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….

I had a few titles at work; then stopped at the bank to get some information for Noah. I had time to get groceries and get them put away before I had to grab the extra food from Diane. She gave me a Snoopy shirt that her daughter Lori shared!

Walmart had mini Reese’s PB cups with THE GREAT PUMPKIN wrappers. Of course I had to get a bag. My whole family loves them so I’m sure I will barely even get to taste them.

I was bringing the groceries in the house, and my hands were full, and I turned too quickly and knocked my beautiful white lantern onto the floor!! I was so upset. It’s wood and glass, and thankfully the glass did not break. I heated up the hot glue gun, and was able to put the pieces back together and it’s good as new. Thankfully! (And I didn’t even glue myself to anything!)

All put back together.

Lunch was a piece of meatloaf. I had a few small things to do inside. Trent txt me and he came over and cut my grass. So it’s good for the weekend! I had some bills to pay and some emails to answer. Then I made a big pot of cream of potato soup. Now it’s almost 7pm – I may do some time on the treadmill and call it ‘done’ for the evening. Lots to do this weekend!

Trent cutting my grass.

Grass is done – and I forgot to warn him about the extension cord in the yard! He did good!

Making soup

I forgot to mention that a week or so ago I got to work and found the ‘Trinity’ on my desk. Someone had shared a Jesus with a white sash and one with a dark pink sash. So now I have three. No idea who shared them with me!

Pink, White, Purple.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 19th is:

National Love your Lunch Day; National Butterscotch Pudding Day; Talk like a Pirate Day; National Overthinkers Day.

Love is a strong word for LUNCH. And I admit I do tend to over think things! Have a great weekend. God bless…

To start with – views of last night’s sunset….

Well, let’s see what today was like! Cleaning day – with several interruptions.

I was just about to begin cleaning (after breakfast) when Autmn called. She had some medical family history questions. We chatted for a while, then she face-timed with me so Cameron could talk. It was a fun visit. He got a new Snoopy truck, and an Elmo truck. He was having fun pushing them around!

This is it!

I got the whole upstairs cleaned except running the sweeper when Kelly got there. Peyton bought a truck and needed title work done. Kelly and I popped down to Pinnacle and I was able to get the paperwork done. Then as a reward for our hard work and dedication we had lunch at Chick Fil-A. She couldn’t stay long since she had obligations at home and people waiting on her. She will be back on Friday afternoon.

(I have no idea what his truck looks like!)

I finished sweeping upstairs, then cleaned downstairs, washed a load of towels, and took the garbage up to the road. I mixed up a meatloaf and it’s baking in the oven – which will be supper! Tomorrow is work, groceries, and a few extra chores.

No sauce on the top… Stock image.

SCRIPTURE (of sorts) of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

This would be me….

TOMORROW September 18th is:

National Pawpaw Day; Air Force Birthday; National Cheeseburger Day; Hug a Greeting Card Writer day; Locate an old Friend Day; National First Love Day; Purple Bra Day; Read an eBook Day; Rice Krispie Treat Day.

Cheeseburger would be sort of OK. I don’t know anyone who write’s greeting cards. NOT celebrating first love! I read ebooks every, every day! I’ve never had a purple bra – but that would be cool! God bless…

I had a full but slow-paced day. Work went well but I was there until almost 11am which is unusual these days. Filled the guys in on all the crazy things this car is doing – we all agree it’s possessed! Right now it’s just plain dirty – maybe that’s the problem.

It even looks spooky!!!

On the way home I stopped at the bank (again), then did emails and phone calls until lunch. I decided to go outside after that, and checked on the bloomers. Still a few left.

Butterfly on the butterfly bush.

White Rose of Sharon

Purple Rose of Sharon again a beautiful blue sky.

I cut down dead stalks and trimmed a few bushes, then blew off the driveway. Last year’s sealant is shredding and making a mess so I cleaned that as best I could. Then I cleaned up the leaves in the front yard. I’m thinking more will keep falling every day as it’s that season!

Raked up leaves….

… then all cleaned up.

I took some things over to Kath although no one was home (which I knew). One thing was I wanted to get this book to her before their trip.

Finished reading it so I wanted to return it.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Logan Christian Church posts the coolest scriptures! They are a blessing!

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 17th is:

National Professional House Cleaners Day; National Apple Dumpling Day; National Table Shuffleboard Day; Constitution Day and Citizenship Day; International Country Music Day (yea!!); International Patient Safety Day; National Pet Bird Day; Time’s Up Day; Smithsonian Day.

I haven’t had an apple dumpling in decades – since my mom used to make them. I LOVE country music! The words are often so clever! Time’s up for what? Hmmmm. God bless…

I had time this morning before my meeting to mix up bread dough. Right now it’s rising in the bread pans in preparation to be baked. That will be supper later.

Three out of the five loaves.

The meeting was at 10:30am and I was even a bit early. We had a lot to go over and settled pretty much everything. I did find out that our friend Pricilla’s husband – who has been ill for several years – passed away last week. Even though he was on hospice it’s still hard. She will have quite an adjustment .

With Claudia in charge.

Somehow I had a really busy day. I had a call that I couldn’t take from Mike P during the meeting, and when I was done I had to run down there. Since I spent all my cash at Smicksburg yesterday I had to stop at the bank today. I also went up to Palmer’s to get corn – which I was informed that they ran out of about a half hour before I got there!

Maybe I’ll try again tomorrow….

Nate and Dave finally got here and wiped the bird poo off my front shutter, and cleaned the gutters. They have leaf guards, so it wasn’t the inside, it was the outside. The back one was filthy black. They look super white and pretty now!

Clean and white!

During the meeting I had a message from Merilee (Flax committee). I had to wait until I was out of the meeting and finished running my errand to call her back. But in the meantime Kelly called to see what the plan was for the weekend. So I called Merilee back, then called Kelly back, and I hope we are all squared away now. I had to run over to Diane’s to pick something up and drop off her fudge from Smicksburg, then got gas in the VW, and now I’m home and typing this!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Courtesy of Logan Christian Church

PEANUTS?

Quote for the DAY:

TOMORROW September 16th is:

National Sit with a Stranger Day; National Tattoo Story Day; World Barber Day; Teenager Workout Day; National Guacamole Day; National Working Parents day; National Step Family Day; National Play-Doh Day; National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day; National Voter Registrations Day; Mayflower Day; Collect Rocks Day; Get Ready Day.

My tattoo has a story – it matches Nathan’s. I am a working parent, and all my kids are working parents. I used to love Play-doh but now it’s sort of a nuisance! I had a step family – don’t see the girls very often any more. Kelly used to collect rocks and give them to her dad! God bless…

First of all – Happy Birthday to my cousin Susan! I still miss her and think of her often – we had a lot of adventures together. But she is celebrating and rejoicing with Jesus!

Susan (holding Mr Fresh), Gail, Me (holding Snoopy) and Kath 2014

Sunday School this morning was still in Judges – about Deborah. We learned that God equips both men and women for leadership- you can be divinely appointed. God has a calling for you. All God requires is simple obedience. We (as women) have a purpose and a place in God’s plan.

I left church and headed to Smicksburg about 10:30am. Got ‘HOME’ about 11:40am. It was a beautiful day for a drive, and very pleasant walking the streets and checking out the stores. There were a lot of people milling around – lots of food trucks and extra booths and even some sales.

Honey, I’m HOME!!

Lots of people, extra booths and tents

My first stop was at Donna’s store – I picked up some cheese, and 2 chocolate covered Oreos for lunch! I didn’t feel like messing around with the food trucks, and the store wasn’t selling hot dogs. That’s what I was hungry for!

Cornfields and newly mowed grass.

Sheep at Donna’s store….

From there I parked in town and went through the Country Cupboard. I bought a cute little manger magnet (on clearance) and a tiny star cookie cutter. Spent $2!

Manger magnet

Teeny Tiny star…

Then I walked over to the Farmhouse Finery, where I found the set of wooden measuring spoons. They are so cool and I love them — again, on sale.

I walked up to Re.Claim and they have a lot of antiques and some hand made crafts. There was a HUGE dragon outside the front door that drew a lot of attention.

VERY fierce looking wooden dragon!!!

One of my favorite shops is the Shop at Smicksburg. I really didn’t find anything that tempted me there, so I jumped back in my car and headed home. Drove home past Grama Crooks’ house and the springhouse.

It didn’t look like this when Crooks’ lived there!

I love this springhouse!

This was the neighbor’s hill where my mom and her siblings used to sled ride – and often ended up in the creek!

I stopped across from my cousin’s house on Crooks road and took pictures of some horses playing in the pond. They were splashing and prancing and looked like they were having great fun!

And I took a picture of the cow on the pole that we pass every time we go to Smicksburg – and all those years that we traveled to the cabin…

I made a bathroom stop at Walmart and grabbed some Pepsi – I had a travel cup and ice with me so that worked. They also had the orange pumpkin plates that the Walmarts close to Greensburg didn’t have.

Not many of the leaves have changed much yet but there were a few spots.

Just a touch of color.

I answered some emails and looked up some items online, then about 5pm I finally got something to eat. I made a big, healthy salad with chicken and it was yummy!

Well, not exactly…..

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Courtesy of Janet Drown

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 15th is:

National Online Learning Day; National Neonatal Nurses Day; National Tackle Kids cancer Day; National Cheese Toast day; National Double Cheeseburger Day; National Linguine Day; National Felt Hat Day; Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie Day; Dot Day; Respect for the Aged Day; Family and Community Day; National Google.com Day.

I learn a lot online. I know a neonatal nurse! I prefer non-cheese burgers. Dot day? Is that my MOM?? Lots of ‘Aged’ around these days. God bless…