I had a full but slow-paced day. Work went well but I was there until almost 11am which is unusual these days. Filled the guys in on all the crazy things this car is doing – we all agree it’s possessed! Right now it’s just plain dirty – maybe that’s the problem.

It even looks spooky!!!

On the way home I stopped at the bank (again), then did emails and phone calls until lunch. I decided to go outside after that, and checked on the bloomers. Still a few left.

Butterfly on the butterfly bush.

White Rose of Sharon

Purple Rose of Sharon again a beautiful blue sky.

I cut down dead stalks and trimmed a few bushes, then blew off the driveway. Last year’s sealant is shredding and making a mess so I cleaned that as best I could. Then I cleaned up the leaves in the front yard. I’m thinking more will keep falling every day as it’s that season!

Raked up leaves….

… then all cleaned up.

I took some things over to Kath although no one was home (which I knew). One thing was I wanted to get this book to her before their trip.

Finished reading it so I wanted to return it.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Logan Christian Church posts the coolest scriptures! They are a blessing!

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 17th is:

National Professional House Cleaners Day; National Apple Dumpling Day; National Table Shuffleboard Day; Constitution Day and Citizenship Day; International Country Music Day (yea!!); International Patient Safety Day; National Pet Bird Day; Time’s Up Day; Smithsonian Day.

I haven’t had an apple dumpling in decades – since my mom used to make them. I LOVE country music! The words are often so clever! Time’s up for what? Hmmmm. God bless…

I had time this morning before my meeting to mix up bread dough. Right now it’s rising in the bread pans in preparation to be baked. That will be supper later.

Three out of the five loaves.

The meeting was at 10:30am and I was even a bit early. We had a lot to go over and settled pretty much everything. I did find out that our friend Pricilla’s husband – who has been ill for several years – passed away last week. Even though he was on hospice it’s still hard. She will have quite an adjustment .

With Claudia in charge.

Somehow I had a really busy day. I had a call that I couldn’t take from Mike P during the meeting, and when I was done I had to run down there. Since I spent all my cash at Smicksburg yesterday I had to stop at the bank today. I also went up to Palmer’s to get corn – which I was informed that they ran out of about a half hour before I got there!

Maybe I’ll try again tomorrow….

Nate and Dave finally got here and wiped the bird poo off my front shutter, and cleaned the gutters. They have leaf guards, so it wasn’t the inside, it was the outside. The back one was filthy black. They look super white and pretty now!

Clean and white!

During the meeting I had a message from Merilee (Flax committee). I had to wait until I was out of the meeting and finished running my errand to call her back. But in the meantime Kelly called to see what the plan was for the weekend. So I called Merilee back, then called Kelly back, and I hope we are all squared away now. I had to run over to Diane’s to pick something up and drop off her fudge from Smicksburg, then got gas in the VW, and now I’m home and typing this!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Courtesy of Logan Christian Church

PEANUTS?

Quote for the DAY:

TOMORROW September 16th is:

National Sit with a Stranger Day; National Tattoo Story Day; World Barber Day; Teenager Workout Day; National Guacamole Day; National Working Parents day; National Step Family Day; National Play-Doh Day; National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day; National Voter Registrations Day; Mayflower Day; Collect Rocks Day; Get Ready Day.

My tattoo has a story – it matches Nathan’s. I am a working parent, and all my kids are working parents. I used to love Play-doh but now it’s sort of a nuisance! I had a step family – don’t see the girls very often any more. Kelly used to collect rocks and give them to her dad! God bless…

First of all – Happy Birthday to my cousin Susan! I still miss her and think of her often – we had a lot of adventures together. But she is celebrating and rejoicing with Jesus!

Susan (holding Mr Fresh), Gail, Me (holding Snoopy) and Kath 2014

Sunday School this morning was still in Judges – about Deborah. We learned that God equips both men and women for leadership- you can be divinely appointed. God has a calling for you. All God requires is simple obedience. We (as women) have a purpose and a place in God’s plan.

I left church and headed to Smicksburg about 10:30am. Got ‘HOME’ about 11:40am. It was a beautiful day for a drive, and very pleasant walking the streets and checking out the stores. There were a lot of people milling around – lots of food trucks and extra booths and even some sales.

Honey, I’m HOME!!

Lots of people, extra booths and tents

My first stop was at Donna’s store – I picked up some cheese, and 2 chocolate covered Oreos for lunch! I didn’t feel like messing around with the food trucks, and the store wasn’t selling hot dogs. That’s what I was hungry for!

Cornfields and newly mowed grass.

Sheep at Donna’s store….

From there I parked in town and went through the Country Cupboard. I bought a cute little manger magnet (on clearance) and a tiny star cookie cutter. Spent $2!

Manger magnet

Teeny Tiny star…

Then I walked over to the Farmhouse Finery, where I found the set of wooden measuring spoons. They are so cool and I love them — again, on sale.

I walked up to Re.Claim and they have a lot of antiques and some hand made crafts. There was a HUGE dragon outside the front door that drew a lot of attention.

VERY fierce looking wooden dragon!!!

One of my favorite shops is the Shop at Smicksburg. I really didn’t find anything that tempted me there, so I jumped back in my car and headed home. Drove home past Grama Crooks’ house and the springhouse.

It didn’t look like this when Crooks’ lived there!

I love this springhouse!

This was the neighbor’s hill where my mom and her siblings used to sled ride – and often ended up in the creek!

I stopped across from my cousin’s house on Crooks road and took pictures of some horses playing in the pond. They were splashing and prancing and looked like they were having great fun!

And I took a picture of the cow on the pole that we pass every time we go to Smicksburg – and all those years that we traveled to the cabin…

I made a bathroom stop at Walmart and grabbed some Pepsi – I had a travel cup and ice with me so that worked. They also had the orange pumpkin plates that the Walmarts close to Greensburg didn’t have.

Not many of the leaves have changed much yet but there were a few spots.

Just a touch of color.

I answered some emails and looked up some items online, then about 5pm I finally got something to eat. I made a big, healthy salad with chicken and it was yummy!

Well, not exactly…..

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Courtesy of Janet Drown

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 15th is:

National Online Learning Day; National Neonatal Nurses Day; National Tackle Kids cancer Day; National Cheese Toast day; National Double Cheeseburger Day; National Linguine Day; National Felt Hat Day; Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie Day; Dot Day; Respect for the Aged Day; Family and Community Day; National Google.com Day.

I learn a lot online. I know a neonatal nurse! I prefer non-cheese burgers. Dot day? Is that my MOM?? Lots of ‘Aged’ around these days. God bless…

Happy Birthday Matt – and Mark! Hoping your day is wonderful! Sending hugs and wishes to be surrounded by lots of family and love.

Matt, big sister Aunt Kimmie, mom Ruth Ann, Uncle Mark (the boys are twins)

Today was Ladies Retreat at Camp Christian. Deb and I left the house close to 8am and got there in time for breakfast. That was amazing because they always make fresh iced cinnamon rolls that are delicious! Yum!

Hay bail – fall tree in the front yard.

The camp day started with two workshops, and I attended the one in the Mill House, ‘A TIMID FAITH?’ taught by Vera Benson. From there we had free time, and most of us went ‘shopping’ at the DORCAS MARKETPLACE. Ladies brought homemade crafts and foods and other items and all proceeds went to camp. I bought some Christmas note cards and some decorative soaps.

Theme for the weekend.

Vera Benson

Two workshops started at 11am – A craft by Irene Reynolds in the Mill House, and my workshop in the Chapel – ‘WRITING IT DOWN; LEAVING A LEGACY OF FAITH.’ I was happy that it was well attended and was a success. It was fun to teach and the participants were well engaged. We took a walk down by the creek to stretch our legs.

Next was lunch, which was (as is always!) very good. We had chicken patties, cheese sauce, ham, green beans, salad, Sweet potato and regular fries, fruit and brownies for dessert. There was so much I didn’t even finish my brownie. I am saving it for supper.

Mill House – dorm rooms, dining room and a classroom.

My brownie.

We played Bible trivia after lunch and I was surprised at how many obscure details I remembered! I’m sure if Kath would have been playing she would have won – but she was manning the Marketplace. There was a tie.

Kathy is in the back left by the pole – in the purple sweater.

We had a praise song worship time for about 45 minutes, and Patty Buschek led that. Our guest speaker was Melinda Donnelly, who is a long time friend who lives in West Virginia now but was raised in the Hempfield church. She had a wonderful challenging message. Dianne closed the program with another song (that she wrote, and about 3:30pm we headed home.

Praise and worship time – Patty playing and Tracy was her support.

Melinda with her husband Darin. Topic was LIVE OUT LOUD.

Deb wanted to stop at DQ on the way home, so we had a little treat. It was not a tiring day but I do feel unmotivated to do anything domestic!

Lots of choices…

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 14th is:

National Parents Day Off; National Sober Day; National Eat a Hoagie Day; National Cream Filled Donut Day; National Pet Memorial Day; National Hug your Hound Day; Gobstopper Day; National Coloring Day.

A Hoagie sounds good – haven’t had one in a long time. Parents can NEVER take a day off! I’m not a fan of cream filled donuts or coloring. God bless!

I had a list to accomplish today, and I got everything done except the treadmill. I will do that after I finish this.

After a breakfast of a frozen waffle and tea I headed down to Mt. Pleasant. I get so tired of the same Walmart – especially Greensburg’s super-sized eclectic always-out-of-something store. I stopped first at Aldi and got two cases of water and a pack of chicken breasts. Chicken has marinated all day and is now roasting happily in the oven and will be supper later.

It didn’t look exactly like this at this point….

Walmart was next, and I did find what I needed. I stopped at Shop n Save in Youngwood on the way home and got Pepsi which was on sale. Saved $12!! Got gas in the VW then settled in. Autmn picked up Cameron a little after lunch, and he looked happy – except that he wanted OUT! They were on their way back to Beaver, but Autmn was very tickled to have had a relaxing evening and stayed in bed until 10am! THAT never happens!

Happy boy – looks like he had a great sleepover!

I finished the Jan Karon book #12 and started COME RAIN OR COME SHINE (#13). It’s a much shorter book and I’m half way done with that. I – of course – have read the whole series several times so I know what happens, but I wanted to be refreshed in the ‘culture’ of Mitford for our fall trip.

I did my laundry and ironing and worked on my workshop, and am as organized as I can be! The rest, as they say, is ‘Let go and let God.’

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 13th is:

Positive Thinking Day; Uncle Sam Day; Day of the Programmer; National Peanut Day; National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day; National Bald is Beautiful Day; Defy Superstition Day; Drive your Studebaker Day; Free Dental Day; International Chocolate Day; National Hug your Boss Day.

I’d hug all 3 of my bosses but we’re closed tomorrow. I’m POSITIVE we are. And if you’re thinking of Uncle Sam don’t forget about Dan Rice (look him up!). National Peanut Day is NOT the comic strip – it’s the food. I think we had a Studebaker when I was very little. I’ve never had any free dental work that I remember! And I’ll take the chocolate! God bless…

There were a lot of conversations on the radio today about 9-11; what people were doing and their related experiences. Of course it always makes a person stop and think. I was at work – and both my kids called me. Donna Kier kept going back to the TV in the service lounge and reporting updates. I called my mom, too, to check in. It was scary to go outside.

But today was a work day. Sir Rege and I had (as I suspected we would) several conversations about the Charles Kirk shooting. Lots of posts on facebook – but I did not comment. Just staying back, and praying.

After work I buzzed to Shop and Save – picked up some Quilted Northern which was on sale, and a small tub of soft Blue Bonnet spread. Walmart doesn’t always carry either.

My preferred brand.

I also bought a bag of Utz pretzels, and melted some white chocolate and then some milk chocolate and made chocolate covered pretzels. I sprinkled Halloween non-perils on them and they are tucked away in the freezer. Once Autmn knows they are there the supply will dwindle quickly!

Chocolate

White

I made a little bit of rice for lunch, then I went outside for a while. I pulled the weeds between the patio stones outside the back door, and cleaned up the flower beds along the front walk.

stones with weeds.

Stones when done.

Sidewalk part 1

Sidewalk part 2

This ugly bug freaked me out!

The horses were grazing on the hill – they looked so content and peaceful!

My neighbor popped over and told me that the neighbor 2 door up from her was in the hospital a few weeks ago. There were lots of cars at their place and she finally saw someone and asked what was going on. Apparently Lynn (her friend) got Lyme disease and they called the family in – she was so bad they didn’t expect her to make it. That is very scary. The other neighbor had it this spring and is still having issues with his hands and fingers. Even thought I have some lingering tiredness (could be my age!) I feel like taking 11 1/2 months to finally start creeping out of that — well, I got off easy.

I can’t even stand the cartoon images!

Cameron is having a sleepover at his Grama Trina and Granpap Scott’s tonight. They live right down the road. Autmn stopped here to borrow the pack n play. They were very excited about this so I hope they all have a wonderful time!

You really can’t tell but he’s pointing to the Snoopy on his pants.

Saying goodbye – against our better judgement!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 12th is:

National Day of Encouragement; National Hug and High 5 Day; National Just One Human Family Day; National Video Games Day; National Chocolate Milk Shake Day; National Police Woman Day; National Stand up to Cancer Day.

It’s wonderful to be an encouragement to someone – do it! CHASE will be excited about the video games. I may just have to get a McDonald’s chocolate milkshake tomorrow. God bless…

I have been wracking my brain to think of something to post – but came up empty. I spent the day cleaning, doing laundry, and reading SOMEWHERE SAFE WITH SOMEBODY GOOD. I’m almost 3/4 of the way through.

It’s been calm and quiet, and unexciting. So I think I’m just going to post the scripture and be done. Maybe tomorrow will be a little more interesting!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 11th is:

National School Picture Day; National Hot Cross Bun Day; National Make your Bed Day; Patriot Day (9/11); Are you OK Day; Libraries Remember Day; No News is Good News Day.

I make my bed every day! Sometimes I’m not sure if I AM ok! We should all remember 9/11. Why do we hate among each other so much? God BLESS the USA- — –

I had a few things to do in Jeannette this morning that didn’t take long. I popped into Aldi to pick up a small pot of Mums – they look pretty hardy. I didn’t want to get a big one – just something for a little color on the back bench.

At 11am I went to Dianne’s as I had a haircut appointment with her. She took a little over 2 inches off – and truthfully I think I still have a few damaged spots. I let it go too long without attention. But I didn’t want it any shorter for right now. Maybe in the spring I’ll go back to shorter again.

I came home and made a salad, then did some emails and looked a few things up online. I decided I wanted to put a set of battery lights on the garland around the hall mirror. The picture doesn’t do it justice but it looks very nice in person. I also found my set of pumpkin face lights that I always put above my desk – so that’s done too.

On top of desk, with the ghost!

Lights on the garland.

I spent a few hours outside, taking down some rogue bushes that are sort of weeds. Then I trimmed the fence by the lilacs (I hate it when the branches stick through the fence!), and dug up a bunch of weeds around the driveway.

Cut some straggly bushes out.

By the fence.

Driveway – side part 1

Driveway – side part 2

Driveway bottom.

Then I organized my little box of give-a-ways for our October auction at Beth’s. I poured a drink of iced tea in my fall travel cup and I’m set for the evening.

Yesterday when I took my walk I went on the road directly behind my house. It’s always fun to see the house from a totally different perspective.

It looks neater than I thought it would.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 10th is:

National TV Dinner Day; National Swap Ideas Day; White Balloon Day.

We were just talking about TV Dinners – I got some recommendations on the good ones! If I had a balloon I would want a bright color! God bless…

Autmn just sent me a darling txt for ‘Happy Grandparents Day’! It was lovely to hear from her and that she is thinking of me!

Crocus tea – April of 2015. Autmn, me, Chrissy.

I took my time getting organized this morning – then had to run down and help both Mike P and Brian S with titles. I got a call on the way down from Kathy – Paul is in the hospital again – same issue, third time since November. Join me in praying that he will quickly get back to his healthy self and be ready for each day that God gives them. I was able to get my work done and was back home by noon. Did a load of laundry then made a salad for lunch.

My chores were to put a few sets of battery-operated fall lights out, and also a few sheets of window stickees. Got that done, ran the dishwasher, and now have a few other chores to do. Also worked some on my refreshing my ‘faith’ workshop for Saturday at Camp Christian.

Switched around some blankets – put the blue one upstairs, the orange pumpkin one on the ladder, and the green one on the chair.

This PUMPKIN PATCH rug used to light up – not sure what happened!

Leaf lights above Kitchen Sink.

Purple bat lights – bathroom

Leaf lights – hall book stand.

Yellow lights on the kitchen table.

Leaf lights on the picture frame downstairs.

I know they are hard to see – PEANUTS stickees on my bedroom window.

I walked around outside a bit, and took pictures of the butterfly bushes. There are always a few butterflies flittering around them. The blue one and the purple blossoms on the Liberty one are so bright and vivid!

Mini wreath on the outside wall.

Purple….

Blue one…

I guess it’s time to get the ironing done and unload the dishwasher. And maybe take a walk since the weather is appealing!

QUOTE of the DAY – from Diane:

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Courtesy of Logan Christian church.

PEANUTS:

TOMORROW September 9th is:

National Wiener Schnitzel Day; CareBears (Share your care) Day; National Ants on a Log Day; National Teddy Bear Day; Emergency Services Day; International Sudoku Day; National When Pigs Fly Day.

My kids both had Care Bears. I had several Teddy bears. I CANNOT manage Sudoku puzzles – never ever got one right! And I’m still waiting for pigs to fly…. God bless…

Go ahead, Piggy Smalls, FLY!!!

Today was a beautiful day – it’s been chilly but sunny, comfortable to be outside or inside. We had a good Sunday school lesson this morning – and I got a few more tips for my workshop on Saturday. Todd’s message was about ‘God without Walls’ from II Timothy. Is what you are living for worth dying for? Paul’s sentiment about the gospel and his deep commitment to sharing it sends us this thought: This can’t die with me. Does the way you follow Jesus make others want to follow Jesus. God has no grandchildren. We are God’s message to our children and to those who watch us.

Todd

After church Mary and I went to Eat n’ Park for lunch. But we had breakfast! The buffet was still set up for breakfast so that made for an easy choice. Their biscuits are SO good! And the bacon was yummy. I didn’t really need anything else.

Website image

Since I was out that way I stopped at the mall. It had been a while since I was at Barbara Ann’s Country Store and was feeling the draw. I did buy coasters – here is a fun one!

I actually bought more than one…. Shhhhh!

And here is a picture of the other plate I got yesterday. I thought the gray plates were plain – and they are ghosts! There were no orange plates, but it looks like they would have had pumpkins.

Ghost plate.

The sky was beautiful – look at the clouds! Presque Isle clouds!!!

Once I got home, I left the car parked in the driveway, changed clothes, and lugged all the fall bins off the shelf. I weeded through everything in all the boxes so I could scale down. As it was there was still tons of items to find places for. I have a big box to share, one way or another! Here are some pictures – although not everything.

Happy Snoopy and Woodstock ready for fall.

Blessed and Welcome.

Gather…

Fall for Jesus….

The friendly witch is at home…

Looks like Snoopy might BE lunch!

Grateful lazy susan

Ghostly

Fall soaps

bathroom pumpkins

Leaves around the hall mirror.

Did a few things outside, too.

Little ghost solar light.

Outdoor projector – purple and orange

Tonight is supposed to be the moon eclipse – and the red glow. So far it’s still there!

Sort of a copper glow.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 8th is:

Star Trek Day; National Boss/Employee Exchange Day; Actors’ Day; International Literacy Day; National Ampersand Day; National Dog Walker Appreciation Day; Pardon Day.

Not too much exciting! I’ll just spend tomorrow putting up the fall window clings (stickees), and I do have to run out to work for a bit. Have a great week! God bless…