Well, today is election day. I was surprised when I stopped to vote before work that I was the only voter in the place. And there were several empty slots on the ballot. I did my best – and thankfully I knew enough about most of the candidates to make smart choices (I hope).

I handled what work I had, then got gas for the Jeep and for the mower. Saved me a trip doing both. After changing clothes I watered all the new plants and the grass seed. It’s filling in, so I’m hopeful. Third try is a charm. My main goal for today was to change the deck lights, which I did, and changed the flags as well.

I put a few things up in the house, but not much. I barely touched the tote everything was in.

I did, however, find Jesus in a box of red lights.

I swept out the garage, watered a bird that was hopping around in the yard, paid a few bills, and read the sale ads. Still helping Kelly look for party food – and I think I can get Sprite on sale over the weekend.

Scripture (sort of):

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 21st is:

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day; End of the World (?); I need a Patch for That Day; International Tea Day; American Red Cross Founders Day; National Juice Slush Day; National Memo Day; National Strawberries and Cream Day; Talk Like Yoda Day; World Fish Migration Day: National Waitstaff Day.

If it IS the end of the world you won’t care about this list. I should be eating more fruits and veggies for sure. I make memos for myself all the time. I’ll take the strawberries without cream. God bless!

Happy, happy birthday to my sweet Aunt Joan! Hope your day was filled with love and family and cake! Love you!

The sky was beautiful last night but I had already posted the Word Garden – so this is yesterday’s picture.

This morning after breakfast I went over to Giant Eagle and picked up the Pepsi products that Kelly needed for Logan’s party. Then I stopped at Walmart and got three big bags of chips. While I was there I splurged on a little package of watermelon – just because!

As soon as I changed clothes I went outside – it was close to 11am. Except for a hot dog about 2pm, I was outside until about 6:30pm. THIS is a red letter day – or maybe a GREEN letter day – I have finally got through the first round, and all of the gardens have been weeded at least once! Some even twice! I will have to keep after them every possible day, but it sure feels good to have it done the first time.

This is the space I started with, and finished off with giving it a quick clean up this afternoon.

I also planted the two azaleas and both trays of ground cover. I put most of the ground cover on the hill, left side, to fill in the bare spots. But I had a little bit left and put it along the white fence, about half way down. If I like how it fills in, I’ll get more for the rest.

The yellow iris are blooming!

The grass is even starting to fill in more.

Even thought the yard basically looks the same, it feels totally different to me, because I know it’s done. I’m so glad – finally!

However, I didn’t get anything else done but a load of laundry. I have a list for the rest of the week… Maybe tomorrow I’ll change the deck lights to red/white/blue for summer if it doesn’t rain.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 20th is:

World Bee Day; National Sugarbee Apple Day; Be a Millionaire Day (I wish!); Clinical Trails Day; Eliza Doolittle Day; Flower Day; International Red Sneakers Day; National Band Directors Day (Go, Isaac!); National High Heel Day; National Pick Strawberries Day; National Rescue Dog day; National Streaming Day; Weights and Measures Day.

It’s Primary Election Day in Pennsylvania – VOTE!! Isaac is going to IUP to be a band director and study Jazz. I don’t know any place around here to pick strawberries. I’m sure Jen will celebrate Rescue Dog Day! Celebrate! God bless…

My freshly cut yard looked so nice in the early morning sun! Makes all that work worth it!

Today turned out to be a good day all around. Both the Sunday school lesson and Todd’s message were very good. Todd finished up on his series about Jonah. It was God never changes, and he believes in us regardless of our actions. He loves us all, even people we DON’T like! When Nineveh believed God’s warning and repented Jonah was angry and pouted! But lost people matter to God, and God is often already at work in the lives of the people we meet. We are more committed to our comfort than to God’s calling; don’t choose comfort over convenience. Remember that the only thing you can take with you to heaven is other people.

After church I went back up to the Civic Center to usher. They had a full house and not enough ushers. We were really busy until everyone was seated and the play started. This was the last play of the season, so no more until fall.

Once I got home and changed, I geared up and tackled the weeds on the hill between the fences. I always have trouble getting started but it’s not that bad after I get going. It took me about two and a half hours. I’m so excited that it’s finally done!

My mystery flowers are blooming. I think they might be weeds but they are beautiful so I’m happy to have them there! My phone says it’s dropwort but it doesn’t say it is native to U.S.! I’ll just enjoy it and not worry what it is.

View of the entire hill from outside the fence.

Tomorrow I’m hoping to weed the small space by the new lilac, and tidy up the little bed by the driveway. Then it will be time to start weeding all over again!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 19th is:

Frog Jumping Jubilee Day; National Devil’s Food Cake Day; Plant Something Day; World Family Doctor Day; National Roadie Day; National May Ray Day.

It’s also my Aunt Joan’s birthday! I’ll celebrate that – maybe with Devil’s food cake? No…. she doesn’t eat chocolate. I will probably plant my flowers tomorrow, and enjoy some May rays of sun! God bless…

I had enough time when I got up this morning to organize my pill box for the week as well as change and wash my bed sheets. I also melted a small pan of chocolate melting wafers and made chocolate covered cookies and some pretzels. By then it was time to dress and head to Hanna’s Town.

I found out I was second shift, so I spent the first hour or so walking around talking to people and taking pictures. I finally had a chance to tour the newest exhibit – Cut from the Same Cloth. It is a very nice display. I snapped a few pictures but didn’t want to share everything. You need to go and see it for yourself!

Claudia was working the store so I got to chat with her for a few minutes. Then Cathy was working the raffle baskets, so I gave her a break for lunch and to do a bit of shopping in the gift shop. We had time to chat a bit. She and Bruce were working last night as ushers (Bruce is Bear’s brother). So we chatted. And — more flowers!

At 12:30pm and again at 2:30pm there were special programs – a ‘Robust Debate’ followed by a reading of Hanna’s Town Resolves. The debate was presented by Proctor’s Militia, and they do a great job of anything they do. A few of the militia read the resolves, which basically says that the colonists declare their right to bear arms if provoked, demand representation if they are to be taxed, and to be respected. Just a pre-cursor of the Declaration of Independence. It was a very nice program.

I took a quiet moment and walked around by the creek and the springhouse. Then I took some photos of the buildings. We had a really nice number of people come through, so I spent my two hours in the upstairs of the tavern interpreting the site. We were busy the whole time.

It sure looked like rain when I got home, but I changed and went outside to mow. It clouded up several times and was very windy, and I even felt a few drops of rain here and there. But I was able to get the yard entirely cut and everything put away with no storm in sight. Right now it’s very windy but the sun is shining…

Here is a picture of my little vase from Kathy with flowers in it. Doesn’t it look quaint and beautiful?

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS: Trivia fact – PEANUTS comic strips published 17,897 strips between the strip’s debut in 1950 and creator Charles Schulz’s death in 2000.

TOMORROW May 18th is:

Emergency Medical Services Day; I Love Reese’s Day; International Museum Day; Mother Whistler Day; National Cheese Souffle Day; National No Dirty Dishes Day; National Visit Your Relatives Day; Rural Life Sunday; Send an Electronic Greeting Card Day; Stepmother’s Day; Take your Parents to the Playground Day; World Baking Day.

I was at a ‘museum’ today – so that’s good for me. Can’t avoid dirty dishes if I want to eat. I do like Reese’s. I probably won’t bake anything, at least not tomorrow. I’m ready to get a batch of Orange Drop cookies baked but not tomorrow. God bless…

Kathy and I met this morning at her house – to have breakfast, catch up, and look over our plans for New York. The one thing we forgot to discuss was if we wanted shirts – maybe, We love NY or something. I’ll check with her and Kelly. She also shared a small cup with me so I could use it as a vase for tiny flowers.

Kathy went to Millie’s school to see their ‘wax museum’ this afternoon. She sent me a picture of Millie, who was Martha Washington (of course!) She had a board with information about Martha, as well. Max participated, and he was Willie Stargell (again, of course — baseball!). It was fun to get the pictures.

Once I got home, I went right outside and started on the yard. There was a nice breeze so I was comfortable even thought it was very warm. I was able to get all the weeds dug out on the right side, then cleaned up around the trees and flowers. Then I trimmed back all the buttercups so now the right side is totally done – for now. The weeds will be growing again as I breathe.

It looked pretty cloudy, but I moved to the left side and finished cleaning out the middle of the hill. It looks very nice! Only 2 more spaces to clean up – between the fences (ugh) and the little area by the new Lilac in the back yard.

I took some pictures of the newest blooms. The yard does look pretty for the most part.

There is even a tiny space where new grass is coming up!

I ushered for Bear at the Civic Center – After the doors closed, he took me upstairs to the penthouse. It’s set up for a wedding tomorrow. It’s been totally renovated, inside and out. The views are stunning! I’m sure it will beautiful!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 17th is:

Armed Forces Day; Culture Freedom Day; National Cherry Cobbler Day; National Grad Tassel Day; National Learn to Swim Day; National River Cleanup Day; National Walnut Day; Pack Rat Day; Plant a Lemon Tree Day; Preakness Stakes; World Fiddle Day.

Tomorrow is also Free Museum Day at Hanna’s Town in honor of the Hanna’s Town Resolves. Stop out and learn a little bit of local history. We’re open from 11am to 3pm – Lunch available for purchase! God Bless!

Breaking news: I saw one of the baby birds on my front deck this morning. I saw one yesterday on the shed roof but wasn’t quick enough to take a picture.

I started my day defrosting a few scones, cutting them in half, and drizzling them with icing. Of course I got a spot on my shirt that I didn’t notice until 2 hours later! But we were having a taste test at the tea meeting so I wanted to be ready.

After work I stopped at Shop and Save and did get a few Pepsi products on sale. That should really last a while. I was at the tea meeting right on time. There was a lot to discuss this time, as a few things need to get rearranged. Kelly offered to make little flower magnets in fall colors for the take-home favors so I took one with me. That was a resounding yes! Near the end of the meeting we did do a scone tasting – and they all decided it would be more fun as a ‘sweet’ than a scone. So we’ll revisit it again at the fall pre-tea meeting and decide then.

Once I got home, my friend Tamara called and we had a brain-storming session about plans for the Loyalhanna Review Publication party. Things are still up in the air with that – there are a few things we’d like to change, and this particular group doesn’t necessarily like change!

After the phone call, I spent a few hours on the hill, digging and pulling weeds. I think one more sweep across the middle will finish that side.

I forgot to mention that Shop and Save had my red/white/blue M&M’s. So now I’m set for the summer. I can’t believe that in the last few years they have gone from $8.00 a bag to $14.97! That’s why this bag will have to stretch until fall!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 16th is:

Drawing Day; International Day of Light; NASCAR Day; National BBQ Day; National Love a Tree Day; National Pizza Party Day; National Piercing Day; Nickel Day; National Sea Monkey Day; Ride a Unicycle Day; Shades Day; Wear Purple for Peace Day; Waiters Day; National Classic Movie Day; National Biographer’s Day; National Endangered Species Day.

Lots for tomorrow. I do love trees, mostly. And pizza. Cameron saw a penny in the car the other day and said ‘Coin’! Who knew he knew what it was! But nickel day is good. I will maybe watch a classic movie – can’t do much better. God bless…

I got the upstairs cleaned before Autmn and Cameron got here about 11am or so. We visited for about an hour and a half. Cameron had a good time playing with dishes, watching Bluey, and getting into everything he shouldn’t. I currently can’t find my butterfly stone — it will eventually turn up! Everything always does.

Autmn and Cameron went to help her friend Alex and his girlfriend clean their new apartment so I was able to get some laundry done and clean downstairs. So that’s all done for today.

At that point it wasn’t raining, so I went outside to check on the new blooms. Several colors of iris are blooming, plus Solomon’s Seal.

I also noticed that when Autmn got here, the baby birds were chirping away. When she left, they were gone! So the little guys flew away. I was able to knock the nest down and scrub the light, the wall, and the deck floor.

The sky was dark and I heard that areas around us were getting storms and flooding. So far here’s it just raining. I’m staying in so I think it will be fine here.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 15th is:

National Nylon Stocking day; Asphalt Day; Break the Glass Ceiling Day; Straw Hat Day; Bring Flowers to Someone Day; National Notebook Day; Customer Experience Day; National Chocolate Chip Day; International Family Day.

I don’t think I’ve worn nylon stockings twice in the last year. Chocolate chips – I have all the time. No breaking glass. I have a straw hat I wear when I do yard work in the sun. I love my family, every day. God bless…

Today was cool and rainy and windy. I was only outside for about 5 minutes this afternoon when it quit raining. While I was working in the kitchen I kept seeping a rabbit hopping around in the yard and then snuggling under plants in my gardens. So I went out to investigate. She was building a little nesting spot. So birds on the light, rabbits in the flowers!

When I was getting ready for work I went to put my shoes on. You’ll never guess what was in my shoe!

After work I stopped and got the rest of the groceries I needed. Then I got home and started making cinnamon rolls.

And by the way, went I was looking in the spices for the cinnamon —-

I made about 200 and I think I’m done. I’ll ice them the day of Logan’s party. They are all tucked in the freezer.

Nate stopped over to pick up his cheese and peanuts and brought me my mother’s day gift. New garden trimmers! As soon as he left I went out and clipped the little dead limbs on the butterfly bush so the new shoots can grow big and tall!

That took all day, seeing that I had to clean up, do dishes, and sweep. Even though I didn’t in any way try, my little pile of dust is shaped like a heart!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 14th is:

Bond with a Dog Day; Dance like a Chicken Day; Do Dah Day; National Buttermilk Biscuit Day; National Decency Day; National Night Shift Workers Day; Online Romance Day; Receptionist Day; Root Canal Appreciation Day; Stars & Strips Forever Day.

I was going to say I didn’t appreciate Root Canals — but they have alleviated many a toothache! It’s been a lot of years since I’ve bonded with a dog. No online romance, for sure, although it’s worked for plenty of people! DANCE yourself into tomorrow! God bless…

Did a few early morning chores, then left for chiropractor appointment. Stopped on the way to get three cases of water for Logan’s grad party. By the time I got home, I still had 2 hours until my appointment with Ron Brown from Brown’s P/H/A-C. So I planted an entire flat of purple alyssum. I have them all over the yard and hopefully they will fill in nicely. I was just ready to water them all when Ron arrived. He measured the house and took down details and will get back to me with the cost and plans. Looks like I need to replace the furnace along with the A/C. Always something!

Once Ron left, I pulled weeds in the triangle space on the hill. One little space at a time!

I also had two packs of seeds – Zinnias and pansies. Last year I had great luck with the zinnia seeds. Hoping for the same this year.

I went to put more Diet Pepsi in the mini fridge – and there was Jesus!

The baby birds are getting much bigger. Not sure how big they have to be to fly away. I’m waiting for that day. Sad side-note, though. When I came home this morning one of the babies had fallen (?) out of the nest and was sort of dead. Well, actually dead. Dead all day. It made me sad to see that.

Once I did several hours of yard work, I washed the car. The wheels were so dirty and I hate cleaning the wheel covers. But the car is clean and ready for it to rain tomorrow.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 13th is:

Children of Fallen Patriots Day; Cough Drop Day; Fair Trade Day; International Hummus Day; National Apple Pie Day; National Crouton Day; National Frog Jumping Day; National Fruit Cocktail Day; National Leprechaun Day; Top Gun Day; Tulip Day.

I would think Leprechaun day would be March 17th. Shows what I know. Apple pie sounds good – but not hummus. I have plenty of cough drops. Kathy loves tulips! God bless!

Happy Birthday to my nephew Jesse! Hope your day is wonderful!

Todd’s message this morning was a second in the series on Jonah – who ran from God. The only way God could get Jonah’s full attention was to put Jonah in a situation where he needed God and knew it (in the belly of a big fish!). Jonah discovered at that point that it was never too late to pray – but why do we always make that the last resort? Regardless, God listens. God uses these moments not to pay us back, but to BRING us back. Look to God for the answers – he always believes in us – He’s a God of second chances!

Today being Mother’s Day, HCC shared a yummy treat with the mothers. I have never tasted a CRUMBL cookie and it is very good. I took a little sliver off the edge just to taste it. I’ll save the rest for later with a cup of tea.

Once I got home, I had some pretzels and cheese for lunch, then worked outside for an hour and a half. It was pretty warm and I couldn’t take melting in the sun. I spread the last bag of mulch along the side and back of the driveway, and thinned out almost half of the far side of the hill. So I’m taking a break and hope to go back out and mow. There is a nice breeze so hopefully I’ll manage OK.

So, Happy Mother’s Day to the sweet ladies – Mothers – who have blessed my life!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 12th is:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day; International Nurses Day; National Hospital day; National Limerick Day; National Nutty Fudge Day; National Odometer Day.

My mom was known to create a limerick or two. I like nutty fudge – didn’t have a chance yesterday to get any! And being a ‘car’ person I do have an interest in odometers! Have a happy Monday and God bless…