Cameron James Thompson – 8 pounds 4 ounces. Born this morning about 5:30am or so. I didn’t get the specific details, but I got to hold him and kiss his little head and snuggle and get a whiff of that baby smell! I think he’s going to be a blanket baby, because he was happy holding his blanket up to his face!

Her labor was a little tricky, and she ended up with a C-section. But everyone is safe and healthy and moving forward. Noah is a trooper and was changing diapers and Cameron’s outfit and snuggling him in his blanket. Cameron took the opportunity to pee in Noah’s shoes, which were sitting on the floor by the little portable bed. Lesson learned – baby boys do that!

It’s amazing to think that 10 months ago this child did not exist. Now, he will never NOT exist! A little soul forever in God’s care. I pray that he will be a happy, healthy child that is a blessing to many throughout his whole life! Especially to his parents!

Little Cameron had several visitors this morning, so after work I stopped at Lowe’s and got my Scott’s Weed and Feed. I should be able to apply that in the morning. It’s specifically for fall and winter. It was pricy, but the other two stores were sold old so I just did what needed done. There are a few trees getting into the fall spirit that I can see from my back deck. After lunch I spent time with Autmn, Noah and Cameron.

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TOMORROW October 4th is:

National Taco Day; National Golf Lovers Day; National Walk to School Day; National Pumpkin Seed Day; National Coffee with a Cop Day; National Cinnamon Bun Day.

I think I have a Poppin’ Fresh cinnamon roll tube in the fridge. I’ll try that! Have a happy hump day and God bless…

There were several deals and titles in Jeannette, but less in Greensburg. After I finished I went to Palmer’s and got a head of cauliflower and some tomatoes. I had toast and tomato for lunch and a grilled cheese for dinner. Tomorrow will be the cauliflower.

Autmn is in labor – at 4pm she was about 6 cm. I haven’t been updated so I’m waiting it out! I knew I had to keep busy, so I did laundry and some household chores, then went outside to put away all the summer lawn decorations. It’s very labor intensive so I’m glad it’s all done. I left two chairs and a small table on the deck for now, and will tuck those away once it’s too cold to sit outside.

I forgot to post yesterday that I made chocolate covered pretzels. This is some of my attempts.

Kath sent me some pictures of their afternoon. They were at the Biltmore in Asheville NC. I was pea green with envy!!!

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TOMORROW October 3rd is:

National Techies Day; National Boyfriend Day; National Fruit at Work Day.

I hope it is ‘go visit your new great grandson’ day! I’ll keep you posted. God bless my little Autmn – and all of you!

It’s Sunday afternoon and I’m going to post the Word Garden early, because mostly it will be Friday and Saturday adventures, anyway, except for Sunday School. Mary was on vacation so we stayed low-key. It worked out so well! We talked about how God made us Special, and how we were alike and how we were different. They had some interesting thoughts to share! They all agreed that Gracie had the longest hair, and Max was the loudest! And he was BEST at baseball!!

I stopped at L&L Fleatique on the way home, just for fun. There was nothing that I felt drawn to (for purchase) but I did see a few craft items that compared to what Harold was showing us on Friday night. He was going to work with Hazel (their granddaughter) to make things to sell at the spring festival. So I sent pictures to them!

I had a salad for lunch, then started a laundry load. I took the baby gifts from two Skunk Hollow girls up to Autmn (she was at her mom’s) and a box of shared items from Beth, then actually got a txt message from Beth. She sent me pictures of Bernie’s custom cupcakes and the special order cookies. I found a picture of Bernie to share, as well! Happy birthday, Bernie!

I just now got a txt message from Kathy. She and Paul are on their way to Georgia for vacation. These are a few pics of the mountains going through West Virginia. PERFECT day for traveling!

OK – back to Friday. Kelly got here about 10am and we headed over to Vanderbilt Church (Greg & Lynn), as they were having a rummage sale. We bought a few things there and most of all chatted with Greg & Lynn for a bit.

We must have traveled through time and space. This was on the block across from the church!

The ride down and back was so pretty and the little town of Dawson was FULL of wonderful, historic buildings. We drove around all the side streets and took pictures. We were captivated by the one big old stone church. And we got stuck behind a line of cars at the train track that goes right through the town!

The stone church: Phillip G Cochran Memorial Methodist Church

NOW – for the rest of the houses. Kelly was my photographer. Cross the bridge and this is what you find!

So that was our afternoon and morning adventure! All those amazing buildings within about a block. What a quaint little town. We drove back to Greensburg and popped into Walmart as Kelly needed a card. Sometimes I who wonder who thinks up these things….

We did a little shopping, then headed home as Kathy and I had to head to Indiana for the Bonfire. So now we’ll jump to Saturday!!!

So Saturday we did some laundry and I fixed one of Kelly’s shirts to fit better. Then I pressed the shirt and a few other items, made lunch, and we headed to Latrobe airport to pick up Logan from his Disney trip. They all three were glowing and had a great time! Even though Kim and Greg were not HUGE Star Wars fans, they loved the Enterprise expedition and couldn’t say enough good things about the week. I was so happy for them, and felt myself being emotional for the blessings they shared together. Kelly even got her picture taken with Arnold!!! Logan was really excited about his Light Saber. Which he demonstrated in the garage where it was a little darker.

Once Logan and Kelly left, I cut the grass, then changed and went to the civic center to usher for a play for Bear. I did not stay for the play – I determined that my week had been fairly busy and I could use an early night. But it was nice to see Bear and talk to him for a bit. We have been friends from a VERY long time — since the 80’s maybe???

Kathy sent me pictures of their train adventure in Hollidaysburg. Sarah, Millie, Wyatt, Kathy & Paul went and had a great time. Quote from Kathy’s email: “The station was all decorated with bales of hay, scarecrows, pumpkins, mums, etc.  They had pumpkin bowling, pumpkin checkers, and other games to play while we waited for the “All Aboard!” call.  Wyatt was beyond himself excited.  He loved every minute of it.  When we got to the pumpkin patch, there was a hay maze, little clusters of pumpkins, pumpkin cookies and the best cider I have ever tasted.  Millie did the maze several times and picked a bumpy pumpkin.  Wyatt looked at a few pumpkins but hurried back to the engine and pointed to it.  The engineer was so sweet to him.” Here are some pictures:

So it was a great week, great weekend, for everyone! My October – so far – looks far quieter and I’m actually hoping it sort of stays that way. I’m sure I’ll have things come up that will be fun and entertaining – like U. S. Grant at the Library on the 14th. In the meantime, maybe I can slow down the pace!

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TOMORROW October 2nd is:

National Custodial Workers Recognition Day; National Child Health Day; National Name Your Car Day; National Fried Scallops Day; National Consignment Day; National Produce Misting Day; National Smarties Day.

Well, I’m surprised that produce has their own misting day. And I know Aunt Joan likes Smarties – so I hope she gets some tomorrow! I could never name my cars – I switch too often! I wouldn’t remember! So go consignment shopping and have a great Monday. God bless…

There has been a lot of things going on in the last few days. But in this post I am only going to share our bonfire at Beth’s. I will catch up on the other things in the next few days: The rummage sale at Greg & Lynn’s church, Picking up Logan at the airport, Ushering for Bear’s play, Kathy’s train ride with the kids. So here goes.

I picked up Kathy at a little before 4pm on Friday, and we headed out to Indiana (PA) for the bonfire at Beth’s. Everyone brings food and we always have more than enough. Harold was on hand to build our fire, and he always does a great job! He’s a nice guy to have around! They have the perfect yard for the fire, and their flowers are beautiful!

We basically just sat around the table talking for the first hour or so – everyone was able to come but Karen V & Colleen. We MISSED them! But we could share stories of our current circumstances and be of encouragement to each other. We all have life events that we are dealing with, some more distressing or intense than others. My Grandma Steiner always said that if everyone hung their troubles on the clothesline and it started to rain we would all run out and grab our own – because we are used to them! But it is lovely and fitting that we could hold each other up.

As is typical for a Skunk Hollow event, I had a story to share. This time, actually two. There was a lot of conversation and reminiscing about the first story – a recap of our ‘corn’ day in August. Spending time with family is such a blessing! If you check on the ‘PAGES’ on my website the story HEADING HOME is posted there.

Although we could share struggles, we could also share blessings! Everyone asked about Autmn, knowing that baby Cam is close to making an entrance! Also, Gwen shared stories about her little granddaughter Lottie, and we had a fun discussion about Holly’s ‘granddog’ who is celebrating a birthday on Sunday with a party, complete with custom cupcakes and catering! What fun!

We all had glow sticks – Fall for Jesus; he never leaves!! – that Autmn made for us.

Connie summed it up when she said she had friends she could talk to, but none were like our Skunk Hollow Group. There’s just something comforting and safe about that group, through thick and thin, happy and sad. What would we do without each other?

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TOMORROW October 1st is:

National Fire Pup Day; National Pumpkin Spice Day; National Green City Day; National Black Dog Day; National Hair Day; National Homemade Cookies Day.

I LOVE homemade cookies – and I have hair. No pumpkin spice for me. Enjoy the first day of a brand new month and God bless…

TODAY was the Skunk Hollow bonfire at Beth’s. Since it’s actually tomorrow (????) I will post this later. We had a wonderful time around the fire, full moon bright overhead, and some of the dearest people on earth around that circle. I will post pictures and stories tomorrow! God bless….

After several nights of sleeping well, last night was a challenge. I was just wide awake! Ended up downstairs on the computer at 3am, working on projects! It’s almost 7pm and I’m running out of steam. Luckily I made it through the day awake and alert! Rege kept asking me if I was still awake. Which I was.

I worked Jeannette, Mike P, and Greensburg, and did title work for Mike G. Then I decided that since I had time I would drop off the bag of baby bottles to Lifeway in Latrobe. There were detours and closings on so many streets I never found Lifeway – I even asked for directions and was sent the wrong way! So I dropped them at Goodwill. Some of the sights:

Made it to the Tea meeting early, and we had a full house. Lots of people willing to help make food and also work to set up and serve the day of the event. I came home and made a frozen pizza for combined lunch/supper. Autmn has an appointment tomorrow at Frick but her Mom is taking her. I’m very thankful as I have a pretty busy day tomorrow!

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TOMORROW September 29th is:

National VFW Day; National Coffee Day; Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day.

I was just saying to Rege that it’s too bad I don’t drink coffee – I could have used a strong cup to perk me up today! Hopefully tomorrow I will be caught up on my sleep. God bless…

I had a fair amount of obligations today so I kept a steady pace. I got the upstairs cleaned by noon, took a break and had ice cream (no condemnation, please!) for lunch, and finished the Alyssa Maxwell book. She always has multiple characters and subplots and it keeps me on my toes to follow all the threads. But when I finish the books I’m always disappointed that I’m through and want more. No mention of the next one – hoping there are more to come!

Got everything downstairs cleaned and the towels in the washer before I had to leave to pick up Autmn. I was early enough that I got the 3 things I still needed for the weekend. I still need to get Weed & Seed but I will do that when I’m ready to use it – that will depend on the weekend schedule.

Her appointment went well, but they have to get blood results to see if she needs one more infusion. We came back here and she made herself fried potatoes, then helped me with a small craft project. It turned out really cute – much better than if I had done it. Seemed to come natural for her.

While Autmn was finishing up the project, I ate the left over French Toast from yesterday. Then I took a few pictures of the area I cleaned out last night before it got dark. Here are my pretty purple zennias!

Pictures from Disney: Still having a great time!

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TOMORROW September 28th is:

National Drink Beer day; National Good Neighbor day; World Maritime Day; World Rabies Day; Remember Me Thursday; International Poke Day; National Strawberry Cream Pie Day.

I have been doing this for several years, and today my computer blocked me from the site. I found a different one to access but it’s set up entirely differently. Not sure what’s going on! Have a happy day tomorrow! God bless…

Glad to have slept better last night – just up a few quick times but that’s normal for me. I’m posting this and having another cup of Breathe Easy tea which I think has been helping. I must admit that I did not have pancakes this morning – I had a piece of French Toast! Not quite the same thing, but yummy anyway. Saved me some calories because I do NOT like syrup on my French Toast.

I left here at 9am to get Kathy and we headed to Connellsville for her Eye Surgery. We made quick time of it and were half an hour early. They took her back early and she was done by noon. We stopped at Chick Fil-A at her request to grab lunch and took it home for the three of us – Paul just got off work so we ate together and chatted for a while. It was a nice visit – relaxed and laid back. She felt pretty good by the time I left.

I did stop and get the things I need for the rest of the week – seems I’m always fetching groceries, etc, these days. Just got a txt from Autmn that she needs a ride to her appointment tomorrow at 3:15pm. So that’s three days in a row I’m playing Uber to Connellsville or Mt. Pleasant!

Here are a few photos from Logan, Aunt Kimmie and Uncle Greg in Disney. They are having a wonderful time and Logan is in his glory!!!

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TOMORROW September 27th is:

National Crush a Can Day; National Chocolate Milk Day; National Day of Forgiveness; National Women’s Health & Fitness Day; National Corned Beef Hash Day; National Scarf Day.

A Coke can flew under my car on the way to Connellsville today – so I’m ahead of the game. Logan likes his Yoohoo – sort of Chocolate Milk. Forgiving is SO important – more to you than to those you forgive. I like scarves, but winter ones, not accessories. I’ll take Autmn to her appointment tomorrow after I clean the house. This is turning into a busier week than I though! Just run with it! God bless…

I was up and down a lot last night, but still felt decently rested this morning. Worked both stores and stopped to help Mike P, then had time to come home and grab a yogurt for lunch. I picked Autmn up at 1pm and took her to her doctor’s appointment. She’s still just a little past 4 centimeters but almost at 39 weeks – so it’s very close!

Once we finished up with that, I came home, changed clothes, and did laundry. There were a few little inside things I got done, including adding a string of lights to the downstairs bathroom mirror. I forgot to do that last week!

It was overcast and cool but dry, so I decided to give the grass a once-over. I doubt it will need many more cuttings. I still have to Weed & Seed it within the next two weeks. I checked out the Pinky Winky and the Hydrangea, and the morning glories that were blooming despite it being afternoon!

I did notice that the bees were really swarming, even though they have been treated many times. I know they will have to be totally gone before Dottie closes on the sale of her house. It’s her fence and her wall.

Once I came in, I had a cup of my Herbal tea and half a cookie, now it’s time to finish this up. It’s after 5pm and I don’t know where the day went. I think the time goes faster because I do things slower. It used to take me a few hours what it took me most of the day to do! But I’m content. Still have a few emails to answer and then some ironing to do – that will be my day!

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TOMORROW September 26th is:

National Dumpling Day; National Shamu the Whale Day; National Johnny Appleseed Day; National Situational Awareness Day; National Pancake Day; National Compliance Officer Day.

Tomorrow is Kathy’s second cataract surgery so I will take her and stay with her until Paul gets home. I also plan to have a pancake – haven’t made those in ages! So choose something – have a lovely day! God bless…

It’s a cool and rainy day. Overcast and cloudy and not suited for outside ANYTHING. I slept poorly last night – seemed to be up and down most of the night. I’m tired now but know that if I get too comfy I won’t sleep tonight! I did little chores to keep me moving – like switched out my summer to fall/winter clothes. I’m so entirely tired of every piece of clothing I have! But the styles these days are somewhat unappealing so on we go.

I had a bowl of soup for lunch, and then after the clothing thing I made a cup of hot tea. Right now I am watching THE HOLIDAY – it’s been forever since I’ve seen it and I’m falling right into it. I love Iris!

I walked into Sunday School this morning and found a cute note from Max on my teaching table. Then when he came in, he told me the story behind the ‘gift.’ His friend in his class gave him a quarter, and he put that in a pencil dispenser and out came a Snoopy pencil! He said to himself, ‘Miss Marge really loves Snoopy. I’m going to give this to her!’ Such a sweet selfless little guy! So I promised him I would sharpen and use it, and keep it in on my desk with my other Snoopy items. There it sits!

On the way home from church I saw that my seasonal neighbors have moved in for the fall. Even though – as Ron pointed out earlier – it’s 3 months til Christmas Eve. I just got my fall decorations up so I think I’ll hold off on the Christmas ones for now.

There were three weddings yesterday of people I knew or knew of. The first one was my cousin Eric’s daughter Morgan. Looks like they had a lovely event, and of course the bride was beautiful. My cousin Brian’s wife’s sister’s friend (whom I DON’T know) had a very unusual event, and her dress was amazing. And my granddaughter Christina’s mother Lauren and Jack got married, as well. Chrissy was in the wedding and she was of course beautiful as well. Congrats to all three couples!

I’m not necessarily liking my home-confinement and self-inflicted ‘no outside activity’ ban – I’m ready to get back to a full schedule of activities and fun and business. I do have some things coming up this week that I’m easing into. Hopefully I feel more rested and energetic and ready to join society again!

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TOMORROW September 25th is:

National Lobster Day; National One-Hit Wonder Day; International Research Administrator’s Day; National Quesadilla Day; National Comic Book Day; National Daughter’s Day; National Family Day; Math Storytelling Day; National Tune Up Day.

Pass on the lobster. Chase will be excited about the Quesadilla day. I have a wonderfully lovely Daughter and an equally lovely family to celebrate. I could use a tune-up – and I don’t mean my car! Have a happy week. God bless…