Work this morning – and the computers/programs were not working. As of today PENNDOT raised all their fees, so all the forms and programs were struggling to be correct (my interpretation!). I finished there and picked up the supply bin from Ruth for the Loyalhanna Publication party. I have to sort through it tonight.

I went straight to get my pre-test test done, then came home and made lunch. I had an egg sandwich on the French bread we brought back from New York.

It quit raining about then, so I went down and put black plastic trash bags over the paper lawn bags. I was afraid they wouldn’t hold up in the rain. While I was outside, I changed the small garden flags, scrubbed the chair mat for my desk chair, and took some flower pictures. Took a minute to throw away an old leaky garden hose that was taking up room in my garage.

The bags were pretty wet and soggy

Drying the mat on the car windshield!

Growing in the deck railing

Peach color and yellow.

Butterfly bush blooms

The mystery is solved! They’re pink!

These are by the driveway.

SHED pictures from last night’s work:

I still have to iron and pay bills and update the wooden Snoopy calendar. That’s probably all for the day. And happy 16th birthday to Chase! Hoping he has a wonderful day and a happy year!

My handsome grandson!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

One of my favorite verses.

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 2nd is:

I Forgot Day; Made in the USA Day; National Disco Day; World UFO Day; National Wildland Fire Fighter Day.

There’s always something to forget. I believe I WAS made in the USA! Enjoy your day – God bless…

Last night’s sunset –

It was cloudy and cooler when I woke up, so I cut the grass. This weather is making it grow like crazy!

Front yard.

But I got it done, got a shower and had breakfast, did laundry, and started on my extensive list. I put up a few red/white/blue decorations. I kept my favorite ones and gave the rest to Mary for her work.

Window stickees

Kitchen door

Front window

I went outside and pulled weeds along the rest of the walk, and by the corner of the white fence. Then the repairman came for the fridge (which had started working for some odd random reason!) and spent about 40 minutes figuring things out. He ordered several parts and explained in very great detail what was wrong and what he was doing. He’ll come back on the 14th (first available date) and repair everything.

The rest of the walk.

Corner by fence.

Once he left I went down behind the shed and cleaned that out. It was a mess and my least favorite place to weed. It’s not hard, just extra dirty, and critters live under the shed, and narrow in places. I have a bunch of trash bags that are heavy, so Nate and Dave plan to stop on their way through tomorrow and take the bags up to the road.

From flower beds

From behind shed.

I just noticed the the one set of lights are out again. Bummer. It’s raining now so I can’t check them. Tomorrow IS another day! But I got the flag changed and the banner up.

Left are out; right is lit

My deep purple glads are filling out nicely. The pink ones aren’t open yet.

They are so beautiful!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Courtesy of Logan Christian Church

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 1st is:

American Zoo Day; Blink 182 Day; Canada Day; Dog House Repair Month; Early Bird Day; International Chicken Wing Day; International Joke day; National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day; National Gingersnap Day; National Postal Workers Day; Zip Code Day.

Chase’s 16th birthday! Happy birthday tomorrow! I sort of like zip codes. I like clean funny jokes and ice cream – and gingersnaps! Thanks to our postal workers – I love getting fun mail! God bless…

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of June. Next thing you know it will be December and snowing. Remember I said that!

Last night’s sunset was another beauty — the heat and the storms and wind have created a lot of color.

This morning we had a guest speaker – a missionary since 1999 from Bangladesh named Mawia. He gave a presentation of his work during the Sunday School hour, then preached for church. It’s hard to believe that people live in the conditions that they do. Very nice person and has a true heart for God.

At 1pm we had a viewing and then a funeral service for a young man (age 50) who died suddenly of a heart attack on Wednesday. His parents had spent many years in Ghana West Africa as missionaries. I knew his mom from high school and youth group, and his father was senior pastor at our church several years ago. It was a very sad thing for all of us who were left behind – but the family and friends were rejoicing for Kofi’s new life! His daughter and brother delivered the eulogy and the devotion and wow they did a great job. Strong faith and heart for the Lord. I think I will remember those messages for a long time…

Kofi – photo from church directory.

I’m watching ‘Haul out the Holly’ on Hallmark. It’s Christmas in July. I’ve seen it a dozen times so I’m ok with just background noise.

Once I got home I changed into yucky clothes and went up front. I pulled weeds in front of the deck and part way down the sidewalk. It was in the shade, but I was still dripping sweat.

Section of front.

In front of deck

By the spigot.

After a shower I got started on this post. Here are flower pictures. And that’s in for today. God bless Kofi’s loving and beautiful family.

Dark purple Gladiolas

Huge cluster of orange Day Lilies

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

and live for the Lord!

TOMORROW June 29th is:

Clean your Disposal Day; National Corvette Day; National Meteor Watch Day; Social Media Day; Rabbit Week.

There are more than enough rabbits in my yard. They are eating everything but the weeds! Have a lovely day tomorrow – God bless…

I was busy all day. It’s 6:30pm right now and it just quit storming – for now. I started the morning changing and washing sheets, shower and breakfast. I had a list for Hepler’s Ace Hardware so I did that early. I broke the cover for the weed whacker string so I replaced that, got more string spools, picked up two paint stirrers (Not sure where all of mine went!) and an ant treatment for outside. Came highly recommended so we’ll see. I can’t put it out when there’s a threat of rain since it will wash away.

After lunch I put WD-40 on the kitchen storm door – it was squeaking like crazy. The curtain rod behind the washer was crooked so I fixed that, then put a big red hook in the overhead beam to hang dryer clothes on.

Straightened the curtain rod and put a hook for hanging clothes.

The towel rack wasn’t on correctly – one of the molly screws was broken. I took pictures and measurements and went to Lowe’s and the guy gave me a very easy fix! All good!

Guy was very helpful …

All fixed.

Kelly called me on her way home from Izzy’s grad party ( Peyton’s girlfriend ). Apparently a few of her aunts and uncles live in Albion. One couple go to Keepville church and had been to Mom and John’s house! That’s what you call Small World! All of them were excited for the connections!

Haven’t been here in a long time!

Two of my light sets on the deck were half lit, so I took them down, restrung them, and added new sets. Even though the sky looked dark and I heard some rumbles of thunder, I got a trash bag and did some plant trimming. I cut the flower stalks (already done blooming) from the Hosta down the back walk – they were falling onto the walk. I trimmed the Rose of Sharon sticking through the fence on the hill, dead-headed the Daisies, and cut all the Sage back to the ground. The fragrance is way too strong for me. Even in the outdoor black trash bag I can smell it in the garage. Also cut back the Spider Mums. That will be enough for today – still have some emails to answer.

Daisies

Hostas

Trimmed Rose of Sharon

Cut back Mums to make room for the Butterfly blooms

Sage is gone.

SO – back to Thursday vacation day. Once we got back from Saratoga, we decided to go down to the Stockade – it’s a section of Schenectady that’s from the 1700’s and the houses are amazing!

My favorite!

Kath and Gen in front of the Market

We walked around the town and then sat by the Mohawk river and watched the clouds for a bit.

Canon by the river

Mohawk River

Watching the clouds

We offered to get supper out so we wouldn’t have to cook. Gen suggested Jumpin’ Jack’s drive-in diner by the river. It was VERY good! We all had a fish sandwich, then shared orders of French Fries and Onion Rings. It was a nice way to spend our last full day there.

My stomach is rumbling just looking at the picture!

Here is a picture of her upstairs hall and the dining room window looking to the back yard.

We left about 8:30am or 9am Friday morning and headed out. It was a beautiful sunny comfortable day and we did good getting home. The views, mountains, vistas, farmlands – it was all, well, beautiful! It was hard to leave, simply because it was such a refreshing fun time. Gen sent me a picture Friday night of setting her sister up on an air mattress – with her new throw blanket. She also sent a picture of her grandson Jack – he found Jesus! I will forever remember our time there – spent with two people I love in a house that is perfectly wonderful for my dear friend!

Dog is already asleep! (Bottom right)

Jack with Jesus!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 29th is:

National Darts Day; Hug Holiday; International Day of the Tropics; International Fisherman Day; International Mud Day; Log Cabin Day; National Almond Buttercrunch Day; National Bacon Burnt Ed Day; National Camera Day; National Guy Day; National Waffle Iron Day.

Hugs are fun! Zane (Gen’s husband) was an avid fisherman! Not a fan of mud, actually, but I do like bacon! Have a great day, and a waffle! God bless…

I was able to quickly cut the grass this morning very early. I jumped out of bed, threw on old clothes and went out. It stayed cloudy and cool and breezy and I finished in good time – then got a shower and breakfast. My intention was to pull some weeds this afternoon but it’s too warm and humid. I’ll see what happens this evening. But sure glad the grass is cut.

Last night’s sunset clouds

Grass is cut – for a few days.

Here are some flower pictures.

Two colors of Day Lilies

Blazing Star just starting

Purple Daisy – Cone flower?

Gladiolas – I did NOT plant it there! Ready to bloom – What color will it be?

Daisies

Phlox

So the second part of our Thursday in New York was at Saratoga battlefields. So much history there. The most interesting fact for me was below:

Interesting!

Beautiful day; beautiful sky!

In visitor’s center

Battlefield outside the Visitor Center

Miles and miles…

The Nielson Farmhouse was abandoned early in the war, but when the Neilson’s came back to claim it the American troops had taken it. They eventually got it back.

Farmhouse

Inside

Looks like Little House on the Prairie.

After we watched the movie in the visitor’s center, we got in the car and drove the nine mile road through the battlefields. We learned something different at every stop.

Mushroom

At stop 9 we pulled in and shared lunch above the Hudson river. We were just finishing up when it started to rain. The fields were very solemn and hallowed remembrances.

Hudson river peeking through the trees

The cloud looks like Chernobyl nuclear explosion! Over the Hudson.

Rain chased us to the car.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 28th is:

House Paint Touch Up Day; Midsummer Day; National Tapioca Day; Paul Bunyan Day; Summersgiving Day; National Mural Day; National Foodie Day; National Logistics D.

I paint-touched up the house yesterday! We are all probably foodies to some degree. God bless!!!

A few things to do at work – Ken was chasing ants. Apparently the April accident stirred up a few colonies and we are overrun by them. Ruth Ann (Matt’s mom) brought up paperwork for a truck that they bought for Logan so I helped with that. I bought a few birthday cards then came home and had potato soup for lunch. Still too hot to do anything outside.

Touched up a few scratches on the door to my garage and then made cinnamon muffins. I could barely fit them in the freezer but I only put a few in a baggie and it worked. It’s trying to rain right now.

So on with the vacation. Thursday morning we headed to Grant’s Cottage in Wilton NY. We had never even heard of it! But it was amazing! This property was a rental owned by a friend, and when Grant was diagnosed with Throat cancer and couldn’t work, he was encouraged to write his memoirs. This friend offered the cottage to Grant for as long as he needed it. He spent his last weeks there. The stories we heard and the details for Grant’s last days were very moving and emotional. Our tour guide, Mark, was very thorough and knowledgeable. Somehow we think of war heroes dying on the battlefield. But General Grant (President Grant?) died a slow, painful death while writing his life story. He did this to provide for his family when he was gone, and the men who had served under Grant went door to door to sell the books! They loved him! Such an amazing story of those last days.

Kathy ready for the day!

This is a bath chair, but for traveling not for bathing.

A bust of Grant

Last picture of Grant – on the porch.

Grant’s typewriter – Remington!

Copies of the book

His desk

Hand written pages

When Grant died, his son stopped the clock and it hasn’t been touched since.

These are actual floral arrangements sent for the funeral. They have dried perfectly and are preserved.

The parlor was used for Grant’s bed – where he died.

Notice the black mourning band around the flag.

Gen and Kath chatting with Mark on the porch.

Side porch.

And it’s been preserved as it was.

Path to the overlook.

Views from the overlook.

Tomorrow we’ll finish up at Saratoga Battlefield and the Stockade in Schenectady.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 27th is:

Cream Tea Day; Decide to be Married Day (?); Drive your Corvette to Work Day; Helen Keller Day; National Bingo Day; National Food Truck Day; National Onion Day; National Orange Blossom Day; National Sunglasses Day; Screen Repair Day; Ice Cream Cake Day.

Ummmm… Ice Cream is good, and sunglasses! God bless..

Six months until Christmas Day (in honor of Bud!)

When I got up this morning I plugged in the fridge but it did not get cold. The freezer seems to be working but not making ice. I have to call the service technician tomorrow to add that to the issues so they come prepared.

SO – back to vacation. Wednesday morning I came downstairs and Gen had put three mini-brownies with candles on the breakfast table, with M&M’s! So it was a festive start to my birthday day.

We headed to Fort Ticonderoga and enjoyed the trip up. There was so much to see! And we took a few tours as well to learn about the history of the fort, how to clean guns and shoot cannons. The lake – Lake Champlain – was just beautiful, and it borders Vermont so we could look out across the lake and see another state!

Fog on the mountains

Crossing the river

First view of the lake

Flag and the cannon

Vermont

A little history. The fort changed hands between the French, British and Americans several times.

Row of cannons

Lake Champlain

The flag is really up there.

Supply room

Gen pointing out the table.

View from the top.

Oh say, can you see?

Top floor – barracks

Believe it or not – an oven!

Museum displays and demonstrations

Flag was just so impressive, and the wind kept it flying.

Views for miles

Cleaning the guns and Kath watching.

Fife and Drum

CEO of Mars Corporation (who make M&M’s), who funded part of the museum displays.

Incredible amount of stone!

Once we left the fort we drove up to Mount Defiance. What a drive up! The road was narrow and steep and curved. But the views were even more amazing.

View of the fort from Mount Defiance

Lake Champlain and Vermont (in the distance)

Once we left there, we headed home a different way, past Lake George. It was a beautiful ride, and for me it brought back lovely memories of Chris and Lauren’s wedding, which was on the lake. We drove through the town and alongside the lake on the way down.

We had grilled sausages and salads for supper, and cupcakes for dessert. Gen bought me a book – 1776. I just started it last night, and as it’s 300 HUGE pages it will take me a while to finish. It feels strange to learn the British side of the beginning of the revolutionary war. I’m not sure if later in the book we will get the American details or just stay with the British. Either way I know I will learn a lot. It was a wonderful day!

Gen taking pictures:

Nighttime in Gen’s back yard.

I forgot to mention yesterday that Cameron loved his giant ‘coin’. He likes coins but they are too small for him to have, so I got him a big one. And he found a little JESUS in the tablet drawer where his toys are kept. He -as I said – was a busy little guy!

It’s about 3 inches in diameter.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 26th is:

National Beauticians Day; Forgiveness Day; National Barcode Day; National Bomb Pop Day; National Canoe Day; National Chocolate Pudding Day; National Cocoanut Day; National Handshake Day.

I had chocolate pudding after my test on Monday. Forgiveness is very hard, but very necessary. Never been in a canoe! God bless…

We had a good day – Cameron was very good. Josie (Jojo) – Autmn’s youngest sister – came down to help, and she really was a big help. He played hard and took a short nap and ate a nice lunch. We laughed at him a lot.

Cameron with my lighted crown – he wouldn’t look up!

Baking with Jojo

Baby Bob in his baby carrier

He knew how to play with finger puppets

He likes little things.

…And dumping Dominos

Those curls!

Showing Jojo what’s in the box.

Since my fridge is on the blink, I have to clean things out – especially the freezer section – as I have to pull the plug and leave it sit for 4 hours or so to reset things. So I’m going to recap Wednesday’s day of vacation tomorrow.

Scripture of the day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 25th is:

Please take my children to work day; Backyard Safety Check Day; Global Beatles Day; National Camp Counts Day; National Catfish Day; National Day of Joy;

I’ll stick with the joy! God bless….

I had to be at Norwin Square at 7:50am for my medical test. I was nervous about it but then I’m generally nervous about everything! Turned out it was much easier than I expected, but then I haven’t got the results yet….

From there I went to work and spent a few hours at Pinnacle before stopping at Mike P.’s. Turns out I actually had to go there twice. That was tiring. I stopped at the bank and the post office on the way home.

You inspired me, Gen! Very appropriate!

Not sure if I mentioned yesterday that when I got home I discovered that my fridge wasn’t working. The freezer part was ok – so far. I tried calling my repair man but he doesn’t service the ‘electronic’ Whirlpools. I called around but didn’t find any help. I’ll try again tomorrow. For now I stuffed everything I could in the downstairs fridge and put the rest in a cooler with ice. Hope I don’t have to do that for long.

Sort of like this.

When I pulled in the driveway after work Fred was sitting there by the walk, nibbling. Is it my imagination or did he get chubbier while I was away?

So back to New York. We got up early Tuesday and grabbed breakfast at Wendy’s down the street, then filled the VW with gas. We hit Schenectady about 11am but Kath wanted to stop in Walmart. We browsed around the store like we didn’t have anything else to do! We made it to Gen’s about 1pm. Walked in the door of her beautiful house and she had the Beach Boys playing on Alexa! What a welcome!

Arrival – Me and Kathy on the back deck.

Kathy checking out the deck.

My Beach Boys!

She gave us a tour of her house, helped unload the car, and we had cold drinks and chilled out for a bit.

Front of the house from the street with the beautiful red tree.

Front of the house.

Back of Gen’s house.

This is a giant gourd but it looks like a Hershey Kiss!

Fireplace in the living room

Her gardens are lovely (Master gardener – of course they are!) and the yard and location of her house are perfect.

Side garden

These are her old gardening shoes.

Back yard.

Looking up through the branches of the red tree.

The favorite thing about her house is the slate roof. It’s very unique and beautiful – goes perfect with the landscape and the setting.

Her friend Jessica and two children – James and Maisie – came for supper and we had a nice evening getting to know each other. We had ‘build your own taco/salad’ and ice cream for dessert. Once we got the kitchen cleaned up we were about ready for bed. Let’s see what tomorrow brings. (Spoiler alert – that would be my birthday!)

Kathy talking to Jessica while James and Maisie are eating.

More pictures of the house another day.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 24th is:

Farmer Day; Fix your Windows and Doors Day; International Fairy Day; Midsummer; National Pralines Day; Swim a Lap Day; National Patch Day; National Take Back the Lunch Break Day.

My friend Linda writes and publishes books about fairies and knights! It’s plenty warm to swim but I doubt if I will. Yea for farmers. God bless…

We are in for some stupidly hot temps over the next week – stay cool as possible, stay hydrated, stay inside when you can.

Todd’s message this morning was about being where God wants you to be. He redirects our steps. We too often focus on the faults of our circumstances rather than what we have. We are so concerned about what is happening or will happen that we can’t see exactly what IS and where we are right now. Whatever is going on in your life can be fixed by Jesus – See the moment. What do you want Him to do with you? Be alert to His plans and that’s where you should be, easy or not!

So, here we go on vacation. I picked Kathy up at 4pm on Monday. We loaded the car and then she gave me Susie Squirrel – she went with us on vacation! I think she was very happy to go along.

Susie ready to have tea.

We headed up Route 22, and made it to Blairsville when the oil light came on. But not a traditional oil light. We had too much oil! We pulled over and called Rege – he did some research and assured us that we were safe to keep going. So we did. It was a little disconcerting but you have to exercise trust somewhere! We drove for a few hours and sort of ate our supper on the drive. I was surprised how comfortable the trip was – I’m not a fan of big city driving and there was none of that. Mountains and vistas and rural views.

We got as far as the New York line and found a motel in Sayre. It was Candlewood and it was a very nice room. We were ready to crash as it was almost 10pm by then. Glad for a good night’s sleep!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Sorry – couldn’t help myself!

TOMORROW June 23rd is:

International Olympic Day; International Widows’ Day; Let it Go Day; National Hydration Day; National Pecan Sandies Day; National Pink Day; National Typewriter Day.

Tomorrow I have another medical test. Ugh. I guess I have to ‘let it go’! Stay hydrated in this heat. I love my typewriter! God bless…