Typical Saturday start. I changed/washed bed sheets, organized prescriptions for next week, and had breakfast. I handled some emails and research before having to leave. It was very dreary; foggy, rainy, cold. Ugh. I was supposed to take Cameron to his follow up appointment but at the last minute Noah decided he wanted to be there. When I talked to Autmn she said he’s perfectly fine and all is well! He is still gaining weight!

I left the house at 12:30pm and went over to PetSmart to pick up Kelly’s order from the Ninth Life Fall Auction. I was still really early for the Library program so I stopped at Walmart and I was so glad a did! They had the cutest little train set that will be perfect for Wyatt’s birthday! (I can post this because he’s only two – I’m sure he’s not going to see the Word Garden posts!)

I was early at the library anyway – so I helped them set up the chairs. I have heard Grant speak before, and he’s so good. I cannot imagine how he remembers all the facts and names and dates that he does. It amazes me – this guy is phenomenal! If you every get a chance, you need to go see him. His name is Ken Serfass and you would swear (please don’t, though) that he is really Grant. Here are a few facts that I learned: He was born in Ohio, not Illinois. He had no aspiration to be president – he wanted to go home and be mayor and install sidewalks in the town so people would not get their boots dirty going to the train station.

Since his initials are U. S., once he started achieving success the people/press started calling him Uncle Sam Grant; then later because of a quote he said, they called him Unconditional Surrender Grant. Also, he was the 2nd three-star general our country has ever had, George Washington being the first!

There were so many other facts – we sat for 2 1/2 hours listening to him. He told about the night Lincoln was shot, and so many little mostly-unknown details. I loved being there!

Yesterday was National M&M Day – it wasn’t on the website that I check daily. My sister brought me a bag of M&M’s to celebrate (she was at the Grant program). Sweet sister; sweet treat!

Our Williamsburg calendars came today. It’s a good thing they were sealed well. The packaging was SOAKED!

Teresa gave me a thank you card for driving on our last two adventures. It’s a sketch of a road-runner. It reminded me of the Road-Runner cartoon, and my dad LOVED that cartoon. That one, and Foghorn Leghorn!

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TOMORROW October 15th is:

National Shawarma Day (Cultural – it’s a thing!); Global Handwashing Day; National Cheese Curd Day; National I Love Lucy Day; National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day; White Cane Safety Day; National Grouch Day.

Lucy VanPelt and I can both be a little grouchy now an again. 🙂 I know several people who have lost babies and it’s something you never get over. I loved the Lucy museum in New York when we went! So worth the visit. Wash your hands, and don’t be grumpy. God bless…

Friday the 13th brought us a sunny, happy day – all was well! I picked up Teresa and Gigi about 10am and we headed to Ligonier. There was a LOT of traffic and even more people. We had a rough start because the parking attendant mentioned there were no dogs permitted at the event. Gigi is a Therapy dog so we decided to give it a try. Teresa avoided crowds and congested areas and also from the vendor tents and all was well. EVERYONE fussed over Gigi and she even danced for them. She is a sweet, well-behaved dog. We had a great day!

While Teresa and Gigi went one way (less crowded) I would walk through the booths. I bought a pair of ‘bat’ earrings that match my outfit. They are black, though, and not orange or white. They were on my list so I was excited to find them!

I’m sitting here typing and a robin keeps hopping around the deck and past the door. Did he miss his bus south? I should think he’d be gone by now…

I am watching (or rather listening to) the Christmas Cottage on Hallmark. It’s not a favorite movie, but I really like Merritt Patterson. She’s one of my favorites.

Back to Ft. Ligonier Days. Teresa and I met back at the stage with live music, then walked up the street. I took their picture on the butterfly bench. I also took a photo of the B&B – there was a ‘guy’ smoking a corncob. NOT a corncob pipe. A corncob…

I slipped back into a cluster of booths and took some pictures. Teresa loves to sew and create with fabrics, so I took a picture of a sweatshirt that I thought she would be able to duplicate. Also found a colorful, glowing painting that I liked.

I thought it was a little ironic that the wine and spirits and tasting booths were on the church lawn. But I guess things are a little more accepted than they were when I was but a child…

We walked up to the Diamond and checked out the food booths. Teresa got a coffee but I just basically walked around. It was really crowded. I guess the resident witch got jostled in the crowd. Got a picture of the gazebo with the flag at half mast. I wondered if it was for Israel… Also snapped a pic of Miss Ligonier and her court. She was very tall…

Also ran into Bear and his friend. They took the day off to enjoy a sunny day at the event. Always a great day when I see Bear!

We had a beautiful day – sunny, warm but not hot, lots of walking. Teresa’s fit bit tracked over 9,000 steps. I probably didn’t have as many, but it would be close. And Gigi would have had a lot more because her legs are short. I dropped them off about 1:40pm, came home to grab lunch, and ran over to Walmart for some fruit and veggies. I was ready to come home by the time I was done with that. Parked the Nissan in the front yard for the night. She’ll be fine there, even if it rains.

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TOMORROW October 14th is:

National Real Sugar day; I Love Yarn Day; National Motorcycle Ride Day; National Dessert Day; Be Bald and Be Free Day; National Chess Day; National Costume Swap Day.

Tomorrow is a program at the local library – Ulysses S Grant is speaking. I sort of thought he had died. This should be interesting. Also have to pick up an auction item for Kelly at Pet Smart. In the mean time – love your sugar! God bless…

Worked both jobs this morning, helped Mike P, and then went to my chiropractor appointment at ALIGN. From there I drove down and picked up Autmn and Cameron, just to come and spend the day.

Nate got here about 1pm and brought Chick Fil-A for him and Autmn for lunch. I had my leftover soup (by choice). He started the driveway and not long after that Chrissy and Dray came over for a few hours. It was such a beautiful day that they put the stroller together and took Cameron for a walk. I went outside and kept Nathan company while he sealed the driveway. Dray left for football practice, then Jen came and picked up Chrissy because she was getting her hair cut and colored for her senior pictures sitting next week.

So all we really did today was play with the baby, seal the driveway, and hang out! Autmn is watching Gray’s Anatomy and I can’t STAND watching drama shows. Especially medical. But I’m keeping focused here so that’s ok for now!

Ron’s latest email said there were tornados in their area – one touched down about 10 miles from them. They are all safe and sound and no more threats for now!

Tomorrow’s plans are to drive up to Ft. Ligonier Days for a few hours. The weather should be nice!

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TOMORROW October 13th is:

Breast Cancer Awareness Day; National No Bra Day; National Yorkshire Pudding Day; National Train Your Brain Day; Navy Birthday.

It’s also Friday the 13th! My brain could use a little training. Have a wonderful Friday and God bless…

After my shower I had a few things to do, so it was about 9am when I was sitting at my counter eating breakfast and looked out to see Dotty’s 4 dogs running in my yard! I looked out the front, and her car was parked in my driveway, plus a friend’s truck, and piles of things she was trying to get out of the house by 10am closing!

I know she was having a rough time, adjusting to leaving that house. I almost believe she could have bounced between both houses for years if it would work! I didn’t meet the new neighbors but I did see them carrying things into the house. They are very young. And Dotty did say she is going to handle the bees. They really swarm on warm days!

Kelly sent me a picture yesterday of Logan making friends with a chicken. I said that would be their next 4-H project but she said (quite emphatically) NO CHICKENS! Hmmm.

Nate is planning to do my driveway tomorrow so I went out today and cleaned it off as much as I could, and pulled the plants that were encroaching over the edges. We can blow it clean tomorrow at the last minute, because leaves keep falling!

I ordered Williamsburg 2024 wall calendars today. We get them every year (since the 90’s) and I’m glad Kath reminded me!

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TOMORROW October 12th is:

National Farmer’s Day; National Gumbo Day; National Savings Day; World Sight Day; National Vermont Day; National Freethought Day.

Farmer’s Day: Here’s to Uncle Clifford and Aunt Joan. Love you! I was in Vermont once and had a great time! Beautiful state! I like saving, as much as possible! And I love seeing… Have a lovely day. God bless…

My first goal this morning (besides getting out of the house!) was to stop at a Quick Draw and get my routine bloodwork done. I did fast so I was ready. I really like the one on Pellis Road, but when I got there it was closed indefinitely! Bummer. The nearest one was at Mt. View so I drove up there. It’s only a short way past Pinnacle so it was convenient. It was not a long wait at all and the girls in there were very nice. I didn’t feel anything – until about three hours later and my arm started to ache. I’ve never had THAT happen. But all is well.

I made a salad for lunch, with garlic toast. I pondered the options for a safe and easy place for Cameron to nap and get changed when he is here. Ideas kept running through my mind when all of a sudden it popped in my head that I have a pack ‘n’ play! Well, actually Kathy has it. I called her thinking we could share it, but she was happy to return it. So for now I have it tucked in the garage covered in a pillow case until I decide where to set it up. I’ll check with Autmn when she comes over next time.

When Kathy dropped off the P&P, she also dropped off some Chick Fil A nuggets. So that will be my supper! She also brought me a magnet (which I collect) back from her vacation. I love it! Now I have to go there myself and see it in person.

I am watching (again) 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost. I missed parts of it so I decided to at least listen to it while I type. I loved the ending – last 5 minutes. Actually worth watching the movie for!

After that I went outside and cut the grass. The back yard was tricky because it wasn’t very long and I had to pay attention to see where I had already mowed. The rest was obvious. Once the grass was done I raked the leaves stuck on the driveway. Looks better now.

Dotty stopped over – she is overwhelmed trying to get everything out as the closing is tomorrow morning. She had some weeds scattered in her front yard and I didn’t think she’d have time to clean it up – so I offered to handle it. Now that looks better, too!

That was it for the day! Tomorrow will be just as quiet but I am certainly ok with that!

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TOMORROW October 11th is:

National Curves Day; International Day of the Girl Child; National Take your Parents to Lunch Day; National Fossil Day; National Sausage Pizza Day; General Pulaski Memorial Day; National Bring your Teddy Bear to Work/School Day; National Stop Bullying Day; National Emergency Nurse’s Day.

If I was going to work I’d take my Teddy Bear! Check out General Pulaski – it’s an interesting piece of history. And I love my girl children! God bless… (I’d LOVE to be able to take my parents to lunch!!!)

It was sunny most of the day, which made accomplishing our chores a lot easier. I picked up Autmn and Cameron about 9:30am, but it took us a while to figure out how to attach the car seat base to my car. Then we strapped Cameron in the car seat and snapped the seat into the base. We were early for Autmn’s checkup but the doctor was running late. But everything checked out OK and she got her questions answered.

From there we went to Walmart and picked up a few personal items for Autmn. She was going to come back here for the day, so we stopped at her house and packed up what they both needed for a day away. I folded a load from the dryer and carried it upstairs to the bedroom for her.

We went thru the drive-thru for McChicken Sandwiches on the way here. Cameron was very good and waited until we got home here to have his bottle. I washed a load of clothes and threw in a few things for Autmn, too. Cameron got a fresh diaper and ate, then Autmn got a shower and I kept an eye on Cameron — well, both eyes!

I introduced him to Snoopy and he took a liking to his ear! Cameron loves to feel his own face, and I really think he’s going to be a blanket baby. My next task will be to make a little blankie for Cameron to drag around with him, like Linus does.

Just as I typed this Autmn was hungry, so I made her mac/cheese and some stake fries. Cameron is eating his ‘supper’ and will then get a fresh diaper. (He just peed all over himself!!! He’s now unhappy…) I will probably finish my ironing once I post this. I just looked outside and the sky is dark and it’s raining. Gray skies, no more sunshine today!

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TOMORROW October 10th is:

National Angel Food Cake Day; National Cake Decorating Day; National Handbag Day; World Mental Health Day; National Walk to a Park Day.

October 10th and 11th are also Amazon Prime days. I have 2 items in my shopping cart, waiting for tomorrow! God bless!

Yesterday’s post was long. Today’s will be much shorter. Mostly because I didn’t do very much today! Hoping that this post goes well – yesterday my website crashed just when I was ready to post it, and it took me three hours to reboot and repost. Hoping for better processes tonight.

Sunday School went very well, and the kids REALLY remembered the lesson and could answer all of the questions in the review. Mary and I were both excited! Next week we start lessons on Noah. Today was Adam and Eve and the sneaky snake!

Todd’s message was the last in a series about Stephen. We need to focus on eternity, not live in the moment. Life is a mist, a vapor. What happens when it’s over? Think about Heaven; it’s real. Read Colossians 3:2. One of my favorite verses.

The first post I saw this morning was what Lori posted. They finally got to see Cameron and he was smiling! I was so excited! I wanted to rush right out and snuggle him!

After lunch I made deviled eggs to take to Autmn and Noah tomorrow. Now I just have to remember to take them! I need to put a note on my dash.

I forgot to post a picture of the little pumpkin gourds I got in Smicksburg yesterday. They look fun beside my mums!

The clouds have been dark and dramatic all day. They were beautiful yesterday, as well – but I didn’t think I should be snapping photos while I was driving on the expressway! These are from today.

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TOMORROW October 9th is:

National Leif Erikson Day; National Pro-life Cupcake Day; National Online Banking day; National Kick Butt Day; Native American Day; Columbus Day.

I will take Autmn to her appointment tomorrow, then go in to work. And it’s Columbus day! So, celebrate. God bless.

TODAY was the original due date for baby Cameron’s arrival! We’re so glad that he’s here and surrounded by love.

Before I left the house this morning I treated my drains with the anti-root chemicals. It’s supposed to be done every 6 or 8 months and I know I did it back in the winter. It’s not hard to do and doesn’t take long so I’m not sure why I kept putting it off. I do know you aren’t supposed to use the drains (aka water) for 5 or more hours after the treatment, so that’s tricky. I usually do it before bedtime, but I am always up several time during the night so that’s not ideal either. But I realized I would be gone until mid or late afternoon so today was the perfect solution. So the job is done until sometime next year.

I picked Teresa and Gigi up at 9am and we made great time. We pulled into Donna’s store at 3 minutes after 10am. It’s the first time I had been there since she opened the new addition, and it’s a lovely space! She has so many beautiful items and displays. Since Gigi couldn’t be in this store location, I went in first and looked around and got some cheese for me and for Noah/Autmn.

The bonus was that Colleen (Skunk Hollow Cousin) was working to help out for the Fall Festival Weekend! She wasn’t at the bonfire so it was great to catch up with her. She asked about Autmn and Cameron and we had a nice chat. I loved the store and all the new merchandise and it was hard not to spend more time (and money!) browsing and buying.

I gave Teresa a turn to go in and look around while I stayed outside with Gigi. From there we drove over to the Bulk Food Store, and I was able to get my slab chocolate and even some baking mini-M&M’s, which are hard to find around here. An Amish buggy pulled in beside us, and Gigi went a little crazy barking at the horse. A little girl climbed out of the buggy and she was in her bare feet. It was 54* outside! She didn’t seem to mind.

I tucked my purchases in the cooler and we headed on into town. I found a parking space next to the post office (centrally located) and we walked all through town looking at the booths and stores. The Primitive Peddler was handing out free popcorn, which sent that delicious aroma all through the store. Of course I had to have some.

From there we walked up past some houses that had tables displayed with yard sale items, collectors items (like saws and road signs and window shutters), up to the pottery shop. There were a few new stores, including one that sold apple dumplings with ice cream. Tempting, but we passed it up.

We walked down to the stores on Main Street, including the Farmhouse Finery. They had some interesting wreaths, including one that said ‘Dead and Breakfast – stop in and stay forever’. Hmmm. I am always drawn to the Smicksburg Inn, which looks quaint and inviting. There were a lot of tables selling pumpkins and Indian corn and squash, as well as just about every kind of baked good you could think of. It was hard to resist all that.

There was live music on the porch at Smicksburg Furniture, and we waved and clapped as we walked inside. This store had wooden Peanuts characters that were very appealing to me! When we walked back down toward the car we went through the museum, which is only open on occasion. They had local honey (and she said it was REALLY local!) so I bought a jar. I am hoping that if I am faithful to use it with my daily tea it may help with my allergies.

We saw the piano that Aunt Joan donated to the museum, and a few other interesting displays. There was a sewing machine, but mine is nicer! (Thanks, Dave’s mom!!!) There was a young girl walking around taking pictures; she just LOVED all the old furniture and fixtures and the way the rooms were set up. She said she really wanted to live in an old fashioned house! She was probably about 10 years old.

My favorite shop these days is THE SHOP in SMICKSBURG. I got a little wooden tree and snowman, and also a dishcloth. Gen bought me one like it one year for Christmas and I really like it. I’ve never seen them anywhere else. So I splurged and bought one (very inexpensive). Teresa bought two hand-made baskets that were very unique. We stood and watched the artisan weaving one on the spot. She sent me pictures of where she put them in her house.

While I was in THAT store I ran into (not literally!) Karen V (Skunk Hollow Cousin). She wasn’t at the bonfire either, so now I felt like we had come full circle! We stood and chatted for a bit; she’s been having some medical tests and has some challenges ahead of her. Hoping she gets some answers and treatments – sending prayers on her behalf.

When we finished there we circled back around to Donna’s store and Teresa and I each got a hot dog with sauerkraut. Hers are just the best! We sat and ate, then headed towards home (not HOME) but took a detour down Sinktown Road. Brings back so many memories! Allen and Bonnie were outside getting read to mow their ‘leaves’, so we stopped and talked to them for a bit. Josh was raking leaves in his yard so we waved on the way past.

Eric was on the roof of his mom’s trailer doing some repairs. We pulled over to say hi to him, and entreated him NOT to fall off the roof! We continued down (and up) Sinktown Road and wove around back to Plumville and headed out Route 85 to Home Station.

It was so nice to spend the day with Teresa (thanks for sharing your day with me!), to see the Skunk Hollow cousins, and take a drive down past the cabin. Spending time with friends and family, walking around Smicksburg on this lovely fall day, having snacks and food and browsing and enjoying so many wonderful things – it made my heart smile!

We were about half way home when Gen called. She was driving from Walworth (where she used to live) where she attended a wedding, back to Albany. She has movers scheduled for first thing Monday morning to settle her into her new home about 2 miles from Chris’s family. I’m so excited for her and this great new adventure, and that she can settle into her ‘nest’ and be content and surrounded by everything that makes her heart happy.

When I got home I sent Autmn a txt to see how she managed the day with just her and Cameron. Noah had to go back to work today. She said everything was good, and Cameron did good, but he was peeing on everyone and everything no matter what he was wearing. I think we should get him a wet suit!

The only thing left to do tonight is review my Sunday School lesson for tomorrow (God loves us even when we don’t do the right thing), and balance my checkbook. It was a great day, and I am so blessed by those who make my life so full and rich and happy.

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TOMORROW October 8th is:

American Touch Tag Day; National Fluffernutter Day; National Pierogi Day; National Clergy Appreciation Day; National Hero Day; International Off Road Day.

Make sure you let your minister/preacher/pastor/priest/clergy know how much you appreciate them. They don’t have an easy job! God bless…

I started the day with only one thing on my schedule. I promised to meet a friend at Pinnacle to help with a registration renewal. I left there and stopped at Walmart for a few groceries – since it was cloudy, windy and raining I decided to have a kitchen day. Trust me when I say that NEVER happens! I bought items to make ham rolls, cinnamon muffins, and stuffed pepper soup. I just started working on the process when I got a phone call from another friend who sold his car. His buyer lived very nearby so I said I would meet HIM at Pinnacle.

So, leaving everything sit, I met them all at Pinnacle and after a few snafus we got that paperwork done and I headed home. BUT — not before Sir Regis and I had a lovely chat, which ended up in a discussion about the mega lottery drawing tomorrow. We’ll see what happens…

So, it’s now 5:20pm and the soup is finished and cooling on the stove. The muffins just came out of the oven and will be a fun breakfast. The ham rolls will most likely go in the freezer once the cool off. It was a productive day, along with doing laundry and sweeping the kitchen floor about a dozen times. I hate a messy floor.

In the middle of the night I got a txt from Autmn – Cameron’s first night in his own home!

After I post this I will get organized for tomorrow’s road trip to Smicksburg. It will be cooler so I plan on dressing in layers and taking an extra jacket. That will be enough for today!

This just in! I had visitors! Cameron had his first doctor’s appointment, so Autmn and Cameron stayed here afterwards while Noah went to Walmart for a few items. Cameron’s sleeping away in his little seat so I haven’t disturbed him — yet! Poor Autmn, though – her legs and feet are so swollen! She has an appointment for herself on Monday so she can check on them then.

Kelly sent me a txt of pictures of pictures from the Ohio County Country Fair and their 4-H displays. Also, two girls from her 4-H Creeks Club got Queen (Emma) and Princess (Trinity). That’s pretty cool that both the girls are from her club! Beautiful girls!

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TOMORROW October 7th is:

National Propane Day; National Play Outside Day; National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day; National Inner Beauty Day; National LED Light Day; National Frappe Day.

I’m all about the chocolate covered pretzels! That’s why my main objective tomorrow is to get more slab chocolate. It’s on my chore list! God bless. PS – we will also be OUTSIDE!!!

Both stores were pretty slow this morning. I stopped and got gas for the car, then went to Aldi for 3 things. It was such a beautiful day – I did some work in the garage, re-arranging the fall totes and going through some of them. I left them sort of cluttered when I decorated, as I wasn’t feeling my best. They are all organized now. I had toast and tomato for lunch, then went outside and washed the car. I’m thinking it’s supposed to rain tomorrow, so OF COURSE I washed the car!

I took a short walk around the yard, but didn’t want to tramp in the grass with the Scott’s application on it. After it rains and soaks it into the ground I don’t worry so much about it. I noticed I have some little springs of lavender blooming – and since I transplanted that twice I’m excited that it’s thriving! The bees in the wall are still swarming, which makes me nervous..

Before I washed the car I talked to my friend Teresa. I think she, her dog GiGi and I are going to the Fall Festival in Smicksburg on Saturday. It will be cool but we will dress accordingly.

Kath said they toured two houses that they really enjoyed. I looked them up and I can see why!

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TOMORROW October 6th is:

World College Radio Day; National Coaches Day; National Orange Wine Day; National Body Language Day; National Plus Size Appreciation Day; National Manufacturing day; World Smile Day; National Noodle Day.

John always called Mom a Noodle-head because she loved noodles! Sir Rege is my favorite coach. I think we can all find a reason to smile. I can think of tons of reasons! God bless…