It’s much cooler today – but sunny and bright. For a while the sky was six shades of dark clouds but they are mostly cleared up by now.

I worked at Pinnacle – Barry was in! He’s still very frail and tired but really needed to get out of the house. It was good to see him. So all three of my bosses were there when I got there. It felt like a celebration.

My tea meeting was at 10:30 at Hanna’s Town so I had to leave a few things undone. After the meeting I went back to work. The tire pressure was low in the rear passenger tire again. I’m glad it didn’t go down over the weekend! But Colton added air and checked the tire for punctures. I’ll keep an eye on it until their mechanic is free to do a thorough check.

Today was a ‘day off’ from working on the hill. I started a load of laundry after lunch (soup) and then went to Gabe’s. I was looking for a plain white casual around-the-house shirt. Nothing there that worked. I did get AA batteries – Christmas is coming and I use a lot of those little light strings. Now I am having a cup of hot tea and have HOME TOWN on in the background. Nothing else really worth sharing today!

My blessing was seeing Barry at work.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 8th is:

ADA Lovelace Day; Dyslexia Day; International Birth Registration Day; National Face Your Fears Day; National Blanket Day; National Fluffernutter Day; National Heroes Day; National Pierogi Day; National Salmon Day; World Octopus Day; American Touch Tag Day.

Yesterday’s Fake Day was Bug Day. Tomorrow – I like facing fears if you can conquer them! Give it a try – God Bless…

So we were back teaching this morning – had two students. Even though the lesson was detailed the boys did well. We talked about Elijah telling King Ahab that it wouldn’t rain for 7 years, and I asked the boys what that would mean. Jackson (6) said the plants would die and the rivers would dry up. Cody (4) said that when your eyes were dry you couldn’t blink. Well, I didn’t connect that to no rain but apparently he did! That was, actually, an accurate piece of information!

First Sunday in October – turned over the calendar page. I’m using this as my phone wallpaper. It’s soothing and inviting.

Todd’s message was about Dark Horses. God uses the most unlikely people – ordinary, not super heroes. Excuses build a life of nothingness. You are God’s answer, and your reluctance doesn’t scare God. Reason we we say ‘no’: 1) Our identity. 2) Insecurities. 3) Influence. 4) Inadequacy. 5) Irrational thoughts. Release your talents to God’s purposes.

I stopped after church and got a few things for Cameron’s birthday, then came home and ate lunch. I had a list of about half a dozen tiny chores that I needed to work on. Then I weeded a little more on the hill. I came inside about 6:30 and got a shower.

My blessing for today was the boys in Sunday school. They are good kids!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 7th is:

National Child Health Day; National Bug Day; National Consignment day; National Forgiveness & Happiness Day; National Frappe Day; National Inner Beauty Day; National LED Light Day; World Cotton Day; You Matter To Me Day; National Propane Day; National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Gourd Day. Tomorrow – celebrate happiness and chocolate covered pretzels! And shop consignment! God bless…

I was determined to make today fun – even if it was all by myself! I got up early, changed my sheets and threw them in the laundry. Had oats for breakfast, threw extra things in the car, got gas (Mazda) and headed to Smicksburg’s Fall Festival. It was a perfect, beautiful day. The sun was shining, the temps were comfortable, and there was lots to see.

My first stop was at Donna’s Smicksburg Country Store. Colleen was working, and her cousin Michelle, so we had a nice chat. She did, however, say that Uncle Clifford (her dad) was not doing well. Kidney related and uncomfortable. So while we are seeing what the next step is in his treatment, we are praying for UC and the whole family. But it was super fun to see Colleen (Skunk Hollow Cousin); she looked so professional and attractive in her work outfit! I bought a piece of longhorn cheese, chocolate covered peanuts for Deb, and a bag of popcorn!

Even though the festival was just starting, it was already crowded. I had to drive around to find a parking spot. I was going to take a buggy ride but decided I’d rather walk around. I stopped at the Country Cupboard and got a small taste of chocolate walnut fudge, thanks to Diane’s reminder. Their whole sidewalk and yard were filled with vendors – pumpkins galore! I bought some tomatoes. (See above photo)

One of the stores sold out, and looks like they are making a fleatique type of venue, where there are little individual spaces for different venders. There were only about 4 or 5 open but room for a whole lot more! I think it’s called ‘Reclaim of Smicksburg’. I got this star at a porch sale next door.

From there I walked down to the Heritage Center. I’ve been there quite often, but this time there was a guide to explain different things in the rooms. He was quite pleased with the information he shared, and I didn’t want to admit that I knew most of what he was saying. Hanna’s Town has some of the same artifacts. But I was interested in the fridge – it had a foot pedal to open the door! I think where Refrigerators are concerned we have gone backwards…

Even though I had already been to Donna’s store, I popped back in there on the way home. I grabbed a hot dog and an Amish cookie for my lunch, when head back out Rt 954. I did drive past Grama Crooks’ house and springhouse just for fun. It was a lovely day!

I got home a little after 1pm. Nate and Chrissy met me at the house. Chrissy was looking at some of the old toys in the closet. Nate helped me put the flag stands back in correctly, and then sprayed the Lamb’s Ear with Round-Up. He’s going to dig them out once they die off enough not to send spores into the air. Once they left I spent about an hour and a half on the hill. It’s coming along!

Kathy sent me an email – they got home safe and sound and glad to be home. She recapped the trip for me, but has lots of fun pictures that I’m excited to see soon. I have to look over my Sunday school lesson – on Elijah. And that’s it for today!

My blessing today was a lovely, safe trip to Smicksburg, and seeing Colleen!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 6th is:

Change a Light Day; Mad Hatter Day; National Badger Day; National Gourd Day; National Coaches Day; National Noodle Day; National Transfer Money to your Daughter Day (ummm, Nope — Sorry Kelly!); Zero Inbox Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Festival day, although there really was a festival! Tomorrow- Noodles are good, but I’m not transferring money. Make friends with a badger! God bless…

This morning I did some laundry, had breakfast, and then decided to work on the hill. I was out there for a while and cleaned up a portion of the bottom section. Then I got frustrated with how the rocks at the bottom had shifted and were crooked and loose and made mowing difficult. So I slid them around, dug out the space to level it off, and wiggled the stones back in place — straight and even and flat. That should hold them for a while.

I got a shower and changed clothes, then had a small bowl of soup. I switched out the summer/winter clothes and had a pile for Goodwill. I bundled them up and drove them to Norwin. Also replaced a stained, stretched out pink long sleeved shirt that matches several pair of my leggings. I was surprised that there were so many pink ones to choose from.

I had started an email on Monday and every day I added a bit more. When Kathy gets back she’ll have that to read and catch up on my week. We’ll have to arrange a time when we can hang out – then I’ll hear about her trip and see more pictures! In the meantime I went over and watered plants and put the mail inside for them. Stopped on the way home and got a frozen Coke.

‘Haul out the Holly’ is on Hallmark tonight – I know it’s completely silly and over done but it makes me laugh! So I’ll watch it later while I iron.

My blessing today was finding the pink shirt!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

October 4, 1950, was the first appearance of Snoopy in the comic strip!

TOMORROW October 5th is:

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta; Bookshop Day; Frugal Fun Day; National Apple Betty Day; National Festival Day; National Be Nice Day; World Card Making Day; World Teachers Day; International Off Road Day; National Play Outside day.

Who would have thought that when I ‘faked’ National Card Day that today would be World Card Making Day?! Tomorrow, above all, be nice! And go ahead, make a card. Go to a book shop. Have fun – even if it’s not frugal! And PLAY OUTSIDE! God bless…

Sir Regis was back at work this morning. They had a great time and nice weather – but it was warmer than usual. He came back with a bit of a tan!

To anyone who hasn’t seen the facebook posts, Tonia is back in the hospital. One of her medications wasn’t doing what it needed to, and she was struggling. Hoping they get things regulated and she’ll be feeling better and back home very soon. She’s been through a lot.

After I left work, I grabbed a few groceries at Walmart. I was very excited to run into (not literally!) an old friend from my HCC Youth Group! Janie and I were very close friends back in the day but we don’t see as much of each other these days. She said every time she saw M&M’s she thought of me. I showed her that I had a bag in my cart! So fun to see her.

Kath sent me a few pictures of today’s adventures. She said the day was silly and fun. Tomorrow will be mostly a travel day.

After lunch I worked on the hill for a bit. I think I got a lot done. It was a perfect day to be outside.

Today is a joyous day, as our little Cameron is ONE YEAR OLD! He is such a happy baby, and so much fun, and so smart! I can’t wait to see him! Autmn has been working diligently on his birthday party.

After a hot shower (a must after working outside) I made a batch of potato soup. I was very frustrated but didn’t get discouraged. Even though my milk was still good, it was spoiled. I didn’t realize it until it started boiling. I had to turn everything off and go down to Dollar General for more milk. So I started the process again. I hadn’t added the potatoes so I just had to do the white sauce. The second try was perfect.

My blessing today was just celebrating Cameron in my heart!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 4th is:

Improve Your Office Day (I do that by going in it!!!); Kids Music Day; Kindness to Animal Day; Manufacturing Day; National Body Language Day; National Card Day; National Cinnamon Roll Day; National Gold Lovers Day; National Taco Day; National Truckers Day; National Smile Day; World College Radio Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Swim Day. Tomorrow: Cinnamon rolls sound lovely, or tacos. Make sure you smile! God bless…

I was surprised that I slept later than usual. Mostly it was because 1) I didn’t set the alarm for anything and 2) Didn’t have Diane’s Song of the Day to wait for!

For breakfast I had a leftover frozen pancake, hot tea, and a chapter of the book I’m reading. Then I cleaned the house. It was overcast until mid-afternoon and then the sun came out and it was bright and beautiful. Once I finished inside work I decided to cut the grass. Surprising how much it grew in a few days.

Kathy sent me two street signs, in honor of Dad. He loved his country music, especially Buck Owens. And we listed to Meryl Haggard, too! She said it was 109* in California! It’s 57* here right now at 8pm.

My blessing today was to get the grass cut without any breaks!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 3rd is:

Bring your Bible to School Day; National Swim Day; Buy British Day; Mean Girls Day (??); National Boyfriend Day; National Techies Day; National Unity Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Mist Day. Tomorrow – don’t be mean! Logan will like Techies Day. Have a happy day! God bless…

Here we are in the last quarter of 2024. I expect we’ll see the leaves starting to change color, and the gardens are going to seed and dying off. I dead-headed my zinnias this afternoon when I was outside. Some of them are still blooming. Hang on tight – the last 3 months can be a rough ride!

I stayed in Jeannette this morning for an extra bit so Ken could run to the bank. Then I went to help Mike P with something, then directly to a pre-Tea meeting at Hanna’s Town. It was a long meeting but we have a nice change of routine this year. It will be a Dickens themed tea! And Charles Dickens himself (?) will be our host!

I stopped at Kath’s on the way home, put the mail inside, and watered the plants on the porch. It hasn’t been too warm so I think everything is basically fine.

I had toast and bacon for lunch, then put on yucky yard clothes and went outside. I dug up a few plants that don’t belong on the hill. I haven’t done too much with my flower beds all summer, so am taking little bits of time to work on them. Then I cleaned up the vines on both sides of the steps.

I cleaned out the first section on the left side of the hill. There’s still an AWFUL lot left. Emphasis on AWFUL!!!

My PAN (Notary) newsletter came (online) and I always print out the word search to do.

Right now I don’t think it’s raining but it looks misty and gray outside. The sun is totally gone. It’s 63*.

My blessing today was the lovely ladies at the tea meeting. We actually had a good time and have some great ideas! And the food will be yummy!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 2nd is:

National Mist Day; Guardian Angel Day; International Walk to School Day; National Coffee with a Cop Day; National Custodian Day; National Fried Scallops Day; National Kale Day; National Name Your Car Day; National Pumpkin Seed Day; World Farm Animals Day; National Smarties Day; Random Acts of Poetry Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Mailman Day. Tomorrow – Who doesn’t need a guardian angel? I never name my cars, but a lot of people do. Aunt Joan likes Smarties (candy). Have a happy day. God bless…

Here we are at the last day of September for 2024. This year is flying past, and for me the summer months did not hold all the adventure and outings that I normally look forward to. But I feel I am improving – even though still confused and uncertain that the diagnosis is correct! Still ongoing, so we will see!

I went to work in Jeannette but there wasn’t a lot going on. I typed out a form I need for church (so they could read it!) and have it ready to turn in on Sunday. I stopped on the way home at Target (just because I could!) and found a nice Beach Boys shirt! It was on the clearance rack and very inexpensive.

Also picked up a little bowl for my sister because it looks like it will match her kitchen. I will leave it on the sink tomorrow when I stop to water the plants on the porch.

After lunch (a salad) I made chocolate covered popcorn. I used the leftover melted chocolate and iced a few chocolate chip cookies.

I did a load of laundry, and am sitting here watching it rain. Not a good day for doing anything outside!

My blessing for today was a nice night’s sleep.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW October 1st is:

Ancestors’ Day; Balloons Around the World Day; CD Player Day; International Coffee Day; National Mailman Day; International Day of Older Persons Day (ME???); International Music Day; Model T Day; National Black Dog Day; National Fire Pup Day; National Hair Day; National Homemade Cookie Day; National Lace Day; National Raccoon Day; National Taco Day; National Pumpkin Spice Day.

Yesterday there was no fake day. Tomorrow – celebrate Tazz, my detective black dog! Also homemade cookies, lace, and music! God bless…

Today was the last day of our teaching break. Mary and I will teach the month of October. I have the lessons picked out and next week’s lesson printed. We had a children’s ministry meeting after church today and Izabela had a lot of helpful information. AND we had lunch!

Todd’s message was about sharing Jesus. We should use our resources to influence people for Christ. 1) Carry other people’s burdens. 2) Move obstacles. 3) Trust Him. God is in control – Don’t THROW Jesus at someone. BE Jesus to someone.

Once the meeting was over and I left church, I stopped at Aldi for a few things. They did NOT have popcorn (for my new air popper) so I went to Shop and Save for that, and picked up my favorite Quilted Northern while I was there.

I left Shop and Save and took the back way home – Passed a house with an unusual Halloween display!

I next stopped at Kathy’s to get the mail and water the plants on the porch. Dollar General was having a harvest buy one/get one free sale, and I can never resist a bargain! This was fifty cents!

Diane and her friend was supposed to leave tomorrow for Asheville NC but the flooding and the storm damage has changed their plans. They are instead going to Gettysburg. Either trip sounds amazing to me! She sent me a picture from her friend who lives near the Jersey shore. The waves were super high!

Kathy sent me a picture from the Grand Canyon. A dream come true for them, and I’m so happy that it’s finally happened! I believe the trip also involves a train ride!

I took an hour outside and cleaned up three small sections of my flower beds. I’m still intimidated by the hill! Maybe this week… But while I was cleaning the section by the gate, I was working around the Zinnias. When I stood up I noticed a huge bee sitting on the flower right above where my head was! I’m glad it stayed on the zinnia and didn’t climb onto my head!

At church this morning Mary had a surprise for me. She MADE me a picture of Charlie Brown and Snoopy! I love it! It’s amazing! She is such a dear friend and I appreciate her friendship so much. Thank you, Mary!

My blessing today was having the energy to get extra things done.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW September 30th is:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day; International Podcast Day; International Translation Day; National Chewing Gum Day; National Hot Mulled cider Day; National Love People Day; National Mud Pack Day; National Puppy Mill Survivor Day; Orange Shirt Day; Pet Tricks Day; Thunderbirds Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Stink Bug Day. Tomorrow – We should always love people. I wrote a story about Tazz and a puppy mill. It was another one of my favorites, set in Boston… God bless!

Started with normal Saturday chores – fresh sheets, laundry, breakfast. I sipped my tea in leisure and read a chapter in The Light Heart. I kept an eye on the weather, and decided to cut the grass. I got the whole thing done with no significant breaks. First time for that all summer. Yard looks nice. I was going to start on the hill (weeding) but decided to work on a writing project that Kathy recommended.

Mary stopped over for some things for the senior center where she works. She sat for a while and we chatted. It was nice to have a visit since we haven’t been teaching together since August!

Sir Rege is in Aruba with his wife and 3 other couples, and he sent me a txt with a picture of the pool/beach where they hang out. Beautiful!

I also saw some photos of the entrance to Biltmore near Asheville that has flooded. I can’t believe how much water there was! Thankfully the Biltmore is high enough on the mountain that the water doesn’t reach it.

For some reason there are a lot of mushroom-type little things growing in the yard. Yuck.

At 5pm I took a break and popped over to pick up my auction items from Ninth Life Rescue that I won high bid on. I’m pleased with all of them!

Kathy sent me a picture she took at the Hoover Dam. Wow…

My blessing for today was the visit with Mary.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW September 29th is:

Confucius Day; Michaelmas; National Biscotti Day; National Stinkbug Day; National Coffee Day; National Goose Day; National Police Remembrance Day; National Silent Movie Day; National Starbucks Day (not a fan!); World Deaf Day; World Heart Day; National VFW Day; Gold Star Mothers and Family Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was New Glasses day. Tomorrow celebrate hearts! We all need them! Kath will celebrate world deaf day. And the silent movie era would have been super cool! God bless…