There has been a lot of things going on in the last few days. But in this post I am only going to share our bonfire at Beth’s. I will catch up on the other things in the next few days: The rummage sale at Greg & Lynn’s church, Picking up Logan at the airport, Ushering for Bear’s play, Kathy’s train ride with the kids. So here goes.

I picked up Kathy at a little before 4pm on Friday, and we headed out to Indiana (PA) for the bonfire at Beth’s. Everyone brings food and we always have more than enough. Harold was on hand to build our fire, and he always does a great job! He’s a nice guy to have around! They have the perfect yard for the fire, and their flowers are beautiful!

We basically just sat around the table talking for the first hour or so – everyone was able to come but Karen V & Colleen. We MISSED them! But we could share stories of our current circumstances and be of encouragement to each other. We all have life events that we are dealing with, some more distressing or intense than others. My Grandma Steiner always said that if everyone hung their troubles on the clothesline and it started to rain we would all run out and grab our own – because we are used to them! But it is lovely and fitting that we could hold each other up.

As is typical for a Skunk Hollow event, I had a story to share. This time, actually two. There was a lot of conversation and reminiscing about the first story – a recap of our ‘corn’ day in August. Spending time with family is such a blessing! If you check on the ‘PAGES’ on my website the story HEADING HOME is posted there.

Although we could share struggles, we could also share blessings! Everyone asked about Autmn, knowing that baby Cam is close to making an entrance! Also, Gwen shared stories about her little granddaughter Lottie, and we had a fun discussion about Holly’s ‘granddog’ who is celebrating a birthday on Sunday with a party, complete with custom cupcakes and catering! What fun!

We all had glow sticks – Fall for Jesus; he never leaves!! – that Autmn made for us.

Connie summed it up when she said she had friends she could talk to, but none were like our Skunk Hollow Group. There’s just something comforting and safe about that group, through thick and thin, happy and sad. What would we do without each other?

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW October 1st is:

National Fire Pup Day; National Pumpkin Spice Day; National Green City Day; National Black Dog Day; National Hair Day; National Homemade Cookies Day.

I LOVE homemade cookies – and I have hair. No pumpkin spice for me. Enjoy the first day of a brand new month and God bless…

TODAY was the Skunk Hollow bonfire at Beth’s. Since it’s actually tomorrow (????) I will post this later. We had a wonderful time around the fire, full moon bright overhead, and some of the dearest people on earth around that circle. I will post pictures and stories tomorrow! God bless….

After several nights of sleeping well, last night was a challenge. I was just wide awake! Ended up downstairs on the computer at 3am, working on projects! It’s almost 7pm and I’m running out of steam. Luckily I made it through the day awake and alert! Rege kept asking me if I was still awake. Which I was.

I worked Jeannette, Mike P, and Greensburg, and did title work for Mike G. Then I decided that since I had time I would drop off the bag of baby bottles to Lifeway in Latrobe. There were detours and closings on so many streets I never found Lifeway – I even asked for directions and was sent the wrong way! So I dropped them at Goodwill. Some of the sights:

Made it to the Tea meeting early, and we had a full house. Lots of people willing to help make food and also work to set up and serve the day of the event. I came home and made a frozen pizza for combined lunch/supper. Autmn has an appointment tomorrow at Frick but her Mom is taking her. I’m very thankful as I have a pretty busy day tomorrow!

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW September 29th is:

National VFW Day; National Coffee Day; Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day.

I was just saying to Rege that it’s too bad I don’t drink coffee – I could have used a strong cup to perk me up today! Hopefully tomorrow I will be caught up on my sleep. God bless…

I had a fair amount of obligations today so I kept a steady pace. I got the upstairs cleaned by noon, took a break and had ice cream (no condemnation, please!) for lunch, and finished the Alyssa Maxwell book. She always has multiple characters and subplots and it keeps me on my toes to follow all the threads. But when I finish the books I’m always disappointed that I’m through and want more. No mention of the next one – hoping there are more to come!

Got everything downstairs cleaned and the towels in the washer before I had to leave to pick up Autmn. I was early enough that I got the 3 things I still needed for the weekend. I still need to get Weed & Seed but I will do that when I’m ready to use it – that will depend on the weekend schedule.

Her appointment went well, but they have to get blood results to see if she needs one more infusion. We came back here and she made herself fried potatoes, then helped me with a small craft project. It turned out really cute – much better than if I had done it. Seemed to come natural for her.

While Autmn was finishing up the project, I ate the left over French Toast from yesterday. Then I took a few pictures of the area I cleaned out last night before it got dark. Here are my pretty purple zennias!

Pictures from Disney: Still having a great time!

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW September 28th is:

National Drink Beer day; National Good Neighbor day; World Maritime Day; World Rabies Day; Remember Me Thursday; International Poke Day; National Strawberry Cream Pie Day.

I have been doing this for several years, and today my computer blocked me from the site. I found a different one to access but it’s set up entirely differently. Not sure what’s going on! Have a happy day tomorrow! God bless…

Glad to have slept better last night – just up a few quick times but that’s normal for me. I’m posting this and having another cup of Breathe Easy tea which I think has been helping. I must admit that I did not have pancakes this morning – I had a piece of French Toast! Not quite the same thing, but yummy anyway. Saved me some calories because I do NOT like syrup on my French Toast.

I left here at 9am to get Kathy and we headed to Connellsville for her Eye Surgery. We made quick time of it and were half an hour early. They took her back early and she was done by noon. We stopped at Chick Fil-A at her request to grab lunch and took it home for the three of us – Paul just got off work so we ate together and chatted for a while. It was a nice visit – relaxed and laid back. She felt pretty good by the time I left.

I did stop and get the things I need for the rest of the week – seems I’m always fetching groceries, etc, these days. Just got a txt from Autmn that she needs a ride to her appointment tomorrow at 3:15pm. So that’s three days in a row I’m playing Uber to Connellsville or Mt. Pleasant!

Here are a few photos from Logan, Aunt Kimmie and Uncle Greg in Disney. They are having a wonderful time and Logan is in his glory!!!

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW September 27th is:

National Crush a Can Day; National Chocolate Milk Day; National Day of Forgiveness; National Women’s Health & Fitness Day; National Corned Beef Hash Day; National Scarf Day.

A Coke can flew under my car on the way to Connellsville today – so I’m ahead of the game. Logan likes his Yoohoo – sort of Chocolate Milk. Forgiving is SO important – more to you than to those you forgive. I like scarves, but winter ones, not accessories. I’ll take Autmn to her appointment tomorrow after I clean the house. This is turning into a busier week than I though! Just run with it! God bless…

I was up and down a lot last night, but still felt decently rested this morning. Worked both stores and stopped to help Mike P, then had time to come home and grab a yogurt for lunch. I picked Autmn up at 1pm and took her to her doctor’s appointment. She’s still just a little past 4 centimeters but almost at 39 weeks – so it’s very close!

Once we finished up with that, I came home, changed clothes, and did laundry. There were a few little inside things I got done, including adding a string of lights to the downstairs bathroom mirror. I forgot to do that last week!

It was overcast and cool but dry, so I decided to give the grass a once-over. I doubt it will need many more cuttings. I still have to Weed & Seed it within the next two weeks. I checked out the Pinky Winky and the Hydrangea, and the morning glories that were blooming despite it being afternoon!

I did notice that the bees were really swarming, even though they have been treated many times. I know they will have to be totally gone before Dottie closes on the sale of her house. It’s her fence and her wall.

Once I came in, I had a cup of my Herbal tea and half a cookie, now it’s time to finish this up. It’s after 5pm and I don’t know where the day went. I think the time goes faster because I do things slower. It used to take me a few hours what it took me most of the day to do! But I’m content. Still have a few emails to answer and then some ironing to do – that will be my day!

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW September 26th is:

National Dumpling Day; National Shamu the Whale Day; National Johnny Appleseed Day; National Situational Awareness Day; National Pancake Day; National Compliance Officer Day.

Tomorrow is Kathy’s second cataract surgery so I will take her and stay with her until Paul gets home. I also plan to have a pancake – haven’t made those in ages! So choose something – have a lovely day! God bless…

It’s a cool and rainy day. Overcast and cloudy and not suited for outside ANYTHING. I slept poorly last night – seemed to be up and down most of the night. I’m tired now but know that if I get too comfy I won’t sleep tonight! I did little chores to keep me moving – like switched out my summer to fall/winter clothes. I’m so entirely tired of every piece of clothing I have! But the styles these days are somewhat unappealing so on we go.

I had a bowl of soup for lunch, and then after the clothing thing I made a cup of hot tea. Right now I am watching THE HOLIDAY – it’s been forever since I’ve seen it and I’m falling right into it. I love Iris!

I walked into Sunday School this morning and found a cute note from Max on my teaching table. Then when he came in, he told me the story behind the ‘gift.’ His friend in his class gave him a quarter, and he put that in a pencil dispenser and out came a Snoopy pencil! He said to himself, ‘Miss Marge really loves Snoopy. I’m going to give this to her!’ Such a sweet selfless little guy! So I promised him I would sharpen and use it, and keep it in on my desk with my other Snoopy items. There it sits!

On the way home from church I saw that my seasonal neighbors have moved in for the fall. Even though – as Ron pointed out earlier – it’s 3 months til Christmas Eve. I just got my fall decorations up so I think I’ll hold off on the Christmas ones for now.

There were three weddings yesterday of people I knew or knew of. The first one was my cousin Eric’s daughter Morgan. Looks like they had a lovely event, and of course the bride was beautiful. My cousin Brian’s wife’s sister’s friend (whom I DON’T know) had a very unusual event, and her dress was amazing. And my granddaughter Christina’s mother Lauren and Jack got married, as well. Chrissy was in the wedding and she was of course beautiful as well. Congrats to all three couples!

I’m not necessarily liking my home-confinement and self-inflicted ‘no outside activity’ ban – I’m ready to get back to a full schedule of activities and fun and business. I do have some things coming up this week that I’m easing into. Hopefully I feel more rested and energetic and ready to join society again!

Scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW September 25th is:

National Lobster Day; National One-Hit Wonder Day; International Research Administrator’s Day; National Quesadilla Day; National Comic Book Day; National Daughter’s Day; National Family Day; Math Storytelling Day; National Tune Up Day.

Pass on the lobster. Chase will be excited about the Quesadilla day. I have a wonderfully lovely Daughter and an equally lovely family to celebrate. I could use a tune-up – and I don’t mean my car! Have a happy week. God bless…

Not much to report today. I stuck to my original plan to not actively engage in any outside activities. So here is a short recap of my day, with inferior pictures:

Changed my bed sheets (thrill!!) and switched out the summer comforter for the fall and winter one. It’s time! Autmn txt me and asked for a ride to her Mom’s this morning. Her Grama Rose is in from Florida and they were going to all spend the day at Jaime’s.

However before I got to Autmn’s the plans changed and Autmn needed to help her mom and Summer at the Taco Shop in White Oak as Jaime had a catering order. So I took Autmn to White Oak and dropped her off, then came home. The good thing was that I got in the car in my garage, picked up and dropped Autmn off, and then drove back into the garage. No exposure to the elements! So that was good.

I came home and made a big pot of cream of potato soup, then talked to my friend Teresa for about an hour and we got caught up on each others’ lives. At 4:30pm I again got in a dry car, drove to Youngwood to meet Kelly’s family to notarize Logan’s travel permission slip (He’s going to Disney with Aunt Kim and Uncle Greg!), then back to the garage. So that is the extent of my day. As I type I have the little space heater on in the family room and will probably not do anything but go over my Sunday School lesson (the last of the Creation story) and read my Alyssa Maxwell mystery! So – thus was my day!

Not quite a Scripture:

Random silly Quote:

TOMORROW September 24th is:

National Cherries Jubilee Day; Innergize Day; National Punctuation Day; Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving Day.

Innergize Day is a day to relax, a day for US! So that’s worthy. And of course Punctuation is very important, so I’m in. And Schwenkfelder is an interesting historical study – check it out! Celebrate… God bless…

I’ll start with last night’s adventures! Gen got here about 4:45pm, after the memorial service in Forest Hills. We visited for a few minutes and took a walk, since it was a beautiful evening. We had just stuck grilled cheese sandwiches in the oven to broil when Kathy stopped for her homemade bread. We got to chatting and heard the smoke alarm go off! We were able to salvage the sandwiches and had them with sliced apples for supper.

We were going to sit and look through Gen’s new photo album – but she realized she left it on a table at the lodge. Since it was after hours, we took a drive down to make sure she hadn’t left it outside on a table. The drive was nice, and the building was in a beautiful setting, and I can see why it was the perfect venue for the memorial service. The book appeared to be tucked on a chair inside under a table, out of reach. But we knew it was safe.

We got back home, left a message at the office, and split a Klondike bar before heading to bed about 9:30pm – but not before Rainy had decided to explore behind my couch. She got stuck back there and couldn’t get out so Gen had to crawl in after her and slide her out backwards. We were both laughing by the time they both got out from behind the couch.

This morning we were greeted by a happy Rainy, then had breakfast. We took photos outside, with Gen holding up one of the floral arrangements that she had created for the centerpieces for yesterday’s event. She gifted one to me as a thank you. Let me say how beautiful they are – both the flowers and my very sweet and talented best friend Gen! Since the first day of school in 9th grade. How precious!

We also took a selfie, but the sun was in my eyes and I’m not at my best!! The lady from the lodge called back and had someone to let Gen into the building. So we loaded up her Subaru and she headed back down to Forest Hills. She excitedly txt me that she had the book in hand and was headed back to Albany a very happy camper! It was a short but wonderful visit and I have been blessed to have the gift of her friendship.

SCRIPTURE:

QUOTE:

TOMORROW September 23rd:

National Snack Stick Day; National Great American Pot Pie Day; National Singles Day; Autumnal Equinox Day; National Public Lands day; National Seat Check Saturday; National Hunting & Fishing Day; Restless Legs Awareness Day.

Can’t tell you how many people I know dealing with the restless leg thing. Not sure about the snack sticks, but I like Pot Pie. Can’t necessarily celebrate Singles Day – I AM single but it can get lonely… Celebrate Autumn!

I hear a ton of sirens going off and they are close. I really hate that… In fact they just flew right past the house, and seem to be at the other end of Wren. I guess I’ll hear eventually… God bless! (All of us!)

Got an early call from Gen and she was on the road. She dropped Rainy off here and left for Pittsburgh – I got home a few minutes after she left. So Rainy and I have been hanging out. We washed the car (well, I washed the car; she tolerated being outside!). Now she is resting and I am typing.

I even started to get my bag ready for the Skunk Hollow bonfire at Beth’s next Friday night. Might as well get organized! I’ll add required food at the last minute.

As I am laying low I have nothing else on the schedule except for spending the evening with my New York friends, Gen and Rainy! There are so many fun things to do this weekend but I made a determined decision to STAY HOME. I don’t do that well, nor do I sit still well! Not sure what the next three days will bring.

Here are a few more fall pictures. Still enjoying everything I put up!

SCRIPTURE:

QUOTE: Marcy has the right idea. There are several things I think I would change…

TOMORROW September 22nd is:

American Business Women’s Day; Dear Diary Day; Hobbit Day; Carefree Day; National Online Recovery Day; National Girls Night Out; National Elephant Appreciation Day; National Legwear Day; National Brave Day; National Ice Cream Cone Day; National Centenarians Day; National White Chocolate Day; National States & Capitals Day.

Wow – lots to choose from! I journal every day so I can do the Dear Diary. Can’t say I have an entirely perfect appreciation for elephants or legwear. I do try to be brave. Whatever you choose, enjoy. God bless…