Autmn just sent me a darling txt for ‘Happy Grandparents Day’! It was lovely to hear from her and that she is thinking of me!

Crocus tea – April of 2015. Autmn, me, Chrissy.

I took my time getting organized this morning – then had to run down and help both Mike P and Brian S with titles. I got a call on the way down from Kathy – Paul is in the hospital again – same issue, third time since November. Join me in praying that he will quickly get back to his healthy self and be ready for each day that God gives them. I was able to get my work done and was back home by noon. Did a load of laundry then made a salad for lunch.

My chores were to put a few sets of battery-operated fall lights out, and also a few sheets of window stickees. Got that done, ran the dishwasher, and now have a few other chores to do. Also worked some on my refreshing my ‘faith’ workshop for Saturday at Camp Christian.

Switched around some blankets – put the blue one upstairs, the orange pumpkin one on the ladder, and the green one on the chair.

This PUMPKIN PATCH rug used to light up – not sure what happened!

Leaf lights above Kitchen Sink.

Purple bat lights – bathroom

Leaf lights – hall book stand.

Yellow lights on the kitchen table.

Leaf lights on the picture frame downstairs.

I know they are hard to see – PEANUTS stickees on my bedroom window.

I walked around outside a bit, and took pictures of the butterfly bushes. There are always a few butterflies flittering around them. The blue one and the purple blossoms on the Liberty one are so bright and vivid!

Mini wreath on the outside wall.

Purple….

Blue one…

I guess it’s time to get the ironing done and unload the dishwasher. And maybe take a walk since the weather is appealing!

QUOTE of the DAY – from Diane:

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Courtesy of Logan Christian church.

PEANUTS:

TOMORROW September 9th is:

National Wiener Schnitzel Day; CareBears (Share your care) Day; National Ants on a Log Day; National Teddy Bear Day; Emergency Services Day; International Sudoku Day; National When Pigs Fly Day.

My kids both had Care Bears. I had several Teddy bears. I CANNOT manage Sudoku puzzles – never ever got one right! And I’m still waiting for pigs to fly…. God bless…

Go ahead, Piggy Smalls, FLY!!!

Today was a beautiful day – it’s been chilly but sunny, comfortable to be outside or inside. We had a good Sunday school lesson this morning – and I got a few more tips for my workshop on Saturday. Todd’s message was about ‘God without Walls’ from II Timothy. Is what you are living for worth dying for? Paul’s sentiment about the gospel and his deep commitment to sharing it sends us this thought: This can’t die with me. Does the way you follow Jesus make others want to follow Jesus. God has no grandchildren. We are God’s message to our children and to those who watch us.

Todd

After church Mary and I went to Eat n’ Park for lunch. But we had breakfast! The buffet was still set up for breakfast so that made for an easy choice. Their biscuits are SO good! And the bacon was yummy. I didn’t really need anything else.

Website image

Since I was out that way I stopped at the mall. It had been a while since I was at Barbara Ann’s Country Store and was feeling the draw. I did buy coasters – here is a fun one!

I actually bought more than one…. Shhhhh!

And here is a picture of the other plate I got yesterday. I thought the gray plates were plain – and they are ghosts! There were no orange plates, but it looks like they would have had pumpkins.

Ghost plate.

The sky was beautiful – look at the clouds! Presque Isle clouds!!!

Once I got home, I left the car parked in the driveway, changed clothes, and lugged all the fall bins off the shelf. I weeded through everything in all the boxes so I could scale down. As it was there was still tons of items to find places for. I have a big box to share, one way or another! Here are some pictures – although not everything.

Happy Snoopy and Woodstock ready for fall.

Blessed and Welcome.

Gather…

Fall for Jesus….

The friendly witch is at home…

Looks like Snoopy might BE lunch!

Grateful lazy susan

Ghostly

Fall soaps

bathroom pumpkins

Leaves around the hall mirror.

Did a few things outside, too.

Little ghost solar light.

Outdoor projector – purple and orange

Tonight is supposed to be the moon eclipse – and the red glow. So far it’s still there!

Sort of a copper glow.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 8th is:

Star Trek Day; National Boss/Employee Exchange Day; Actors’ Day; International Literacy Day; National Ampersand Day; National Dog Walker Appreciation Day; Pardon Day.

Not too much exciting! I’ll just spend tomorrow putting up the fall window clings (stickees), and I do have to run out to work for a bit. Have a great week! God bless…

I did finish the book last night – I even pretty much figured out who the killer was… 🙂 But didn’t know how or why. Anyway, on to more books!

I kept busy all day – but not really any documentation. Did the sheets and had breakfast, then headed out to do errands. I stopped at the bank to gather up a smidgeon of cash to handle my mini-debts. Then I decided on Norwin Walmart and Dollar Tree for something different. I needed a few greeting cards and then went down to Miller’s Crossing. I picked up 2 coasters for fall and another jar of Honey.

Cat coaster!

I only needed a few items at Walmart so that went fast. I put the groceries away, then made egg salad for later and cooked myself a burger for lunch. By then the dryer was done so I folded the sheets then did yesterday’s ironing. And I also did over 15 minutes on the treadmill. I had one quick errand to run so after I balanced the checkbook (first time!) I handled that. It’s cloudy and chilly so I’m glad to stay in.

Balanced on first try.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 7th is:

National Grateful Patient Day; National Grandparents Day; National Neither Snow nor Rain Day; Buy a Book Day; Grama Moses Day; National Acorn Squash Day; National Pet Rock Day; National Clean Air Day.

I love being a grandparent! Not sure I will buy a book – I have plenty – but I’ll for sure be reading one. I had a pet rock when I was very young – her name was Sylvia Stone! She was a good rock; I made her a little house and a blanket and everything…. God bless!

The Pirates actually won last night! That would have been great – except for the fact that Chase is a Dodgers fan! But it’s still great!

Aunt Kimmie, Greg, Ma, Chase, Matt, Clarise, Logan.

Well let’s see what I managed to get done today! I spent the morning and part of the afternoon cleaning the downstairs. It hadn’t seemed sensible to tackle that when Wednesday was a busy day, and Chase was still here. So today I did two loads of laundry and did a thorough cleaning downstairs. I had the leftover slider for lunch. Once I was done cleaning I started doing a few small things for fall – one of which was to switch the coasters to fall.

Two of the fall coasters.

I switched out the flags, too, and got the fall ones out. It was a beautiful day, weather wise, and comfortable to work outside.

One of three large flags.

One of three garden flags.

Autmn was on her way to her dad’s and dropped off one of the Sesame Street Characters she’s making for Cameron’s party. She did a great job. More to come!

Oscar the Grouch.

Cameron going to see Puppers and Gigi!

So I tackled the outside lawn ornaments. I usually wait until later in the month but this month is already getting full, so I decided to beat the rush. While I was doing that -which took at least several hours! – Trent came over and cut the grass, weed whacked and cleaned up. It looked so nice. I think he does a better job that I always do – and the trimming was excellent. It’s like enjoying a meal you didn’t have to cook!

Switched out the butterflies and flowers for the pumpkin.

He did a nice job…

I’ve been spending a lot of time reading the Newport book. I only have about 35 pages left to read. Unless I fall asleep I will probably finish it tonight.

Before I started typing, I also switched out the summer blankets for the fall and Halloween ones. Maybe tomorrow I’ll attack the bins of fall decorations.

Stars and pumpkins.

Halloween on the chair ; two more on the ladder behind….

Quote of the day from Diane in honor of tomorrow!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 6th is:

National Play Outside Day; National Hummingbird Day; National Tailgating Day; National Read a Book Day; National Coffee Ice Cream Day; Great Egg Toss Day; International Bacon Day; World Beard Day.

I think it’s to rain tomorrow – so no playing outside. I will FOR SURE read a book. My sister likes coffee ice cream. I may have bacon – I have some in the freezer. No beards for me. God bless…

I volleyed between reading and waiting, and then getting things done. My afternoon was especially busy. Kelly was coming up this morning to get Chase, because he had a game to go to tonight with his dad, grama (Ma), brother, aunt and uncle. It’s been rainy so I hope they aren’t too uncomfortable! So I got a few minor things done in the morning, including figuring out lunch plans. I set out ground meat, frozen corn, and a bag of steak fries. I read and did some research while I waited for Kelly. Today was the last day of our Study Abroad program. We went to Australia today – and Chase found the interesting fact that there are more kangaroos than people in Australia!

I took time to switch the long set of lights back onto the bookcase and it looks better. Then I put the short set on the back of the couch. Everything looks festive now.

Long string.

Short set….

We had lunch at about 12:30, and Kelly did a bit of laundry. Once they left at 2pm, I tidied up just enough, then buzzed down to work. There were several things for me to do, and in between I chatted with Sir Regis and Barry about just … stuff. Since I have the whole weekend and no weeds to pull (!!!) I took my time.

My first stop after work was Target – since I saw something yesterday that I wanted to grab. The VW needed gas so that was next. Since I was in town anyway, I drove on up Pittsburgh Street and stopped at Ollies – they did NOT have what I needed, but I went next door to Dollar Tree and got Kelly’s pool noodle. She needed one for a 4-H project.

Green pool noodle – no, the Snoopy isn’t involved. It’s a lunch box…

Also found Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies. Those are pretty much my favorite and I can’t often find them. So I’ll ration them out carefully.

I needed Stainless Steel cleaner/polish so I got that at Lowe’s. Shop and Save had M&M’s on sale so I got those – not that I needed them! Other than getting something to eat I’m done for the evening.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

I was thinking of Susan today….

TOMORROW September 5th is:

National Food Bank Day; National Lazy Mom’s Day; National Be Late for Something Day; National Cheese Pizza Day; Bring your Manners to Work Day; National 401(k) Day.

I could be lazy – which would probably make me late! I like cheese pizza but my favorite is pepperoni or sausage – as long as the meat flavor isn’t too strong… God bless.

Chase was up early this morning but didn’t really get moving until later. He had Quesadillas for lunch, and I spent most of the day cleaning upstairs – in between reading my Newport book. There’s never much excitement when I clean house. Chase kept busy gaming.

After I finished everything upstairs, Chase and I carried all the black trash bags up to the road. Since we had a holiday on Monday I think our pick up will be delayed a day (at least) but Chase was good enough to carry the heavy bags so we got that done.

Stock image….

We took a little jaunt to Target – I was looking for fall Hershey Kisses for the Flax Festival. We finally found them, but not at Target. I did, however, find a cute little smiling ghost sponge there.

My happy little ghost sponge!!!

We found the Kisses at Giant Eagle.

I hope three bags are enough…

My computer weather tab says that rain is coming. It’s breezy and a but less sunny that earlier so I guess that’s next. Opps! Now it says rain in the next few DAYS! I guess we’ll wait and see!

Once we left Giant Eagle, I went through Chick Fil-A drive-thru and got Chase a Cookies ‘n’ Cream Milkshake. So I think he’s happy for today!

I also took the bandage off my arm, cleaned it, and put Vaseline and a band aid on. It feels a bit sensitive but doesn’t hurt. And that’s it for now!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 4th is:

National Spice Blend Day; National Macadamia Nut Day; National Newspaper Carrier Day; National Wildlife Day; Eat an Extra Dessert Day.

I’ll do the dessert day – I can do without the wildlife though! God bless…

It wasn’t a busy work day. Not much in Jeannette, and only a quick stop at Mike P’s. Then I dropped Kathy’s Yeti off at her house – and had to quick look something up in the last Alyssa Maxwell book – the one before this one. I just started reading MURDER AT ARLEIGH and couldn’t remember how the last book ended. Took me about 3 seconds to glance at it and I remembered!

When I got home Chase was awake and worked on his Day #3 of Study Abroad. We were in Japan today. His mom sent him his homework sheets which tie in with the study locations, so he got those caught up.

Kyoto Japan – where Nintendo was invented.

I went to the dermatologist and got the margins cut where my spot of skin cancer was. All good now, according to Dr. Heather. I can tell you it was uncomfortable. I pretty much felt it. But it was so fast I recovered quickly.

I stopped on the way home and got Chick Fil-A for Chase and I. I only got a kids meal but it’s sitting like a ball in my stomach. I don’t think I was ready for food. Not sick, just too full.

“I can’t believe I ate the whole thing…”

My HAHS friend Debby send Diane the group picture from the Reunion. Turned out pretty nice!

Diane is in the front row on her knees – blue shirt, sunglasses, and jeans. I’m right behind her in the black shirt with sunflowers. Debby is to the left of me with glasses and her blond hair parted in the middle! Gwen is beside Diane in the black shirt.

There is a little chipmunk sitting on my deck – he’s been there for about 5 minutes. Just not moving – probably trying to figure out what’s going on. So am I!

So today so far – after work and before doctors – I washed the car windows, WD-40’d the hinges on the door between the family room and garage, printed out Chase’s homework pages, swept garage floor, ran/emptied the dishwasher, and then after the doctors I did the ironing. That’s probably enough for today!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Stoney used to sing this to Kelly all the time – it was her ‘first dance’ at her wedding with Matt!

TOMORROW September 3rd is:

US Bowling League; National Welsh Rarebit Day; Skyscraper Day.

So not too much to get excited about. Invent your own special occasion. God bless…

Today is the anniversary of Mom’s death. In some ways it doesn’t seem like 4 years – and it others it seems like she’s been gone so much longer. Miss you Mom!!!

Mom with her little skunk cake!

I felt much better this morning, and slept well last night. Chase was still sleeping when I left to pick Kathy up, and we went over to the fairgrounds. It was a very pleasant day to walk around, and we didn’t hurry but we didn’t linger. A few of the booths that we were hoping to see were not there. Kathy did buy a few things, and I bought woven trivets – like the coasters I buy – and they were super inexpensive! We were home by lunch time.

Photo op….

Once I got home, Chase was awake so I made him Quesadillas for brunch, then I went outside to work on the hill. I had almost the entire left side of the hill to do – and it took me over 4 hours but I FINISHED! I know I’ll have to touch it up again before winter, but the worst of it is done, including the tansy and the catmint and the lemon balm. They have the strongest fragrances. I ache all over and am stiff as a board, but I got a shower and I’m making a piece of fish for supper. Now I can move on to other projects!

Far left fenceline.

Opposite by steps.

Long ways

2nd section

Center

Last section.

One of which will be for Chase. We have to carry the 10 huge trash bags up to the road before trash day!

I just saw on Facebook that Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas starts October 17th! I’m not ready for Christmas, but I’m always ready for Christmas Movies!

Chase changed my PEANUTS wooden calendar for me. That was a huge help!

Ready for September!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 2nd is:

National Blueberry Popsicle Day; National V-J Day; Calendar Adjustment Day; National Live Fearless Day; Pierce Your Ears Day; Telephone Tuesday; World Coconut Day.

I probably will never live fearless! I’m NOT fearless, ever. I know I will use my phone tomorrow, but my ears are already pierced. God bless…

So yesterday’s day on the hill in the plants did me in. I coughed and sneezed all night — little sleep and lots of noise. So I made the decision not to take that noise to church. I stayed in bed until 10am, still coughing. I got up and took 2 Tylenol, got a shower, and ate a hearty pancake breakfast. I let Chase sleep.

Stock image.

I sat for an hour and argued with myself about what to do. I decided that if I was already sneezing and coughing I might as well stay in the weeds and get it done. I spent over a year trying to find help and had no luck. So I went outside and got the right side of the hill completely done, cut down the brown-eyed Susans, and cleaned part of the left hill at the top.

Beginning the left side.

Triangle section done.

Middle section done – that completes the right side.

Two lonely little blooms left standing – one a brown eyed Susan and…

The other on the front azalea bush.

By then Chase was up and hungry, so I cleaned up and went inside and made him the rest of the pancakes (which is what I had), then stayed outside until Autmn and Cameron got here. Again, I cleaned up a bit and put everything away, and spent the afternoon chasing Cameron! He’s so busy – loves to explore and hide and invent new uses for just about everything!

Little two fisted drinker! Juice in one had and water in the other.

Cameron always wants to go outside!

Playing matchbox cars on my leg.

He LOVED putting coins in the fishy bank – and he’s a ham for the camera!

The fishy is swimming down the road. That play mat was Nathan’s when he was that size!

While Cameron and I were dismantling the basement (???) Chase and Autmn had a lively time talking about video games and about a dozen other topics. I think they both enjoyed the afternoon – and Chase even gave Cameron more attention that normal. Cameron loved that! So it was a good day all around. (I just looked around and Chase fell asleep! Cameron wore us all out!)

Autmn chatting with Chase.

But now it is 7pm and that’s it for me for the day. I’m looking forward to going with Kathy to the fairgrounds craft festival in the morning and hoping my allergies stay calm. Have a wonderful Labor Day holiday and stop to appreciate the hard workers that keep our country running.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 1st is:

National Forgiveness Day; National Hotel Employee Day; National Pastor’s Spouses Day; National Burnt Ends Day; Labor Day; National No Rhyme Nor Reason Day; National Chicken Boy Day, Cherry Popover Day; Ginger Cat Appreciataion Day, Pink Cadillac Day; National Letter Writing Day.

I’ll celebrate my sister! She is an exemplary pastor’s wife! Not sure about chicken boy. Labor Day, of Course. And we should always forgive – it’s a scriptural directive! God bless…

We had things to do all morning, then after Kelly left I had projects. Kelly and I went over to Walmart mid-morning, as she needed more poster paint for a 4-H project for the West Alexander Fair this coming week. While we were there we walked right past a calendar display and there were several different 2026 Snoopy calendars! I got two full-size monthly wall calendars and a page-a-day. The page a day were $9.97 – I had one in my Amazon shopping cart that was $17.99 – same thing! So that was a great find! I also got Cameron a few sippy cups but I’m going to wait and see if they are Autmn approved before I open the package.

Kelly worked on her little flower magnets for Hanna’s Town’s Victorian Tea in November. She only has a few more to go! I’m sure everyone will love them.

Kelly working on the flowers…

Almost done…

Chase fell asleep with his ‘turtle’ last night. He’ll hate me for posting THIS picture!

After he was finally fully awake, he asked if he could stay here a few extra days. Since he home-schools he’d be fine with rearranging some of his class work. He told his mom that doing it here would be like Studying Abroad! They have all the answers, don’t they!

I went to shut my garage day yesterday and it would not go down. Looked like it was getting hung up on something. My cousin Paul came over and looked at it, then did some research. He came back this afternoon and fixed it. I don’t know HOW he does those things – but it’s working fine now, thankfully.

So since Chase is staying a few days, and I didn’t have any off his preferred food items, we made ANOTHER trip to Walmart. I got a few items on my list, and he picked out his food choices, and we’re set for a while, anyway.

Top of his list – and Red Barron’s Pizza.

Once Kelly left after lunch, I went out and worked several hours pulling and digging weeds and cutting back plants. I got a lot done, but I’m paying the price. I’m sneezing and coughing (not my typical fall cough, though, for which I’m thankful!) and right now I’m very tired, but I did make nice progress.

Behind shed.

Side of shed.

The hill

In the mail today I got a bill for a hospital procedure in July – $1.67! It’s almost not worth sending the statement with the price of postage. But I’ll pay it – very thankful it’s not more!

Since I had to throw so many sets of lights away on Thursday, I picked up a few while Chase and I were at the store. Now I can finish putting them up.

My Grandad Crooks was born this day in 1892. Happy birthday Jess Crooks!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 31st is:

National Eat Outside Day; National Trail Mix Day; National Matchmaker Day; National Zoo Awareness Day; We Love Memoirs Day; World Distance Learning Day.

Maybe I can convince Chase to eat outside tomorrow – but I doubt he’ll eat trail mix. I think I’ll avoid the matchmaker thing. Nate used to LOVE going to the Erie Zoo! Makes me want to go back. God bless…