Breaking news: I saw one of the baby birds on my front deck this morning. I saw one yesterday on the shed roof but wasn’t quick enough to take a picture.

I started my day defrosting a few scones, cutting them in half, and drizzling them with icing. Of course I got a spot on my shirt that I didn’t notice until 2 hours later! But we were having a taste test at the tea meeting so I wanted to be ready.

After work I stopped at Shop and Save and did get a few Pepsi products on sale. That should really last a while. I was at the tea meeting right on time. There was a lot to discuss this time, as a few things need to get rearranged. Kelly offered to make little flower magnets in fall colors for the take-home favors so I took one with me. That was a resounding yes! Near the end of the meeting we did do a scone tasting – and they all decided it would be more fun as a ‘sweet’ than a scone. So we’ll revisit it again at the fall pre-tea meeting and decide then.

Once I got home, my friend Tamara called and we had a brain-storming session about plans for the Loyalhanna Review Publication party. Things are still up in the air with that – there are a few things we’d like to change, and this particular group doesn’t necessarily like change!

After the phone call, I spent a few hours on the hill, digging and pulling weeds. I think one more sweep across the middle will finish that side.

I forgot to mention that Shop and Save had my red/white/blue M&M’s. So now I’m set for the summer. I can’t believe that in the last few years they have gone from $8.00 a bag to $14.97! That’s why this bag will have to stretch until fall!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 16th is:

Drawing Day; International Day of Light; NASCAR Day; National BBQ Day; National Love a Tree Day; National Pizza Party Day; National Piercing Day; Nickel Day; National Sea Monkey Day; Ride a Unicycle Day; Shades Day; Wear Purple for Peace Day; Waiters Day; National Classic Movie Day; National Biographer’s Day; National Endangered Species Day.

Lots for tomorrow. I do love trees, mostly. And pizza. Cameron saw a penny in the car the other day and said ‘Coin’! Who knew he knew what it was! But nickel day is good. I will maybe watch a classic movie – can’t do much better. God bless…

I got the upstairs cleaned before Autmn and Cameron got here about 11am or so. We visited for about an hour and a half. Cameron had a good time playing with dishes, watching Bluey, and getting into everything he shouldn’t. I currently can’t find my butterfly stone — it will eventually turn up! Everything always does.

Autmn and Cameron went to help her friend Alex and his girlfriend clean their new apartment so I was able to get some laundry done and clean downstairs. So that’s all done for today.

At that point it wasn’t raining, so I went outside to check on the new blooms. Several colors of iris are blooming, plus Solomon’s Seal.

I also noticed that when Autmn got here, the baby birds were chirping away. When she left, they were gone! So the little guys flew away. I was able to knock the nest down and scrub the light, the wall, and the deck floor.

The sky was dark and I heard that areas around us were getting storms and flooding. So far here’s it just raining. I’m staying in so I think it will be fine here.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 15th is:

National Nylon Stocking day; Asphalt Day; Break the Glass Ceiling Day; Straw Hat Day; Bring Flowers to Someone Day; National Notebook Day; Customer Experience Day; National Chocolate Chip Day; International Family Day.

I don’t think I’ve worn nylon stockings twice in the last year. Chocolate chips – I have all the time. No breaking glass. I have a straw hat I wear when I do yard work in the sun. I love my family, every day. God bless…

Today was cool and rainy and windy. I was only outside for about 5 minutes this afternoon when it quit raining. While I was working in the kitchen I kept seeping a rabbit hopping around in the yard and then snuggling under plants in my gardens. So I went out to investigate. She was building a little nesting spot. So birds on the light, rabbits in the flowers!

When I was getting ready for work I went to put my shoes on. You’ll never guess what was in my shoe!

After work I stopped and got the rest of the groceries I needed. Then I got home and started making cinnamon rolls.

And by the way, went I was looking in the spices for the cinnamon —-

I made about 200 and I think I’m done. I’ll ice them the day of Logan’s party. They are all tucked in the freezer.

Nate stopped over to pick up his cheese and peanuts and brought me my mother’s day gift. New garden trimmers! As soon as he left I went out and clipped the little dead limbs on the butterfly bush so the new shoots can grow big and tall!

That took all day, seeing that I had to clean up, do dishes, and sweep. Even though I didn’t in any way try, my little pile of dust is shaped like a heart!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 14th is:

Bond with a Dog Day; Dance like a Chicken Day; Do Dah Day; National Buttermilk Biscuit Day; National Decency Day; National Night Shift Workers Day; Online Romance Day; Receptionist Day; Root Canal Appreciation Day; Stars & Strips Forever Day.

I was going to say I didn’t appreciate Root Canals — but they have alleviated many a toothache! It’s been a lot of years since I’ve bonded with a dog. No online romance, for sure, although it’s worked for plenty of people! DANCE yourself into tomorrow! God bless…

Did a few early morning chores, then left for chiropractor appointment. Stopped on the way to get three cases of water for Logan’s grad party. By the time I got home, I still had 2 hours until my appointment with Ron Brown from Brown’s P/H/A-C. So I planted an entire flat of purple alyssum. I have them all over the yard and hopefully they will fill in nicely. I was just ready to water them all when Ron arrived. He measured the house and took down details and will get back to me with the cost and plans. Looks like I need to replace the furnace along with the A/C. Always something!

Once Ron left, I pulled weeds in the triangle space on the hill. One little space at a time!

I also had two packs of seeds – Zinnias and pansies. Last year I had great luck with the zinnia seeds. Hoping for the same this year.

I went to put more Diet Pepsi in the mini fridge – and there was Jesus!

The baby birds are getting much bigger. Not sure how big they have to be to fly away. I’m waiting for that day. Sad side-note, though. When I came home this morning one of the babies had fallen (?) out of the nest and was sort of dead. Well, actually dead. Dead all day. It made me sad to see that.

Once I did several hours of yard work, I washed the car. The wheels were so dirty and I hate cleaning the wheel covers. But the car is clean and ready for it to rain tomorrow.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 13th is:

Children of Fallen Patriots Day; Cough Drop Day; Fair Trade Day; International Hummus Day; National Apple Pie Day; National Crouton Day; National Frog Jumping Day; National Fruit Cocktail Day; National Leprechaun Day; Top Gun Day; Tulip Day.

I would think Leprechaun day would be March 17th. Shows what I know. Apple pie sounds good – but not hummus. I have plenty of cough drops. Kathy loves tulips! God bless!

Happy Birthday to my nephew Jesse! Hope your day is wonderful!

Todd’s message this morning was a second in the series on Jonah – who ran from God. The only way God could get Jonah’s full attention was to put Jonah in a situation where he needed God and knew it (in the belly of a big fish!). Jonah discovered at that point that it was never too late to pray – but why do we always make that the last resort? Regardless, God listens. God uses these moments not to pay us back, but to BRING us back. Look to God for the answers – he always believes in us – He’s a God of second chances!

Today being Mother’s Day, HCC shared a yummy treat with the mothers. I have never tasted a CRUMBL cookie and it is very good. I took a little sliver off the edge just to taste it. I’ll save the rest for later with a cup of tea.

Once I got home, I had some pretzels and cheese for lunch, then worked outside for an hour and a half. It was pretty warm and I couldn’t take melting in the sun. I spread the last bag of mulch along the side and back of the driveway, and thinned out almost half of the far side of the hill. So I’m taking a break and hope to go back out and mow. There is a nice breeze so hopefully I’ll manage OK.

So, Happy Mother’s Day to the sweet ladies – Mothers – who have blessed my life!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 12th is:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day; International Nurses Day; National Hospital day; National Limerick Day; National Nutty Fudge Day; National Odometer Day.

My mom was known to create a limerick or two. I like nutty fudge – didn’t have a chance yesterday to get any! And being a ‘car’ person I do have an interest in odometers! Have a happy Monday and God bless…

A picture of the moon from laying in bed last night.

I was up early this morning for chores, and Deb and I left here at 9am sharp, heading to Smicksburg. It was a beautiful day and an equally beautiful drive. I apologize ahead of time, because I didn’t take many pictures. We were too busy fussing over things!

The first place we stopped was Donna’s Store. Michelle Griffith was working so we chatted for a bit, and I shared a mini Jesus with her. I was able to get the cheese we all wanted, and the peanuts and pretzels for Nate and Autmn, but they did not have Non-Perils. That’s strange, because Walmart didn’t have any either, nor did Dollar Tree yesterday. Donna was having a special and if you spent $25 you got a really pretty shopping bag. Deb and I both were able to get one. Kathy will be pea-green with envy!

We left there and went to the bulk food store. I got my chocolate melting wafers, and a little cake of soap that was really reasonable. You know me and my soap! From there we just parked and walked around town, which isn’t much these days. I planned on getting Di’s fudge at the Country Cupboard but there was a sign taped to the door that said Temporarily Closed for a Medical Emergency. We looked several other places but no one else sold fudge. Bummer. So we struck out twice!

We walked over to the Heritage, the local museum, and walked around. The new ‘Reclaimed’ shop had a lady working a loom and was demonstrating her craft. She had several beautiful scarves and shawls on display. There were several items donated by Aunt Joan, which I’ve posted before. Took a few other pictures before we walked back to the car.

We decided to have lunch at the Junction and were really glad we did. Deb had a small salad and a loaded baked potato. I had a chicken salad with garlic toast. Both were very good. When we were leaving we saw Gail Patterson and her three sons (Mark, Josh, Eric) who were taking her out for lunch for Mother’s day. Fun to see them!

Deb bought some stickers at one of the shops and her little extra gift was a Smicksburg magnet and a nice pen. She gave me the magnet and I put it on the beam in the garage.

The little newest shop that I like so well – The Shop at Smicksburg – had a nice little spread set out in honor of ‘Mom’s Day Out’. – punch, chips, pretzels, chocolate-peanut butter candies, and the cutest little cupcakes. We took a sample and headed back to set in the car and have dessert!

We headed home, stopping at Burger King in Blairsville for cold drinks and a potty stop. We even made it to my favorite little gas station before they closed at 4pm, with 15 minutes to spare. It was a very fun day – but (good or bad!) the shops were not busy at all except for the Junction. I was glad to spend the day with Deb. But we missed you Kath!

Once I got home and put everything away, I slipped on my garden clothes and spent about an hour and a half clearing the hill on both sides of the steps. Now I’m glad to be in for the evening.

I have The Parent Trap (the newer one) playing on the TV, already folded this morning’s laundry, and will make a quick bagel or something equally non-exciting for supper later.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 11th is:

My nephew Jesse’s birthday! Hostess Cupcake Day; Mother’s Day; National Eat What you Want Day; National Foam Rolling Day; Twilight Zone Day; World Topiary Day.

We will celebrate Jesse, and remember all the precious moms in our lives. Enjoy. God bless…

I got a few things done this morning before I left for Washington. I met Kelly at Red Robin at 11am. I’ve only eaten there once, I think, and it was years ago. I didn’t remember it being so good. I had fish and chips. I never got around to fish during lent so that was a good choice. Kelly and I had a nice visit together before she headed back to her afternoon obligations and I headed home.

My afternoon chores were garden tasks. I started by pulling all the weeds under the back deck and steps. That’s tricky since you have to lay on your stomach to reach most of them. But once I got started it was fine. I also straightened the stones around the flower bed.

Then I started on the fire pit, and from there I moved to the top of the hill. Just along the yard and the lilacs. I’m fussy about keeping the stones straight and hadn’t fixed them yet this year. I pulled weeds about a foot down from the stones. The rest will wait until I’m ready to do the entire hill. When, I wonder, will THAT be? All in all I was outside about 3 plus hours.

Diane txt me to remind me of the temperature dropping tonight. So I carried my two flats of ground cover and my one flat of purple alyssum inside the garage, as well as the two potted azaleas. I don’t want to plant all that until I get the weeds under control on the hill, both sides.

It’s been so messy working outside that every time I come in I have to totally wash my yard clothes again. They are in the dryer now. I have leftover fish from lunch that I plan to have for supper, and then some ironing to do from early this morning. I already got things set out for tomorrow. And a list made – everyone wants something from Donna’s store!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 10th is:

Archery Day; Brunch for Lunch Day; Dog Mom Day; Mother Ocean Day; National Babysitter Day; National Clean Your Room Day; National Golf Day; National Shrimp Day; National Small Business Day; National Train Day; National Windmill Day; One Day Without Shoes; Stay up all Night Day; World Belly Dance Day; World Migratory Bird Day.

I know a LOT of dog moms! My room is always clean and I never play golf – except maybe miniature when the grandkids are around. My friend Mary’s family LOVES trains. I like the no shoes concept but only at home. If I stayed up all night (which I couldn’t) I would sleep all the next day. And I don’t think my baby robins are ready to go anywhere yet. God bless!

This weather is a slave driver! After work I stopped and bought weed killer, mulch, top soil, grass seed, and ground cover. I got gas in the Jeep and came home and got to work.

I had the last of my cheese and tortilla chips for lunch, then started with the top soil. I spread 5 bags in two spots; I raked the clumps and smoothed everything out. Then I spread the grass seed. I tied a string and put foil strips on it to keep the birds away (hopefully). Then I watered it very thoroughly.

Next I spread 3 bags of mulch. I thought I would need four but three was enough. So I’ll keep the extra one until I can get a few more and work on another area.

After that I weed whacked the entire yard, then blew everything clean. It all looks pretty nice. I’ll probably have to mow tomorrow or Saturday afternoon.

Once that was finished, I scrubbed the white fence and hosed it off. It doesn’t come totally clean anymore but it looks much better.

The baby birds are sticking their necks up further. I must say, I do NOT think they are at all cute!

I’ll save the ground cover and the weed killer for another day. I’m bushed but happy to have accomplished so much. When I was turning off the hose I dropped it and soaked my shirt. The breeze made me shiver so I hurried in and got a shower and changed. Now I will answer emails and balance my checkbook.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 9th is:

Alphabet Magnet Day; Child Care Provider Day; Fintastic Friday; Hurray for Buttons Day; Lost Sock Memorial Day; National Butterscotch Brownie Day; National Public Gardens Day; National Sleepover Day; National Knock Out Rose Day; National Home Front Heroes Day.

We must take time to remember all the lost socks. And what is life without alphabet magnets and buttons! What a fun day. Go to the gardens, and enjoy. God bless…

Answer to yesterday’s joke: Spoiled milk! 🙂

For once we had a nice day, all day. And I was inside cleaning most of the day. But I did get to see the horses grazing out in the neighbor’s yard, which was fun.

Right now I have Roadhouse Romance playing in the background while I type. It stars Lauren Alaina, and I love her singing.

After I finished cleaning and laundry, I did go outside. I spent several hours pulling and digging weeds against the white fence in the side yard. The mower doesn’t get close enough to the fence to cut, and weed whacking cracks the vinyl. So I’m giving it a good start by digging out about 4 or 5 inches from the fence.

The baby birds have hatched. I can’t get a good picture as the nest is higher than the babies. But hoping they soon leave the nest – I can pull it down, clean the light, and get back to business as usual! (PS – I think mommy and daddy bird are having a domestic issue. They are squawking and making all kids of racket!)

Sorry to say that’s all for today. Tomorrow is a work day, and hopefully a quick meet-up with my accountant. Then Friday I am meeting Kelly for lunch in Washington (PA) and to pick up the flowers I ordered from their church school. Saturday I planned a trip to Smicksburg just for fun – with my cousin Deb. So that finishes up the week!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS:

TOMORROW May 8th is:

Free Trade Day; Iris Day; Jamestown Day; Make a Book Day; National Coconut Cream Pie Day; National Give Someone a Cupcake Day; No Socks Day; Reward Yourself Day; World Donkey Day; National Student Nurse Day; National Have a Coke Day.

I am having a Coke right now! I only drink 2 or 3 Cokes a year so that’s ironic! I am sure I won’t wear socks tomorrow, and I’ll reward myself with a Klondike bar tomorrow evening. I won’t MAKE a book but I’ll READ a book. God bless…

JOKE of the day: What do you get from a pampered cow? Answer tomorrow.

What a weird weather day – it’s been like this all year. But it was very chilly all day. I cut the grass after I got home from work. Only had a small corner of the front left to do when it started to rain. I kept going, finished it up, and put the mower in the shed. And the sun came out! So I took fifteen minutes and pulled some weeds under the back deck. One little space at a time!

The set of lights around my bookcase went out, but that didn’t surprise me. Cameron pulled a lightbulb out of the set the other day but they still worked. Now they don’t. So I had a R/W/B set and they are LED so there you go.

Now – here are the photos from Free Museum Day. We started at the Lincoln Highway Experience. It’s my favorite. I love watching the movie about it being built – actual clips. And the fact that the old Serro’s Diner is actually INSIDE the museum, and you can order drinks, etc. They always serve complimentary pie, but we had just had fresh scones for breakfast and were not hungry.

From there we stopped at the Ligonier Valley RR Museum, sort of attached to the back of Idlewild. There’s a short video in there too, which is really fun. And a caboose out back that you can walk through. Kelly rang the bell and steered the car for a bit (it doesn’t go anywhere – it’s stationery). We felt a little bit sad that we couldn’t ride the blue train!

We had never been to the Antiochian Village so we went there next. It’s basically a conference and retreat center. There are displays and information on the Orthodox faith ties in the area, and stories about the people who were instrumental in bringing those teachings to the Ligonier Valley, as well as missionaries and visionaries. There were ancient prayer cloths, coins, prayer books, carvings, clothing, alter cloths, and art works. There were coins from Antioch from 5bc!

Downstairs was an anniversary display of Titanic photos and artifacts, pictures and quotes. It was interesting to read about the few people who either ended up or passed through our local area. That was my favorite part.

Luckily we were still avoiding the rain, although it was mostly cloudy. That was perfect, as we stopped next at Fort Ligonier. We walked around the museum, read the displays, and saw hundreds of artifacts and pictures. The parlor of Arthur St. Clair’s original local home was placed inside the museum intact, and time lines and travel routes and lots of quotes. Here is one of my favorites.

We went outside to walk through the barracks, which included the Officer’s mess, the hospital, the quarter master’s office, sleeping barracks, Blacksmith shop, and several more. They are so authentic and realistic.

By now it was long past lunch and we were both hungry. We headed to Compass Inn, which is directly across the street from The Pie Shoppe. You can’t go to Laughlintown without stopping at the Pie Shoppe! We had a piece of pizza for lunch, and a yummy cookie for dessert (Kelly’s was chocolate chip and mine was pumpkin with walnuts and cream cheese icing). I got a bag of Snails to bring home.

The Compass Inn is my second favorite – maybe even tied for first. It was a stagecoach stop and I am friends with the family that owned it – and actually lived in it! – when she was little. I think that would be amazing! There are several outbuildings, including a working kitchen (they were making onion soup) and the blacksmith shop, which was also operational that day.

Before we went home, we walked across the street to the Country Cupboard. I always like to get little soap samples there. They are very inexpensive, and I can get four different fragrances (or more) for the amount of one bar elsewhere. And they do have fun items for sale!

Kelly got a txt from Chase when we were half way home: Bring food! Since Chick Fil-A isn’t open on Sunday he changed his mind…. But we had a really great day, and weekend, and Chase totally loved having time at home by himself, and he didn’t have to share with anyone or move from his little spot for 2 days! I guess we all had fun!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW, May 7th, is:

Aces Day; Great American Grump Out; Love’s Baby Soft Day; National Interpreter Appreciation Day; National Paste Up Day; National Skilled Trades Day; National Tourism Day; National Bike to School Day; National School Nurse Day; National Roast Leg of Lamb Day.

I don’t really bike at all these days. I do appreciate the only interpreter I know personally (dear sister!). I always love being a tourist. God bless!