Did a few early morning chores, then left for chiropractor appointment. Stopped on the way to get three cases of water for Logan’s grad party. By the time I got home, I still had 2 hours until my appointment with Ron Brown from Brown’s P/H/A-C. So I planted an entire flat of purple alyssum. I have them all over the yard and hopefully they will fill in nicely. I was just ready to water them all when Ron arrived. He measured the house and took down details and will get back to me with the cost and plans. Looks like I need to replace the furnace along with the A/C. Always something!

Once Ron left, I pulled weeds in the triangle space on the hill. One little space at a time!

I also had two packs of seeds – Zinnias and pansies. Last year I had great luck with the zinnia seeds. Hoping for the same this year.

I went to put more Diet Pepsi in the mini fridge – and there was Jesus!

The baby birds are getting much bigger. Not sure how big they have to be to fly away. I’m waiting for that day. Sad side-note, though. When I came home this morning one of the babies had fallen (?) out of the nest and was sort of dead. Well, actually dead. Dead all day. It made me sad to see that.

Once I did several hours of yard work, I washed the car. The wheels were so dirty and I hate cleaning the wheel covers. But the car is clean and ready for it to rain tomorrow.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 13th is:

Children of Fallen Patriots Day; Cough Drop Day; Fair Trade Day; International Hummus Day; National Apple Pie Day; National Crouton Day; National Frog Jumping Day; National Fruit Cocktail Day; National Leprechaun Day; Top Gun Day; Tulip Day.

I would think Leprechaun day would be March 17th. Shows what I know. Apple pie sounds good – but not hummus. I have plenty of cough drops. Kathy loves tulips! God bless!

Happy Birthday to my nephew Jesse! Hope your day is wonderful!

Todd’s message this morning was a second in the series on Jonah – who ran from God. The only way God could get Jonah’s full attention was to put Jonah in a situation where he needed God and knew it (in the belly of a big fish!). Jonah discovered at that point that it was never too late to pray – but why do we always make that the last resort? Regardless, God listens. God uses these moments not to pay us back, but to BRING us back. Look to God for the answers – he always believes in us – He’s a God of second chances!

Today being Mother’s Day, HCC shared a yummy treat with the mothers. I have never tasted a CRUMBL cookie and it is very good. I took a little sliver off the edge just to taste it. I’ll save the rest for later with a cup of tea.

Once I got home, I had some pretzels and cheese for lunch, then worked outside for an hour and a half. It was pretty warm and I couldn’t take melting in the sun. I spread the last bag of mulch along the side and back of the driveway, and thinned out almost half of the far side of the hill. So I’m taking a break and hope to go back out and mow. There is a nice breeze so hopefully I’ll manage OK.

So, Happy Mother’s Day to the sweet ladies – Mothers – who have blessed my life!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 12th is:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day; International Nurses Day; National Hospital day; National Limerick Day; National Nutty Fudge Day; National Odometer Day.

My mom was known to create a limerick or two. I like nutty fudge – didn’t have a chance yesterday to get any! And being a ‘car’ person I do have an interest in odometers! Have a happy Monday and God bless…

A picture of the moon from laying in bed last night.

I was up early this morning for chores, and Deb and I left here at 9am sharp, heading to Smicksburg. It was a beautiful day and an equally beautiful drive. I apologize ahead of time, because I didn’t take many pictures. We were too busy fussing over things!

The first place we stopped was Donna’s Store. Michelle Griffith was working so we chatted for a bit, and I shared a mini Jesus with her. I was able to get the cheese we all wanted, and the peanuts and pretzels for Nate and Autmn, but they did not have Non-Perils. That’s strange, because Walmart didn’t have any either, nor did Dollar Tree yesterday. Donna was having a special and if you spent $25 you got a really pretty shopping bag. Deb and I both were able to get one. Kathy will be pea-green with envy!

We left there and went to the bulk food store. I got my chocolate melting wafers, and a little cake of soap that was really reasonable. You know me and my soap! From there we just parked and walked around town, which isn’t much these days. I planned on getting Di’s fudge at the Country Cupboard but there was a sign taped to the door that said Temporarily Closed for a Medical Emergency. We looked several other places but no one else sold fudge. Bummer. So we struck out twice!

We walked over to the Heritage, the local museum, and walked around. The new ‘Reclaimed’ shop had a lady working a loom and was demonstrating her craft. She had several beautiful scarves and shawls on display. There were several items donated by Aunt Joan, which I’ve posted before. Took a few other pictures before we walked back to the car.

We decided to have lunch at the Junction and were really glad we did. Deb had a small salad and a loaded baked potato. I had a chicken salad with garlic toast. Both were very good. When we were leaving we saw Gail Patterson and her three sons (Mark, Josh, Eric) who were taking her out for lunch for Mother’s day. Fun to see them!

Deb bought some stickers at one of the shops and her little extra gift was a Smicksburg magnet and a nice pen. She gave me the magnet and I put it on the beam in the garage.

The little newest shop that I like so well – The Shop at Smicksburg – had a nice little spread set out in honor of ‘Mom’s Day Out’. – punch, chips, pretzels, chocolate-peanut butter candies, and the cutest little cupcakes. We took a sample and headed back to set in the car and have dessert!

We headed home, stopping at Burger King in Blairsville for cold drinks and a potty stop. We even made it to my favorite little gas station before they closed at 4pm, with 15 minutes to spare. It was a very fun day – but (good or bad!) the shops were not busy at all except for the Junction. I was glad to spend the day with Deb. But we missed you Kath!

Once I got home and put everything away, I slipped on my garden clothes and spent about an hour and a half clearing the hill on both sides of the steps. Now I’m glad to be in for the evening.

I have The Parent Trap (the newer one) playing on the TV, already folded this morning’s laundry, and will make a quick bagel or something equally non-exciting for supper later.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 11th is:

My nephew Jesse’s birthday! Hostess Cupcake Day; Mother’s Day; National Eat What you Want Day; National Foam Rolling Day; Twilight Zone Day; World Topiary Day.

We will celebrate Jesse, and remember all the precious moms in our lives. Enjoy. God bless…

I got a few things done this morning before I left for Washington. I met Kelly at Red Robin at 11am. I’ve only eaten there once, I think, and it was years ago. I didn’t remember it being so good. I had fish and chips. I never got around to fish during lent so that was a good choice. Kelly and I had a nice visit together before she headed back to her afternoon obligations and I headed home.

My afternoon chores were garden tasks. I started by pulling all the weeds under the back deck and steps. That’s tricky since you have to lay on your stomach to reach most of them. But once I got started it was fine. I also straightened the stones around the flower bed.

Then I started on the fire pit, and from there I moved to the top of the hill. Just along the yard and the lilacs. I’m fussy about keeping the stones straight and hadn’t fixed them yet this year. I pulled weeds about a foot down from the stones. The rest will wait until I’m ready to do the entire hill. When, I wonder, will THAT be? All in all I was outside about 3 plus hours.

Diane txt me to remind me of the temperature dropping tonight. So I carried my two flats of ground cover and my one flat of purple alyssum inside the garage, as well as the two potted azaleas. I don’t want to plant all that until I get the weeds under control on the hill, both sides.

It’s been so messy working outside that every time I come in I have to totally wash my yard clothes again. They are in the dryer now. I have leftover fish from lunch that I plan to have for supper, and then some ironing to do from early this morning. I already got things set out for tomorrow. And a list made – everyone wants something from Donna’s store!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 10th is:

Archery Day; Brunch for Lunch Day; Dog Mom Day; Mother Ocean Day; National Babysitter Day; National Clean Your Room Day; National Golf Day; National Shrimp Day; National Small Business Day; National Train Day; National Windmill Day; One Day Without Shoes; Stay up all Night Day; World Belly Dance Day; World Migratory Bird Day.

I know a LOT of dog moms! My room is always clean and I never play golf – except maybe miniature when the grandkids are around. My friend Mary’s family LOVES trains. I like the no shoes concept but only at home. If I stayed up all night (which I couldn’t) I would sleep all the next day. And I don’t think my baby robins are ready to go anywhere yet. God bless!

This weather is a slave driver! After work I stopped and bought weed killer, mulch, top soil, grass seed, and ground cover. I got gas in the Jeep and came home and got to work.

I had the last of my cheese and tortilla chips for lunch, then started with the top soil. I spread 5 bags in two spots; I raked the clumps and smoothed everything out. Then I spread the grass seed. I tied a string and put foil strips on it to keep the birds away (hopefully). Then I watered it very thoroughly.

Next I spread 3 bags of mulch. I thought I would need four but three was enough. So I’ll keep the extra one until I can get a few more and work on another area.

After that I weed whacked the entire yard, then blew everything clean. It all looks pretty nice. I’ll probably have to mow tomorrow or Saturday afternoon.

Once that was finished, I scrubbed the white fence and hosed it off. It doesn’t come totally clean anymore but it looks much better.

The baby birds are sticking their necks up further. I must say, I do NOT think they are at all cute!

I’ll save the ground cover and the weed killer for another day. I’m bushed but happy to have accomplished so much. When I was turning off the hose I dropped it and soaked my shirt. The breeze made me shiver so I hurried in and got a shower and changed. Now I will answer emails and balance my checkbook.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 9th is:

Alphabet Magnet Day; Child Care Provider Day; Fintastic Friday; Hurray for Buttons Day; Lost Sock Memorial Day; National Butterscotch Brownie Day; National Public Gardens Day; National Sleepover Day; National Knock Out Rose Day; National Home Front Heroes Day.

We must take time to remember all the lost socks. And what is life without alphabet magnets and buttons! What a fun day. Go to the gardens, and enjoy. God bless…

Answer to yesterday’s joke: Spoiled milk! 🙂

For once we had a nice day, all day. And I was inside cleaning most of the day. But I did get to see the horses grazing out in the neighbor’s yard, which was fun.

Right now I have Roadhouse Romance playing in the background while I type. It stars Lauren Alaina, and I love her singing.

After I finished cleaning and laundry, I did go outside. I spent several hours pulling and digging weeds against the white fence in the side yard. The mower doesn’t get close enough to the fence to cut, and weed whacking cracks the vinyl. So I’m giving it a good start by digging out about 4 or 5 inches from the fence.

The baby birds have hatched. I can’t get a good picture as the nest is higher than the babies. But hoping they soon leave the nest – I can pull it down, clean the light, and get back to business as usual! (PS – I think mommy and daddy bird are having a domestic issue. They are squawking and making all kids of racket!)

Sorry to say that’s all for today. Tomorrow is a work day, and hopefully a quick meet-up with my accountant. Then Friday I am meeting Kelly for lunch in Washington (PA) and to pick up the flowers I ordered from their church school. Saturday I planned a trip to Smicksburg just for fun – with my cousin Deb. So that finishes up the week!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS:

TOMORROW May 8th is:

Free Trade Day; Iris Day; Jamestown Day; Make a Book Day; National Coconut Cream Pie Day; National Give Someone a Cupcake Day; No Socks Day; Reward Yourself Day; World Donkey Day; National Student Nurse Day; National Have a Coke Day.

I am having a Coke right now! I only drink 2 or 3 Cokes a year so that’s ironic! I am sure I won’t wear socks tomorrow, and I’ll reward myself with a Klondike bar tomorrow evening. I won’t MAKE a book but I’ll READ a book. God bless…

JOKE of the day: What do you get from a pampered cow? Answer tomorrow.

What a weird weather day – it’s been like this all year. But it was very chilly all day. I cut the grass after I got home from work. Only had a small corner of the front left to do when it started to rain. I kept going, finished it up, and put the mower in the shed. And the sun came out! So I took fifteen minutes and pulled some weeds under the back deck. One little space at a time!

The set of lights around my bookcase went out, but that didn’t surprise me. Cameron pulled a lightbulb out of the set the other day but they still worked. Now they don’t. So I had a R/W/B set and they are LED so there you go.

Now – here are the photos from Free Museum Day. We started at the Lincoln Highway Experience. It’s my favorite. I love watching the movie about it being built – actual clips. And the fact that the old Serro’s Diner is actually INSIDE the museum, and you can order drinks, etc. They always serve complimentary pie, but we had just had fresh scones for breakfast and were not hungry.

From there we stopped at the Ligonier Valley RR Museum, sort of attached to the back of Idlewild. There’s a short video in there too, which is really fun. And a caboose out back that you can walk through. Kelly rang the bell and steered the car for a bit (it doesn’t go anywhere – it’s stationery). We felt a little bit sad that we couldn’t ride the blue train!

We had never been to the Antiochian Village so we went there next. It’s basically a conference and retreat center. There are displays and information on the Orthodox faith ties in the area, and stories about the people who were instrumental in bringing those teachings to the Ligonier Valley, as well as missionaries and visionaries. There were ancient prayer cloths, coins, prayer books, carvings, clothing, alter cloths, and art works. There were coins from Antioch from 5bc!

Downstairs was an anniversary display of Titanic photos and artifacts, pictures and quotes. It was interesting to read about the few people who either ended up or passed through our local area. That was my favorite part.

Luckily we were still avoiding the rain, although it was mostly cloudy. That was perfect, as we stopped next at Fort Ligonier. We walked around the museum, read the displays, and saw hundreds of artifacts and pictures. The parlor of Arthur St. Clair’s original local home was placed inside the museum intact, and time lines and travel routes and lots of quotes. Here is one of my favorites.

We went outside to walk through the barracks, which included the Officer’s mess, the hospital, the quarter master’s office, sleeping barracks, Blacksmith shop, and several more. They are so authentic and realistic.

By now it was long past lunch and we were both hungry. We headed to Compass Inn, which is directly across the street from The Pie Shoppe. You can’t go to Laughlintown without stopping at the Pie Shoppe! We had a piece of pizza for lunch, and a yummy cookie for dessert (Kelly’s was chocolate chip and mine was pumpkin with walnuts and cream cheese icing). I got a bag of Snails to bring home.

The Compass Inn is my second favorite – maybe even tied for first. It was a stagecoach stop and I am friends with the family that owned it – and actually lived in it! – when she was little. I think that would be amazing! There are several outbuildings, including a working kitchen (they were making onion soup) and the blacksmith shop, which was also operational that day.

Before we went home, we walked across the street to the Country Cupboard. I always like to get little soap samples there. They are very inexpensive, and I can get four different fragrances (or more) for the amount of one bar elsewhere. And they do have fun items for sale!

Kelly got a txt from Chase when we were half way home: Bring food! Since Chick Fil-A isn’t open on Sunday he changed his mind…. But we had a really great day, and weekend, and Chase totally loved having time at home by himself, and he didn’t have to share with anyone or move from his little spot for 2 days! I guess we all had fun!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW, May 7th, is:

Aces Day; Great American Grump Out; Love’s Baby Soft Day; National Interpreter Appreciation Day; National Paste Up Day; National Skilled Trades Day; National Tourism Day; National Bike to School Day; National School Nurse Day; National Roast Leg of Lamb Day.

I don’t really bike at all these days. I do appreciate the only interpreter I know personally (dear sister!). I always love being a tourist. God bless!

Thank goodness this is a non-work day! There is SO MUCH yard work to do – I’ll never catch up. Oh, well. It is what it is.

SO let’s start to get the posts up to date, at least. My post on May 2nd explained that Kelly called about lunch time, and she had a change of plans. She originally expected to come up later in the day on Saturday. It turned out her Friday evening plans fell away, so she let me know that her and Chase were coming up Friday, mid-afternoon. Which was great news! I had just finished spending the morning at the Steele house (Hanna’s Town), setting up for Saturday’s spring tea.

So that meant two things. First, we’d spend more time together. Second, she was available to help in scullery (non-glamorous kitchen work!) at the tea on Saturday. That’s always a plus! Here are a few picture of setting up.

So Kelly and Chase got here about 3:30pm. We got everyone settled in for the weekend, then decided it was time for supper. Chase requested Domino’s pizza, which is his favorite. Kelly and I are not a fan. So we ordered pizza from two places. Kelly and I got Giannilli’s and Chase the Dominos. At least he would have leftovers while we were gone all day Saturday and Sunday. So that worked.

Chase was still asleep when Kelly and I left on Saturday. We snipped some lilacs off the trees in my yard, and some different shades of Azaleas, and a few Columbine. Once we got to Hanna’s Town we hit the floor moving. We spent the day putting food together, plating food, adding garnish, keeping the spiced tea hot and strong. We had several servers – here are two – Carol and Ruth.

It’s always a relief when the first setting is ready to be served and everyone is ready for the next step! Cleanup!

We had two setting – at 11:30am and at 2pm. The day kept us moving, for sure! But we all work together pleasantly and diligently, and had a good time and a great day. Serving was flawless and we received a lot of compliments on the setting, the food, and the overall event. Another tea under our belts! Or maybe our aprons! I should have taken more pictures of the tables, etc – I’ll make that note for next year!

To be a guest at our Spring or Fall tea, keep an eye on the website at www.westmorelandhistory.org. Reservations and payment information are posted in spring and fall. We sell out quickly so keep checking! There’s lots to see and do at the site, so make plans to visit soon!

On Sunday Kelly and I spent the day in Ligonier at free museum day. Rain was predicted but we didn’t really have any to interfere with the day. There’s a lot of pictures from that, too, so I’m going to post the Museum Day tomorrow. But to finish this post, I’ll include Logan’s senior pictures. I chose three but there were so many! And to add to that, Logan’s puppy Ransom had his senior picture taken, too. He’s very studious.

As the evening closed out last night, God painted the sky beautiful shades of pink and blue just for fun! I took two here at my place, and Di sent two that her sister Rosemary sent from the other side of town!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 6th is:

International No Diet Day; National Beverage day; National Crepe Suzette Day; National Foster Care Day; National Nurses Day; National Teachers’ Day; National Tourist Appreciation Day; Poem on your Pillow Day; World Asthma day; Donkey Week.

I don’t want to spend a week thinking about donkeys! I know I appreciate BEING a tourist. Celebrate tomorrow – and today, while you’re at it. God bless…

Just a quick note – another long but fun day! I’m organizing my pictures and my activities and will post them tomorrow for sure. Hugs! God bless…

Just wanted to give you all a heads up. Kelly and Chase are here until Sunday afternoon, so I won’t be posting anything until Sunday evening.

Have a lovely weekend and I’ll catch up on Sunday! God bless…