It was cold this morning but no snow. And the sun was shining so it felt warmer than it was. I did title work for Greg P’s newest purchase, and when I finished up he sat and talked for over an hour. We covered a lot of subjects – from years past and for current times. It was one of my favorite days in a long time – (ONE of them – I have so many wonderful friends!!!)

Since Joe is away, I stuck around the Greensburg store while Ken and Mike took a car to the shop. As luck would have it, we got a customer. He was very nice and we chatted until Ken got back. I hope he liked the car!

I just finally walked in the door when Autmn txt to come up for the afternoon. So I grabbed a piece of leftover pizza and headed out the door. We had a nice afternoon. I was going to clean up leaves but it was still a bit chilly, so I opted to make Cinnamon Rolls for Peyton’s birthday. I’ll have to freeze them as I won’t see him for a week or so. But that’s done.

I got some Cameron time and a bit of history – Autmn was watching THE CROWN and she fills me in on all the details that I didn’t see. We had the fireplace heater on and it was cozy in here.

November’s calendar page in Jeannette – I could spend some time there! (At the lake, not at Pinnacle!!) Looks so relaxing.

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TOMORROW November 3rd is:

One Health Day; World Jellyfish Day; National Jersey Friday; National Housewife’s Day; National Sandwich Day.

Peyton’s 18th birthday! Also set up for the Victorian tea at Hanna’s Town. Maybe I’ll have a sandwich for lunch. And it’s Friday. So enjoy. God bless…

Today was cleaning day – and a few chores – and it took me all day. I still have some bills to pay so I’m just going to do a fun post of snow scenes that I pirated from Facebook! I was very glad to be inside – no only for the snow but because it was VERY cold and windy today. I’m not a fan… (PS – my neighbor cut his grass about 10am…)

So here are a variety a pictures and places from all over. Not much accumulation except for Albion – which doesn’t surprise me at all!

While I cleaned I had Hallmark on in the background. I listened to CHRISTMAS SHE WROTE; A VERY MERRY MIX-UP; CHRISTMAS UNDER WRAPS. All oldies but fun!

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TOMORROW November 2nd is:

International DOGE Day (Do Only Good Everyday); All Souls Day; National Cash Back Day; National Ohio Day; National Men Make Dinner Day; National Broadcast Traffic Professional’s Day; National Deviled Egg Day.

DOGE day is a great idea! We should always strive toward that. I’ll take cash back any day, in Ohio or any state. Logan and Autmn love deviled eggs! Have a great day… God bless.

It was very cold – deep frost everywhere – when I left the house for work, which went much better today and I was done in good time. The only customer the dealership had was this deer, who couldn’t get financed so he took off through the woods…

When I got home it was before lunch, so I changed clothes and went to the bottom yard and dug up all the mushrooms. I feel better about how it looks, but I’m sure I didn’t get the roots. Turns out my neighbor has a bunch in his yard now —

This is my sincere pumpkin from my pumpkin patch – well, actually it’s not really mine…

I went down and got Autmn and Cameron after I cleaned up the mushrooms. The sun was shining on a small patch of yellow trees on the hill. It looked so pretty…

Cameron and I had some snuggle time while Autmn was eating. He was wrapped up in his blanket with just a diaper on – and it was so sweet! Sigh…

Cameron took time to eat before going trick or treating. Then the gang got here and off they went…

I can see the fire trucks patrolling from where I’m sitting. They have their flashing lights on and the big spot lights. It’s nice to know they are keeping our kids and grandkids (and great grandkids!) safe.

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TOMORROW November 1st is:

Prime Meridian Day; Day of the Dead; All Saints Day; Autistics Speaking Day; National Biologic Coordinators Day; World Vegan Day; National Cinnamon Day; National Calzone Day; National Stress Awareness Day; National Brush (Teeth) Day; National Deep Fried Clams Day; National Cook For Your Pets Day; National Family Literacy Day; National Author’s Day; National Vinegar Day.

Wow – a lot to choose from. I’ll celebrate Author’s day and that’s enough for me! Have a wonderful November. God bless…

Here we are with only one more day in October, one of my least favorite days of the year. I will turn off the lights and hide away in the basement family room! I did trunk or treat so I already contributed to the demise of healthy teeth in Hempfield Township’s younger population.

Seems like once we hit November everything turns up a notch and life increasingly gets crazy. I am slowly but surely adding things to the calendar.

Amazingly I found Ghoul M&M’s at Ollies so after lunch I made chocolate chip M&M cookies. I am always so disappointed in my chocolate chip cookies. They always turn out flat as a pancake. Someday I’m going to conquer this cookie monster (see what I did there?) and my cookies will be note-worthy!

This is primarily going to be a fall post. I am not generally a fan of fall. It takes away my lovely summer, with bare feet, shorts, flower gardens, no jackets, longer evenings, outside events, bright skies, and sleeping with the windows open.

I dislike the bare, gray trees, dead plants, brown grass, dull rainy days, and cooler temps. But somehow this year has been different. The colors have been vibrant oranges and yellows, red and burgundy. Even the bare branches seem to lift their limbs into the sky, praising and swaying to some unknown song in the wind.

There have never been so many scatterings of leaves clustered on the main roads, intersections, and parking lots. It’s like the Great Designer has turned His focus on all the little, unnoticed nooks and crannies. Everywhere I turn there are bright trees dotting the hillsides, or the neighborhood yards, or the distant mountains, or lining back roads.

The wind blows, and the rain pours, but the leaves cling. At least enough of them to paint the landscape in bright designs. And there are more leaves still on the trees than not. Even in my front yard, though the ground is blanketed in yellows and browns, the Silver Maples above are still full of green and yellow. I need to keep after them – but I will respect the weather and wait for a warmer sunny day.

Every day I drive through town, or out of town, and see the new arrangements of color and pattern. I cannot remember a year that has been so awe-inspiring. I have always felt that come fall, the wind blows, the storms come, and the vibrancy is gone with the wind. This year it lingers, and glimmers, and draws the eyes to every tree and branch and limb and leaf.

Maybe it’s because I am in the fall of life. I am trying to take inspiration from the beauty of the season, knowing that leaving the summer behind and moving toward the winter of life does not mean the end of life. It means that I can share beauty and inspiration to those around – that I have time to slow down and take the changes a little bit at a time, and each change inspires in a different way and provides delight and comfort to those who see the colors. I need to focus on the beauty and inspiration and blessings that are around me and be the best part of the best displays and to give with both hands, arms raised to the sky and feet firmly planted.

I may just love fall, after all! Here are some pictures that inspired me today!

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TOMORROW October 31st is:

National Doorbell Day; Reformation Day; Girl Scout Founder’s Day; National Magic Day; National Knock-Knock Joke Day; National Caramel Apple Day; Halloween.

I’ll watch for the Great Pumpkin – I have very sincere pumpkins (see photo of mums). I also have a doorbell. Not good with jokes. Bud was the king of jokes! I still miss him… Have a lovely Halloween – hope you enjoy the day and aren’t hiding away like me!! God bless…

Today has been a repeat of yesterday – cold, rainy, cloudy. A good day to be inside and eat soup! Last night I did get the potato soup made, and I’m planning on having that for supper in a bit.

Autmn just txt me and asked me what songs I sing to Cameron. I gave her a list, and she said he likes Mockingbird Hill. I didn’t ask if she’s singing to him or if she found them on YouTube! He also likes Mairzy Doats. I looked that one up and The Three Stooges sing it!

Sunday School was a little wild. Max’s cousins were in for the weekend, and they can get loud and wild! They did listen very well to the lesson and also did their crafts. We finished up the Noah lessons and Mary had them make rain hats. Not sure how I managed, but they all lined up and I took their pictures with their ‘rain’ hats! Jackson put a huge floor puzzle together in good time and was very proud of himself!

Todd’s message this morning was the third in a series on Anxiety. They have really been helping me focus on things that I get unnecessarily stressed over. Here are some key points: Comparison drives anxiety (social media); all is not as it appears. Anxiety goes down as thanksgiving goes up. We should celebrate who God is, and ask for help. Focus on what you have, not what you don’t have. It changes your perspective. GRACE is something you receive. JOY is what you experience. GRATITUDE is what we give back. Here is the key thought.

About 3pm I drove down to Norwin (I’m spending a lot of time going to Norwin!). Kelly was looking for something specific from the Dollar Tree that her stores didn’t carry. So I checked the two in Norwin – they had half of what she needed. But I was picking Teresa up from her long weekend in Virginia so I was already down there. She had a great time and had great weather (unlike us!). She brought me back a shadow box of Christ Church where General (President) Washington attend when we was in town. What a lovely gift!

I had a cup of hot tea and a cookie for a mid-afternoon break. Watching (or listening to) Hallmark Christmas movies!

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TOMORROW October 30th is:

National Wicked Day; World Audio Drama Day; National Publicist Day; Speak up for Service Day; National Candy Corn Day.

Not a fan of candy corn – but I love AJ/UC’s home grown corn. Have a lovely week. God bless…

Since I posted last night before I went for Chrissy here are a few pictures when I went to get her. She was leaving the football game at half time to help Jen at her Cash Bash at Lakeview. I got to the school with no issues but there were no parking spots anywhere. I drove around the lots several times until finally a truck pulled out right across from Hempfield buses. That was great because I knew Chris would know where they were parked and could find me. I was right across from the band instrument transport and she walked right to me.

From there I dropped her off at Lakeview, but walked in to let Nate know we managed fine. There were several people there I knew, including Noah, Autmn and Cameron. So I got my baby fix! They also had photo ops set up, and we took a few pics of Nate and Jen, and Nate and I. The place was crowded and there was a lot going on! I’m sure -as in the past- the event was wildly successful. (Nate just confirmed that is was!)

This morning I did my normal Saturday morning chores, then made cinnamon streusel muffins with chocolate chips. The plan was to meet Kathy’s group at the bottom of Willow Crossing Road so I could follow them, and I’m really glad I did. The farm where the party was held was in the middle of nowhere! And I think Paul took us on every back road between here and the farm, including through Vancouver British Columbia. When we finally pulled in I wondered how in the world Sarah ever found this place!

But it was great! It was Autumn Ridge Farms, and they had so many fun things, especially for kids. In addition to Wyatt and his sister Millie, there was Addie and Conrad and Thea, then a bunch of adults.

Despite the back twisty roads we were there early, and helped Sarah and Kyle decorate for the party. They had pizza and snacks and even a hot cocoa bar. And Oreo Ice Cream cake to sing with.

There were lots of animals – some of which the kids could pet and even feed – and Wyatt loved the barn. He didn’t want to do anything else, including eat!

The photo ops were wonderful, and although I didn’t get my picture taken, I did get a lot of pictures. The kids had a ball climbing around and playing with everything. I can see why they call it Autumn Ridge Farms.

I helped clean up and was putting the balloons in Sarah’s car. Paul snapped a picture. I felt like Gonzo on the Muppet Movie. Waiting to lift into the air from the balloons! Just as we were leaving it started to rain, and it’s a steady downpour right now. I’m glad we are all home, inside, and dry.

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TOMORROW October 29th is:

World Stroke day; National Oatmeal Day; National Hermit Day; National Cat Day.

I will have oatmeal for breakfast before church – but no cats. We’ll see what exciting thing I can get into tomorrow! God bless…

After breakfast this morning I drove down to Irwin and scoped out Norwin High School. I wanted to be able to see which roads took me in and which was the easiest. From there I popped into Walmart and got a few fun things for Cameron to play with while he’s here. He seems so alert to his surroundings and I want him to be aware.

I stopped at Mike P’s to help him with something. Renee changed the bench display and it looks fall-festive!

I had an apple and caramel dip for lunch, then tackled the front yard. It took a while because it was windy and the leaves blew every which way. But I did get it cleaned up.

Where did all these mushrooms come from? Ugh!

Here are a few pictures of the sunrise on the Potomac River in Virginia that Teresa posted.

The ironing is done and the clothes ready to put away. I will go down to pick up Chrissy at Norwin school at about 8pm. Then my daily obligations will be over! I was going to make potato soup but the leaves took longer than planned – so I will work on that tomorrow!

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TOMORROW October 28th is:

National First Responders Day; National Trick or Treat Day; National Internal Medicine Day; National Chocolate Day; National Make a Difference day.

I just had some of my chocolate covered peanuts from Smicksburg. I’ll have more tomorrow. No Trick or Treat for me! Thank and respect your first responders. They sacrifice every day. God bless…

I can say that I kept busy all day today – from one end of things to the other! I worked at Pinnacle in Jeannette first and got everything done there. I went up to Greensburg but didn’t get much done. Teresa txt that her ride would be in Irwin in 45 minutes – so I left and came home. She parked her car in my driveway and I took her down to the designated meeting place. They got on the road about 11:30am.

She and three friends are spending the weekend in Olde Town Alexandria VA. Here is a picture I pirated from facebook!

From there I went back to Pinnacle-Greensburg and finished up the deals for that store. I also had two outside transactions to do, which for some reason seldom go smoothly. No one ever remembers to bring the right documents or provide the right information! Sad to say I was NOT in the mood for that today, and was a little cranky!

I stopped at Walmart to grab a few items, then picked up Autmn and Cameron. She sat outside on the deck with him for a bit to get fresh air, while I washed and swept out my car. It was a mess from all the trips I’ve gone all over the place!

All that hard work yesterday cleaning the leaves on the driveway – there’s more! So maybe that will be part of my chores for tomorrow afternoon after laundry. I did notice that my lilacs are blooming. There are a few purple and white blooms near the top. It’s almost November!

While Autmn was eating apples and caramel dip I was feeding Cameron. He fell asleep in the pink glow of my shirt!

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TOMORROW October 27th is:

National Civics Day; National Black Cat Day; National Frankenstein Friday; National Breadstick Day; National American Beer Day; Navy Day; National Pharmacy Buyer Day.

I like breadsticks. Since Autmn and Cameron are coming back tomorrow maybe we’ll have breadsticks! Have a great Friday. God bless…

Today I DID get to stay home ALL DAY – car never left the garage! I did cleaning, and a little yard work, read, and did laundry. And took the trash up. I even raked leaves again, but only on the driveway.

Kathy sent me the pictures that she took on our excursion yesterday, so they are posted below.

We even stopped and took a picture of the old springhouse on the property that belonged to Grama and Grandad Crooks. It looks so different there, because all the huge trees and shrubs are totally gone! The only thing left of any tree is the carved bear…

I went outside and pulled all the dead morning glory vines off the fence. It looks much cleaner and neater there.

That’s all for today. I am hungry so it’s time for food. Maybe eggs…

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TOMORROW October 26th is:

National Financial Crime Fighter Day; National Tennessee Day; National Mule Day; National Mincemeat Day; National Pumpkin Day; National Day of the Deployed.

Pumpkins are appropriate. Mules? Hmmm. Have a happy Thursday and God bless…

First, before I get to the heart of the day (literally and figuratively!) I’ll give you an update for the prayer requests. I talked to my neighbor’s son; he is still in ICU. He has bacterial pneumonia, and an infection in his blood and it’s also showing up in his urine. He’s very sick and uncomfortable and really doesn’t like being where he is. Who would? I guess Karen is very stressed as well.

Mark’s operation on his foot went very well. And although he hasn’t been able to walk on it for YEARS it will be quite an adjustment – obviously. Continued prayers for both are appreciated.

The LAST thing I did today was rake the front yard. It took me about two hours. But doing it in small increments is helpful. Another four bags ready for the garbage man!

Now for the day – lots of pictures; probably ‘pond’ overload! Inspired by Susie’s pictures yesterday. Kathy, Mae and I headed to Smicksburg about 8:30am, and got there a little before 10am. Some of the stores weren’t open until 11am, but there were enough that opened earlier that we easily filled the hour. Only one store was closed.

We stopped at Timeworks, and I liked this little block. Good advise.

We drove downtown and went to the stores that were already open. The Primitive Peddler staff was decorating for Christmas and was transitioning from fall. Across the street at The Country Cupboard I found a cute fall pin shaped like a cornucopia. From there we went to Smicksburg Furniture and tried out the Adirondack Chairs. Guess who was sitting in the purple chair?

All the time that we were driving we enjoyed the absolutely wonderful, colorful hills and trees. Also, the conversation was fun, too! The three of us never lack for conversation!

From the furniture store we drove over to Donna’s store. We all bought some type of chocolate or candy. Kathy and I got double-dipped chocolate covered peanuts (the best!) and Mae got maple dipped peanuts which she loved. Donna’s store was uniquely decorated as always – and she does a wonderful job on that. My favorite was the little pine tree with tiny pine cones, and the Halloween tree with twinkle lights!

Again, my current favorite store is the Shop in Smicksburg. I bought a little wooden apple but loved looking at everything. By then we had covered all the stores that were open so we headed back out Route 954. As on the last trip, we headed down Sinktown Road and ended up pulling into Uncle Jim’s driveway – where Susie had taken the pictures yesterday. We were greeted by four very white tailed deer prancing around the yard in front of the house.

We had packed a lunch and found a shady spot by the pond to pull over to eat. Once finished, we got out and walked around the pond and took pictures. If Kathy or Mae send me the pictures that they took, I’ll post them later in the week. Here are the ones I took. Watch for the reflections in the water.

We talked about all the memories and adventures we had – in the woods, with our cousins, swimming in the pond (with the frogs and fish and snakes and cattails!) and ice-skating when the ice was thick. Time flew, and before we knew it we piled back in the car and were headed down Route 119 South.

It was an absolutely beautiful day in every way. Great company, great memories, great experiences, glorious nature. Already excited for the next trip!

Smicksburg Old Fashioned Country Christmas Open House – November 4th & 5th and 11th and 12th? Maybe!!

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TOMORROW October 25th is:

National Merri Music Day; National Greasy Foods Day; Sourest Day, International Artist’s Day; Chucky, The Notorious Killer Doll Day.

Two months until Christmas Day! Bud would never fail to remind me of that! The rest, I’m not celebrating. Especially the doll thing. I’m not a scary movie girl. Make your Christmas list and have a happy day. God bless…