At least I know why I’m always running out of steam and motivation. I got a call from the doctor’s office (PCP) and my Lyme test came back positive. I guess there can be different treatments for recurrent cases. So I will find out tomorrow what I’m doing. In the meantime – not what I needed to deal with now! I don’t feel NEARLY as bad as I did last year, but I do notice a difference in some things. So — hang on for the ride!

No, I don’t drive like this…

After work this morning I went to the retirement party that Kathy’s work had for her. It was very nice. There were some people there that she hadn’t seen in a while, including her student Kaz that she had from Kindergarten through college. They’ve kept in touch and since he lives in Mechanicsburg she never expected to see him there. I met some of the staff and previous staff and it was wonderful helping her celebrate. It was a lovely way to send her off. I know she felt appreciated and enjoyed the day.

Celebrating.

Kath with her beautiful (and yummy) cake)

Cake

Staff and clients

More staff

Kathy (far right) sitting beside Kaz, then Bob (former director and boss) and some co-workers

Of course I loved the purple curtain.

The woman behind Kath is HDS director in Pittsburgh

Kathy saying ‘thank you’.

From there I went to my follow up chiropractor’s appointment. Then I came home and spent 2 hours pulling weeds. I don’t think that was very smart. I think I’m going to fund his practice for a long time at this rate!

Stone at the top of the hill with weeds.

Stones in the middle with weeds.

Two hours later.

It’s almost 8pm and I need to be done with this last day of September, 2025!

SCRIPTURE of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW October 1st is:

National Homemade Cookie Day; National Jiffy Mix Day; National Lace Day (didn’t we just have that?); National Pumpkin Seed Day; National Raccoon Day; National Vegetarian Day; National Walk your Dog Day; National Hair Day; Balloons Around the World Day; CD Player Day; International Coffee Day (and Coffee with a Cop Day); International Day of Older Persons; International Music Day; International Walk to School Day; Model T Day; National Black Dog Day; National Fire Pup Day.

I wonder if my Energy Flax balls count as cookies… I have hair – I like having hair. I have a five-disc CD player that I use all the time. Not a coffee drinker. But I do like music! God bless…

I had the most unusual dream last night. I don’t remember it all, but I remember that Kelly and I were moving into a house, and there were tons of rooms, and lots of people helping, and so many wonderful things! It felt like it went on and on – but that’s all I remember.

I did two loads of laundry, then had my dentist appointment for regular checkup and cleaning. It went well and the hygienist was very nice (my regular one was off sick). I did find out that Dr. Lane’s daughter Izabella graduated this summer from Medical Collage – she is now doing her residency at a Michigan hospital. Dr. Lane said she delivered a baby last week all by herself and was totally thrilled! He’s proud and happy – as I think he should be. I was one of Dr. Lane’s first patients in his very first practice. Before marriage or babies or a PCP in the family! Congrats to the Lane family.

Dr. Lane — of course he has a nice smile!

After the dentist I stopped at the post office, then the bank, and grabbed a few things at Walmart. I’m heartily tired of stopping at Walmart! Picked up my prescription at Giant Eagle then came home and made a sandwich for lunch. I watered the grass and waited for Trent to come mow. So that is done until the weekend. Next: Ironing and food!

The sky is a beautiful blue and pink this evening.

Three …

Different…

Angles…

And here are the pictures of my attempt to make the Flax Energy balls. Other than being messy they turned out just fine.

Above – mixing. Below – all done.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 30th is:

International Podcast Day; National Chewing Gum Day; National Love People Day; National Mud Pack Day; National Puppy Mill Survivor Day; Orange Shirt Day; Pet Trick Day; Thunderbirds Day; National Hot Mulled Cider Day.

I don’t do chewing gum – too much money in my mouth! I love people – but maybe not all the time. I did a story about a puppy mill once. I really liked it! I like hot cider. God bless…

We are still learning about Judges in Sunday School, and today was about Gideon. He was very insecure and hesitant to take the leadership of God’s army. Sounds like me! (Not the army part – just the insecure part!)

Church, also, had an applicable message which I could relate to. It was the last message in our GOD WITHOUT WALLS series. He mentioned Charlie Kirk several times. One strong point was that it’s not important how long the race is but about finishing strong. We all want to make a difference with our lives. We speak apx 7000 words a day – make those words make a difference! Work within YOUR world; you run YOUR race, work within your world. Keep your eye on the goal, not on others. Keep running; be faithful!

This was a profound statement for me.

I had crackers and cheese and trail mix for lunch, then started on my Sunday list. I was excited to hear from Trent (my grass cutter) that he could cut tomorrow and also next weekend. He does a better job than I do so I’m excited to have that scheduled. Cameron’s party is next Sunday so we need it to be extra nice!

You go, Trent! (from last week)

Autmn stopped to drop off a few more pictures that she painted for the party set. She does a great job! I took Autmn’s decorations and the flax bins down to the shed and got them put away. I still have to water the grass seed, and then a few more chores. I got a few baby hugs!

Window and Door

I hated to see him leave…..

From a recent post.

He looks older here!

And just to add a short note, I noticed that the chipmunk had left a pile of nut shells on my deck from his (her) supper yesterday. I just swept it off. You’re welcome, buddy.

You can tell he was eating.

Also sort of touched up the one ceiling tile that had a corn broken off. It is certainly not professional and it’s not at all perfect but at least it’s not a hole now!

It’s better than a hole…

I grabbed a plate for Autmn and took a picture of the fall tree in Dollar General. Very simple but fall-festive!

I think I’m going to attempt to make the flax balls next. I have to repair two pair of Noah’s work pants yet but I’ll do the flax balls first. Then we’ll see what I can get into.

Hope they taste as good as hers did!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 29th is:

Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day; National VFW Day; National Coffee Day.

I can’t get into my second website of National days – so this is it! I avoid wildlife and don’t drink coffee. So on that note – Happy Sunday! God bless…

Another week has come to an end. The last two days have seemed to go by so quickly. And today felt like a slow-speed treadmill. Just going all day. I started by changing bed sheets and washing them, making breakfast, and working downstairs a while. I made my schedule of chores for the morning, and headed to Dollar General. I was looking for a small item – which I found – which is a miracle in itself! I stopped at Gabe’s to get batteries, again which I found. They were name brand, so I’m hoping they last longer than the off brand. I seem to change them more often.

My Dollar General plate — it’s smaller than it looks. Great for a sandwich or pizza.

I stopped at Walmart for 3 things, and that’s what I bought! Then — Dollar Tree for a small pack of nuts. I wanted to make some more trail mix. I stopped at Giant Eagle to pick up my prescription, and got some Brookside dark chocolate – again for the trail mix. Since I didn’t use the overhead light that my son so kindly picked up for me last week I returned it at Lowe’s and bought 4 bags of a better grade top soil. I came home, changed into yucky clothes, and spread the top soil and grass seed. We’ll see if THIS works! It’s a better time of year to plant grass, I think.

Where the fire pit was.

Up front – I watered them both, too.

I also raked and bagged the leaves in the front yard. There were a LOT of dead Lantern Flies in the leaves – wonder why?

Raking leaves

All cleaned up.

I saw the cutest little wooly worm – but it was all black. I’m trying to remember if black means a bad winter or if brown mean a bad winter.

Fuzzy little Wooly Worm

Then while I was typing I saw my little chipmunk buddy on the porch. Actually, he’s back as I type this. It’s either Chip or Dale — or maybe Alvin, Simon or Theodore!

I’m going to work on securing the ends of all the yarn balls so they don’t unravel. That will be my evening project. Hoping your Sunday is delightful!

Yep – this whole bin! (Sorry, my toes are in the photo)

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Notice he DOES have cookies, too!

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 28th is:

National Strawberry Cream Pie Day; Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day; National Good Neighbor Day; National Family Health and Fitness Day; Ask a Stupid Question Day; International Poke Day; National Police Memorial Day; World Deaf Day; World Rivers Day.

I bought strawberries today – but not for pie. For my tummy! I have several lovely, good neighbors, and I’m thankful. I don’t mean to, but I frequently ask stupid questions. And often answer them… Rivers are fun! God bless…

Friday! The first day of MY weekend! I had a few things on my list, but they switched places on the priority list when Nate’s friend Jamie called me early this morning. He had the day off and finally could put the new lights up in my family room! The one light blew up in the lightening storm back in early June, and Jamie said he could help me, and even had extra lights. So he took all the old lights down and installed recessed lighting. It’s so bright in here – but he also installed a dimmer switched. These lights are perfect. He also suggested putting up an angled spotlight above my bookcases, which I think I’ll have him do once he has time.

Over my desk – perfect light.

Bright lights

A little dimmer but I don’t think it’s obvious.

While Jamie was working (he was here all afternoon), I did laundry, ironing, and finished writing an essay that I had started a few weeks ago. Then I went outside and cut back dead flower stalks, pulled weeds, cleaned up the hill just a tad, and dug up the disgusting mushrooms down by the shed. I answered a few emails, did a little research, and after Jamie left, I spent several hours cleaning up. That dropped ceiling left a terrible mess – but everything is cleaned up now. Next stop: Food!

Jamie packing up.

Dirty rug

We made a mess.

All clean

SCRIPTURE:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 27th is:

National Day of Forgiveness; National Seat Check Saturday; National Scarf Day; National Singles Day; Save your Photos Day; National Ghost Hunting Day; National Public Land Day; National Hunting and Fishing Day; National Corn Beef Hash Day; National Crush a Can Day; National Chocolate Milk Day; National No Excuses Day; Ancestor Appreciation Day; Fish Amnesty Day; International Lace Day; International Rabbit day; Morning Show Hosts Day.

Always forgive – always. I have tons of photos – but I won’t hunt ghosts, ever. I appreciate my ancestors – I am who I am because of them, good or bad! Is international lace day celebrating my story Lace? I love that story – it’s one of my favorite. There are rabbits all over my yard. No excuse is good enough. God bless…

I headed straight for Quick Draw this morning as I couldn’t eat breakfast or have tea, etc. The place was EMPTY – first time in my LIFE! So I was out of there in good time. There was a nursing student shadowing the process and she was very nice and eager to observe and learn. I’ve had the phlebotomist several times and he is my favorite one ever. I couldn’t even feel a thing he was doing. So that went well. Already got the results back but am waiting for the doctor to translate them for me.

No — not this Quick Draw….

From there I stopped and watered Kathy’s porch Mum’s, then went to Michael’s to look for foam leaf stickers. They did not have any. I found some online so am consulting with my expert (Kelly!) to get her opinion on what we should get. I’m not very good at figuring out the size of these things when there are a few hundred in the package.

Like this….

Next stop was work – there were a few things to do but it didn’t take long. Since I was already out, I popped into both Target and Five Below — but no leaf stickers there either.

…. or this.

I made a salad for lunch then did some work and paid some bills online. Talked to Autmn for a while – Cameron’s party is coming up and we have to keep each other up to date on things. While we were talking, I got a txt from Rege that they were ready to switch cars for me. I felt like I didn’t want to rush, so I promised to pop down after my chiropractor appointment.

Nate recommended the Chiropractor he’s been going to – and as it turns out I know the family. So I had called for an appointment. I went to Bompiani Chiropractic in Youngwood. I graduated with Louie, and although he’s NOT a doctor on staff, his two brothers are. Gen and Zane were both very good friends with the kids, as they were Gen’s neighbor. I had Kippy today and we had a fun conversation about our friendships with Gen’s family. He’s an excellent chiropractor and I am SO glad I made the switch. I haven’t felt this well adjusted in at least five years. (I guess we could take that several ways…) I’m looking for continued improvement and comfort.

I did switch cars after, and I’m driving a dark gray Mazda C50. Very nice car! I think I’m going to enjoy driving this one. I couldn’t get a clear picture while it was in the garage so I pirated the photo posted on Pinnacle’s website!

Now I am having the cup of tea I did not have this morning and listening to Hallmark movies. Still waiting a few days for the Lyme test results. Took 4 days last time.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 26th is:

Love Note Day; National Doodle Day; National Day of Praise and Worship; National Key Lime Pie Day; World’s Biggest Coffee Morning; National Brave Day; National Compliance Officer day; National Situational Awareness Day; National Dumpling Day; National Pancake Day; National Johnny Appleseed Day; National Shamu the Whale Day; Alpaca Day; American Indian Day; German Sandwich Day; Hug a Vegetarian Day.

No love notes in my immediate future – praise and worship I can do! I’m seldom brave… Pancakes would be OK. Have a great weekend. God bless…

Today had a few twists for a normal Wednesday but it was all good. I was up earlier than usual because I didn’t have a ‘fabulous’ book to read. I had a ‘nice’ book to read, but after a trilogy of Jan Karon books it’s hard to connect to something else! I am SO looking forward to her book that comes out in October!

Soon and very soon!!

I was just finishing cleaning upstairs when Di called. She was hoping to connect up and since I was home all day, that worked. She even brought lunch. How cool is that? So we had potato soup and chicken strips and chocolate covered pretzels for dessert and talked for several hours. Not sure we actually solved anything but we certainly both had things we needed to talk out. That always helps!

I finished up cleaning downstairs and was just putting the sweeper away when Kathy called from Colorado. They were in the Garden of the Gods. I had heard of that but never seen pictures, so I googled it. Looks amazing! They were also in America the Beautiful park — again, never saw pictures. So they had a beautiful day!

They were staying at Cliff House tonight in Pike’s Peak

These are all stock photos. I’ll see the real thing when they get home!

Once I finished my chores I decided to drive down to Goodwill in North Huntington. I was looking for a few specific items for next year’s flax festival. No luck! But I did get Cameron two Sesame Street books for his birthday since he’s having an ELMO party. There was a Halloween tree in the entranceway.

Look how fun!

Including feet!

There was a rainbow, and it poured, then the clouds turned yellow!

Fading rainbow…

I still have a list, but basically everything is done for today. Tomorrow morning I will get my wellness bloodwork done then go to work. So now it’s time to find food before I have to fast!

Hoping this isn’t me….

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 25th is:

World Dream Day; Remember me Thursday; National Open the Magic Day; National Daughter Day; National Quesadilla Day; National Tune Up Day; National Comic Book day; Math Storytelling Day; National One Hit Wonder Day; Binge Day; National Cooking Day; National Road Kill Day.

I’d say if you are making Quesadillas don’t use road kill. One hit wonder – ‘Last Kiss’! Happy day, daughter – Love you! I think Kelly will be making Chase his Quesadillas. My dreams are usually weird and don’t make sense! Not sure about the magic. God bless!

After the long post yesterday this is going to be pathetic! Real life is not nearly as exciting day to day. But I was at the Hospital at 8:30am this morning for my tests. The first one was a 6 minute walk, which was very easy and was no trouble. Not sure what we learned from that one. We just walked down the hall and back twice. The second wasn’t that bad, either, but they put you in this little glass room (remember the 64 thousand dollar question game show? Like that!) and you have to breathe different ways through a little hose vent. This was my 4th time for this one. I just have to wait for the results. I’m not really certain what they expect to find or how I’ll have to respond to the results.

My little glass room!

I stopped and got gas in the Volkswagen – then found out today that they are switching me cars on Thursday! But I’m ready and happy to move on to the next one – this VW is HAUNTED (right season for it!!).

Bye little car!

I stopped and restocked some grocery items that I ran out of over the weekend. There were a few things that Walmart didn’t have. Are we surprised? But Autmn mentioned wanting rubber duckies for Cameron’s party and I DID find those!

Duckies

I had a healthy salad for lunch, and a flax ball. I had taken two to Rege, and he was sad that I didn’t take him more! So I guess making another batch is in my near future! They are messy but easy and healthy so I can handle it.

Flax balls – with oats and peanut butter and honey and chocolate chips and flax and chia seeds!

And we DID get some rain, which is a good thing. We needed it!

When I went over to help Mike P, there was a train across the intersection. I love watching trains! They are so huge and powerful and important! How often do you think about all the goods and products and people that use the trains?

There were two engines pulling this train.

Kathy sent me a few pictures of their vacation so far. It’s hard not to be pea green with envy!

Mt Rushmore

Crazy Horse

WOD FAM CHOC SOD (World Famous Chocolate Soda) at Whit’s End – Focus on the Family campus in Colorado.

When it stopped raining I went out to check the yard. I had a morning glory vine with two different colors of flowers. The neighbor has a goldenrod blooming so high it sticks about 4 feet above their fence! And my butterfly bush still has some dark blue blooms on it.

Butterfly bush

Two color morning glories

Goldenrod out of control

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 24th is:

National Cherries Jubilee day; National Punctuation Day; National Women’s Health and Fitness Day; Bluebird of Happiness Day.

I love correct punctuation! How can a person even THINK of writing without it? I’ve seen a few bluebirds but I couldn’t tell if they were happy. Have a HAPPY Wednesday! God bless…

It’s funny, but when I haven’t posted here in several days it’s hard to get back in the groove! Especially after such a busy weekend. Kelly and Chase came up on Friday evening and got here about a half an hour after Gen did. We sort of hung out and took a breather before starting supper of a salad, French fries in the air fryer, and grilled cheese sandwiches on homemade bread. Yum. After a while we went out on the porch, and Chase even joined in the chatting. We were all really tired so we ended up going to bed sort of early.

Look at the clouds!

Kelly and I ready for the festival

Kelly, me and Gen

Chase was still sleeping when Kelly and I left at about 8:15am to head to Stahlstown’s Flax Festival. We would (again, for the 3rd year) man the kids’ activity booth. We had our little dog ‘Puppers’ who gave you a Hershey kiss if you scratched his ear. Even the parents enjoyed that.

Puppers’ dog house and ‘kiss’ station

Guarding his kisses

Kelly made him a cute collar.

We saw several people we knew! Corliss and Helen were there first thing Saturday! We saw Deb and Jim, and my friend Ed was there selling his paranormal books, and Shirley (local librarian) had a booth. Chapp (a relative of Ron’s) was there for the historical society and we had a really nice visit. Tom Beck also took a turn at the historical society booth. Actually we enjoyed chatting with them all and meeting new people!

Straight ahead, center: Corliss and Helen.

Ed brought his friends along!

We had tic-tac-toe, weaving, and bracelet weaving.

Weaving in progress

Making a bracelet

She’s proud of her creation!

There were also stickers and markers and bright art paper to encourage creativity. The kids (and the parents!) really love our booth, and some came back several times – and came again from last year. We have a few girls who are ready to be our assistants for next year.

Being artistic

They love the stickers!

There were lots of fun craft booths, plenty of food, and a huge stage that constantly had groups and bands to entertain. There was even a ‘raid’ on the settlers cabin – including hostages and burning (for real!) the cabin to the ground! It’s an amazing festival.

I didn’t see anyone using this…

The biggest draw is the Flax Scutching demonstration, presented several times a day, explaining the process of taking the flax plant growing in the fields to the linen cloth that would provide clothing for the rest of the year. All we need to do is go to Walmart or the Mall! It wasn’t that easy back then.

The Flax wheel, the loom

Two flax wheels

Combs

Pulling out the fibers

Scutching board

Kiln – drying the flax plants

Breaker

It takes a village…..

Clothes made from the linen.

Antiques and heirlooms

Merilee has a copy of my articles from PENNSYLVANIA MAGAZINE and SMALL TOWN LIFE MAGAZINE on display.

Saturday was a long day, but really fun. We opted for picking up a pizza on the way home and again went to bed early. We got to the festival on Sunday in time to catch most of the church service under the trees, and the gospel group after the message was my favorite. I believe they were the best group of the weekend.

One of my favorite crafts from the booths.

But mostly, I really enjoyed Cathi Rhodes who sings Patsy Cline. I have heard her dozens of times over at least that many years and she never disappoints. ‘Crazy’, ‘After Midnight’, ‘I Fall to Pieces’, ‘Sweet Dreams’, ‘Back in Baby’s Arms’. Very cool!

Patsy Cline heading for the stage.

On stage

She opened the festival entertainment and is always a favorite.

Gen took off with her sisters and brothers to have a mini reunion at Ohiopyle, then headed to to friend’s cabin in the mountains. Chase hung out at the house and played video games and ate pizza all weekend. Kelly and I were very satisfied with the kids’ booth and was relieved to get so many supportive comments and thanks from not only the kids but the grateful parents as well! We are already making lists for next year- stop up and see us. September 19th and 20th, 2026!

Merilee – in charge of the whole thing!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 23rd is:

National Dogs in Politics Day; National Teal Talk day; National Snack Stick Day; National Great American Pot Pie Day; Innergize Day; Go with your Gut Day; International Day of Sign Languages; National Apple Cider Vinegar Day; National Baker Day.

I let Kelly do the baking when I can. Kathy can celebrate sign languages! I don’t think I support dogs in politics! 🙂 God bless…

I will make a small post today, and probably nothing else until Sunday or Monday. I expect both Kelly and Gen to arrive in a little over an hour. Gen, from New York, and Kelly from West Virginia! World travelers! It will be nice to have a low-key evening tonight as the activities do not get into swing until tomorrow.

Gen

Kelly

Today was focused on prepping the house, doing regular chores, getting ahead for the weekend, and organizing my thoughts and obligations. And if I have my facts correct, Kathy and Paul left early this morning. Prayers for their health and safety and for having a wonderful time!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 20th is:

National Care for Kids Day; National Fried Rice Day; Pepperoni Pizza Day; National String Cheese Day; National Clean Up Day; National Punch Day; Responsible Dog Ownership Day; National Dance Day; Batman Day; International Eat an Apple Day; National Sew a Jelly Roll Day.

So…. Tomorrow the plan is to order a pizza for supper! And we are packing pretzels and string cheese for snacks! My friend Diane grew up being the queen of music and DANCE! I missed that boat. We are having apples with supper tonight. As for sewing a Jelly Roll – like, the country singer? How would THAT happen? God bless….