The view out my bedroom window this morning:

We had a nice class this morning – Cody, Jackson, and little Silas. He was the youngest but he was very good and excited to hear the lesson. You could see by the expressions on his face that he understood the story. We learned about Naaman.

Mary brought me a treat this morning – a healthy breakfast alternative. I sampled it when I got home – it was made with oats and eggs and cinnamon – not sure what else – but it was very good. I’ll have it for breakfast in the morning.

When I left church I stopped at Dollar Tree and got two birthday cards, as I have 2 family November birthdays. Then I popped into Walmart (Norwin) and picked up just a few necessities. One, of course, would have been Klondike bars!

I had just finished lunch and a few small chores when Sarah called. She was dropping off a lasagna for me! It feels like I haven’t cooked a real meal since 1983! Now I have options for two homemade treats – breakfast and supper. I hardly know how to react. Except to say a big thank you! Yum!

I forgot to mention yesterday that I wore a ‘costume’ (not entirely period authentic) to Hanna’s Town yesterday. I made this outfit the year a bunch of us went to Williamsburg in the fall. Sarah was young, and had the Felicity American Girl Doll, and there was a program at Williamsburg that was patterned after the Felicity books – where you met Penny the horse and went through some of the same houses, and also had lessons at Miss Manderly’s and we made pin cushions. I loved that outfit. And it was fun, because yesterday I got more compliments on that outfit than for anything I every wore at Hanna’s Town! Even though it wasn’t ‘authentically accurate!’

My blessing today was the generous gifts of breakfast and supper! Thanks Mary and Sarah.

QUOTE for the day:

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 28th is:

International Animation Day; National Chocolate Day; National Food Day; National First Responders Day; October Bank Holiday; Plush Animal Lovers Day; Wild Foods Day; National Internal Medicine Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was national Brush Day; Tomorrow? CHOCOLATE! God bless…

Autmn sent me a few pictures of Cameron in his Snoopy PJ’s! He’s so cute!

As per usual for a Saturday, I changed my bedsheets and washed them. After breakfast I got organized for a morning at the Fall festival at Hanna’s Town. I was stationed in the Tavern from 11am to 1:30pm. Tom came over and built a fire in the fireplace but it didn’t stay lit. I kept feeding it newspaper but it didn’t help much.

Jim came over and started over, and before long we had a great blaze going. It was chilly in the Tavern so I was happy for the extra heat. We had a steady but not overly busy flow of people so my morning went fairly fast. When my shift was over Amber came in to replace me. I grabbed a piece of the sandwich ring set out in the kitchen for the volunteers, then walked around and took a few pictures.

My favorite were of the ghosts, and the lanterns!

Hanna’s Town was given another log cabin. Here they are prepping to reconstruct.

Nate was finishing up sealing the driveway when I got home. We got a different brand and grade this time – hoping it works well and keeps the driveway from chipping over the winter.

I put the new tree together and plugged it in. All good! I didn’t fluff the branches like I would when I was going to decorate it but it will work just fine. I’m happy with it!

Quote of the day:

My blessing today was being back at Hanna’s Town!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 27th is:

Cranky Co-Workers Day; National American Beer Day; National Brush Day; National Black Cat Day; National Mentoring Day; National Mother-in-Law Day; Navy Day; Visit a Cemetery Day; Grandparents Week.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Sweep Day. Tomorrow: Avoid cranky co-workers! AND Black cats. I think it’s safe to visit a cemetery, and remember those who touched your life! God bless…

Today would have been Bud’s 88th birthday. I still miss him and have lots of wonderful memories of the years we worked together.

Today was another fun day. I did a load of laundry during breakfast, then drove over to Kathy’s and picked her (our) friend Mae up. Kathy had to work. First we went to Kohl’s because Mae had a gift card. Then we drove up to L&L Fleatique and spent about an hour wandering around there looking and remembering.

I found another skunk. I think that makes 3 now. Plus the one Mom had that is sitting in my little wooden wheelbarrow. Cameron likes to play with it – and he can because it’s safe.

From there we drove up to R.A.V.E in South Greensburg. We didn’t find any ‘treasures’ but we had a good time looking at everything. We are never at a loss for conversation!

It was after noon when we finished there, so we went over to Burger King and had lunch. I was craving a frozen Coke! From there we drove out to WOW Outlet. Mae always looks for Steeler ‘stuff’. She had pretty much everything already that interested her. But I did buy a new Christmas tree. I’ll set it up tomorrow afternoon to make sure it fits together right and looks good in the family room. It’s only 3 pieces as opposed to the dozens and dozens (and dozens) that my old tree has.

And yesterday I was able to find the Queen Buzzy Bee that I wanted for Cameron. It’s the same thing I had as a baby, and the only thing that ever kept me from crying non-stop! For a while Cameron didn’t like things had made noises, but now he likes them and can pull them around. Can’t wait for him to come over an play with it! When I explained to the cashier what I was buying and why, she said something cute. She said people ask her what she sells more than any other thing. Her answer was ‘memories’!

My blessing today was spending the day with Mae.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 26th is:

It’s also Hug a Sheep Day; Make a Difference Day; National Sweep Day; Muddy Dog Day; National Chicken Friend Steak Day; National Day of the Deployed; National Mule Day; National Pumpkin Day; World Wide Howl at the Moon Night.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Toy Day; Tomorrow: Hug a sheep if you have one – it WILL make a difference! Don’t be hugging muddy dogs. And maybe not howl at the moon, at least not in public… God bless…

I had a few things to do in Jeannette this morning. Ken and I had a long discussion about family cabins. Rege and I chatted a while about what he called ‘the deep state’, I think. I didn’t understand it all but I certainly understood what it meant and what our country is experiencing.

I left work and stopped at Dollar Tree for several boxes of Kleenex. I should take stock in the company! Seems like all of my boxes run out at the same time. I got gas in the Ford, then stopped and got stamps. They had Christmas ones so I bought two books. Of course I drove past Dad’s banner and said ‘hi’ on my way home.

Autmn txt and said that she and Cameron were going to stop for a visit. He is just so fun and cute! Autmn warned me that Cameron loves stairs, and scales them quickly and easily. She was at the top and I saw him heading there. He was almost the whole way up – with a toy in each hand! – before we grabbed him. But I was right behind him and Autmn was beside him. He’s repeating sounds and words and saying a few words on his own. I can’t wait until he says ‘Mimi!’

They left about 3pm as Josie (Autmn’s youngest sister) has a dance tonight so she was stopping up to see her. Once they left I Swiffered the downstairs floor – it was sprinkled with Apple juice and BBQ chip crumbs!

Please keep praying for my niece Tonia (Kathy’s daughter in law) – her treatments are being escalated as the tumor has grown and they can’t do another surgery safely. My heart is heavy for her and the family.

My blessing today was seeing Autmn and Cameron – and baby hugs!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 25th is:

Bandana Day; National Toy Day; Frankenstein Friday; Global Champagne Day; International Artist Day; National Chucky Day; National Fine Art Appreciation Day; National Greasy Foods Day; National I Care About You Day; World Pasta Day; National Merri Music Day; National Breadstick Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Lamb Day. Tomorrow; I do care! And I love breadsticks! Have a happy weekend. God bless…

Today was a fun day! Kathy, Mae, Corliss and I left about 9:30am and drove to Hartwood Acres for a house and grounds tour. We passed this quaint church right before turning into the estate.

Hartwood Acres was a beautiful and interesting place! The only down side was that you can’t take photos in the house! But it was a lovely morning.

We arrived early so we took some time to walk around the outside of the house and also stroll through the gardens. There wasn’t a lot blooming but there were still fun things to see and also some color.

The fall decorations both inside and out were beautiful. We enjoyed seeing all the plantings and the grounds.

I liked the library the best, and then the master suites (Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence’s). Mr. Lawrence had quite a few more closets than his wife. But her room was light and bright and comfortable. His bedroom included an art studio with wide windows that offered a beautiful view.

After we left Heartwood we stopped to grab a sandwich for lunch. I think we were there an hour and a half, just talking and visiting. It really was the perfect day!

My blessing today was these dear friends (and sister) that shared my day!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 24th is:

My Best Winter Skin Day; National Lamb Day; National Bologna Day; National Food Day; National Kangaroo Awareness Day; United Nations Day; World Polio Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Project Day. Tomorrow: Food is good. And I remember when we had to get the polio vaccine. It was in a sugar cube the we ate. THAT doesn’t happen any more! God bless…

Even though I don’t have a lot of info to post tonight, I accomplished a lot. I worked in Jeannette, then stopped to help Mike P with some problem deals, then headed home.

Beth and Harold stopped at 10:30am to check out my garden project. He had some good ideas and a lot of explanations as to what should be accomplished, and how. It seems overwhelming to me, but he didn’t seem to intimidated. I did tell him not to commit to something that would be too much. They do live out of town! But we spent almost an hour sitting on the deck in the sun and talking. Always fun to have them here.

I didn’t do anything else outside today. I did ironing and read a little and watched Greg Pelc’s message from Sunday.

I was also able to finish up my research and complete the rough draft of the Christmas play for Kathy’s church. I’ll let it set a day or two and revisit it. Also sent it to Kelly and maybe she can weed out the messy parts and make some suggestions.

Biltmore Christmas is on in the background. I’ll probably watch it several more times before it expires on Roku.

Quote of the day:

And that’s the total sum of my exciting day! It’s 7pm and I have to figure out if there is something I can eat that I can taste! I had veggie soup for lunch and I could get a taste or two from that. Maybe I’ll finish it. Took one last picture of the hillside in the sunshine with the color on the trees.

My blessing for today was spending time with Beth and Harold!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 23rd is:

Lung Health Day; Medical Assistant Day; National Project Day; Mole day; National Boston Cream Pie Day; National Croc Day; National iPod Day; National Paralegal day; TV Talk Show Host Day; National Horror Movie Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Tansy Day. Tomorrow – lung health – I find it particularly important to breathe! God bless!

Today is Uncle Clifford’s birthday! Happy birthday, UC – sending love and wishing you many, many more!

Today after work and lunch I threw in a load of laundry then went out on the hill and finished weeding the last section. Beth and Harold are coming tomorrow to see if the hill project is something Harold could tackle. I don’t want him to tackle it if he’s not 100% comfortable with the project! But at least the weeding is done.

I know you’ve heard of the Book of the Month club. I am starting a new club: Garden Clippers of the Month club. So far this summer I have broken or destroyed at least 5 pair of garden clippers. Sigh. I’m not sure what happens. I’m just snipping away and the spring pops off or the screw comes out or the handle comes loose. I had quite a time this afternoon just getting through the last section – none of my clippers worked!

Autmn brought me several boxes of Chex cereal yesterday – there was a special offer that if you bought 3 you got a free Peanuts tin. So I spent some time today at work with Ken helping me uploading the boxtops and the receipts. Now to wait for the 8 weeks until I get my tin!

With the bright sun shining on the trees this afternoon the neighbor’s two trees were in full glory. I always look forward to them being bright red and orange at the same time.

I thought this facebook post was hysterical! I love it!

My blessing today was definitely finishing up the weeding without wheezing, coughing, getting stuffed up or sneezing!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 22nd is:

International Caps Lock Day; National Tansy Day; National Color Day; National Make a Dog’s Day; National Nut Day; Scar Appreciation Day; Smart is Cool Day; National Tavern Style Pizza Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Candy Day. Tomorrow: Caps lock (hehe), Color, and Pizza. And I have plenty of scars, inside and out! God bless…

I intended to go to bed at a decent hour last night, but I fell asleep on the couch and finally went upstairs at about 1am. Slept well after that, though. I even got up a few minutes early before Diane’s song-of-the-day, which was Runaway. Which I don’t even have the energy to do tonight! Long weekend!

Autmn sent me pictures of Cameron in his costume, and the pumpkins they did. She even made brownies! Sweet little family!!

Trunk or Treat was a success. We had over a dozen cars and tons of kids. There were hot dogs, chips, and cookies inside after they went Trunk to Trunk. There were games and challenges outside, and the kids got tickets to go through the hay maze where candy was ‘hidden’ in corners.

Mary and I did my car full of Snoopys. And this isn’t even my whole collection. There were several other ‘Great Pumpkin’ cars there, too.

Noah and Autmn brought Cameron up and I was happy to show him off! He had a great time running from car to car. He wasn’t that interested in the candy; just running!

My blessing today was just sharing with friends and family at Trunk or Treat.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 21st is:

American Frog Day; Back to the Future Day; Count your Buttons Day; Everyone Writes Day; National Candy Day; Loud Shirt Day; National Apple Day; National Archives Day; National Pets for Veterans Day; National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day; National Reptile Day; National Witch Hazel Day.

There was no fake day yesterday! Tomorrow: Counting buttons sounds fun, and of course I’ll write. That’s enough for me! God bless…

Dillweed! We had such a great time. It’s almost impossible to describe the relationships, the experiences, and the support within this group. Cousins!

We packed the Ford and got on the road from Kathy’s at about 4:30pm Friday. Kathy’s long-time friend Mae (from Kentucky) is up for two weeks so she was made an honorary cousin for the event. The drive up was beautiful, and the foliage was bright and colorful. Kathy and Mae had to take pictures since I was the driver.

Once everyone was there we spent some time sorting out who was sleeping where. Gail needed the room with the sink, so she slept in Sage. I needed to be in a room alone in case I started to cough, so I had Rosemary.

Karen O and Connie took the King size bed in Thyme, and Kathy and Mae shared Parsley, which had a double and a twin bed.

Colleen, Gwen and Beth took the 3rd flood Garden suite, which was perfect for them. A lot more room for three people.

After we were all settled with luggage, we tucked the food into the spacious kitchen. Holly took charge and wrote down the pizza preferences on a napkin. Beth set her phone timer so they knew when to drive over and pick it up. While they were gone, the rest of us sat out all the food and plates and drinks, etc so we were all ready once the pizza was there.

I don’t even think I can name everything, but here’s at least a partial list. We had veggies and caramel dip, fruit with dip, chocolate covered potato chips (Yep!!), a tray of mixed nuts (including chocolate covered peanuts, double dipped!). Charleston Buffalo/bacon dip (or something named like that!) with crackers, butterscotch pudding pie, meat and cheese tray, cheese pretzels, popcorn puffs, M&M’s, and the crowning dessert was Colleen’s homemade pumpkin (made with pumpkin from her garden!) chocolate chip cookies! We ate until we couldn’t eat anything else.

THEN…. we sang happy birthday to Gail (happy 77th, Gail!) and had a huge vanilla cake with strawberry filling and cream icing with slivered almonds. Oh, my. It’s a wonder we even fit on the chairs!

Once we were done eating, I read the two short essays I wrote for the occasion – one about being (or NOT being) a missionary and one ‘Ode to Chocolate Chip Cookies.’

Karen V and Holly drove home and didn’t stay to sleep (they live close) but came back in the morning. They stayed late enough, though, to help keep the conversation going. We covered every subject from kids, work, grandkids, spouses (those who had them!), food, clothes, neighbors, vacations, memories, health, and of course dreams and plans. There were a few gifts for Gail, which she opened. It was well after midnight when we all went seeking our respective rooms. I wasn’t sleepy so I read until after 1am. Beth said the Garden Suite gals were up til about 2am! I heard Karen and Connie chatting quite a while after they closed the door and shut off the light.

Saturday morning the nine of us took turns getting showers and using the bathroom. Karen and Holly were back early Saturday for breakfast, and as it always is with Kyra it was delicious. We had a fruit salad, sausage links, apple cinnamon French toast bake (delicious times two!), chocolate chip scones (imagine that!) and orange juice, tea and coffee. Checkout time was 11am and we left the tables at about 10 til 11! Once we had everything in the cars and packed away we all went over to the gift shop and spent about 45 minutes browsing and still chatting! And spending money!

Kathy and Mae and I headed home about noon and the trip home was even more beautiful with the sun shining on the fall leaves. There were several low-flying planes cruising over Route 22 and it was so peaceful and magical.

It was a wonderful weekend and I felt better than I have all summer. We know we can share anything that’s on our hearts with each other. No judgement, no questions, no stress or arguments. Just love and support and laughter and Holly’s amazing animated stories! And too much food! I couldn’t navigate life without these sisters of the heart. God knew what He was doing when He connected us through family and faith. Love you girls!

I got home about 2pm and put everything away, then did a little work outside. It was a perfect fall day! Tomorrow is Trunk or Treat so another full day!

My blessings —- overflowed!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 20th is:

Information Overload Day; International Chef Day; Miss American Rose Day; National Brandied Fruit Day; National Day on Writing; National Youth Confidence Day; Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Day; Respiratory Care Week; National Chicken and Waffles Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Sunshine Day. Tomorrow: Writing! Celebrate writing. And Sunday School Teachers. And YES — respiratory care! Have a happy Sunday – God bless…

As far as I know, Nate and Dave (B&B Windows) took a vacation day and went Frisbee golfing. Long overdue! Have fun, my ‘two’ sons!

Today is my cousin Gail’s birthday – the founder and initial leader of the Skunk Hollow girls! Happy birthday, cousin!

Full moon photos last night!

This will be short and I will catch up on Saturday with details of the SHWF event. But before I sign off, this is the txt I got from Ken (Moore, my boss) this morning. Apparently he is now in the bat-saving business!

My blessing today is the anticipation of the Dillweed!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day.

TOMORROW October 19th is:

Bridge day; Evaluate Your Life Day; National Sunshine Day; International Sloth Day; National Fetch Day; National New Friends Day; Sweetest Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Blanket Day. Tomorrow: It often helps to evaluate where your life is. Don’t be a sloth! Cherish your new friends, and reach out to your ‘sweetest’ ones! God bless…