Unfortunately I ended up being sick again so it may be a day or two until I post. Have a great couple of days! M

I usually stay in bed a bit longer on Wednesday and Friday, and read a chapter or two in my current book. This morning I didn’t. I had a lot of things I wanted to do. So I made a piece of French toast for breakfast and then got started cleaning. And this post will be short because all I did was clean and mow!

I got the upstairs done, had lunch, then started downstairs. Took the trash up, did a load of laundry. I knew that I had several things going on the rest of the week, so I wanted to get the yard mowed. I did that, and also got the weed-whacking done.

It looks like the lamb’s ear is not dying off as quickly as I was hoping. Just have to give it more time, I guess.

I found myself coughing a bit more today, which makes me tired. I just took 2 Tylenol and hope that gives me some energy. Not much more to do this evening.

My blessing today was to cross several things off my list!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 10th is:

National Angel Food Cake Day; National Purple Pumpkin Day; National Cake Decorating Day; National Handbag Day; World Homeless Day; World Plant Based Burger Day; World Sight Day; National Walk to a Park Day; National Metric Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Pasta Day. Tomorrow -Walking to a park sounds fun . Enjoy! God bless…

I started my day getting the follow-up bloodwork done. It was to monitor certain medications to make sure they weren’t upsetting my balance. Of what, I’m not entirely sure, but one thing was potassium. From there I went to work, but there was nothing ready for me. Ken was there and we chatted while I ate my breakfast muffin and tea.

When I got home I saw a post from Rege that his very close friend – who has been ill with cancer for months – passed away this morning. I know he went to see him this morning, so not sure if he was there at the time. But I know he will be grieving for his friend and his family. Please keep Rege, and Rich’s family, in your prayers.

As usual I had a list for today, and I chipped away at it most of the afternoon. I told Tonia I would take supper to them, so I left here, picked it up and took it down to them. It really had a tempting aroma and it was hard not to pull over and devour the entire content. It was angel hair pasta, Italian bread, and salad. Plus I took them a few Chocolate Chip Scones for breakfast.

I had entertained the idea of mowing this evening, but I opted to work on the inside list instead. I got a txt from Kelly earlier and she is coming up Thursday night to go with me to Ft. Ligonier Days on Friday. So that made my day! Yea!

I did take the back way home, and drove down Shady Lane. I passed the house where I grew up, and my Grama Steiner’s house, and Cole’s Pond (THAT is a story in itself!). They put a new bridge in across from the pond – and it looks very different.

Kathy sent me a few photos of her trip. It really looks like they had a great time!

Once I post this I plan to do a little more on the training for Child Clearance for Church. It feels longer than three hours!

My blessing for today was good results from my bloodwork – all is well!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 9th is:

Curious Events Day; Emergency Nurses Day; National Curves Day; National Pasta Day; International Beer and Pizza Day; International Top Spinning Day; Leif Erikson Day; National Bring Your Teddy Bear to School Day; National Moldy Cheese Day; National Prolife Cupcake Day; National Stop Bullying Day; World Post Day; National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Blanket Day. Tomorrow – I’m curious about the curious events. I’ll do pizza with my teddy bear. STOP Bullying. And it would be fun to be taken to lunch! God bless…

It’s much cooler today – but sunny and bright. For a while the sky was six shades of dark clouds but they are mostly cleared up by now.

I worked at Pinnacle – Barry was in! He’s still very frail and tired but really needed to get out of the house. It was good to see him. So all three of my bosses were there when I got there. It felt like a celebration.

My tea meeting was at 10:30 at Hanna’s Town so I had to leave a few things undone. After the meeting I went back to work. The tire pressure was low in the rear passenger tire again. I’m glad it didn’t go down over the weekend! But Colton added air and checked the tire for punctures. I’ll keep an eye on it until their mechanic is free to do a thorough check.

Today was a ‘day off’ from working on the hill. I started a load of laundry after lunch (soup) and then went to Gabe’s. I was looking for a plain white casual around-the-house shirt. Nothing there that worked. I did get AA batteries – Christmas is coming and I use a lot of those little light strings. Now I am having a cup of hot tea and have HOME TOWN on in the background. Nothing else really worth sharing today!

My blessing was seeing Barry at work.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 8th is:

ADA Lovelace Day; Dyslexia Day; International Birth Registration Day; National Face Your Fears Day; National Blanket Day; National Fluffernutter Day; National Heroes Day; National Pierogi Day; National Salmon Day; World Octopus Day; American Touch Tag Day.

Yesterday’s Fake Day was Bug Day. Tomorrow – I like facing fears if you can conquer them! Give it a try – God Bless…

So we were back teaching this morning – had two students. Even though the lesson was detailed the boys did well. We talked about Elijah telling King Ahab that it wouldn’t rain for 7 years, and I asked the boys what that would mean. Jackson (6) said the plants would die and the rivers would dry up. Cody (4) said that when your eyes were dry you couldn’t blink. Well, I didn’t connect that to no rain but apparently he did! That was, actually, an accurate piece of information!

First Sunday in October – turned over the calendar page. I’m using this as my phone wallpaper. It’s soothing and inviting.

Todd’s message was about Dark Horses. God uses the most unlikely people – ordinary, not super heroes. Excuses build a life of nothingness. You are God’s answer, and your reluctance doesn’t scare God. Reason we we say ‘no’: 1) Our identity. 2) Insecurities. 3) Influence. 4) Inadequacy. 5) Irrational thoughts. Release your talents to God’s purposes.

I stopped after church and got a few things for Cameron’s birthday, then came home and ate lunch. I had a list of about half a dozen tiny chores that I needed to work on. Then I weeded a little more on the hill. I came inside about 6:30 and got a shower.

My blessing for today was the boys in Sunday school. They are good kids!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 7th is:

National Child Health Day; National Bug Day; National Consignment day; National Forgiveness & Happiness Day; National Frappe Day; National Inner Beauty Day; National LED Light Day; World Cotton Day; You Matter To Me Day; National Propane Day; National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Gourd Day. Tomorrow – celebrate happiness and chocolate covered pretzels! And shop consignment! God bless…

I was determined to make today fun – even if it was all by myself! I got up early, changed my sheets and threw them in the laundry. Had oats for breakfast, threw extra things in the car, got gas (Mazda) and headed to Smicksburg’s Fall Festival. It was a perfect, beautiful day. The sun was shining, the temps were comfortable, and there was lots to see.

My first stop was at Donna’s Smicksburg Country Store. Colleen was working, and her cousin Michelle, so we had a nice chat. She did, however, say that Uncle Clifford (her dad) was not doing well. Kidney related and uncomfortable. So while we are seeing what the next step is in his treatment, we are praying for UC and the whole family. But it was super fun to see Colleen (Skunk Hollow Cousin); she looked so professional and attractive in her work outfit! I bought a piece of longhorn cheese, chocolate covered peanuts for Deb, and a bag of popcorn!

Even though the festival was just starting, it was already crowded. I had to drive around to find a parking spot. I was going to take a buggy ride but decided I’d rather walk around. I stopped at the Country Cupboard and got a small taste of chocolate walnut fudge, thanks to Diane’s reminder. Their whole sidewalk and yard were filled with vendors – pumpkins galore! I bought some tomatoes. (See above photo)

One of the stores sold out, and looks like they are making a fleatique type of venue, where there are little individual spaces for different venders. There were only about 4 or 5 open but room for a whole lot more! I think it’s called ‘Reclaim of Smicksburg’. I got this star at a porch sale next door.

From there I walked down to the Heritage Center. I’ve been there quite often, but this time there was a guide to explain different things in the rooms. He was quite pleased with the information he shared, and I didn’t want to admit that I knew most of what he was saying. Hanna’s Town has some of the same artifacts. But I was interested in the fridge – it had a foot pedal to open the door! I think where Refrigerators are concerned we have gone backwards…

Even though I had already been to Donna’s store, I popped back in there on the way home. I grabbed a hot dog and an Amish cookie for my lunch, when head back out Rt 954. I did drive past Grama Crooks’ house and springhouse just for fun. It was a lovely day!

I got home a little after 1pm. Nate and Chrissy met me at the house. Chrissy was looking at some of the old toys in the closet. Nate helped me put the flag stands back in correctly, and then sprayed the Lamb’s Ear with Round-Up. He’s going to dig them out once they die off enough not to send spores into the air. Once they left I spent about an hour and a half on the hill. It’s coming along!

Kathy sent me an email – they got home safe and sound and glad to be home. She recapped the trip for me, but has lots of fun pictures that I’m excited to see soon. I have to look over my Sunday school lesson – on Elijah. And that’s it for today!

My blessing today was a lovely, safe trip to Smicksburg, and seeing Colleen!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 6th is:

Change a Light Day; Mad Hatter Day; National Badger Day; National Gourd Day; National Coaches Day; National Noodle Day; National Transfer Money to your Daughter Day (ummm, Nope — Sorry Kelly!); Zero Inbox Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Festival day, although there really was a festival! Tomorrow- Noodles are good, but I’m not transferring money. Make friends with a badger! God bless…

This morning I did some laundry, had breakfast, and then decided to work on the hill. I was out there for a while and cleaned up a portion of the bottom section. Then I got frustrated with how the rocks at the bottom had shifted and were crooked and loose and made mowing difficult. So I slid them around, dug out the space to level it off, and wiggled the stones back in place — straight and even and flat. That should hold them for a while.

I got a shower and changed clothes, then had a small bowl of soup. I switched out the summer/winter clothes and had a pile for Goodwill. I bundled them up and drove them to Norwin. Also replaced a stained, stretched out pink long sleeved shirt that matches several pair of my leggings. I was surprised that there were so many pink ones to choose from.

I had started an email on Monday and every day I added a bit more. When Kathy gets back she’ll have that to read and catch up on my week. We’ll have to arrange a time when we can hang out – then I’ll hear about her trip and see more pictures! In the meantime I went over and watered plants and put the mail inside for them. Stopped on the way home and got a frozen Coke.

‘Haul out the Holly’ is on Hallmark tonight – I know it’s completely silly and over done but it makes me laugh! So I’ll watch it later while I iron.

My blessing today was finding the pink shirt!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

October 4, 1950, was the first appearance of Snoopy in the comic strip!

TOMORROW October 5th is:

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta; Bookshop Day; Frugal Fun Day; National Apple Betty Day; National Festival Day; National Be Nice Day; World Card Making Day; World Teachers Day; International Off Road Day; National Play Outside day.

Who would have thought that when I ‘faked’ National Card Day that today would be World Card Making Day?! Tomorrow, above all, be nice! And go ahead, make a card. Go to a book shop. Have fun – even if it’s not frugal! And PLAY OUTSIDE! God bless…

Sir Regis was back at work this morning. They had a great time and nice weather – but it was warmer than usual. He came back with a bit of a tan!

To anyone who hasn’t seen the facebook posts, Tonia is back in the hospital. One of her medications wasn’t doing what it needed to, and she was struggling. Hoping they get things regulated and she’ll be feeling better and back home very soon. She’s been through a lot.

After I left work, I grabbed a few groceries at Walmart. I was very excited to run into (not literally!) an old friend from my HCC Youth Group! Janie and I were very close friends back in the day but we don’t see as much of each other these days. She said every time she saw M&M’s she thought of me. I showed her that I had a bag in my cart! So fun to see her.

Kath sent me a few pictures of today’s adventures. She said the day was silly and fun. Tomorrow will be mostly a travel day.

After lunch I worked on the hill for a bit. I think I got a lot done. It was a perfect day to be outside.

Today is a joyous day, as our little Cameron is ONE YEAR OLD! He is such a happy baby, and so much fun, and so smart! I can’t wait to see him! Autmn has been working diligently on his birthday party.

After a hot shower (a must after working outside) I made a batch of potato soup. I was very frustrated but didn’t get discouraged. Even though my milk was still good, it was spoiled. I didn’t realize it until it started boiling. I had to turn everything off and go down to Dollar General for more milk. So I started the process again. I hadn’t added the potatoes so I just had to do the white sauce. The second try was perfect.

My blessing today was just celebrating Cameron in my heart!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 4th is:

Improve Your Office Day (I do that by going in it!!!); Kids Music Day; Kindness to Animal Day; Manufacturing Day; National Body Language Day; National Card Day; National Cinnamon Roll Day; National Gold Lovers Day; National Taco Day; National Truckers Day; National Smile Day; World College Radio Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Swim Day. Tomorrow: Cinnamon rolls sound lovely, or tacos. Make sure you smile! God bless…

I was surprised that I slept later than usual. Mostly it was because 1) I didn’t set the alarm for anything and 2) Didn’t have Diane’s Song of the Day to wait for!

For breakfast I had a leftover frozen pancake, hot tea, and a chapter of the book I’m reading. Then I cleaned the house. It was overcast until mid-afternoon and then the sun came out and it was bright and beautiful. Once I finished inside work I decided to cut the grass. Surprising how much it grew in a few days.

Kathy sent me two street signs, in honor of Dad. He loved his country music, especially Buck Owens. And we listed to Meryl Haggard, too! She said it was 109* in California! It’s 57* here right now at 8pm.

My blessing today was to get the grass cut without any breaks!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 3rd is:

Bring your Bible to School Day; National Swim Day; Buy British Day; Mean Girls Day (??); National Boyfriend Day; National Techies Day; National Unity Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Mist Day. Tomorrow – don’t be mean! Logan will like Techies Day. Have a happy day! God bless…

Here we are in the last quarter of 2024. I expect we’ll see the leaves starting to change color, and the gardens are going to seed and dying off. I dead-headed my zinnias this afternoon when I was outside. Some of them are still blooming. Hang on tight – the last 3 months can be a rough ride!

I stayed in Jeannette this morning for an extra bit so Ken could run to the bank. Then I went to help Mike P with something, then directly to a pre-Tea meeting at Hanna’s Town. It was a long meeting but we have a nice change of routine this year. It will be a Dickens themed tea! And Charles Dickens himself (?) will be our host!

I stopped at Kath’s on the way home, put the mail inside, and watered the plants on the porch. It hasn’t been too warm so I think everything is basically fine.

I had toast and bacon for lunch, then put on yucky yard clothes and went outside. I dug up a few plants that don’t belong on the hill. I haven’t done too much with my flower beds all summer, so am taking little bits of time to work on them. Then I cleaned up the vines on both sides of the steps.

I cleaned out the first section on the left side of the hill. There’s still an AWFUL lot left. Emphasis on AWFUL!!!

My PAN (Notary) newsletter came (online) and I always print out the word search to do.

Right now I don’t think it’s raining but it looks misty and gray outside. The sun is totally gone. It’s 63*.

My blessing today was the lovely ladies at the tea meeting. We actually had a good time and have some great ideas! And the food will be yummy!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 2nd is:

National Mist Day; Guardian Angel Day; International Walk to School Day; National Coffee with a Cop Day; National Custodian Day; National Fried Scallops Day; National Kale Day; National Name Your Car Day; National Pumpkin Seed Day; World Farm Animals Day; National Smarties Day; Random Acts of Poetry Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Mailman Day. Tomorrow – Who doesn’t need a guardian angel? I never name my cars, but a lot of people do. Aunt Joan likes Smarties (candy). Have a happy day. God bless…