Just wanted to jump on here and make a quick post that I’m not doing a post! Kelly and Chase are here for the evening and have to leave first thing in the morning – so I want to spend time with them!

Catch you all tomorrow! 🙂

I had several deals in Jeannette, including to process the one for Kenny’s friend Jeff from Tuesday. Got them all done, spent some time chatting, then headed home. I filled my time between work and my doctor’s appoint by switching the deck lights. I took the red/white/blue light down and put up the fall one. All but one string of the r/w/b where totally burned out. I was going to put a few extra sets of fall lights up, inside and out, but I had to throw 3 sets away as they wouldn’t light. I’ll check at Walmart next time I’m over there and see if they have more. If not, it’s fine like it is.

Changed the lantern from red to gold lights; the fall light are up.

I finished in time to head to Latrobe with a quick detour to Palmer’s Farm Stand. I got half a dozen ears of corn and two tomatoes – had corn for supper.

It was very good!

The doctor’s appointment went well but I feel like I’m starting over. This is the fourth ‘new’ pulmonologist I’ve seen since last fall. She was very thorough going over my records and asking questions. I discussed my questions with her and got some satisfactory answers. She did a finger prick test to check the level of Alpha-1 in my system, then made appointments for another breathing test (without the nasty med to restrict my breathing!) and a lung CT scan without contrast. She’s also fixing two of my prescriptions so they both reflect a 90 day refill.

Pulmonologist offices

Building murals in downtown Latrobe.

I came home and finally finished weed-whacking. Totally glad that is done for now. I was very thorough and the whole project took a long time. Then I still had enough battery left to blow the driveways and walks and stones clean. Job well done.

Everything done — for a few minutes, anyway!

There was something sleeping under my neighbor’s car. The orange cat!

Kelly called while I was in the waiting room and she plans to come up tomorrow afternoon and spend some time with me. So that will be extra fun! And that, my friends, was basically my day.

Yea!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 29th is:

National Sport Sampling Day; National College Colors Day; National Chop Suey Day; More Herbs, Less Salt Day.

It would be hard for me to image life with less salt! SPORTS is not on my radar. At all. God bless!

As it was Wednesday (all day!) I spent the day cleaning. But first I made French toast for breakfast. Haven’t had that in a long time

Everything got done in good time – The dryer just buzzed to signal that the towels are dry – but I’m going to finish this first.

Once I was done cleaning, I decided I should finish weed whacking. That would have been fine, but I used up the first (charged) battery and still wasn’t done. Hopefully I can finish tomorrow. What I should have done is popped down to the shed first thing and switched the batteries on the charger. I’ll do that in the morning so I will have two charged batteries to finish weed whacking. I was going to wait for Trent to mow for me, but the grass was such a mess and since it took so long to weed whack I knew I shouldn’t wait. I put it off once before and that didn’t work out too well. So the grass is cut and the driveway and walks are swept clean. And since it’s almost 8pm that’s my day!

Grass is cut…

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

This is actually my scripture of the week!

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 28th is:

National Thoughtful Day; National Red Wine Day; National Power Rangers Day; National Bow Tie Day; Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day; National Cherry Turnover Day; Crackers over the Keyboard Day; National Burger Day.

I love burgers! I may have to splurge tomorrow. And I’ll think of Tazz-pup – he went over the rainbow bridge many years ago. He was a crazy dog! God bless…

I did have a much better sleep last night – woke up feeling ready for the day. Not too much at work to do but I got it all cleaned up. I had an appointment to help a friend of Ken’s transfer a title, and since the mom wasn’t easily mobile, I offered to drive over and help them. Those situations often make me a little nervous, but as is usually the case, I am more than blessed by helping out. They are such nice people, and the neighborhood is beautiful! We had a nice chat and got everything handled. Again, very nice family.

Nice neighborhood – stock imgae.

I stopped on the way home to pick up a pack of Klondike bars – they are on sale at Giant Eagle. I’ll just tuck them away in the bottom of the freezer and they will be there when I need them. Does anyone ever really NEED at Klondike?

My favorite….

When I finished lunch, I decided to weed whack. It really needed done – in fact, it was so bad (in just 8 days’ time) that I used up both weed whacker batteries and didn’t even get finished! It was cool and comfortable so it wasn’t a stress to get it done – except that it’s NOT done!

I also pulled some weeds and cleaned out a few spots in the yard that were overgrown. It started to sprinkle, so I put everything away – then it quit! Since I already changed clothes I’m not going back out – hopefully can finish tomorrow.

And on two sides of the spectrum – I watched a few tributes to Dr. James Dobson – what an amazing man – humble and a devoted Servant. And also – what they are calling the great American love story- Taylor and Travis engagaed! And then, in between, Thomas Rhett and wife Lauren are expecting another baby. They’ll have 5 children under age 10! That, my friends, is today’s news…

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Mark 10:9

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 27th is:

National Peach Day; National Just Because Day; Crab Soup Day; International Lottery Day; National Petroleum Day.

I’m not a fan of peaches… just because. (See what I did there?) God bless…

I could not fall asleep last night – it was well past 4am the last time I noticed. I tried counting things and reading and scrolling Facebook and YouTube videos and TV. Even had a snack. Nothing helped. And I’m SURE those were all the wrong things to be doing!

Anyway — Today is my cousin Perry’s wife Anita’s birthday. She’s the sweetest person and I’m happy to call her cousin! Happy birthday Anita – hope you have another wonderful adventure on the calendar!

Anita (and Perry on the bike behind her) at Mackinac Island.

I found out early this morning that North Greengate Road is reopened – so I was able to zip down to do a few titles for my friend Randy. He wasn’t there but I handled everything he needed. Got gas in the VW and picked up a book of stamps and came home to a bowl of cream of potato soup.

My potato soup

I spent about an hour pulling weeds and cutting dead stalks in the beds by the roses.

Autmn txt me that she invited Lexi Miller and her room mate to her house for a nice supper – and made a big roast, etc. Lexi goes to college about 10 minutes away. Then Nikki (Lexi’s mom) txt me this morning about how excited the girls were and what a great time they had. She said – ‘That just goes to show that family is what you make it!’ How true!

Lexi and Cameron taking a walk.

Buddies! The video of her roommate and Cameron would not post! But they were both laughing!

Autmn and Cameron came after lunch. Something was spilled in their car, so while Autmn was waiting on her sister Summer she totally emptied everything out of the Juke. She scrubbed the inside of that thing to an inch of its life! Buckets and trash bags and the sweeper and organization! Cameron and I watched Bluey, played games, had several snacks, and played pickup about a dozen times! I took him for a walk in his stroller around the block so I don’t have to do the treadmill. Once I finish this I will probably go to bed!

Bluey time! And juice!

He’s sitting on a three-legged milking stool!

TV and snack time.

Trying to hide in the space heater…

Big shoes to fill!!!

I made the ‘kids’ a quick supper before they left – Cameron ate like he hadn’t had anything to eat for weeks – but I know for a fact he did because I gave it to him! We had mac/cheese and dinosaur shaped nuggets. And that is my day.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 26th is:

National WebMistress Day; National Cherry Popsicle Day; National Women’s Equality Day; National Dog Day; National Toilet Paper Day.

Toilet Paper is probably the most important thing on that list! Enjoy your day – God bless…

It was a beautiful day. Right now – 6:15pm – it’s 79* but starting to get cloudy.

Just heard thunder….

** This just in – Beautiful rainbow!!

I feel like I could reach out and touch it!

Sunday School lesson was very good. I was able to pirate a few facts from the lesson that I could inject into my workshop for Ladies Retreat at Camp Christian on September 13th. It was the perfect addition. Todd’s message was about God loving everybody always. We should not be selective in who we think it worthy of our love and attention. God went all in for all of us – and there is no fear in love.

I came home after church and re-worked my notes for the camp workshop, then zipped over to pick up Diane. The Hempfield Class of 1968’s 57th reunion was held at Greenhouse Winery – and we filled a nice sized pavilion with graduates and guests. We all brought food to share and had more than enough. There was water and iced tea, but any other beverages had to be purchased through the winery.

Food table #1 – snacks and fruits and desserts.

Food table #2 – main dishes

Nice turnout for year #57 – but we had a class of over 700!

SOME of us drive high-end vehicles!

There were some people that I really wished had been there – but I have no idea if they live local or actually are still living. I do know that I missed seeing Gen, and it would have been fun to see Sandy Nelson Brinker, and Lloyd Hyde, and Mark Vallozzi, and Nancy Stratiff, and Ken and Debbie Thomas (Debbie is Stoney’s niece!) – and so many more. But as always, Debby Gretz was a ‘headliner’ for the reunion committee – which all did a great job of organizing and herding us all into one space.

Debby on the left – we were on the same team in health class – and did a dance routine to LEMON TREE.

Gwen McClure Sheetz – we were together from first grade through graduation. We were even in Brownies together! She too is on the committee.

Here are a few of the alum that I caught pictures of. We did take a group grad picture but I have to wait until someone posts it on our alumni page before I can grab and post it.

The guy in the blue polo shirt came up to me and recognized me – He said, ‘From Midway, right? Me too.’ and he told me his name. Jan Berkley. I do remember him!

Sandy Keough on the right.

Diane chatting to Rebecca.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS:

Celebrate something amazing!!!

TOMORROW August 25th is:

National Park Service Founders Day; National Banana Split Day; National Secondhand Wardrobe Day; National Kiss and Make Up Day.

I love to go thrift shopping. Not a fan of banana splits, but I do like National parks. Have a great week. God bless…

Today would have been my Dad’s birthday. I still miss him, even though it’s been so long – 40 years. I think about how he would have loved the kids, and grandkids, and being in our lives. Love you, Dad!

Dad and me – he did love a good adventure!

Normal Saturday – sheets, organize pills, a few morning chores. I skipped breakfast and went straight into making cream of potato soup. I got an email from Kath, and Paul hopes to get home today. The doctor said these incidents cannot be predicted and the best plan is to just go about the business of living!

I popped over to grab the food I need for tomorrow. HAHS Class of 1968 is having an informal ‘reunion’ and we are all invited to bring snacks. I wanted to make pepperoni balls. I had everything sitting out on the counter when I got home and heard a loud pop. The roll of poppin’ fresh biscuits blew up!

A little blow-out.

Kelly had given me an apron for someone at Kathy’s church so I dropped that off and we chatted for a while. Paul called while I was there and said the doctor discharged him. So I left, and she left. So that is good news.

Anyway, I got the pepperoni balls put together and baked, did all the dishes, and got everything ready for tomorrow afternoon. I still have ironing to do once I finish this.

Ready to bake…

One tray baked.

I was listening to Christmas CD’s. Each of those CD’s are friends to me – and I love listening to each song. I feel like I know the singer and they have something to say just special to me. And I have been enjoying my Dolly Parton CD – She has been in the media a lot lately, what with her new connection to the pop world, her connection to Christian songs and artists, sharing her faith so easily, Dollywood’s anniversary and the new Coke soft drink in her honor, and her husband’s death. So her songs seem more meaningful to me in light of all that. And Toby Keith’s CD – I hadn’t listened to it in a while, and there are some great songs on that too.

Right now I’m listening to the Hallmark movie THE REAL WEST. There are some pretty cool scenes in that movie, too.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 24th is:

National Waffle Day; National Peach Pie Day; International Strange Music Day; National Knife Day.

I could eat a waffle. Not interested in Strange Music – because it would be strange. God bless…

Today is my ‘other’ son’s birthday – Dave Bath. The other half of B&B Windows! Dave and Nate have been best friends since 3rd grade! Best and happiest of days, Dave – have a great year! Love you!

My two sons – Nate and Dave!

I got a phone call from Kathy this morning at 6:35am – and I knew it couldn’t be good! Paul had a repeat of his health issue that landed him in the hospital last November. She wanted to let me know that 1) prayers are requested! and 2) she couldn’t come with us today to Washington PA for our Bradford House outing. I felt bad for both of them, as they had a weekend full of church events that they would have to miss, as well. Kath emailed me at about 3:45pm to fill me in. The doctor was evaluating Paul’s condition and what options were available to prevent future issues. Still waiting on that decision. Sounds like he will be in the hospital for a bit, so please keep Paul and family in your prayers.

Kathy and Paul

Corliss and I chatted and opted to follow through with our original plans. I trusted that if Kathy needed any help she would let me know immediately. So we left to meet Kelly and had no problem finding the Bradford House. Even though it was right in the middle of town (Main Street) it was a beautiful setting and well presented. We arrived exactly when they opened, and were able to go through the house, gardens, and kitchen in about an hour and a half. Bradford was a very controversial man, wanted for his participation in the Whiskey Rebellion and his part in pushing against the tax collectors for the whiskey. He escaped to Louisiana and settled peacefully there, but President Washington did not grant him a pardon. However, John Adams eventually did.

Wall mural

See? Without Kathy the first thing we did was get thrown in jail!!! Don’t we look like desperados?

Another mural

Bradford House

Parlor – green is a sign of wealth.

This is to keep wine cool.

Dining room – anything that has ‘doors’ is counted as a room and houses were taxed on the number of rooms. Bradford didn’t care – he installed these cupboard with doors anyway!

Beautiful staircase.

Woman’s parlor – they did weaving and sewing and clothing.

Dress and waistcoat.

Doll display, and knitting.

Flax wheel – I know a bit about that!

Working with flax.

Children’s bedroom – two to a bed!

They slept in the cradle until they wouldn’t fit.

Marbles in a flax pouch.

Master bed

Dresser in master bedroom – you can see how tall it was compared to Kelly!

I love those floors!

Dolls displaying period clothing.

NOW – outside!

Guide to contents of herb gardens. (The other side of the tiles gave details)

It was a safe-water well in its time.

Kitchen

Where meals were all prepared.

Colonial ‘microwave’ – food was placed in there and sat next to the flames to cook faster.

Dry sink and dough trays

Candles

Across the street was a museum dedicated to the Whiskey Rebellion – and there was a depth to it in addition to the imposed tax. It was interesting to read the stories and see the examples and artifacts. Very worthwhile morning – and we did have a lot of fun.

Window of Whiskey Rebellion Museum

Typical tavern setting.

Controversial tax….

Still – and how to make whiskey.

The docents were fun, very informed and friendly. Great morning.

Very informed and fun docents! Dave – but I didn’t catch the other name.

From there we drove over to have lunch at Chick Fil-A. I loved the flowers on the table. We took a quick stop at Gabe’s (across the street) then headed home. The three of us really enjoyed our day, be we REALLY missed having Kathy with us!

Flowers at Chick Fil-A — ignore the ketchup!!

Not sure if I will do anything else this evening. Tomorrow (as Scarlett O’Hara would say) is another day!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

We are so busy giving our children what we never had that we forget to give them what we did have. James Dobson

This quote is in honor and memory of Dr. James Dobson, a man of great faith. My kids grew up on his creativity and teachings – And I raised them on his scripture based ministry. He will be sadly missed… He passed away yesterday at age 89.

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 23rd is:

Find your Inner Nerd Day; National Cuban Sandwich Day; National Sponge Cake Day; National Ride the Wind Day; Cheap Flight Day.

I think my ‘nerd’ is more exposed… and that will do it! God bless…

There were a few things to do in Jeannette this morning. I grabbed a few last minute items from Walmart that I needed for the weekend. Then I organized the frozen corn that I brought home last weekend and put them in gallon bags so they were easier to find.

I had to ran over to Diane’s about noon to grab some things from her. I was just going to eat a piece of leftover frozen pizza (which actually wasn’t very tasty) when Kelly called. Among other things she said she was meeting us in the morning for our historic house tour in Washington PA. So that was good news.

Bradford House

I had a home health visit as directed by my Medicare insurance carrier. It’s hard to understand why the insurance companies dictate that type of care. I have had more tests and appointments in the past 14 months than I can count – and yet they have someone come to the house to tap your knee….

Once she left I went to Gabe’s – I was looking for a sunflower blanket but there just aren’t any. So – saved some money there! Didn’t spend a penny. While I was waiting to turn at the light I snapped a picture of the flowers in the medium. The garden club does a great job with that every year.

I had enough flowers blooming in my yard (including lilacs!) that I gathered up a nice bouquet. And the one Rose of Sharon looks like there are two colors of blooms on the same bush. I’m thinking that maybe there are two bushes intertwined.

My bouquet

Two bushes? or one?

And there were morning glories blooming this morning.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 22nd is:

National Surgical Oncologist Day; National Bean Better Day; National Pecan Torte Day; National Tooth Fairy Day; National Be an Angel Day; Folklore Day; National Take your Cat to the Vet Day; Rainbow Baby Day.

I’ll never be an angel – but I love learning about them! And seeing what they’ve done behind the scenes! God bless…

This is a very short post tonight. I really don’t have anything much to share! I cleaned the upstairs before lunch, then had cauliflower with cheese sauce for lunch. I cleaned downstairs after lunch and moved a few things around on my bookcase shelves. I finished inside early enough that I could work outside a bit. I snipped the spent blooms from the 3 butterfly bushes – almost everything on them was was brown. Then I got ambitious and pulled weeds and dug up some strays before I took the trash up to the road. And that was it for the day.

My computer is still doing crazy things – I think it might have a virus. I’ll have to see what I can do about that – if I can find help somewhere.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 21st is:

National Senior Citizens Day; National Spumoni Day; Internet Self Care Day.

Being a senior citizen I guess that’s what I’ll focus on. God bless…