First off, today would have been Ron Buschek’s birthday. I still miss hearing his laugh. He was our first youth minister at Hempfield church. Happy birthday Ron! He’s been gone since 1988.

After breakfast and throwing a laundry load in, I headed to Irwin to grab some groceries. I actually accomplished most of that at Aldi’s, then Walmart. I was surprised to see Todd and Heather there (Hempfield minister). They were coming back from an appointment in Pittsburgh. We were both, like, ‘What are YOU doing here?’ as it’s not our typical area. I bought what I needed to make Oreo Ice Cream for the weekend, which I accomplished after a lunch of 3 different leftovers!

I am going to a 95th anniversary celebration at West Overton Museum tonight. Got an email that they are moving the event inside the big barn because of the weather. That’s a good thing – can’t eat pie outside in the rain!

The last few days I’ve had the little yellow bird at my living room window. It must be the week for little animals. There was a baby bunny nibbling the grass – I’m pretty sure it lives under the bottom deck. There’s also a small gray dove that keeps walking in front of my family room door.

Last night’s sunset was glowing through the trees across the road – I couldn’t capture the full effect. It was actually glowing!

Once it got dark, the red/white/blue lights and the color-changing solar flowers were glowing, too.

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TOMORROW June 17th is:

National Cherry Tart day; National Apple Strudel Day; National Eat Your Vegetables Day (after the tart and strudel you’ll need veggies!); World Juggling Day; National Mascot Day; National Root Beer Day; World Croc Day.

My early birthday present was a phone call from Gen! It’s always such as special treat when we can chat and catch up. I miss our in-person visits but spending 45 minutes together was wonderful. I know it’s a highlight for me! Have a happy day – God bless…

Well, June is half over! Hard to believe. Next thing you know it will be Thanksgiving. Remember I said that…

It was pretty slow at both stores — except for a little issue at Greensburg. Both stores have part-time sales people to help maintain a schedule of open hours. The salesperson at the store came to work and said that he was retiring — right then and there! He gathered everything up and happily left! The worst is that Joe is going on vacation for 10 days tomorrow with his whole family! So he was a little stressed. But I think everyone will step up to the plate and make sure everything is taken care of. The sales person wasn’t being nasty – he was just done!!!

I stopped at Di’s on the way home to pick up a few things she had for me. One thing was a puffy floor mat and matching hand towels! I stuck them in the laundry room for now…

Leaving Diane’s I passed a house with unique flower ‘beds’ – one was a brass bed and one was a crib! Really cute!!!

After my lunch (salad) I made muffin tops. I thought I was buying a muffin mix and didn’t realize it was different. But I tried them anyway. They don’t look exactly like the picture but they were very good. Mary stopped over for a quick bit and we had one to taste test. I’d make them again…

After Mary left I washed the car. It was dirty from the trip to the Dillweed and to Smicksburg on Saturday. All clean and swept out now.

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TOMORROW June 16th is:

Bloomsday; International Day of the African Child; World Sea Turtle Day; Las Vegas World Martini Day Giveaway; International Day of Family Remittances; Wear Blue Day; National Fudge Day.

Ummm – Fudge! That’s all I need to know! God bless…

TODAY is Flag Day – and it’s fitting that we honor and remember this great country that our flag represents.

NATIONAL FLAG DAY | JUNE 14

On June 14th, National Flag Day honors Old Glory and commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777. The holiday is a day that Americans show respect for the U.S. Flag and what it represents. Representing independence and unity, the Star-Spangled Banner has become a powerful symbol of Americanism and the flag is flown proudly. 

As is typical I just spent the day cleaning, doing laundry, and reading a chapter at a time in my current book –

This morning I heard the familiar tap-tap-tap on my living room window. I walked over and put my hand on the glass, and the bird just kept tapping away! He’s really determined!

While I was cleaning, I had HGTV on – was watching a very interesting show: Houses with History. There is always a story connected with the house, and typically the houses were built between the late 1600’s and the late 1800’s. Really cool show. Takes place in Plymouth, MA.

I was trying to log into a discussion on facebook with Alyssa Maxwell (author) but cannot connect! Hug. Oh, well. It’s no secret I’m not adept at this type of stuff!

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TOMORROW June 15th is:

National Foam Party Day; National Career Nurse Assistant’s Day; National Megalodon Day; National Smile Power Day; Nature Photography Day; Global Wind Day; Magna Carta Day.

Megalodon is about a huge shark, so no. I’ll stick with the smile power. God bless…

Before I went to bed last night I looked out my bedroom window. It looked like Brigadoon on the far hillside. I took a picture with the flash and without. One thin strip of fog.

When I got to Jeannette this morning Rege was taking apart a very old model flat screen tv that weighed … A LOT! He needed to dispose of the tv and it was too heavy to transport. By the time I had left he had taken about 100 screws out of the back of that thing. Not sure what his next move is…

When I got home, it was still early, so I did some things around the house. Then I ‘suited up’ and cut the grass. I’m glad I got that done – it just POURED down rain here and is supposed to rain tomorrow. When I finished that chore and come inside, I cleaned out the cabinet under the bathroom sink (threw some dumb stuff away) and also went through the linen closed. Swept the downstairs floor and put the laundry away from last night’s ironing. The hill is looking pretty good – but there are some weeds that need attacked (Today IS National Weed Your Garden Day!).

By then it was time to leave for my chiropractic appointment. I made an appointment with a new doctor – the one Nate’s family goes to. She was super nice and very informed and I was impressed. I feel much better but my neck is sore right now. At least I can TURN my head!

I was having my tea in the living room and I heard this tapping on the window. I looked up and a little yellow bird was pecking on my window. It let me walk up to the window (inside) and tap the window back at it. I also noticed a yellow-green bird sitting on the deck railing watching us interact! See my facebook page to see it flying against the window.

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TOMORROW June 14th is:

National New Mexico Day; National Bourbon Day; National Strawberry Shortcake Day; National Flag Day; International Bath Day; National Pop Goes the Weasel Day; Army Birthday; World Blood Donor Day; National Cucumber Day.

Flag Day! Super! Fly that red, white and blue. God bless…

It rained on and off all day today – no storms, no downpours. But we really needed the ran. So now I have to wait for the drying period to cut the grass. That’s ok – worth the wait!

Also got word that Mom’s estate is finally settled. It’s a relief for everyone (especially, I’m sure, for Jim Graves who was the executor!) to have that behind us. A big thanks to Steadman Law Offices in Girard for their assistance and expertise.

Worked both stores this morning, but Greensburg was busier. Left there and came straight home, completely by-passing several things I had planned on doing. I had a quick lunch, cleaned up the kitchen, and then talked to my friend Diane on the phone for over an hour! We absolutely NEVER talk on the phone so we had a lot to chat about. While we were talking, I sat and watched the neighbor’s horses prancing back and forth across the pasture on the hill across the street.

In the meantime I did laundry, and I have quite a pile of ironing to do.

I also framed my new print of Harrold School.

Since I totally blew off my chores after work, I went back out and did them all this afternoon. I stopped at the bank to cash a small check – I owe two people money! On the way back out of the parking lot I noticed that Shop and Save was having a mural painted on the side of their building. That’s something Erin from HOME TOWN (HGTV) would do (and has done) in the towns they renovate!

Then I dropped off a bag of items at Goodwill before stopping at Craftique for candle bulbs. I thought I would wait for flicker bulbs but I had one burn out over the weekend so I replaced it and bought an extra. Last of all I stopped at Hanna’s Town and dropped off a few thick catalogs for tin-punch and picked up two signs for court days this weekend. Last year they generated interest so I thought it was a good idea.

While I was driving through town I noticed that Pershing’s antiques was open. I haven’t been in that little store front since Dad was alive! So I pulled over and popped in and talked to Dave Pershing – explaining I just needed to walk through as a remembrance to my dad. I remembered the name Frank Pershing, who Dave explained could have been his uncle or his grandfather. The place was never organized but they DO have lots of old stuff — and lots of wooden furniture and bicycles. I was happy to have stopped.

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TOMORROW June 13th is:

National Sewing Machine Day; National Weed Your Garden Day; World Pet Memorial Day; National Random Acts of Light Day; National Call your Doctor Day; International Axe Throwing day; National Kitchen Klutzes of American Day; World Softball Day; National Forklift Safety Day.

I use my sewing machine pretty regularly – for random projects and for mending. I am ALWAYS weeding my garden so that won’t be a hard one. I just posted a photo of my tribute to honor Tazz last week. No axe-throwing for me, and although I don’t do kitchens very much I am not a klutz. NO softball for me, or forklifts. Let’s go with the garden! God bless….

We’ve been waiting half of forever for some rain, and just when I get suited up to do yard work it starts to sprinkle. I did get the weed whacking done, but didn’t attempt mowing. It’s really not raining hard but I feel like mowing isn’t smart. But I am NOT watering the plants! Does it even need cut?? But – here’s back to the beginning.

Two of our regular Sunday school students were out of town today, but we did have three visitors and Ben. It went well, but then the lesson was Esther which is a favorite of mine! Todd’s message was about – basically – trying to be good enough on our own. That doesn’t work. We need to pursue maturity – God’s grace saves us, not our own actions. No one accidently slips into Godliness or salvation. We often pit sin against sin, which of course sin wins either way. It’s not by our effort but by the blood of Christ. As we look to Jesus, God cheers us on; He takes our picture! You can’t just chop off the bad branches – you have to go for the roots. Focus on God and say NO to sin.

There were free sweet potatoes for the taking on one of the tables in the Welcome Center, and roasted veggies sounded good. I brought one home, but also stopped and bought broccoli and carrots. I’ll clean and cut them and make them tomorrow for supper. After a quick piece of leftover pizza I walked up to the Baltzer Meyer Historical Society for a Civil War program. It was really nice, and the two men who presented the program did a good job.

This gentleman was telling us about a three gun salute given for one of their reenactment members. The man’s wife gave them his ashes, and they put them in the bullet and shot it out of the cannon. What a fitting honor. Then during a reenactment, all the ‘soldiers’ were supposed to fall down ‘dead’. They noticed it was a field of poison ivy, so they surrendered instead! Mr. Boone said he met a President Lincoln impersonator one time, and asked him, “Mr. President, what is something you can tell me now that you couldn’t when you were president?” The man said, ‘Don’t buy theater tickets!’ – very clever!

Knap’s Independent Battery ‘E’ will be at Hanna’s Town for their Civil War weekend July 28th through the 30th. Check out their website at www.knapsbattery.com – and plan on stopping at Hanna’s Town that weekend.

Afterwards we could go upstairs into the old church sanctuary (which is storage for the archives and artifacts). I had never been up there and have lived within a few miles of the building all my life! It was super cool up there, with lots of interesting articles, including (my favorites) a church pew from the original church (late 1800’s) and a diorama of the Harrold Farm under glass. I understand that in October there will be a display at the Mall of some of the artifacts to help promote the site. Great idea – and great opportunity!

So last night I took Chrissy to Dick’s to get a few pair of shorts for camp. She tried on about 8 pair and settled for two that she liked (one gray; one red). Afterwards we stopped at McDonalds and grabbed burgers. The service was very slow – and she ended up ‘complaining’ at the counter that after 20 minutes we still hadn’t got our drinks! But it was all good in the end and she was excited about her clothes.

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TOMORROW June 12th is:

International Cachaca Day; National Loving Day; World Day Against Child Labor; National Peanut Butter Cookie Day; National Red Rose Day; International Falafel Day; National Jerky Day.

Sounds like a good day to share the love – even if it’s for M&M’s! God bless…

Autmn had a wedding to go to today – and I was giving her a ride there. Noah had to be at work early, so she came here a little after 6am! Yikes! She will be worn out by evening. She was helping with makeup for the bride and attendants. They all look stunning!

After dropping her off at the church earlier, I picked Kathy up at 9:30am and we headed to Dilltown for the Dillweed Bed and breakfast Pick-A-Dilly Herb Fair. It was super crowded and there were a lot of people there! I don’t remember there being so many flower vendors or that the flowers were so pretty. Kathy bought more honey, some Legacy greeting cards, and two coasters. I purchased a few coasters. I was SO tempted to purchase a few flowers but since the rabbits keep eating mine it seemed like a futile effort.

Next we drove over to Smicksburg and I got some slab chocolate since we used a big chunk of mine yesterday. Since Autmn and Noah needed more cheese we stopped at Donna’s Store (Smicksburg Country Store) and bought them some, and Kathy and I got hot dogs for lunch. At least we got a whole one this time!

As we headed home we stopped in Blairsville’s Dollar Tree. Kathy got prayer cards and I got a little holder for mine. Works perfectly!

Last stop was Mary Lou’s candy shop, where I bought 3 pounds of yellow chocolate for Autmn’s baby shower favors. I won’t disclose why I needed yellow chocolate…

I passed some type of gaming shop on the way home – looks pretty exciting to me! I am now waiting for Chrissy to call me as I promised to take her shopping for shorts for camp — and she goes tomorrow! I’ll add that post for tomorrow. That will be it for me!

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TOMORROW June 11th is:

National Corn on the Cob Day (sounds SO good!); Children’s Day; National Making Life Beautiful Day; National German Chocolate Cake Day.

Tomorrow there is a program at Baltzer Meyer Historical Society. My plan is to go if I can. Make life beautiful however you can. God bless…

Kelly came up this morning and spent the day. Matt & Peyton were doing a landscaping job for Lawn Boys, and Logan and Chase were at home. It was nice to have a mother-daughter day!

She ended up with a few extra plain gray hoodies and brought me one. It’ll be nice for just keeping warm on a day like today and in the fall & winter months. Maybe later she will imprint it if I can think of something clever!

She also emailed me the link to Peyton’s senior pictures. There were so many! I couldn’t pick. I took a photo with my phone (not the same) but I will take time to look at them and choose a few that I like so she can order them for me. I’ll share more later.

We had a quick cup of tea, then went to Gabe’s. She needed a new purse and she had a coupon, so those two things went together perfectly! Next we went to Walmart and she got a grocery order for next week (except for perishable items) as she is house sitting for a friend. We came back and made pasta, then went down to the funeral home to pay respects to my friend Debbie’s mom. There were a lot of people I knew there.

Since we successfully accomplish her tasks in the morning, we did mine in the afternoon — which was chocolate covered pretzels. Yum. They are all tucked in the fridge, except for the two I ate and the four she took with her for the trip home.

She took a picture of the lilies that she liked (can’t believe the rabbits haven’t eaten them! There are a lot more Stella D’oro blooms, and the Cat Mint is growing tall.

She txt me a picture of Logan and his cat, Leaf. It was a stray that Logan adopted — the cat made friends with Peyton’s dog, Camo, and they eat and sleep together. Logan is the only one who can get close to the cat. Except for Camo…

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TOMORROW June 10th is:

National Iced Tea Day; National Rosé  Day; National Dragonfly Day; National Outlet Shopping Day; National Frosted Cookie Day; National Herbs & Spices day; National Black Cow Day; National Ballpoint Pen Day; National Egg Roll Day.

Kelly bought frosted animal cookies for the boys, and tomorrow is the Dillweed’s Pick-A-Dilly Herb Fair! So fitting! We will be there, at least for a little while. Have a lovely weekend and God bless…

This has been such a crazy day with so many changes of plans that I have to stop and think if it’s still really Thursday! But it’s all straightened out now – for the time being! I worked both stores this morning, then came home and had pretzels and cheese for lunch, since Lara said she was having snacks at the meeting. She did – but they were orange popsicles and I’m not a fan. So when I post this I’ll make supper.

I did some more reading and research on my writing project. Slow going. Autmn and Noah came over to get their recliner, and I had a few other things for them – like a little end table and some blankets and towels. Starting out from nothing they are excited about everything!

Then I made arrangements to take Christina shopping for shorts for camp. That was fine, but I would have had to make two trips to West Newton and back – plus Kelly and the boys are coming up for the day. So THOSE plans got changed to Saturday evening, which will be perfect (I hope!).

My meeting at Hanna’s Town was for Summer Camp, but I’m not sure I’ll be much help. I will have Chase that week and don’t want to leave him on his own when he’s at my house for vacation! But I can help with the prep work.

The plants needed watered, but the sky looked ominous. I waited a bit but when I didn’t rain I lugged the hoses out and got them all done, giving myself several accidental sprays in the process. And now — it’s raining! Not a hard rain, just a dribble on the decks. But enough.

Please keep my friend Debbie from church in your prayers. Her mother passed away on Wednesday night. Deb has been caring for her mother for several years so this will be quite an adjustment. Her kids are out of state.

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TOMORROW June 9th is:

National Movie Night; National Donald Duck Day; Coral Triangle Day; National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day; National Earl Day.

SO — Watch a movie with Earl about Donald Duck and eat a piece of Strawberry Rhubarb Pie! And enjoy! At the very least, watch a movie… God bless…

I’m just sort of going to skip over today’s post, for the most part. I did absolutely nothing exciting. Normal housework – cleaning, laundry, watering the outside flowers. No unusual emails or messages, no mail that mattered. So, thus my life! But I’m very thankful that I have so much abundance of good things, every day, and can enjoy what God gives me from morning until bedtime. Lots to be thankful for – except maybe Brussel sprouts??

I was talking to my neighbors across the street, and telling them about my quiet day with nothing noteworthy to post. He told me to make stuff up! So I asked him to verify the spelling of his name. Haha. I know him very well – he’s my investment person! But there – Bill and Denise and I were bonding over trash pickup!

For the 4th time in as many days I zipped down to Irwin. I wanted to get a few things from the store, and when I mentioned that Miller’s Crossing had local honey Kath said to pick some up if I was down there. So – I managed to handle that, as well.

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TOMORROW June 8th is:

World Brain Tumor Day; World Oceans Day; National Upsy Daisy Day; National Name Your Poison day; National Best Friends Day; World Pet Memorial Day.

The above scripture and quote emphasize Best Friends Day. You know who you are – I made a list last week. You keep me sane and safe and smiling. And remember your sweet past pets. God bless!