Early this morning Autmn txt me about stopping over about 9:30am. She had bought little gifts for everyone and wanted to drop mine off and share some hugs. So I stepped up my prep for Hanna’s Town and was ready when they got here. I got plenty of hugs, and Cameron seems so much more grown up. He had his backpack full of toys and he was dragging it across the driveway – I asked him if he wanted me to carry it. He said, “No thanks – I’ve got this. I’ll do it!” Yikes! But here are the little fun things they brought me, plus a big container of shells from the beach!

Gifts from Autmn’s vacation: Snoopy snow cone machine in the miniature; Squirrel salt and pepper shakers, and two lovely coasters (everyone knows I love them!)

When they left, so did I. My station was upstairs at the tavern, so I went up and opened the windows and put screens in. It helped a little but it was still really hot up there. I had planned on wearing my colonial outfit (I got a new one about 2 years ago!) but I was only part way getting dressed and I was already dripping sweat at home. So I ditched that idea and wore my blue official Hanna’s Town shirt and jean shorts. I was glad I did as I was very warm after 6 1/2 hours up there!

I was upstairs in the tavern

The kids that came through were really good, and cute, and had the best questions! One little boy followed me around, stopped in front of me and looked in my face to ask questions! I wish I had gotten his name. The youngest child was a little girl who wasn’t two until November. She was a child of a reenactor and was dressed colonial. Her name was Adelheid and she was a sweet little blond with a cute smile. I’ve never met a real person that had that name – it was Heidi’s real name in the book/movie. We can’t take pictures of the kids for security and permission reasons or I would have.

Murry Beacom House – textiles and the dye garden.

Flowers and the flag

Creek (Crick?) from the bridge

Looks like a snake but it’s a stick!

Irish music from the Klingensmith porch.

New England Aster – so pretty!

Kitchen garden

LeFevre House from the tavern window.

The fort and tents from the tarern window.

When I got home I had all the stuff to put away – all the things Autmn and Noah borrowed for vacation, and the things I had at Hanna’s Town. I had asked the neighbor if I could rescue that pink rose bush in her front tangle of weeds and thorns and she said to help myself – she’s going to dig it all out next spring and make it just grass. I offered to help – and it’s going to take more than the two of us! All those stones and weeds — it took a lot of effort to get that rose bush out. It came out in three pieces – but I got a lot if not all of the root system.

Rose bush.

Morning Glories climbing up the sunflower pinwheel.

Even though I had kept up drinking water all day – by the time I left I was really thirsty. I stopped at McDonalds to get a diet Coke and they were out! So I drove down to Burger King and got a frozen Coke. It helped a little… I still need to eat something before bed. All in all it was a very fun and entertaining day.

Frozen Coke

QUOTE of the Day:

Peanuts:

TOMORROW August 16th is:

On this Day in History:1969 Woodstock Festival opens in Bethel, New York – I wasn’t there but I sure remember hearing all about it!

SCRIPTURE:

COOL photo:

It’s not fall yet – but it looks refreshing!

Happy birthday to my cousin Allen! We are the closest cousins in age. Have a great day, Allen – and enjoy 76!

Allen and his wife Bonnie

It turned out to be a fairly nice day – with the exception of a little rain about 1pm. After a shower and breakfast I started a laundry load – did some reading, and got ready for Jesse and Isaac to come over and pick up Mom’s secretary (furniture) for Kathy. I gave the guys a mild lecture about being careful – the piece was broken once and Dad repaired it years ago. We didn’t want a repeat of that. It arrived safe and sound and is now residing happily in her spare room! Then I was able to move a few things around in the living room at my house – it looks less squished now.

Where the secretary was.

By the front door – looks more open.

But while I was waiting on them to come, I went down to the garage and cleaned off several shelves. I wanted to put the pigeon hole shelf that was on the ledge by the stairs on the one in the garage. I think it will make things easier – I will be able to see what I actually have and can actually use some of it. I swept out the garage, cleaned off an extra shelving unit, and now I think the garage is in better state.

Cleaned this shelf off.

The pigeon hole shelf fits just right.

Reorganized, plus….

Got rid of a few items. Much neater.

After I cleaned up all evidence of those projects, I changed my shirt (the other was scruffy) and headed out. I stopped at the bank to get some cash and drop off a paper for one of the tellers, Rose. I took in a Loyalhanna Review for them – and the teller I had was excited to read it, and we spent a bit of time chatting about history! He lived in Yorktown for four years – I was pea green with envy! And THEN – his wife works for the Fred Rogers Institute at St. Vincent College! How cool would that be? I told him the story of how – when I was very young (or last week….) – I used to try to have 17 and a half nice thoughts in a row so I could go to the Children’s Corner and meet X the Owl and Daniel Stripped Tiger!

I even have an X the Owl finger puppet!

And here are the duckies on my dash.

From the bank (with happy thoughts in my head) I drove over to Kathy’s – I had the key to the secretary in my back pocket, and some of the items out of the secretary that were Antiques from Mom and John or Mom and Dad. But Paul wasn’t feeling well so I dropped off the key and left. We’ll catch up later. Next I dropped a custom tee-shirt of to Diane for her daughter (which she loved – thanks, Kelly!), and ran to Walmart to get groceries. Oh – and these are my new shoes for vacation.

They are super comfortable.

Autmn posted a bunch of vacation photos on Facebook – these are my favorite. Cameron had no fear. You could hear him on the video clear as day: “I want to pet it. Please can I pet it!”

Look at his little hand holding the tail!

“Be gentle!” With an Allagator???

I did the ironing and another load of laundry, and now I’m typing this. I still have to grab food and get organized for tomorrow. This weekend is Frontier Family Days – stop out. I’ll be upstairs in the tavern from 11am to 5pm.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 15th is:

National Relaxation Day; National Lemon Meringue Pie Day; National Leathercraft Day; National Homesteaders Day; World Honey Bee Day; International Homeless Animals’ Day; Chant at the Moon Day; World Greatness Day.

I probably won’t relax – being at Hanna’s Town all day! No pie, thanks. Honey is ok, though. God bless…

On this day in History:

Scripture:

Cool Photo:

Murry Beacom House at Historic Hanna’s Town – come on out!

First, Happy Birthday to my ‘VIOLET’ cousin Deb! Hope you had a wonderful day!

Deb and I last year! We don’t look a DAY older!

What a busy day! Got up a little early and went down to the shed – filled the mower with gas, kept the shed unlocked, and brought the gas can up so I could get it filled. I’ll jump ahead – Dom came over after work and cut the grass. What a mess. It was left go too long (long messy story) and the mower kept quitting and leaving clumps and took forever to get done. But he did it and did a great job – and was patient (as I would not have been). While Dom cut, I weed whacked as that did NOT get done last week and it was a mess too. So we have things lined up and we’ll see how it goes.

Back yard – what a messy chore!

At least this part was easier.

Quite a job to finish! After the grass was done, I cleaned up along the walk way down to the shed. I ran out of steam so I didn’t get it swept off but the plants are neater.

I left a mess…

But back to morning. I went to work, and caught up with what was going on with Rege and Barry. Barry was on vacation last week (yard work vacation – what fun is THAT? But necessary) and Rege shared his suggestions about my grass situation. I got the gas on the way home, put it down in the shed, and headed to Washington PA. Kelly and I met at Applebee’s – she had a burger and I had chicken strips. Neither of us finished our meal – but I brought my leftovers home – I will have that for supper.

We had about an hour after lunch to hang out – so we drove over to Hobby Lobby. With great restraint I only bought one thing (I think!) I got a little bag of Christmas duckies and I already put one on the dash of the Jeep – the reindeer! (actually I also bought a very small piece of material to make rice bags!)

Ho ho ho!

There is a big stalk of yellow flowers growing up right beside the trash can. Kind of makes up for the garbage part…

Here are a few vacation pictures that Autmn sent me. Looks like they are having a great time! I can’t really describe too much other than what’s obvious!

This little guy is really growing up! (Cameron, not Noah!

Yikes!

Aquarium

REALLY big boy chair!

Mommy and Cammy in the water.

Family fun at the beach.

Waiting for the waves

Entertainment

Fist bump!

Traffic on Route 70 on the way home was bumper to bumper and at a standstill for miles. Maybe you can tell by the picture I took in the rear view mirror.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 14th is:

On this day in History: On August 13, 1961, East Germany sealed off West Berlin, beginning construction of the Berlin Wall with barbed wire.

Scripture:

Cool Photo:

Waiting for breakfast?

Got the house cleaned, the laundry done, and the trash up to the road. That was not exciting but very rewarding! I haven’t heard from our vacationers – hoping they are have good weather and a great time. I’ll hear all about it when they get home.

Lawn trash – plus more in the can.

After I got the cleaning done, I went out on the hill for an hour. I only have one small space to clean up and I’ll be done – for a hot minute! If you blink, the weeds pop up! But I needed to get the Crown Vetch pulled – it’s appealing when it come up in the spring – but by mid-July it’s black and rotted and totally ugly. So that was my purpose on getting the hill cleaned up. Also, they are choking out the Hostas and I have enough of those that could almost fill in on the hill. I’ll have to redirect some of the plants next year – I think the Hostas will be a better choice than the Crown Vetch!

Down to the rocks got cleaned out – see the black/brown dead and rotted stems?

I just found out that my grass guy won’t be cutting this week – he’s leaving for vacation on Friday and doesn’t have time! BUT — I have a backup plan and am considering making my backup plan the main plan! We have some discussing to do when he comes back – I still have things for him to do but maybe not mowing.

It shouldn’t be this hard!

It was a pleasant day to be outside so I didn’t mind being on the hill – except that by the time I was done I had slid down the hill twice and had sweat running down my face. My hair was soaked. So I came in, got a shower, and now I’m in my Snoopy summer PJ’s and feel much more comfortable.

This thing is probably 30 plus years old!!!

Just looked outside and it’s raining. But tomorrow looks clear! I am meeting Kelly at Noon in Washington – so I’ll be happy for the nice weather to drive.

Quote of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 13th is:

National Prosecco Day; National Filet Mignon Day; International Left Handers Day; World Calligraphy day.

My dad, Gen, and Ron – all left-handers! They are in a special category! God bless…

On this day in History:

Scripture:

Cool Photo:

Work was uneventful – except for a confused customer who sold his personal vehicle 10 plus years ago! He had conflicting information. It all worked out and he went away happy. You never know what a day is going to bring. I stopped at the bank then zipped down to Miller’s Crossing. I was looking for another electric candle light for on my stair ledge. The string of colored lights are giving me issues so I decided to replace them with a candle. I’m happy with it!

The way it was…

New set up – first half

Second half.

I had several little projects to do after lunch, including cleaning off and redesigning the shelf. I like the look – less cluttered and crowded. Rearranged a few other things, too – including moving the little skunk that Cameron loves to hide (lose?)! I also painted the double photo frames that I put barn pictures in yesterday. I like it better than the gold.

Skunk is on the stair shelf.

Painted

Gold

I did the ironing then cut back some dead Dutch Iris in the corner of the driveway. Still no grass cut. This is getting old!

No Iris – driveway corner.

Kelly sent me a notice that she found – apparently there was a derailment at Horseshoe Curve! That would be totally scary, and very sad. Hope no one was injured.

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 12th is:

National Middle Child Day; National Vinyl Record Day; National Julienne Fries Day; International Youth Day; World Elephant Day; Milkman Day; National Gooey Butter Cake Day.

There aren’t any elephants around here – I don’t have a middle child, but Logan is the middle child for Kelly! Are there even milkmen any more? God bless…

On this day in History:1866 World’s first roller rink opens in Newport, Rhode Island (This would be of particular interest to my friend Diane!)

Scripture:

Cool photo:

Bringing the cows home!

Cartoon:

Another up and down day – sun then rain then storms and sun again. I hoped to get outside to pull weeds but not sure that is going to happen. I did take 2 pictures this morning of flowers and flowering shrubs.

Out my bedroom window.

Morning glories

Pinky Winky is really growing!

I did some laundry, then went through a few shelves and dressers to pull out little antique pieces that I don’t intend to keep. I have a few ideas of what to do with them. Also thinned out a few more book shelves. I have a few ideas for those, too. Because of the horrid downpour Aaron has not came to mow. I’m not sure how that’s going to play out.

Box of stuff.

I was looking for a specific photo – I think it was Nathan with a cow at an Amish farm when he was a toddler. I couldn’t find it but I did find a few others that were interesting. One was of Nate when he was very small, and it REALLY looked like Cameron in the photo I posted the other day!

Cameron.

Nate

Also settled for two barn photos that I put in photos. One is of the Crooks barn on the day of my parents’ wedding. The other is of Mom and John’s barn in the snow.

Remember the post I included the other day, about the photo of the Beatles crossing the street? I found a photo from 1986 of Stoney cutting my grass (he was already long moved out but was being magnanimous that day). Nate and Kelly were following him around the front yard. I think it was the only time in the 8 years he lived there that he cut the grass!

No – not the Beatles. Stoney, Nate and Kelly!!!

THIS is the Beatles….

And here is a photo of the new quarters, in case you are trying to find all five! I need 2 more.

I need WE THE PEOPLE and Abraham Lincoln (Gettysburg Address).

TODAY Snoopy turned 76! Happy birthday buddy!!!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 11th is:

National Sons and Daughters Day; National Presidential Joke Day; National Raspberry Bombe Day; Play in the Sand Day; Global Kinetic Sand Day; Hip Hop Day; Mountain Day.

How about a mountain cabin? I love my son and daughter – and grandkids! No sand for me… God bless!

On this day in History:

Scripture:

Cool photo:

Could you spend a few days here???

Technical difficulties again in Sunday school – we couldn’t get the video to work. But Wayne did a wonderful job teaching the lesson from the printed notes that come with the DVD. We are still in Acts.

Todd had a great message – about ‘Still Standing’. I couldn’t begin to recap the whole thing – but basically it was we need to always rejoice. Pain expires; hope doesn’t. Keep doing what’s right and good even if you don’t feel like it — don’t quit walking with Jesus. He uses our suffering for good and to our blessing. John 11:3 “In this world you will have trouble but take heart – I have overcome the world.” We need to stop and think: What will the storms produce? Our trials are not pointless – they produce JOY. Happiness is what happens; Joy is who holds you.

After church I popped into J C Penny – it’s right across Route 30 from the church. I wanted a cover up for swimming, which I found on clearance. Picked up a loaf of bread at Aldi then headed home. Corn for lunch and a cookie left over from yesterday. I spent the next few hours typing up the minutes/recap from the reunion, updating the family tree, making a spreadsheet of names with addresses, email, and phone. Sent those to Jaclyn for her records, then balanced my checkbook. TO THE PENNY – first time!

This is exactly the checkbook that I have, thanks to my sister!

Autmn kept me updated on their progress to Myrtle Beach – and sent photos! She just sent me beach pics – Cameron loves it – but is intimidated by the water – which is good to a degree to be safe!

Pit stop – NC Noah and Cameron

He doesn’t look too excited about being in the seat so long!

There! That’s better!

Loving vacation!

One of the hotels – they are in a house.

Beach baby!

Failed attempt at a sand castle (without shovels!)

Next on the list – ironing. Got that put away, then sent out a few emails. It was comfortably cool outside, so I suited up, grabbed my clippers, gloves and kneeler, and cleared another section of the hill. I think I’m over 2/3 done, especially since some of the plants against the far fence will not get cut back. Another few times and I should be done with that section.

Making progress.

Just this corner left to do.

QUOTE of the DAY:

(Except when people call toooo early and wake you up!)

PEANUTS?

Watch out, Cameron!

TOMORROW August 10th is:

National Lazy Day; National S’mores Day; National Shapewear Day; National Spoil your Dog Day; Smithsonian Day; World Lion Day; National Connecticut Day – and Snoopy’s birthday!

I’ll celebrate Snoopy – and probably won’t be lazy. If I had a dog I’d spoil it. God bless!

On this day in History:

Scripture:

Cool photo:

Started the day a little before 7am – a ‘client’ txt me with a title question – doesn’t he know it’s a weekend, and I’m retired? Ugh. Oh, well. I showed him: I cozied up in bed and read for 45 minutes! I just started this book and it’s better than I expected.

Laundry, shower, breakfast, started the hot dogs in the crock pot, did some online work, packed the car – and I got to Altman Park about 11:15am. Jaclyn was the only one there, and I helped her cover the tables and get the room set up. We did have an issue with one of the tables – there were bees swarming. Ended up two of the guys carried it out into the field and that took the bees away, thankfully.

Jaclyn and her daughter

The whole group.

We did get a nice number of people attending, and a few who don’t always come. I looked at the sign-in list and I know for a fact that several people did NOT sign in, and a few more did not include their kids. I’m guessing about 30 came. And we did have a good time. There were a nice amount of raffle baskets and we had a lot of fun with them. We ate about 1pm, after Paul Eisaman said blessing. There was lots of good food. We had to run down and get ice – that was something that we didn’t have enough of. I had some in my cooler but it melted pretty quickly and we needed more! I left about 3:15pm and there were only a few people there chatting.

Deb and Kath and several others.

Mark in the background — Donna (The last aunt on the Steiner side) in the middle with her two sons – Brian on the left and Randy on the right

Laura looking through the Steiner photos and records.

My cousins Paul and John

Deb’s husband Jim and their son Michael

Deb scoping out the raffle choices

Brian’s wife Kim with Kathy

Laurie (Randy’s wife) with Mark

The group

Changed photographers.

I came home and unloaded the car and put things away. I did win a raffle basket – something I thought Autmn might like. So I have it tucked away for her when she gets back from vacation.

There’s a candle and Glade spray in there too.

Noah, Autmn and Cameron stopped to get the Pack and Play and sheet, and some food that she forgot on Thursday. I also had a nice bigger bag that she could use for the beach, so she borrowed that too. She brought my little skunk back that Cameron had packed in the suitcase on Thursday before they left. I’m glad to have the little guy back. Autmn said he was very good – didn’t spray anyone!

My little skunk is back, keeping an eye on the Skunk Hollow Girls!

I was so surprised when I went to the car to get my baby hug. First, Noah’s brother Gabe was able to get a rental car from where he works. It’s HUGE! It’s a Toyota and there’s plenty of room for Noah, Autmn, Gabe and Cameron – and all their stuff! Scott, Katrina, and Noah’s sister Bella are taking Scott’s vehicle. It won’t be as crowded that way and they can take what they need.

Another surprise was that all three of them got haircuts. Noah’s hair had been pretty long. It’s VERY short and will be so easy for him to care for on the beach and in the water. And Cameron! Wow! He looks so much older with his hair cut. I’m so excited for him – now he can see! They are all set for a fun week, and I’m praying for safe travels, extra patience, and lots of fun for them all.

Autmn and Cameron and their hair cuts.

I can’t believe it’s the same boy! Love this little guy!

Hair – before.

I finished all my Italian bread and was going to stop and grab a loaf – but then I just didn’t feel like rushing. I’ll stop on the way home from church tomorrow. I went outside and pulled weeds on the hill for an hour. Slow but sure – it’s getting done. I may even be at the half-way mark!

I got this much done.

Making progress

Tomorrow I need to do a little ironing, balance my checkbook, type up the minutes from the reunion, Update the name/address/email and phone numbers and forward a copy to Jaclyn, update the family tree with the new information people added, and hopefully do my daily hour of pulling weeds. If it doesn’t rain.

And right now I have The Real West on in the background. I do enjoy that movie.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 9th is:

I’ll go with Book Lovers! Amen and amen. Look up VEEP – it might not be what you are thinking. God bless…

On this day in History:1969 The Beatles are photographed by Iain MacMillan crossing the street as they walk away from EMI Recording Studios, for the cover of their “Abbey Road” album

Totally iconic!

Scripture:

Photo:

So peaceful….

What a crazy weather day – one minute it’s raining and cloudy and windy, then it’s sunny, bright and calm, then it storms and thunders and I can barely see the neighbor’s house for the rain! Right now it quit raining but the thunder is still rumbling. I was just finishing running the sweeper (with my new sweeper that I LOVE!) and getting geared up to go outside and the storm just BOOM! Wind in an instant!

Storm

Rain in puddles.

Today was busy from start to now. I had laundry to do, and since tomorrow is the Steiner Reunion (and I am recording secretary) I had to look up last year’s minutes and print them off – make sign-in sheets, check the list for what I’m supposed to bring, and start gathering up the items. I printed out the updates on the family tree that Mark and I worked on.

I had half a bagel for breakfast and a cup of hot tea – then I went to Palmer’s Farm Stand to get corn and tomatoes and green beans. Except that the beans were already sold out. I stopped at Walmart and got everything I needed… except they didn’t have any outside black trash bags. So I popped into Aldi to get that, and peanut butter pretzel nuggets for snack tomorrow. When I stopped at Aldi, I found one of those stones that people paint or decorate and want you to post on their web page. So I took it to re-hide and post – but the page says ‘doesn’t exist’! I’ll still rehide it. Looks like it’s in memory of someone.

Once I got done shopping I got started in the kitchen – which isn’t my favorite place to be! I husked and cooked the corn, and had 2 ears for lunch.

Next I made macaroni salad for tomorrow, and egg salad with the extra hard boiled eggs.

Macaroni Salad.

Egg Salad

Oh – and I did a bag of chocolate covered popcorn as well.

Now the sun is shining again!

If you are on facebook you may have seen Autmn’s post. She posted a picture of Cameron sitting in the tote, playing in the water, and one of her in almost the same spot, 21 years ago. SO I’ve been playing in the water with babies for a lot of years! She was very excited to share that.

Autmn (with Tazz-puppy!)

Cameron!

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 8th is:

National Happiness Happens Day; National Pickleball Day; Sneak some Zucchini into your Neighbor’s Porch Day; National Whataburger Day; National Dollar Day; national Mochi Day; National Frozen Custard Day; Global Sleep Under the Stars Night; International Cat Day.

It’s also the anniversary of Stoney’s death – in 1991. Can’t believe how long it’s been! I will celebrate happiness, dollars, and stars! I’ll leave the cat stuff to Jen! God bless…

On this day in History:

Scripture:

A really cool picture I found – I like this artist’s work!

UPDATE:

Work was good – and almost fun! Ken was off, Barry is still on vacation, and work was light. Rege and I chatted for close to an hour and a half – just talking about work and money and retirement and daylight savings time and every subject in between. We might still be there but he had a customer come in for a service call so I slipped out.

My buddy Sir Rege!

There was a pretty cool quote in the book I’m reading – set in Williamsburg:

Cool quote.

Book six.

Since it was still early, I zipped straight down to Kohl’s. I knew they were having a huge summer clearance and hoped maybe they would have swim suits left. They actually had a LOT! I tried on several but the minute I put on the one I knew. Fit perfect, great colors, modest — it will work just fine. What a relief! And while I was roaming around I saw about a dozen wonderful Snoopy items that I could have easily snatched up and took home, just for fun! As it turned out, I settled on one. It’s a sweatshirt and it’s possibly the softest material I’ve every felt. So that was my splurge. I love it!

Swim suit

Snoopy and I share a birth year.

I came home and had toast and bacon for lunch and basically got organized. Autmn and Cameron came exactly at 3pm, and Cameron got straight to playing! He loves playing in water outside with his animals and rocks. Autmn had some food prep she needed to do and freeze for their vacation next week. She borrowed a few pieces of luggage, a cooler and sand toys for Cameron. So they are basically set – unless I hear from her tomorrow! But Cameron had a blast outside…

He looks like Noah in this picture!

Bathing the cow – recognize this, Beth???

I let him play with the singing birthday card Peyton got me in June- He had his own little dance party, apron and all!

And then we came inside and he went from project to project. I think he played with everything in the toy closet at least once! When we were picking up the blocks, he said ‘I’ll pick up the rectangles…’ And he did. Go figure.

A little bit of everything – and he wasn’t done yet!

Today I got another new quarter with my change – it’s the Pilgrim one.

Two down; three to go! I need the Gettysburg Address (Lincoln) one, the Constitution (We the People) one, and the Liberty Bell one! Keep your eye out!

And as has been typical this week, the clouds continued their performance!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW August 7th is:

I’ll pick lighthouses! God bless…

On this day in History:

Scripture: