate a memory involving a flood or cloudburst. “I just remember the rain came so quick & fast it was over the road & the debris was clogging the culvert. Grandma & Mom were very upset when Dad & Edd went out in the storm to get the water flowing through the culvert. It was a very bad cloudburst.”
Calendar Inspiration – In your busy day, take time to recharge – it’s important!
National Cousins Day! We are celebrating next weekend with a sleep-over at the Dillweed. Can’t wait! In the meantime today I’ll celebrate – with my writer friends – the publication of the Loyalhanna Review. Congrats to the published authors! God bless…
Today was laundry, shopping, soup-making, card writing, and organizing. I sampled the soups one too many times and I’m stuffed – just like the stuffed pepper soup. Made potato soup, too. Also did prep work for a frozen dessert I will take next weekend to a Skunk Hollow event.
Stuffed pepper soupCream of Potato Soup
Once everything was cooked and the kitchen cleaned up, I finished pulling the stalks from the Dutch Iris by the driveway fence. Only two more sections of irises to clean out. It’s better to do that in the evening when its cooler.
Cleaned up the corner.
Mary stopped to pick up some items for their flea market in two weeks, and Nate stopped to drop of speaker wire. That will be a Sunday project.
Short post tonight – I need an early bedtime because tomorrow will be super busy!
July 22 – Share a memory about a power outage. “I was in 6th or 7th grade when the Rural Electric Company brought the electric lines across our area. We had used gas lights & gas stoves before the ‘power’ came along. I remember more about the gas regulator freezing & we would be without lights & heat. Dad usually had it on quickly.”
It’s also the Loyalhanna Review Publication Party – but we won’t be serving ice cream OR cowboys! I know there will be a few grandmas in the crowd. Have a super Saturday! God bless…
I started out today with a tally of 9 extra RSVP’s for Saturday’s event. I already had the room set up and the food ordered. Why do people do that? One person is bringing five extra people! Oh, well. Enough venting. I handled it and we’ll have a fabulous time!
I worked both stores and stopped to help Mike P., then ran a few errands. I had seen a stereo stand at L&L Fleatique yesterday, and was contemplating that. The current set-up has not been efficient nor appealing. I took measurements, went back down, and measured again. I brought it home and scrubbed it, then rubbed it with Lemon Oil, and managed to get it in the house and set up. It took some re-arranging but I think it’s perfect. And very, very inexpensive.
Old Victrola standA little storage inside
The dry sink got moved into the flag room, and although it may not stay there, it’s fine for now and I can decide that I eventually want to do. Plenty of storage and will make things easier in that room, as well.
Works for now….
Tomorrow I plan to make a pot of soup, and maybe some chicken salad. I have all day! Saturday will be the crazy day…
Look out, chicken!
July 21 – Tell about the neatest shoes you ever owned as a youth. “I remember my penny loafers & how I kept my shoes polished. My first ‘fancy’ boots were brown & made to look like a pair of cowboy boots. They pulled on over my shoes and were made of a stretchy rubber. I loved them. I was probably 12 or 13.”
Calendar inspiration – Make an effort to get away from the hectic everyday work and leave your cares behind.
Today’s post is dedicated to Mom and her story – just a tiny recap, and I hope I have all the facts straight. I wasn’t there for a lot of it!
Mom and Me – 1950
Mom was born July 20, 1930 – the third child born to Erma and Jess Crooks. It would be seven years before another daughter joined the family, and it took Mom a long time to adjust to the fact that she wasn’t the baby any more!
Mom with her baby sister Joan
A few things I know about Mom’s school career: She wanted to go to school so badly, and loved learning so much (as well as being social with the kids!) that the teacher let her start school when she was five. She was able to keep up and did very well, and was a great student.
Mom on a school day.
When she was in high school, their local school closed and they had to be bussed to another high school further away. Mom did NOT like this, and (against her parents’ advise) dropped out of school. She was not permitted to just laze around; she worked hard at home and around the farm, taking on extra chores.
Sexy MomOur beautiful MomMom and her best friend Ruth
The summer my mom was in her mid-teens, she spent the summer in Erie with her aunt and cousins. During that time, she was maid of honor for her cousin Mary’s wedding to John Graves. Mom was a little starry-eyed over John, and had a crush on him for many years. But, alas. John was married to Mary.
? and John and Mary and Mom
Right about now we have to back up – to what year, I’m not sure. But my Dad’s uncle married my Mom’s aunt (cousin?) – and their association began. Initially, though, my dad was enamored by Mom’s older sister, who had eyes only for the man she eventually married. Dad’s attention, and devotion, transferred to Mom, and that was the beginning of OUR story!
Mom and her big sister HazelMom and Dad
Two months after Mom turned 18, she married my dad (20) and moved from Home, PA to Greensburg /Youngwood. She was homesick and had a rough time adjusting to life in the city, but soon two little girls and building a new house cemented her roots, and there she was. Dad was fun, and funny, and maybe a little hard to keep on track, but we had a good family.
Gene (Hazel’s husband), Dad, Mom, Hazel, JoanNewly married – and homesick – momKathy, Me, MomDad having fun with Mom
When dad passed away, it wasn’t long before her and sister Joan began discussing John, and the fact that Mary had left him alone with their five kids. Mom decided it was time for a visit to Erie, and one year in the early 1980’s Mom, Kelly, Nate and I went on vacation to Presque Isle, and she was able to connect up with John. Over the next few years, their friendship blossomed until the two ‘kindred spirits’ found love. Mom packed up lock, stock, and antiques and moved to Albion, PA.
Vacations at Presque IsleWedding day for Mom and John
Mom and John married in June of 1986, and enjoyed over thirty happy years together. Mom’s life took many unexpected turns, but she was perhaps one of the most saintly, happy, giving, sharing, Godly persons I ever knew. She was a great example to us, a wonderful mother, and touched the lives of everyone she met. I’m blessed to call her Mom, and to share these memories of her life and love! Happy birthday, Mom – I know the angels are singing with you today!
Me, Mom, KathyMom, John, Me, Kathy
July 20 – Share a birthday party memory. “When I had my 60th birthday and you called Mary Jane to surprise me with a party. It sure was a nice surprise and that was a memory I will have for the rest of my life. Thank you for doing that.” Glad to have given you a happy memory, Mom!
I actually feel like I’m someone EVERY day! And just for the record, I had a hot dog for lunch. No birthday cake, though…. Happy heavenly birthday, Mom. God bless….
Work was short today – and I was able to stop at church and drop off my trunk-full of items for Saturday. Now there will be room for the other items I need to take up.
The morning was to be cooler, so I was glad to get home early and change. I mowed the bottom yard, then stopped and pulled weeds. I cleaned out the bottom ‘cow pasture’ and also around the shed. The bag of weeds was so heavy it ripped on the way up to the trash and I had to re-bag it. Ugh. I spent almost four hours outside and by the time I was done I was filthy and exhausted in the heat. I took a shower then made a bagel for lunch.
Now I can see the cows!Now I need mulchAll cleaned up!
But the bottom yard and the hill looks pretty nice. Still some weeds but it really did get hot in the afternoon. I took some photos of the flowers on the side of the house. Think I’ll do some writing this afternoon.
July 19 – What was your favorite holiday of the year? Why? “Easter – everyone on my dad’s side of the family came for Easter Dinner.”
Calendar inspiration – keep your focus on your goals – you will stay on track!
It still feels strange with no one else in the house. I keep listening…
It’s been a rainy day until about an hour ago. I think the exact minute the rain stopped my neighbor was cutting his grass. I was wondering if there’s really a blade in his mower…
I worked both stores, then stopped and ordered the sandwiches for Saturday. After lunch and doing a load of laundry, I finished a project for the Pub party then geared up to go run errands. I know that last year I had trouble finding a few items on my first round, so I decided to start early. I did find everything that I could get early, but not all on the first try. Some things will wait until the last minute. Saturday will be busy!
Trunk full of food
I put the little snack treats in mini-bags and tied them with twine. So they are ready, too.
Little snack bags with twine
I needed to get a few totes out of the shed, so I snapped a few photos in the gardens. The purple day lilies are ones that Susan bought me one year. The other two — I am not sure where they came from! And I am always fascinated that the flowers on the hydrangea bush are two different colors, side by side!
From SusanYellow and MellonFour different shades on one bush!
July 18 – What did you do to stay cool? “We would bring our pillow & a quilt down to the screened porch at night. Day time we would stick our bare feet in the cold water that overflowed from the spring. It was very uncomfortable many times in the long, hot summers.”
It was good to be in church this morning. We had six little ones in our Sunday School class, two of whom did not seem to have too much Bible background knowledge. They were thirsty! It was nice to have them there and hoping they will keep coming.
Today was a catch-up day. I worked on the Publication Party, making lists and working on centerpieces and arranging set up. Mary came over and helped decoupage the cans – they turned out cute. Once they dry I will fill them.
Getting started on the centerpiecesLetting the cans dry.Book covers and first lines
While I was waiting on Mary I was checking out the flowers. I noticed that I have two different colors of gladiolas. The purple ones are so deep, and the two-tones pink are bright and beautiful!
Two-toned PinkDeep purple
The Snoopy doghouse is done and up! The address did not work like I planned. Although they were plastic, they were paper based, and the rain made them wilt. I will get the right kind at Lowes this week.
July 17 – Share a memory involving a heatwave or drought. “When July & August came we had to water the garden & the flower beds. Mom saved the rinse water on wash day & sometimes the dish water. It was hard work.” And we just turn on the hose!
SNOOPY is out of his doghouse and sitting happily on the roof – in my front yard. Thanks, Chase! And both Chase and I love Jolly Ranchers – he likes blue and I like green – sour for sure. Have a great day – no caviar! God bless…
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