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…

Well, this has been an interesting hour. I could not get my computer to turn on. When it finally did, I could not get into my website. So if in the next few days there is no post, please don’t be alarmed. I may have to either get a tech out here or check on a new computer. Neither of which will be easy. I have no clue!

Host Gator – my website.

The day has been cooler than predicted with a nice breeze. But I didn’t really spend any time outside, other than checking out my grass. Last night my neighbor’s grandson Trent came over and mowed/weed-whacked for me. And he was pleasingly inexpensive. He did a great job and it took him almost no time at all. That’s what a college age young man can accomplish. It would have taken me longer than twice as long. I almost felt guilty having a neat and tidy yard without putting any personal effort into it!

Work was fine – a few strange projects which had me talking to myself a little more than usual. Rege kept asking me why that was. I said it was because I was spending too much time alone at home and got used to talking to myself! After work I picked up a prescription, stopped at the bank, got gas in the VW, and ran to Shop ‘n’ Save for a few specific items.

I made more fried squash for lunch, then figured out my Citi Bank statement. I don’t normally put anything on my credit cards that amounts to much, but this month I had a few co-pays for medical tests, deposits for vacation events, and my treadmill. But I was able to track it all down and sort it out – and pay the bill!

Once I finished my afternoon chores, I zipped down to L&L Fleatique. Haven’t been there in a while and needed to detox. Walked around for about 45 minutes but did not see anything tempting. Then I popped into Dollar General, where my stretchy bracelet broke and beads bounced all over the floor! A nice shopper helped me pick them up so no one would step on them. I did purchase a fall plate, something that I absolutely didn’t need. But I consoled myself with the fact that it was only $1.

Also managed to do 20 minutes on the treadmill. Also jumped the speed up a few notches.

Treadmill – working off my frustrations!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 20th is:

National Bacon Lovers Day; National Accessible Air Travel Day; National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day; National Radio Day; World Mosquito D.

I like bacon – and here’s a shout out to Y-108 Pittsburgh. My radio choice for today and every day! God bless…

I didn’t have a long list for today. I did most of it already, except for treadmill time and ironing a few items. I do have a small painting chore but we all know why I’m avoiding that! Add to that the need for scraping some loose paint chips and I’m done before I start!

Several spots like this that need repaired before winter.

I did my load of laundry, then washed the car. It was very dirty. The roads out Home were very dusty and left a thick coat. So I was able to wash the ‘BYE’ off the back fender – all clean now. Also swept out the car and garage while the car was outside.

Dirty car…

Cleaned up.

Autmn and Noah took Cameron to the Westmoreland County Fair last night. Looks like he had a great time! He loved ‘driving’, and really had a great time riding the pony.

He’s all boy! LOVES driving!!

He loved it – he’s almost always a happy child!

I still had my squash, so I cleaned it and sliced it and coated it in flour, salt and pepper. Then I fried it in oil. It was very good – haven’t had that in a few years.

Fried squash.

I pulled some weeds in the gardens, and cleaned up the steps under the deck. The weeds and ground cover keep encroaching on the stones and it makes it not-so-safe. All clear now.

I turned on BILTMORE for background while I work. I made myself a ‘post card’ photo of Biltmore at Christmas and added Snoopy and Woodstock! It’s in a frame on my mini-fridge — reminding me to be excited about our up-coming visit in November. Like I need reminding! But it makes me smile.

Christmas at Biltmore – with Snoopy/Santa and Woodstock!

I can see the shadow picture on the wall of the flowers outside the window by my desk. It almost looks like it could be wallpaper!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Courtesy of River Hill Church of Christ.

PEANUTS?

Maybe left over from yesterday’s post….

TOMORROW August 19th is:

International Bow Day; International Orangutan Day; National Aviation day; National Photographer day; National Potato Day; National Soft Ice Cream Day.

Ice cream is always good, and I mostly love potatoes. Chrissy loves photography. That’s good – celebrate! God bless…

TODAY is Skunk Hollow cousin Karen O’s birthday! Happy birthday Karen, and hope you have a beautiful, fun day! Love you!!!

Karen (sitting) and her younger sister Holly

The day started out sunny and comfortable. It was hard to believe that at a little after noon it suddenly POURED! Autmn was here getting suntan lotion as they were going swimming at Noah’s Mom’s (right down the road). It did stop raining and the sun came out – so I hope they got to swim a bit. It’s been raining on and off all afternoon.

Our Sunday School lesson was the last one by Kyle Idleman about Capturing your Thoughts. And today’s was about beginning the day with a good focus and keeping on track all day. His story was about planting a garden of words (which I was excited about, seeing I have this Word Garden!). The words that were spoken planted seeds of either weeds or flowers. The sprinkler watered whatever plants there were most of – nice words (flowers) or ugly words (weeds). Lily (we were in her garden) noticed that weeds were taking over her garden, so she began to watch her words and her thoughts and attitude. Soon the weeds died and the flowers bloomed in profusion! START YOUR DAY with flowers and water them all day long!

I hope the words I plant in this garden give you something to smile about, or think about, or at least enjoy! As my mom would have said:

This was the scripture reference for the lesson:

Plant the right words in YOUR word garden!

I taught Wee Worship this morning – I had a very capable helper who was good with the kids. We had four students and they were (as a whole!) good listeners. Our lesson was NEVER STOP PRAYING and we learned about how God Knows Best – about Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane. Sometimes the answer to our prayer is not what we hoped for. We had Rice Krispy Treats and Capri Suns for snack. I got the feeling that those snakes were answers to the kids’ prayers!

I came home, got Autmn settled with her sunscreen and plans for the week, and made toast and tomato for lunch. Then I listened to Todd’s message since I was with the kids during 2nd hour. I also listened to Greg’s message about friendship and am very glad I can call him FRIEND!!

My FRIEND Greg!!

That got me thinking about friendships – and how we sometimes take them for granted or don’t give them enough consideration. I value my friends – and mostly I have (as everyone does!) deep, abiding friendships and also friendly acquaintances. They are all special and valuable to me. If I count you as a friend, that means there is a special place for you in my heart and in my life. Thank you for being there.

So now time to move on to other things. I have BILTMORE CHRISTMAS playing in the background. I just glanced out the door and look who was nibbling in the yard???

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 18th is:

Bad Poetry Day; Discovery Day; Long Tan Day; National Couple’s Day; National Fajita Day; National Ice Cream Pie Day; National Mail Order Catalog Day; Never Give Up Day; Serendipity Day.

I’ve written (and read) my fair share of bad poetry! I’ll do the ice cream pie — and never give up! God bless…

A mostly stay-at-home Saturday. Started with changing/washing sheets and refilling week’s pills. I changed the flag in the front yard to BACK TO SCHOOL.

My little grouping of yellow flowers grew really big!

I managed to write out a thank you note and get it in the mail, then was able to sew Jojo’s jeans. There were holes everywhere! I think they will hold up now, at least until she gets tired of them.

I think I had to sew about 6 places.

I couldn’t get this video to shrink. Hope it posts. Noah was reading MONSTER AT THE END OF THIS BOOK and Cameron wouldn’t turn the page! It’s really cute.. (If you know the book you know why he wouldn’t.)

Next I studied my Wee Worship lesson for tomorrow. Also got the ironing done. After lunch of fresh corn (from yesterday!) I made a quick trip to Norwin Walmart. I was thinking they still sold sewing supplies and they did. I managed to get two spools of jean-colored thread. Also finally got a stuffed cow for my little chair. It wasn’t the one I saw in the spring but I looked online and in several stores and looks like it’s not part of inventory any more.

He’s VERY soft!

Also found a spooky purple plate for $.50. They had bowls and cups to match but I didn’t want them! It was the last plate left.

BOO!

Treadmill up and ready – That’s my next activity.

I’m watching A BILTMORE CHRISTMAS for the 4th time since yesterday. Just basically have it on in the background. I’m getting in the mood for our November trip!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 17th is:

Baby Boomers Recognition Day; Black Cat Appreciation Day; National I Love My Feet Day; National Thrift Shop Day; National Pineapple Juice Day.

I am a baby boomer and so are a lot of my friends! I guess if I can buy a spooky plate we can appreciate a black cat. And my feet have taken me places for 75 years so I DO love them! And I’m always up for a Thrift Shop! God bless…

I picked Kathy up about 8:40am and we headed to Smicksburg. Such a beautiful morning – cool but sunny. We had everything we needed for a visit and to do up the corn. Uncle Clifford had it all picked by the time we got there.

We tag-teamed to visit with Aunt Joan (AJ) who was still inside. Kathy went upstairs first and they chatted for a while – Uncle Clifford (UC) and I husked the corn and started it boiling. Kathy came down and worked with UC while I went up and talked to AJ. I eventually helped her get dressed and get settled out in the kitchen. Then UC came in to get her breakfast.

UC and Kath working.

Opps We’d better get to work – the boss just showed up!

The hard part!

We husked, boiled, and de-cobbed the corn – and chatted! It stayed cool enough for us all to be comfortable. We were almost done when UC took the tractor back to the corn field and brought us another few dozen!

Putting the husks in the shade.

Finally about noon we had everything in tubs and in the freezer. We all went upstairs and made short work of getting dinner on the table – sandwiches, chips, corn on the cob, mini cinnamon rolls, and lots of conversation.

Lunch – my corn had a baby corn!

UC had a post card from the 70th anniversary of Griffith Auto Sales. Right now they have a big, beautiful building on Route 85 between Home station and Plumville. They started out in the machine shop on the Griffith’s original farm. I actually got my very first car there – a 1963 Chevrolet Biscayne! It was the size of a house boat but I was so excited! I’m excited for them to be celebrating 70 years.

Then…

Now…

Once lunch was cleaned up we worked at putting the corn in baggies, then cleaning up all the work equipment. UC went back out to the corn field and got several dozen ears of fresh corn for us to take home. Kathy and I took a few pictures, then left for Greensburg with full coolers and fuller hearts. We are so blessed – what a giving, loving family we have!

It’s always wonderful to share Jesus!

Pictures of the farm!

Behind the house, up over the hill.

More corn fields

Glads and Flags

The original farm

Tomatoes

Flowers on the front porch.

More glads.

Apples under the tree

More cornfields

Shade tree in the front yard.

UC, AJ, Kath

UC, AJ, Me

Me at AJ/UC’s.

Look closely – mamma skunk and babies!!!

We took a different route into Plumville to go past Colleen’s house reno, with the new garage and siding. Super beautiful! I’m so happy for her! It’s beautiful.

Colleen’s reno…. Beautiful!

We made a quick stop at Donna’s store and got chocolate covered peanuts, cheese, and more pictures. I dropped Kath and her corn at her place, then dropped off some corn for Nate. Now it’s almost time for Hallmark to show A BILTMORE CHIRSTMAS so I have to finish this up!

Kathy at Donna’s store

Me at Donna’s store.

Bags of corn tucked in my freezer.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 16th is:

International Homeless Animals Day; National Airborne Day; National Independent Workers Day; National Roller Coaster Day; National Tell a Joke Day; World Honey Bee Day; National Rum Day.

I have only road one roller coaster in my life – I couldn’t walk straight the rest of the day! I’d rather forget that — God bless!