Here we are at the last day of September for 2024. This year is flying past, and for me the summer months did not hold all the adventure and outings that I normally look forward to. But I feel I am improving – even though still confused and uncertain that the diagnosis is correct! Still ongoing, so we will see!

I went to work in Jeannette but there wasn’t a lot going on. I typed out a form I need for church (so they could read it!) and have it ready to turn in on Sunday. I stopped on the way home at Target (just because I could!) and found a nice Beach Boys shirt! It was on the clearance rack and very inexpensive.

Also picked up a little bowl for my sister because it looks like it will match her kitchen. I will leave it on the sink tomorrow when I stop to water the plants on the porch.

After lunch (a salad) I made chocolate covered popcorn. I used the leftover melted chocolate and iced a few chocolate chip cookies.

I did a load of laundry, and am sitting here watching it rain. Not a good day for doing anything outside!

My blessing for today was a nice night’s sleep.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 1st is:

Ancestors’ Day; Balloons Around the World Day; CD Player Day; International Coffee Day; National Mailman Day; International Day of Older Persons Day (ME???); International Music Day; Model T Day; National Black Dog Day; National Fire Pup Day; National Hair Day; National Homemade Cookie Day; National Lace Day; National Raccoon Day; National Taco Day; National Pumpkin Spice Day.

Yesterday there was no fake day. Tomorrow – celebrate Tazz, my detective black dog! Also homemade cookies, lace, and music! God bless…

Today was the last day of our teaching break. Mary and I will teach the month of October. I have the lessons picked out and next week’s lesson printed. We had a children’s ministry meeting after church today and Izabela had a lot of helpful information. AND we had lunch!

Todd’s message was about sharing Jesus. We should use our resources to influence people for Christ. 1) Carry other people’s burdens. 2) Move obstacles. 3) Trust Him. God is in control – Don’t THROW Jesus at someone. BE Jesus to someone.

Once the meeting was over and I left church, I stopped at Aldi for a few things. They did NOT have popcorn (for my new air popper) so I went to Shop and Save for that, and picked up my favorite Quilted Northern while I was there.

I left Shop and Save and took the back way home – Passed a house with an unusual Halloween display!

I next stopped at Kathy’s to get the mail and water the plants on the porch. Dollar General was having a harvest buy one/get one free sale, and I can never resist a bargain! This was fifty cents!

Diane and her friend was supposed to leave tomorrow for Asheville NC but the flooding and the storm damage has changed their plans. They are instead going to Gettysburg. Either trip sounds amazing to me! She sent me a picture from her friend who lives near the Jersey shore. The waves were super high!

Kathy sent me a picture from the Grand Canyon. A dream come true for them, and I’m so happy that it’s finally happened! I believe the trip also involves a train ride!

I took an hour outside and cleaned up three small sections of my flower beds. I’m still intimidated by the hill! Maybe this week… But while I was cleaning the section by the gate, I was working around the Zinnias. When I stood up I noticed a huge bee sitting on the flower right above where my head was! I’m glad it stayed on the zinnia and didn’t climb onto my head!

At church this morning Mary had a surprise for me. She MADE me a picture of Charlie Brown and Snoopy! I love it! It’s amazing! She is such a dear friend and I appreciate her friendship so much. Thank you, Mary!

My blessing today was having the energy to get extra things done.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW September 30th is:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day; International Podcast Day; International Translation Day; National Chewing Gum Day; National Hot Mulled cider Day; National Love People Day; National Mud Pack Day; National Puppy Mill Survivor Day; Orange Shirt Day; Pet Tricks Day; Thunderbirds Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Stink Bug Day. Tomorrow – We should always love people. I wrote a story about Tazz and a puppy mill. It was another one of my favorites, set in Boston… God bless!

Started with normal Saturday chores – fresh sheets, laundry, breakfast. I sipped my tea in leisure and read a chapter in The Light Heart. I kept an eye on the weather, and decided to cut the grass. I got the whole thing done with no significant breaks. First time for that all summer. Yard looks nice. I was going to start on the hill (weeding) but decided to work on a writing project that Kathy recommended.

Mary stopped over for some things for the senior center where she works. She sat for a while and we chatted. It was nice to have a visit since we haven’t been teaching together since August!

Sir Rege is in Aruba with his wife and 3 other couples, and he sent me a txt with a picture of the pool/beach where they hang out. Beautiful!

I also saw some photos of the entrance to Biltmore near Asheville that has flooded. I can’t believe how much water there was! Thankfully the Biltmore is high enough on the mountain that the water doesn’t reach it.

For some reason there are a lot of mushroom-type little things growing in the yard. Yuck.

At 5pm I took a break and popped over to pick up my auction items from Ninth Life Rescue that I won high bid on. I’m pleased with all of them!

Kathy sent me a picture she took at the Hoover Dam. Wow…

My blessing for today was the visit with Mary.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW September 29th is:

Confucius Day; Michaelmas; National Biscotti Day; National Stinkbug Day; National Coffee Day; National Goose Day; National Police Remembrance Day; National Silent Movie Day; National Starbucks Day (not a fan!); World Deaf Day; World Heart Day; National VFW Day; Gold Star Mothers and Family Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was New Glasses day. Tomorrow celebrate hearts! We all need them! Kath will celebrate world deaf day. And the silent movie era would have been super cool! God bless…

I surprised myself by getting up earlier than normal for a Friday. I usually laze around and read for a while. But I had oatmeal for breakfast, then ran a few errands. I went to pick up my newest prescription (I hope this is IT!) then stopped at the bank.

Next I splurged and went down to L&L Fleatique. Haven’t been there for a while. There were a few interesting items. I passed on the Snoopy vampire (too expensive!) and the wooden stars (although they were lovely!).

I did, however, purchase another beanie baby skunk. They are very hard to come across and usually expensive. This one was $3 so he came home with me. Currently he is sharing the limelight with the other B.B. skunk. Wonder, will we have baby skunks eventually?

After lunch – toast and tomato – and finishing the laundry and ironing, I sat down to finish the Flash Fiction stories. I didn’t want distracted by the TV so I put on Youtube videos of City Alight (Christian singing group) and listened to their calm and soothing music while I read the last dozen stories. I did end up finding a few that were well written – a few of those I totally did NOT like the story but recognized the creativity. That’s a hard one to deal with! There were a few that had a little humor and those are my favorite. So we’ll see what happens next. I’m waiting to hear when the other two judges are ready to compare scores. I think the deadline was October 1st.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, was my day. It’s cool, rainy, dreary, and windy. A good day to be inside reading by the fire. Wait. I don’t have a fire. Or a fireplace…

My blessing for today was taking a leisurely walk through L&L, and finishing the stories! But I am still basking in the delight of spending time yesterday with our sweet Cameron!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW September 28th is:

Ask a Stupid Question Day; Family Health & Fitness Day; Fish Amnesty Day; International Lace Day; International Rabbit/Bunny Day; National New Glasses Day; National Ghost Hunting Day (for my friend Ed K!); National Good Neighbor Day; National Hunting and Fishing Day; Save Your Photos Day; National Public Lands Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Train Day. Tomorrow – I’m good at asking stupid questions. I wrote a story named ‘LACE’ – one of my very favorites! Tons of bunnies in my yard, and I try to be a good neighbor. No hunting and fishing. And why would a fish need amnesty anyway? God bless…

I had a few things to do in Jeannette, then at Mike P’s. Got 6 or 7 things at Walmart, gas in the Mazda, then home. Passed this house with over the top Halloween decorations!

Had a toast and tomato sandwich for lunch, then did a few things around the house. There was a light rain so I stayed inside. In fact, it’s raining lightly right now. Autmn called and her and Cameron came out for a few hours after lunch. He is so funny and so much fun! But WOW is he a busy baby! You can’t take your eyes off of him for a minute!

Kathy came over to say a quick hello and goodbye as they are taking a trip out west for a few days. We all enjoyed watching Cameron, and he was very entertaining.

Autmn had two types of healthy muffins that she wanted to make for Cameron’s breakfasts, and about 6 or 7 types of fruits and veggies that she needed to cut up so Cameron can have them with meals. We worked a few hours on prepping those foods. In the meantime Cameron was in ten places at once! He really loved the big bowl and purple spoon and played with it the whole time.

I made him Chicken Nugget Dinosaurs for supper, then they left. They had to pick Noah up at work. Think the chicken came from the egg cartons???

As I sit here and type, Alvin the Chipmunk is sitting on the deck. I think he’s giving me a lecture, because he’s upset that his nice little home in the front maple tree was taken away. Hoping he can find a new one before winter!

Today was the 55th anniversary of the Beatles Abbey Road album. Reenacted by 1774 Founding Fathers in Colonial Williamsburg!

My blessing for today was having my precious family here!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW September 27th is:

American Indian Day; National Train Day; Ancestor Appreciation Day; German Sandwich Day; Hug a Vegetarian Day; Morning Show Host Day; National Chocolate Milk Day; National Crush a Can Day; National Scarf Day; World Tourism Day; National Day of Forgiveness.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Scotch Day. Nate will celebrate by hugging Jen (vegetarian). Forgiveness is good, and so is touring. God bless!

I got a little waylaid in getting started with the cleaning today. I was almost done with the third Williamsburg novel – EVER AFTER. So all through breakfast and finishing my English Breakfast tea I read. So now I am officially late getting the house done and also on the second section of THE LIGHT HEART.

So I was just finishing up cleaning at 4pm when Teresa called. She got home yesterday from her trip to Scotland. We spent an hour and a half on the phone, sharing adventures. Hers — her trip. Mine – medical maladies! Hers were much more interesting and exciting! She posted a picture of her ‘welcome home’ – Gigi was very happy to have Teresa back home!

Kelly posted a few more pictures of Ransom. I can’t wait to meet him!

And that was my total day! I’ll try to do better tomorrow.

My blessing today was a lovely phone visit with Teresa!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW September 26th is:

Shamu the Whale Day; National Scotch Day; Alpaca Day; Better Breakfast day; Johnny Appleseed Day; Love Note Day; Lumberjack Day; National Day of Praise and Worship; National Dumpling Day; National Key Lime Pie Day; National Pancake Day; Remember Me Thursday.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Helicopter Day. Tomorrow let’s go with praise and worship, pancakes, and love notes! God bless…

My first adventure of the morning was to see Dr. Baker. He was super nice, and very informative, and we have a plan. One prescription, bloodwork in 2 weeks to make sure it’s working, and an EKG – which was perfect!

I went straight to work, and did the deals that were there. Rege and I spent some time talking about Trump’s visit to our friend’s farm. I was there until about noon or so.

I had a muffin and veggies for lunch, worked on a few projects, did some ironing, and answered emails. Now the post, then FF stories.

Kelly sent me a txt from her time at Leader Weekend for 4H. She was awarded 4H Outstanding Leader award! I’m really proud of her, and everything she does for the 4H-ers and the community. Congrats, Kelly!

Here are a few fall pics.

My blessing for today was getting some answers!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day is for Kelly:

TOMORROW September 25th is:

Binge Day; National Open the Magic Day; Math Storytelling Day; National Comic Book Day; National Cooking Day; National Daughter’s Day; National Lobster Day; National One-Hit Wonder Day; National Quesadilla Day; National Roadkill Day; National Tune Up Day; World Pharmacist Day; World Dream Day; National Helicopter Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Farm Day. Tomorrow, I’ll celebrate my lovely, sweet, fun, talented, caring daughter. Also, Chase will celebrate national Quesadilla Day – hopefully not made with roadkill! Sweet dreams! God bless…

PS – tomorrow is 3 months until Christmas Day!

I worked a little in Jeannette – and it poured while I was there. Then I mailed Chrissy a package to school just for fun, and stopped for a few groceries at Walmart. Came home made muffins to freeze for quick breakfasts.

Did some laundry, and had a bite of lunch. The doctor’s office called to see if I could take an earlier appointment so I left at 2pm to go to Latrobe. I noticed when I got to Route 30 that the ramps going west were all blocked off. By the time I got to Walworth bridge there was a helicopter cruising overhead, and about 2 dozen escort motorcycles with blue and red lights flashing going west. Then there were at least a dozen big black SUV’s with blinkers on, with another dozen black SUV’s behind that. There was traffic everywhere. Sir Rege told me that Trump was in town – going to Latrobe, Smithton, and IUP. So that was probably his cavalcade. It was kind of exciting to see! I would have loved to take a picture but I was going 55 down Route 30 East and couldn’t slow down or stop. Maybe there will be something on the news. *This just in! Rege just sent me photos – Our friend Rachelle (who used to work there) is married to Eric Davanzo (State Rep) – Trump visited him in Smithton! Rachelle took photos!

I feel like I got a lot of good information from Dr. Prazado. She zeroed in on Asthma right away, very confidently. She is having me tested for certain allergies, which is now done by bloodwork. Treatment may change slightly if allergies are present, but regardless – it’s Asthma. She ordered me two new inhalers – one maintenance and one rescue. I’ll get bloodwork tomorrow or Thursday. The view leaving the office was beautiful!

There was a spectacular sky when I got home – very cool!

Kelly txt me that ‘Logan did a thing today.’ That ‘thing’ is Ransom!!! How cute is he???

Autmn sent me a picture of a craft she’s working on. It will be beautiful when it’s done. It’s already pretty!

A few fall decorations –

My blessing today was answers from the doctor – oh, and Tonia is home and improving!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW September 24th is:

Bluebird of Happiness Day; Heritage Day; National Cherry Jubilee Day; National Punctuation day; National Voter Registration Day; National Farm Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Ivy Day. Tomorrow – hands down – punctuation! No one cares about that any more! God bless…

First an update on Tonia, which is rather vague as I know it right now. She was life-flighted to AGH in Pittsburgh on Friday night because of blood clots in her lung. Her face is very swollen. They are working slowly and deliberately on breaking them up safely. She is feeling some better but will stay at AGH until the situation is resolved. They appreciate your prayers and thoughts for them.

I just got to church this morning when Kim called me, and she was tied up at home for a few minutes and wanted me to sit with the class until she could get there. I just walked into the classroom when Izabela (children’s director) came in with new sample teaching material. Kim, Stephanie, Mary and I will look it over and see if it will be a good fit. Once Kim got there I went down to class. It’s still an anomaly for me to be in class!

Todd’s message was focused on Moving Forward with the Next Generation. His love for the youth and their part in the body of Christ is very obvious. We should mentor the next generation, and be spiritual parents – make a difference in their lives. They aren’t the future; they ARE the church. Stop a minute and consider that the new testament starts with God asking a teenager for help – when he asked Mary to be the mother of his Son!!! Wow. Leave a spiritual inheritance for the Next Generation. It was a very good, motivational message.

After I got home and ate lunch I changed into grungy clothes and started on my yard project. I was just going to mow, but it was obvious I needed to weed whack, which I did first. It was fairly warm and that slowed me down almost an hour! But once that was finished, I cut the grass, blew everything clean with the blower, and hosed off the white fence. It took me over 3 hours to do that.

I was a mess – sweaty, hot, tired, dirty – so I took a good shower and put on clean PJ’s. Then I took a few pictures of the fall decorations in the house – and I will add a few more here and there. Tomorrow I have an appointment with the doctor to discuss the results of the test that I couldn’t take last week!

My blessing today was to get the yard caught up, and being in church.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW September 23rd is:

Educational Technology Day (Go, Logan!); International Day of Sign Languages; National Ivy Day; National Apple Cider Vinegar Day; National Baker Day; National Checkers Day (NOT the board game!!!); National Family Day; National Great American Pot Pie Day; National Snack Stick Day; Redhead Appreciation Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Scissors Day; Tomorrow – Kath will definitely celebrate Sign Languages! I like pot pies. And I have a great appreciation for a red-headed skunk hollow cousin! God bless…

I got a pretty good night’s sleep last night, but was wide awake a little after 6am. That was ok – I felt rested and got started with my day, changing the sheets, getting a shower, and having breakfast.

When I got up and looked out the window this morning, there was a big orange cat in my driveway. I’ve never seen it in the neighborhood before. In fact, we NEVER see cats or dogs loose in the ‘hood. I walked out on the deck and it took off.

After a cup of hot tea, I decided to go to a rummage sale that Di told me about at a church she sometimes attends. I really enjoyed looking around at everything – they really did have a lot there! But I didn’t find anything I felt had to come home with me.

I picked up my prescription at Giant Eagle, then stopped at Dollar General for … no apparent reason! I did find a cool plate, plus the one I found at Giant Eagle.

I took a little walk around the yard. I found a lone little bloom, the last rose of summer, and what looked like the perfect place for a bird on a wire.

Before I ate lunch (a salad from Di), I trimmed the Pinky Winky bush and pulled a few weeds up near the white fence. Once I got settled, I got Chrissy’s package ready to mail on Monday, and did the ironing. Tomorrow if I can I will cut the grass and read stories.

My blessing for today was that I felt like doing a few unnecessary things!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW September 22nd is:

National White Chocolate Day; National States and Capitals Day; National Scissors Day; American Business Womens Day; Car Free Sunday; Dear Diary Day; Elephant Appreciation Day; Fall Equinox/First day of Autumn; Fall Prevention Awareness Day; Hobbit Day; National Ice Cream Cone Day; National Legwear Day; National Temperature Control Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Tape Day. Tomorrow – I’ll go for the chocolate and first day of Autumn. And Ice Cream Cone. But I need my car. And I never stopped to appreciate an elephant before. God bless…