I am sad to say that I’m not posting tonight. Since I’ve been home (about 5pm, and it’s now 7:30pm) the power has gone off about 10 times. Every time I get something saved or posted the power goes down and I have to start over. It’s been a long day and I don’t have patience for that! SO… I will post tomorrow. THANK YOU for being patient!

My blessing for today is all of you are are reading this and understanding!

TOMORROW June 2nd is:

National Bubba Day; National First Ladies Day; National I Love My Dentist Day (???); National Leave Work Early Day; National Black Eyes Day; National Garden Week; International Volkswagen Bus Day; National Rocky Road Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National French Fries Day. Tomorrow I know my sister will celebrate First Ladies Day. I’d leave work early but I don’t work Sundays! God bless…

That last day of May! Wow….

My back is still giving me issues but it hasn’t slowed me down! After my morning shower and a breakfast muffin, I did a load of laundry and wrote out a few cards to friends going through sad times. My friend Lynn txt me to see if I could notarize a document for her, so she came up. We talked for almost an hour! We did what Mom would have called a Flower Walk, and I pointed out what I had and told her she could have plantings of anything I had! Hoping she’ll take me up on it and I can thin things out on the hill.

After Lynn left, I went down to North Huntingdon and stopped at Dollar Tree and their Walmart. I wasn’t much more successful that I was yesterday but I did manage a few things. I got a dust pan and some of the food for Tuesday (PEEPS night). I stopped at Lowe’s and was able to get 2 small pieces of edging for under the purple azalea. The rabbits sleep under there and kick all the mulch out on my sidewalk- I could sweep it every hour. The edging should keep the mulch off the walk.

After lunch (salad) I did the ironing and printed out two of Christina’s Graduation photos and put them in frames. I cut the grass, weed whacked, used the blower to clean the walks and driveway, watered everything, and planted a white azalea that I found at Lowe’s — it was VERY inexpensive! It will round out the colors just right next spring!

I still have to get supper, change the Snoopy calendar, and pay bills (either tonight or tomorrow morning). I’m scheduled at Hanna’s Town all day tomorrow so I need to divide up my tasks. I will take my VBS folder with me, and in between tours I can go over the lessons again.

My blessing for today was to get so much accomplished!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW June 1st is: (There are TONS! Here are a few…)

National Trails day; Oscar the Grouch Day; Say Something Nice Day; Wear a Dress Day (???); World Milk Day; Play Outside Day; National Game Show Day; Dare Day; Dinosaur Day; Don’t Give Up the Ship Day; National French Fry Day; Flip a Coin Day; Global Day of Parents; National Barefoot Day; National Billboard Day; National Black Bear Day; National Nail Polish day; National Pen Pal Day; National Prairie Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Stay at Home Day. Tomorrow, I will play outside, and go barefoot. Have a happy weekend – God bless…

It was nice to laze in bed and not jump up at the alarm.
I did a quick check on the newly planted grass and it looks like I’m finally getting some little grass shooting up. After showers Kelly and I had hot tea with honey; she had a scone and I had a muffin. We both left at 11am – she and Chase went to his evaluation for home schooling 9th grade, and I went to Jeannette to work.

Kelly had baked cupcakes for Chase’s evaluator. We sent Rege a txt to see if he wanted one but he said he was obtaining from sweets. Sad! She does a great job baking – she’s been a baker since she had to stand on a stool at the counter to help!

We both got home about noon, and spend about an hour visiting before we both had to leave. I went to my eye appointment, then to Greensburg Pinnacle. She and Chase went shopping for supplies and then to a picnic event. Those guys never stop! My allowance for eye coverage increased, so with what I had saved and budgeted I was able to get a pair of progressive lenses and a pair of readers for very low cost. I’m excited and can’t wait for them to come in.

So let’s flood the Word Garden with Graduation! I made a few notes from the student speeches: 1) Life is not a race – slow down! 2) My mother is always right! 3) When you need help or see an opportunity – KNOCK! 4) Reach for your full potential.

Chrissy sent me a txt after graduation – thanking me for always being there for her. Very sweet of her to think of doing that in the midst of all her excitement!

Here are pictures at Lauren and Jen took.

I’m so proud and happy – she has a beautiful spirit and a loving heart and determination to make life work! Congrats sweet girl!

My heart is full, and my blessings are many!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 31st is:

World Parrot Day; Garden Wildlife Week; Autonomous Vehicle Day; National Fisherfolks Day; National Stay at Home Day; National Heat Awareness Day; National Macaroon Day; National Save Your Hearing Day; National Smile Day; National Speak in Complete Sentences Day; Web Designer Day; What You Think Upon Grows Day; World No Tobacco Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Stay in Bed and Read Day (That’s was Kelly’s contribution!). Tomorrow let’s celebrate smiles. Share one – it’s contagious! God bless…

Today was the day that my little Christina graduated from High School! She is now an alum of Hempfield Area Senior High School! Third Generation!

I made an English Muffin and hot tea for breakfast, and sat for an hour and finished book 8 in the Mitford series, Shepherds Abiding. Now, on the Light From Heaven. I am totally engrossed in the life and lives of all things Mitford!

After that, though, I did get busy and cleaned the whole house and did laundry. It rained off and on all day, and at one point it was hailing and the power flashed off and then back on. That really messes with the internet!

Kelly and Chase got here about 6:30pm, and Chase set up Hempfield’s graduation live stream on the YouTube channel on my TV. It was hard to see anyone but I was glad for the opportunity to be a distant part of things. Because of the weather the program was moved inside, limiting attendance. I’m sure Jen or Lauren will post photos!

While we were watching the live stream, we ordered pizza and just sat there and watched everything. I’ll recap it tomorrow once I get pictures.

I’m going to go visit with Kelly – they are leaving after lunch tomorrow so they won’t be here very long!

My blessing today was to watch Christina graduate. SUCH a blessing!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 30th is:

International Hug Your Cat Day; National Creativity Day; National Stay in Bed and Read Day; National E-Bike Day; National Hole in My Bucket Day; National Water A Flower Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Take a Test Day. I’ll celebrate by watering my flowers – no cat to hug! God bless…

The day started out sunny, bright and comfortable. It did not get over 71* so very conducive to outside tasks. I worked both stores, then went to my chiropractor appointment. I really needed it. My neck and back were really out of whack. The office had their window draped in a floral garland that brightened up the waiting area.

From there, I stopped and got gas in the Mazda, then came home to grab something that belonged to Diane, and dropped it off her her. She had some Preen, canning jars, and articles from the Trib for me. We sat on her front porch and had iced tea and cookies that her sister had made yesterday. That was lunch for me!

I was happy to be outside, even for a little while. The sky and clouds were amazing! I wanted to just lay on a blanket and keep looking at the clouds. Dr. Allie suggested that I spend the afternoon resting and drinking lots of water. The water I did manage; sorry to say I didn’t rest much….

My first task at home was to rearrange the shed. I had a bunch of totes that didn’t have lids, and lids without totes (sort of like traditional Tupperware!). I organized everything that matched up and tucked it away, and everything else is outta here. It looks much better just doing that. Even the reindeer are happier.

Some flower pictures:

I took down all the holiday decorations, organized them, and put them on their appropriate shelves. I also cleaned off the craft shelves and the baggies shelf. I was just going outside to bring the car in the garage when it started to pour down rain. I just waited a bit and before long the rain quit.

When I was getting ready for work this morning I went to put my cross necklace on and the clasp was broken. Then I put my Williamsburg bracelet on and it was in two parts. So once I finished all my afternoon tasks I got the plyers out — and THEY fell apart. First I fixed the plyers, then the necklace (I didn’t put the clasp back on – I just fastened both ends together permanently – it slips right over my head). I was able to connect the two separated ends of the bracelet back together. It seems sturdy but I’ll keep my eye on it. I’ll maybe take it to a jeweler to check it. The bracelet is older, and a discontinued item, and was fairly expensive. I can’t believe I actually managed those little tasks by myself!

My blessing today was – and is! – being home all afternoon. I love being home!

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW May 29th is:

National 529 Day; Learn About Composting Day; Take a Test Day; Mt. Everest Day; National Alligator Day; National Biscuit Day; National Flip Flop Day; National Paperclip Day; National Snail Day; Oak Apple Day; Put a Pillow on Your Fridge Day; World Otter Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Butter Popcorn Day. And TOMORROW is Hempfield’s graduation – Christina Kelly Burke will graduate tomorrow evening! I’m so excited and proud of her. I’ll celebrate that – Love you Chrissy! God bless…

There was a bit of rain and wind during the night but none during the day. That surprised me. There were strong breezes but manageable. I washed a load of clothes, ate breakfast, then finally set down to watch the documentary on the Beach Boys on Disney +. It was informative (Though I’ve seen most of the footage and heard the stories before) but sad. I felt like crying at the end. The band was SO YOUNG when they started out, and had so much stress and distress. By the end of the band’s career things had just fallen apart. It’s like Ricky Nelson’s ‘Garden Party’ – the band wanted to change and grow but the fans (old and new) wanted their traditional music. Sigh. That would be me!

I ate leftover chicken from Kathy’s picnic, then buzzed over to Walmart. I needed an iTunes gift card to update my phone account, and garlic toast. Got both.

Again, I expected rain all day — but it’s been lovely. I changed clothes after Walmart and cut the grass, weed whacked, pulled a few weeds, dead-headed a few stalks of flowers, planted the leftover flowers from the cemeteries, and watered the new plantings. Then I was a mess so I got a shower. After I post this I will grab food and maybe iron.

Mamma bird tried to rebuild her nest on the porch light. NOT!!! I tore it down and put the bag back over it.

My blessing today was taking my time! No rushing, just doing what needed done.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 28th is:

International Burger day; Butter Popcorn Day; National Brisket Day; Slugs Return From Capistrano Day; Whooping Crane Day; World Hunger Day.

Yesterday’s Fake Day was National Cold Water Day. I like cold water every day! I can always celebrate burgers – remember Wimpy from Popeye? I really don’t care if the slugs EVER come back from Capistrano! Have a happy back-to-work day! God bless…

The day started out with pale pink and blue skies. Still warm, breezy and sunny all day until evening. Our Sunday school lesson was the Good Samaritan and the kids were very attentive. After Sunday School we took the kids up to Junior Church and Mary and I changed the Bulletin Board to FREEDOM IN CHRIST. It can stay up for the summer.

Todd’s message was FAITH OVER FEAR. I took a lot of notes but not sure I’ll share them all here. ‘Fear Not’ is the most frequent command in the bible. We make our worst decisions in fear; we blame God for the situation. Here is a thought: ‘My life has been full of terrible misfortune; most of which have not happened.’ We fear things that never happen. God delivers us; expect it!. Pick faith over fear. Stand firm — THEN God will reveal his plan! Move on, he takes us through it.

From church I headed to Hanna’s Town. We had two tours, back to back, and while I was out the other guide started a third one. I finished up about 45 minutes before I had to leave, and sat and talked to Kelton. It’s good to get to know him a little better.

I went straight to Kathy’s from Hanna’s Town for her picnic. There was Kathy and Paul, Jesse, Tonia and Isaac, and Sarah, Kyle, Millie and Wyatt. It’s been a long time since I’ve been around little ones for that long. We had tons of good food – Paul did chicken, hot dogs and burgers on the grill. Lots of side dishes, with M&M’s and chocolate cake for dessert.

Millie wanted to play charades, and we made up two teams. Millie was very good at it and we all had fun. The topic was ‘phrases about America.’

After the game Kathy, Sarah and I went outside with Millie and Wyatt and the kids painted wooden bird houses. Millie was very exact and was choosy in her colors. Wyatt was choosy about his color choices but he smeared them all together and had sort of a camo/swirly kind of look.

By the time I got home, the sky was dark and stormy, with a deluge of rain and wind. I think we’re in for that over the next few days. I plan to stay home tomorrow if possible.

My blessing today was to spend the evening with family.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 27th is:

Decoration Day (remember when we called it that???); Memorial Day; National Cellophane Tape Day; Cold Water Day; National Grape Popsicle Day; National Gray Day; National Sunscreen Day; Nothing to Fear Day; Old Time Player Piano Day; Spring Bank Holiday; National BBQ Week; Water Saving Week.

Yesterday’s fake day was Wind Sock Day. Take time tomorrow to remember those who gave so much so that we can live the lives we choose. God bless…

Today was the day – Kathy and I headed to Smicksburg at 9am, loaded down with flowers, garden tools, and determination! We went straight to St. John’s church cemetery in Sagamore, where Grama and Grandad Crooks and their family are buried. We planted several flowers on the graves and gave them a good douse of water.

From there we went up (or down!) Sinktown Road, where Kathy & I and all the Skunk Hollow cousins lived or hung out. So much has changed! That road led us to Old Mahoning Baptist Church. Our cousin Colleen’s son Jason and his son were spreading gravel chips in the parking lot so we got to chat with them a few minutes. Then we planted flowers on Susan’s grave, her parents Jim and Dolly (our uncle and aunt), and her nephew Andrew. We even planted two flowers at Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford’s pre-ordered grave stone, even though there are still very much alive and delightful.

We stopped at Smicksburg Country Store (Donna’s store) and browsed – then bought chocolate covered peanuts (the best!). I also bought cheese. The hills and the clouds were delightful!

From there — to Smicksburg Cemetery, where Uncle Gene and Aunt Hazel, one of their infant great granddaughters, two of their sons, and a son in law are buried. We planted appropriate flowers there. If a cemetery could have beautiful views, this one did.

We popped into the Bulk Food store, and I bought a 5 pound slab of chocolate and a small piece of white chocolate. That means work for me down the road!

We tried to call Aunt Joan but had no cell service, so we drove back up to the top of the hill at the cemetery. As we drove back down, who was tending to the plots of their family but Beth and Harold! So excited to see them and get hugs! We stood and chatted for the longest time! I should have taken a picture — but I was so excited to see them it totally slipped my mind! Loved seeing them!

Last, we went to visit Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford. We filled up our water cups from the spring with fresh clear water. We spent over an hour there, chatting and visiting. There were cattle right out the kitchen window, and a nest of tiny baby birds on the front deck. What a lovely day, filled to overflowing with memories and blessings!

After a quick stop at the Blairsville Walmart we headed home. Kathy had another event this evening. At least when I got home I didn’t have to water the new grass – it has rained several times since we got back.

The whole DAY was a blessing! (Including spending the day with Kathy!)

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 26th is:

General Prayer Day; Indianapolis 500; National Blueberry Cheesecake Day; National Cherry Dessert day; National Paper Airplane Day; National Sorry Day; World Dracula Day; National Wind Sock Day; World Lindy Hop Day; World Red Head Day; National Family Fun Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Bulletin Board Recognition Day. Tomorrow we shall celebrate World Red Head Day — Love you Beth! Have fun with your family and God bless…

Wow it’s been a busy day, all day! I was still in my PJ’s – before my shower or breakfast – and had come downstairs to check emails and pay a bill. My doorbell rang (early for me!) and my neighbor asked if she could park in my extra spot. She was having a pest control company come, and her grass cut, and 2 stair lifts installed and didn’t want to be stuck in her garage with multiple vehicles blocking her in. I felt a little rumpled in appearance, but I was happy to have her park there! After all, I just did a super clean-up out there yesterday.

After breakfast I went to Dollar Tree – again – I needed a new sprig of flowers to put in the duck. The old ones were totally falling apart and faded. I then popped into Walmart for a few items. Since we are going out Home to plant flowers tomorrow I picked up a few packs of flowers, then got everything organized that we need to take. I left there and got gas in the Mazda and in the mower gas can.

Once I got home, I spread the new grass seed and watered the plot. I had to come in and turn the water value to open for the front outside spigot first. Then I washed a load of clothes which still needs ironed. I made a salad for lunch with garlic toast, then melted white chocolate to do pretzels to take tomorrow to AJ/UC. When that was done I mixed up muffins for breakfast next week.

I watered Bunny and Ozzie and the new grass again about 6:30 when they were in the shade. I had to run back out to the store but it only took me a few minutes. The butterfly bush is getting different colored blooms – white and maybe pink and lilac in addition to the deep purple. The Rose Campion are finally blooming, too.

I’m listening to LOVE STRIKES TWICE on the Hallmark Channel – it’s cute and funny and has a lot of unexpected twists and clever lines. When I’m done here I think I’ll iron then grab supper.

My blessing for today was the beauty of the day, and accomplishing the chores on my list!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 25th is:

National Bath Bomb Day; National Brown Bag it Day; National Italian Beef Day; National Sing Out Day; National Tap Dance day; National Wig Out Day; National Wine Day; Towel Day; National Children’s Gardening Day; National Bulletin Board Recognition Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Ivy Day. Tomorrow we are brown-bagging it to Smicksburg – I doubt we’ll sing or dance. There may be a towel involved in our planting and gardening although I doubt the children will be joining us. And tomorrow is 7 months until Christmas Day. Celebrate, and God Bless…

I was tucked into bed last night and noticed the moon out my window. I went out on the deck and snapped a picture. My phone doesn’t take the best photos of night skies.

First thing this morning I got a txt from Karen V (a Skunk Hollow cousin). She read on the Word Garden yesterday that today was World Turtle Day — and look what she saw on her walk this morning! Cool!

And Jen posted a picture of Piggy playing in his play pool – bobbing for broccoli! He’s a funny pig!

After work (which again, thanks to PENNDOT, was a little crazy!), I had lunch, changed clothes, and went outside. I’m really tired of trying to predict the weather forecast’s accuracy. I thought it was supposed to rain? Anyway I cut the grass, cleaned up the driveway (those pesky little maple helicopters made an awful mess), sprayed for weeds under the deck, changed the outside flags for the weekend, put up the window stickees, and touched up a chipped spot on the clothes hamper in the bathroom.

The horses were out this afternoon, too!

I got the greeting cards that my step sister-in-law sent me (she made them!), and I love them all! I took a picture of PART of one – they are her work and I didn’t ask permission to fully share them, although she had posted them on her facebook page. I’m excited to have an occasion to use them.

Here are some yard photos.

My blessing today was receiving the beautiful greeting cards from SJ.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 24th is:

Carb Day; National Don’t Fry Day; National Asparagus Day; National Brother’s Day; National Ivy Day; National Cooler Day; National Escargot Day; National Road Trip Day; National Title Track Day; Tiara day; National Scavenger Hunt Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Seeds Day. We are going on a road trip on Saturday and we may take a cooler! I don’t have a brother. Scavenger hunts are fun. Do something fun and God bless… P.S. – please pray – unspoken request. Thank you! !!