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…

Not much to report today. I stuck to my original plan to not actively engage in any outside activities. So here is a short recap of my day, with inferior pictures:

Changed my bed sheets (thrill!!) and switched out the summer comforter for the fall and winter one. It’s time! Autmn txt me and asked for a ride to her Mom’s this morning. Her Grama Rose is in from Florida and they were going to all spend the day at Jaime’s.

However before I got to Autmn’s the plans changed and Autmn needed to help her mom and Summer at the Taco Shop in White Oak as Jaime had a catering order. So I took Autmn to White Oak and dropped her off, then came home. The good thing was that I got in the car in my garage, picked up and dropped Autmn off, and then drove back into the garage. No exposure to the elements! So that was good.

I came home and made a big pot of cream of potato soup, then talked to my friend Teresa for about an hour and we got caught up on each others’ lives. At 4:30pm I again got in a dry car, drove to Youngwood to meet Kelly’s family to notarize Logan’s travel permission slip (He’s going to Disney with Aunt Kim and Uncle Greg!), then back to the garage. So that is the extent of my day. As I type I have the little space heater on in the family room and will probably not do anything but go over my Sunday School lesson (the last of the Creation story) and read my Alyssa Maxwell mystery! So – thus was my day!

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Random silly Quote:

TOMORROW September 24th is:

National Cherries Jubilee Day; Innergize Day; National Punctuation Day; Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving Day.

Innergize Day is a day to relax, a day for US! So that’s worthy. And of course Punctuation is very important, so I’m in. And Schwenkfelder is an interesting historical study – check it out! Celebrate… God bless…

I’ll start with last night’s adventures! Gen got here about 4:45pm, after the memorial service in Forest Hills. We visited for a few minutes and took a walk, since it was a beautiful evening. We had just stuck grilled cheese sandwiches in the oven to broil when Kathy stopped for her homemade bread. We got to chatting and heard the smoke alarm go off! We were able to salvage the sandwiches and had them with sliced apples for supper.

We were going to sit and look through Gen’s new photo album – but she realized she left it on a table at the lodge. Since it was after hours, we took a drive down to make sure she hadn’t left it outside on a table. The drive was nice, and the building was in a beautiful setting, and I can see why it was the perfect venue for the memorial service. The book appeared to be tucked on a chair inside under a table, out of reach. But we knew it was safe.

We got back home, left a message at the office, and split a Klondike bar before heading to bed about 9:30pm – but not before Rainy had decided to explore behind my couch. She got stuck back there and couldn’t get out so Gen had to crawl in after her and slide her out backwards. We were both laughing by the time they both got out from behind the couch.

This morning we were greeted by a happy Rainy, then had breakfast. We took photos outside, with Gen holding up one of the floral arrangements that she had created for the centerpieces for yesterday’s event. She gifted one to me as a thank you. Let me say how beautiful they are – both the flowers and my very sweet and talented best friend Gen! Since the first day of school in 9th grade. How precious!

We also took a selfie, but the sun was in my eyes and I’m not at my best!! The lady from the lodge called back and had someone to let Gen into the building. So we loaded up her Subaru and she headed back down to Forest Hills. She excitedly txt me that she had the book in hand and was headed back to Albany a very happy camper! It was a short but wonderful visit and I have been blessed to have the gift of her friendship.

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TOMORROW September 23rd:

National Snack Stick Day; National Great American Pot Pie Day; National Singles Day; Autumnal Equinox Day; National Public Lands day; National Seat Check Saturday; National Hunting & Fishing Day; Restless Legs Awareness Day.

Can’t tell you how many people I know dealing with the restless leg thing. Not sure about the snack sticks, but I like Pot Pie. Can’t necessarily celebrate Singles Day – I AM single but it can get lonely… Celebrate Autumn!

I hear a ton of sirens going off and they are close. I really hate that… In fact they just flew right past the house, and seem to be at the other end of Wren. I guess I’ll hear eventually… God bless! (All of us!)

Got an early call from Gen and she was on the road. She dropped Rainy off here and left for Pittsburgh – I got home a few minutes after she left. So Rainy and I have been hanging out. We washed the car (well, I washed the car; she tolerated being outside!). Now she is resting and I am typing.

I even started to get my bag ready for the Skunk Hollow bonfire at Beth’s next Friday night. Might as well get organized! I’ll add required food at the last minute.

As I am laying low I have nothing else on the schedule except for spending the evening with my New York friends, Gen and Rainy! There are so many fun things to do this weekend but I made a determined decision to STAY HOME. I don’t do that well, nor do I sit still well! Not sure what the next three days will bring.

Here are a few more fall pictures. Still enjoying everything I put up!

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QUOTE: Marcy has the right idea. There are several things I think I would change…

TOMORROW September 22nd is:

American Business Women’s Day; Dear Diary Day; Hobbit Day; Carefree Day; National Online Recovery Day; National Girls Night Out; National Elephant Appreciation Day; National Legwear Day; National Brave Day; National Ice Cream Cone Day; National Centenarians Day; National White Chocolate Day; National States & Capitals Day.

Wow – lots to choose from! I journal every day so I can do the Dear Diary. Can’t say I have an entirely perfect appreciation for elephants or legwear. I do try to be brave. Whatever you choose, enjoy. God bless…

It was nice to not have an alarm this morning but I still had to get up and moving to get things done. I got the house cleaned and the laundry done in time to go to my meeting at 2pm for the Hanna’s Town Tea prep. We set the menu, then went over Priscilla’s amazing new Procedure Manual – she thought of everything! We should have no trouble moving forward no matter who is doing the planning.

I was in the kitchen getting a drink after lunch and I heard this loud crash. In fact, I missed my mouth and spilled water all down my shirt! It seems that the hook that held up my vintage plate (belonged to Mom) let lose and the plate crashed to the floor and split in half. Not an exact crack, so it would be very difficult to repair. I know Kathy had hers repaired when it broke and it was very costly. I just recently invested quite a bit of money to have Grandma and Grandad Crooks’ mantle clock fixed, so I think I’ll hold off on the plate. I tucked it away in a safe place and will revisit that decision in the future.

After I finished cleaning, and got back from the meeting, I took a few more fall photos. Just for fun.

I got a call from Gen, who was stuck on Interstate 80 with a dead battery. Although she did get it replaced it was fairly late, so she is staying at her sister’s in State College and will finish the trip in the morning. I will miss her and Rainy being here tonight as planned, but it’s better to be fresh and alert to make the last three hours of her trip.

So now it’s time for supper. We’ll see what tomorrow brings!

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TOMORROW September 21st is:

National Pawpaw Day; National New York Day; National Chai Day; National Pecan Cookie Day.

In my opinion, not much excitement to choose from! Since Gen lives in New York, I’ll pick that! Have a great Thursday! God bless…

Slept much better last night. The meds are already working. Not there yet but much improved. I worked both stores and got everything done, plus did the dishes for Joe. He likes when I do that because he hates to do it! There are only a few. Easiest part of my job!

Stopped at Walmart and got Yogurt and lettuce. Then popped into Big Lots — saw this crazy shark eating an elf! Not good…

Ate lunch and started dragging the fall totes into the house one at a time. There were a few things I’m just not doing this year – but there’s always next year! 🙂 I still have to do the window clings and change Dottie the doll’s dress from patriotic to farmer jeans and a straw hat! I took the day slow, took my time. So now it’s 9pm and I’m ready to eat so I’ll just post a few of my favorite photos and get dinner. Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

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TOMORROW September 20th is:

National Punch Day (the drink, not the act); National Care For Kids Day; National String Cheese Day; National Pepperoni Pizza Day; National Fried Rice Day.

Pizza I could go for, and string cheese! I made black cherry Kool-Aid yesterday – haven’t had that in ages. Almost like punch! Have a great hump day! God bless…

It was a cool but sunny day. I was able to get the work done at the Jeannette store, but was cutting the time close for the doctor’s appointments so I saved Greensburg for tomorrow. I did stop and give Mike P. a little help. My well visit was at the doctor’s new office, and it’s very nice. Spacious and new and bright — and closer to me!

The appointment went well. For the first time in a while my BP cooperated and was not on the high end. All the other vitals were good. I explained about my breathing and my cough, and it turns out I have inflammation in my lungs – but just a bit. He prescribed an antibiotic – a rather strong one – and made suggestions about working outside in hot weather. Also wearing a mask in the garden when I’m cleaning it out. It was cool enough to get the wild orchids down so now I’m totally done.

I had just enough time to buzz down and get Autmn to her checkup. She’s dilated about 4 centimeters and could go any time – but just hang in there until she has severe labor or her water breaks. Noah felt nervous about her being home along when he works late tonight, so she’s hanging out with me until he’s done working at 7:30pm. First she did her Tigger bounce on her exercise ball, then she took a nap! Sounds about right.

Even though it’s a few days early and I am totally out of energy, I did get the fall boxes down. I changed the outside lights and put one or two things up, but I think that needs to be an early-day project. Maybe tomorrow.

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TOMORROW September 19th is:

National IT Professionals Day; National Butterscotch Pudding Day (NATE!!!); National Voter registration Day; Talk like a Pirate Day.

Nate loves butterscotch pie – Aunt Cordelia always makes it for him! Find something fun and celebrate. God bless…

Kelly and I both slept in a little this morning and woke up to a drizzle. It rained some on the way up the mountain to Stahlstown but did not dampen anyone’s spirits for the festival. It was mostly clear and dry by the time we got there and we could set up our tables for the day.

We had a steady stream of little artists all day – they loved the coloring pages and the leaf crafts. We did read a few stories, and gave one little baby in a stroller a book about a farm. He sang ‘Old McDonald’ the whole way around the park! I met a little girl named Scarlett who was a true artist and one named Royal who was very creative and quiet as a mouse!

I sold two LTM books today and the buyers were excited to read the book. I’m hoping they reach out and leave me a message once they finish reading. Had a few long talks with Marilee who really seems to appreciate and enjoy our being part of the festival, and helping with the kids’ section. We had a great time, too! Also talked to Shirley (library) for a while and was glad to get caught up a little with her.

Kelly used her food coupon for a plate of pancakes and sausage and shared it with me. Later in the afternoon I used mine to get us ice cream.

The afternoon entertainment was fun – Bluegrass bands. My favorite was the first one (Centerfire) and Kelly’s was the second (Plate Scrapers).

The rain came in earnest about 4pm so everyone started cleaning up. It wouldn’t do to have books and craft pages out in the bad weather. We had just loaded the car when the Indian raid on the homestead started so we stood and watched that. It was a tough battle, leaving the British and the settlers lying in the field. Those were scary times in remote settlements!

I bought a few tomatoes from a local farm market stand, and when we got home the boys had egg sandwiches, Kelly had leftover pizza, and I had homemade bread toasted with fresh tomato slices! As we were cleaning up the kitchen the sun peaked out – and a rainbow settled in the sky. Perfect way to put a blessing on the weekend!

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TOMORROW September 18th is:

World Bamboo Day; National Cheeseburger Day; Airforce Birthday.

Tomorrow is my ‘Well’ visit, and Autmn’s 3rd infusion. Then it’s home to do laundry and catch up from the weekend. Have a great new week; God Bless! (And have a CHEESEBURGER!!!)

FLAX SCUTCHING! Kelly and I left about 9:45 with the boys still sleeping – or sleeping again. Chase got up to eat French toast and went back to sleep. We got gas in the Nissan and headed up to Stahlstown.

I was surprised to see several people that I knew – Helen and Donna from HCC, my cousin Deb, Paul’s wife Laura and son Nick, and Kath & Paul. Didn’t really have time to chat with anyone for long – there were a lot of people there and our little corner was busy. Cathi Rhodes as Patsy Cline was the first entertainment act, and I loved listening to her do cover songs and her own songs – such as ‘Crazy’ – which was Stoney’s favorite.

I had my books set out – Letters to Mary and Fields of Blue – and I did sell a few. That made me happy! We also had story time and read my HARVEST poem to the kids. There were dozens of other kids’ books that they looked at, and some sat down and read for themselves. We had a craft page for the kids to do, and the glue sticks (that I just bought) did NOT work. One little girl (age 9!) said ‘You have to by ELMER’S SCHOOL GLUE’ – and don’t blame yourself. No one’s blaming you but you!’ Ugh…

The guy at the table across from us was playing songs on his zither – the kids loved trying to guess the songs. He did a great job and we all enjoyed it.

Kelly stepped in to give the kids craft table a back up when that person needed a break. So we were busy all day. We had food vouches so we each had a burger, chips, and then split a funnel cake – which we shared with a few other authors.

Ed Kelemen was there, and so was Tom Beck, and a friend I met through Ron several years ago – Shirley. She works at the Ligonier library. Also chatted and exchanged ideas with Marilee, as well.

Took some photos around the grounds – It was a beautiful afternoon and everyone was having a good time! We got home about 6pm or so, and now have to regroup and resupply for tomorrow!

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TOMORROW September17th is:

National Apple Dumpling Day; National Professional House Cleaning Day; Constitution Day & Citizenship Day; National Monte Cristo Day; Wife Appreciation Day.

Tomorrow is also day two of the Flax Scutching festival. Rain in the forecast so not sure what effect that will have on the day. Appreciate the blessings you have – God bless.

I’m glad today was a stay-at-home day. I still have a few things to do – but I’m stopping mid-day to post this and do emails.

I went outside early and cleaned up the top part of the stones between the fences. I braved the swarming bees about half way down and cut back the Rose of Sharon growing against Dottie’s fence. There were a few more weeds below that but I wasn’t risking it. I got the Round-up out and sprayed the rest of them with a good coating. I shouldn’t have to bother with them until spring, now.

Today was laundry day, and also bread-baking day. Got that done but still have ironing to do. Also made mini-muffins, although the timer did not go off (it’s done that a few times for some reason) and they baked longer than I like. Thankfully they aren’t ‘hard’ or burned on the bottom. Still yummy!

Kelly and the boys will be here later. I want to be organized for the weekend before they come so I’ll get moving.

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TOMORROW September 16th is:

National Play-Doh Day; Boys’ and Girls’ Club Day for Kids; National Step Family Day; Mayflower Day; National Dance Day; National Gymnastics Day; National Guacamole Day; National Working Parents Day; National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day; National Cleanup Day; Puppy Mill Awareness Day; Responsible Dog Ownership Day.

Families are a wonderful place to be! I dislike puppy mills – be responsible to and with your pets! Have a lovely weekend, and if you are local try to stop up at the Flax Festival! I’ll be there. God bless…