June 25, 2024

PENNDOT is still down – but I did some filing and prepped some paperwork and headed out. What a crazy mess.

Family Quotes - Bless This Crazy Mess Stretched Canvas Print

Chase was still sleeping when I got home, so I did a few things around the house and finished book 4 in the Berry Lake Cupcake series. There’s one more book that comes out mid-July. The writer always ends the book with a massive cliff hanger! I’m glad I found the series so late so the wait isn’t that long to finish it!

Cupcakes & Crumbs (Berry Lake Cupcake Posse Book 1)
Book one

After lunch Chase and I headed out to run errands. We dropped the return package to Amazon at the UPS store, stopped at the Mall to get a soup dispenser at Bath and Body Works, then headed over to mini-golf.

Charcoal cut-glass dispenser. Works great!

Chase did really good playing golf! He has a good eye. He had a couple hole-in-ones, and most of his holes were on par. He won, 46-51. I wasn’t on my best game tonight and definitely didn’t get any hole-in-ones!

Lining it up.
His first Hole in One – I had a 5!

When we got home, Chase set about digging the hole for the new Butterfly Bush, and I trimmed the Tansy from the Beach Boys sign. So we did good.

Planted.
By the fence.
All trimmed up.

For supper I had a few French fries baked in the oven, and Chase had (are you READY for this?) a frozen pizza. Go figure. I told him he’d wake up some morning with round red splotches all over, and not to go outside. He was turning into a pizza and the neighborhood dogs would have him for lunch!

French fries for me…
Pizza for Chase.

My blessing today was spending time with Chase and getting some tasks done!

PEANUTS thought for the day:

TOMORROW June 26th is:

Forgiveness Day; National Barcode Day; National Soap Day; National Canoe day; National Chocolate Pudding Day; National Day of Joy; National Parchment Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Mailbox Day. Tomorrow let’s be joyful, and forgive! God bless….

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June 24, 2024

This whole PENNDOT cyber breech is crazy. There are all sorts of rumors going around, about what happened and what has to happen to get back up on running. I went to work this morning in Jeannette, but can’t log in and can’t process. I called the Greensburg store and there was no reason to go up there. Wow. Scary.

What’s happening with CDK Global? Update on cyberattacks that hit car dealerships
Nationwide….

I was home by 10:30am, and that included stopping at Aldi and getting Chase additional pizza and Oreos. After a quick break I changed clothes, prayed for endurance, and CUT THE GRASS! It was actually a comfortable day, weather wise, and I took my time. Got it all done, then came in and made Poppin-fresh cinnamon rolls. I haven’t had those in years! When Chase got up he ate a bunch, too.

Looks so much better!

Then I cleaned up the stones going down the walk to the shed. There was a lot of crab grass, and that freaks me out. It actually looks like crabs that are going to reach out and grab my ankle! But it looks so much better, after only less than 3 hours outside.

The stones are all cleaned off.
All the crabgrass gone!

I snapped some flower pictures, then watered the plants before I came in to finish laundry. I’ll save the ironing for tomorrow. That was enough for today, and I need to get Chase food later, too! We have to figure out when we are going mini-golfing since Chrissy can’t go this week. She’s working two jobs.

Dark maroon day lily
Cone flowers
Blazing star
Day lily – two colors.

My blessing for today was feeling good enough to get outside work done. I was losing sleep over those tasks – literally! So, huge blessing!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

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TOMORROW June 25th is:

National Mailbox Day; Color TV Day; Global Beatles Day; National Camp Counts Day; National Catfish Day; National Strawberry Parfait Day; Please Take My Children to Work Day; National LEON Day – look it up (It’s a fun thing to celebrate!). God bless…

Yesterday’s fake day was National Glad Day. Tomorrow lets celebrate color TV and LEON Day! Fun! God bless…

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June 23, 2024

Chase and I went to Sunday School – he went to his age appropriate class which was good to interact with his peers. Kim and I taught the Rich Young Ruler. They did a ‘sewing’ paper about ‘It’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter heaven. The boys actually had several interesting thoughts on the subject!

Cody and Jackson

When we got home, Chase immediately took a nap. I ate half an egg salad sandwich then went outside to work on weeding between the patio stones. Got the weeds all pulled but it started to rain so I couldn’t clean it off.

It rained and poured and the drops bounced off the driveway!

Rain!

Chase woke up when I came in, so I made him Quilla-Dillas (quesadilla) and took a break. I did want to get one more thing done, so I scrubbed the 8 hanging baskets that I want to use for the Loyalhanna Review party in July. They were very dirty and had black loomie soil stuck to them. I squirted Dawn dish detergent in them all and hosed them down. They came out really nice. I will put books in the basket part and a bow on the hanger – a garden of words!

They scrubbed up nice.

Todd’s message this morning was about sexual identity. It was very interesting and I thought he did a good job of presenting the truth. If you’re struggling with this, or know someone who is, check out today’s message on Hempfield Church of Christ you-tube or web site.

Hempfield Church

My blessing today was feeling good enough to be at church and actually accomplishing something this in the afternoon!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW June 24th is:

International Fairy Day; National Glad Day; National Pralines Day; Swim a Lap Day; Insect Week; Rabbit Week; National Patch Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Amazon Day. Tomorrow let’s celebrate rabbits! God bless…

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June 22, 2024

Today was a slow lazy start. I changed the sheets, washed 2 loads, then around noon went to Pet Smart to pick up my auction items from Ninth Life.

I had the pitcher – got the corked jar today.

I called Fantastic Sams and got a hair appointment for Chase. He got a lot cut off. He said it felt good and he was happy with it. It will take a while to train it to lay flat; it’s been very long for a very long time!

Chase = back
Chase – front
Doesn’t he look handsome?

We stopped and got Chick Fil-A on the way home. I ate about half and stuck the rest in the fridge.

Last night Chase and I trimmed a Rose of Sharon down to below the fence line, and I cut back the daisies and cosmos. It looks much neater.

Chase trimmed the Rose of Sharon behind Snoopy – even with the fence.
Very tall daisies and cosmos trimmed to the ground.

Chase was amazed to find an Oreo in his stash that was put together backwards. I think it still tasted the same…

Note that the bottom cookie is upside down – the ridges are UP.
Should say OREO

I ordered a new soap dispenser for the kitchen and it came today. I think that’s a chore for tomorrow. I asked Chase what he wanted to eat – and he said frozen pizza! That’s 3 days in a row!

Kath had a camp meeting at Hempfield Church, and Lynn took her for a drive in her convertible. They were having a big and rich time!

Kathy learning convertible etiquette!

My blessing today is staying inside with the unbearable heat outside!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

Courtesy of Diane

TOMORROW June 23rd is:

International Olympic Day; International Widows’ Day; Let It Go Day; National Amazon Day; National Hydration Day; National Pink Day; National Typewriter Day; Fish are Friends not Food Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Ivy Day. Tomorrow I’ll celebrate typewriters! God bless…

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June 21, 2024

I went to work early this morning to meet a customer for a license plate and finish titlework from yesterday. HOWEVER, I discovered the the cyber incident referred to yesterday was much wider spread and more intense than originally thought. So the system is still down and nothing could be done. But it got me moving and out of the house to start the weekend.

After lunch I started laundry while Chase was still asleep. I think he was up pretty late last night. When he’s here he can keep his own schedule as I can go about my business as needed. Right now he’s watching video you-tube tutorials – or something. I think they are about pyramids!

I made muffins for him before I went to work, so after he had a few we took our list and went to Walmart. We were able to get a few necessities to get him through a few days, anyway. Then we went over to Aunt Cordelia’s and she called to get a refund on my ticket for Sight and Sound, which turned out to be the same day as Chrissy’s grad party. All handled!

Goldfish and Oreos – necessities!

So back to yesterday. Kelly got here mid-afternoon and we had a nice visit – while Matt took a nap and the boys had their game systems. Nate’s group got here about 6:30, and Kelly went downstairs first. When no one came up, I went down to see them all and grab Cameron for baby hugs. I noticed his shirt – got marge? I fussed over it and they were all laughing — “We all have them – here’s yours!”

Cameron – got marge?
Back of shirt.
Cameron loves playing the fishies game on GIGI’s (Jen) phone!

SO I changed and put my shirt on then took some pictures.

Kelly
Jen
Christina and Autmn
Back

It was so fun to have the shirts and we had a fun evening. There was pizza and bread sticks and nachos and cheese and chocolate covered popcorn. All the ‘shirted’ people stood on the steps and Matt took pictures. I wore my shirt to work this morning!

Cameron loved the pizza….
And latched on with both hands!
Front – got marge?
Top to bottom:
Chase – Christina
Autmn – Kelly
Nate – Jen
Cameron, me and Sherree
Back of shirts – WWMD? what would Marge Do?

The kids chipped in and got me a set of garden trimmers (since mine broke) and a mini all-blue butterfly bush. If it cools off a bit Chase is going to dig a hole so we can plant it. Maybe after tomorrow there will be a cooler hour here or there.

Butterfly bush
Trimmers

We sent pizza home with everyone and kept some for Chase. I’m thinking that as soon as I finish this he’ll want something different!

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We had TWO of these giant pizzas
Diane sent me a thought for the day.

My blessing for today was getting the refund for the S&S ticket, although I love going to the shows!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW June 22nd is:

Be Kinder; National Chocolate Éclair day; National Kissing Day; National Ivy Day; National Onion Ring Day; World Rainforest Day; International Being You Day; Summersgiving.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Fire Pit Day. Tomorrow – be kind! God bless…

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June 20, 2024

Today was a busy, somewhat unproductive day that ended with fun and family! I worked both stores and helped Mike P out with something. When I was in Greensburg the PENNDOT CVR program was not functioning and I could not finish processing. So two people have to wait. That means that I have to go BACK into work tomorrow! But I got to my chiropractor appointment, got gas in the Mazda, picked up food from Di, and was home by 1:30pm.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)

While I was waiting for my family I melted some Chocolate and drizzled a bag of popcorn. I’ve been wanting to do this all week! Success!

Dark Chocolate Caramel Drizzle Popcorn

I will post about the family party tomorrow. Jen took some photos that she has on her phone. Kelly made shirts for everyone – I was totally surprised and blown away. And laughed.

Open photo
Got Marge?

I was so excited to see Cameron after a whole month that I almost missed everyone in their shirts. But I’ll post all that tomorrow. It’s late and I’m tired.

Open photo
Cameron in his Got Marge shirt!

My blessing today was by far spending the evening with my family. The only ones missing were Noah and Peyton. But having everyone here was a SUPER blessing!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

My family means everything to me! | Snoopy family, Snoopy ...
I’m the one in the purple hat!

TOMORROW June 21st is:

Go Skateboarding Day; International Yoga Day; National Cookie Dough day; National Dog Party Day; National Fire Pit Day; National Seashell Day; National Selfie Day; National Take your Dog to Work Day; World Day of Music; World Giraffe day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Whistle Day. Tomorrow let’s celebrate music! God bless…

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June 19, 2024

To any observer, today was a boring quiet day at the Burke house. I read and cleaned and did laundry, then took the garbage up to the road. That was my day. I did notice that the gladioli that was budded yesterday is starting to open and it will be a glorious color!

While I was going about my chores I was thinking about tomorrow. Nate’s family, Autmn and Cameron, and Kelly’s family are coming up tomorrow afternoon for a belated birthday celebration. I’m excited, just to have them here. That never happens except for the three major holidays! But then, Di reminded me that tomorrow is food day and I’d have to pick it up sometime around lunch. Next, Mike P called and needed something notarized to add to my already scheduled 2-store work day. Mike G txt that he had title work, and Don needs a license plate for his vehicle. I also have a chiropractor appointment at 11:45! I hope I can get through that craziness before too long so we can have a proper family visit.

My blessing today is that it’s not tomorrow!!!

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW June 20th is:

American Eagle Day; National Hike with a Geek Day; National Vanilla Milkshake Day; National Whistle Day; National Yard Games Day; Summer Solstice; Ugliest Dog Day; National Sea Shell Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Green Light day. I had a milkshake yesterday so I’m set. I’ll concentrate on the Summer Solstice, the longest daylight of the year. Take advantage of that! God bless…

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June 18, 2024

At the end of the day yesterday I was able to listen to Greg’s sermon, then still had time for The Story of a Patriot — which is the movie they show at Colonial Williamsburg when visitors first get there. I love that little movie!

Patriot John Fry
John and his mother.

I had everything organized and ready, so when I got up I just had to shower and dress. I got to Teresa’s at about 7:25am. Gigi was all ready to go and excited to be on an adventure. There was construction that delayed our arrival at the Botanical Gardens but it was still cool enough to enjoy walking around. But the day was lovely, spent with a great friend, wrapped in nature and fresh air flowers!

Flowers at the entrance
Pasta art in the welcome center
Beautiful vase of flowers
Gardens
The pond.
Gigi having a snack in the stone house
Cute little house
Gigi posing by the planters
Playing in the sprinklers
Turtle planters
One of my favorite things: Leaf impressions in the sidewalk.
Gigi posing under the butterfly
Natural edge side table.

The trip home was much quicker.

Pittsburgh skyline

My special birthday treat for myself today was that I stopped and got a chocolate milkshake at McDonalds on the way home. I remember when they were a little over $1 each – Now they were all but a few pennies short of $5.00! Yikes!

My very small but expensive milkshake

My blessing today was all of the people that reached out to me – txt, emails, facebook, cards – to share birthday greetings for me. What a lovely day!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW June 19th is:

International Box Day; Juneteenth; National Garfield the Cat Day; National Watch Day; National Sauntering Day; National Green Light Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Heat Index Day. Tomorrow let’s appreciate boxes! God bless….

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June 17, 2024

I slept much better last night but woke up at 6am ( 8 1/2 hours!) and couldn’t fall back asleep. That I was OK with that. It got very warm very fast, and I was glad to be inside today.

After lunch I did water the flowers and shrubs and clipped a few stray twigs away from the Lavender and azalea.

Trimmed pink azalea so lavender can flourish
Trimmed around the white azalea

I put a roast in the crock pot, did a load of laundry, and listened to Todd’s last two messages that I missed. The 9th was on abortion and the 16th was on Sexual morality. I liked them both. He did a good job.

Almost time to make the soup.

Got a birthday card from my friends Don and Barb – biggest confetti I ever saw!!!

Cool card and giant confetti!

Autmn TXT me to say she missed me – she was folding sheets and did an excellent job on her fitted one, and was excited to show me! I miss seeing them and hoping this week will work…

Pretty good job for a fitted sheet!

Kathy txt me that the local ad magazine had a coupon for Willowbrook golf. Part of the plan for Chase’s visit next week was to go golfing. I got the mail and there it was. That will help!

I still have ironing to do so I’m cutting this short. Stay cool and safe and drink lots of water.

Ironing to do.

My blessing today was being inside where it’s cool.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

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TOMORROW June 18th is:

My birthday! 🙂 Clean Your Aquarium Day; National Panic Day; International Picnic Day; National Heat Index Day; National Fishing Day; National Splurge Day; Wear Blue Day; National Wanna Get Away Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Spider Day. Tomorrow let’s have a picnic and splurge a little! God bless —

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June 16, 2024

Happy Father’s Day to my dad – gone since 1985. Miss him! And to Nate and Matt and Noah – Enjoy the honor God gave you to be a Dad. And thank you for loving and taking care of the families that I love!

My dad and family
Matt and Family
No photo description available.
Nate and family
Noah and family

Today has been a weird day. I could barely make it through Sunday School. But since Mary was out from her surgery, Kim stepped in and helped with the class. They made scripture tool boxes for their dads.

Jackson, Max, Gracie, Cody

I didn’t sleep well last night at all. So I came home, threw myself on the couch, and fell asleep! Can’t wait until this stupidity is over! But after I took a cat nap I ate some soup for lunch, then went outside and did a flower walk. That (and finishing the ironing) was the extent of my day! Now I’ll grab supper and wait for the new work week to begin – – hopefully on a little more sleep!

Lavender
Across the hill
Daisy
First gladioli to bud
Cosmos
Unique day lily
More flowers

Today would have been Ron Buschek’s birthday. All these years and I still miss his laugh!

No photo description available.
Ron and his family – decades ago!

My blessing today was having Kim to help in class. And the kids did very well!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

May be a doodle of motorcycle and text

TOMORROW June 17th is:

Bunker Hill Day; Global Garbage Man Day; National Apple Strudel Day; National Eat your Veggies Day; National Spider Day; National Mascot Day; Take Your Cat to Work Day; National Root Beer Day; National Cherry Tart Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Be Low Key day. Hope you celebrated your dad today. Tomorrow? Eat your veggies – then have some Strudel! God bless…

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