I was busy all day. It’s 6:30pm right now and it just quit storming – for now. I started the morning changing and washing sheets, shower and breakfast. I had a list for Hepler’s Ace Hardware so I did that early. I broke the cover for the weed whacker string so I replaced that, got more string spools, picked up two paint stirrers (Not sure where all of mine went!) and an ant treatment for outside. Came highly recommended so we’ll see. I can’t put it out when there’s a threat of rain since it will wash away.

After lunch I put WD-40 on the kitchen storm door – it was squeaking like crazy. The curtain rod behind the washer was crooked so I fixed that, then put a big red hook in the overhead beam to hang dryer clothes on.

Straightened the curtain rod and put a hook for hanging clothes.

The towel rack wasn’t on correctly – one of the molly screws was broken. I took pictures and measurements and went to Lowe’s and the guy gave me a very easy fix! All good!

Guy was very helpful …

All fixed.

Kelly called me on her way home from Izzy’s grad party ( Peyton’s girlfriend ). Apparently a few of her aunts and uncles live in Albion. One couple go to Keepville church and had been to Mom and John’s house! That’s what you call Small World! All of them were excited for the connections!

Haven’t been here in a long time!

Two of my light sets on the deck were half lit, so I took them down, restrung them, and added new sets. Even though the sky looked dark and I heard some rumbles of thunder, I got a trash bag and did some plant trimming. I cut the flower stalks (already done blooming) from the Hosta down the back walk – they were falling onto the walk. I trimmed the Rose of Sharon sticking through the fence on the hill, dead-headed the Daisies, and cut all the Sage back to the ground. The fragrance is way too strong for me. Even in the outdoor black trash bag I can smell it in the garage. Also cut back the Spider Mums. That will be enough for today – still have some emails to answer.

Daisies

Hostas

Trimmed Rose of Sharon

Cut back Mums to make room for the Butterfly blooms

Sage is gone.

SO – back to Thursday vacation day. Once we got back from Saratoga, we decided to go down to the Stockade – it’s a section of Schenectady that’s from the 1700’s and the houses are amazing!

My favorite!

Kath and Gen in front of the Market

We walked around the town and then sat by the Mohawk river and watched the clouds for a bit.

Canon by the river

Mohawk River

Watching the clouds

We offered to get supper out so we wouldn’t have to cook. Gen suggested Jumpin’ Jack’s drive-in diner by the river. It was VERY good! We all had a fish sandwich, then shared orders of French Fries and Onion Rings. It was a nice way to spend our last full day there.

My stomach is rumbling just looking at the picture!

Here is a picture of her upstairs hall and the dining room window looking to the back yard.

We left about 8:30am or 9am Friday morning and headed out. It was a beautiful sunny comfortable day and we did good getting home. The views, mountains, vistas, farmlands – it was all, well, beautiful! It was hard to leave, simply because it was such a refreshing fun time. Gen sent me a picture Friday night of setting her sister up on an air mattress – with her new throw blanket. She also sent a picture of her grandson Jack – he found Jesus! I will forever remember our time there – spent with two people I love in a house that is perfectly wonderful for my dear friend!

Dog is already asleep! (Bottom right)

Jack with Jesus!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 29th is:

National Darts Day; Hug Holiday; International Day of the Tropics; International Fisherman Day; International Mud Day; Log Cabin Day; National Almond Buttercrunch Day; National Bacon Burnt Ed Day; National Camera Day; National Guy Day; National Waffle Iron Day.

Hugs are fun! Zane (Gen’s husband) was an avid fisherman! Not a fan of mud, actually, but I do like bacon! Have a great day, and a waffle! God bless…

I was able to quickly cut the grass this morning very early. I jumped out of bed, threw on old clothes and went out. It stayed cloudy and cool and breezy and I finished in good time – then got a shower and breakfast. My intention was to pull some weeds this afternoon but it’s too warm and humid. I’ll see what happens this evening. But sure glad the grass is cut.

Last night’s sunset clouds

Grass is cut – for a few days.

Here are some flower pictures.

Two colors of Day Lilies

Blazing Star just starting

Purple Daisy – Cone flower?

Gladiolas – I did NOT plant it there! Ready to bloom – What color will it be?

Daisies

Phlox

So the second part of our Thursday in New York was at Saratoga battlefields. So much history there. The most interesting fact for me was below:

Interesting!

Beautiful day; beautiful sky!

In visitor’s center

Battlefield outside the Visitor Center

Miles and miles…

The Nielson Farmhouse was abandoned early in the war, but when the Neilson’s came back to claim it the American troops had taken it. They eventually got it back.

Farmhouse

Inside

Looks like Little House on the Prairie.

After we watched the movie in the visitor’s center, we got in the car and drove the nine mile road through the battlefields. We learned something different at every stop.

Mushroom

At stop 9 we pulled in and shared lunch above the Hudson river. We were just finishing up when it started to rain. The fields were very solemn and hallowed remembrances.

Hudson river peeking through the trees

The cloud looks like Chernobyl nuclear explosion! Over the Hudson.

Rain chased us to the car.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 28th is:

House Paint Touch Up Day; Midsummer Day; National Tapioca Day; Paul Bunyan Day; Summersgiving Day; National Mural Day; National Foodie Day; National Logistics D.

I paint-touched up the house yesterday! We are all probably foodies to some degree. God bless!!!

A few things to do at work – Ken was chasing ants. Apparently the April accident stirred up a few colonies and we are overrun by them. Ruth Ann (Matt’s mom) brought up paperwork for a truck that they bought for Logan so I helped with that. I bought a few birthday cards then came home and had potato soup for lunch. Still too hot to do anything outside.

Touched up a few scratches on the door to my garage and then made cinnamon muffins. I could barely fit them in the freezer but I only put a few in a baggie and it worked. It’s trying to rain right now.

So on with the vacation. Thursday morning we headed to Grant’s Cottage in Wilton NY. We had never even heard of it! But it was amazing! This property was a rental owned by a friend, and when Grant was diagnosed with Throat cancer and couldn’t work, he was encouraged to write his memoirs. This friend offered the cottage to Grant for as long as he needed it. He spent his last weeks there. The stories we heard and the details for Grant’s last days were very moving and emotional. Our tour guide, Mark, was very thorough and knowledgeable. Somehow we think of war heroes dying on the battlefield. But General Grant (President Grant?) died a slow, painful death while writing his life story. He did this to provide for his family when he was gone, and the men who had served under Grant went door to door to sell the books! They loved him! Such an amazing story of those last days.

Kathy ready for the day!

This is a bath chair, but for traveling not for bathing.

A bust of Grant

Last picture of Grant – on the porch.

Grant’s typewriter – Remington!

Copies of the book

His desk

Hand written pages

When Grant died, his son stopped the clock and it hasn’t been touched since.

These are actual floral arrangements sent for the funeral. They have dried perfectly and are preserved.

The parlor was used for Grant’s bed – where he died.

Notice the black mourning band around the flag.

Gen and Kath chatting with Mark on the porch.

Side porch.

And it’s been preserved as it was.

Path to the overlook.

Views from the overlook.

Tomorrow we’ll finish up at Saratoga Battlefield and the Stockade in Schenectady.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 27th is:

Cream Tea Day; Decide to be Married Day (?); Drive your Corvette to Work Day; Helen Keller Day; National Bingo Day; National Food Truck Day; National Onion Day; National Orange Blossom Day; National Sunglasses Day; Screen Repair Day; Ice Cream Cake Day.

Ummmm… Ice Cream is good, and sunglasses! God bless..

Six months until Christmas Day (in honor of Bud!)

When I got up this morning I plugged in the fridge but it did not get cold. The freezer seems to be working but not making ice. I have to call the service technician tomorrow to add that to the issues so they come prepared.

SO – back to vacation. Wednesday morning I came downstairs and Gen had put three mini-brownies with candles on the breakfast table, with M&M’s! So it was a festive start to my birthday day.

We headed to Fort Ticonderoga and enjoyed the trip up. There was so much to see! And we took a few tours as well to learn about the history of the fort, how to clean guns and shoot cannons. The lake – Lake Champlain – was just beautiful, and it borders Vermont so we could look out across the lake and see another state!

Fog on the mountains

Crossing the river

First view of the lake

Flag and the cannon

Vermont

A little history. The fort changed hands between the French, British and Americans several times.

Row of cannons

Lake Champlain

The flag is really up there.

Supply room

Gen pointing out the table.

View from the top.

Oh say, can you see?

Top floor – barracks

Believe it or not – an oven!

Museum displays and demonstrations

Flag was just so impressive, and the wind kept it flying.

Views for miles

Cleaning the guns and Kath watching.

Fife and Drum

CEO of Mars Corporation (who make M&M’s), who funded part of the museum displays.

Incredible amount of stone!

Once we left the fort we drove up to Mount Defiance. What a drive up! The road was narrow and steep and curved. But the views were even more amazing.

View of the fort from Mount Defiance

Lake Champlain and Vermont (in the distance)

Once we left there, we headed home a different way, past Lake George. It was a beautiful ride, and for me it brought back lovely memories of Chris and Lauren’s wedding, which was on the lake. We drove through the town and alongside the lake on the way down.

We had grilled sausages and salads for supper, and cupcakes for dessert. Gen bought me a book – 1776. I just started it last night, and as it’s 300 HUGE pages it will take me a while to finish. It feels strange to learn the British side of the beginning of the revolutionary war. I’m not sure if later in the book we will get the American details or just stay with the British. Either way I know I will learn a lot. It was a wonderful day!

Gen taking pictures:

Nighttime in Gen’s back yard.

I forgot to mention yesterday that Cameron loved his giant ‘coin’. He likes coins but they are too small for him to have, so I got him a big one. And he found a little JESUS in the tablet drawer where his toys are kept. He -as I said – was a busy little guy!

It’s about 3 inches in diameter.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 26th is:

National Beauticians Day; Forgiveness Day; National Barcode Day; National Bomb Pop Day; National Canoe Day; National Chocolate Pudding Day; National Cocoanut Day; National Handshake Day.

I had chocolate pudding after my test on Monday. Forgiveness is very hard, but very necessary. Never been in a canoe! God bless…

We had a good day – Cameron was very good. Josie (Jojo) – Autmn’s youngest sister – came down to help, and she really was a big help. He played hard and took a short nap and ate a nice lunch. We laughed at him a lot.

Cameron with my lighted crown – he wouldn’t look up!

Baking with Jojo

Baby Bob in his baby carrier

He knew how to play with finger puppets

He likes little things.

…And dumping Dominos

Those curls!

Showing Jojo what’s in the box.

Since my fridge is on the blink, I have to clean things out – especially the freezer section – as I have to pull the plug and leave it sit for 4 hours or so to reset things. So I’m going to recap Wednesday’s day of vacation tomorrow.

Scripture of the day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 25th is:

Please take my children to work day; Backyard Safety Check Day; Global Beatles Day; National Camp Counts Day; National Catfish Day; National Day of Joy;

I’ll stick with the joy! God bless….

I had to be at Norwin Square at 7:50am for my medical test. I was nervous about it but then I’m generally nervous about everything! Turned out it was much easier than I expected, but then I haven’t got the results yet….

From there I went to work and spent a few hours at Pinnacle before stopping at Mike P.’s. Turns out I actually had to go there twice. That was tiring. I stopped at the bank and the post office on the way home.

You inspired me, Gen! Very appropriate!

Not sure if I mentioned yesterday that when I got home I discovered that my fridge wasn’t working. The freezer part was ok – so far. I tried calling my repair man but he doesn’t service the ‘electronic’ Whirlpools. I called around but didn’t find any help. I’ll try again tomorrow. For now I stuffed everything I could in the downstairs fridge and put the rest in a cooler with ice. Hope I don’t have to do that for long.

Sort of like this.

When I pulled in the driveway after work Fred was sitting there by the walk, nibbling. Is it my imagination or did he get chubbier while I was away?

So back to New York. We got up early Tuesday and grabbed breakfast at Wendy’s down the street, then filled the VW with gas. We hit Schenectady about 11am but Kath wanted to stop in Walmart. We browsed around the store like we didn’t have anything else to do! We made it to Gen’s about 1pm. Walked in the door of her beautiful house and she had the Beach Boys playing on Alexa! What a welcome!

Arrival – Me and Kathy on the back deck.

Kathy checking out the deck.

My Beach Boys!

She gave us a tour of her house, helped unload the car, and we had cold drinks and chilled out for a bit.

Front of the house from the street with the beautiful red tree.

Front of the house.

Back of Gen’s house.

This is a giant gourd but it looks like a Hershey Kiss!

Fireplace in the living room

Her gardens are lovely (Master gardener – of course they are!) and the yard and location of her house are perfect.

Side garden

These are her old gardening shoes.

Back yard.

Looking up through the branches of the red tree.

The favorite thing about her house is the slate roof. It’s very unique and beautiful – goes perfect with the landscape and the setting.

Her friend Jessica and two children – James and Maisie – came for supper and we had a nice evening getting to know each other. We had ‘build your own taco/salad’ and ice cream for dessert. Once we got the kitchen cleaned up we were about ready for bed. Let’s see what tomorrow brings. (Spoiler alert – that would be my birthday!)

Kathy talking to Jessica while James and Maisie are eating.

More pictures of the house another day.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 24th is:

Farmer Day; Fix your Windows and Doors Day; International Fairy Day; Midsummer; National Pralines Day; Swim a Lap Day; National Patch Day; National Take Back the Lunch Break Day.

My friend Linda writes and publishes books about fairies and knights! It’s plenty warm to swim but I doubt if I will. Yea for farmers. God bless…

We are in for some stupidly hot temps over the next week – stay cool as possible, stay hydrated, stay inside when you can.

Todd’s message this morning was about being where God wants you to be. He redirects our steps. We too often focus on the faults of our circumstances rather than what we have. We are so concerned about what is happening or will happen that we can’t see exactly what IS and where we are right now. Whatever is going on in your life can be fixed by Jesus – See the moment. What do you want Him to do with you? Be alert to His plans and that’s where you should be, easy or not!

So, here we go on vacation. I picked Kathy up at 4pm on Monday. We loaded the car and then she gave me Susie Squirrel – she went with us on vacation! I think she was very happy to go along.

Susie ready to have tea.

We headed up Route 22, and made it to Blairsville when the oil light came on. But not a traditional oil light. We had too much oil! We pulled over and called Rege – he did some research and assured us that we were safe to keep going. So we did. It was a little disconcerting but you have to exercise trust somewhere! We drove for a few hours and sort of ate our supper on the drive. I was surprised how comfortable the trip was – I’m not a fan of big city driving and there was none of that. Mountains and vistas and rural views.

We got as far as the New York line and found a motel in Sayre. It was Candlewood and it was a very nice room. We were ready to crash as it was almost 10pm by then. Glad for a good night’s sleep!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Sorry – couldn’t help myself!

TOMORROW June 23rd is:

International Olympic Day; International Widows’ Day; Let it Go Day; National Hydration Day; National Pecan Sandies Day; National Pink Day; National Typewriter Day.

Tomorrow I have another medical test. Ugh. I guess I have to ‘let it go’! Stay hydrated in this heat. I love my typewriter! God bless…

Here we are, back in Pennsylvania, settled in after a lovely vacation in New York with Gen. Couldn’t have asked for a nicer hostess! Thanks Gen! Kathy and I had a great time.

Gen, our hostess; Kath and me on her back deck.

I’ll recap our week starting tomorrow – but I spent so much time getting organized after being gone that it’s 7:30pm and I’m running out of steam! We got home last night about 5:30pm – and I emptied the car, took everything out of all the bags and suitcases and coolers, put away maps and brochures and leftover food. Did laundry, hung up clothes, got the car back together, and answered emails and txts. Tomorrow I’ll wash the car – it’s a vacation dead-bug mess!

Dead bugs on the window.

The fun part was when I finally finished all that I sat down and opened all the sweet birthday cards that came while I was away. Thanks to everyone who sent one!

I got up early and had toast. Gen had this wonderful, delicious French bread. Kathy and I each brought a loaf home with us. Yummy!

Then while it was still somewhat cool I did my yard work – cut grass, pulled a few weeds, cut back dead stalks. Now I’m set for storms or high heat indexes though next week. I have not, however, seen Fred or Ed since I’ve been back.

Before I close out, I want to share two bits of sad news. I talked to Kelly today and she said that her friend with the 3 year old that died in the WV floods had just gotten married a year ago. She left behind a new husband and a 6 month old son. That made my stomach queasy and my heart hurt. It is just horrible. I can’t even imagine.

WV Floods

And Autmn txt me that Noah’s grandfather passed away this week. He’s the one who was Santa where Cameron had his first ‘photo with Santa’. Please pray for these people who have lost someone they loved.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY is PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 22nd is:

B Kinder; National Chocolate Éclair Day; National HVAC Tech Day; National Kissing Day; National Onion Ring Day; Windrush Day; World Rainforest Day.

TODAY would have been Mom and John’s wedding anniversary. No kissing, no chocolate, we had onion rings for supper beside the Mohawk River on Thursday night. We should always B kinder! God bless…

On this day in 1967 I walked into Bud Smail Lincoln Mercury for my first day of a summer job. 52 years later that ‘summer’ was over. What a ride!

I still miss Bud…..

Happy Father’s Day to the special fathers in my life!

Nate with Cameron

Matt with Logan

Noah with Cameron

My Dad with Kathy

John

Thankfully we did not get the nasty weather today that was expected. I spent the day until 2:30pm interpreting the upstairs rooms of the tavern. We had some very interested people and they seemed excited about the information. An old friend from Smail’s, Kathy Barnard, stopped by and it was so great to see her and catch up! So that was a nice day. Pictures from the day:

A house (1800’s) that they took down and are rebuilding on site.

Proctor’s encampment by the stockade

Demonstrations in the LeFevre House

Springhouse

Fenced in Kitchen Garden

So interesting!

Native American demonstrations

Table at the tavern

Private bedroom

Louise cooking….

Kelly called me about 4pm, to catch me up about all the flooding in her area. Their yard and roads were flooded, and Peyton’s good friend’s family lost everything. Several bridges are gone, roads were washed away, people lost houses. The worst was that a friend of Kelly’s from 4-H and her young daughter were swept away, and were just found this afternoon. The mom was 27 and the little girl was 3. That has to be the most dreadful thing to think about and to happen. Please pray for the people in and around Elm Grove and vicinity. It’s devastating.

Floods

Floods

Kelly’s friend and her daughter.

I just finished packing – but I’m not at all confident of my choices. Thankfully as long as I have one complete outfit extra, we can do laundry when we are at Gen’s.

My suitcase looks sort of like this….

This is my last post until next Saturday. Have a lovely week and I’ll catch up then!

Keep this in mind for your Independence Day Celebrations!

QUOTE for TODAY: (I think it’s a good one)

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 16th is:

Bloomsday; Fresh Veggies Day; International Waterfall Day; National Fudge Day; Take your Cat to Work Day; World Sea Turtle Day; Youth Day.

I love waterfalls!!! And fudge! I don’t have a cat but I’d definitely take it to work if I did! And today would have been my friend Ron Buschek’s birthday had he lived. God Bless….

Happy Flag Day! We’ve had SO MANY versions of our U.S. Flag and they have all stood for freedom and unity. God Bless America!

My rainy day started at Hanna’s Town – I was docent in the upstairs of the tavern. The day started sort of slow with visitors but did pick up by the time I finished my morning shift. The fun thing was that descendants of Robert Hanna from Kentucky came up for the event and were excited to tour the site and learn so much of their family’s history.

Order in the Court!

The weather cleared by the time I left. I zipped home to change out of my colonial garb and then headed to Mammoth Park for Isaac’s graduation party. By the time I got there it was sunny! He was relaxed and having fun, playing games, eating, and visiting with his friends and family. The most fun for me was that Tonia ordered M&M’s with Isaac’s picture on!

How cool is THAT?

Tonia had Isaac’s award framed, and also had a huge banner with his drum line picture. By the time I got around to taking a picture of the cake it was almost gone. I spent time talking with friends I hadn’t seen in a while, and sat with Beth and Harold to eat. Hannah and Rosie came up from Tennessee and I haven’t seen them in a while.

What was left of the cake.

I got home at 4:30 and took a quick break and read the end of my book. Then I went out and finished weed whacking the rest of the yard, sweeping up the clippings, and weeding out a few dead flower stalks. And I didn’t see Ed or Fred once. I did see my neighbor outside and he’s going to sprinkle Cyanine Pepper and Onion Salt around the shed and fences as that’s what I read was effective. We’ll see! Here are current flower pictures.

First Day Lily to bloom

I just finished taking these when the thunder started rumbling and the sky turned dark. It’s raining now.

QUOTE for the DAY: Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW June 15th is:

Clean your Vents Day; Global Wind Day; Magna Carta Day; National Bug Busting Day; National Prune Day; National Turkey Lovers Day; National Smile Power Day; Sneak a Kiss Day; Trinity Sunday; National Big Boy Day; National Foam Party Day; Father’s Day; Nature Photography Day.

No one to sneak kisses from these days! Probably safer that way… Make sure to honor your father or his memory tomorrow. Tomorrow is packing day for me. SMILE! God bless…