To my adoring public! (haha) No word garden today – had a full, busy day. Will catch up tomorrow. Sending hugs and wishes for a happy weekend.

There wasn’t much to do in Jeannette today – but we did get the truck temp tags I ordered last week and I was very excited! They are the new style and color! No one but me gets excited about temporary plates!

Sort of like this – but they say TRUCK instead of Let Freedom Ring and start with ‘V’. I actually love the new style!

I got gas in the VW then went to New Stanton to meet my friend Ginny for lunch. We had the ‘Two for…’ deal. I had a cranberry pecan salad and a BLT. It was good. We had a nice few hours catching up – her granddaughter will be a second year college student this fall, and her grandson just turned one! We both had pictures to share. And ironically, we’ve both had similar medical experiences, trying to find out why we get short of breath. We’ll see what we discover.

Salad.

I stopped at Youngwood Shop and Save to get my favorite bathroom tissue, then came home to answer emails until time to leave. I drove to Blairsville to meet Matt’s sister Aunt Kimmie to pick up Chase – but I was early so stopped in the Fleatique. I found a picture frame that matches the ones I have Logan’s and Peyton’s senior pictures in — so I was pro-active and bought it for Chase’s, even though it’s down the road a ways.

I like the picture in it – but I did buy it for the wooden frame!

I also found an inexpensive beenie baby skunk – they are normally sort of expensive since they are pretty rare – so I scarfed it up. He rode home on my dash and is now happily cuddled up with his mother and sister!

Skunk family…

I stopped on the way to the house and got Chase Chick Fil-A – it was dinner time and he was hungry. I think that and his bag of pretzels will hold him over. He does have pop tarts, too!

Hanging out…

When I went to pull in the garage I noticed that my broom holder had let loose and fell on the floor. I tried to hang a shovel on it – and it’s not made for that. It’s just a Dollar Tree find. So I cleaned off the board and reattached it, and added some duct tape — and removed the shovel!

Reinforced.

Last week I ordered 20 Letters to Mary books – just so I have a supply on hand. They came today, so for me that’s exciting. Anyone need a book???

When we stopped at Walmart to stock up on Chase-ables (food), I got a bag of popcorn. Then I came home and melted down some chocolate wafers and drizzled the popcorn. It’s something Chase likes so I don’t think it will last very long!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 11th is:

My Brother-in-law’s Birthday; All American Pet Photo Day; Cheer Up the Lonely Day; Collector Car Appreciation Day; Free Slurpee Day; National Blue Berry Muffin Day; National French Fry Day; National Motorcycle Day; National Swimming Pool Day.

Happy tomorrow birthday, Paul. Take a picture of your pet, and share it with the lonely. That will cheer them up. My neighbor Al has three collector cars. Stop at Seven Eleven and get a free Slurpee! I love French Fries! No more motorcycles for ME! My sister loves swimming pools. Have a happy day. God bless…

My sweet Chrissy on her bike – close enough!!!

Typical day – sun, clouds, heat, a dabble of rain. But I was inside most of the day. Wednesday (big surprise!) is my cleaning day, which I did. I took some time this morning first thing to have a phone visit with my sister. We needed it! It was nice to catch up. We talked one hour and 2 minutes!

I got all the cleaning done and washed a load of towels. I had lots of trash to take up to the road, including 5 bags of lawn trash. They weren’t heavy (I packed them better) so I could do it myself. While I was up there I noticed that a few of the limbs on the front tree were hanging too low, so I clipped them off and bagged them, as well. There were several overgrown plants in the flower beds so I pulled them, roots and all, and tucked them into bags.

No — not like this….

By then I had taken inventory of the critters in my yard. First was a baby bunny, then a small dove sitting on the dismantled fire pit.

I needed a stone to prop up a wall, and when I went down the hill a robin flew out of a nest in terror and scared me to death! Once he was away, I peeked in and saw that there were 3 small blue eggs in the nest. You can’t see the nest unless you know it’s there – which I do now. Standing on the driveway, looking at Snoopy, the nest is straight up on the left from Snoopy’s black ear.

Three tiny eggs…

I also moved a few of the stones from the firepit to create a small barrier wall by the bench. That was a fairly easy move, but the rest of the stones will take some work to move. I’ll wait for help.

I think it looks pretty cool.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 10th is:

Don’t Step on a Bee Day; Gospel Day; National Kitten Day; Pick Blueberries Day; Teddy Bear Picnic Day.

I used to make a regular occurrence out of stepping on bees. I never wore shoes outside in summer. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a teddy bear picnic? We could share the gospel with them. God bless…

The weather has been all over the map today – no pun intended! It’s been cloudy and chilly and rainy and steamy and sunny and hot and breezy. Right now there’s sun but also darker clouds here and there. I went outside after work to mow the grass before it rained — I almost made it! I just started cutting when it began sprinkling. I made one loop around the yard and was ready to give up but it quit! So I was able to get the whole yard done.

After that, I went in and cleaned up – because I was sweaty and sticky. I had stopped at the farmer’s market down by Oakford Park Road for tomatoes so I had one with toast for lunch.

I was doing dishes when I looked out the living room window and saw Nate and Dave on the neighbor’s roof! They were installing gutter guards for him. They popped in and said hello when they were done.

Nate on the roof….

It took a little self-motivation but I finally went back outside and cut dead flower stalks and pulled a few weeds on the hill.

Cut down dead stalks

The other task for today was to balance my checkbook. That worked out fine so it’s done for another month.

I’m listening to AN UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS (Hallmark movie) while I type. Tyler Hynes is pretty funny in this one – and I do like Bethany Joy Lenz.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 9th is:

Fashion Day; International Emergency Kit Day; National Don’t Put all your Eggs in One Omelet Day; National Sugar Cookie Day; National Dimples Day.

It’s been a very long time since I’ve had a sugar cookie. I don’t make omelets and I’m really not much into fashion. Everyone should be prepared for emergencies! God bless…

Today is World Chocolate Day — something very important to celebrate! I just had a small bite of a chocolate chip cookie….

It was very warm and stuffy very early this morning. After breakfast (toast and tomato) I started a laundry load, then went outside and changed the yard flags. My hair was soaked in the back before I even got them all done.

Once I came in, I got my two very small bins and took down all the red/white/and blue decorations and packed them away. Then I backed the car out and switched a few shelves around. I found Jesus behind the extension cords.

I decided before I was done with all that to take down the r/w/b lights on the bookcase and put plain blue ones up. We’ll see if I like that.

I could not make myself lug rocks, move stones, or do anything with the deck. So I took some flower pictures and went back inside. By then it was lunch time so I had a few fish sticks.

Mini butterfly bush.

Plethora of glads.

Large butterfly bush with pink gladiola and a day lily.

Pink and white Pinky-Winky

Some sort of thistle???

For some reason I got this sudden urge to run to Mt. Pleasant. I was going to go to Walmart but changed my mind and went to Goodwill (got a sleeveless shirt for outside work) and then to Tractor Supply. Cameron loves cows so I got him a mummy and a calf – it was sort of pricey but I knew it was safe for him to play with. And they are really cute and sturdy.

How now, brown cow — and calf

Just as I got home it started to pour down rain. I snapped a picture out the door just as a loud clap of thunder boomed! It made me jump! My lightening strike (basement light) sort of put me off storms.

Since I had jammed the little downstairs fridge full a few weeks back, the tiny freezer really got frozen over. So I turned it off and stuck towels in it to catch the water as it thawed. Didn’t take very long and it’s all turned back on now.

Frozen…

Defrosting.

All defrosted…

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 8th is:

Be a Kid Again Day; Math 2.0 Day; National Blueberry Day; National Chocolate With Almonds Day; National Freezer Pop Day; National Ice Cream Sundae Day; National Love Your Skin Day; Cow Appreciation Day.

Kind of ironic that I bought Cameron a cow today! One day ahead! I wish he was coming in tomorrow :(. I love ice cream and it is kind of fun to have skin. God bless!!!

Our Sunday School Lesson was about taking our thoughts captive. Don’t let negativity draw you away from what you know is pure and good and Godly. Jerry Ryder preached the church time message and it was The Two Sides of Peace. 1) Live in Peace WITH God 2) Live the Peace OF God. Grace is described: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. There’s good news, but there is bad news too – but there is a FIX for the bad, as long as you make the right response. Be thankful, not uptight – trust God for inner tranquility. Worry accomplishes nothing. Good words to live by: Give it to God, and then go to sleep! Don’t take it back. Live like the Children of Heaven that your are.

After church I had a piece of toast with a slice of tomato for lunch, then did a few quick things outside. I finished cleaning off the driveway, and since the batteries were charged I could use the blower. I mixed up the home-made weed killer and put the new sprayer together. I test-sprayed the wood lining the driveway but it was too hot to spray everywhere. I think it would have evaporated before it soaked into the roots. Waiting for a cooler day.

Sprayer

Once I came back in, I took the ripped pocket flaps from a pair of old shorts. Then I cut the watermelon and there was SO MUCH! I took two big bowls over to Kathy’s picnic – and still have plenty at home for me.

More than enough for me…

Kath had a ton of great food – Paul made chicken, brats, and hot dogs on the grill. We had 3 kinds of salad, cheesy potatoes, chips, and desserts. Yum. I ate too much! Edy, Hattie, and Rosie are staying with them for 4 days, and Millie spent the night. She adores her older cousins. Their other grandparents, Chris and Wayne, and their cousin Lucy were there, too. Tonia and Isaac, Sarah, Kyle, Wyatt, too. It was a fun evening. Hannah and Dan are coming up on Thursday, picking up the 3 girls, and going hiking in Maine for a week. That’s an exciting vacation. And Edy just got back from a month in Greece! Wow!

Edy

Hattie, Lucy, Rosie

Millie

Wyatt ‘sampling’ his cooking skills! (Water)

Wayne and Chris; Tonia; Kathy

Kyle, Sarah, Paul, Isaac

{Pistol – Isaac’s dog.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 7th is:

National Macaroni Day; Global Forgiveness Day; International Peace & Love Day; National Day of Rock and Roll; National Deck Day; National Dive Bar Day; National Father/Daughter Take a Walk Day; National Koi Day; National Strawberry Sundae Day; Tell the Truth Day; World Chocolate Day.

I love chocolate! We should always tell the truth — God bless!

Another beautiful day – but warmer than yesterday. I’m determined to get caught up – the weather and my lazy bones prohibited me from keeping on schedule. Other than the perpetual mowing and pulling weeds I have a lot of the outdoor projects done. I few I need some help with, if I can get it.

I got up, changed and washed the sheets, grabbed a frozen waffle, then went to the neighborhood yard sales. I drove around and didn’t really stop. So much of what I could see were large pieces of furniture and clothing – neither of which interest me. So I came home and started on my chores. First thing I did was dig out the fern for Kath – I’ve been promising her that for months and months. Got a pot and some potting soil later at the store so now it’s ready to go.

Fern for Kathy – from the cabin….

My main job today was to weed whack. Unfortunately I let it go so long that I used up both batteries before I finished – had to change string spools part way through. So I set one of the batteries to charge (only have one charger!).

Last of the weed whacking finally finished.

There were a few shrubs that needed trimmed in the front yard – the lilac and the bridal bush. I kept getting tangled in them when I cut the grass, and couldn’t see where the stones were. So I trimmed them, cut back some over aggressive daisies and a few done-blooming day-lilies, and dug up a bunch of crab grass along the hill. I took a LOT of breaks, took my time, and drank several bottles and glasses of water, lemonade, and tea.

Easier to mow.

Finished cleaning up this space and around the stones

At about 1:30 I came in and changed shirts, had a fruit salad, then went to Walmart. I needed a new furnace filter (mine was super dirty), drain cleaner, the stuff for the fern, and the watermelon for the picnic at Kathy’s tomorrow.

Guaranteed mine won’t look like this! Although Gen’s did when we were in New York…

Once I folded the laundry and put things away, I put my yucky clothes back on and went outside again. It was much hotter. I finished weed whacking, talked to my neighbor Karen for a while (she’s still sharing the little Jesus’s that I gave her and having fun with them!), and potted the fern. I moved the cement bench by the fire pit (since I’m dismantling it) and filled in around it with stones. That bench – in three parts – is super heavy! I probably wasn’t smart to move it my myself. I didn’t carry it – I sort of skootched it along! I hope to get help actually moving the blocks and cleaning up the little pebbles. I know – ‘good luck with THAT’!

Moved the bench…

….To here.

Last night after my shower, etc, I was sitting on the couch writing in my journal and the fireworks started. I went outside on the porch – I think every other family in Ft. Allen were setting them off! It was very impressive! Everywhere I looked. I just sat there on the deck, in the warm evening, and watched. I couldn’t even see them all. I know there are lots of people who don’t do – don’t approve – and resent private fireworks. I respect their choice but I still love them! I just let all the colors and sparkles rain around me and enjoyed it all.

My house joining in the celebration.

I’m going to finish this, answer emails and then get supper. Have a lovely Sunday!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 6th is:

Build a Scarecrow Day; Capital City Day; International Kissing Day; National Fried Chicken Day; National Patio Umbrella Day.

I like friend chicken but could never manage to make it. I have 2 patio umbrellas. One is broken. I need to get it fixed this winter. God bless…

Hope your 4th of July was a delight in every way. It was a beautiful day! So many people were celebrating and visiting and picnicing – enjoying the holiday. I enjoyed my day very much – but I actually stayed home and did chores. I got up early and cut the grass, and finished the small section of weeding by the white fence. I did a load of laundry, and by the time I was finished it felt too late for breakfast – so I had a fruit salad.

Grass is done.

Before I got started on more outside work, I had a few quick errands to run. I was looking for a flower pot, some bins for in my bedroom dresser, and a sleeveless shirt. I did not find the shirt that fit the need. I went back outside and dug up a plant, finished another section of weeds, then started on the flower beds under the back deck and up by the rose bushes.

Under the back deck.

By the rose bushes

Kathy and Paul stopped on the way home from their picnic and shared some leftovers with me. She brought veggie pizza and a few pieces of cookie cake. They weren’t even out the driveway and I had scarfed down 2 pieces of the pizza! I’ll eat the rest for supper after I finish this.

Yummy veggie pizza!

Delightful dessert! Thanks to my dear sister!

There is a community yard sale down the road from me – I’ve gone down there several years and it’s pretty fun to walk around. So I may do that in the morning — but then I need to weed whack. Today I took some happy July 4th pictures.

My neighbor Al’s giant flag!

Autmn and Noah popped in on their way to Jaime’s – they are celebrating Autmn’s sister Penny’s graduation! Congrats to Penny! I can hardly believe she’s old enough to graduate.

My sweet boy!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 5th is:

International Cherry Pit Spitting Day; Mechanical Pencil Day; National Apple Turnover Day; National Bikini Day; National Graham Cracker Day; National Workaholics Day; Pet Remembrance Day; Work without your Hands Day; National Play Outside Day.

I have no interest in spitting cherry pits and I am not a fan of mechanical pencils or bikinis. I’m borderline reformed workaholic. I WILL play outside when I can! God bless…

It was a nice day today! I had a good time at work, if that’s not an oxymoron. Everyone was in a jolly mood, and had things to share, and were all willing to help out. I only had one deal but was there for over two hours!

When I left work I stopped at Walmart for some fruit, ingredients to make home-made weed killer, and ice cream! After lunch I did some emails then talked to my friend Tamara who is co-hostess for the Loyalhanna Review Publication Party. We got the menu worked out and some solid plans for other things.

Past issues

Another update on my medical journey. I was supposed to have a test next Tuesday. However, my blookwork showed that one of my prescriptions affected the numbers – and that would affect the results of the test. So I have to let up on that prescription for a week and have the bloodwork redone. So next week’s test has been delayed.

Nate’s friend Jamie came and looked at my electrical issue from the lightening strike. He’s going to replace the light, update the connections, and check on a few other things for me. I pulled weeds along the white fence for a while and will finish with the rose flowerbed tomorrow.

Scripture of the day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 4th is:

Alice in Wonderland Day; 4th of July Day; Independence From Meat Day; National BBQ Spareribs Day; National Caesar Salad Day; National Grill Safety Day; National Hillbilly Day; Sidewalk Egg Frying Day.

Whatever you do tomorrow – stop and give thanks for this great land we live in. God Bless America – 149 years old!

Typical Wednesday. Just cleaning and laundry and trash. Nate and Dave just stopped on the way through Ft. Allen and lugged all my heavy trash bags out to the road. That saved me a lot of heavy lifting! Thanks, guys.

I got mail from my vacation! I usually send myself a post card, reminding me of when I was there and what I did. So I got the one from Ft. Ticonderoga.

Post card from me.

I also got a perfect little note from Gen – which I framed and put on my shelf. A nice reminder of our wonderful time together.

Cool cannon card from Gen.

And truthfully, other than playing Biltmore Christmas on a loop all afternoon, that was my day! Still trying to get a prescription filled that I HAVE to start taking on Friday or I will have to reschedule my next test… Sigh.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

I guess so!

TOMORROW July 3rd is:

Air Conditioner Appreciation Day; American Redneck Day; Disobedience Day; International Drop a Rock Day; National Chocolate Wafer Day; National Eat your Beans Day; National Fried Clam Day.

I do appreciate my air conditioner. I try not to disobey. I’m just hanging out! God bless…