Well here it is Tuesday – I’m going to try to recap the festival weekend. Kelly got here about 6pm Friday night – we got a pizza for supper, organized our supplies, and packed the car. In the morning we left about 8am and headed up Route 130 to Stahlstown. It was cool but not raining and we did have patches of sun. There were bails of straw scattered over the festival grounds to keep the mud down and the guests safe walking. We got there, set up, and took a few pictures. I didn’t take nearly as many photos as usual – we were ready for the kids and family when the festival opened.

Ready to open.

Honey, wildflowers, homemade goods.

The pavilion that we are adjacent to is where the demonstrations take place – the entire process from planting, harvesting, preparing and spinning the flax threads into linen threads. There is a loom that demonstrates making the cloth. This process was very important during the 18th century and into the 19th, as that and wool were the only way to have material for clothes, blankets, and even rugs. You lost the crop, you lost that year’s new clothes!

Flax plants – festival photo

demonstration area.

It took a while for the crowds to come, but they did. It wasn’t packed but it was steady. The repeat kids knew where we were, and loved our crafts, and spent the day popping in and out! They loved petting Puppers, our stuffed puppy, in order to receive a fall Hershey Kiss.

Passing out kisses – he loves to be petted!

Too many kisses???

A friend of Puppers!

Another Puppy!

We had a scavenger hunt with Tootsie Pops or glow sticks as prizes. People came looking for the cards as the kids really enjoyed the activity!

The kids had colored construction paper, bright markers, and glitter self-sticking foam leaf stickers. They also did yarn weaving on paper plates, and made bracelets on looms cut out of cardboard and woven with variegated yard. I think that was their favorite. They love Merilee’s toys, too!

Creative kids!

The day ended with the native Americans burning the settlers cabin. It’s pretty impressive if you’ve never seen it! We packed up what we had to take home with us, and stored everything else in the Flax building. We stopped on the way home to grab more Tootsie Pops and kisses, and Kelly got a bag of Oreos. The funnel cake booth promised to make her some deep fried Oreos if she brought the cookies!

Settlers (courtesy of festival)

Native American – festival photo

It was obvious that Sunday was going to be a wash – no pun intended. It was cold and windy and started out with heavy rain. Some of the vendors did not open. There was to be a church service before the festival started, but it was so damp and windy that they cancelled. The benches were soaked and the rain blew onto the equipment on the stage. So Kelly and I stopped at the Pie Shoppe in Laughlintown and grabbed a bag of Snails (A pie-dough type cinnamon roll) and passed them out to our little group as a morning treat. Everyone LOVES Snails so it was a great pick me up.

RAIN! Courtesy of festival

My friend Shirley from the Ligonier Library

Won’t be using THIS one!

The ladies at the next table offered quilt squares for the kids to draw and color. They created their own picture, then Dolores and Dorothy collected the squared and tucked them away. Throughout the winter they will have the quilt squares made into a custom quilt – they have a new one every year. These ‘young’ ladies – who are twins! – are 80-plus years old and still love being part of the festival family.

Dolores and Dorothy – the quilt ladies.

There is entertainment all day both days – but my favorite is always Cathi Rhodes, who portrays Patsy Cline. I can sing along with most of the songs, and love hearing her sing and explain some of the songs’ origins. She closed out the festival this year.

The deep fried Oreos were a hit, and after Kelly got hers, the Funnel Cake booth fried the rest of the cookies and passed them out to the other festival booths.

We finally got everything packed up and in the car, and talked to Merilee (director) about future plans and expectations for next year. She always seems very happy at with our interaction with the kids (they love it, too!), and about having us there. We got home, unloaded the car, and drove to Blairsville to meet Kelly’s sister- and brother- in law to pick up Chase (who was there for the weekend). We were pretty worn out by the time we got home and were glad to have a simple supper. The Soup Kitchen had sold their soups for half price during the last half hour, and we got fresh bread and a quart of chicken noodle soup which was probably the best homemade chicken soup I’ve every had.

Merilee

Kelly and Chase left about 10am on Monday morning – at which point I tackled all the supplies from the weekend. Sorted them out, took inventory, repacked them, labeled the boxes, make notes as to what we needed to do different or replace, and toted them down to the shed. So that’s a wrap for 2026! Now to get back to life on Wren Drive – which I will continue tomorrow.

HOME!

QUOTE of the DAY:

But tea, not coffee!

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 23rd is:

National Snack Stick Day; National Checkers Day; Dogs in Politics Day; National Great American Pot Pie Day; Teal Talk Day; Restless Legs Awareness Day; International Day of Sign Language; National Bakers Day.

I never met a political dog! I like pot pies – especially homemade with Thanksgiving leftovers. Kathy will celebrate sign language. Kelly will bake! God bless…

On this day in History:

Scripture:

Cool Picture:

Here it is Monday evening – I thought I’d get more done today. But the day did get away from me, and chores took longer than I expected. Also got called into ‘work’ for a bit. Then Autmn and Cameron stopped for about half an hour. So I’m going to skip out on posting tonight and will shoot for tomorrow! God bless – and thanks for your love and patience!

It was a busy day – I had a list! But Kelly got here about 6pm and we started organizing for tomorrow – and the weekend. Sunday looks like chance of storms all day – if Luke Bryan had to cancel – we may have to as well! That’s up to the festival committee. But tomorrow should be fine. That being said, I will not be posting again until Monday. I’ll catch you up then! God bless….

I was able to do Nate’s title work for his friend – but my work computer is so slow and uncooperative that it takes forever. It’s embarrassing — I’m afraid the customer will think I don’t know what I’m doing. I DO – but the computer doesn’t. I finished up there then helped Mike P with a few things. I stopped at Walmart to get a new wrist brace. Mine was not totally correct for my left wrist. While I was there I stumbled on my Peanuts Page a Day calendar — I had it in my Amazon cart to order – it was $5 less at Walmart!

After lunch I did a few small fall things – like switching out my summer coasters for fall, and also Halloween and Fall napkins. I’ll save the rest for next week. These are just a few of my favorites.

‘Swan Lake’ (haha)

I like the stars on this one with the cat.

It would be fun to take a walk down this road.

I saw that Kelly posted on Facebook that the cows were back! I can’t imagine who would let their cows run around the neighborhood! Hope they make their way back home. Peyton said he’d keep them if they were free – he has raised Pigs and Cows before and enjoyed it!

The covered bridge is right near her house.

Lunch!!!

Taken from the bridge – heading for the creek!

Kelly likes the chocolate covered popcorn that I make, and since she’s coming up for the weekend I made a batch for her. I stole a few pieces when I was putting them away – but I’ll keep my fingers out of it from here on out.

There’s a bunch more than this.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 18th is:

National Respect Day; Purple Bra Day; Read an eBook Day; Locate an Old Friend Day; International Equal Pay Day; Hug a Greeting Card Writer Day; National Cheeseburger Day; Air Force Birthday; National POW/MIA Recognition Day; World Bamboo Day; World Water Monitoring Day; Chiropractic Founders Day.

I appreciate my chiropractor – and respect him! I never had a purple bra – wonder why? I usually read eBooks. I’m not sure which old friend I would need to locate. And I wish I knew a greeting card writer; that would be a cool job. And I LOVE CHEESEBURGERS – mostly without the cheese. God bless…

On this day in History:

Scripture or encouragement:

So true….

Cool Photo:

And finally – I just thought this was funny….

I spent the morning cleaning the upstairs, then grabbed the rest of the potato soup for lunch. I didn’t read as much as I usually do, but I did get about a chapter done.

My appointment with Dr. Cole for my wrist was at 1:30pm – and that went well. He doesn’t think it’s broken – checked out everything. In addition to possible arthritis, the tendon that wraps around your wrist may be inflamed. It’s swollen and warm to touch. He prescribed medication for it – and since I have another appointment next Friday we’ll see how it’s feeling then. I also have to wear a brace – especially to sleep in. Oh – and the tree in their waiting room didn’t disappoint!

I stopped and got the prescription, then got gas in the Jeep, and made it home just before Dom got here to mow. He did a great job – it looks so nice!

Side yard

Front yard.

Some of you may have seen on Facebook that Kelly posted about cows in her yard. She looked outside and there were 11 cows grazing in the yard! I love cows but that would be a little extreme for me. I didn’t hear if she found out where they belong.

The herd.

Eventually they ended up in the creek.

I just looked out the door and saw a black cat running around the driveway! It’s a bit early for Halloween!!

QUOTE of the DAY:

This may be a repeat….

PEANUTS? From Diane—

TOMORROW September 17th is:

National Pawpaw Day; Constitution Day and Citizenship Day; National Monte Cristo Day; National Apple Dumpling Day; National Professional House Cleaners Day; International Country Music Day; International Day of Listening.

Absolutely country music! Sing out! Apple dumplings are yummy – I’m not professional but I clean my house often! God bless…

On this day in History:1620 The Mayflower departs Plymouth, England, with 102 Pilgrims and about 30 crew for the New World

Scripture:

Cool photo:

This is extreme even for me!!

Got my little bit of work done by 10:30, then popped over to help Mike P with a few deals. We got on the subject of ‘longevity’ – Mike will be 90 next month and started in the car business about the same time I did. For me, it was 59 years in June! Will I still be working to make it to 60 years next June?

After lunch of a homegrown tomato and toast I mixed up the Flax Balls for the weekend. Once they were done and chilling in the fridge I decided to go down to Miller’s Crossing to get Honey since I used almost all of it on the Flax balls. I always walk around when I’m there (it’s a fleatique) and I found another Beanie Baby Cow! I’m really on the lookout for skunks but every now and then there is a cow instead!

Flax balls

The black one hanging off the back on the left is the new one!

I stopped on the way home and treated myself to a small frozen Coke! I decided it was time to quit being lazy, so I geared up and weed-whacked the entire yard – then blew it clean. It took me over an hour but it’s all ready for Dom to mow tomorrow.

Got the yard weed-whacked

I got a shower, read a few pages in THE HOMING (last book in the Williamsburg series) then sat down to type. My neighbor sent me a message and said he had about 50 pumpkins in his garden and did I want a few! So I walked over and got 3 and put them on my porch. I will probably get one for Cameron next time they are here. He has a bunch of white ones but they are not ready yet – I love the white ones. I should have taken a picture of the garden – there were pumpkin vines everywhere on his hill!

Pumpkins from Al’s garden.

Also noticed that the sky was blue and pink – nice day tomorrow!

Pink clouds

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS? Courtesy of Diane —

TOMORROW September 16th is:

National Play Doh Day; Mayflower Day; National Working Parents Day; National Step Family Day; National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day; Collect Rocks Day; National Sit with a Stranger Day; Teenager Workout Day; World Barber Day.

Mayflower? Ok – that will work. Kelly used to collect rocks – she had a whole jar of them. We have step-families all through our families! God bless…

On this day in History: 1794 4th US President James Madison (43) weds Dolley Madison (26) in Jefferson County, West Virginia

Scripture:

Cool photo:

I had my chiropractor appointment this morning. Kip suggested an ice/heat bath for my wrist. I may try that – but I have my PCP appointment on Wednesday so I may wait to see what he says before I start experimenting.

As was pointed out today at lunch, today would have been our 11th Skunk Hollow Girl Susan’s birthday. We all miss her, all the time. She was sweet, kind, funny, Christ-like, and very giving. We all miss you Susan!

Susan with Mr. Fresh (skunk mascot)

Left to right: Karen O, Beth, Connie, Gail, Kathy, Aunt Joan, SUSAN. Front: Me, Mom.

Beth made a trip down to Greensburg today to return a book to Kathy – and we had lunch together (at Kathy’s). It was such a fun day! We sat and chatted for almost 4 hours! We seldom have time to chat one-on-one (or two) that way, and we covered a lot of ground, for sure! The food was yummy and before we knew it we had to scramble to get moving! I hope we do that again very soon – as it was relaxing and rewarding and wonderful! Love you Beth (and Kath!).

Beth – from previous year….

I still have a few chores so I guess I will get moving and catch up tomorrow. Today was wonderful – balm for the soul!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 15th is:

National IT Professionals Day; National Double Cheeseburgers Day; National Cheese Toast Day; National Online Learning Day; National Linguine Day; National Felt Hat Day; National Voter Registration Day; International Dot Day (no, not my mother!); Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie Day; World Engineers Day; Get Ready Day; National Google.com Day.

I like cheeseburgers but mostly without the cheese! Nate loves Butterscotch Pie. God bless!

On this day in History:1901 Theodore Roosevelt is sworn in as the youngest person to serve as US president after President William McKinley dies from a gunshot wound inflicted by an anarchist in Buffalo

Scripture:

Cool photo:

Today is my son-in-law’s birthday! Happy birthday, Matt, and enjoy many more! Love you!

Logan with Matt

Matt

Kelly and Matt – 6-1-02

Todd’s message this morning was starting the book of James. Our homework is to read the book twice (It’s a short book). James is a book about coping with real life – We will have trials and problems – but we need to hang on to joy so that it’s obvious to all. Faith proves it is alive by what it does in your life. He challenged us to find something EVERY DAY to show us the goodness of God – for 30 days. We are secure because of the power of God, the promises and prayers of Jesus, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. If you are living the real life your faith WILL be tested!

We went directly over to Twin Lakes after church for our all-church picnic. There was so much food – and everyone enjoyed one of their favorite foods. There were little bites of grilled chicken that almost melted in your mouth, and Dianne’s dump cake was very good!

Lining up for lunch

About a third of the main foods

Desserts – that we didn’t eat yet! They went fast…

I took a walk around the yard, but no new flowers blooming. I did pull a few weeds (don’t think I’ll ever learn…) I snapped a photo of the back deck – it will be one of the last photos before fall arrives. And there really wasn’t anything else exciting! But it was a very nice day – for both weather and friends.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 14th is:

National Boss/Employee Exchange Day; National Sober Day; National Cream-Filled Donut Day; National Live Creative Day; National Parents Day Off; National Eat a Hoagie Day; National Virginia Day; Gobstopper Day; National Food is Medicine Day.

I don’t really want my bosses’ job! I will for sure be sober. No cream-filled donuts – blaaa. Give a parent a break – take a turn! God bless…

On this day in History:

Scripture or encouragement:

Cool photo:

God’s Presence: I feel it in my friendship with Mary!

The morning sky looked dramatic – wondering if it was the prediction of what was to come!

Up early this morning to get organized – Deb got to my place at 8am and we rode to Camp Christian together. Even though we live a few miles apart we don’t get to chat much – so we caught up on a lot of stuff. We got there in time to have one of Camp’s signature cinnamon rolls! I’ve been dreaming about those things! Yum!

Once we finished breakfast we walked up to the chapel. The Theme for the Ladies Fall Retreat was LIVING HOPE. We had praise time and some schedule explanations then our main speaker. Her name is Olivia Pelc and she and her family are from Ohio. She’s a nurse, Bible leader, wife and mother of four – ages 1 through 7. She’s had some overwhelming health diagnosis over the past year or two that left her unable to care for herself or her family. She is an inspiration and encouragement to those of us who listened to her journey. We took time to encourage her and to have a prayer circle for her.

Olivia in the gold sweater and headband.

We had a free hour, time to visit and sit on the Mill House porch rockers.

Mill House

Sitting on the porch – Deb on far left; Ashly on far right.

Also the ladies provide items to be sold at the DORCUS Marketplace; and ALL the proceeds go to camp. I bought a few things, including a set of the softest towels I have every felt! And a kitchen dish cloth!

Ladies love to shop!

Towel set and a dish cloth – big surprise that they are purple!

Lunch was great as it usually is. We had a fresh salad, grilled chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy (I NEVER have those!), veggies, and a warm roll. Dessert was either apple crisp with ice cream or cupcakes.

Kathy and Sarah – mother and daughter

Dianne and Amy – Mother and Daughter

Sarah and Erin – new friends!

Directly after lunch Dianne led us in a Bible Trivia game – I did much better than I thought I would. Two of the questions I knew and just stupidly wrote the wrong thing down! But it was all in fun and everyone enjoyed it.

Dianne and Trivia

We had two afternoon workshops – the first one was in the dining hall (Mill House) – Making Peace with your Purpose led by Sarah Owens (my niece). She did a great job, sharing her journey of motherhood raising her daughter Millie (and small son Wyatt).

We had a 10 minute break to check out the DORCAS sale again, then headed up to the chapel for the second workshop. The next workshop was Holiness led by Ashly McMullen. I’ve known Ashly since she was probably 2; Now she has a two year old herself!

We had the closing program then headed home – the sky was very dark and there was lightening in the distance. Glad to make it home before the storm – which it’s doing now! It was a great day at Camp – I have been attending camp programs since I was in 7th grade! A lot has changed – but some of it will always be the same beloved Place Set Apart.

Left: The old chapel and some cabins. Me – age 12!

QUOTE:

PEANUTS:

TOMORROW September 13th is:

National Grandparents Day; National Bald is Beautiful Day; Positive Thinking Day; Uncle Sam Day; National Peanut Day; National Pet Memorial Day; National Hug your Hound Day; National Kids Take over the Kitchen Day.

I can easily celebrate grandparents! I am one and I’ve had several whom I loved dearly! God bless….

On this day in History:

Scripture:

Cool Photos:

One of our favorite spots at camp;

Wading in the creek

Jumping rocks.

Who would have thought: Frisbee Golf at Camp!!!

Since I’m leaving the house early tomorrow morning for a day at Camp, I changed sheets and washed them today, and did a load of regular laundry. I had to go to work for about an hour and handle a customer question – then popped into Dollar Tree for a few cards – birthday, encouragement and wedding. Then headed home to finish the laundry and grab lunch. I committed to taking macaroni salad to the church picnic on Sunday so I did that next. I made it with spaghetti noodles for something different. Sampled a bite and it passed inspection!

Diane dropped off some food for me and we talked for a while. I looked at the grocery list on my fridge and figured I best just get that done. Didn’t take long as I didn’t need much. So now I’ll just need to grab a few things before next weekend so Kelly and I have what we need for the Flax Festival weekend.

A Biltmore Christmas is on right now – so I have it on in the background. I can watch it any time within the next four days after the initial airing. And I will!

She broke the hour glass!!!!

There were a lot of comments and posts about the 25th anniversary of 9/11. It was interesting to hear some of the stories and see photos of the people on the planes or in the towers. Or the responders who helped.

Quote of the DAY:

(Regarding 9/11/01)

PEANTUS?

TOMORROW September 12th is:

Farmers’ Consumer Awareness Day; National Police Women Day; National Day of Encouragement Day; National Video Game Day; National Chocolate Milkshake Day; National Hug and High Five Day; National Just One Human Family Day; National First Aid Day; Drive Your Studebaker Day; Free Dental Day; German Language Day.

Celebrate chocolate milkshakes – Chase will celebrate Video Games. I don’t have a Studebaker and I venture to say most people don’t! God bless….

On this day in History:

Scripture: of sorts – encouragement.

Cool Photos:

The New York Memorial

Flight 93 Memorial