We had Max and Gracie at Sunday School. It was Gracie’s birthday last week, and her dad took her shopping. She picked out a really cute shorts-dress and headband and she looked adorable. She was so excited, and carried herself like a little princess. She was smiling from ear to ear. She is the sweetest child!

Todd is still on vacation so we had a guest minister from the Norwin church preach this morning. His message was about Cleansing our Hearts — like Jesus cleansed the temple of the money changers. He wanted to rearrange the temple back to what it should be – like rearranging the furniture. He stressed that we should not just know ABOUT God, but KNOW God. The temple is now within our hearts; it’s not a building anymore.

I came home from church and changed clothes, then cut the grass and cut back some dead branches from the shrubs. I was meeting Deb at the movie theater so I changed and headed out there. When I got back, I weed-whacked and blew everything clean and bagged all the dead branches and flower stalks. Again, the yard looks nice — for another few days.

We went to see the movie THE SOUND OF FREEDOM, which is a true story. I was really nervous about going, because often those intense, dark movies upset me. This one totally didn’t. The concept was distressing and horrid and made you angry and tense, but the movie was mostly about the rescue efforts. It was still heartbreaking but enlightening. At the end the credits said that there is more slavery in the world today than when it was legal, and most of it is in the US. That is not only sad, but it’s wrong, and it breaks God’s heart. Worth seeing (you could handle it, Beth!).

And just a side note, unlike Spider-man, the theater was FULL!!!

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TOMORROW July 17th is:

National Peach Ice Cream Day; National Lottery Day; World Emoji Day; National Tattoo Day; National Wrong Way Corrigan Day; National Yellow Pig Day; National Get Out of the Dog House day.

Not a fan of peaches. I do have one tattoo but I feel that’s enough. I’ve been known to do things the wrong way. I’ll just see what tomorrow brings! God bless…

I spent the morning getting Chase fed, packed and organized to end up his vacation week. I took him down to Sheetz in New Stanton to meet his Aunt Kimmie and Uncle Greg for the trip home. I think he had a great time; he said the movie was his favorite thing!

When I got back home I had an hour to get MYSELF organized and ready for our Skunk Hollow Summer Event at Kathy’s. There was so much food, and fun, and ten precious family girls! Holly had accepted a challenge to write a story about Grama Crooks by our event. She did a wonderful job, capturing the spirit of Grama by incorporating the Fruits of the Spirit (as in Galatians). We all shared special memories of time spent with Grama.

Then Kath had asked us all to bring old pictures of ourselves and family to share and remember. Such wonderful memories. We all brought a special photo to pass around the room and explain the stories behind them. Lots of laughter! We spent some time talking about Danny, and some of the photos included him. I read my essay in remembrance, and although my relationship with him was very different we still had a lot of fun things to share.

Kathy dazzled the group with her beautiful, comfortable, welcoming home. Each and every one of them would have moved in next door given the chance! So perfect for ‘senior’ living – even capable, healthy young ones! It was a beautiful afternoon. Thank you, Kathy, for hosting, and to the eight travelers who came to make the day perfect! Love you all!

Kelly had me order her a card game with my Amazon Prime order: We LOVED playing Authors growing up! She is going to use it for her homeschool literature classes in the fall.

She also told me that Logan won the Blue & Gold award at 4H camp last week – for campers who show leadership and camp spirit and service (and have already won the green and white award!) Good job Logan. And Peyton got the Health H award! So proud of my boys!

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TOMORROW July 16th is:

National Ice Cream Day; Corn Fritters day; National Personal Chef Day; World Snake Day.

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO SNAKES!!!! DONE! But I’ll take the ice cream and the personal chef. Tomorrow I will continue to bask in the love and friendship of my precious cousins! God bless….

Last night’s sky was pink and blue – we never did get a storm. OK by me!

I got up early (for my day off!) — showered and dressed and went outside to check out the neighborhood garage sales. Looked like Al’s items were mostly tools and a few small things, so I was going to check out Dottie’s stuff. As it turned out she didn’t start setting things out until after 9:30am. I did finally walk over several times and chatted with them. She gave me a baby picture frame for Autmn. I’ll probably walk back over tomorrow morning. She was still setting things out when we left the house at a little before 11am.

Chase and I picked up Chrissy and Hope, then dropped Hope off at her house. Hope & Lexi had gone with Chrissy, Nate and Jen to a concert Wednesday night. Looks like they were having a good time!

We went through town to get gas in the car, then went to Willowbrook Mini-Golf. There was a group of about 20 people just starting on Hole #1, so they told us to start on #2 and swing back around later to pick up the first hole — which worked fine. We had a lot of fun playing, and the scores were pretty even.

By the time we were done playing we were all ready for lunch. I told them I would take them for food if they could agree on a place. They did: THE MALL!! So Chase got Chick-Fil-A, and Chrissy and I got Panera Bread. We both love the Cheddar Broccoli Soup.

I checked Aldi for Shrimp Rings – no luck. So we swung by Diane’s house for a box of stuff she had for me, then took Chrissy home. Shop & Save in Youngwood has Shrimp Rings. Yea. Chase decided he was ready to have his hair cut (buzzed in the back, trimmed in the front) so we went to Great Clips. I’m pretty sure Kelly will be excited to have that done. He isn’t always willing to do that.

From there we stopped at Walmart for markers and checked out a collectible Chase was looking for. They didn’t have the figure, so we went to Game Stop next door; neither did they. We couldn’t get the store on the phone at the Mall so we drove out to check. The girl at the Mall really knew her stuff, and explained the limited edition series and even checked around the Greensburg area for availability. No luck. So not sure where he’s going to find it.

So that was our day – and we avoided the rain. Very thankful about that, especially for the kids’ sake. They were very excited to go golfing. Chase is right now sound asleep on the couch! He’ll wake up hungry…. He can finish the pizza from last night.

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TOMORROW July 15th is:

National Pet Fire Safety Day; National Tapioca Pudding Day; National I Love Horses Day; World Youth Skills Day; National Give Something Away Day; Social Media Giving Day; National Gummi Worm Day; Toss Away ‘Could Haves’ and ‘Should Haves’ Day.

Let’s go with — tomorrow is our Summer Skunk Hollow Event Day! Yes! Can’t wait to see my sweet cousins. God bless…

Chase came to find me (I was reading in bed) at 6:45 this morning, looking for food! So I got up and made him pancakes before getting ready for work. I worked for a while in Jeannette and had the usually typical pleasant conversation with Sir Regis. Then went to the Greensburg store – both Ken and Joe were in fun moods – but the computer kept stalling out. I did as much as I could then went to my chiropractor appointment.

While I was still at work, though, my cousin Holly called me. Her brother (and Beth’s and Karen’s) passed away this week. They just discovered his death this morning when a close friend of Dan’s stopped by. He was maybe 71? He did have various health concerns but his death was very unexpected. It will be difficult for Dan’s sisters, and his friends and other family. Lots of great memories associated with playing ‘little men’ in the creek behind their house, and hanging in the tree house. Prayers go out for everyone.

Soooo … I got home and did some planning and corresponding for the Loyalhanna Review party, did a few emails, brought the trash cans down from the road. Chase was hungry and I promised him Domino’s pizza, so we ordered that online (a new procedure for me!). I picked up my prescription at the pharmacy, then got the pizza. We splurged and took a risk and got the cinnamon twists with icing. He LOVED them! So he has leftover pizza and twists for later or for lunch tomorrow.

Hopefully Chrissy, Chase and I are going mini-golfing tomorrow about noon, if the weather cooperates. Chrissy is going to her mom’s in the afternoon so we have to get our activities in before that.

My new cup from Amazon ‘Prime’ day came today. Like I really needed a new cup… But that’s it for today, even though it’s early.

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TOMORROW July 14th is:

National Tape Measure Day; National Nude Day; National Mac and Cheese Day; Collector Car Appreciation Day; Bastille Day; National French Fry Day; World Kebab Day.

Nude? Um, no. My neighbor will be happy because he appreciates his collection of antique and vintage cars. The French celebrate Bastille Day – we all love French Fries — so pick something and celebrate! God bless. And please pray for Dan’s family and friends as they mourn his passing.

Diane came over for tea and bear claws — she brought the treats and a car full of pass-along items from her daughter who is moving. I now have a happy tummy and piles all over the garage to go to different people! We share the love!

Chase was thirsty for Sprite, so I popped over to Walmart and picked up a few items (4 to be exact!). He is happily consuming his Sprite and I once again have aluminum foil.

After Quilla-Dilla’s for lunch, Chase went back to his gaming and I cleaned the house. Even though downstairs is still a little cluttered from ‘boy’ things, the house is clean and feels fresh. Can you smell the lilac Fabreeze?

We are hoping to go to Kerber’s Mini Golf tomorrow or Friday. There is a chance of storms both days, but I’m hopeful we can sneak it in! Still left on the agenda is Domino’s pizza!

Actually, that’s it for today. Chase is drawing a tree for my Sunday School class – so we can attach fruits of the spirit, one fruit each week! He does well on art projects…

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TOMORROW July 13th is:

National Beans & Franks Day; National Delaware Day; National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day.

Tomorrow I have to work in the morning — then we’ll take the day as it comes! Have a happy Thursday! God bless…

TODAY is my Brother-in-Law Paul’s birthday. I think they were going to Sarah’s for supper. Hope you had a great day, Paul.

I did a few small inside things this morning – cut up the chicken breasts to marinate, and I’ll cook them tomorrow afternoon. Worked on correspondence and the Sunday School lesson for Sunday. Noah, Autmn and Josie stopped so they could print someone off on my printer for Noah’s work. They had stopped at 7-11, because today (7-11) is free slushy day there.

After they left we picked Chrissy up, and got as far as South Greensburg before they were hungry. I zipped into the Wendy’s drive-thru and got them French Fries. We got to the theater about half an hour early; went in and got settled, Kit Kat’s for Chris and popcorn for Chase. WHY are there so many movie previews? As it was, the Spidy movie was 2 hours and 13 minutes. I won’t spoil the ending, but let’s just say that regardless of whether I’m a fan or not, I’ll have to make it a point to see the next movie when it comes out in 2024!

Chase and I dropped Chrissy off after the movie — and it was a lively conversation on the way home! Chase decided suddenly that he was hungry for cinnamon donuts – and he had eaten all the pretzels. So we handled that at Shop & Save.

He had also mentioned chocolate chip cookies – so I made Kelly’s recipe – half with Red/white/blue M&M’s and half without (Chase’s request – he doesn’t like them!)

So it’s 10:00pm, and I just finished cleaning up the kitchen, and was totally thankful I didn’t have to pull weeds or mow the grass. TOMORROW is another day!

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TOMORROW July 12th is:

National Pecan Pie day; Paper Bag day; National Different Colored Eyes Day; Eat Your Jello Day; National Simplicity Day.

I’m still hung up on Cow Appreciation Day! God bless…

It was a full day but we got a lot accomplished. I dropped the Colonial Camp shirts that Kelly did off to Lara at Hanna’s Town before work, and then went to Greensburg since it was closer. From there I went to Jeannette. There was a little snafu with one of the deals – license plate issue – but even though it took about an hour we finally were on the right track. Seems like every little thing I picked up had an issue there today! And to top it off I found that Rege is still sick, and feeling very miserable. I’m so glad that he was able to enjoy his daughter’s wedding last weekend! Praying he feels tip-top again very quickly!

When I got home, I picked up Chase and we went to the mall. He had birthday money and wanted to get another stuffed animal at the GO CALENDAR! store. Turns out they were on sale, so he could get two!

From there we walked over to the Shoe Department and he got a new pair of Sliders. They are bright and colorful and it surprised me that he didn’t want plain dark blue or black. He’s happy! We had Chick-Fil-A at the Mall location, then came home.

I cleaned out the lint filter on the dryer, then spent a little over an hour pulling weeds on the bottom corner of the hill by the shed, then we watched the Spiderman movie: Into the Spider-verse. I never saw any of the super hero movies and I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t as hard to watch as I feared! Chrissy, Chase and I are going to see the new movie at the theater tomorrow. Chase wanted to ‘catch me up’ so I’d be ready. He’s already seen it once, last week!

He wanted Quilla-Dilla’s (Quesadilla’s) for dinner, which I made, then while he was eating I cut the grass. It was cooler and the whole yard was in the shade. Glad that’s done for another…. few days! It always looks so nice freshly cut!

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TOMORROW July 11th is:

National Blueberry Muffin Day; National Cheer Up The Lonely Day; World Population Day; Cow Appreciation Day; All American Pet Photo Day; National Seven-Eleven Day; National Rainier Cherry Day.

Cow Appreciation! Oh, joy! THAT I can get into. Make sure you hug your cow tomorrow… God bless!

Today was an on and off day for weather. It rained several times, but also the sun was shining and bright. I was able to be outside for about an hour, pulling weeds and cleaning up the yard while I was waiting for Kelly and Chase to come.

Autmn and Noah came to church this morning! I was so excited to see them there.

Kelly did a few loads of laundry, then we went shopping for a few things that she needed for camp this week and I needed for Chase. I think Chase will mostly be content to connect via his gaming system with his friends all week. BUT – we are planning to go to a movie on Tuesday, and maybe mini-golfing one evening.

Kelly just left, so she’ll have to drive home in the dark. Mommies don’t like their babies out alone after dark, even when they are in their 40’s!

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TOMORROW July 10th is:

National Pina Colada Day; Global Energy Independence Day; International Town Criers Day; Chronic Disease Day; National Clerihew Day; National Kitten Day.

Ask Jen about kittens! She’ll say EVERY day is kitten day! Have a great day and a happy week. God bless…

This morning’s program at River Hill Church was really nice. Tracey Scott and her grown daughter Alicia did a great job with their testimony and their encouragement. They both went through some tough trials, and with their unwavering faith and belief in God’s word as truth they saw miracles work in their lives. Ask in faith, believing, and God hears and answers.

Lunch was served after the program, and it was very good. My favorite were the little boat cakes and the chocolate covered strawberries. I was just craving those yesterday and there they appeared! And I didn’t even ask!

Again, I had a few small indoor projects to do before I went outside, but worked out there for over two hours. Today I cleaned up the weeds in the stones on the hill, between the fences. Dottie’s fence is still not secure, and it made me really nervous to be climbing on the hill, knowing that in April it came crashing down. I took comfort in the fact that it fell into HER yard, so I did both ends (above and below the loose brace), then cautiously got the rest in the middle.

There were other places along my fence line that needed cleaned up, so I got them, too. Job much needed but well done.

Ninth Life Rescue – Jen’s rescue – is looking for homes in barns for outdoor cats. They are fully vetted, spayed/neutered but unadoptable. If you know of someone who wants or needs outdoor barn cats – let one of us know. Check out Ninth Life Rescue on facebook for more details…

I still have to go over my Sunday school lesson (about De-bugging ourselves???!!!!) and balance my checkbook before I call it a day.

Oh, and yesterday Beth brought me down one of my favorite things: A coaster! I love it — It’s right beside the couch and near my computer, so I can use it all the time.

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TOMORROW July 9th is:

National Sugar Cookies Day; National Dimples Day.

Let’s go with the Sugar Cookies. I wish I had one of Grama Crooks’ sugar cookies right now. They were the best!!! God bless…

Here it is, July 7th. And it was a good day! I managed to finish the brownies with frosting and sprinkles, and roll out the cinnamon rolls for baking. So that got done earlier in the day.

About 10am Beth and Harold stopped by, and we had a really nice visit! It was good to just chat about things – like our kids and grandkids and our homes and plans. Beth dropped off a trunk that had belonged to Mom, as she thought one of us would like to keep it. I actually felt bad, because after they left I realized Harold had probably never been here before — I should have given him a walk-through of my little palace! Next time!! (That means you have to come back, Harold!) I love my family ~~ so glad for a visit.

I did a load of laundry, swept out the garage and cleaned the driveway and the sidewalk (rabbit was scattering mulch again!) and tidied up the kitchen. After I had procrastinated as long as I could, I ‘suited up’ and cut the grass. It was fairly warm, but I took a few breaks and managed just fine. Nate & Jen stopped for their brownies, and Nate finished cutting the front yard.

I took a shower, and even at 6pm I put my star PJ’s on and I intend on just chillin’ out for the rest of the evening. I’m going to a program at Kathy’s church with her in the morning so that will be a nice event.

Here is a little post-July 4th message I thought I’d share. It’s SO TRUE!!! From here on, the year goes so fast…

4^TH OF JULY IS OVER. TIME TO GET YOUR BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES & HALLOWEEN COSTUMES & THANKSGIVING MENU & CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DONE NOW BECAUSE IT’S BASICALLY 2024. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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TOMORROW July 8th is:

National Chocolate With Almonds Day; National Freezer Pop Day; International Skinny Dip Day; National Raspberry Day.

No Skinny Dipping – I barely manage a shower! Chocolate is great with or without almonds. I’ll skip the freezer pop. Have a great day, all day. God bless…