TODAY is Skunk Hollow cousin Karen O’s birthday! Happy birthday Karen, and hope you have a beautiful, fun day! Love you!!!

Karen (sitting) and her younger sister Holly

The day started out sunny and comfortable. It was hard to believe that at a little after noon it suddenly POURED! Autmn was here getting suntan lotion as they were going swimming at Noah’s Mom’s (right down the road). It did stop raining and the sun came out – so I hope they got to swim a bit. It’s been raining on and off all afternoon.

Our Sunday School lesson was the last one by Kyle Idleman about Capturing your Thoughts. And today’s was about beginning the day with a good focus and keeping on track all day. His story was about planting a garden of words (which I was excited about, seeing I have this Word Garden!). The words that were spoken planted seeds of either weeds or flowers. The sprinkler watered whatever plants there were most of – nice words (flowers) or ugly words (weeds). Lily (we were in her garden) noticed that weeds were taking over her garden, so she began to watch her words and her thoughts and attitude. Soon the weeds died and the flowers bloomed in profusion! START YOUR DAY with flowers and water them all day long!

I hope the words I plant in this garden give you something to smile about, or think about, or at least enjoy! As my mom would have said:

This was the scripture reference for the lesson:

Plant the right words in YOUR word garden!

I taught Wee Worship this morning – I had a very capable helper who was good with the kids. We had four students and they were (as a whole!) good listeners. Our lesson was NEVER STOP PRAYING and we learned about how God Knows Best – about Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane. Sometimes the answer to our prayer is not what we hoped for. We had Rice Krispy Treats and Capri Suns for snack. I got the feeling that those snakes were answers to the kids’ prayers!

I came home, got Autmn settled with her sunscreen and plans for the week, and made toast and tomato for lunch. Then I listened to Todd’s message since I was with the kids during 2nd hour. I also listened to Greg’s message about friendship and am very glad I can call him FRIEND!!

My FRIEND Greg!!

That got me thinking about friendships – and how we sometimes take them for granted or don’t give them enough consideration. I value my friends – and mostly I have (as everyone does!) deep, abiding friendships and also friendly acquaintances. They are all special and valuable to me. If I count you as a friend, that means there is a special place for you in my heart and in my life. Thank you for being there.

So now time to move on to other things. I have BILTMORE CHRISTMAS playing in the background. I just glanced out the door and look who was nibbling in the yard???

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 18th is:

Bad Poetry Day; Discovery Day; Long Tan Day; National Couple’s Day; National Fajita Day; National Ice Cream Pie Day; National Mail Order Catalog Day; Never Give Up Day; Serendipity Day.

I’ve written (and read) my fair share of bad poetry! I’ll do the ice cream pie — and never give up! God bless…

A mostly stay-at-home Saturday. Started with changing/washing sheets and refilling week’s pills. I changed the flag in the front yard to BACK TO SCHOOL.

My little grouping of yellow flowers grew really big!

I managed to write out a thank you note and get it in the mail, then was able to sew Jojo’s jeans. There were holes everywhere! I think they will hold up now, at least until she gets tired of them.

I think I had to sew about 6 places.

I couldn’t get this video to shrink. Hope it posts. Noah was reading MONSTER AT THE END OF THIS BOOK and Cameron wouldn’t turn the page! It’s really cute.. (If you know the book you know why he wouldn’t.)

Next I studied my Wee Worship lesson for tomorrow. Also got the ironing done. After lunch of fresh corn (from yesterday!) I made a quick trip to Norwin Walmart. I was thinking they still sold sewing supplies and they did. I managed to get two spools of jean-colored thread. Also finally got a stuffed cow for my little chair. It wasn’t the one I saw in the spring but I looked online and in several stores and looks like it’s not part of inventory any more.

He’s VERY soft!

Also found a spooky purple plate for $.50. They had bowls and cups to match but I didn’t want them! It was the last plate left.

BOO!

Treadmill up and ready – That’s my next activity.

I’m watching A BILTMORE CHRISTMAS for the 4th time since yesterday. Just basically have it on in the background. I’m getting in the mood for our November trip!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 17th is:

Baby Boomers Recognition Day; Black Cat Appreciation Day; National I Love My Feet Day; National Thrift Shop Day; National Pineapple Juice Day.

I am a baby boomer and so are a lot of my friends! I guess if I can buy a spooky plate we can appreciate a black cat. And my feet have taken me places for 75 years so I DO love them! And I’m always up for a Thrift Shop! God bless…

I picked Kathy up about 8:40am and we headed to Smicksburg. Such a beautiful morning – cool but sunny. We had everything we needed for a visit and to do up the corn. Uncle Clifford had it all picked by the time we got there.

We tag-teamed to visit with Aunt Joan (AJ) who was still inside. Kathy went upstairs first and they chatted for a while – Uncle Clifford (UC) and I husked the corn and started it boiling. Kathy came down and worked with UC while I went up and talked to AJ. I eventually helped her get dressed and get settled out in the kitchen. Then UC came in to get her breakfast.

UC and Kath working.

Opps We’d better get to work – the boss just showed up!

The hard part!

We husked, boiled, and de-cobbed the corn – and chatted! It stayed cool enough for us all to be comfortable. We were almost done when UC took the tractor back to the corn field and brought us another few dozen!

Putting the husks in the shade.

Finally about noon we had everything in tubs and in the freezer. We all went upstairs and made short work of getting dinner on the table – sandwiches, chips, corn on the cob, mini cinnamon rolls, and lots of conversation.

Lunch – my corn had a baby corn!

UC had a post card from the 70th anniversary of Griffith Auto Sales. Right now they have a big, beautiful building on Route 85 between Home station and Plumville. They started out in the machine shop on the Griffith’s original farm. I actually got my very first car there – a 1963 Chevrolet Biscayne! It was the size of a house boat but I was so excited! I’m excited for them to be celebrating 70 years.

Then…

Now…

Once lunch was cleaned up we worked at putting the corn in baggies, then cleaning up all the work equipment. UC went back out to the corn field and got several dozen ears of fresh corn for us to take home. Kathy and I took a few pictures, then left for Greensburg with full coolers and fuller hearts. We are so blessed – what a giving, loving family we have!

It’s always wonderful to share Jesus!

Pictures of the farm!

Behind the house, up over the hill.

More corn fields

Glads and Flags

The original farm

Tomatoes

Flowers on the front porch.

More glads.

Apples under the tree

More cornfields

Shade tree in the front yard.

UC, AJ, Kath

UC, AJ, Me

Me at AJ/UC’s.

Look closely – mamma skunk and babies!!!

We took a different route into Plumville to go past Colleen’s house reno, with the new garage and siding. Super beautiful! I’m so happy for her! It’s beautiful.

Colleen’s reno…. Beautiful!

We made a quick stop at Donna’s store and got chocolate covered peanuts, cheese, and more pictures. I dropped Kath and her corn at her place, then dropped off some corn for Nate. Now it’s almost time for Hallmark to show A BILTMORE CHIRSTMAS so I have to finish this up!

Kathy at Donna’s store

Me at Donna’s store.

Bags of corn tucked in my freezer.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 16th is:

International Homeless Animals Day; National Airborne Day; National Independent Workers Day; National Roller Coaster Day; National Tell a Joke Day; World Honey Bee Day; National Rum Day.

I have only road one roller coaster in my life – I couldn’t walk straight the rest of the day! I’d rather forget that — God bless!

TODAY is my cousin Allen’s (born the same year I was!) birthday. Happy birthday, Allen – hope you had a wonderful day with your family!

Allen and Bonnie last year.

There were a few things to do at Pinnacle, then I stopped in to see Mike P. Had to grab a few items for the weekend on the way home. I took a little detour and got some corn and tomatoes at Palmer’s Farm – had corn for lunch.

Palmer’s

THEN – I got a call from Uncle Clifford that the corn is ready! SO Kathy and I are heading out there early in the morning to help with corn. Before Autmn got here I popped back out and grabbed some lunch food to take along.

Stock image.

Cameron was SO wound up! He’s wild and crazy! We played inside for a short while, then we went outside. He chased us around the yard with his sword. Maybe we were re-creating Star Wars!

He loves the finger puppets

… and his chair. He’s also a ham for pictures.

Into everything

Building the tower.

Sword man!

I was able to get the grass cut – it was pretty warm but there was a nice breeze, and the front yard was totally in the shade. Since that is the last area that I mow, it was a cooler, level surface to end on.

Grass cut…. still waiting for the new grass to grow.

Everything is either organized or on my list for tomorrow so I’ll be ready! We haven’t visited AJ/UC in far too long – so this trip is long over due!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 15th is:

Chant at the Moon Day; Check the Chip Day; Hawaiian Shirt Day; Koolaid Day; National Lemon Meringue Day; National No Sponge Bob Day; National Shoe Donation Day; World Greatness Day; National Relaxation Day.

I generally don’t chant. I just made cherry Koolaid; it’s almost finished. I doubt I’ll be doing much relaxing tomorrow. God bless…

Happy birthday, Deb! Hope your day was fun! Love you!

Deb (middle) with son (Michael) and daughter (Emily)

Today is Wednesday, right? Clean, wash towels, take up trash. Lather, rinse, repeat! That was my day! With breaks in between reading my current book. Book 6 out of seven. I’m going to miss these characters when I finish the series, even though some of them aren’t very likeable. That’s sort of real life, right?

By mid-afternoon there were at least as many – if not MORE – leaves under the maple as there were yesterday before I raked. Bummer.

Stock image…

Once I took the trash up – which meant I was done with regular chores – I ‘suited up’ and went outside for garden work. I snipped all the dead stalks off the butterfly bush. It looks much fresher now without all those big brown lumps.

Bright white and purple now – no brown.

I decided to pull the weeds between the fence and the dying lilacs. They look bad enough with brown leaves, let alone clumps of wild grass and vines weaving among the trunks. I was amazed that they look so much better!

Messy mass of weeds and wild grass.

Weeds and dead leaves…

All good!

“Great job, Marge!”

Last night Autmn sent me a picture of Cameron — they went out for dinner somewhere and stopped for ice cream. You can see that Cameron is very excited about the prospect of chocolate ice cream. I would be, too!

The last of the clouds last night were pretty and pink.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 14th is:

Love your Bookstore Day; National Creamsicle Day; National Financial Awareness Day; World Lizard Day.

Tomorrow is my cousin Allen’s birthday. I love bookstores! Not so crazy about lizards… God bless!

Last night the rising moon was still orange. It’s no secret I’m not the best photographer, and don’t have any camera but my phone, but it was big and bright and full.

I worked this morning – had a few things to do. A long-time friend of mine had title work that needed done. He had an older Corvette he was selling and his neighbor had an older Jeep. So we spent a while getting all that done. And since we worked together at Smail’s for YEARS (he beat me by one year: His 53 years to my 52!) – as did Ken and Barry – we spent a little time chatting.

It’s very warm today but we still have a breeze. If you can stay out of direct sunlight you’re ok. My weather app says rainy days ahead. I’ll believe it when I feel it on my head! (Isn’t there a song about that? By B J Thomas?)

I got gas in the VW, stopped at the bank, and then came home and had a salad. Even though it was hot, a lot of the front yard was in the shade. You would think it’s October instead of August. My newly pruned maples are dropping leaves, and the yard was a mess. So I raked up under the trees and had five little piles, when bagged them. Yard looks neater now!

I had five piles

Cleaned and bagged.

I rewarded myself with a little row of M&M’s. Always the perfect treat!

I did get the cat story finished, and my writer friend Linda had some excellent suggestions for me. I knew she would; she’s more widely published than I am. So now I’m going to print out the story and send it to Sandy. I just hope it makes her smile!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 13th is:

Lefthanders Day; National Filet Mignon Day; World Calligraphy Day.

Tomorrow is also my cousin Deb’s birthday! And my dad, my friend Gen from New York, and Ron from Florida — all left handers! God bless…

Started out this morning with an M&M breakfast. No, I did NOT eat M&M’s for breakfast. I used my mug for hot tea, and my little snack bowl for oatmeal. Matching always makes breakfast more fun.

M&M Breakfast!

I went down to the shed first thing to check the Flax supplies bin. Kelly and I needed to take inventory so we knew what we needed to still get. We’re set except for a few things. The festival isn’t until September.

Flax plants – blooming!

Walking down to the shed I noticed the sky – ‘Look at the clouds!’ My kids will understand that! We used to drive to Presque Isle and watch the sky. It was like an internal thrill! The sky was bright blue with fluffy white clouds puffing across the sky. We called them Presque Isle clouds! Makes me want to go, just for nostalgia sake!

Look at the clouds!!

I did laundry and then sat down to get some ‘business’ accomplished. I got a refund on the first treadmill but they did not refund the service plan. They kept asking me if there were parts missing! It took a while, and believe it or not I remained patient, but I finally got a notice this afternoon that they were refunding the additional charge.

Refunded….

After I did that, I got to thinking about a long-time friend of mine who fell while doing a kind deed for her daughter’s family. I decided to write a short story based on her fall – although not with the actual details. It’s purely fiction. I’m waiting on feedback from a friend who has 6 cats, loves cats, and understands cat antics. Then I’ll be ready to share the story.

I made a salad for lunch, then got back to the laundry and emails. I went outside to get a few minutes of fresh air and decided it was nice enough to get some yard work done. There were still a lot of day lilies, Iris stalks, Dutch Iris, and cone flower stalks that needed cut back. I was out there a few hours but it made a really big difference.

Most of the hillside looked like this.

Cleaned up, section by section. #1

Section #2

Section #3

Section #4

Section #5

I looked this flower up – it says Allium. I don’t even remember planting it but I love it. Looks like growing fireworks!

Still have some flowers blooming.

My little solar bobbles watching the flowers.

I was excited when I saw notices on the Hallmark Christmas Movie Fan Page (of COURSE I’m a member!) about two new movies during Countdown to Christmas. The first one is A Newport Christmas, filmed in Newport! It sounds really fun. Has to be! The second one is Grand Ole Opry Christmas and stars Brad Paisley! And filmed at the Opry! Those are two I will be excited to see – over and over!

I actually got a decent picture of a butterfly on my bush!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Not a scripture, but a wonderful thought!

PEANUTS?

With M&M’s!!!

TOMORROW August 12th is:

IBM PC Day; International Youth Day; Middle Child Day; Milkman Day; National Gooey Butter cake Day; National Vinyl Record Day; World Elephant Day; National Julienne Fries Day.

Are there still milkmen? I don’t think milk delivery is a thing. I still have a collection of vinyl records, including a bunch of Christmas ones and my Beach Boys ones! Enjoy! God bless…

Happy Birthday Snoopy! He’s such a creative, fun, amazing dog! I’m so glad Charles Schulz shared him with the world!

Greg, Nikki and Ophelia Saldi were at our church this morning. Greg was our previous youth minister, but for the past 10 years they have been missionaries to France. It was so interesting to listen to their experiences. You would think France would not be quite so religiously deprived but it’s very different over there! Glad to spend time with them. They were also at our family reunion yesterday, as they are very good friends!

Greg, Ophelia, and Nikki Saldi

Todd’s message was about being ‘called’ We are called to live a worthy life – a holy life. It’s not about what you do, but about who you are becoming. Be more like Jesus. Who you are becoming is more important than what you do. The size of your work isn’t determined by the significance of the task.

I had a little time before heading to Millie’s birthday party. My hand-made wind chimes fell apart, so I gathered up the pieces and strung them all back together.

Opps! Fell apart.

All fixed!!!

I also took a picture of the section that I cut back and weeded last night after it got cooler. It looks so much better.

All cut back – looks great!

There was a bright green hummingbird hanging around my butterfly bush. As is typical, I didn’t get a very good picture.

See the hummingbird? Top center

Everyone had a good time at Millie’s party – it was at Veteran’s Memorial Pool at Lynch Field. Millie loves to swim so a pool party is perfect!

Happy Millie

Sarah on the left – friends – Millie on the far right.

Kathy and Paul

Party pad

Gifts

Great day to swim!

Chip lips

Snacks

Pizza and donuts

The ‘littles’

Sarah and Millie – gift time!

Millie is a ‘Swiftie’!

Walking across the creek to the pool.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Todd’s scripture basis.

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 11th is:

Hip Hop Day; Mountain Day; National Align Your Teeth Day; National Free Mask Day; Presidential Joke Day; Son and Daughter Day; Play in the Sand Day.

I love the beauty of the mountains. I have a son and a daughter which I am always happy to celebrate! I could use a day to play in the sand – at the beach! God bless…

Saturday! Started the day as is typical for Saturday – changed and washed sheets, refilled pill boxes, shower and breakfast. I even had time to do the ironing from yesterday so that was a help.

CELEBRATE~!~!

I still gave myself enough time to get everything ready for the reunion. I had to print out last year’s minutes to make sure I didn’t forget anything. I would have forgotten the extension cord if I hadn’t done that! But I got everything organized and only had the cooler and the basket with everything in it. I got there early enough to help with set up – and was glad I had brought extra serving utensils.

There was plenty of food – a nice variety – and yummy desserts. One of my favorite dishes was the Buffalo Chicken Dip with chips. But I will say that everyone really liked the chocolate chip cookie bars. I only brought about 8 home with me!

Food!

Everyone was busy eating and talking so I didn’t really get any good people pictures. That’s not my area of expertise.

My cousin John – on the end in the wheel chair – is our senior attendee! I’m right behind him in age.

Table two

Table three – Pistol the dog attended!

The whole group.

We also had a lot of Chinese raffle baskets. I didn’t have any luck with that this year but there were a lot of nice choices.

Lots of raffle items – and the coveted cactus lamp on the end! Jesse won that!

I came home and wrote out the details of this year’s event and got the rest of my Saturday chores finished.

Great group – I love my family!

Draining my cooler.

I did see an advertisement for a new Hallmark Christmas movie – I’m already excited for this one! Ginna Claire Mason (Hats Off to Love, A Holiday Spectacular, Broadway’s Wicked) and Wes Brown (Haul Out the Holly, Love on the Danube: Love Song) star in A Newport Christmas, a new, original movie set to premiere later this year during Hallmark Channel’s 16th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event. Filming took place on location in and around Newport, RI and Buffalo, NY.

I just saw a butterfly on the lilac bush – which at the same time is shedding its leaves and blooming at the same time!

Can you see the white lilac blooms?

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Joshua 1:9

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 10th is:

Snoopy’s Birthday!; Melon Day; National Lazy Day; National S’mores Day; National Spoil your Dog Day; Update your Bio Day; World Lion Day; Agent Orange Awareness Day.

I will celebrate Snoopy — and that’s why you have to spoil your dog. In his honor. God bless…

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post – Stoney passed away on this date in 1991. I had just purchased this house. It was a trying time back then as the kids were young and concerned about the future. God is good, and here we are!

I was just getting organized to start my day when Gen called from New York. She had some information for me, and turned out I had some for her! And then we chatted! It’s always a special blessing when I can spend time talking with my friend – we talked for over 45 minutes and it was a delight.

After breakfast I managed to throw a load of clothes in the washer, then headed out for groceries. I needed quite a few items but for once (it’s rare…) I got every thing I needed, all at one store. Once I got home I made a baked potato for lunch and made potato salad for the reunion tomorrow. I was going over my ‘to do’ list in my head when Kathy called and wanted to stop and discuss our plans for the next few months. We sat on the deck and went over everything, and ended up choosing the Biltmore at Christmas for our trip destination in November – a candlelight Christmas tour! And we are staying at The Village (on location!). I’m so amazed and excited I can’t believe it! This will be two major dreams crossed off my bucket list — and I don’t really think there are any more items on it! Utopia! (The first was staying on Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg 2 years ago!)

Biltmore at Christmas

Walking back to our Williamsburg Colonial House!

Once we finished up our lists and secured our reservations and tickets, I came inside and made the chocolate chip cookie bars for tomorrow. I have my list for things I have to remember to take. I did forget to get drinks and ice but I’ll grab that on the way there. I hope to balance my checkbook when I’m done with this, and that will be another Friday in the books!

Mixed.

Baking

Done!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Amen, and amen….

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 9th is:

August Moon Festival; Co Working Day; Garage Sale Day; National Book Lovers Day; National Bowling Day; National Hand Holding day; National Rice Pudding Day.

Tonight is the Sturgeon full moon, just so you know! I like garage sales but I LOVE books – I will be celebrating that. Not a bowling fan. Enjoy your day. God bless…