Happy Birthday Matt – and Mark! Hoping your day is wonderful! Sending hugs and wishes to be surrounded by lots of family and love.

Matt, big sister Aunt Kimmie, mom Ruth Ann, Uncle Mark (the boys are twins)

Today was Ladies Retreat at Camp Christian. Deb and I left the house close to 8am and got there in time for breakfast. That was amazing because they always make fresh iced cinnamon rolls that are delicious! Yum!

Hay bail – fall tree in the front yard.

The camp day started with two workshops, and I attended the one in the Mill House, ‘A TIMID FAITH?’ taught by Vera Benson. From there we had free time, and most of us went ‘shopping’ at the DORCAS MARKETPLACE. Ladies brought homemade crafts and foods and other items and all proceeds went to camp. I bought some Christmas note cards and some decorative soaps.

Theme for the weekend.

Vera Benson

Two workshops started at 11am – A craft by Irene Reynolds in the Mill House, and my workshop in the Chapel – ‘WRITING IT DOWN; LEAVING A LEGACY OF FAITH.’ I was happy that it was well attended and was a success. It was fun to teach and the participants were well engaged. We took a walk down by the creek to stretch our legs.

Next was lunch, which was (as is always!) very good. We had chicken patties, cheese sauce, ham, green beans, salad, Sweet potato and regular fries, fruit and brownies for dessert. There was so much I didn’t even finish my brownie. I am saving it for supper.

Mill House – dorm rooms, dining room and a classroom.

My brownie.

We played Bible trivia after lunch and I was surprised at how many obscure details I remembered! I’m sure if Kath would have been playing she would have won – but she was manning the Marketplace. There was a tie.

Kathy is in the back left by the pole – in the purple sweater.

We had a praise song worship time for about 45 minutes, and Patty Buschek led that. Our guest speaker was Melinda Donnelly, who is a long time friend who lives in West Virginia now but was raised in the Hempfield church. She had a wonderful challenging message. Dianne closed the program with another song (that she wrote, and about 3:30pm we headed home.

Praise and worship time – Patty playing and Tracy was her support.

Melinda with her husband Darin. Topic was LIVE OUT LOUD.

Deb wanted to stop at DQ on the way home, so we had a little treat. It was not a tiring day but I do feel unmotivated to do anything domestic!

Lots of choices…

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 14th is:

National Parents Day Off; National Sober Day; National Eat a Hoagie Day; National Cream Filled Donut Day; National Pet Memorial Day; National Hug your Hound Day; Gobstopper Day; National Coloring Day.

A Hoagie sounds good – haven’t had one in a long time. Parents can NEVER take a day off! I’m not a fan of cream filled donuts or coloring. God bless!

I had a list to accomplish today, and I got everything done except the treadmill. I will do that after I finish this.

After a breakfast of a frozen waffle and tea I headed down to Mt. Pleasant. I get so tired of the same Walmart – especially Greensburg’s super-sized eclectic always-out-of-something store. I stopped first at Aldi and got two cases of water and a pack of chicken breasts. Chicken has marinated all day and is now roasting happily in the oven and will be supper later.

It didn’t look exactly like this at this point….

Walmart was next, and I did find what I needed. I stopped at Shop n Save in Youngwood on the way home and got Pepsi which was on sale. Saved $12!! Got gas in the VW then settled in. Autmn picked up Cameron a little after lunch, and he looked happy – except that he wanted OUT! They were on their way back to Beaver, but Autmn was very tickled to have had a relaxing evening and stayed in bed until 10am! THAT never happens!

Happy boy – looks like he had a great sleepover!

I finished the Jan Karon book #12 and started COME RAIN OR COME SHINE (#13). It’s a much shorter book and I’m half way done with that. I – of course – have read the whole series several times so I know what happens, but I wanted to be refreshed in the ‘culture’ of Mitford for our fall trip.

I did my laundry and ironing and worked on my workshop, and am as organized as I can be! The rest, as they say, is ‘Let go and let God.’

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 13th is:

Positive Thinking Day; Uncle Sam Day; Day of the Programmer; National Peanut Day; National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day; National Bald is Beautiful Day; Defy Superstition Day; Drive your Studebaker Day; Free Dental Day; International Chocolate Day; National Hug your Boss Day.

I’d hug all 3 of my bosses but we’re closed tomorrow. I’m POSITIVE we are. And if you’re thinking of Uncle Sam don’t forget about Dan Rice (look him up!). National Peanut Day is NOT the comic strip – it’s the food. I think we had a Studebaker when I was very little. I’ve never had any free dental work that I remember! And I’ll take the chocolate! God bless…

There were a lot of conversations on the radio today about 9-11; what people were doing and their related experiences. Of course it always makes a person stop and think. I was at work – and both my kids called me. Donna Kier kept going back to the TV in the service lounge and reporting updates. I called my mom, too, to check in. It was scary to go outside.

But today was a work day. Sir Rege and I had (as I suspected we would) several conversations about the Charles Kirk shooting. Lots of posts on facebook – but I did not comment. Just staying back, and praying.

After work I buzzed to Shop and Save – picked up some Quilted Northern which was on sale, and a small tub of soft Blue Bonnet spread. Walmart doesn’t always carry either.

My preferred brand.

I also bought a bag of Utz pretzels, and melted some white chocolate and then some milk chocolate and made chocolate covered pretzels. I sprinkled Halloween non-perils on them and they are tucked away in the freezer. Once Autmn knows they are there the supply will dwindle quickly!

Chocolate

White

I made a little bit of rice for lunch, then I went outside for a while. I pulled the weeds between the patio stones outside the back door, and cleaned up the flower beds along the front walk.

stones with weeds.

Stones when done.

Sidewalk part 1

Sidewalk part 2

This ugly bug freaked me out!

The horses were grazing on the hill – they looked so content and peaceful!

My neighbor popped over and told me that the neighbor 2 door up from her was in the hospital a few weeks ago. There were lots of cars at their place and she finally saw someone and asked what was going on. Apparently Lynn (her friend) got Lyme disease and they called the family in – she was so bad they didn’t expect her to make it. That is very scary. The other neighbor had it this spring and is still having issues with his hands and fingers. Even thought I have some lingering tiredness (could be my age!) I feel like taking 11 1/2 months to finally start creeping out of that — well, I got off easy.

I can’t even stand the cartoon images!

Cameron is having a sleepover at his Grama Trina and Granpap Scott’s tonight. They live right down the road. Autmn stopped here to borrow the pack n play. They were very excited about this so I hope they all have a wonderful time!

You really can’t tell but he’s pointing to the Snoopy on his pants.

Saying goodbye – against our better judgement!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 12th is:

National Day of Encouragement; National Hug and High 5 Day; National Just One Human Family Day; National Video Games Day; National Chocolate Milk Shake Day; National Police Woman Day; National Stand up to Cancer Day.

It’s wonderful to be an encouragement to someone – do it! CHASE will be excited about the video games. I may just have to get a McDonald’s chocolate milkshake tomorrow. God bless…

I have been wracking my brain to think of something to post – but came up empty. I spent the day cleaning, doing laundry, and reading SOMEWHERE SAFE WITH SOMEBODY GOOD. I’m almost 3/4 of the way through.

It’s been calm and quiet, and unexciting. So I think I’m just going to post the scripture and be done. Maybe tomorrow will be a little more interesting!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 11th is:

National School Picture Day; National Hot Cross Bun Day; National Make your Bed Day; Patriot Day (9/11); Are you OK Day; Libraries Remember Day; No News is Good News Day.

I make my bed every day! Sometimes I’m not sure if I AM ok! We should all remember 9/11. Why do we hate among each other so much? God BLESS the USA- — –

I had a few things to do in Jeannette this morning that didn’t take long. I popped into Aldi to pick up a small pot of Mums – they look pretty hardy. I didn’t want to get a big one – just something for a little color on the back bench.

At 11am I went to Dianne’s as I had a haircut appointment with her. She took a little over 2 inches off – and truthfully I think I still have a few damaged spots. I let it go too long without attention. But I didn’t want it any shorter for right now. Maybe in the spring I’ll go back to shorter again.

I came home and made a salad, then did some emails and looked a few things up online. I decided I wanted to put a set of battery lights on the garland around the hall mirror. The picture doesn’t do it justice but it looks very nice in person. I also found my set of pumpkin face lights that I always put above my desk – so that’s done too.

On top of desk, with the ghost!

Lights on the garland.

I spent a few hours outside, taking down some rogue bushes that are sort of weeds. Then I trimmed the fence by the lilacs (I hate it when the branches stick through the fence!), and dug up a bunch of weeds around the driveway.

Cut some straggly bushes out.

By the fence.

Driveway – side part 1

Driveway – side part 2

Driveway bottom.

Then I organized my little box of give-a-ways for our October auction at Beth’s. I poured a drink of iced tea in my fall travel cup and I’m set for the evening.

Yesterday when I took my walk I went on the road directly behind my house. It’s always fun to see the house from a totally different perspective.

It looks neater than I thought it would.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 10th is:

National TV Dinner Day; National Swap Ideas Day; White Balloon Day.

We were just talking about TV Dinners – I got some recommendations on the good ones! If I had a balloon I would want a bright color! God bless…

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.