It was a beautiful day from start to finish! Although the five kids were ‘on a roll’ this morning they did ok with the lesson and seemed to enjoy doing their Mother’s Day craft. They all wanted to eat the Hershey’s Kisses that we put down in the little pouch with the flower seeds. I did explain to them that they needed to wait until their Mom decided if she would share them or eat them!

The message this morning was from Wayne as Todd was away. The title was When Benefits Exceed the Cost. Some things are more important than life. Jesus: 1) Comes before Family. 2) Directs our finances. 3) Is more important than our plans. 4) Wants to BE your every day life. Put Jesus first; lose your life in Jesus. Colossians 3:2, one of my favorite verses.

I left directly after church – and on the way out the mothers were offered a cookie – I took it with me and had about 3 bites on the way down to Kelly’s. It was very good. I saved the rest for tomorrow as we were having a big lunch at Kelly’s.

The drive down was beautiful. Everything around me was green and lush, and the sky was dark blue with white puffy clouds. It made the hour pass quickly. Everyone but Peyton was already there when I arrived – Peyton was at a friend’s house working on his car. But I guess he redeemed himself later when he brought his mom home a huge bouquet of beautiful flowers (I had already left).

Matt cooked on the grill and we had burgers and hot dogs and brauts. Matt’s sister Kim made brownies, strawberry short cake, and I think helped with the mac/cheese. We had baked beans, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, sautéed onions, chili, and cheese slices for the sandwiches. Everything was so good! And it always tastes better when I don’t have to cook it. Logan had to make sure Camo (dog) didn’t help himself!

After lunch Kelly and I took a nice walk. I was looking for random Dogwood trees in the woods but we didn’t find anything. I took lots of pictures along the creek, seeing how much it changed after the bad floods from April.

The covered bridge – which you have to drive through to get to Kelly’s.

We also saw lots of interesting plants and flowers along the way.

We walked all the way to the West Virginia Panhandle — then back to Pennsylvania. Sounds like a long walk but it wasn’t more than a quarter of a mile, one way.

Camo liked taking a splash in the creek.

Matt and Kim and Greg took the cover off the pool. It was too heavy to pull up over the edge (it was full of water) so Matt climbed in and pushed from underneath. He said it was FREEZING! We told him he may as well do a few baptisms while he was in there — trouble was, we all were already baptized!

I got home a little after 8:30. It was a fun, happy day and a great way to spend Mother’s Day! Thanks to my Hancher family for the lovely card and money for an Orange Azalea! I’m excited!

When I got home there was a big Butterfly Bush (called Fourth of July!) and it will get multi-colored blooms. And a Snoopy card with HUGS in it! SO FUN!

My blessings today were many: Safe trip down and back, spending time with my family, yummy lunch, beautiful card, sunny walk with Kelly and the gift, spending time in Church. And the beautiful bush and card from Nate and crew. My cup runneth over!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

HERE is a tribute to MY mom:

TOMORROW May 13th is:

Cough Drop Day; National Crouton Day; Fair Trade Day; National Footpath Day; National Apple Pie Day; National Frog Jumping Day; National Leprechaun Day; Top Gun Day; Tulip Day; Dementia Awareness Day; Bike to Work Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Brown Rabbit Day. I think I’ll celebrate Frog Jumping tomorrow – since we saw several doing that very thing today! God bless…

Today is my nephew Jesse’s birthday. I forgot to post on here for his wife Tonia’s birthday on the 2nd. So happy birthday to both Jesse and Tonia! Love you!

Despite dire predictions of weather I woke up to bright sunshine and no rain or wind. I picked up Kathy at 9:30am and we went to the Market at West Overton. There were a lot of venders and a huge variety of products and crafts. Parking was in a field over the hill from the museum, so we took the shuttle over. It was unconventional and fun!

Kathy got a dip mix, and ‘rice bag socks’ for the kids.

I got Cameron a little camo rubber ducky — Nate calls him Camo. I also got a few handmade soaps and a small flat of Zennias.

After I dropped Kathy off, then got gas for in the Mazda. My front radio screen was not coming on so I stopped and asked Rege to check. We pushed all the buttons several times but he finally figured it out for me. Everything was fine except the radio and the clock wasn’t visible. I think we just pushed a button accidentally. Thanks for being a hero, Sir Regis! All fixed now.

When I got home I had toast and bacon for lunch, and by then it was raining. I melted some chocolate and made drizzled popcorn, and then some chocolate covered peanut butter pretzel nuggets. I even did about 4 strawberries. They’ll be gone in a heartbeat.

I was cleaning up when the sun came out and the rain stopped. I suited up and spent and hour and a half in the very wet gardens. But the hills and back yard are FINISHED! I also did the side where the roses are. All that’s left is the front, and it’s level and small and will be easy to do. Yea!

It started to rain again just as I was cleaning up – and I heard there was a tornado watch. An hour later — sun!

I still have a piece of meatloaf left so I’ll probably have that for supper. I’m ready for Sunday School class tomorrow and the Mother’s day project.

My blessing today was spending time with my sister! In nice weather!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 12th is:

Mother’s Day; National Hospital Day; National Limerick Day; National Nutty Fudge Day; National Odometer Day; National Brown Rabbit Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Runs with Scissors Day – DON’T DO THAT! I’ll celebrate Mom – miss her all the time. Odometers are important but I don’t get very excited about them – unless someone records the wrong miles on a title! God bless…

This is a limerick Mom wrote about herself in her memory book:

There once was a girl named Dot; who sighed when it got too hot; She would wade in the ‘run’ and have lots of fun; until called home by her mum!

Pretty cool huh?

I was convinced that it was going to pour down rain all day. It did NOT – and right now the sun is shining!

I had a few business items to handle this morning, so I spent the first few hours doing my laundry and catching up with finances and emails. I finished that at about 11:15am and sat down to make my very short errands list. First I drove down to Nate’s to drop off Mother’s day cards for Jen and Autmn – it’s her first mother’s day since Cameron was born.

Then I drove over to Walmart and got a new pair of garden gloves. All of mine have holes in them. I usually get a pack of 4 or 6 but they didn’t have any packs in my size. I saw a sign that said they are renovating our Walmart and it will be finished in June. I guess they are moving everything around! But I got one pair of gloves (last pair in my size) and a small pizza pan. My small round one is in bad shape. I’m retiring it to lessor purposes.

Also got Red,White,Blue M&M’s. They even had a price cut!

I had a piece of meat loaf for lunch, along with a few noodles on the side. Then I ‘suited up’ and went outside. I finished most of the hill, and all of the bottom section. It was cloudy and did drizzle for a few minutes, but just when I felt the raindrop start to plop on my head it quit. So I kept going. I hosed off my shoes, tools, and kneeler and came in to take a shower. Now I’m sitting in my PJ’s listening to ‘My Lottery Dream House’ while I type.

Diane sent me a few tree pictures – and this is my favorite!

My blessing today was doing things at my own pace — no hurry, no fuss! Even took some time to read earlier.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 11th is:

National Stay up all Night Day; National Twilight Zone Day; National Runs with Scissors Day; Archery Day; Brunch for Lunch Day; National Dog Mom Day; Hostess Cupcake Day; National Babysitter Day; National Eat What you Want Day; National Mini Golf Day; National Train Day; National Windmill Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Wind day. My friend Mary’s family is going to a cabin for the weekend where there are lots of trains. They’ll have fun! I won’t stay up all night, and I don’t need a baby sitter. I might eat what I want… Enjoy! God bless.

Today was a light day working – in fact Joe didn’t have any funding come through. I spend the next two hours running errands and chores. After my chiropractor appointment I stopped at two stores looking for black jean capris – no luck. But I did get the items I needed for the Sunday school kids to make Mother’s Day treats for their moms.

I also stopped and got local honey as I did run out. So I’m ok until I check out other local markets in the area. I did find a pair of black capris, but not sure if you’d consider them jeans. They were very inexpensive so I’ll still look around for jeans. These days I don’t have to dress up for anything so I can be casual any time.

The plan was to go outside for an hour and weed, but every time I started to change clothes for that it started to rain again. It’s 7:15pm now so I figure no chance getting anything outside accomplished today.

Between showers I took a quick five minutes to take some photos of blooming flowers. They are popping up everywhere!

Now I’m sitting here with a cup of hot tea. It’s 60*, raining, I just saw a notification that there is lightening all over the Pittsburgh area. We’ll see if it lands here. I plan to read a bit after supper – I just started the 5th Jan Karon book.

My blessing for today is being content inside, taking things slow and being quiet. Tomorrow IS another day!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 10th is:

Child Care Provider Day; National Wind Day; Fintastic Friday; Mother Ocean Day; National Clean Your Room Day; National Golf Day; National Public Gardens Day; One Day Without Shoes; Trust Your Intuition Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Buttercup Day. I’m thankful for good child care providers – they are so vital! Clean your room!!! I’m a ‘no shoes’ kind of girl in the summer. As for public gardens, here’s to you Gen and Teresa! Enjoy and God bless…

This will be short, because I spent all day cleaning and doing laundry and ironing. That isn’t anything to elaborate over or to take pictures of!

About 5pm I went outside and pulled weeds on the last section of the hill. I got about half done. It had cooled off and the hill was in the shade so it was comfortable. A few of the plants made me cough so I didn’t stay out too long. Came in and took a shower then ate the last piece of leftover pizza for supper. I was going to make a salad but the lettuce was smushy.

So, that’s it! Kelly called to check on my plans for the weekend – which are still ‘soft’. So I’ll see what I can do tomorrow to firm them up.

My blessing for today was that I got through my list and even got a little extra done.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 9th is:

Alphabet Magnet Day; Hurray for Buttons Day; Lost Sock Memorial Day; Buttercup Day; Make a Book Day; National Sleepover Day; Tear the Tags off the Mattress Day.

Yesterday’s fake was Light Bulb Day. I can celebrate buttons, making a book, having a sleepover. Pick one and have fun. God bless…

Worked both stores this morning – but much lighter than yesterday. I stopped on the way home to look for a pair of jeans but found a shirt instead! Kelly was on her way up to get the title work done for Peyton’s car – VW Jetta diesel. He’s very excited. So we went back down to Pinnacle and handled that, and by the time we got home Autmn and Cameron were settled in for the day’s visit.

Kelly sort of offered to make chocolate cupcakes for Sir Regis, so we came home and did that after lunch. I’m sorry I didn’t take pictures – I forgot! But they were Chocolate fudge with a Hershey kiss tucked in the center, with chocolate frosting. We all piled into the car and drove them down to him. He was very excited to get them!

Cameron was happy and in a fun mood. Autmn put his play-yard together and dumped the balls in, and he loved crawling around in them! He played with the balls, his toys, had a bottle of milk, then came upstairs and played on the cow rug for a while.

He likes the cow pillow, and playing with little Tupperware bowls, and then talking to the baby doll. I think he’s decided she’s his new friend!

After Kelly left, Autmn and I took Cameron for a ride in his stroller down to the playground. He rode for a while in the baby swing, which he loved. Then he sat with his mom on the big swing.

He did take a short nap while Autmn called to look for apartments in Pittsburgh near Noah’s work.

Now it’s after 8pm and I’m waiting for the predicted rain. Another busy day but loved spending time with Autmn and Kelly and baby Cam!

My blessing today was being able to do something nice for Sir Rege – He has had a few tough days in a row (a friend is struggling with a cancer diagnosis) so it was nice to be nice!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 8th is:

Free Trade Day; Iris Day; Light Bulb Day; Jamestown Day; National Give Someone a Cupcake Day; National Have a Coke Day; No Socks Day; Reward Yourself Day.

Yesterday’s day was National Stifle Your Frustrations Day. We gave cupcakes away today so probably not do that tomorrow. Kelly took some, and Autmn took the rest. Autmn had a coke and I didn’t wear socks. So what does that leave for tomorrow – but to have a happy day? God bless…

I thought for sure it was going to rain today – it was cloudy on and off. But it’s 5:30pm and no rain yet! That gave me a chance to cut the grass. My neck and shoulders are stiff, as the grass was high and thick and took some effort. I weed-whacked around the fence line but it only took a few minutes. Done until the weekend!

Kelly sent the some of the photos she took yesterday. A lot of them are close to what I took, but I’m sharing them anyway.

So, now for the tea. Between Friday’s set up and Saturday’s event, we had a lot to do. We talked to Claudia a few times, and she was feeling really good and missed being with us. We soldiered through and it was a very successful event. Becky took charge of the fresh flowers and decorations throughout the rooms and on the tables. She did have some talented helpers and the rooms looked lovely! Thanks, Becky, for another excellent job.

The first seating was at 11:30am – and we were ready.

Cathy and Carol each explained the traditions of the tea – one at each seating. There was a door prize awarded at every table, which was collected at the gift shop across the walk. Each guest also received a discount coupon for store purchases today only. Several of the guests were dressed to the nines, with fancy hats and heels and flowered dresses. Everyone raved over the flowers, the food, and the festivities. It was a huge success!

That being said, the scullery crew invested heart and soul into making sure the plates were presented well, the tea pots were kept full and hot, and all the needs were met and exceeded. After the first seating we hand washed all the fancy tea cups and saucers, then ran two dishwasher loads for everything else. The linens were changed on the tables, and everything started over again. When the last guest from the second seating at 2:00pm left, the extra clean up crew came in and the first morning shift were able to leave. Not me, though! I was in it for the long haul. It was after 4pm when everything was washed, the tables were cleaned off, the linens stuffed in bags (which I brought home and laundered), and everything packed in their appointed bins until the fall tea. We all worked together well, and even had several laughs together. They are a great bunch of ladies – all volunteers – and despite being thoroughly tired at the end of the afternoon it was a great event.

Now I just have to spend the next several hours ironing all the tablecloths and napkins!

I stepped out on the porch just now and saw that a robin was building a next on my porch light. No eggs or babies, so I dismantled it and tied a grocery bag around the light. I think that will prevent her coming back to rebuild!

My blessing today was getting the grass cut. And having enough leftover Cream of Potato soup for supper!

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW May 7th is:

Love’s Baby Soft Day; National Foster Care Day; National Stifle Your Frustrations Day; National Paste Up Day; National Teachers Day; World Asthma Day; Donkey Week; National Hug Holiday Week; National Tourism Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Dark Sky Day. I can identify with Asthma issues; I like hugs as well as the next guy/gal. Let’s be tourists and go somewhere! God bless…

Today was Free Museum Day in Ligonier, in addition to being National Museum Lover’s Day. I will share today’s adventures and catch up from the tea tomorrow. It’s easier when today is still fresh in my mind.

We woke up to rain, and it stayed wet the first few hours. Kelly and I went to Sunday School and taught the Prodigal Son lesson. Jackson thought it was a very sad story. So we went over it again and I explained about how the younger son did make some wrong choices and ended up alone and broke, but he decided he was sorry and went home to the Father. I believe it gave them something to think about. God loves us – if we just turn to him as His child!

So Kelly and I left after Sunday School and headed to Ligonier. The closer we got the less rain we had. It was still cloudy and overcast but not breezy or wet. We had packed a few pieces of leftover pizza and some water, with the intention of stopping at The Pie Shoppe in Laughlintown for dessert. Which eventually we did.

Our first stop was The Lincoln Highway Experience. I do like stopping there. I enjoy watching the movie about how the highway was built, and all the history and sights along the way. Like, the Coffee Pot, and Ship Hotel, Serro’s Diner, and the little rental A.B.C. Motel cottages. I love seeing the replica of the Ship Hotel and remember stopping there with my family as a child; the views were amazing. On Free Museum Day Serro’s Diner even has free pie and coffee/water. Kelly got a poster for Logan of a classic car. Don’t ask me which one!

By now it had totally stopped raining and the sun was trying to peek out. We drove up to Laughlintown to the Compass Inn – an 1800’s stagecoach stop. I am actually friends with a woman whose family owned the Inn and helped restore it. There are several outbuildings, and today they had a blacksmith demonstration, cooking, children’s games, and docents in all the other sites. The cook had made a pot pie that looked delicious!

We walked across the street to a little craft and gift shop. I bought a candle bulb that is scented, and two small sample soaps. Next we went to The Pie Shoppe. I bought two cookies and a maple iced cinnamon roll, and a package of Snails (cinnamon dough cookies). Kelly bought an M&M cookie. I ate one cookie with my lunch and brought everything else home.

The parking lots at Ft. Ligonier were all full, and we drove around the block several times before we found a little space just a block up. We timed our arrival well, as the French troops were presenting a demonstration on the side lawn. They also set off a volley. There were guides stationed in all the buildings and interpreters to explain military life in the 1700’s, including in the Officer’s quarters and the surgery and the barracks.

After we walked around outside we went into the museum and looked at the displays there. My favorite is always the time line of the forts that were built – like Bedford and Littleton and Duquesne and Ligonier. I also like the documentation of the archeology digs and celebrations in the last 60-70 years. Hard to believe those were in my lifetime!

We headed home after that, and got all the way into Greensburg before it started raining again. There was enough sunshine for me to plant the forsythia that Roxanne gave me yesterday and relocate the hidden azalea that Chase uncovered on Friday. I pulled a few weeds (very few!) while I was at it. Now — rain again.

Kelly and Chase left about 7pm, right when it started to rain and thunder! They had to pick Peyton up at work in Eighty-Four (PA). I have an email to answer and will probably grab a slice of leftover pizza to end the day. We really had a nice day – no rain during museum time, took our leisure, and saw a few people we knew. It was relaxing, interesting, and historical! Really worth going!

My blessing today was spending time with Kelly, doing something we both enjoy!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 6th is:

International No Diet Day; Melanoma Monday; National Beverage Day; National Nurses Day; National Open Farm Day; National Tourist Appreciation Day; National Dark Sky Day; Deaf Awareness/Sign Language Week; Screen-Free Week; Westminster Dog Show.

Yesterday’s fake day was Lilac Day. I know Kathy and her fellow staff will be celebrating deaf awareness. I can do without a diet tomorrow but I won’t be able to go without a ‘screen’! Have a great week and God bless…

Today was a long, busy day – but very rewarding and fun and productive! It was our semi-annual Victorian Tea at Historic Hanna’s Town. Two of our key players were missing from the committee and we all stepped up to the task. Well done, friends! Especially to Priscilla for her guidance and to Roxanne for holding me up!

I will post details and pictures either tomorrow or Monday. Tomorrow is Free Museum Day in Ligonier so Kelly and I have planned to do that. So I will catch up asap.

My blessing for today was a well-executed Victorian tea and all of us who worked together to make it happen!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 5th is:

Cinco de Mayo; Blessing of the Bikes; Museum Lover’s Day; National Lilac Day; Nail Day; National Astronaut Day; National Cartoonists Day; National Lemonade Day; World Laughter Day.

Yesterday’s day was National Daisy Day. Kelly & I are for sure celebrating Museums, and my favorite cartoonist, who is — you guessed it! Charles Shultz! God bless… (Take time to laugh a little!)

Started the morning at the post office sending off a Letters to Mary book to my step sister-in-law SJ from South Carolina. She lent her copy out and never got it back. The internet was done and none of their equipment was working. It finally popped up and I was able to send the book out.

Then I stopped at Sheetz to get a gift card as a thank you for my mower guy. I made it to Hanna’s Town just as Kelly called me about a car they found for Logan. We spent the next hour getting information on title requirements, but thankfully it worked out. Logan actually bought and paid for this car all on his own. Proud of you, buddy!

As I was tied up all morning, my friend Teresa picked up Chase for me and dropped him off at the house. Gigi got her picture taken with Arnold Palmer at the airport, and again with Chase at my place. She’s a popular little pup.

We got everything organized for the tea tomorrow. It will be a long day but hopefully everything will go smoothly. We even got to talk to Claudia – she’s being released tomorrow, which is great news. Her surgery was Thursday.

Chase was settled in and comfy, so I went out and worked in the garden. I cut back the dead branches of the shrub under the steps, pulled the rest of the weeds, and cleaned out around the lilacs along the fence. I also planted two cuttings from my bridal bush and two from my lilac bushes, and a forsythia starter that I found at Aldi.

This is the Bonsai tree that Chase and Aunt Kimmie made out of Legos. There are pink branches so it can bloom in the spring, too.

Then I came in and made cream of potato soup and a frozen pizza (his request!) for Chase. I’m bushed. No pun intended.

My blessing for today was having Teresa pick up Logan. That saved Kelly a trip up from W. Alex, saved me from leaving the Tea team short handed, and allowed Chase to spend a few days hanging out here.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 4th is:

45 Day; Anti Bullying Day; Beer Pong Day; Daisy Day; Free Comic Book day; National Herb Day; International Respect for Chickens Day; Kentucky Derby; Naked Gardening Day; National Fitness Day; National Scrapbooking Day; Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!!); Bird Day; Start seeing Monarchs Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Brewed Tea Day. I think my favorite day for tomorrow is Respect for Chickens. I wonder how many people will do their gardening in the nude? Of course, everyone should celebrate Star Wars! Here’s my tribute to Bird Day – God bless…