The weather has been all over the map today – no pun intended! It’s been cloudy and chilly and rainy and steamy and sunny and hot and breezy. Right now there’s sun but also darker clouds here and there. I went outside after work to mow the grass before it rained — I almost made it! I just started cutting when it began sprinkling. I made one loop around the yard and was ready to give up but it quit! So I was able to get the whole yard done.

After that, I went in and cleaned up – because I was sweaty and sticky. I had stopped at the farmer’s market down by Oakford Park Road for tomatoes so I had one with toast for lunch.

I was doing dishes when I looked out the living room window and saw Nate and Dave on the neighbor’s roof! They were installing gutter guards for him. They popped in and said hello when they were done.

Nate on the roof….

It took a little self-motivation but I finally went back outside and cut dead flower stalks and pulled a few weeds on the hill.

Cut down dead stalks

The other task for today was to balance my checkbook. That worked out fine so it’s done for another month.

I’m listening to AN UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS (Hallmark movie) while I type. Tyler Hynes is pretty funny in this one – and I do like Bethany Joy Lenz.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 9th is:

Fashion Day; International Emergency Kit Day; National Don’t Put all your Eggs in One Omelet Day; National Sugar Cookie Day; National Dimples Day.

It’s been a very long time since I’ve had a sugar cookie. I don’t make omelets and I’m really not much into fashion. Everyone should be prepared for emergencies! God bless…

Today is World Chocolate Day — something very important to celebrate! I just had a small bite of a chocolate chip cookie….

It was very warm and stuffy very early this morning. After breakfast (toast and tomato) I started a laundry load, then went outside and changed the yard flags. My hair was soaked in the back before I even got them all done.

Once I came in, I got my two very small bins and took down all the red/white/and blue decorations and packed them away. Then I backed the car out and switched a few shelves around. I found Jesus behind the extension cords.

I decided before I was done with all that to take down the r/w/b lights on the bookcase and put plain blue ones up. We’ll see if I like that.

I could not make myself lug rocks, move stones, or do anything with the deck. So I took some flower pictures and went back inside. By then it was lunch time so I had a few fish sticks.

Mini butterfly bush.

Plethora of glads.

Large butterfly bush with pink gladiola and a day lily.

Pink and white Pinky-Winky

Some sort of thistle???

For some reason I got this sudden urge to run to Mt. Pleasant. I was going to go to Walmart but changed my mind and went to Goodwill (got a sleeveless shirt for outside work) and then to Tractor Supply. Cameron loves cows so I got him a mummy and a calf – it was sort of pricey but I knew it was safe for him to play with. And they are really cute and sturdy.

How now, brown cow — and calf

Just as I got home it started to pour down rain. I snapped a picture out the door just as a loud clap of thunder boomed! It made me jump! My lightening strike (basement light) sort of put me off storms.

Since I had jammed the little downstairs fridge full a few weeks back, the tiny freezer really got frozen over. So I turned it off and stuck towels in it to catch the water as it thawed. Didn’t take very long and it’s all turned back on now.

Frozen…

Defrosting.

All defrosted…

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 8th is:

Be a Kid Again Day; Math 2.0 Day; National Blueberry Day; National Chocolate With Almonds Day; National Freezer Pop Day; National Ice Cream Sundae Day; National Love Your Skin Day; Cow Appreciation Day.

Kind of ironic that I bought Cameron a cow today! One day ahead! I wish he was coming in tomorrow :(. I love ice cream and it is kind of fun to have skin. God bless!!!

Our Sunday School Lesson was about taking our thoughts captive. Don’t let negativity draw you away from what you know is pure and good and Godly. Jerry Ryder preached the church time message and it was The Two Sides of Peace. 1) Live in Peace WITH God 2) Live the Peace OF God. Grace is described: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. There’s good news, but there is bad news too – but there is a FIX for the bad, as long as you make the right response. Be thankful, not uptight – trust God for inner tranquility. Worry accomplishes nothing. Good words to live by: Give it to God, and then go to sleep! Don’t take it back. Live like the Children of Heaven that your are.

After church I had a piece of toast with a slice of tomato for lunch, then did a few quick things outside. I finished cleaning off the driveway, and since the batteries were charged I could use the blower. I mixed up the home-made weed killer and put the new sprayer together. I test-sprayed the wood lining the driveway but it was too hot to spray everywhere. I think it would have evaporated before it soaked into the roots. Waiting for a cooler day.

Sprayer

Once I came back in, I took the ripped pocket flaps from a pair of old shorts. Then I cut the watermelon and there was SO MUCH! I took two big bowls over to Kathy’s picnic – and still have plenty at home for me.

More than enough for me…

Kath had a ton of great food – Paul made chicken, brats, and hot dogs on the grill. We had 3 kinds of salad, cheesy potatoes, chips, and desserts. Yum. I ate too much! Edy, Hattie, and Rosie are staying with them for 4 days, and Millie spent the night. She adores her older cousins. Their other grandparents, Chris and Wayne, and their cousin Lucy were there, too. Tonia and Isaac, Sarah, Kyle, Wyatt, too. It was a fun evening. Hannah and Dan are coming up on Thursday, picking up the 3 girls, and going hiking in Maine for a week. That’s an exciting vacation. And Edy just got back from a month in Greece! Wow!

Edy

Hattie, Lucy, Rosie

Millie

Wyatt ‘sampling’ his cooking skills! (Water)

Wayne and Chris; Tonia; Kathy

Kyle, Sarah, Paul, Isaac

{Pistol – Isaac’s dog.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 7th is:

National Macaroni Day; Global Forgiveness Day; International Peace & Love Day; National Day of Rock and Roll; National Deck Day; National Dive Bar Day; National Father/Daughter Take a Walk Day; National Koi Day; National Strawberry Sundae Day; Tell the Truth Day; World Chocolate Day.

I love chocolate! We should always tell the truth — God bless!

Another beautiful day – but warmer than yesterday. I’m determined to get caught up – the weather and my lazy bones prohibited me from keeping on schedule. Other than the perpetual mowing and pulling weeds I have a lot of the outdoor projects done. I few I need some help with, if I can get it.

I got up, changed and washed the sheets, grabbed a frozen waffle, then went to the neighborhood yard sales. I drove around and didn’t really stop. So much of what I could see were large pieces of furniture and clothing – neither of which interest me. So I came home and started on my chores. First thing I did was dig out the fern for Kath – I’ve been promising her that for months and months. Got a pot and some potting soil later at the store so now it’s ready to go.

Fern for Kathy – from the cabin….

My main job today was to weed whack. Unfortunately I let it go so long that I used up both batteries before I finished – had to change string spools part way through. So I set one of the batteries to charge (only have one charger!).

Last of the weed whacking finally finished.

There were a few shrubs that needed trimmed in the front yard – the lilac and the bridal bush. I kept getting tangled in them when I cut the grass, and couldn’t see where the stones were. So I trimmed them, cut back some over aggressive daisies and a few done-blooming day-lilies, and dug up a bunch of crab grass along the hill. I took a LOT of breaks, took my time, and drank several bottles and glasses of water, lemonade, and tea.

Easier to mow.

Finished cleaning up this space and around the stones

At about 1:30 I came in and changed shirts, had a fruit salad, then went to Walmart. I needed a new furnace filter (mine was super dirty), drain cleaner, the stuff for the fern, and the watermelon for the picnic at Kathy’s tomorrow.

Guaranteed mine won’t look like this! Although Gen’s did when we were in New York…

Once I folded the laundry and put things away, I put my yucky clothes back on and went outside again. It was much hotter. I finished weed whacking, talked to my neighbor Karen for a while (she’s still sharing the little Jesus’s that I gave her and having fun with them!), and potted the fern. I moved the cement bench by the fire pit (since I’m dismantling it) and filled in around it with stones. That bench – in three parts – is super heavy! I probably wasn’t smart to move it my myself. I didn’t carry it – I sort of skootched it along! I hope to get help actually moving the blocks and cleaning up the little pebbles. I know – ‘good luck with THAT’!

Moved the bench…

….To here.

Last night after my shower, etc, I was sitting on the couch writing in my journal and the fireworks started. I went outside on the porch – I think every other family in Ft. Allen were setting them off! It was very impressive! Everywhere I looked. I just sat there on the deck, in the warm evening, and watched. I couldn’t even see them all. I know there are lots of people who don’t do – don’t approve – and resent private fireworks. I respect their choice but I still love them! I just let all the colors and sparkles rain around me and enjoyed it all.

My house joining in the celebration.

I’m going to finish this, answer emails and then get supper. Have a lovely Sunday!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 6th is:

Build a Scarecrow Day; Capital City Day; International Kissing Day; National Fried Chicken Day; National Patio Umbrella Day.

I like friend chicken but could never manage to make it. I have 2 patio umbrellas. One is broken. I need to get it fixed this winter. God bless…

Hope your 4th of July was a delight in every way. It was a beautiful day! So many people were celebrating and visiting and picnicing – enjoying the holiday. I enjoyed my day very much – but I actually stayed home and did chores. I got up early and cut the grass, and finished the small section of weeding by the white fence. I did a load of laundry, and by the time I was finished it felt too late for breakfast – so I had a fruit salad.

Grass is done.

Before I got started on more outside work, I had a few quick errands to run. I was looking for a flower pot, some bins for in my bedroom dresser, and a sleeveless shirt. I did not find the shirt that fit the need. I went back outside and dug up a plant, finished another section of weeds, then started on the flower beds under the back deck and up by the rose bushes.

Under the back deck.

By the rose bushes

Kathy and Paul stopped on the way home from their picnic and shared some leftovers with me. She brought veggie pizza and a few pieces of cookie cake. They weren’t even out the driveway and I had scarfed down 2 pieces of the pizza! I’ll eat the rest for supper after I finish this.

Yummy veggie pizza!

Delightful dessert! Thanks to my dear sister!

There is a community yard sale down the road from me – I’ve gone down there several years and it’s pretty fun to walk around. So I may do that in the morning — but then I need to weed whack. Today I took some happy July 4th pictures.

My neighbor Al’s giant flag!

Autmn and Noah popped in on their way to Jaime’s – they are celebrating Autmn’s sister Penny’s graduation! Congrats to Penny! I can hardly believe she’s old enough to graduate.

My sweet boy!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 5th is:

International Cherry Pit Spitting Day; Mechanical Pencil Day; National Apple Turnover Day; National Bikini Day; National Graham Cracker Day; National Workaholics Day; Pet Remembrance Day; Work without your Hands Day; National Play Outside Day.

I have no interest in spitting cherry pits and I am not a fan of mechanical pencils or bikinis. I’m borderline reformed workaholic. I WILL play outside when I can! God bless…

It was a nice day today! I had a good time at work, if that’s not an oxymoron. Everyone was in a jolly mood, and had things to share, and were all willing to help out. I only had one deal but was there for over two hours!

When I left work I stopped at Walmart for some fruit, ingredients to make home-made weed killer, and ice cream! After lunch I did some emails then talked to my friend Tamara who is co-hostess for the Loyalhanna Review Publication Party. We got the menu worked out and some solid plans for other things.

Past issues

Another update on my medical journey. I was supposed to have a test next Tuesday. However, my blookwork showed that one of my prescriptions affected the numbers – and that would affect the results of the test. So I have to let up on that prescription for a week and have the bloodwork redone. So next week’s test has been delayed.

Nate’s friend Jamie came and looked at my electrical issue from the lightening strike. He’s going to replace the light, update the connections, and check on a few other things for me. I pulled weeds along the white fence for a while and will finish with the rose flowerbed tomorrow.

Scripture of the day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 4th is:

Alice in Wonderland Day; 4th of July Day; Independence From Meat Day; National BBQ Spareribs Day; National Caesar Salad Day; National Grill Safety Day; National Hillbilly Day; Sidewalk Egg Frying Day.

Whatever you do tomorrow – stop and give thanks for this great land we live in. God Bless America – 149 years old!

Typical Wednesday. Just cleaning and laundry and trash. Nate and Dave just stopped on the way through Ft. Allen and lugged all my heavy trash bags out to the road. That saved me a lot of heavy lifting! Thanks, guys.

I got mail from my vacation! I usually send myself a post card, reminding me of when I was there and what I did. So I got the one from Ft. Ticonderoga.

Post card from me.

I also got a perfect little note from Gen – which I framed and put on my shelf. A nice reminder of our wonderful time together.

Cool cannon card from Gen.

And truthfully, other than playing Biltmore Christmas on a loop all afternoon, that was my day! Still trying to get a prescription filled that I HAVE to start taking on Friday or I will have to reschedule my next test… Sigh.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

I guess so!

TOMORROW July 3rd is:

Air Conditioner Appreciation Day; American Redneck Day; Disobedience Day; International Drop a Rock Day; National Chocolate Wafer Day; National Eat your Beans Day; National Fried Clam Day.

I do appreciate my air conditioner. I try not to disobey. I’m just hanging out! God bless…

Work this morning – and the computers/programs were not working. As of today PENNDOT raised all their fees, so all the forms and programs were struggling to be correct (my interpretation!). I finished there and picked up the supply bin from Ruth for the Loyalhanna Publication party. I have to sort through it tonight.

I went straight to get my pre-test test done, then came home and made lunch. I had an egg sandwich on the French bread we brought back from New York.

It quit raining about then, so I went down and put black plastic trash bags over the paper lawn bags. I was afraid they wouldn’t hold up in the rain. While I was outside, I changed the small garden flags, scrubbed the chair mat for my desk chair, and took some flower pictures. Took a minute to throw away an old leaky garden hose that was taking up room in my garage.

The bags were pretty wet and soggy

Drying the mat on the car windshield!

Growing in the deck railing

Peach color and yellow.

Butterfly bush blooms

The mystery is solved! They’re pink!

These are by the driveway.

SHED pictures from last night’s work:

I still have to iron and pay bills and update the wooden Snoopy calendar. That’s probably all for the day. And happy 16th birthday to Chase! Hoping he has a wonderful day and a happy year!

My handsome grandson!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

One of my favorite verses.

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 2nd is:

I Forgot Day; Made in the USA Day; National Disco Day; World UFO Day; National Wildland Fire Fighter Day.

There’s always something to forget. I believe I WAS made in the USA! Enjoy your day – God bless…

Last night’s sunset –

It was cloudy and cooler when I woke up, so I cut the grass. This weather is making it grow like crazy!

Front yard.

But I got it done, got a shower and had breakfast, did laundry, and started on my extensive list. I put up a few red/white/blue decorations. I kept my favorite ones and gave the rest to Mary for her work.

Window stickees

Kitchen door

Front window

I went outside and pulled weeds along the rest of the walk, and by the corner of the white fence. Then the repairman came for the fridge (which had started working for some odd random reason!) and spent about 40 minutes figuring things out. He ordered several parts and explained in very great detail what was wrong and what he was doing. He’ll come back on the 14th (first available date) and repair everything.

The rest of the walk.

Corner by fence.

Once he left I went down behind the shed and cleaned that out. It was a mess and my least favorite place to weed. It’s not hard, just extra dirty, and critters live under the shed, and narrow in places. I have a bunch of trash bags that are heavy, so Nate and Dave plan to stop on their way through tomorrow and take the bags up to the road.

From flower beds

From behind shed.

I just noticed the the one set of lights are out again. Bummer. It’s raining now so I can’t check them. Tomorrow IS another day! But I got the flag changed and the banner up.

Left are out; right is lit

My deep purple glads are filling out nicely. The pink ones aren’t open yet.

They are so beautiful!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Courtesy of Logan Christian Church

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW July 1st is:

American Zoo Day; Blink 182 Day; Canada Day; Dog House Repair Month; Early Bird Day; International Chicken Wing Day; International Joke day; National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day; National Gingersnap Day; National Postal Workers Day; Zip Code Day.

Chase’s 16th birthday! Happy birthday tomorrow! I sort of like zip codes. I like clean funny jokes and ice cream – and gingersnaps! Thanks to our postal workers – I love getting fun mail! God bless…

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of June. Next thing you know it will be December and snowing. Remember I said that!

Last night’s sunset was another beauty — the heat and the storms and wind have created a lot of color.

This morning we had a guest speaker – a missionary since 1999 from Bangladesh named Mawia. He gave a presentation of his work during the Sunday School hour, then preached for church. It’s hard to believe that people live in the conditions that they do. Very nice person and has a true heart for God.

At 1pm we had a viewing and then a funeral service for a young man (age 50) who died suddenly of a heart attack on Wednesday. His parents had spent many years in Ghana West Africa as missionaries. I knew his mom from high school and youth group, and his father was senior pastor at our church several years ago. It was a very sad thing for all of us who were left behind – but the family and friends were rejoicing for Kofi’s new life! His daughter and brother delivered the eulogy and the devotion and wow they did a great job. Strong faith and heart for the Lord. I think I will remember those messages for a long time…

Kofi – photo from church directory.

I’m watching ‘Haul out the Holly’ on Hallmark. It’s Christmas in July. I’ve seen it a dozen times so I’m ok with just background noise.

Once I got home I changed into yucky clothes and went up front. I pulled weeds in front of the deck and part way down the sidewalk. It was in the shade, but I was still dripping sweat.

Section of front.

In front of deck

By the spigot.

After a shower I got started on this post. Here are flower pictures. And that’s in for today. God bless Kofi’s loving and beautiful family.

Dark purple Gladiolas

Huge cluster of orange Day Lilies

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

and live for the Lord!

TOMORROW June 29th is:

Clean your Disposal Day; National Corvette Day; National Meteor Watch Day; Social Media Day; Rabbit Week.

There are more than enough rabbits in my yard. They are eating everything but the weeds! Have a lovely day tomorrow – God bless…