I had a really fun, enjoyable but exhausting day! I was at Kathy’s this morning at about 9:15am so we could tie up some loose ends for our Williamsburg trip the end of August. We also discussed the family reunion this weekend and our Skunk Hollow event on August 29th. I got home in time to change the laundry from the washer to the dryer, then drove up to Jaime’s to pick up Cameron from Josie. I’ll post about my time with him tomorrow – he was very good and fun and we really had a good time! Autmn came about 2:45, got cleaned up, and we all three went shopping for their vacation. We were in four different stores, and Cameron was a very good and smart shopper – but other than the driving part I was on my feet from noon on. So I’m going to get something to eat and go into more detail tomorrow! Sending hugs! God bless…

Today has been a crazy weather day. Everything from windy to sunny to pouring down rain – heard several severe weather alerts on the radio – from flood warnings to storms to even a funnel cloud in Beaver County. An hour ago it was calm and bright and sunny – now there are rumbles of thunder and RAIN. So the plans to spread mulch today went out the window!

Rain

I just took a break to mix up a meatloaf and stick it in the oven. By the time I’m done with this post it should be time for supper. I stopped after church today and got a tomato, chipped turkey breast, a package of bacon, and Halloween M&M’s. I went outside for an hour when it was sunny and pulled more weeds – but when I heard thunder I cleaned up and came in.

I know I sent pictures of painting the little dresser for upstairs on Friday’s post. I got everything done – including two coats of paint and distressing it with sand paper. It was easy to take the small dresser upstairs, but the bigger dry sink was something else. I slid the dry sink to the front door on an old sheet, but getting it out the door and down to the garage was beyond me. At that MOMENT my neighbor came out to mow, so I walked across and asked him if he could help me. We had it moved in less than 2 minutes. He told me they found bear droppings in their back yard a few weeks ago. THAT makes me nervous!

Dry Sink

Plenty of room!

But anyway, I cleaned up the dry sink, then cleaned out the closet thoroughly. I got rid of several bags of items – either garbage or Goodwill. I could slide the dry sink into the family room – and fit it into the closet easily (sort of). All my closet blankets, plus Chase’s bedclothes and favorite pillow and blanket, fit in the dry sink top perfectly. The Flag room dresser has a few extra candles, my rice bags, the electronic cords for when the kids play their video games in there, and a miscellaneous drawer. I switched the bookcase and the dresser and it looks bigger! I’m happy with the room, the closet, and the purging.

Bookcase

dresser and bed

Now for last night’s Loyalhanna Review Publication party. The trio of fabulous girls who have taken over the party planning did a wonderful job – the table settings, decorations, space, food, raffle baskets, door prizes – everything was beautiful. There was plenty of room and ample extra time for chatting up with guests and the committee.

Venue

Full house – plenty of room

Hot foods

Veggies, snacks and some drinks

Cookie table goes on and on!

Table centerpieces and place settings.

As is typical, after the buffet was basically consumed, we all settled in for the readings. It’s fun to hear those chosen to read their pieces. I was first reader, and only one of three who actually wrote on topic (American 250 or the Loyalhanna Review Anniversary). The publication is free so if you see any Loyalhanna Review stacked in an office or business just grab one!

Master of Ceremonies Rebecca Dunn – and editor of the Loyalhanna Review

Podium with backdrop for the readings

Battery candles

Cover – statue of Mr. Rogers in a park in Latrobe. (With a friend!)

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 3rd is:

National Watermelon Day; National Grab Some Nuts Day; National Georgia Day; National Hair Gloss Day; Big Forehead Day; Clean your Floors Day.

Watermelon is good in moderation, as are nuts. My hair has never been glossy. Keeping my floors clean is ridiculously important to me! God bless…

On this day in History:

Scripture:

I was very busy all day – and will share that tomorrow, with photos! But tonight is the Loyalhanna Review Publication Party – and this year I have an essay published, which I’m very excited about. That never gets old! But I will be late getting home, so I’ll share that tomorrow as well. Happy August! God bless…

Here we are – the last day of July. Who can believe how fast the year is going? I was busy all day – started out with laundry and then making the Cinnamon Rolls for tomorrow. I plan to ice them in Yellow – since it’s a ‘Yinzer’ themed food spread. If I had known that earlier I may have ordered Steeler’s yellow and black M&M’s. We’ll just have to settle for ordinary ones.

Steelers M&M’s

I stopped at the bank to check on my C.D. – I got a letter that it was due for renewal and I needed to let them know what I wanted to do. Rose at the bank was very helpful and is going to help me with exactly the right thing!

I saw an Aldi ad about a lazy Susan for travel mugs or travel bottles – It was very inexpensive so I did get it – and it’s perfect! It really helps organize my mugs. It holds 7 mugs, and I can easily grab the one I need – hot mug or cold cup – where in the cupboard I had to move several to get to the one I needed. I love it! It’s the little things.

My next obligation was my chiropractor. He did a thorough adjustment and I felt better even before I left there. I stopped at Lowe’s on the way home and bought a quart of paint – I had a little dresser (mine from my childhood) that I wanted to paint and put in the flag room upstairs instead of using it in the closet. I’m a horrible painter! I had it on my shirt, shorts, hands, drop cloth, step stool. and the floor before I was done. I got 2 coats on it – Not sure when I will get it switched out, since the one that is now upstairs is too heavy for me to move on my own. I’ll see what creative method I can come up with – but the paint has to be super dry, and I want to clean out the closet where the dresser was. Time to get rid of excess.

The color is colonial/brick red.

By now I was hungry – having skipped lunch – so I had a half of a chipped ham sandwich. I left the car outside so the dresser could totally dry inside.

Oh, and the moon last night was low and orange and huge! It was amazing!

It moved up pretty quick.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 1st is:

National Girlfriends Day; National Play Outside Day; National Sunflower Day; Respect for Parents Day; National Raspberry Cream Pie Day; National Mustard Day; Sandcastle Day; National Disc Golf Day; National Summit Day; International Mahjong Day; International Childfree Day.

Hey, girlfriends! Have a super great day! Play outside – it should be nice weather tomorrow – go pick sunflowers. Nate and Dave used to LOVE playing disc golf – they had the baskets and goals and discs – Jen played, too! God bless…

On this day in History:1777 Marquis de Lafayette, aged just 19, is appointed a major general of the Continental Army

Today was much calmer at work than Monday was. When I got to my desk I saw out the window that there was a ‘baby’ groundhog in a have-a-heart trap. It had been digging a very deep hole under the foundation so Ken came and picked up the trap and was taking it to a safe place – a wooded area away from traffic. After Whistle Pig (his name!) left I got everything done except for verifying an address. We’re waiting for the customer to call back.

Little Whistle Pig

I popped into the store on my way home and got powdered sugar and a loaf of bread, and got a bagel (cinnamon crunch) at Panera Bread. That was my morning.

I had a phone interview with a reporter from the Latrobe newspaper about the Loyalhanna Review. I’m been writing for them and with them for over 25 years, and she was talking to several people to get input about the publication. It was fun to talk about writing and the magazine. I told her the first piece I ever had published was in the Loyalhanna Review, and she asked me to send her that story. Fun!

2025 publication.

My next adventure was to get a haircut from Dianne. It’s been about a year since I even had a trim! It didn’t take long for the haircut, but we did spend about an hour plus chatting! It was a nice afternoon.

neither one of us look like this!

I stopped on my way home and got a little wire basket for my fresh produce that isn’t refrigerated. It’s very cute! Perfect, in fact.

Just right for my tomato (the eggs are fake – for show!)

I went outside after I changed clothes at home and spent about an hour pulling weeds. Nate came to help me with something just when I was finishing up and we had a nice chat! It’s good to see him happy and healthy!

About one third done

Did this much today.

Rose of Sharen has both white and purple flowers. I’m guessing it’s two bushes growing together…

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 31st is:

National Mutt Day; National Avocado Day; National Raspberry Cake Day; National Get Gnarly Day; National Talk in an Elevator Day; World Ranger Day.

My friend Bear always says gnarly. I don’t generally talk in elevators… God bless…

On this day in History:1928 George Eastman shows the first amateur color motion pictures to guests at his New York house, including Thomas Edison

All I did today was clean, do laundry, and take the trash up to the road. Once I got that major task done, I went outside for an hour. I sort of half heartedly promised myself that I would try to do that as many days as I can. I didn’t work on the left hill – but cleaned up the bottom corner of the right – down by the shed.

And I uncovered a different color day lily in the process!

Watch the moon tonight – it’s the Buck Moon, and the lowest moon in the sky for the year.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 30th is:

National Cheesecake Day; National Chili Dog Day; National Climb a Mountain Day; National Intern Day; National Father In Law Day; National Whistleblower Day; National Support Public Education Day; International Day of Friendship.

Cheers and hugs to my special friends – love you! God bless…

On this day in History: In 1998 the remake of THE PARENT TRAP was released in theaters. The original was possibly my favorite movie ever (Haley Mills was my idol!!!).

I was laying in bed last night and couldn’t see the moon – but could tell where it was hiding!

Moon was hiding

But peeking out.

It didn’t feel like Tuesday since I didn’t work. I kept thinking it was Saturday! I did some small household chores after breakfast, one of which was to TRY and change the battery on another string of solar light. One of the screws was stuck and I tried every Phillips Head and knife and alum wrench in the house and it wouldn’t budge. Right when I gave up my cousin called and needed to drop something off. So I happily handled that for him then drug him up the steps and had him work on the little solar block. He did it! He got it open and changed the battery and now we’ll see if it works after dark. He advised not to put that screw back in. And the lights I worked on last night worked so that was a plus!

Lantern solar lights working.

Bright and beautiful

Pinky Winky with lights.

While we were working outside I noticed that the crazy robin was trying to build a nest on the porch light again. Since it was just in the ‘foundation’ stage I was able to dismantle it and clean everything up.

After I folded the laundry I headed to Palmer’s Farm Stand. I really wanted a tomato! I got half a dozen ears of corn (had a few for lunch) and three tomatoes, which I will have (one) for supper.

But after Palmer’s I got gas in the Jeep, and my friend Mike (and owner) laughed at the two ducks on the dash. Normally not my thing, but it seemed appropriate! I dropped off a flyer at R.A.V.E (Fleatique) for the Singer Sewing Machine (antique) and walked around. I had just walked in the door at home when a dealer called me and wanted to come get it! So he and his helper came out and got it and now I have more room downstairs. I have a few other things I’d like to rearrange but not quite ready for that yet!

The blanket chest takes up so much less space than the sewing machine.

Where the blanket chest was.

I keep putting off pulling the weeds from the bottom left of the hill – but the weather was comfy so I went out for about an hour. Filled a black trash bag STUFFED full. So I felt good about accomplishing something. I just walked inside and took off my garden clothes and it POURED down rain! That was good timing. So now, I’ll take you back to Altoona and the last of day two at the Baker Mansion.

Once we left the Fort, we headed back into downtown Altoona for the Blair Mansion. The drive down, again, was through forest and farm land and corn fields. Beautiful! Kathy’s request for lunch was Chick Fil-A so we hunted one down and enjoyed a leisurely lunch there before heading to the mansion. There was a short informative video in the gift shop explaining the family and the history before we went through the house.

Lunch!

The mansion was built in the mid-1800’s and was very elaborate. The rooms and the furnishings were beautiful. The family entered by the side door, business associates entered through the back doors, and formal guests through the front. At that time, there were acres of gardens, which our docent compared to Longwood Gardens!

Baker Mansion – back/business entrance

Kelly outside the Mansion

Front entrance and most formal

Front of mansion

Kathy and Kelly in one of the smaller gardens

The authentically recreated horseshoe shaped garden.

It was a beautiful big home!

Music and game room

Men’s parlor

Women’s Parlor

Dining room – the glass plates are authentic Centennial and bi-centennial plates

Mrs. Baker fed her dog at the table – literally!

There was a sword hidden in the walking stick.

I think my favorite rooms/items were the huge wooden desk in Elias Baker’s office. It was amazing. Another favorite was the kitchen and the event space in the basement. They, too, host Victorian teas, and I got a few interesting ideas from that docent.

BEAUTIFUL desk and book case.

Docent in the kitchen and dining space

Kitchen cooking space

Laundress

The event space – they dressed up the tables by putting vintage handkerchiefs under plastic on the tables

Vintage and family dresses.

Event space.

We kept seeing the name LOGAN all over the area – and found a portrait of Chief John Logan, a prominent Cayuga/Oneida leader in the Blair County area and a great influence. Since my grandson’s name is Logan we wondered about the connection.

Replica of the Logan House – Most high-class motel and restaurant in Altoona.

Chief John Logan

We spent a good while at the Mansion and had several excellent docents sharing information.

Period wedding gown.

Sewing room

Hetty Baker’s bedroom – best view in the house.

When we left there, we drove about two blocks down to see the building that held the original company store for the Baker’s workers on property. Also, the furnace that melted down the iron and created the products that we sold or used in their homes and offices. We headed out from there over the mountain and were home a little before 6pm. It was a great trip with lots of family fun and adventures. Where will we go next?

The back of the company store and the furnace

I loved the stone wall and gate outside the Company Store

The old Company Store building is now a Women’s Club

The original furnace.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 29th is:

National Chicken Wing Day; National Lipstick day; National Lasagna Day; International Tiger Day; Rain Day.

We need rain regularly so that’s ok. I haven’t had Lasagna in well over a year! Mary always makes sure I have the right lipstick. Not a fan of chicken wings. God bless!

On this day in History: 1933 First singing telegram delivered to Rudy Vallée in New York City

It’s been a while since I worked on a Monday! But it’s a good thing I did. There was so much to do – and several mini-disasters. Those are the hard parts! I was there from about 8:30am until after 1pm. Then I had an outside deal, a stalled computer, a glitch in the temp tag files, missing documents, and a call from Mike P asking for help! But I braved all of that and was home about 2pm.

So – Friday in Altoona! There was plenty of room, enough bathrooms that we could all get showered and dressed without delaying each other or Greg (getting off to work), and had breakfast. Since we were heading home straight from Baker Mansion we packed the car and was settled in for the day. On the way to the first stop, we swung into a discount warehouse to look around – we were running ‘early’. Kelly found a pair of shoes and we all saw interesting items that we didn’t need!

We saw a plaque with the meaning of ALTOONA on it – interesting. And we pulled into Fort Roberdeau 2 minutes after it opened! It was a beautiful warm day, sunny and comfortable, and tucked deep in the forests. The drive was over winding roads, through forests, and among cornfields!

Meaning.

Stock image – but it looked exactly like this – beautiful farms and barns!

Jim took our picture!

Waiting to go in the fort – me in our matching shirts

Fort entrance.

This fort was actually created to defend the lead mines in the area, which were very important in making bullets, etc, during the Revolutionary war. The reconstructed buildings were well done and presented authentically. There were never any altercations at the fort – but it did defend the lead mines and the settlers in the area.

Settler’s cabin – Kelly and Kathy

Wigwam

Our tour guide, Jim, was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of history, facts and stories about the property, the settlers, the residents of the fort, and daily life. There were several buildings for settlers, military, protection from Native Americas, a means of protecting the mines, and sustaining everyday life.

Jim – inside officer’s cabin

Officer’s cabin

further back – Officer’s cabin, then enlisted men.

Kathy looking at cabins

Stacking guns

Kitchen

Kelly whipping up lunch!

Kitchen

Blacksmith

Stones – where they melted down the ore and extracted the lead and made it into solid bars to be shipped.

Inside looking out.

I think the most interesting part to me were the sinking springs. That was amazing. Also, looking into a part of a huge lead mine on the property.

Sinking stream

Hope you can read some of this! Very interesting and amazing!

Where the lead mine was.

We walked down in the Powder Magazine – I guess I don’t really know what to do with a gun!

Powder magazine.

In the restored barn, there was an original covered wagon – but the tarp was a reproduction. The bottom level of the barn was a small museum, a gift shop, and a small area that showed a movie about the history of the fort and the area. General Daniel Roberdeau was given command of the fort, and kept in contact with several of our founding fathers, including General Washington. It was a very amazing and interesting morning! From the number of photos, do you get the idea we loved this place? I’ll post lunch and the afternoon activities tomorrow!

Restored barn – gift shop

1770’s wagon in the barn.

Once I ate lunch (eggs and toast!) I did a small amount of work outside, started a load of laundry, and attempted to work on the solar lights. I watched a YOUTUBE video on how to trouble shoot, which I tried to implement. We’ll see after it gets dark if my attempts were successful.

Changed the batteries!

Aaron came and cut the grass – he did a good job – weed whacked and blew everything clean and even bagged the clippings (I have a mulcher so I don’t do that!). We took a short walk around the yard so he knew what areas I need mulched.

Front yard cut

By the fence

And my Glads are still blooming – but no dark purple yet. All of a sudden I noticed it had rained. I think we are to get some ‘serious’ weather through the evening until morning.

Pink Glads blooming – or trying to.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 28th is:

World Milk Chocolate Day; Buffalo Soldiers Day; National Waterpark Day; World Nature Conservation Day; World Soccer Day.

I love chocolate! That’s enough for me. God bless….

On this day in History:1909 Orville Wright successfully tests the Wright Military Flyer, the world’s first military airplane, with a record flight of 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 40 seconds, flying approximately 64 km (40 mi) 

I was helping in Junior Church today. The kids were very attentive and Anthony’s lesson was very good. Several kids shared insightful comments about the lesson – which was about Jesus being the Light.

On the way home I made a quick dash into both Walmart and Lowe’s, but there wasn’t any solar outdoor lights that I thought would work for my back deck. Not sure what the next step will be. I thought I had it solved but both sets just simply quit working…

I love these little lights and neither string works! Bummer…

So, back to Altoona – the second half of day one (Thursday). We left Horseshoe Curve and headed into town. It was still a little before lunch so we weren’t ready to eat. We found the museum, parked and made our way inside. Kelly and Kathy both loved the museum – the displays and information are very helpful and interesting and also realistic. Kathy made ‘friends’ with one of the ‘workers’, and Kelly found her place at the bar. We had several good laughs at some of the displays. My favorite were the clothes hanging on the line, and the two rooms depicting a typical home of the railroad workers.

Railroad Museum – it’s big!

Entrance

Flat bed train car.

Clothes on the line – Window to Window!

Sample room – kitchen

Living room – all-purpose room

Clock near the news stand.

Kathy’s friend!

Kelly’s Bar – very popular spot!

Downtown – Courthouse and flag.

From the museum, we went across the street and had lunch at McDonalds, so we didn’t have to drive around looking for more choices. We sat over lunch for a long time and chatted, and just relaxed for a bit. We were all up very early that morning, then the longish drive up the mountains, then GPS-ing our destinations. So it was nice to just chill for a bit.

McDonalds – LUNCH!

Boyer’s Outlet Store was next on the list, and we all bought some little thing. Mary wanted Mallow Cups and I was able to get her a package of those.

Boyer Candy Outlet.

Candy!

Since we still had time, we drove over to Hobby Lobby and looked around. I like that store and we don’t have one here. Gabe’s was in the same plaza, so we popped in there, too. I found a set of matching sheets for ones that I had purchased for the twin beds (nice to have 2 sets the same) and Kathy got a purse. By the time we were done shopping and looking it was time to order and pick up the pizza to take to Kim and Greg’s. Kim is Kelly’s sister-in-law (Matt’s sister).There is a ‘Mom and Pop’ pizza shop there – which is a local favorite – so we picked it up on the way over to Kim and Greg’s.

Hobby Lobby and Gabe’s plaza.

Family Pizza – A Favorite!

We ate outside on the porch, and once we were done eating Greg turned on the gas fire-pit (on the porch) and we sat out there and shared stories and chatted until almost 9:30pm. It was a very nice evening, and with comfy beds and lots of room, we all settled in for a good night’s sleep. I’ll pick up day two tomorrow.

Kim, Greg, and Kathy – doesn’t the flame look like a ghost???

A friend of Kim’s wrote these books and left us autographed copies!

SO after lunch I changed clothes and went outside to do some yard work. Very comfortable and productive. I cleaned around the big maple in the front yard. Also, the Pinky Winky is blooming like crazy so I yelled ‘CHEESE!’ and snapped a picture! Now I’m waiting for Aaron to come and mow – hoping he gets here before too much longer.

Upper side of Maple

Lower side of Maple

Pinky Winkey

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 27th is:

Bagpipe Appreciation Day; International Safe Places to Work Day; National Chicken Finger Day; National Crème Brûlée Day; National Love is Kind Day; National New Jersey Day; National Scotch Day; Take Your Houseplant for a Walk Day; Take your Pants for a Walk Day.

I’m thinking that I would be WEARING my pants! I don’t have any houseplants or Scotch. I have been to New Jersey a few times and I like chicken fingers. I have a friend who plays the Bagpipes! Pinnacle is a safe place to work – until a car drives into your building or a truck backs into cable wires and pulls them down! God bless…

On this Day in History:1775 US Continental Congress creates United States Post Office (U.S.P.O.) in Philadelphia under Benjamin Franklin

We had two lovely historic days in Altoona. It’s such a clean and scenic town and easy to navigate. The town is nestled down in the flat valley and the mountains surround it on all sides. They look untouched and historic and make you feel isolated when you are there. I was driving so I didn’t get a lot of scenery pictures but there were so many farms and quiet, rural roads and CORN FIELDS! And the corn was super tall!

Stock image

So I’ll take half a day at a time, so as not to crowd the posts. We left Greensburg at 8am Thursday and arrived at Horseshoe Curve about 9:30am, after driving through the tunnel under the railroad tracks. We parked and paid and freshened up, then went outside. We were offered a ride in a side by side but decided to walk up the steps. We all made it just fine but it was quite a hike!

Tunnel through the mountain – under the tracks!

Welcome!

A long way up.

AND a long way down! Reservoir, museum and gift shop, stairs!

As fortune would have it (Thanks, God!) we just got to the top plateau and level with the curve when the first train came though. It was super long! It was still coming out of the right side of the mountain when the engine disappeared into the left side! It filled the whole curve. And the reservoir was glimmering in the bright sun, the sky blue and cloudless. My favorite part was hearing the train whistles.

Brown eyed Susans lining the steps…

In abundance!

Me in front of PA train

Kelly and the PA train

Kathy and the PA train.

Me, Kathy and Kelly and our Altoona shirts!

Me and Kelly

Kelly and Kathy

Here comes the train!

Several engines…

Keeps coming and coming….

High flying flag

Train

Norfolk Southern

John Deer on the train!

A few minutes later the Amtrack came through, and it was fun to wave to all the passenger and have them wave back. There were two more trains went through and the last one had a loud, long .series of whistles. Super cool! When I got home Friday night I found a YOUTUBE video of the Big Boy 4014 going around the Curve, and I can imagine how impressive it would have been to watch that.

And there goes the train….

I was also a fan of the purple picnic tables! We walked through the gift shop but I didn’t purchase anything. I normally get magnets – but I had a really nice one from the last time I was at Horseshoe Curve – about 10 years ago – and it’s nicer than what they have now. We walked through the adjoining museum and watched a few of the videos and learned some interesting facts. Also learned that the Liberty Bell traveled around the curve in 1915 on a journey from San Francisco to Philadelphia.

Pavilion and purple picnic tables – with Kathy

When we left Horseshoe Curve we drove down into town to the Railroaders Memorial Museum. I’ll cover that tomorrow!

I just got a txt from Autmn – she and Christina are going to a concert in Pittsburgh for their favorite band. They were both very excited!

My beautiful girls – Christina and Autmn

I wanted to get a jar of honey and I had two empty jars to return so I did that after lunch. I walked around Miller’s Crossing while I was there – and found a skunk! I didn’t really need any more skunks – but then, I probably didn’t need any to begin with! I also was able to replace a black ring that I destroyed in the winter so that was a plus – and very reasonably priced.

My 11th skunk, the black ring, and honey.

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 26th is:

National Aunt & Uncle’s Day; National Parents’ Day; National All or Nothing Day; National Bagelfest Day; National Disability Independence Day; National Coffee Milkshake Day; National Dog Photography day; National Tree Day.

I’ll celebrate AJ and UC for sure – and be remembering my parents. I could eat a bagel – but chocolate chip bagels (my favorite) are impossible to find around here (I’ll have to settle for egg bagels!). Save a tree! God bless…

On this day in History:1866 Ulysses S. Grant is named the first General of the Army. Today is also five months until Christmas Day!