It’s after 10pm and I’ve been running and on my feet all day, on the go.

I had the PEEPS here tonight for a fire pit and supper and conversation. It was a great night! But I’ll post tomorrow and catch up on everything then. God Bless!!!

Worked at both stores and stopped to help Mike P. After work(s) I popped into Ollie’s and got a new hose. No more unexpected showers!

The power kept going on and off again – I couldn’t get in my garage when I got home. Since I had to go back out at 3pm I decided not to mess with it. All is well now. At lease I hope so. I went down to the shed and got the kindling and the wood for the fire pit for tomorrow night. That little yard cart is a life-saver! I also scrubbed the metal hot dog sticks.

Last night when I went to turn on the outside deck lights this little guy was sitting on the railing. I even opened the door and went out and he just sat there and looked at me. He is kinda cute.

Autmn sent me some pictures of when they went to the zoo. Looks like Cameron (and Noah!) had a good time!

Also got a picture of Autmn and Christina at Graduation.

I spent a while last night making notes and plans for my week of teaching VBS. Now I just have to get some printing done and put the crafts together. And I really like teaching Esther!

My blessing today was Nate coming over to fix my blind! It works!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW June 4th is:

International Corgi Day; National Cheese Day; National Nail Day; National Christian T-Shirt Day; National Hug your Cat Day; Shopping Cart day; National Old Maids Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Archeology Day. Tomorrow I think I’m going to do the cheese. God bless!

Let’s start with yesterday.

I got to Hanna’s Town at 10:20am, and there were already the shop manager and 3 guides there. So we were well staffed. It was very quiet in the morning with no guests. Jerod and Ruth stood around playing with a few of the games that were sitting on the counter.

I walked around and took some pictures about lunch time, and munched a granola bar. I tired to get different angles of the buildings.

A little after lunch we had two groups come in, and Jeff took them around. He’s very informed and always has interesting bits of information. He also lives in Hanna’s Town proper in an historic house – so he lives it! Right after he finished his tour (it was very warm by now so he needed a break) I took out the next group. They asked a lot of good questions and were interested in a lot of the unique facts.

Several other people came in too late for tours – we don’t start tours after a certain time as we can’t finish before the buildings need locked and the alarms set. I hope they come back. I was only home about 2 minutes when the power kept going out – so now you’re up to current. (No pun intended…)

The Sunday school lesson was the parable of the talents and the 4 kids really got the concept. They were happy to get their smiling pictures taken.

Todd’s message was based on Romans 12:18 -If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Sometimes that feels IMPOSSIBLE – but it’s a scriptural command. So much of today’s world goes against scripture. We need to balance grace with truth. Truth without grace is just mean; grace without truth is lazy. We can’t change the gospel to fit into culture. Stand by the Word of God despite the cost; don’t compromise – live with kindness and compassion.

The fencing for the walk that I bought on Friday did NOT work. So this afternoon I switched out the fencing with some from behind the shed. We’ll see if THAT works. Jen’s Ninth Life Rescue was having a hanging basket plant sale, so I stopped and bought two. They are extremely nice for $10 each! Now to keep them alive.

My blessing for today is Gracie! She’s such a beautiful child, inside and out!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW June 3rd is:

Repeat Day; National Bicycle Day; America the Beautiful Week; National Archeology Day; Insect Repellent Awareness Day; June Bank Holiday; Love Conquers All Day; National Chocolate Macaroon Day; National Egg Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Black Eyes Day. Tomorrow – let’s celebrate America the Beautiful; let’s celebrate America the Beautiful (see what I did there??). Have an egg, and God bless… God Bless…

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…