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!

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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…

Another early morning picture from my bedroom window! It was a beautiful morning and a lovely day. The iris in front of the Steele house at Hanna’s Town were bright and blooming!

Today was my last scheduled school tour at Hanna’s Town. There are some home school groups in June, I think, and I may help with that if they need me. This group had about 80 kids. We had two of us working Tin Punch and one new person shadowing. She was very good and was doing it on her own before the day was over. The kids enjoy their projects, love having something to take home that they did themselves, and have a good time all day.

Joe called and asked for some guidance with a title. Since I was so close I just ran over to work after I was finished with the school tour. While I was there I finished up the leftovers from Thursday so I’ll be all ready for Tuesday. I pass the cemetery (where Mom and Dad are) on the way home, so I stopped and checked out the grave markers. I love the flags along the driveway. It’s very awesome and inspiring!

When I got home I finally swept up all the little nasty helicopters from the maple trees and bagged them. I also cut the grass then watered the newly planted flowers. The seeds I planted on Mother’s Day are peeking up out of the ground. Can’t wait to see what colors they are and how many come up!

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TOMORROW May 27th is:

National Grape Day; National Grape Popsicle Day; National Cellophane Tape Day.

Grapes are fine – but I’m not celebrating tape! Tomorrow is a planned trip to put flowers at the cemeteries out Home so that will be a good sisters day! Enjoy your holiday weekend – God bless…

Woke up this morning to stars on the window shade! I love the shadows the sun makes.

I was glad for a break in the school tours today, especially since I had so much to do at work. Still have one thing to finish on Tuesday, as there were some pieces of the ‘puzzle’ missing. I did stop on the way home and got 4 more bags of mulch and that finished up the front project and some of the hill. Not sure what I will do with the rest of the hill. I think mulch will wash away, and river rock will get washed out. But it’s good for now.

I had a salad for lunch then did the mulch. Took time to weed-whack and then blow things clean after. Also watered the new plants. I bought a few to take to the cemetery on Saturday, too.

Diane is in Cape May NJ for the holiday – she has been sending photos. I’m glad she’s getting a break and having a good time!

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TOMORROW May 26th is:

National Blueberry Cheesecake Day; National Cooler Day; National Don’t Fry Day; National Road Trip Day; National Paper Airplane Day.

I’m taking a small cooler with my lunch in tomorrow. I’ll save the road trip until Saturday. Tomorrow I’ll stay home and cut my grass. God bless!

Wednesday – a day for house cleaning. I worked until 11:30am, and got the upstairs done. After changing to my official shirt, I went out to do a school tour at Hanna’s Town. It went really well, and I had an ‘intern’ (Anthony) who picked up the pieces and handled most of the sessions. The kids had a little extra time and almost everyone finished their projects. I was home by 2pm and started on the downstairs cleaning.

BUT – I stopped part way through to take Chrissy to work. The funny thing about that is before 10am I had my cousin call with title work needing done tomorrow; a former co-worker who purchased a car and needed title work tomorrow; and my friend’s niece who just moved from NC to PA and — needed title work done tomorrow. Then Mike P called and they needed titles handled tomorrow, too. So tomorrow is shaping up to be a crazy day! I was glad Chrissy needed her ride today and not tomorrow!

As promised here are some photos of yesterday’s projects.

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TOMORROW May 25th is:

National Tap Dance Day; World Thyroid Day; International Plastic Free Day; Geek Pride Day; National Missing Children’s Day; National Brown-Bag-It Day; Towel Day.

Tomorrow is seven months until Christmas day! Missing Children make my heart sad. Pray for them and their families. God bless…

It’s after 9:30pm and I’m exhausted. In addition to doing six sessions with ninety 2nd graders at Hanna’s Town (tin punch), I worked at both stores and got home about 3pm. After I changed clothes I got 3 bags of pond stone for a back yard project and 10 more bags of mulch, plus a graduation card for my prayer partner and some artificial flowers for Mom & Dad’s grave. My neck is so stiff from lugging mulch and stones and crawling around spreading it all. So… I’ll catch you up tomorrow evening. Thanks for sticking by me! Have a happy Wednesday!

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TOMORROW May 24th is:

National Escargot Day; National Wyoming Day; National Yucatan Shrimp Day; National Scavenger Hunt Day (this one’s for Kathy!!!); Emergency Medical Services for Children Day; World Schizophrenia Day; Aviation Maintenance Technician Day; Brother’s Day.

I never had a brother – so maybe I’ll celebrate Wyoming! God bless…

PS – I was just attacked by a stink bug – but I showed him! He’s now outside in the trash. But on the bright side, the neighbors has their fire pit lit and the wood smoke smells so good!!!

Started the day (after breakfast) by taking Chrissy and Dray to school. They are both so respectful and polite and always thank me. Dray always says, ‘Thank you, Mimi.’ I think that’s so cute!

There were only deals waiting for funding in Jeannette but I did have several in Greensburg. A problem that I was working on is finally resolved and I’m very relieved since I created the error in the first place! After work I stopped and looked at the two recliners again – I think I’ve made up my mind. The one I am liking is strictly a recliner; it doesn’t swivel or rock. I think I will totally be happy with that and it will probably be more sturdy. Autmn and Noah will appreciate having the old one, which is a recliner and a rocker.

After lunch I started on the red/white/blue decorations, and put the new lights on the decks. I couldn’t take a picture because it’s not dark enough yet. I’ll take some later and post tomorrow. I did put the little stars out, too, and then came in and worked on the decorations inside. I ran out of steam about 15 minutes ago so the window stickees will have to wait until tomorrow, as will the outdoor flags.

I did take a mid-afternoon break and finally plant the two flats of sedum that I bought. I just filled in throughout the flower beds in the yard so there would be more ground cover. Hoping that happens fast.

Oh – and I also moved the furniture around in the Flag Room. I think it makes more room in there and hope the boys like it. It’s the room they use for gaming when they come.

I did a load of laundry but thankfully there’s only a few items to iron. Another thing for tomorrow as it’s 8:30pm and I need to grab food. Tomorrow is a school tour (tin punch); two more (Wednesday and Friday) and then I’m done for this spring. Next will be the guided tour shifts, whenever. To close off, here is a picture from Sunday at Kelly’s church. They honored their graduates – here is Peyton with his Grama Ruth Ann!

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TOMORROW May 23rd is:

National Lucky Penny Day; National Taffy Day.

I love lucky pennies! Aunt Darlene used to always find them. She bought me a little zipper coin purse to keep them in. So good luck finding lucky pennies. God bless…

TODAY is Sherree’s birthday – Jen’s mom. She is their jack-of-all-trades, rescue everything and everyone (including cats) ‘mom’ and much appreciated. Happy birthday, Sherree! Enjoy – despite the fact that you spent your birthday at a Bingo fundraiser for Ninth Life!!!

Todd’s message this morning was about being deep-rooted in Christ. Give all you have to prayer and leadership. “Busy” takes us out of our Christian life – distracts us and undermines our efforts. We have time for everything but God. Read II Chronicles 7:14 (a favorite verse of mine!). We should be living that verse. Here’s our instructions from Colossians: 1) Be strong in heart. 2) Be united in love. 3) Have complete understanding. 4) Live for the Lord. No one is perfect, BUT we are covered by Christ. We need to be overflowing with thankfulness.

After lunch I went outside to work all day. I was feeling a little jealous of my grass-mowing neighbor. He unloaded probably a dozen bags of mulch and several plants, dug the grass out of the back side of their house, planted the plants, spread the mulch, lined the area with a stone border, and did his routine mowing. During this time I managed to drag seven bags of mulch (wrapped in an old bedsheet) down the hill and behind the shed. Sigh.

But, I got the mulch spread down there and that looks wonderful. I used the other 3 bags for the L-shaped beds around bordering the driveway and part of the flower beds down the stairs.

A bunch of naughty birds had made a total mess on my front deck and bistro table and chair. I took the hose, a soapy bucket, and a brush and scrubbed it all off. I also moved three plants, two of which went down on the hill where the clumps of grass were. First I had to dig out the grass, which I did.

I cut the grass next, watered the newly moved flowers, hosed off the driveway and the border stone that lined the beds, and cleaned up steps to the bottom yard. By now it was after seven pm and I was exhausted. But it was a successful day! I took a shower, made muffins for a few upcoming breakfast treats, and will probably have a salad. My whole body aches from lugging those bags of mulch around. Hoping I can get out of bed in the morning!

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TOMORROW May 22nd is:

National Solitaire Day; International Being You Day; World Paloma Day; National Craft Distillery Day; National Buy A Musical Instrument Day; National Vanilla Pudding Day; National Maritime Day.

I play spider solitaire sometimes but as I rule I’m not a game girl. And I prefer being ME than being YOU. That’s it for me. Have a great week. God bless…

Today is Byron’s birthday (my friend from Albion). Wishing him a lovely day and a great celebration of love and family!

It was a rainy, cool day to start with. After breakfast I headed to Latrobe to check out a few furniture stores – looking for a new recliner. There were a lot to choose from online but I need to sit my butt in the chair to know if it will work for me. I may try one more place tomorrow after church.

I made potato soup after lunch, marinated the chicken breast, and got the salad ready for supper. Teresa and Gigi came over, and we shared stories and pictures from each of our vacations after we ate. Gigi feels comfy in my house but barks back at the all dogs that are outside next door.

Theresa brought pasta salad and I kept the left-overs. She also made me a bowl cozy that can go in the microwave. It will be perfect for heating soup and other goodies. It’s so cute and functional!

Besides Gigi, I had visits from a chipmunk that ran across the back patio and a rabbit that was in the side yard. I tried to snap its picture but he took off down to the bottom yard.

I liked the view of my little angel girl on the bench by the firepit. So peaceful!

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TOMORROW May 21st is:

National Waitstaff Day; World Day for Cultural Diversity; National Memo Day; National American Red Cross Founder’s Day; National Take Your Parents to the Playground Day; National Strawberries and Cream Day; International Tea Day UN.

I love tea! Let’s go with that. Have a happy Lord’s Day – God bless!!

TODAY is Aunt Joan’s birthday! Happy birthday, sweet aunt! Sending hugs and blessings your way – love you!

I mixed the day up a little. When I got up, I threw on old, warmer clothes and went outside after a quick breakfast. I was out there for a little over 3 hours, pulling weeds and cleaning up the hill. I got everything done but a section right in the middle that was just a clump of thick grass. I’ll have to dig that out with a shovel.

Time got away from me and I didn’t realize it was 1pm! I had to pick Shannon up at 1:45, meaning I needed to leave my house at 1:30. So I did some scrambling to shower and get dressed and out the door. But I managed; except for the fact that I skipped lunch! We accomplished our task in good time and everything went better than we anticipated so that was a relief. When I dropped her off I remembered that I had some hard candy in the front console of the Buick. When I pulled it out I found my Williamsburg lanyard with my visitor’s pass. I was so excited! Such a silly thing but it was important to me.

I came home and had a quick bowl of soup, then grabbed my shopping list and left again. I went to Walmart for a few (5) items plus 10 bags of mulch for around the shed. Next was Lowe’s for ground cover but they didn’t have any, so I left there and went to Home Depot and bought it there. I still need two small bags of pond stone and an extension cord. Another day!

Saw a deer and a turkey in the field on the way home. Made tuna/macaroni salad, a pitcher of iced tea, and icing for my scones. All set!

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Tomorrow May 20th is:

National Be a Millionaire Day; International Red Sneakers Day; National Pick Strawberries Day; National Quiche Lorraine Day; National Learn to Swim Day; World Bee Day; Armed Forces Day; National Sugarbee Apple Day; National Streaming Day; National Rescue Dog Day; World Metrology Day.

I could be a Millionaire – I’d even share. I already have Red Sneakers and I like strawberries. I do stream, because I cancelled my cable 18 months ago. So… All set! Have a happy weekend. God bless…

It was sunny all day, but now is a bit cooler and breezy. After work I spent all day outside, pulling weeds, trimming overgrown plants, watering the newer flowers, mowing, and blowing everything clean. Still have a little over half of the back hill to finish weeding – maybe tomorrow.

I am enjoying my blooming plants. I have an errand to run for a friend who is on vacation so I will go back out in the afternoon.

My friend Greg sent me some pictures of his purple plants! (Thanks, Greg!)

My cousin Deb popped over after work to borrow a book. They are going camping this weekend and she needs a good read to relax with. I lent her DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT from the Williamsburg series because her and Jim are planning a trip down there in June. (I should bum a ride!!!) Then Mary stopped after work to pick up some items I had for her. When I pull weeds I ALWAYS come in and shower all the plant ‘contact’ off my skin, so I did that and now posting this.

I did talk to my friend Teresa today – she was out west on a vacation trip for 11 days – she had some amazing adventures and her photos are impressive. We are planning to get together on Saturday to compare vacations. (These are from her trip.)

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TOMORROW May 19th is:

National Bike to Work Day; National Devil’s Food Cake Day; National May Ray Day; National Endangered Species Day; Malcolm X Day; National Defense Transportation Day; National Pizza Party Day; Nascar Day.

Pizza! I’m in. I don’t have to work tomorrow, nor do I have a bike! So I’ll stick to pizza. God bless!