Today – is a beautiful day! Very sunny with puffy white clouds against a beautiful blue sky. I was outside mowing and trimming and weeding, and I could hear the planes from the Air Show at Arnold Palmer Airport in Latrobe. Great day for the air show. Perfect.

I spent the morning getting organized – other than clothes – for our trip to Newport. Food, drinks, maps, wipes, masks, chargers… All accounted for! Then I ate the rest of the soup (about 2 tablespoons left! So sad!) and went to work outside. I found that my lily is blooming and hope the rabbits don’t eat it. They ate ALL the purple blooms and buds off the flower I just bought about a week ago. Rats! No — Rabbits!

Here are pictures of the bench with the stones under it, and the bench/fire pit and the bench/fire pit/step. I like how neat they look!

Next I went over to Kathy’s new place and helped organize some book shelves and closets and watched my son paint the kitchen. It looks so nice! I especially like her shower curtain and rug in the main bathroom. You can memorize scriptures while you get a shower! Fun!

Today is my friend Linda Beer’s birthday. We became friends when our kids were in Bible classes together – they were two. NOW they are 40! Happy birthday, Linda. Hey – that doesn’t mean WE got any older, right?

Yesterday was Janet’s birthday, and their family came back from Iowa to spend a few weeks with her parents in Latrobe. They hosted an open house and Mary and I went. It was so nice to see everyone.

June 11 – Tell about any other paying jobs you held as a youth. “I would go & stay at the home where some woman was expecting a baby. I took over the chores when she had her baby. I sometimes was the first person to hold the newborn baby. Most babies were born at home.” That is so cool!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was (as mentioned) part of the best summer vacation destinations – and the picture posted was Cappadocia – land of hot air balloons. Here are other summer destinations:

Calendar Inspiration – Create a serene daydream or mental get-away to escape daily stress.

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TOMORROW June 12 is:

• National Jerky Day
• National Loving Day
• National Peanut Butter Cookie Day
• National Red Rose Day
• National Children’s Day

Not a fan of Peanut Butter cookies or jerky. But I love to love those I love! And I have red roses growing outside my window. Have a lovely day – and celebrate the children in your life! God bless…

It’s such a beautiful day outside today. I am probably going out to play in the dirt for a little while after I post this. After breakfast I handled some errands – first to Lowe’s where I got keys cut for Kathy, and pond stone, etc. I needed to pick up a card for a birthday open house later today, and do some laundry. So now it’s time to finish up some of the things that I started.

Today is a day of reflection. I was just thinking about how much has happened in the past year. Through no small effort, Autmn graduated from Highschool! We all celebrated, but no more than her!

John passed away in June, then we started cleaning out the farm (since Mom was in a care facility) and eventually sold it. That was a great move, as the new owners love the place and have been making great strides to bring it back to a working farm. So happy to see the improvements.

Mom passed away in September, and although we mourned the loss of her physical presence, we rejoiced in her heavenly reward and the gathering of so many in one place who loved her – and shared their love with us.

And just like that – thirty-five years were a part of the past.

We had an estate sale at the farmhouse, and all of us ‘shopped’ freely and got small things that meant something to us. Some from our growing-up years, but a lot for the 35 years that we spend sharing time at the farm with Mom and John. I have a few simple things, like hot pad/trivets and books and small items (like a thimble) from Grama Crooks. Plus the furniture, which I love!

In addition to those life-changing events, we had other adventures, as well. Kathy, Paul, and I went to Charleston and Savannah (a destination on Kathy’s bucket list and I loved it!).

Nate’s family bought a house and got moved in on one of the coldest days in late January/February. Autmn moved from her mom’s house to Lori’s place and then in with Nate & Jen. Peyton got his permit and 6 months later passed his driver’s test. He’s happy as a lark in his cowboy boots and hat and working long hours helping on neighborhood farms – independence!

I discovered a water problem in my basement that initially sounded like a $20,000 repair – but a competent young plumber discovered a leaky pipe in the wall and the problem was resolved in a few hours for around $300.00 . THAT was a major blessing, which I am reminded of daily!

My friend Gen put her New York house on the market and sold it immediately; she is headed from the Buffalo area to Albany where her son Chris’s family lives. Congrats to Gen and that major change.

Kathy and Paul bought a beautiful condo across town and are moving in next Friday – and will sell their house asap. My niece Sarah’s family bought a house in Jeannette and the closing is next month – another life-changing event that will be a huge plus, having two kids and only two bedrooms! So happy for THEM! The neighbor to my immediate left should close on their new home within the month, and I’ll be looking at a new neighbor…

Matt left Staples after about 20 years or so, and he (and Peyton mostly) run a lawn care/landscaping business. He’s much more relaxed and loves being outside. A huge change for him, for the good. Logan is stepping into a few roles in taking care of the yard – like weed-whacking.

Three good friends from my years at Smail Auto -Bill, Zum, Dave – passed away around Easter, and my friend April lost her two-year-old grandson to a freak infection the week before. God’s grace and comfort got all of us through that.

The Skunk Hollow girls got together several times, which is always balm for the soul and spirit. Love those girls!

Kath & I are planning on getting away for a few days to Newport RI – to see the Gilded mansions and explore history and adventure – and great seafood!

I am blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends and family, and to have the support of so many around me. Thank you to all of you who have supported me and held me up through all the changes and adventures this past year. I think God for you all daily! Please know that my prayers for you are continual.

Now we wait and see what God has planned next – All things work together for good to those who love Him!

June 10 – How much did you get paid? “I was paid $1.00 a day & I felt rich.” Can you imagine any of us being excited about that wage these days? That wouldn’t even buy a gallon of gas — or milk!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was places where you could have family fun, and the picture posted was Acadia National Park in Maine. Here are other family-friendly vacation spots:

Calendar Inspiration – In between your chores, make time to play and rest.

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TOMORROW June 11 is:

• National Outlet Shopping Day**
• National Corn on the Cob Day
• National German Chocolate Cake Day
• National Making Life Beautiful Day
• National Rosé Day

Let’s all just make like a little more beautiful – just by being kind! God bless …

I worked both stores this morning, then went down to Excela Health Norwin Square to get my COVID booster. No side effects and cannot even tell I got it. I left there and stopped at the bank before going home. The Township crew was putting a base coat on Wren Drive, and the flagman told me I couldn’t go home today. He was kidding. I was home long enough to grab a quick lunch and then headed over to Kathy’s. Friends from church came and helped clean a little and packed up stuff in the garage. The living room looks so empty – probably because it is.

The flowers beside the porch looked perky and colorful. I buzzed home to work on the Word Garden for a bit, then I’ll go back and help take a load of boxes to the new house. Tomorrow I am off – no Pinnacle, and Kath doesn’t need anything else until next week. So I have errands to run tomorrow and my checkbook to balance. Then a birthday party for a friend – Mary and I are going together.

My thumb is still swollen, but it feels much better. I’m being careful and using ice (which is what the nurse at Excela Health suggested).

June 9 – What was your first job? “I helped on the neighbor’s farm. I helped with all the housework, washing, ironing, cooking & I helped with the canning of fruits and vegetables.”

Tuesday’s vacation destination was New London CT – we intended to take an extra day and just explore, but decided to stay a little longer in Newport and take 2 days to drive home. But here are some things to see in New London: (Yesterday’s picture was the Whaling Wall)

Calendar inspirations – Peanuts:

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TOMORROW June 10th is:

• National Ballpoint Pen Day
• National Black Cow Day
• National Egg Roll Day
• National Herbs and Spices Day
• National Iced Tea Day
• National Movie Night

Not sure what I will celebrate tomorrow. Possibly a movie – or ballpoint pens! Or black cows, like FLUFFY!!! Have a happy Friday – God bless…

For the second time in three days I am not doing a traditional post. I’m just tired and it’s late. I cleaned the house, did laundry, weed whacked, cut the grass, and helped over at Kathy’s. I stoved my right thumb on the chain-link fence when I was mowing and it’s swollen and sore. Not sure what I’ll do about that. Last month I stoved the little finger on left hand and it’s still a little stiff. Ugh. So I’m just going to go to bed, as I do have to work tomorrow.

June 8 – Share a horse-riding story. “When I was in 2nd grade I had my foot burned & couldn’t wear a shoe. I rode on the back of ‘Old Molly’, one of the work horses, when my mother wanted to go visit a neighbor. We didn’t use a saddle. She had a big wide back.”

TOMORROW June 9th is:

• National Donald Duck Day
• National Earl Day
• National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day

Enjoy your day, and I plan on posting tomorrow evening. God bless!

Weather is crazy today – one minute it’s dry and the next it’s pouring. But it’s chilly so my chores will be inside the rest of the day. I worked both stores this morning. Jeannette had a few things, and Rege and I had our weekly chat. After I finished in Greensburg I stopped and got a hair cut. I wanted to give it a week to settle and for me to get used to it.

So, yesterday I got to Kelly’s a little before 10am. It’s so quaint to turn onto their road and go through the covered bridge. No matter how often I do that, I still love it!

I helped her do a few things, and then we took a walk down to say hello to Fluffy. He was convinced that we were there to feed him, so he just stood beside his food bowl. I tried to get a picture of the piggies but they were in a pen on the other side of Fluffy. We had to walk THROUGH his pasture to get to the pigs and that was NOT on my list of favorites. So we didn’t. But Fluffy posed for a few photos for us.

After talking to Fluffy for a while, we walked down to the creek. A little robin was giving himself a bath. The water was flowing well, and a huge tree grew out over the creek. The photo of the tree doesn’t do it justice.

Kelly and I met Matt at the Condo village – Londonberry, in West Virginia. Such a nice neighborhood! But a lot of landscaping to weed and clean up. We worked for over five hours, with a little help from Matt and about an hour’s worth from Peyton until he had to leave. We did not get finished but we made good progress. Not sure when I’ll get back down – if he needs me. I think we narrowly escaped an Indiana attack (can I say that?).

When we got back to the house, Kelly made tacos for supper. They were very good; I never make them for myself so it was a treat. Sarah had asked Kelly to make Wyatt a little onesie, so she did that after dinner. I always hate leaving my little family!

I left there about 8:15pm, and got caught in several construction projects. The craziest was near the Speers bridge. They actually directed all traffic off Route 70 and then back on the other side. I sat for a while and never moved. The speed limit sign, (meaning to SLOW DOWN to 45 MPH!) belied the actual real-time fact! I got home very close to 10pm.

I was asked to notarize something for Kathy’s brother-in-law George, so we met at Kathy’s. Our friend Lynn (you may remember her from Beef Day!) came to pick up a few things and we chatted for a bit. I miss talking with Lynn and glad I was there when she stopped over.

June 7 – What food did you learn to cook or prepare first as a youth? “I remember learning to fry eggs first. We were baking cakes and cookies at age 10.” I learned very young, too – from my Mom! Our famous brownie recipe!

Sunday’s vacation destination (we skipped yesterday) was not a destination. It was a type of vacation; one that you would go to volunteer your time and services. Photo posted was to do Climate change research in Canada. Other places and causes are:

Calendar inspiration – When you’ve done all you can, let your project develop and grow on its own.

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TOMORROW June 8th is:

• National Best Friends Day
• National Name Your Poison Day
• National Upsy Daisy Day

My longest best friend is Gen; 2nd longest is Diane. Then there’s a long list in the number three spot! But my cherished side-by-side best friend is my sister! Happy best friend day to all of my dear, dear friends! God bless…

Today was a good day, but very long and I’m very tired. A GOOD tired, and I’ll sleep tonight for sure. I will catch up tomorrow – but I spent the day in Wheeling pulling weeds for a Condominium Association that Matt does lawn care services for. We didn’t quite finish but ran out of steam and time!

June 6 – Did you ever go on a snipe hunt? “Yes. Across the small stream down back of our barn & up on the hill above the stream. You can guess what happened. If you don’t know I’ll take you snipe hunting.” Funny, Mom! Funny!

TOMORROW June 7th is:

• World Caring Day *
• National Boone Day
• National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
• National Oklahoma Day
• National VCR Day

We DID do gardening today. And tomorrow I WILL have Chocolate Ice Cream! Have a wonderful day, and God bless.

Today was very strange – glad to say I survived it, although not unscathed! Started out by being whacked in the eye by a donkey. Well, let me explain. We have a stick ‘donkey’ that we use to act out Bible lessons. The donkey and rider got a little aggressive and I was in the way. Thankfully I had my glasses on or it would have been a lot more painful. The ‘donkey’ was very contrite and repented quietly on his own accord in the corner chair. Our donkey has now been relegated to the supply closet on the other side of the building!

But before that, as I started the car to go to church, the dash kept flashing a message that the key fob battery was low. I won’t be at work until Tuesday so I hope it doesn’t quit working while I’m in West Virginia tomorrow. Hmmmm.

After church I was leaving to pick up Chrissy, Autmn, Hope, and Daphne to take them bathing suit shopping. I have been so careful going in and out of my driveway because of the severe drop-off. For some reason I had a bad angle, and scraped something underneath the car. Ugh. I didn’t see any damage and everything was working ok.

But I picked up the girls at the flea market venue, stopping first to grab a bite of lunch. They had really good French fries. After that, we went to Target. The girls found a few things there, but Chrissy did not find a swim suit. So after we left there we went to Walmart, and she did get a really cute one! I was glad she found something she liked as she likes to be stylish but also modest. I think they had a good time. Taking four teenager girls for swimsuits is not for the faint of heart! But — all is well.

Once I dropped the girls back off I did yard work, cutting back dead flower stalks, pulling weeds, watering plants, and trimming the bridal veil bush back a bit. I was having trouble mowing around it. Now is the best time to trim, as they are done blooming.

Kathy came over about 6pm and we finalized our schedule and reservations for Newport. Two week away! I feel better now that we have a motel room for each night, and we are focused on one adventure – Newport RI!!

June 5 – Did you ever go on a camp out? Tell about it. “Not when I was a kid.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was a TYPE of vacation – gardens! The one yesterday was Claude Monet’s garden in France. Here are other famous garden destinations:

Calendar inspiration – Someone could benefit from your assistance, so offer your help and encouragement.

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June 6

• D-Day
• National Applesauce Cake Day
• National Drive-In Movie Day
• National Eyewear Day 
• National Gardening Exercise Day
• National Higher Education Day
• National Yo-Yo Day

Autmn is working at Evergreen Drive-In! Go to the movies, see her, and celebrate! And I’m celebrating eyewear because it definitely saved the day for me today! And I am gardening for Matt in West Virginia tomorrow! 🙂 God bless…

Where to start. I guess from when I got up! I realized that it was one year ago today that John passed away. In the midst of everything going on THAT was my first thought. But I changed and washed the bed sheets, showered, had breakfast, and went the the Flea Market for Jen’s Ninth’s Life Rescue. I always think I will NEVER find anything – but I walked in the door and Nate said, ‘Mom, when I saw that bench it reminded me of you!’ I said I’d look around and decide. I saw Sherree (Jen’s mom) at the front table, and she said, ‘Did you see that bench out there? It has MARGE written all over it.’ So — you can guess what I brought home! I scrubbed it and added the decals and there you go!

Kath gave me a little basket with rope handles that she didn’t want, so I scrubbed it, added the lamb that Mom made Autmn when she was born, (Autmn, not Mom!!!) and there you go again!

I had my eye on a purse at L&L, and decided since I was down that way I’d see if it was still there. It was, so … there you go! It has like ten different compartments, at least. It’s so organized it’s scary.

I spent a few hours helping Kathy pack boxes, load two vehicles, and take a trip to the new house. I can finally see that we are making progress! She was spending a few hours with Millie and Wyatt tonight so we stopped early. I came home and weed-whacked, pulled weeds, trimmed the Azealias, added a step by the deck to the fire pit, and moved my cement Bench. I plan to put pond stone around the bench, since I can’t mow under it. I love how it looks and it will be perfect for fire pit nights.

I bought 2 metal stars (one red one blue) and attached them to the deck rails by the fire pit. I took a close up of the blue one; you really can’t get a good idea as to how they look but for 50 cents I was totally happy!

June 4 – Tell about hot dog or marshmallow roasting. “Sometimes, not too often, we would roast marshmallows. Dad wouldn’t buy hot dogs. He heard they put ‘junk’ in the meat when they were grinding the meat. We had many at the cabin, as you will remember.” I think we all question the nutritional value of hot dogs!

Yesterday’s vacation destination wasn’t a destination – it was a type of vacation, which was energy efficient vacation destinations. Yesterday’s was a destination off the grid. Other places:

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TOMORROW June 5 is:

• National Gingerbread Day
• National Moonshine Day
• National Veggie Burger Day
• National Cancer Survivor’s Day 

I can celebrate both Kelly and Nathan, who survived their own type of cancer and are healthy and happy! Also my cousin Holly and my cousin’s wife Judy. Congrats to all who have survived and thrive! God bless…

I hit the ground running this morning, catching up on what I didn’t get done all week. I had a lot on my plate. Today I cleaned the whole house, did laundry, cut the grass, pulled weeds, sprayed Round-up (cautiously) on some weeds, and trimmed some bushes. I took a picture of the happy little Peanuts gang while I was dusting their shelf.

At 5pm I went to Kathy’s. She had a group meeting to take some boxes to the new house. Nate & Dave are painting while the house is empty. They have the living room/dining room done and it really looks beautiful. I’ll help her tomorrow for a while, after I go to Jen’s Ninth Life flea market at the Grandview Fire Hall in Jeannette. I like to support when I can!

June 3 – Did you ever sleep under the stars? “We had a play house across the field from the house. it was a nice old chicken coop. I never slept on the ground until I was a Girl Scout leader.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was not really a destination. Based on yesterday’s calendar inspiration and quote/scripture, it’s scents that evoke vacation memories. The pictures posted was sunscreen. Other aromas are:

Calendar inspiration – A cheerful attitude creates its own positive energy

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TOMORROW June 4 is:

• National Cheese Day
• National Clean Beauty Day
• National Cognac Day
• National Hug Your Cat Day
• National Old Maid’s Day
• National SAFE Day
• National Black Bear Day
• National Bubbly Day
• National Prairie Day
• National Trails Day

Lots of celebrations going on tomorrow. So pick one or two that you like. God Bless!

Very early this morning I heard the machinery working on the roads. A jarring way to wake up! The one machine was scraping the asphalt off the roads and spitting it into the huge dump truck. That, of course, left a big bump in the middle of the road, and also a considerable drop off to get from my driveway onto the road. I was worried that the car would scrape but didn’t. Now we see when they will start paving.

I had lunch with Aunt Darlene (a friend’s aunt, not mine, but very sweet and kind) today at the New City Buffet – her favorite place to eat. She knows the owners and the staff by name and they cater to her every need. She hasn’t been feeling her best – nine years ago she was given a kidney by her step-son, and yesterday’s test/biopsy revealed that the kidney was failing. She’s uncomfortable and weak and of course very concerned as to what will happen next. She has an appointment with her specialist on June 14th to determine how to move forward. Please pray for her. She’s more than a little rattled by this whole discovery.

We sat for over two hours and talked. Thankfully we didn’t EAT for two hours! She takes things very slow. When I left there I had a few errands to run. I found the garden flag that I wanted for my new holder; it matches the door mat exactly! So that was a plus. Then I got groceries.

Before I came home, I left a little congrats wish for my sister on their porch. I’m so excited for them!

June 2 – What was the funniest name or nickname in your town? “We had a neighbor that lived down in the valley. I don’t know what her real name was but everyone called her Gooley. Gooley Galentine. Her husband’s real name was Clover.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Los Angeles CA = the hometown of Marilyn Monroe (one of the quotes was hers). The photo was a tour of Warner Brothers Studios. Other points of interest (just a few):

Calendar Inspiration – Scents can trigger memories; What nostalgic scents do you recall from your childhood?

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TOMORROW June 3 is:

• National Chocolate Macaroons Day
• National Egg Day
• National Repeat Day
• National Doughnut Day 

I bought eggs at the store today and I have doughnuts in the freezer (if I remember to eat one). They are the mini-tiny ones! Other than that I plan to clean the house and then help Kathy move boxes! Have a lovely weekend. God bless…