Started the laundry first thing, then had an egg and toast for breakfast. I considered mowing but decided since there was such a nice breeze I would work on the shed. I knew I couldn’t take everything out – there are a few pieces of furniture in there that I can’t move. And a few heavy boxes of books. But I took most of everything else out there. I only had a few boxes put back when I realized I should take an ’empty’ picture.

Mostly empty.

These are the piles of stuff that I took out. Some of it I took to Goodwill, some I’m saving for the Skunk Hollow auction/sale, and some is just trash.

Part of the contents.

More of the contents.

But it looked a lot emptier and cleaner when I was done.

Before I changed my mind, I drove the donation things down to Goodwill. I decided to grab a frozen Coke – but the car ahead of me in the drive-thru must have ordered half the store. I sat for over 10 minutes behind them in line. So I took a picture of the sky through the sunroof!

It was cooler and breezy by then, so I ended up cutting the grass anyway! Then I watered the new grass and called it a day. Just finished a chicken sandwich and I’m done. The Ironing can wait!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Courtesy of Logan Christian Church

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 5th is:

Blogger Day; National Couscous Day; National Dash Cam Day; National Night Out; National Oyster day; National Underwear Day; Work Like a Dog Day.

I actually worked like a dog today. I hope tomorrow is a bit calmer! God bless…

HCC was having church at Legion Keener Park this morning, starting a little later than usual. So I took my time getting up, read a chapter in my current book – which is surprisingly good! – and did the ironing. Mary picked me up, which is also unusual. I’m usually the one driving. It was a pleasure to be a passenger! It was also a pleasure to find that there was a ‘breakfast’ table with sweets and coffee before church.

Singing worship songs.

Todd had a great message about EVERYONE MATTERS TO GOD. It was something that none of us can hear too often. Jesus sees people; REALLY sees us. And he sees me. He sees our potential and seeks us out – He loves us. The scripture was ZACCHAEUS – and that Zacchaeus didn’t climb the tree to see Jesus because he was short – he climbed it because he was an outcast. And Jesus searched him on purpose and went to his house. Everyone matters.

This was our ‘sanctuary’ for the morning message.

Our church was having their backpack outreach after church – and had the big pavilion set up with games and prizes and snacks and tons of backpacks filled with school supplies. When Mary and I left the lines were already crowding in. Great event! Below are photos of the backpack event set-up.

Snacks for the kids

What kind of game is THIS???

The HUGE playground – another plus!

Slushy machine that looks like a train!

Karate demonstration area

Games

Tons of backpacks

Mary and I stopped for lunch and visited for a while, something we seldom get to do. On the way home we passed acres of sunflowers and they were amazing! We pulled over and took a bunch of pictures, but they don’t do it justice!

Butterfly….

Autmn txt me to say she and Cameron were going to hang out with me for a while this afternoon. He was fun and happy but can get his shares of NO!!! into his interactions! We spent time building with foam blocks, cooking and feeding the animals, and reading his favorite books.

Finger puppets

Looks like he’s trying to get away with something….

Brushing the puppy’s hair

Feeding the colt…

Sitting in the dish bin.

Autmn and Cameron were invited down to Noah’s mom’s house (a few blocks from my house) to swim so we strapped him in the stroller and I walked down with then. It wasn’t too bad walking down, but a little tricky getting back, as it was uphill!

Walking to Scott and Trina’s

A reluctant goodbye…. 🙁

I also compiled all my treadmill information and ordered one online. It looks like the perfect thing for me, and I got the 4 year service plan, so I’m confident that this was the best decision for my situation! It will be here Tuesday!

Simple and basic….

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Courtesy of River Hill Church of Christ

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 4th is:

Assistance Dog Day; Commerce Day; Festival Monday; Hooray for Kids Day; National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day; Single Working Women’s Day; U.S. Coast Guard Birthday.

I’m for the chocolate chip cookies. ‘Nough said. God bless…

Today was my ‘loner’ day – catching up on chores and errands that I didn’t want to do with Chase here. He’s a pretty quiet kid but it still seems lonely and quiet without him in the house! I did my normal Saturday ‘change and wash sheets’ and fill weekly pill box, then had cinnamon swirl toast for breakfast.

I headed to Miller’s Crossing in Irwin to get my jar of honey. While I was there I (of course!) walked around and looked at everything. I keep my eyes open for Beanie Baby skunks – but today I found a cow! I had a white one but now I have twins! Well, this one in black with a white spot. But it’s really cute.

The black one is new – I had the white one. They’re hard to find!

From there I went looking for a birthday gift for Millie. It wasn’t exactly what I started out looking for in my mind, but I really think it will be a good choice. Also picked up a raffle basket gift for the family reunion. They are both the same weekend.

Just as I was leaving Irwin I got a call to go look at the treadmill that I heard about. It was pretty much the right size – smaller and lighter – but it felt like it needed a little more ‘medical’ attention than I knew how to do. I plan to sleep on it and pray about it and decide tomorrow. I do have a back-up plan…

Once I finally got home and had my green (yellow) beans for lunch, I went outside to work. I spread the top soil and planted a bit more seed where the fire pit was – then watered it. I trimmed some plants that were out of control and then swept the walks. My plan it to mow tomorrow evening or Monday morning. And that’s it!

Stepping stone grown over…

There it is!!!

More top soil to fill in.

Irises out of control

Much better.

The new neighbor puppy – Willow – kept an eye on my while I worked. Ken said the fence people put his fence too close to mine. We can’t get through!

Now the COW is watching me!

Too close….

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

For my friends….

TOMORROW August 3rd is:

American Family Day; Big Forehead Day; Clean your Floors Day; National Friendship Day; National Sisters Day; National Watermelon day; National Hair Gloss Day.

Tomorrow is my sister and Paul’s wedding anniversary! Sending them lovely wishes for many more years! Appropriate for National Sisters Day. I clean my floors in some way every day. And my family is the most important part of my life – with my friendships a close second!

Paul, Dad, and Kathy!

Started my day with breakfast and laundry, and was checking my emails when Kelly got here. She had laundry to do, as well, so we got that started then sat down and mapped out our day. We made a big batch of Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for a party at her church on Sunday. Then we buzzed over to Walmart for a few food items, came home, and cooked up about 8 pounds of ground beef. They are making tacos tomorrow and Sunday so we got the meat done ahead of time.

Chase was playing his video games, Kelly took a nap, and I ran a gift over to Hanna’s Town for the former director who just retired. They were having a party for her, but it made more sense for me to stay here with my family. While I was there, though, I got my #10 skunk! It’s a finger puppet so Cameron will love it!

I forgot to mention yesterday that when I was trying to put the new broom hook up I had to get into my little-used tool box. And look who was inside!

Here is a picture of the Snoopy notebook I found yesterday. I may use it for my next journal.

I hope Chase had a decent week – he was very quiet and wasn’t interested in going anywhere or doing anything. I just kept feeding him and asking him if he needed anything! Sigh…. He seemed content enough.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 2nd is:

Mead Day; National Summit day; National CAD Day; National Coloring Book Day; National Disc Golf Day; National Ice Cream Sandwich Day; National Mustard Day; Sandcastle Day; National Play Outside Day; National VFR Day; National Sunflower Day.

I’ll play outside for a little while, and have ice cream at some point. Nate and Dave used to play Disc Golf ALL THE TIME!!! God bless…

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…