Last night’s remnant of the full moon was orange. So maybe it went from strawberry to pumpkin! It was pretty, nonetheless, peeking through the branches of the trees on the neighboring hill.

I noticed in the parking lot at Pinnacle that there was a cluster of daisies growing up through a crack in the pavement. It amazes me that they do that…

One of the little craft places in the neighborhood moved from East Pittsburgh Street to the far side of Greensburg on Route 30. Today was their opening day so I stopped after work just to check it out. It’s a very nice space and I think they’ll get some traffic there, too. If I hadn’t just purchased 3 pair of work shorts (like, yard work-type shorts) over the weekend there were several things I may have purchased. I liked the place – Craftique Corner. Check it out on facebook.

After a salad for lunch I started a load of laundry. If I don’t get the ironing done soon I won’t have anything left to wear! Next I got my fridge manual out and looked up how to turn the dispenser light on and off. I accidently turned it on and couldn’t figure out how to turn it back off! It was totally easy, actually, once I just read the instructions!

I spent the rest of the day outside, checking out new blooms, pulling some weeds, trimming some dead stalks, and cutting back the lilac branches that always grow through the fence in the spring. Punctured myself several times (I always do) but that task is done now for probably 6 or 8 weeks. I will have to do it again this summer for sure.

The two white shells in the middle are from our trip to Williamsburg. And speaking of that, my cousin Deb and her husband are on their way there right now – probably already arrived! I’m pea green with envy. She called me on the drive down for some hints as to what to see, what not to miss. We talked for almost half an hour! Have fun, you guys!

Fence project:

The rabbits are eating my petunias. Kath told me what to put on them to keep the rabbits away – so I sprinkled onion salt around them. We’ll see if it works or if perhaps the local rabbits like onions!

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW June 6th is:

National Yo Yo Day; National Day of Sweden; National Gardening Exercise Day; National Drive in Movie Day; World Pest Day; Russian Language Day; National Higher Education Day; National Eyewear Day; D-Day; National Applesauce Cake Day.

Gardening! I’m all in! And it would be lovely if my new glasses came in on National eyewear day – how cool would THAT be? And before I forget, last week we celebrated National Donut Day — look up the origin of donuts. You might be surprised, and it’s totally worth celebrating. God bless…

It was 88* in my house yesterday, so I finally turned on the A/C. It’s cooler today so I have the A/C off and the windows open. Today was a comfortable temperature all day, and a nice day to be outside. I’ll tackle that first. Hempfield Church had a ‘block party’ – set up tents, a bouncy house, games for the kids, corn hole boards, lots of food. It was nice just sitting around talking to everyone on a casual basis. Invitations were sent out to all the houses in the neighborhood on the hill (our church is at the top). Everyone appeared to have a great time. Here are some photos:

It was a very nice day and I can safely say everyone had a good time!

Todd’s message this morning was about setting our minds on things above – Know Christ! There is no reason to get bored because there is always something new to learn. We are small; God is big! Our routine should be to study scripture, pray, and take time to rest. Don’t get busy. The dangers of this world aren’t always evil; they are the neutral things that steal your focus and attention. Find things that focus you toward worship and study, like pictures, music, quotes. For me it’s mostly music – like this morning, our worship songs. Here are three lines from three different songs. 1) You called my name and I ran out of that grave! 2) The Lord of creation knows me by name. 3) His love is sure, and He knows my name. The God of a 1000 hills knows my name and who I am. I’m important to Him!

Last week was National Black Bear Day – Skunk Hollow Cousin Beth was in the Smokey Mountains and sent me these pictures. They saw eight black bear in Cades Cove!

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW June 5th is:

National Gingerbread Day; National Moonshine Day (Hope they mean the moon in the SKY!!!); National Veggie Burger Day; World Environment Day; National Start Over Day.

Not sure what I would want to start over. It sounds pretty daunting to me. I’ll celebrate gingerbread and be done! Have a great week! God bless…

The moon was bright and beautiful last night – I think it’s the Strawberry moon? It’s the last spring full moon. The sky was glowing when I went to bed, with the moon shining through the clouds.

It doesn’t seem to matter how many things are on my to-do list. My day is always full and I keep busy all day. I started with changing and washing bed sheets, making breakfast, catching up with emails and online research. Also filled the M&M bowl in the fridge downstairs. I love them cold!

I had been wanting to visit Miller’s Crossing Fleatique in Irwin so I did that in the morning. I enjoy looking more than I like spending, but I did purchase a very inexpensive small earthware bowl with stars on it.

Nate was meeting me at the house to put my chair together and help switch the old and the new, so I was home before he and Chrissy got there. The old chair came apart, too, so we made quick work of taking it apart and getting it to the garage. Nate and Chrissy brought the new one inside and put it together. I’m so excited with it! The description did not say that it was a rocker but it is! I will really like that, as well.

I had a few items of clothing that needed seams stitched so I opened the sewing machine and did that, then went outside. I took up all the inserts on the steps going down to the bottom yard (they were HEAVY!), propped them up, and added sand to the base. Now they are all level and even with the wood and are not a tripping hazard. A big job done.

The Dutch iris are done blooming so I dead-headed them and cleaned up the other dead stalks. The Red Hot Poker is fully up and blooming. It’s so unique! I also moved some sedum from an overgrown spot and filled in between some empty stones on the back patio. Then I watered all the new plants and sprayed the dirt and sand off of the work areas (steps and stones).

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW June 4th is:

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression; National Cancer Survivors Day; National Cheese Day; National Hug Your Cat Day; National Old Maids Day; National Safe Day; National Cognac Day; National Clean Beauty Day.

Tomorrow is the Block Party at HCC – if you live in the area stop up at the church between 4pm and 6pm. games and fun for the kids, Corn Hole Tournament, food – Hope to see you there!

Today was a weird, uneventful but busy day. I started out getting involved in rearranging things in the house and didn’t even eat breakfast until after 10am, at which time I had hot tea and a scone. Yum.

When I called the furniture store they assured me that my recliner (which comes in two parts) would indeed fit in my Encore. So I grabbed my grocery list, emptied the car and put the seats down, and headed to Latrobe. We did get the chair in my car but I couldn’t see out the rear mirror. That always creeps me out, but I was extra careful and stayed in the right lane all the way home.

I like the Aldi’s in Latrobe (it’s newer) so I got most of my groceries there, then zoomed on to Greensburg Walmart for the last three things. Went to work in Jeannette to finish the paperwork for my friend whose husband had passed away, and ended up being there for almost two hours, finishing up and talking to Sir Rege who was working alone. I even watched the store while he ran to the store. He used the last of his yellow legal tablet and needed to grab more. I told him he was Bud Jr – Bud couldn’t run the dealerships without his Yellow Tablet!

Thankfully I did manage to get both pieces of the chair out of the car, but couldn’t lift it then. So I got it into the shade and am waiting for Nate to come and help me bring it inside. Autmn and Noah are alerted to the fact that they can get their chair when they get ahold of a big enough vehicle. The tan chair does NOT come apart!

My Mom’s cousin’s daughter (my third cousin? Fourth??) sent me a photo of my dad (on the left). The picture is taken at Ohiopyle with Dad’s uncle & cousin Carolyn. I was excited to get it!

I’m watching the sun move over the house to the west; I can now water the plants! It was over 90* today so I didn’t want to boil the flowers!

And that, my friends, is the excitement for the day! And TOMORROW is another day, with no mistakes in it, as Anne Shirley would say.

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW June 3rd is:

Chimborazo Day; National Black Bear Day; National Bubbly Day; World Bicycle Day; National Egg Day; National Repeat Day (what???); National Chocolate Macaroon Day; National Trails Day; World Club Foot Day; National Prairie Day; National Play Outside Day.

I bought eggs today, and I love being outside. Plenty to celebrate! God bless…

First off, I need to disclose an error. Yesterday’s post had a photo of me in front of the Capitol in Williamsburg but I labeled it the Palace. I switched photos at the last minute and didn’t correct the comment. Thanks to my lovely and alert traveling companion this was pointed out and I can make amends! Thanks Kath!

Today is Kelly and Matt’s 21st Wedding anniversary. Sending hugs and wishes for many more happy years – and lots of love all around!

I went to work at both stores, then stopped at WOW outlet to check out napkins. I didn’t buy any, but I did get two new black sink mats. My old ones, which aren’t very old, are all out of shape, slimy, and look terrible. For about 1/20th of the cost I got these. Even if they only last a year I’m ahead of the game.

I came home and changed clothes. I scrubbed the tan recliner that I am giving to Autmn, and also scrubbed the mailboxes. I didn’t take a ‘before’ picture but the top compared to the cable cover. Yuck.

The fence still isn’t fixed but the weeds are dying from my weed killer spray. You may be able to see how far the rod is pulled out from the wall.

Tomorrow is recycle day, and when I took the can up to the road I noticed that there is a flower growing through the patio stones beside the fence! I’ll wait to see if it blooms…

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW June 2nd is:

National Leave The Office Early Day; International Volkswagen Bus Day; National Rotisserie Chicken Day; National Doughnut Day; National Bubba day; National Rocky Road Day.

I don’t have to work tomorrow so I can’t leave early! VW Buses were VERY popular in the 60’s – and Max will be totally thrilled about Doughnut Day! Celebrate the best you can. God bless…

Here it is the last day of May! Can’t believe how fast this month has flown by. Seems like just yesterday we were packing for and heading to Colonial Williamsburg! Lovely trip…

Today, of course, is my cleaning day, and I was all finished upstairs and part way done downstairs when I decided to switch things around in my living room. That being said, I stirred up dust bunnies and hidden crumbs under the couch so after I finally got things where I wanted them (took several tries) I had to clean in there again!

I took a little break after that and had a piece of cheese and a pretzel and read a few pages in the book I’m almost finished with. The book is very good (It’s a series called EASTON ISLAND) but it is definitely a series. Usually each book wraps up at least one issue to satisfaction but these don’t. They are like a soap opera – it’s a ‘cliff-hanger’ ending and you have to get the next book to see what is going on. But again, they are good and I’m enjoying them. Almost done with book 2 and I think there are six….

After I was done cleaning, I cut the grass. All of my neighbors mowed today (or last night) so it was time. I also watered the flowers and new plants. The iris are looking good – yellow, white and purple. I even found some foxgloves, which I didn’t think I had any more of. I don’t remember planting them there but I’ll take them. I think the one to the right of the white one will be pink or light purple.

So that was my day – and it’s 8:30pm so I will stop and get dinner. Happy June – Yea for summer! Oh, and I’ll also change out the wooden Snoopy calendar.

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW June 1st is:

National Pen Pal day; National Heimlich Maneuver Day; Global Day of Parents; World Reef Awareness Day; National Say Something Nice Day; World Milk Day; National Game Show Day; National Go Barefoot Day; National Hazelnut Cake Day; National Nail Polish Day.

Wow. Let’s see. Charlie Brown loves his pen pal. I had parents and I am a parent so that’s good. ALWAYS good to say something nice!! Make a point to do that. Mary’s mom Nancy loves game shows. I love to go barefoot. And my daughter is really into nail polish and cute designs. So – there you have it! Say something nice tomorrow and God bless…

Back to work! There wasn’t an excessive amount to do in either store. I got home about noon, and checked my list for the day’s chores. I opted to give my tired, dry feet a bath in a tub of hot, soapy water. It felt very good. I don’t know why I don’t do that more often!

I had a paper that needed notarized, and had a friend coming to the house to do that. In the meantime I did some ironing and put laundry away. Laura and I had a nice chat, and I copied my papers and put them in the mail. One more thing done!

My eye appointment was at 2:15. I really like the Eye Center – Rhonda is very thorough, informative, and encouraging. My prescription did change a tiny bit, so I picked out frames and we ordered new glasses. It’s been several years since I had to do that. So now I’m waiting on the recliner to come in and for new glasses!

I dropped off title work for Mike G, then came home and did a few outside chores. Nate suggested I try changing the batteries in my weed killer wand – that worked! The fence still isn’t fixed so spraying this will help control the weeds in the stones. I also spent a good deal of time really soaking the new plants.

Normally I clean my windows over Memorial Day weekend, but I was a few days behind – I did them this afternoon. My hands still smell like vinegar! Two little bunnies sat outside the living room window and watched me the whole time! Made a burger for supper, and all that’s left for tonight is writing in my journal and reading my Devotion.

Oh – and speaking of devotions, yesterday’s was about cherishing friends (it was about David and Jonathan) – so here’s a shout out to my dearest friends that keep me going day after day (in no particular order): Skunk Hollow cousins, my sister, my family, Mary, Gen, Teresa, Diane, April. Sir Rege. Wishing you the blessing of friendship that warms the heart and lifts you up! (There are more – these are just a few!)

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW May 31st is:

National Senior Health & Fitness Day; National Smile Day; National Speak In Complete Sentences Day; World Parrot Day; Necrotizing Fasciitis Day; National Utah Day; National Flip Flop Day; National Save Your Hearing Day; National Autonomous Vehicle Day; World No Tobacco Day; National Macaroon Day.

My sister will for sure celebrate Flip Flop Day – and we can all celebrate SMILE day! I’ve never been to Utah so I’ll forgo that — have a happy Wednesday!

I had a laid-back, low key day today. Did my normal Monday laundry, had a muffin for lunch, and then took Nate’s chocolate down to him. We chatted for a bit and then I went on the back roads over to Home Depot. I got another tray of sedum and filled in at the bottom of the hill, where I planted the iris on Saturday. It seemed smarter to do that than to spread mulch, because the mulch will fade and wash down the hill and the sedum will spread and fill in. More bang for my buck – and effort.

I put the deck umbrella up for the first time this spring, but it was a bit windy and almost tipped the table a few times. I wound it down part way and it was fine until I took it down and came inside.

Obviously I planted the sedum, and also moved a few smaller pieces of ground cover from other places to help fill in. Then I watered everything. The front yard is looking nice and the house looks neat. I came inside and took down the window stickees and a few other decorations in preparation of washing windows within the next few days. Now I’m going to get something to eat. Doesn’t sound like a full day but I haven’t sat down since breakfast!

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW May 30th is:

National Creativity Day; National Mint Julep Day; World Multiple Scleroses Day; Loomis Day; National Water A Flower day; National Hole In My Bucket Day.

How can you water a flower if there’s a hole in your becket? Well, it’s important so I’ll try! Have a lovely week – short one work day. For me that means two days of work this week! God bless…

Sunday School is Cool! Today we learned that we can’t always know what’s ahead of us, or know what’s going to happen, but God is always with us. Mary had 6 paper bags and in each was something different. Max and Ben had to stick their hands in the bags without looking and guess what was in there. She had liquid hand soap, cereal, crayons, peanut butter — several times there was a resounding YUCK! But I think they got it.

I decided to get a package of hot dogs, and hopefully one evening this week the wind will die down and I can do my fire pit! Already anticipating that…

I had a Panera Bread bagel (chocolate chip) for lunch, then went outside. I watered all the plants – front and back – and then pulled weeds. Got the little bit by the steps under the deck, and then around the big maple tree up front. Also finally sprayed the rocks with weed killer. The sprayer didn’t work so well – not sure why – but hopefully the weeds will die. By then maybe the fence will be secure and I can work over there again.

Some new flowers are blooming. Well, old ones that come up every year at different times. I especially like the red hot poker!

It’s especially nice to know that tomorrow is a holiday! Not sure what all I will do but it’s nice to have a laid-back day.

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW May 29th is:

National COQ AU VIN Day; Memorial Day; National 529 Day; International Day of UN Peacekeepers; National Paperclip Day.

Wait. Paperclips have their own day? Wow. Hmmm. It’s important to remember those who have given so much to make and keep our country free. Make sure you take time to do that tomorrow. God bless us, every one!

I picked up Kath at a little after 8am and we headed out Home. We had a trunk full of flowers, kneelers, gloves, trowels, water, rags, garden shoes, and sunshine.

First thing we did was stop at Donna’s store, and got cheese for Autmn/Noah and for me. Also got some candy for Nate and I to split. We went up the road a bit to the Smicksburg cemetery and planted flowers on the Cornman graves, Uncle Dan, and baby Sophie. Beth had already been there and planted but we added a bit to it.

The second cemetery was Old Mahoning, where Uncle Jim and Aunt Dolly and Susan (Crooks) are buried. We planted several flowers there, then moved on. From there we went past the cabin driveway but it was too overgrown and rutted to pull in. We only pulled over long enough to pick up a few stones for in my garden (and one for Kathy’s window sill). We saw Josh outside getting ready to mow so stopped and talked to him for a few minutes.

The third cemetery was in Sagamore where our grandparents – Jess and Erma Crooks – are buried, along with Mom’s Uncle Edd and HER grandparents. Again, Beth had been there but we added a few to hers. Kathy had bought granite cleaner and spent some time cleaning the headstones. I think we improved it just a bit.

There were so many iris growing around James and Margaret Crooks that I dug up a small cluster and brought them home to plant. I know those iris have been growing there for a very long time.

Once we were officially done planting, we went back down Sinktown Road and popped in to see Gail and Jack. It was a nice visit and we were glad they were home! By now it was after lunch time so we went back to Donna’s store to get hot dogs but they only had one left! Kath and I split the hot dog and shared cheese and chips before heading over to visit AJ/UC.

That too was a nice visit, with several trips back memory lane and a few laughs – and lots of stories. It was hard to leave but we had miles to go! We stopped near an Amish farm and took a picture of a new mama horse and her colt before heading down Route 119 toward home (not Home!).

It was such a lovely day and beautiful weather – and great company. We not only went back memory lane but we made new memories in the process.

I knew I couldn’t slack, so I planted the iris right away, then pulled weeds between the fences. Dottie’s fence is loose again so I was afraid to work under the loose part. I’ll get weed killer and spray through the fence tomorrow. I’m not risking the fence falling on my head!

The car was brown and dirty from the back roads so I finished up the day by washing it. My neighbor came over and offered me a bunch of peonies – pink and white – which I put in a vase on the deck. They still had ants on them so I didn’t want to bring them inside. But I can see them from where I sit! All in all it was a great day, and I’m ready to be done!

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW May 28th is:

National Brisket Day; National Hamburger Day; National Family Fun Day; National Beef Burger Day.

I love hamburgers and having fun! So I’ll celebrate both. Have a lovely day and God bless…