I am NOT used to taking a Sunday morning at home. I knew my cough wasn’t ready to go to church, especially if I had to teach. So I took the morning to catch up with myself and get ready for the coming week. I tried not to plan anything until Friday, when we have a Skunk Hollow Event.

Oatmeal was my breakfast, then I got ready and went to Youngwood to Cameron’s party. I had Nate’s birthday pie (Butterscotch) and candles, the shirts Kelly made for the birthday crew, and Cameron’s gift (also Nate’s card – his birthday is Thursday). The party was at Youngwood VFW – it was a nice space and plenty of room for the little party. I am going to post details and photos tomorrow and finish the day off just being quiet. I don’t even have to eat supper – we had fruit and veggies and pizza and cupcakes. Plenty!

While I was getting ready this morning I was blow-drying my hair, sort of helter-skelter, and when I was done I noticed how gray the underside of my hair is! Won’t be long until it works its way to the outside and I’m totally gray!

The blessing today for sure was the wonderful family and friends who gathered to celebrate Cameron’s first birthday! (And Nate’s too!)

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 14th is:

Be Bald and Be Free Day; Columbus Day; Pink Sky Day; National Dessert Day; National I Love You Day; National Kick Butt Day; National Native American Day; National Online Bank Day; National Baking Week; National Real Sugar Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Scrunchie Day. TOMORROW: Columbus Day, of course. I love dessert (and Autmn is a great baker!), and I can say I Love You to my friends and family reading this! God bless…

Kelly and I both got up a little before 8am. I was in low gear but slept better than I have in a while so I was relieved about that. I got a shower first – Kelly bought me some shower spray that I tried. Seemed to work ok. Not sure I used enough but I could smell it. You just spray it on the walls in the shower after you’ve turned it on and before you step in.

While Kelly was in the shower I changed the sheets on my bed. I also switched to flannel sheets, added an extra blanket for cold weather, and put on the winter bedspread. I love the dark plum color.

After breakfast (she had a scone; I had toast) she cut up veggies for a salad she needed for later today and I sat like ordered in the living room chair! Then she mixed up the homemade bread while I gave her the directions and ingredients. We both cleaned up the kitchen, and by then Autmn dropped off a few things for Cameron’s party tomorrow. Then Kelly left as she had a birthday party to attend at a friend’s house.

The little end table by the couch had white spots on it that would not wipe off. I sat for a long time and looked at it, trying to figure out what to do. I finally took a little knit dish scrubbie and Dawn Dish detergent and wiped it off. Let it set a few minutes, rubbed it dry, and it appears to be back to normal. It’s an antique piece so I didn’t expect perfection, but it looks better than it has in a long time.

I just put the bread in the oven. While I was up there I remembered to turn on the little pumpkin tea light that I have on the cutting board.

That’s all I was given permission to do today! So I’ll take the bread out of the oven and watch something on TV, and read a few chapters in my book. And this was supper – I’m waiting to have a slice of Homemade Bread!

My blessing today was having Kelly here to help me the past 3 days, and seeing Autmn and Cameron for five minutes!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 13th is:

Breast Cancer Awareness Day; National Scrunchie Day; Disaster Day (creating one, remembering one, or surviving one?); English Language Day; National M&M Day; National No Bra Day; National Train Your Brain Day; National Transfer Money to your Son Day (sorry Nate! Not happening!); Navy Day; Pastor Appreciation Day; Yorkshire Pudding Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Wind Day. Tomorrow – No question. We celebrate M&M’s! Love it! God bless…

Thanks for being patient! The minute I got up Thursday I called my doctor, and she had me come in right away. Gave me a strong dose of antibiotic and a slip for a chest xray. I spent all of yesterday on the couch and did nothing but sleep and cough and sneeze. Didn’t even eat a bite. I was up most of the night, too. But Kelly got here about 5pm and took charge. I was glad to have her here.

Yesterday afternoon Autmn and Cameron stopped in for a minute. She was going to see her sister Summer. I was sorry I couldn’t get around the baby or play with him but it sure was fun to at least see him!

After a quick breakfast this morning I saw the horses on the hill. It was a beautiful, sunny day and it looked like they were happy outside.

Kelly took me down for my chest x-ray. It was clear but they want to do another CT scan. Ugh. I have to wait for them to schedule that. Dr. Tammy suggested I call my pulmonologist. Ugh again. She did not impress me. But it took 7 months for me to get that appointment so it’s unlikely I can switch – probably have to wait a year!

While I was sitting on the recliner all day today I finished my Child Abuse Reporting training. Kelly had to show me how to print the certificate!

I plan to stay home all day tomorrow – If I’m not coughing I will go to church Sunday. I can’t take this horrid cough to church!

My blessing today was for sure having Kelly here!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 12 is:

Farmers Day; Harry Potter Book Day; I Love Yarn Day; National Wind Day; National Chess Day; National Motorcycle Ride Day; National Savings Day; National Pulled Pork Day; National Gumbo Day; National Costume Swap Day.

Wednesday’s fake day was National Purple Pumpkin Day. Tomorrow – I like farmers – and saving! No more motorcycles for THIS girl! God bless!!

Unfortunately I ended up being sick again so it may be a day or two until I post. Have a great couple of days! M

I usually stay in bed a bit longer on Wednesday and Friday, and read a chapter or two in my current book. This morning I didn’t. I had a lot of things I wanted to do. So I made a piece of French toast for breakfast and then got started cleaning. And this post will be short because all I did was clean and mow!

I got the upstairs done, had lunch, then started downstairs. Took the trash up, did a load of laundry. I knew that I had several things going on the rest of the week, so I wanted to get the yard mowed. I did that, and also got the weed-whacking done.

It looks like the lamb’s ear is not dying off as quickly as I was hoping. Just have to give it more time, I guess.

I found myself coughing a bit more today, which makes me tired. I just took 2 Tylenol and hope that gives me some energy. Not much more to do this evening.

My blessing today was to cross several things off my list!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 10th is:

National Angel Food Cake Day; National Purple Pumpkin Day; National Cake Decorating Day; National Handbag Day; World Homeless Day; World Plant Based Burger Day; World Sight Day; National Walk to a Park Day; National Metric Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Pasta Day. Tomorrow -Walking to a park sounds fun . Enjoy! God bless…

I started my day getting the follow-up bloodwork done. It was to monitor certain medications to make sure they weren’t upsetting my balance. Of what, I’m not entirely sure, but one thing was potassium. From there I went to work, but there was nothing ready for me. Ken was there and we chatted while I ate my breakfast muffin and tea.

When I got home I saw a post from Rege that his very close friend – who has been ill with cancer for months – passed away this morning. I know he went to see him this morning, so not sure if he was there at the time. But I know he will be grieving for his friend and his family. Please keep Rege, and Rich’s family, in your prayers.

As usual I had a list for today, and I chipped away at it most of the afternoon. I told Tonia I would take supper to them, so I left here, picked it up and took it down to them. It really had a tempting aroma and it was hard not to pull over and devour the entire content. It was angel hair pasta, Italian bread, and salad. Plus I took them a few Chocolate Chip Scones for breakfast.

I had entertained the idea of mowing this evening, but I opted to work on the inside list instead. I got a txt from Kelly earlier and she is coming up Thursday night to go with me to Ft. Ligonier Days on Friday. So that made my day! Yea!

I did take the back way home, and drove down Shady Lane. I passed the house where I grew up, and my Grama Steiner’s house, and Cole’s Pond (THAT is a story in itself!). They put a new bridge in across from the pond – and it looks very different.

Kathy sent me a few photos of her trip. It really looks like they had a great time!

Once I post this I plan to do a little more on the training for Child Clearance for Church. It feels longer than three hours!

My blessing for today was good results from my bloodwork – all is well!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 9th is:

Curious Events Day; Emergency Nurses Day; National Curves Day; National Pasta Day; International Beer and Pizza Day; International Top Spinning Day; Leif Erikson Day; National Bring Your Teddy Bear to School Day; National Moldy Cheese Day; National Prolife Cupcake Day; National Stop Bullying Day; World Post Day; National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Blanket Day. Tomorrow – I’m curious about the curious events. I’ll do pizza with my teddy bear. STOP Bullying. And it would be fun to be taken to lunch! God bless…

It’s much cooler today – but sunny and bright. For a while the sky was six shades of dark clouds but they are mostly cleared up by now.

I worked at Pinnacle – Barry was in! He’s still very frail and tired but really needed to get out of the house. It was good to see him. So all three of my bosses were there when I got there. It felt like a celebration.

My tea meeting was at 10:30 at Hanna’s Town so I had to leave a few things undone. After the meeting I went back to work. The tire pressure was low in the rear passenger tire again. I’m glad it didn’t go down over the weekend! But Colton added air and checked the tire for punctures. I’ll keep an eye on it until their mechanic is free to do a thorough check.

Today was a ‘day off’ from working on the hill. I started a load of laundry after lunch (soup) and then went to Gabe’s. I was looking for a plain white casual around-the-house shirt. Nothing there that worked. I did get AA batteries – Christmas is coming and I use a lot of those little light strings. Now I am having a cup of hot tea and have HOME TOWN on in the background. Nothing else really worth sharing today!

My blessing was seeing Barry at work.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 8th is:

ADA Lovelace Day; Dyslexia Day; International Birth Registration Day; National Face Your Fears Day; National Blanket Day; National Fluffernutter Day; National Heroes Day; National Pierogi Day; National Salmon Day; World Octopus Day; American Touch Tag Day.

Yesterday’s Fake Day was Bug Day. Tomorrow – I like facing fears if you can conquer them! Give it a try – God Bless…

So we were back teaching this morning – had two students. Even though the lesson was detailed the boys did well. We talked about Elijah telling King Ahab that it wouldn’t rain for 7 years, and I asked the boys what that would mean. Jackson (6) said the plants would die and the rivers would dry up. Cody (4) said that when your eyes were dry you couldn’t blink. Well, I didn’t connect that to no rain but apparently he did! That was, actually, an accurate piece of information!

First Sunday in October – turned over the calendar page. I’m using this as my phone wallpaper. It’s soothing and inviting.

Todd’s message was about Dark Horses. God uses the most unlikely people – ordinary, not super heroes. Excuses build a life of nothingness. You are God’s answer, and your reluctance doesn’t scare God. Reason we we say ‘no’: 1) Our identity. 2) Insecurities. 3) Influence. 4) Inadequacy. 5) Irrational thoughts. Release your talents to God’s purposes.

I stopped after church and got a few things for Cameron’s birthday, then came home and ate lunch. I had a list of about half a dozen tiny chores that I needed to work on. Then I weeded a little more on the hill. I came inside about 6:30 and got a shower.

My blessing for today was the boys in Sunday school. They are good kids!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 7th is:

National Child Health Day; National Bug Day; National Consignment day; National Forgiveness & Happiness Day; National Frappe Day; National Inner Beauty Day; National LED Light Day; World Cotton Day; You Matter To Me Day; National Propane Day; National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Gourd Day. Tomorrow – celebrate happiness and chocolate covered pretzels! And shop consignment! God bless…

I was determined to make today fun – even if it was all by myself! I got up early, changed my sheets and threw them in the laundry. Had oats for breakfast, threw extra things in the car, got gas (Mazda) and headed to Smicksburg’s Fall Festival. It was a perfect, beautiful day. The sun was shining, the temps were comfortable, and there was lots to see.

My first stop was at Donna’s Smicksburg Country Store. Colleen was working, and her cousin Michelle, so we had a nice chat. She did, however, say that Uncle Clifford (her dad) was not doing well. Kidney related and uncomfortable. So while we are seeing what the next step is in his treatment, we are praying for UC and the whole family. But it was super fun to see Colleen (Skunk Hollow Cousin); she looked so professional and attractive in her work outfit! I bought a piece of longhorn cheese, chocolate covered peanuts for Deb, and a bag of popcorn!

Even though the festival was just starting, it was already crowded. I had to drive around to find a parking spot. I was going to take a buggy ride but decided I’d rather walk around. I stopped at the Country Cupboard and got a small taste of chocolate walnut fudge, thanks to Diane’s reminder. Their whole sidewalk and yard were filled with vendors – pumpkins galore! I bought some tomatoes. (See above photo)

One of the stores sold out, and looks like they are making a fleatique type of venue, where there are little individual spaces for different venders. There were only about 4 or 5 open but room for a whole lot more! I think it’s called ‘Reclaim of Smicksburg’. I got this star at a porch sale next door.

From there I walked down to the Heritage Center. I’ve been there quite often, but this time there was a guide to explain different things in the rooms. He was quite pleased with the information he shared, and I didn’t want to admit that I knew most of what he was saying. Hanna’s Town has some of the same artifacts. But I was interested in the fridge – it had a foot pedal to open the door! I think where Refrigerators are concerned we have gone backwards…

Even though I had already been to Donna’s store, I popped back in there on the way home. I grabbed a hot dog and an Amish cookie for my lunch, when head back out Rt 954. I did drive past Grama Crooks’ house and springhouse just for fun. It was a lovely day!

I got home a little after 1pm. Nate and Chrissy met me at the house. Chrissy was looking at some of the old toys in the closet. Nate helped me put the flag stands back in correctly, and then sprayed the Lamb’s Ear with Round-Up. He’s going to dig them out once they die off enough not to send spores into the air. Once they left I spent about an hour and a half on the hill. It’s coming along!

Kathy sent me an email – they got home safe and sound and glad to be home. She recapped the trip for me, but has lots of fun pictures that I’m excited to see soon. I have to look over my Sunday school lesson – on Elijah. And that’s it for today!

My blessing today was a lovely, safe trip to Smicksburg, and seeing Colleen!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 6th is:

Change a Light Day; Mad Hatter Day; National Badger Day; National Gourd Day; National Coaches Day; National Noodle Day; National Transfer Money to your Daughter Day (ummm, Nope — Sorry Kelly!); Zero Inbox Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Festival day, although there really was a festival! Tomorrow- Noodles are good, but I’m not transferring money. Make friends with a badger! God bless…

This morning I did some laundry, had breakfast, and then decided to work on the hill. I was out there for a while and cleaned up a portion of the bottom section. Then I got frustrated with how the rocks at the bottom had shifted and were crooked and loose and made mowing difficult. So I slid them around, dug out the space to level it off, and wiggled the stones back in place — straight and even and flat. That should hold them for a while.

I got a shower and changed clothes, then had a small bowl of soup. I switched out the summer/winter clothes and had a pile for Goodwill. I bundled them up and drove them to Norwin. Also replaced a stained, stretched out pink long sleeved shirt that matches several pair of my leggings. I was surprised that there were so many pink ones to choose from.

I had started an email on Monday and every day I added a bit more. When Kathy gets back she’ll have that to read and catch up on my week. We’ll have to arrange a time when we can hang out – then I’ll hear about her trip and see more pictures! In the meantime I went over and watered plants and put the mail inside for them. Stopped on the way home and got a frozen Coke.

‘Haul out the Holly’ is on Hallmark tonight – I know it’s completely silly and over done but it makes me laugh! So I’ll watch it later while I iron.

My blessing today was finding the pink shirt!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

October 4, 1950, was the first appearance of Snoopy in the comic strip!

TOMORROW October 5th is:

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta; Bookshop Day; Frugal Fun Day; National Apple Betty Day; National Festival Day; National Be Nice Day; World Card Making Day; World Teachers Day; International Off Road Day; National Play Outside day.

Who would have thought that when I ‘faked’ National Card Day that today would be World Card Making Day?! Tomorrow, above all, be nice! And go ahead, make a card. Go to a book shop. Have fun – even if it’s not frugal! And PLAY OUTSIDE! God bless…