May 5, 2025

Thank goodness this is a non-work day! There is SO MUCH yard work to do – I’ll never catch up. Oh, well. It is what it is.

What a mess…

SO let’s start to get the posts up to date, at least. My post on May 2nd explained that Kelly called about lunch time, and she had a change of plans. She originally expected to come up later in the day on Saturday. It turned out her Friday evening plans fell away, so she let me know that her and Chase were coming up Friday, mid-afternoon. Which was great news! I had just finished spending the morning at the Steele house (Hanna’s Town), setting up for Saturday’s spring tea.

Tea time.

So that meant two things. First, we’d spend more time together. Second, she was available to help in scullery (non-glamorous kitchen work!) at the tea on Saturday. That’s always a plus! Here are a few picture of setting up.

The rectangle box and black gloves to the left belong to me. The rest belongs to Becky and Roxane, our decorating experts.
The doll is mine – mom made it out of a pillowcase her aunt had made her her when she was very young.
The ‘flower girls’ and their creations!
Bouquet pitcher in the parlor
On the side board.
On the library table – fresh flowers, stain-glass lamp, cup, saucer, and side plate.
Bonnet from Grama Crooks; Dress my mom made for me when I was 15!

So Kelly and Chase got here about 3:30pm. We got everyone settled in for the weekend, then decided it was time for supper. Chase requested Domino’s pizza, which is his favorite. Kelly and I are not a fan. So we ordered pizza from two places. Kelly and I got Giannilli’s and Chase the Dominos. At least he would have leftovers while we were gone all day Saturday and Sunday. So that worked.

Giannilli’s – yum

Chase was still asleep when Kelly and I left on Saturday. We snipped some lilacs off the trees in my yard, and some different shades of Azaleas, and a few Columbine. Once we got to Hanna’s Town we hit the floor moving. We spent the day putting food together, plating food, adding garnish, keeping the spiced tea hot and strong. We had several servers – here are two – Carol and Ruth.

Carol and Ruth
Becky’s watering can – my azaleas and columbine.
Flowers from my shrubs.

It’s always a relief when the first setting is ready to be served and everyone is ready for the next step! Cleanup!

Angela Jackson, our new executive director, on the left, with Claudia (right) who is our Tea Captain!
Top tier – Orange cream scones and fruit skewers.
Notice the pansy in the center!
Middle tier: Four kinds of sandwiches: Cucumber and salmon, Ham with pineapple, egg salad, and strawberry chicken salad in filo cups.
Bottom tier: Raspberry thumb prints; Chocolate almond biscotti, Lavender lemon shortbread; Whipped butter cookie.

We had two setting – at 11:30am and at 2pm. The day kept us moving, for sure! But we all work together pleasantly and diligently, and had a good time and a great day. Serving was flawless and we received a lot of compliments on the setting, the food, and the overall event. Another tea under our belts! Or maybe our aprons! I should have taken more pictures of the tables, etc – I’ll make that note for next year!

Roxane and I – she shared her apron!
Part of the scullery team:
Kathleen, Priscilla, Roxane, me, Claudia, Laura
Kelly took the photo.

To be a guest at our Spring or Fall tea, keep an eye on the website at www.westmorelandhistory.org. Reservations and payment information are posted in spring and fall. We sell out quickly so keep checking! There’s lots to see and do at the site, so make plans to visit soon!

A free day of celebration!

On Sunday Kelly and I spent the day in Ligonier at free museum day. Rain was predicted but we didn’t really have any to interfere with the day. There’s a lot of pictures from that, too, so I’m going to post the Museum Day tomorrow. But to finish this post, I’ll include Logan’s senior pictures. I chose three but there were so many! And to add to that, Logan’s puppy Ransom had his senior picture taken, too. He’s very studious.

Logan – 2025 graduate.
Ransom – not sure what his major was…
Very studious student, at least.

As the evening closed out last night, God painted the sky beautiful shades of pink and blue just for fun! I took two here at my place, and Di sent two that her sister Rosemary sent from the other side of town!

Out front window
Out back door
At Rosemary’s
Rosemary’s

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW May 6th is:

International No Diet Day; National Beverage day; National Crepe Suzette Day; National Foster Care Day; National Nurses Day; National Teachers’ Day; National Tourist Appreciation Day; Poem on your Pillow Day; World Asthma day; Donkey Week.

I don’t want to spend a week thinking about donkeys! I know I appreciate BEING a tourist. Celebrate tomorrow – and today, while you’re at it. God bless…

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May 4, 2025

Just a quick note – another long but fun day! I’m organizing my pictures and my activities and will post them tomorrow for sure. Hugs! God bless…

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May 2, 2025

Just wanted to give you all a heads up. Kelly and Chase are here until Sunday afternoon, so I won’t be posting anything until Sunday evening.

Have a lovely weekend and I’ll catch up on Sunday! God bless…

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May Day 2025

I felt like we were to be expecting storms today but it’s 6:30pm and nothing yet. It is a little cloudy right now but still very warm. My computer weather icon says rain tomorrow!

Rain starting 10am

As in previous days, I planned on making cinnamon rolls today. But when I got home it was too beautiful to be inside. So I spent almost 4 hours outside. I got everything around the front trees cleaned up, and the the stones straightened.

Between the shrubs – waiting for mulch
Side with the rose bushes.

I got the bare spot cleaned up, too. There were forsythia trunks sticking up from when I cut the bush down, and they were rotted away. So now I can get top soil and then seed it for lawn. Here’s hoping!

Bare spot waiting for top soil and grass seed

The driveway sealant is still disintegrating so I swept and blew it off after I was done weeding for the day. Also took a few flower pictures.

Last year’s new azalea.
Delicate bellflowers.

I was just coming inside when Autmn called. She has to pick Josie (her sister) up a county chorus practice and had an hour to wait. So they came here. Cam was reading his Clifford (Big red dog) book and trying to roast the toy skunk in the fake fireplace!

Cameron eating a chicken nugget.

I still have to update the Snoopy calendar and pay bills and eat supper. Tomorrow I WILL mix up cinnamon rolls!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

May be an image of ‎text that says '‎THIS IS M4 "FIRST DAY OF MAY" DANCE ل oMbl wabulebs ©PNTS Happy May!‎'‎

TOMORROW May 2nd is:

My friend Mary’s birthday; Baby Day; Brothers and Sisters Day; Harry Potter Day; National No Pants Day; National Play Your Ukulele Day; National Space Day; National Truffle Day; National Tuba day; School Lunch Hero Day; Take a Baby to Lunch Day; World Tuna day.

I will celebrate Mary. I can’t play the ukulele or the tuba! I try to wear pants as often as possible. I’d take baby Cameron to lunch but I don’t think I’ll be home! God bless.

Mary and I at Trunk or Treat.
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April 30, 2025

Today would have been Stoney’s 89th birthday! I can’t even picture him aging! And also, today is my dear friend Teresa’s birthday. We are long overdue for an outing together. Sending warm hugs and happy wishes!

May be an image of 1 person, Bryce Canyon National Park and mountain
Happy birthday, Teresa! And many more adventures!

Today was my ‘clean the house’ day. I worked all morning cleaning upstairs, then Autmn and Cameron stopped here to wait for Noah to finish a few chores. We had fun reading books, watching Bluey, and cooking with the dishes. He loves them! The most fun is when he’s watching his music show on TV, and holding his bowl and spoon, and dancing to the cooking! Fun!

Dancing and stirring!
Mixed drinks
Maybe pack a nice lunch….
Loves to cook!

Noah picked up Cameron and they went to his dad’s while Autmn got a nice nap. While she was sleeping I cut the grass since we are to get rain. Once she woke up, I drove her over to Noah’s dad’s house in Derry so they could all visit.

Got the grass done
Looks pretty good.

The bird is getting braver, He doesn’t always fly away when I get close. As long as he doesn’t fly at me, I’m ok with that!

I got pretty close…

It’s almost 10pm so I’m done for the day. SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

May be an image of text that says 'Proverbs 1:7 Proverbs1:7NLT NLT Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. *'
Courtesy of Logan Christian Church, Logan IA

PEANUTS?

May be an image of text that says 'D SENVeZ GOODBYE, APRIL'

TOMORROW May 1st is:

National Day of Prayer; Phone in Sick Day; Law Day; World Password Day; Agriculture and Labor Day; Blessing Day; Couple Appreciation Day; Executive Coaching Day; Frequent Flyer Day; Global Love Day; National Loyalty Day; International Doodle Dog Day; Learn to Ride a Bike Day; Lei Day; May Day; Mother Goose Day.

Let your prayers lift continually to the Lord. Not sure who I would phone in sick to. Always looking for blessings, and appreciating them. And of course, May Day! God bless…

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April 29, 2025

So a storm alert just beeped on my phone. Sounds like a strong possibility of high winds to come through here shortly. I’m downstairs, which is my safe place – so I’ll just wait it out. Praying for everyone in the path of this weather. I put the chairs on the deck on their sides….

Will it or won’t it?

Stopped at work this morning but not much going on. Picked up my prescription and a few items at Giant Eagle, then dropped it off at home. While I was here I did yesterday’s ironing. Then I went for my chiropractor appointment.

Nathan goes to Dr. Leah (left) and I go to Dr. Allie (right) ALIGN

After lunch – which was a piece of meatloaf – I changed and went outside to work on the weeds around the big tree. I worked on it for two hours, then came in and got a shower. Messing around in the weeds always makes me feel creepy, so I immediately clean up and put on fresh clothes. Only a little section left.

Got all around the tree
Just this little section between the bushes left.

If we don’t get too much ‘weather’ I plan to make a double batch of cinnamon rolls for Logan’s graduation party.

Archive picture.

That will be enough for today. SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Very appropriate, considering the storm threat.

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 30th is:

National Bugs Bunny Day; National Tie Dye Day; National Raisin Day; National Mahjong Day; Day of the Child; Denim Day; Hairstyle Appreciation Day; Honesty Day; International Guide Dog Day; National Bubble Tea Day; National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day; National Stop Food Waste Day; Mr. Potato Head Day; Military Brats day; International Jazz Day.

I will celebrate honesty, not wasting food, and maybe Mr. Potato Head. We had those back when you actually used potatoes! God bless – stay safe!

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April 28, 2025

Today is Christina’s 19th birthday! Happy birthday to my sweet, kind, compassionate, smart, caring, beautiful granddaughter! Have a wonderful year!

My follow up pulmonologist appointment in Latrobe was this morning at 9:20am. I had a new doctor for this appointment and he was super nice. We sort of started from the beginning and he put together a new treatment plan with different meds. I was very pleased. I did find out that Dr. Prizada is no longer practicing in their group. I can understand why!

My doctor – at least for now!

From there I stopped at Dollar Tree and got a few greeting cards, then came home for lunch. I did laundry and went outside for about an hour and pulled weeds around the tree. My neighbor Karen walked over to tell me that Josh – who lives on her other side – was telling her about his experience with yard work. He ended up with Lyme disease and was really down. The doctor told him that there are 3 types of ticks, different sizes in different stages, and they are all very severe. The doctor has seen a huge increase in tick bites. Karen wanted to make sure I knew to dress well and be covered when I did yard work. Something else to be concerned about!

The 10 Groceries I Always Buy at Dollar Tree To Save a Buck

I found another Jesus – he was hiding in my jewelry bag in the closet.

Jesus in the bracelet pouch.

The bird is getting braver. I stuck my head out the door and was able to snap a picture up a little closer

Ms. Robin

It will probably take me all summer to get these gardens weeded. And I need to work on making cookies for Logan! That’s it for today.

Most of the way around.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

900+ Best Scripture Images ideas | scripture, scripture ...

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 29th is:

Day of Trees; International Dance Day; National Peace Rose Day; National Shrimp Scampi Day; National Supply Chain Day; National Zipper Day; World Wish Day; We Jump The World Day; Willie Nelson’s Birthday.

A giant happy birthday to my Chrissy. May we celebrate you on and on. Have a wonderful year. God bless…

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April 27, 2025

The day was sunny but it did not get too warm. Turned out to be a lovely day, though. My little former Sunday School student, Max, was baptized this morning! It was so wonderful to witness that.

Max – baptized by his dad.

After lunch (potato soup) I changed into yard clothes and got the grass cut. A few places in the bottom yard needed weed whacked so I did that. The yard looks very nice! Now to attack the weeds.

I also treated the yard with the spring treatment of Scott’s Weed and Feed. I think we will get rain this week to help soak it into the ground.

My own personal spreader.

I walked around taking some pictures of the flowers.

My dark purple (French) Lilacs
Beautiful vibrant colors!
Chocolate mint ground cover – with purple flowers
Primrose.
Pink Azalea
Purple Azalea
Red Azalea
The new variegated pink and white Azalea
Red tulip
Violets and buttercups
Comfort – one of my favorites!

The milk can that I painted the other day looks more festive with the bright decals.

Decals – won’t last long but they weren’t expensive!

Once I was done with everything, I walked over to my neighbor’s and gave him two little Jesus figurines for him and his wife. I’m trying to share them when I can!

My neighbors – Al and Joyce

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

May be an image of text that says 'ABOVE ALL, KEEP LOVING ONE ANOTHER EARNESTLY, SINCE LOVE COVERS OVECOVERSA A MULTITUDE OF SINS." 1 PETER 4:8'
Courtesy of River Hill Church of Christ.

PEANUTS?

May be an image of text that says 'NEW NEW SNOOP SNOOP SNOO NE NEw NEW NEW pep pe'
I hope I find these!

TOMORROW April 28th is:

Chrissy’s 19th Birthday! Biological Clock Day; Clean Comedy Day; Global Pay it Forward Day; National Great Poetry Reading Day; Kiss your Mate Day; National Blueberry Pie Day; National Cubicle Day; National Superhero Day; National Bravehearts Day.

I’ll celebrate my sweet Chrissy. Have a great week and God bless…

May be an image of 1 person, blonde hair, child and smiling
So long ago!!
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April 26, 2025

It’s considerably cooler, cloudy and windy today. My plan was to clean up some of the front yard but I couldn’t spend much time outside. First thing this morning I filled my vitamin organizer and changed and washed the bed sheets. I think this will be the last week for flannel sheets. I’ll switch to the spring bedspread and the cotton sheets next weekend. It was late when I had breakfast, so I got the ironing done first. Then got dressed warmly and went for groceries. I had to make several stops, as the things I was looking for weren’t easy to find. I also dropped off the clothes I set aside for donation at Goodwill.

This sweater was one of them – looks better on him!

I always walk around Goodwill when I drop off donations. Today I found a trivet from Colonial Williamsburg that I can use under my sink. Works perfect!

I also picked up a few board books for Cameron. He’s not good with paper pages in books, or with lots of words on a page. These will be perfect until he’s ready for Puddle Duck and Mrs. Ticklefeather!

Board books for Cameron

It felt too cold to work outside, but I was determined to do at least a little bit. My neck is a little stiff, and my shoulder, but I got the weeds cleaned up around the smaller maple, and a nice section around the larger one.

Got the left side done – it used to look like the right side. (Larger tree)
Smaller tree done.

I came in about 5:30pm and decided to put a little chocolate on the cookies I just bought. I like to melt down candy chocolate and spread it on the cookies. Unlike regular icing, this chocolate hardens and gives the cookies an entirely different texture.

Believe it or not, this is a whole package of cookies!

When I got the double boiler out to melt the chocolate, look what I found! I have lost count of how many are left to find. But I’m still finding them!

Today’s find.

Scripture for the Day:

PEANUTS?

Diane sent me this one!

TOMORROW April 27th is:

National Prime Rib Day; Autism Super Mom Day; Babe Ruth Day; Marine Mammal Rescue Day; Morse Code Day; Mother / Father Deaf Day; National Devil Dog Day; National Tell a Story Day; Teach Children to Save Day; Woody Woodpecker Day; National Gummi Bear Day; National Pet Parents Day.

I can tell or read a story, and I always tried to teach my kids/grandkids to save. I saw today that there are now Gummi Unicorns! We used to watch Woody Woodpecker all the time on Saturday mornings! Enjoy! God bless…

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April 25, 2025

Merry almost Christmas! Eight more months. Get your list made.

My day started with a txt from Autmn. She and Cameron were coming into Greensburg so she wanted to hang out here until she could Door Dash. Noah’s mom was going to watch Cameron. That didn’t work out so she switched her plans. But the day was really fun. I’m amazed at how smart and perceptive Cameron is, and when he gives me that cute little toothy grin I just melt. We had a great time. They were here until about 4pm. We played and ate and sang and read books and built blocks and ‘cooked’ and basically dismantled the entire basement family room. But he was cute and fun.

Upside down Cameron (the bruise on his cheek is from Easter – he ran into my sleigh coffee table!)
Building a tower (you can’t see it, but he’s sitting on an orange block!)
Drumming like Puppers! (Nate) Now he’s sitting on a yellow block!
Not sure how he fits…
Hiding in the wash stand.
Playing in my sweater
I guess that (and the skunk!) says it all!
Eating lunch – with a selection of plates!
“How do I get out of this??”
The apron adds a touch of class…
Making dessert. Autmn was excited because she played with those when she was little too!
His new Bluey outfit – and brand new light-up shoes!

My plan for today had originally been to maybe grab some groceries and then pull weeds in the front yard. By the time the kids left and I got the house put back together it had started to pour, with a rumble of thunder in the background. So I just went with the flow! Tomorrow IS another day!

No pulling weeds tonight!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

I’m still perfecting ‘patiently’.

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW April 26th is:

National Day of Puppetry; National Dissertation Day; National Garage Day; National Help a Horse Day; National Pool Opening Day; National Pretzel Day; Remember your First Kiss Day; Save the Frogs Day; National Celebrate Trails Day; National First Ladies Day; National Sense of Smell Day; Alien Day; National Kiss of Hope day; Audubon Day; Confederate Heroes’ Day; Eeyore’s Day; Get Organized Day; Hug an Australian Day; Independent Bookstore Day; International Marconi Day; International Sculpture Day.

Kathy will for sure celebrate First Ladies. I’ll do pretzels and bookstores. I’m not about remembering my first kiss. Not sure what that says about me. But have a lovely weekend. God bless…

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