So today I went to work and got caught up – then helped Mike P with a few deals. Stopped at the bank to finish up vacation spending then came home and had a farm tomato and toast for lunch. I had a pretty long list of things to do. Still a few to finish up. Hoping to do a small amount of cleaning tomorrow before Kelly and Chase come on Wednesday. I just looked out the door and there was a big ground hog just sitting by the fence!

But now it’s time to begin a recap of vacation – I’ll start with Monday – the first day! I picked Kathy up at 8am and we set off with a car full of everything we could imagine we’d need. We made a few stops – one for gas and lunch, and a few bathroom stops, including one at GATEWAY in Breezewood. We pulled into the Woodlands Hotel and Suites a little after 3:30pm and checked in, then got settled in the room. It was nice and cozy and had a pretty view from our first floor window. The whole place is tucked into the middle of trees and bushes.

Apparently it’s always noon (or midnight) at Gateway!

SO excited!!!

Welcome!

Entrance

Our cozy fun room.

View out our window

Lobby

Trees and bamboo along the walkway to the historic area

A little creek under the Colonial Parkway

Colonial Parkway

We were down on Duke of Gloucester Street (historic area) by 4pm! I was so excited to be walking the streets, taking in the houses, seeing the colonial people and just the ambience of the whole place! An hour wasn’t enough. But we took some time to shop at Merchant Square, then walked around until we found a place for supper – The Mellow Mushroom. We split a pizza that was very good and just the perfect size for us.

We’re here!

Our first glance

Lower end of palace

Governor’s Palace

Back way – entrance

Kathy and her new friend.

Housekeeper’s office

Dining room

Crib for the governor’s baby daughter

Ballroom

From the canal

From the gardens

Gardens are still blooming

gardens – and Bruton Parish Church

Shadows

The Mellow Mushroom

Our first official event was at 7:30 at the Capitol building – Cry Witch! It was a trial of a woman accused of being a witch and casting spells. Kathy and I were two of 11 who were on the Governor’s Council. Once the witnesses testified and the defendant gave her defense the entire audience voted – guilty of witchcraft or not. So each program could have a different outcome. We declared her not guilty! It was a nice performance. Once that finished we caught the shuttle back to the Woodlands – the bus stop was directly behind the Capitol building, which was nice since it was later, and dark, and we had been on the go all day. We wrote out post cards and were ready for bed!

Our CRY WITCH location

Sunset on Duke of Gloucester Street

Waiting in line – I’m in front of the gate. This photo is from Williamsburg’s Facebook page!

Image from CW’s web page.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW September 1st is:

National Forgiveness Day; National Chicken Boy Day; National No Rhyme nor Reason Day; National Burnt Ends Day; National Hotel Employees Day; World Letter Writing Day; Cherry Popover Day; National Little Black Dress Day; Pink Cadillac Day.

Forgiving is very important. I appreciate hotel employees – are were SO nice! Never had a Cadillac – pink or otherwise. God bless…

On this day in History: Michael Jackson’s “Bad” Premiered (1987)

Scripture:

Cool Photo:

I’ve never been there in the snow!

Well, here we are, back home safe and sound and mostly sane! The insanity came – of course – from within!

Back from our road trip!!!

First, let me say a huge happy birthday wish to Grandad Jess Crooks. He was born on August 30, 1892. Wish we would have had a little more time with you, Grandad! Happy Birthday!

He was handsome, don’t you think?

Relaxed and happy

Shoveling snow

Family – left to right: Aunt Hazel, Grama Crooks holding Aunt Joan, Uncle Jim (behind), Grandad Crooks, Mom.

So I plan to start out sharing the vacation adventure tomorrow – so this is just a short post. I actually stopped and got bread and milk and a salad and Klondike ice cream bars after church, so at least I now have food in the house. Autmn and Cameron stopped for a short time to visit and pick up some of the corn AJ and UC gave us yesterday. Cameron was happy to be here and to get to play, and actually sat on my lap for a few minutes – he missed his Mimi! He really was ‘king of the house!’

Happy to play at Mimi’s house

Singing – with a fruit snack tucked in his jaw!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 31st is:

National Eat Outside Day; National Trail Mix Day; National South Carolina Day; National Matchmaker Day; National Zoo Awareness Day; We Love Memoirs Day.

I need to make a batch of homemade trail mix! I could eat it outside. I like South Carolina, too, and zoos. I used to teach a memoir class – loved doing that! God bless..

Scripture:

On this day in History: In the summer of 1966 HANKY PANKY was the number one song on BILLBOARD charts.

Cool Picture:

Full moon welcomed us home Friday night!

TODAY would have been my Dad’s birthday! He would have been 98! He was a fun dad to grow up with – always laughing and teasing – but providing for us, taking us on fun journeys, teaching life lessons. It’s great to have wonderful memories of your father! Happy birthday Dad!

Dad and his dog

Dad – at home

All of us on vacation

Mom and dad – in buggy with L’il One.

I really didn’t do anything exciting – Sunday school and church; I was helper in Junior Church and that’s always crazy. The kids were engaged in the lesson today (The Fiery Furnace) and I think they took away some nuggets of faith.

I had chores here at the house to get ready for the week, and also had to grab the last minute things from the store. Tomorrow’s list is long but will take 15 minutes at the most – if I’m slow. This will be the last Word Garden until probably the 30th! Don’t panic – all is well.

QUOTE of the DAY:

Even if it’s just the back road to Aldi!

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 24th is:

I’ll celebrate waffles and can openers! God bless.

On this Day in History:1931 Barbara Eden (95th Birthday)American actress (Jeannie in “I Dream of Jeannie”), born in Tucson, Arizona

Scripture: (sort of – encouragement!)

Cool photo:

Nemacolin.

TODAY is David’s birthday – Nate’s best friend, my ‘other son’, and the other ‘B’ in B&B Windows. Happy birthday, Dave – and MANY more happy times to come! Love you!

B&B

Buddies

Cleaning dealerships?

Looks like a sunroom

Dave with his Hannah

It was beautiful all day – until just about half hour ago. I was able to get the Jeep washed before the clouds rolled in – then the thunder, wind, lightening, and pouring rain!

Washing the Jeep – puffy white clouds

Here come the storms!

But this morning I did laundry after breakfast, then set out to run one errand, which turned into four! I was looking for a last minute pair of purple shorts but no luck. I did find a very pretty purple sweater so that was good. I got home and had a sandwich for lunch then started packing. I’ll probably change my mind tomorrow! But that’s it for now! — except for more thunder….

Internet stock image.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 23rd is:

Find your Inner Nerd Day; National Cuban Sandwich Day; National Sponge Cake Day; National Ride the Wind Day; Black Ribbon Day; Cheap Flight Day.

I’ll celebrate — solar lights. Not sure why – just will. God bless….

On This Day in History: 1902 US President Theodore Roosevelt becomes the first US president to ride in an electric car

Scripture: (sort of)

Cool Photo:

What we have to look forward to….

Breakfast, laundry, and a few house chores. Then I headed to Youngwood – first with a stop at Shop and Save. They are one of the best places to find a few items that I purchase regularly. Went across the street to my chiropractor, Kip Bompiani, before heading to Di’s to pick up some products from her. We sat on her porch and caught up for about half an hour.

I had leftover corn for lunch, then started getting organized for my weekend. I stayed home the rest of the day – which is unusual for me on a Friday! I didn’t even do any outside yard projects. Since Kip adjusted my left wrist I didn’t want to irritate it by pulling weeds or trimming shrubs! I’ll start back into that in September.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 22nd is:

Never Bean Better Day; National Be an Angel Day; National Tooth Fairy Day; National Pecan Torte day; World Plant Milk Day; Folklore Day; National Take your Cat to the Vet Day; Rainbow Baby Day.

Pick one that you care about and celebrate – or create your own. God bless…

On this Day in History: In 1959 – Americans welcomed a new horizon: Hawaii became the 50th state.

Scripture:

Cool photo:

Woke up at 4am and couldn’t get back to sleep. I came down stairs and read/answered my emails and looked some things up. I fell asleep at 5am and was surprised when the alarm went off a little after 7am. Rege called me about 8 with a title question, which I researched and answered, then went to work. Not a lot to do but got everything done. Renee called me later with another Mike question and got that handled, too. Made one stop on the way home, then had corn for lunch.

Fake title….

Took a few minutes to trim my finger nails as they were actually getting long – which makes them split and crack. Did a few inside chores and read a chapter in my book. I was sitting in the living room, listening to it rain and watching the leaves out the picture window.

I decided to put ‘Bridges of Madison County’ on the DVD player – I heard the movie mentioned yesterday and decided to watch it. Made a cup of hot tea, and grabbed one of my chocolate cookies.

Tea break

I realized that it stopped raining and the sun came out, so I suited up and attacked the hill. It was very pleasant being outside, so I was out there for almost 2 hours. Finished totally the right side of the hill, and cleaned out around the lilac bushes by the fence. Big job done!

Fence side of hill – bottom looking up.

Looking sideways.

Looking down from the top.

Lilacs

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 21st is:

National Senior Citizens Day; National Spumoni Day; National Fantasy Football Draft Day; Hawaiian Shirt Day; Internet Self Care Day; National Kool Aid Day; National Men’s Grooming Day.

Senior Citizen day will work! No foot ball or Hawaiian shirts. I like Kool Aid lemonade best! God bless.

On this day in History: CRAZY by Patsy Cline was #1 in 1961.

Scripture:

Cool Photo:

Today was a little topsy turvy. I like to dedicate most of the day on Wednesdays to cleaning and laundry, and taking reading breaks. Didn’t quite work that way today. First thing after breakfast I got a frantic call from Renee (on behalf of Mike!) that they needed a title done asap – like, TODAY, and not tomorrow. So I had just finished paying some bills, and doing a little online research, and starting to gather up items for a laundry load. I set everything aside, changed my shorts (I was pretty scrubby!) and headed out. Took some conversations to explain everything but I think I left them content.

Current read: Second book in the Williamsburg Series.

I stopped at Dollar Tree on the way home but they did not have what I needed. I’ll probably wait and get it on Sunday after church! By now it was after noon, so I ate half a sandwich and got back to my cleaning. Got the upstairs done, but realized that if I really wanted to keep up with my lawn, and not have the grass clumpy and the mower staling out, I had to mow. So I set the cleaning aside and went outside. Got the grass cut, but after only a few days it was too high, and I kept staling out the mower, and there were clumps Ended up cleaning out the bottom deck of the mower – which flooded it, and I had to give it a half-hour break! I should have expected that.

Giving the mower a break

Most of the yard looks really nice!

My neighbor and I both mowed today! It was the second time in a week for him – I was impressed!

Took almost 2 hours of cleaning and cutting and breaks (for the mower, not me), and then I watered a few plants before I got the grass all done and the mower put away. Came inside and finished cleaning the down stairs and also the laundry.

Downstairs all clean; dryer still going…

Now it’s 8pm and I’m ready for a break for myself and to grab some food! I’m so excited to have the grass cut. I think I’m just going to have to do it myself! It is what it is. Here’s a repost from yesterday to validate that!

From yesterday…

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 20th is:

Tomorrow I’ll celebrate daffodils, pizza but not Hawaiian, bacon, Chocolate anything, radios, and lemonade! God bless…

On this day in History: Orville Wright (1871-1948) American aviator (Wright Brothers), born in Dayton, Ohio

Scripture:

Cool Picture:

Work this morning was short – light load today. I stopped at the bank to deposit a tax refund check, then came home. I no sooner pulled in the garage when Renee from Mike’s office txt me – they needed help with a title. So I just got back in the car and headed over there. We got it straightened out, but I then figured if I was out anyway I would drive over to Palmer’s Farm Stand for a tomato and some corn. I had some corn for lunch and will save the tomato for later. Dropped two off for Kathy (since I had offered).

Lots of produce!

After lunch I did two batches of mini chocolate covered cookies. I did Oreos in dark chocolate and chocolate chip in milk chocolate. They were small bags and small cookies!

Mini cookies

I cleaned up chocolate and dishes, then suited up and went outside. I got almost all of the hill on the right side done – only one small space left. So even though I didn’t do too many different things, I was busy all day.

This much done…

This much to do

This much lawn trash

And here is one lonely little Azalea blossom – 3 months late!

Gen sent me some pictures of her trip to Denver where her son’s family lives. She and her two granddaughters painted a mural on their garage door! It’s beautiful! What a wonderful project! Looks like she had a wonderful visit, from the photos she sent – despite having a flight delay coming home – Storms!

Lucy and Hadley with garage mural!

Sky over Denver…

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 19th is:

I’ll go with potatoes and ice cream – although I’m not a fan of soft ice cream. Chrissy will celebrate photography! God bless..

On this day in History:1862 Major General J.E.B. Stuart is nearly captured by pursuing Union forces, who seize his plumed hat (That’s comical trivia for ya!)

Scripture:

Cool photo:

Words of wisdom:

Could that be referring to my GRASS???

Happy birthday to my Skunk Hollow Cousin Karen! We spent a LOT of time together growing up – and most of that time was playing cut outs (Paper dolls)! Her favorite was the Lennon Sisters – mine (I think) was Heidi! Hope you had a wonderful day – see you on the 29th! Love you!

Kathy came over first thing (9:30am) and we went through the items that I had taken out of the furniture, primarily the Secretary. She actually did take most of it, and plans on looking through it again a few times and letting it settle before she decides what to keep. I did that, too – took me five years! The items triggered memories and we enjoyed talking about what they represented. I also passed on the church lessons and crafts that I had, since I won’t be teaching regularly any more. I was happy that they were accepted. We also went over the packing list for Williamsburg to make sure we were on the same page.

She left for an appointment, and I headed out to do errands. I didn’t realize how many stops I needed to make. I started by dropping off txt and reference books at the YWCA bookstore. I only kept the ones I knew I would use again, and had two boxes to give away. From there I dropped off things at Goodwill – then to Shop n Save for Sweet Lebanon Bologna and Halloween M&M’s. I got batteries at Ollie’s, gave R.A.V.E vintage store a bag of extra gift bags (they are always looking for bags!), and took some old receipts to be shredded. It was after 2pm when I got home. Made a quick sandwich, then did the ironing for the two laundry loads I did early.

I felt inspired to spend a little time outside – it was warmer than I thought! I pulled two black trash bags full of weeds, and after a shower here I am! I took a few flower pictures, as well.

The lavender is growing! Finally!

Stella d’oro daylily.

Allium

Here are photos of the hill (both sides) and was even inspired to take a picture of the house. Haven’t done that in a while. It seems…settled!

Left side of the hill – from the steps (sideways)

From the top looking down – right side.

From the bottom looking up – right side.

Like the Snoopy flag says: Home Sweet Home.

QUOTE of the DAY:

Kath, this one’s for our trip!

QUOTE #2:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 18th is:

I’ll celebrate Never Give Up day and ice cream in any form! God bless…

On this day in History:1939 Musical film “The Wizard of Oz,” starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, and Margaret Hamilton, opens at Loew’s Capitol Theatre, NYC – We used to sit glued to the TV when it was on – and that wasn’t very often!

Scripture:

Cool photo:

BOOKS???

Either that, or write them!

With the predictions for rain and storms all day, I was very surprised that they didn’t start until after 4pm, at least here. So I’m hoping Hanna’s Town could enjoy the Family Frontier Days (minus the outdoor programs) before the weather got tricky. I am glad I was home, though.

The rain was rolling off the roofs.

POURING rain.

I had bacon and toast for lunch, then went out and finished the left side of the hill. It only took me all summer! The right side was done, but now there is a section of cone flowers, cat mint, and iris that are done blooming that I have to pull out. It won’t take long for that.

Looking down from the driveway.

Looking sideways.

From the bottom yard looking up.

Just this small area to be cut back on the right.

All my lawn projects have just gotten scrapped for this year – they are to be ‘rescheduled’ for spring, but I’ll wait and see. It’s hard to schedule things NOW let along in 7 or 8 months! The only thing I feel disappointed about is the shed – it has some places that it needs reinforced. Hope it makes it through the winter!

The back right corner is compromised.

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

We have to remember this in Williamsburg!

TOMORROW August 17th is:

I can celebrate Baby Boomers, since I am one! Kathy will of course celebrate #2 pencils. She loves pencils! I feel kindly toward my feet but I’ve never had a love relationship with them. I do appreciate them! Jen and Ninth Life Rescue will celebrate Nonprofit day. And I love thrift shops! God bless…

On this day in History:1966 Colgems Records releases the Monkees’ debut single “Last Train to Clarksville” with Micky Dolenz – I loved the Monkees (still do)! ‘I’m a Believer’!

Also, – 1691 Yorktown, Virginia founded

Cool photo:

Cool information!

Scripture: