Chrissy did come over for a while last night. She brought me a jar of sand from Ocean City MD when she was on vacation. We had a nice chat outside and watched the sunset.

Chase was still sleeping when I left this morning – I didn’t really have much to do when I got to work. Rege was all caught up since he spent a lot of time getting everything done. We sat and talked for over an hour – we solved a lot of problems if people would only listen to us! 🙂

I’m pretty sure we did it….

I wasn’t in a hurry to get home since I knew Chase wouldn’t be up yet. I stopped at Dollar Tree and picked up some cards and a few things that needed replaced at home. One was the broom/etc holder in the garage. The one I had was an ‘inside’ one held up by a stickie strip on the back. This was held up with screws and was much sturdier. I am not very accomplished at screwdrivers, etc, but I feel like this will stay up for what I’ll use it for.

Once I did get home, I gave Chase some time to wake up and be alert. I finished attaching the new holder, then went outside and pulled weeds and cut back some dead plants. Even though I was only out there for about an hour or so I was really sweaty when I got came in. I did snap a few flower pictures. Of COURSE I did!

Butterfly bush and Pinky-Winky bush blooming together.

Several Rose of Sharon bushes

Rose of Sharon flowers looking to the sky.

Look like mini-black eyed Susans. My phone app calls them Brown Eyed Susans.

Might be the last Stella Doro left to bloom.

Chase and I went back out to the Mall for lunch and looked again for his Pokemon Umbrion that he wanted. No luck. We came home and looked on line, too. But we left the Mall and went to Palmer’s Farm Stand. I was looking for tomatoes but they didn’t have any. I got 6 ears of corn and a pound of yellow (green) beans. I snapped and cooked the beans and will probably have an ear or two of corn for supper.

We stopped on the way home and got gas in the VW and in the mower can, so that’s done for another month or more. I just finished ironing and I am starting to get hungry. We’ll see if Chase is ready for food – he had a much bigger lunch than I did!

My neighbor is fencing in his yard to contain his new German Shepherd puppy. I know he’ll be glad he did that. We are getting too ‘old’ to be chasing runaway dogs!

It’ll be like a maze down there with all those fences.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 1st is:

Homemade Pie Day; International Can-It Forward Day; International Childfree Day; National Girl Friend Day; National Planner Day; National Water Balloon Day; Play Ball Day; Spider-Man Day; International Mahjong Day; Respect for Parents Day.

August first already! Yikes! I think I’m hungry for a piece of apple pie with ice cream. And here’s a big hug and lots of love to all my special girl friends out there! I could never list you all. Love you! I do have to admit that I am an avid planner. God bless…

Happy birthday Diane! Hope you treated yourself to your hot fudge marshmallow sundae! Have a great day and a healthy, happy year. We’ve known each other since the first day of 10th grade! Do the math…

Hiking

With Shannon at Hanna’s Town

Surprise visit from her granddaughter Abby, great grandson Beau, and daughter Lori

Abby, Beau, and Di.

I got up earlier than usual for a Wednesday (Day off) and finished cutting the grass. By the time I finished it was fairly warm and I was dripping sweat. But I felt fine and was super glad to have it done. I am NOT putting it off again, ever! That was crazy, and it was higher than made for an easy, quick cut. Whew.

When I came inside Chase was up, and that was early for him. His elbow was swollen and hurting. He had txt his Aunt Kimmie (who is a nurse) and she told him what to do for it. So the two of us got him comfortable, fed, and he fell back to sleep quickly. But that shot the plans for Mini-golf which made me feel sad. I was looking forward to spending time with him and Chrissy. I’m thinking she might stop in this evening just for a quick hello. But I think it’s going to rain tomorrow – plus she has to work – so no golfing tomorrow.

Gaming king….

Since Chase was basically out of commission I decided to do a surface cleaning – bathrooms, kitchen, floors. Got that done, watered the new grass, and washed the towels. Probably on Saturday or Sunday I will give the downstairs a good once-over.

Shook the rugs and hung them out for fresh air.

I used the last of my gasoline in the mower this morning – so I’ll have to handle that before I cut again.

Not sure if we will do anything tonight – but it won’t be golfing. I’m keeping busy with house projects and making lists for my August and September obligations. And I have to stay out of the M&M’s – I should eat something ‘real’!!!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 31st is:

Harry Potter Birthday; Hawaii Flag Day; Lifeguard Appreciation Day; National Avocado Day; National Chili Dog Day; National Intern Day; National Jump for Jelly Beans Day; National Mutt Day; National Raspberry Cake Day; Shredded Wheat Day; World Ranger Day.

Also the last day of July! Not a jelly bean fan, nor chili dog fan. I’ll just celebrate July! God bless…

Well, here’s what we managed to get done today. It was actually an inside day and I didn’t work in the yard at all. I really need to cut the grass! Ugh! It’s just so hot and doesn’t feel safe. So I stayed inside as much as possible.

The new grass is growing – but so is the old!

I was at work twice today, and the second time Ken was chasing Lantern Flies and swatting them with a rolled up USPS Priority envelope!

In the morning when I worked, Chase was still sleeping. I had a lot to do – as well as stop on the way home to help Mike P, and then pick up some things from Di. Here is one of the little cuties she shared with me from her daughter!

When you push on her foot she talks about going trick-or-treating!

Once I got home, Chase was awake. I gave him a few options for the afternoon, and we ended up driving out to the Mall. We had lunch at Chick-Fil-A, then walked around for a while. We did go in a few stores but didn’t purchase anything.

They are setting up the back to school train at the mall…

I was barely in the door when Sir Regis called and I had to buzz back to work. I finished up the last item that needed processed, and Ken and I got into a treadmill conversation. We were comparing brands and sizes and needs. I think I’m going to go look at one on Saturday, after Chase goes home. I’ve already been gone enough as it is! I think tomorrow Chrissy and Chase and I are going Mini-golfing. It’s to be pretty hot but I think we are going before lunch.

Willowbrook.

Autmn called to update me on Cameron’s improvements. He’s feeling much better. They had him to his pediatrician this afternoon. The prescribed meds are working and he’s on the right track. His fever is almost normal, he’s playing some, and eating well. Yea for that!

Contemplating his dilemma …

All good!

I did a little research and copied some examples for my workshop at Camp in September. It will need tweaking but I can’t actually get organized this early. I need to gather up books and pictures, and I don’t want to do that until I’m ready to use them.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 30th is:

International Day of Friendship; National Cheesecake Day; National Father-in-Law Day; National Support Public Education Day; Paperback Book Day; Share a Hug Day; World Snorkeling Day; Henry Ford’s Birthday; National Climb a Mountain Day.

Tomorrow is also Diane’s birthday – Yea! Perfect for Day of Friendship. Did you know there’s a huge bookstore at the Mall now? All books are $2 for paperbacks and $4 for hardbacks. Used. One of these times I’m going to peek in there! And we should have a ‘moment’ for Henry Ford. Automobiles have been my whole life’s career so worth celebrating! God bless…

I was busy all day but it felt like I didn’t really do much, activity wise. I was mostly paying bills, answering emails, and making phone calls. But it was a good day.

Well, maybe not on this…

My friend Diane gave me the number of someone who has a treadmill. I’m waiting for a phone call as to when I can go see it. Everyone is so crazy busy that trying to coordinate that is a nightmare. But I’m in no hurry and I want a very specific type so I can just wait it out. The end of last month I ordered printer ink and a ’76 American flag – and although the ink was delivered the next day I finally got the flag today. It was worth waiting on! The quality is superb and it’s beautiful! It’s for next year – our 250th Anniversary.

My beautiful new flag.

When I looked out to see if the package was there, a rabbit was hopping up my front walk. It stopped and looked at me, then at the porch, and then just eyed the flowers along the walk. Not sure where he ended up.

I did laundry, fed Chase, made myself lunch, then went outside and spent about an hour and a half cleaning up the right side of the hill. The big jobs are about done – everything else until fall will be little touch-up things here and there. I do need to mow the grass but my neighbor’s grandson said he would do it for me this week – so I’m trying to hold out for that in this heat!

Chase keeping busy…

Autmn called me today to share that Cameron was really sick last night. He had a fever of 105* so they ended up in the emergency room. The nurses assured her that he would be fine and recommended what to do for him. She said he wanted cuddled and was just laying around, but every time she looked at him he waved to her! What a sweet baby…. Hugs and Prayers, my sweetie!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 29th is:

International Tiger Day; National Get Gnarly Day; National Lasagna Day; National Lipstick Day; National Chicken Wing Day; Rain Day.

Do you believe there are only 3 more days in July? Where is this year going? Before you know it, it will be New Year’s Eve! We actually do need a nice rain. Lasagna would be fun! I don’t want a face-to-face with a tiger, thank you! God bless…

I’ll do today then review last night’s party. We are still talking about taking our thoughts captive in Sunday School. It’s a good series. Todd is still preaching on Habits. Productivity is not the same as obedience. We need to be consistent and not just do things occasionally. We become what we do repeatedly. To succeed we must rely on Jesus – He is the answer. To become a new person we need to work on changing the outcome, changing the process and that will change our identity (who we become by what we believe). Habits can be terrific friends or terrible enemies. Build good habits, expecially spiritual. We live the life that we have worked to build – it doesn’t just HAPPEN. Get on course, Live for Jesus – start today to change your life!

You can accomplish a lot but if it wasn’t what you were told to do ….

I picked Chase up in Washington after church. Ma brought him that far to save some time. I was late so thankfully she was forgiving! She and Chase went and got lunch so that worked out. Chase and I stopped to get a few groceries on the way home – so I think we’re good through tomorrow anyway (he IS a growing boy!). Once we got home and settled I went outside to work. I finished the left side of the hill for as much as I plan to do right now.

Beside the driveway.

LOOK! A butterfly on my butterfly bush….

I just finished that and watering the new grass and came inside – and it started to pour down rain. I was SO glad I took time to water the grass! But soon the sun was shining and we had a full, bright rainbow, which was like Joy in the Sky!

Pouring!

I found out that I won one of the auction bids from Ninth Life Summer Auction so I picked it up Saturday before the party!

How fun is THIS?

So yesterday’s Publication Party was very nice – the new party committee (mostly, Sara, Brittany, and Stevie) did a wonderful job. Stevie’s mom made the cupcakes and baked a cake that looked like books. The party was at an event center on Route 30 called Simply Pink – and mostly they have little girls’ parties and ladies events but it was perfect for us. Plenty of room, facilities were nice, extra tables for food and desserts. Sara and Brittany made the cutest favors that were like Library check out cards. I grabbed a few when I left but now I can’t fine them! Bummer. Anyway, great job, girls!

Sara and Brittany decorating.

The centerpieces were really cute too, and so simple! Tied into the theme of ‘books’ and took almost no work – except that Sara had to lug those heavy books from her house.

One of the tables – with a book centerpiece.

One of the seats.

Castle wall

Sara with the cookie tray

Centerpiece

Judith was in charge of registration (as usual) and Rebe took over as new editor and was M.C. I sat with Anita and Randy (she’s the treasurer) and had a good view of all the readers. I’m excited to read all the stories – I already know some of them are very funny, and some are very clever – and some thought-provoking. There are a lot of photos and artwork as well – I had a photo published. THAT was a shock! I’m not known for my photography skills!

Rebe – Editor in Chief.

Anita

Gina – the owner – was very nice, very helpful, and I think she enjoyed us. There was tons of food – including desserts (yum!) and I did get to visit with lots of old friends – and new ones! A huge thanks to this year’s publication committee who also picked up the ball for the party. It was nice to attend and not have to be responsible for everything!

Cupcakes – in booklet papers

Beautiful cake!

Looks like books!

It was delicious!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

… Like rainbows!

JUST BECAUSE PHOTO:

Kathy – Close enough?

Or this?

TOMORROW July 28th is:

Buffalo Soldiers Day; National Milk Chocolate Day; National Soccer Day; National Waterpark Day.

So — I’ll take the Chocolate! And waterparks always have something fun! God bless…

Because of the full day today – errands in the morning then setting up for and co-hosting the Publication Party for the Loyalhanna Review – I thought I’d check in early and save the rest for tomorrow.

Copies of previous years.

I planned to take fifteen minutes and clean up another section of the hill garden, but by the time I got around to actually doing it, the rains came. So that will have to wait – probably until next week. These two sections are worse.

I need to get all my stuff out of the garage and into the car before it starts to pour or storm. So have a lovely Saturday and will post party pictures tomorrow!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 27th is:

Walk on Stilts Day; Bagpipe Appreciation Day; Barbie-in-a-Blender Day(?); National Chicken Fingers Day; National Crème Brulee Day; National Love is Kind Day; National Parents Day; National Sleepy Head Day; National Tree Day; Take your Houseplant for a Walk Day.

I’ve never taken my houseplant anywhere. In fact I don’t have any… Can’t say I actually appreciate bagpipes, either. I loved my parents and love being a parent, and Trees are SO fun and important. And of course, being kind is ALWAYS my thing! God bless…

Here it is Friday – a few rumblings of thunder out there and maybe threats of more but I’m inside for the day. First thing this morning I went out and weed-whacked the whole yard – which takes well over an hour. I used up both batteries and barely finished! Then I cut back some wayward dead stalks on the hill and freed up some space around the azalea and the new butterfly bush, pulled some weeds, and tidied up.

Azalea can breathe now.

Little fences to keep the steps clear.

Looks nice when it’s all weed-whacked.

This is a close up of my favorite Snoopy statue that Chrissy brought me yesterday:

Siblings with their puppy!

I had to run over to Greengate Road and do a title for a friend but that didn’t take long. I came home and made a healthy salad for lunch, did laundry, worked on the RSVP’s for tomorrow’s publication party, and updated my RSVP lists.

We have 45 people as of right now.

I finally got a call about my test on Tuesday. Turns out that my stress test last month gave a false negative and it was really fine. And the CT scan Tuesday was perfect – everything is normal. They did recommend upgrading my exercise program. So I have to find something that is appropriate that I can handle. That’s the next challenge! Oh, and I also updated my medical journey journal that I’ve kept since last May when I had Lyme Disease. I now have nine single-spaced pages of documentation of this journey. And Dr. Baker also took me off two of my prescriptions! Good news! One of them was effecting my kidney function….

I forgot to mention that yesterday while I was waiting for the kids to get here I touched up the bucket I bought last month at a yard sale. I’m terrible at painting, but I touched up all the orange spots with white paint. (I’m not a fan of orange.) It’s good enough for me, until I find someone more capable than I am!

Bucket touched up….

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

QUOTE of the DAY:

This is my new ‘words to live by….’

Here is a picture for absolutely no reason whatsoever.

TOMORROW July 26th is:

National Day of the Cowboy; National Dog Photography Day; National Saint Day; One Voice Day; National Bagelfest Day; Holistic Therapy Day; National All or Nothing Day; National Aunt and Uncle Day; National Coffee Milkshake Day.

I like bagels, and I love my aunt and uncle! No coffee milkshake – chocolate or nothing! We used to love cowboy TV shows when we were young. God bless…

It was fun having Sir Regis back from vacation. He was taking his time getting back into the swing of things. But he said Ireland was great and they all had fun together. He brought me back postcards but he hasn’t unpacked them yet! I was glad to be able to help him with a few things.

He actually sent me a picture of this castle – not sure what post cards he bought!

I stopped at the bank, Walmart, and the Post Office on the way home. I needed to get a few things for Saturday’s publication party and also lunch today. Autmn, Cameron and Chrissy came over to visit for a while and I wanted to be able to feed them!

Cameron was fun – He has a strong, smart personality and loves to talk. I can’t always understand him but mostly can figure out what he’s saying. His two best words are NO! and OH–kay. He can be pretty stubborn! When they first came we were outside and I gave him a bucket of water and a watering can. He and Autmn were both soaking wet, but Chrissy and I just had our feet washed – several times!

Filling his little watering can – he’s soaked!

Happy little guy!

Once we went in, he played with the cows and the manger and the wooden rocking house. After a few episodes of Ms. Rachel he was playing hide and seek in the coat closet! He also tries to escape to other rooms as much as possible. Thankfully he doesn’t manage to open doors yet so we’re semi-safe. He sat on my lap and we sang songs for about half an hour. Once in a while he’d just laugh – I didn’t think my singing was that funny!

I’m hiding.

Where’s Cameron?

Here I am!!!!

Chrissy brought me up a bunch of Snoopys that her mom got when they closed the thrift shop where she worked. And a package of four spatulas – which I super love!

My six new little Snoopys — my favorite is the fifth one – where they are reading the comics in the chair!

Snoopy Spatulas…

Kathy sent me a picture this morning – she was interpreting for the culinary department. It’s so nice to see my sweet sister with a big smile on her face!

I didn’t ask permission! I hope I’m not on the naughty list!!!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 25th is:

Carousel Day; Culinarians Day; Darwin Show Day; Feast of St. James Day; International Red Shoe Day; National Hire a Veteran day; National Merry Go Round Day; National Talk in an Elevator Day; National Thread the Needle Day; National Wine and Cheese Day; National Hot Fudge Sundae Day.

It’s also five month until Christmas Day (as per Bud!). I do have a pair of red sandals. I avoid elevators if I can. I have an awful time threading a needle. No wine, but I like cheese. I’ll take a hot fudge sundae! God bless…

Wednesdays are always a little uninteresting. And since I have a few projects to work on tonight I’m not going to make a big post. I did cleaning, laundry, trash, and still want to water the new grass. Not much exciting.

My little grass section

I did not hear any results from my test yesterday. They are usually much quicker in their response. The only thing I have to share about that is when I pulled the band aid from my arm it left a bruise! NOT where I was pricked — the adhesive! Looks weird.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 24th is:

Amelia Earhart Day; International Self Care Day; National Cousins Day; National Day of Motoring; National Drive Thru Day; Pioneer Day; National Refreshment Day.

I could do a drive through – Big Mac!!! That would be my refreshment… And my favorite it COUSINS! I love my cousins – the Skunk Hollow Girls and the Violets! God bless….

Skunk Hollow Girls – Two missing!

There were several things to do at work, as well as title work for an old friend. Even when I send him a specific ‘need’ list we still struggle! But all’s well that ends processed.

My test went smoothly. I don’t do well with anything medical but it was fine. Now we see what the next step will be. Probably a few days until I know.

No, not that kind of test…

I stopped on the way home and picked up 5 items and spent $30. How does that even happen? The day just flew by with all the little things, and it’s already 7pm. So there’s really nothing else to report! I’ll try to do something interesting in the next few days.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 23rd is:

Hot Enough for ya Day; National Gorgeous Grandma Day (?); National Sprinkle Day; National Vanilla Ice Cream Day; Peanut Butter and Chocolate Day; National Lemon Day.

Sprinkles go great with vanilla ice cream. And it really is comfortable today, weather wise. God bless…