As predicted, cleaning day! I did do a lot of reading too. The book I chose was a hard start, but once I got through the first part it moved well and there was more action. It takes place in Switzerland – and if you know me at all you know I’m a huge fan! I always wanted to visit Heidi and the Grandfather and Goat Peter!
This is the one I have…
Come to think of it I still have towels in the dryer. I’ll get to them later. After a half a bagel for breakfast, I cleaned upstairs. Had a small popcorn snack in place of lunch, then cleaned downstairs and did the laundry. Just a side note – I love my new sweeper! Once the downstairs was cleaned, I took the trash up to the road then spent almost an hour cleaning up weeds from the back patio stones, the steps going up under the steps, and the space between the fence and the driveway.
Steps under the steps!
Just as I was ready to come inside, the sky darkened and the wind kicked up. Not sure if there is rain in the forecast but I’m inside now so all is well. ** Update – it just started raining!
Darkened sky, and I could see the whites of the leaves.
And Autmn sent me a picture of Cameron with his dinosaurs in the car. You can see he’s pretty excited – and I think she was excited with him.
My two sweeties!
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW August 6th is:
Farmworkers Appreciation Day; International Scuba Day; Mom’s Equal Pay Day; National Gossip Day; National Fresh Breath day; National Wiggle your Toes Day; National Paralegal Day.
I can’t wiggle my toes separately… I appreciate farmers, for sure! I’m pretty sure moms don’t get equal pay. Try not to gossip! God bless…
On this day in History: 1957 “American Bandstand” premieres on network TV (ABC)
Tuesday morning means up for work – which went well. I did have several things to do but there were no problems. Barry is on vacation – Ken was running errands, and Sir Rege was catching up on paperwork. I left there and stopped at the bank, then grabbed a quick lunch. I answered a few emails then headed out again.
I had a dermatology appointment at 2pm, and that went very well. No issues at all with anything. There was an itchy mark (he had a technical name for it) on my back but since it was itchy he burned it off. Lucky that it won’t need tended to because I can’t reach it!
Dermatologist
Just as I got home and changed, Aaron was here to mow. I was so glad – I’m irrationally obsessed with having my law kept up. I talked to Autmn and she’s going to stop in on Thursday after work so I can have baby hugs before they go on vacation!
Looks great!
So – yesterday. I picked Cameron up from Jojo at 1pm, and we played outside until Autmn got here. I bought him a new swimsuit but it’s a size 3 and he’s really still a 2, I guess. It kept falling down past his butt. He finally got tired of that, let it fall, kicked it off and just sat in his water tub in the nude!
Opps! Falling down.
Tossed the trucks – now he’s in the nude!
Giving his animals a bath – his favorite thing!
Protected by his dinosaur!
M&M break
Choosing the colors
Autmn got a shower, Cameron got changed and had a waffle (WITH SYRUP!), and we headed out. They needed travel items for vacation, and a few clothes. We went to Walmart, Marshall’s, Dollar Tree, and Dollar General. Cameron was supper good and very funny, and talked to everyone who walked past. He’d call ‘Hi, friend!’ and wave! Most of them at least answered him….
It was so nice to have a good day with Cameron (and Autmn) and see him laughing and having fun. It seems like he grows up a little every day! – Oh, and today I zipped out to the mall to look at swimsuits. I just wasn’t impressed – but it’s ‘back to school’!
And the sky was blue and gray and pink last night…
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW August 5th is:
National Work Like a Dog Day; National Underwear Day; National Oyster Day; International Traffic Light Day; Blogger Day; National Dash Cam Day.
Tomorrow is cleaning day – so I will be cleaning like a ‘dog’. It’s a good idea to obey traffic lights… God bless!
On this day in History: 1958 Billboard Hot 100 is published for the first time with “Poor Little Fool” by Ricky Nelson at #1
Ricky Nelson was SUCH a teen heart-throb!(But I was only eight)
I had a really fun, enjoyable but exhausting day! I was at Kathy’s this morning at about 9:15am so we could tie up some loose ends for our Williamsburg trip the end of August. We also discussed the family reunion this weekend and our Skunk Hollow event on August 29th. I got home in time to change the laundry from the washer to the dryer, then drove up to Jaime’s to pick up Cameron from Josie. I’ll post about my time with him tomorrow – he was very good and fun and we really had a good time! Autmn came about 2:45, got cleaned up, and we all three went shopping for their vacation. We were in four different stores, and Cameron was a very good and smart shopper – but other than the driving part I was on my feet from noon on. So I’m going to get something to eat and go into more detail tomorrow! Sending hugs! God bless…
Today has been a crazy weather day. Everything from windy to sunny to pouring down rain – heard several severe weather alerts on the radio – from flood warnings to storms to even a funnel cloud in Beaver County. An hour ago it was calm and bright and sunny – now there are rumbles of thunder and RAIN. So the plans to spread mulch today went out the window!
Rain
I just took a break to mix up a meatloaf and stick it in the oven. By the time I’m done with this post it should be time for supper. I stopped after church today and got a tomato, chipped turkey breast, a package of bacon, and Halloween M&M’s. I went outside for an hour when it was sunny and pulled more weeds – but when I heard thunder I cleaned up and came in.
I know I sent pictures of painting the little dresser for upstairs on Friday’s post. I got everything done – including two coats of paint and distressing it with sand paper. It was easy to take the small dresser upstairs, but the bigger dry sink was something else. I slid the dry sink to the front door on an old sheet, but getting it out the door and down to the garage was beyond me. At that MOMENT my neighbor came out to mow, so I walked across and asked him if he could help me. We had it moved in less than 2 minutes. He told me they found bear droppings in their back yard a few weeks ago. THAT makes me nervous!
Dry Sink
Plenty of room!
But anyway, I cleaned up the dry sink, then cleaned out the closet thoroughly. I got rid of several bags of items – either garbage or Goodwill. I could slide the dry sink into the family room – and fit it into the closet easily (sort of). All my closet blankets, plus Chase’s bedclothes and favorite pillow and blanket, fit in the dry sink top perfectly. The Flag room dresser has a few extra candles, my rice bags, the electronic cords for when the kids play their video games in there, and a miscellaneous drawer. I switched the bookcase and the dresser and it looks bigger! I’m happy with the room, the closet, and the purging.
Bookcase
dresser and bed
Now for last night’s Loyalhanna Review Publication party. The trio of fabulous girls who have taken over the party planning did a wonderful job – the table settings, decorations, space, food, raffle baskets, door prizes – everything was beautiful. There was plenty of room and ample extra time for chatting up with guests and the committee.
Venue
Full house – plenty of room
Hot foods
Veggies, snacks and some drinks
Cookie table goes on and on!
Table centerpieces and place settings.
As is typical, after the buffet was basically consumed, we all settled in for the readings. It’s fun to hear those chosen to read their pieces. I was first reader, and only one of three who actually wrote on topic (American 250 or the Loyalhanna Review Anniversary). The publication is free so if you see any Loyalhanna Review stacked in an office or business just grab one!
Master of Ceremonies Rebecca Dunn – and editor of the Loyalhanna Review
Podium with backdrop for the readings
Battery candles
Cover – statue of Mr. Rogers in a park in Latrobe.(With a friend!)
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW August 3rd is:
National Watermelon Day; National Grab Some Nuts Day; National Georgia Day; National Hair Gloss Day; Big Forehead Day; Clean your Floors Day.
Watermelon is good in moderation, as are nuts. My hair has never been glossy. Keeping my floors clean is ridiculously important to me! God bless…
I was very busy all day – and will share that tomorrow, with photos! But tonight is the Loyalhanna Review Publication Party – and this year I have an essay published, which I’m very excited about. That never gets old! But I will be late getting home, so I’ll share that tomorrow as well. Happy August! God bless…
Here we are – the last day of July. Who can believe how fast the year is going? I was busy all day – started out with laundry and then making the Cinnamon Rolls for tomorrow. I plan to ice them in Yellow – since it’s a ‘Yinzer’ themed food spread. If I had known that earlier I may have ordered Steeler’s yellow and black M&M’s. We’ll just have to settle for ordinary ones.
Steelers M&M’s
I stopped at the bank to check on my C.D. – I got a letter that it was due for renewal and I needed to let them know what I wanted to do. Rose at the bank was very helpful and is going to help me with exactly the right thing!
I saw an Aldi ad about a lazy Susan for travel mugs or travel bottles – It was very inexpensive so I did get it – and it’s perfect! It really helps organize my mugs. It holds 7 mugs, and I can easily grab the one I need – hot mug or cold cup – where in the cupboard I had to move several to get to the one I needed. I love it! It’s the little things.
My next obligation was my chiropractor. He did a thorough adjustment and I felt better even before I left there. I stopped at Lowe’s on the way home and bought a quart of paint – I had a little dresser (mine from my childhood) that I wanted to paint and put in the flag room upstairs instead of using it in the closet. I’m a horrible painter! I had it on my shirt, shorts, hands, drop cloth, step stool. and the floor before I was done. I got 2 coats on it – Not sure when I will get it switched out, since the one that is now upstairs is too heavy for me to move on my own. I’ll see what creative method I can come up with – but the paint has to be super dry, and I want to clean out the closet where the dresser was. Time to get rid of excess.
The color is colonial/brick red.
By now I was hungry – having skipped lunch – so I had a half of a chipped ham sandwich. I left the car outside so the dresser could totally dry inside.
Oh, and the moon last night was low and orange and huge! It was amazing!
It moved up pretty quick.
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW August 1st is:
National Girlfriends Day; National Play Outside Day; National Sunflower Day; Respect for Parents Day; National Raspberry Cream Pie Day; National Mustard Day; Sandcastle Day; National Disc Golf Day; National Summit Day; International Mahjong Day; International Childfree Day.
Hey, girlfriends! Have a super great day! Play outside – it should be nice weather tomorrow – go pick sunflowers. Nate and Dave used to LOVE playing disc golf – they had the baskets and goals and discs – Jen played, too! God bless…
On this day in History:1777Marquis de Lafayette, aged just 19, is appointed a major general of the Continental Army
Today was much calmer at work than Monday was. When I got to my desk I saw out the window that there was a ‘baby’ groundhog in a have-a-heart trap. It had been digging a very deep hole under the foundation so Ken came and picked up the trap and was taking it to a safe place – a wooded area away from traffic. After Whistle Pig (his name!) left I got everything done except for verifying an address. We’re waiting for the customer to call back.
Little Whistle Pig
I popped into the store on my way home and got powdered sugar and a loaf of bread, and got a bagel (cinnamon crunch) at Panera Bread. That was my morning.
I had a phone interview with a reporter from the Latrobe newspaper about the Loyalhanna Review. I’m been writing for them and with them for over 25 years, and she was talking to several people to get input about the publication. It was fun to talk about writing and the magazine. I told her the first piece I ever had published was in the Loyalhanna Review, and she asked me to send her that story. Fun!
2025 publication.
My next adventure was to get a haircut from Dianne. It’s been about a year since I even had a trim! It didn’t take long for the haircut, but we did spend about an hour plus chatting! It was a nice afternoon.
neither one of us look like this!
I stopped on my way home and got a little wire basket for my fresh produce that isn’t refrigerated. It’s very cute! Perfect, in fact.
Just right for my tomato (the eggs are fake – for show!)
I went outside after I changed clothes at home and spent about an hour pulling weeds. Nate came to help me with something just when I was finishing up and we had a nice chat! It’s good to see him happy and healthy!
About one third done
Did this much today.
Rose of Sharen has both white and purple flowers. I’m guessing it’s two bushes growing together…
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW July 31st is:
National Mutt Day; National Avocado Day; National Raspberry Cake Day; National Get Gnarly Day; National Talk in an Elevator Day; World Ranger Day.
My friend Bear always says gnarly. I don’t generally talk in elevators… God bless…
On this day in History:1928George Eastman shows the first amateur color motion pictures to guests at his New York house, including Thomas Edison
All I did today was clean, do laundry, and take the trash up to the road. Once I got that major task done, I went outside for an hour. I sort of half heartedly promised myself that I would try to do that as many days as I can. I didn’t work on the left hill – but cleaned up the bottom corner of the right – down by the shed.
And I uncovered a different color day lily in the process!
Watch the moon tonight – it’s the Buck Moon, and the lowest moon in the sky for the year.
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW July 30th is:
National Cheesecake Day; National Chili Dog Day; National Climb a Mountain Day; National Intern Day; National Father In Law Day; National Whistleblower Day; National Support Public Education Day; International Day of Friendship.
Cheers and hugs to my special friends – love you! God bless…
On this day in History: In 1998 the remake of THE PARENT TRAP was released in theaters. The original was possibly my favorite movie ever (Haley Mills was my idol!!!).
I was laying in bed last night and couldn’t see the moon – but could tell where it was hiding!
Moon was hiding
But peeking out.
It didn’t feel like Tuesday since I didn’t work. I kept thinking it was Saturday! I did some small household chores after breakfast, one of which was to TRY and change the battery on another string of solar light. One of the screws was stuck and I tried every Phillips Head and knife and alum wrench in the house and it wouldn’t budge. Right when I gave up my cousin called and needed to drop something off. So I happily handled that for him then drug him up the steps and had him work on the little solar block. He did it! He got it open and changed the battery and now we’ll see if it works after dark. He advised not to put that screw back in. And the lights I worked on last night worked so that was a plus!
Lantern solar lights working.
Bright and beautiful
Pinky Winky with lights.
While we were working outside I noticed that the crazy robin was trying to build a nest on the porch light again. Since it was just in the ‘foundation’ stage I was able to dismantle it and clean everything up.
After I folded the laundry I headed to Palmer’s Farm Stand. I really wanted a tomato! I got half a dozen ears of corn (had a few for lunch) and three tomatoes, which I will have (one) for supper.
But after Palmer’s I got gas in the Jeep, and my friend Mike (and owner) laughed at the two ducks on the dash. Normally not my thing, but it seemed appropriate! I dropped off a flyer at R.A.V.E (Fleatique) for the Singer Sewing Machine (antique) and walked around. I had just walked in the door at home when a dealer called me and wanted to come get it! So he and his helper came out and got it and now I have more room downstairs. I have a few other things I’d like to rearrange but not quite ready for that yet!
The blanket chest takes up so much less space than the sewing machine.
Where the blanket chest was.
I keep putting off pulling the weeds from the bottom left of the hill – but the weather was comfy so I went out for about an hour. Filled a black trash bag STUFFED full. So I felt good about accomplishing something. I just walked inside and took off my garden clothes and it POURED down rain! That was good timing. So now, I’ll take you back to Altoona and the last of day two at the Baker Mansion.
Once we left the Fort, we headed back into downtown Altoona for the Blair Mansion. The drive down, again, was through forest and farm land and corn fields. Beautiful! Kathy’s request for lunch was Chick Fil-A so we hunted one down and enjoyed a leisurely lunch there before heading to the mansion. There was a short informative video in the gift shop explaining the family and the history before we went through the house.
Lunch!
The mansion was built in the mid-1800’s and was very elaborate. The rooms and the furnishings were beautiful. The family entered by the side door, business associates entered through the back doors, and formal guests through the front. At that time, there were acres of gardens, which our docent compared to Longwood Gardens!
Baker Mansion – back/business entrance
Kelly outside the Mansion
Front entrance and most formal
Front of mansion
Kathy and Kelly in one of the smaller gardens
The authentically recreated horseshoe shaped garden.
It was a beautiful big home!
Music and game room
Men’s parlor
Women’s Parlor
Dining room – the glass plates are authentic Centennial and bi-centennial plates
Mrs. Baker fed her dog at the table – literally!
There was a sword hidden in the walking stick.
I think my favorite rooms/items were the huge wooden desk in Elias Baker’s office. It was amazing. Another favorite was the kitchen and the event space in the basement. They, too, host Victorian teas, and I got a few interesting ideas from that docent.
BEAUTIFUL desk and book case.
Docent in the kitchen and dining space
Kitchen cooking space
Laundress
The event space – they dressed up the tables by putting vintage handkerchiefs under plastic on the tables
Vintage and family dresses.
Event space.
We kept seeing the name LOGAN all over the area – and found a portrait of Chief John Logan, a prominent Cayuga/Oneida leader in the Blair County area and a great influence. Since my grandson’s name is Logan we wondered about the connection.
Replica of the Logan House – Most high-class motel and restaurant in Altoona.
Chief John Logan
We spent a good while at the Mansion and had several excellent docents sharing information.
Period wedding gown.
Sewing room
Hetty Baker’s bedroom – best view in the house.
When we left there, we drove about two blocks down to see the building that held the original company store for the Baker’s workers on property. Also, the furnace that melted down the iron and created the products that we sold or used in their homes and offices. We headed out from there over the mountain and were home a little before 6pm. It was a great trip with lots of family fun and adventures. Where will we go next?
The back of the company store and the furnace
I loved the stone wall and gate outside the Company Store
The old Company Store building is now a Women’s Club
The original furnace.
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW July 29th is:
National Chicken Wing Day; National Lipstick day; National Lasagna Day; International Tiger Day; Rain Day.
We need rain regularly so that’s ok. I haven’t had Lasagna in well over a year! Mary always makes sure I have the right lipstick. Not a fan of chicken wings. God bless!
On this day in History: 1933 First singing telegram delivered to Rudy Vallée in New York City
It’s been a while since I worked on a Monday! But it’s a good thing I did. There was so much to do – and several mini-disasters. Those are the hard parts! I was there from about 8:30am until after 1pm. Then I had an outside deal, a stalled computer, a glitch in the temp tag files, missing documents, and a call from Mike P asking for help! But I braved all of that and was home about 2pm.
So – Friday in Altoona! There was plenty of room, enough bathrooms that we could all get showered and dressed without delaying each other or Greg (getting off to work), and had breakfast. Since we were heading home straight from Baker Mansion we packed the car and was settled in for the day. On the way to the first stop, we swung into a discount warehouse to look around – we were running ‘early’. Kelly found a pair of shoes and we all saw interesting items that we didn’t need!
We saw a plaque with the meaning of ALTOONA on it – interesting. And we pulled into Fort Roberdeau 2 minutes after it opened! It was a beautiful warm day, sunny and comfortable, and tucked deep in the forests. The drive was over winding roads, through forests, and among cornfields!
Meaning.
Stock image – but it looked exactly like this – beautiful farms and barns!
Jim took our picture!
Waiting to go in the fort – me in our matching shirts
Fort entrance.
This fort was actually created to defend the lead mines in the area, which were very important in making bullets, etc, during the Revolutionary war. The reconstructed buildings were well done and presented authentically. There were never any altercations at the fort – but it did defend the lead mines and the settlers in the area.
Settler’s cabin – Kelly and Kathy
Wigwam
Our tour guide, Jim, was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of history, facts and stories about the property, the settlers, the residents of the fort, and daily life. There were several buildings for settlers, military, protection from Native Americas, a means of protecting the mines, and sustaining everyday life.
Jim – inside officer’s cabin
Officer’s cabin
further back – Officer’s cabin, then enlisted men.
Kathy looking at cabins
Stacking guns
Kitchen
Kelly whipping up lunch!
Kitchen
Blacksmith
Stones – where they melted down the ore and extracted the lead and made it into solid bars to be shipped.
Inside looking out.
I think the most interesting part to me were the sinking springs. That was amazing. Also, looking into a part of a huge lead mine on the property.
Sinking stream
Hope you can read some of this! Very interesting and amazing!
Where the lead mine was.
We walked down in the Powder Magazine – I guess I don’t really know what to do with a gun!
Powder magazine.
In the restored barn, there was an original covered wagon – but the tarp was a reproduction. The bottom level of the barn was a small museum, a gift shop, and a small area that showed a movie about the history of the fort and the area. General Daniel Roberdeau was given command of the fort, and kept in contact with several of our founding fathers, including General Washington. It was a very amazing and interesting morning! From the number of photos, do you get the idea we loved this place? I’ll post lunch and the afternoon activities tomorrow!
Restored barn – gift shop
1770’s wagon in the barn.
Once I ate lunch (eggs and toast!) I did a small amount of work outside, started a load of laundry, and attempted to work on the solar lights. I watched a YOUTUBE video on how to trouble shoot, which I tried to implement. We’ll see after it gets dark if my attempts were successful.
Changed the batteries!
Aaron came and cut the grass – he did a good job – weed whacked and blew everything clean and even bagged the clippings (I have a mulcher so I don’t do that!). We took a short walk around the yard so he knew what areas I need mulched.
Front yard cut
By the fence
And my Glads are still blooming – but no dark purple yet. All of a sudden I noticed it had rained. I think we are to get some ‘serious’ weather through the evening until morning.
Pink Glads blooming – or trying to.
QUOTE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW July 28th is:
World Milk Chocolate Day; Buffalo Soldiers Day; National Waterpark Day; World Nature Conservation Day; World Soccer Day.
I love chocolate! That’s enough for me. God bless….
On this day in History:1909Orville Wright successfully tests the Wright Military Flyer, the world’s first military airplane, with a record flight of 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 40 seconds, flying approximately 64 km (40 mi)
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