TODAY is Dave Bath’s birthday – that is Nate’s life-long friend and business partner in B&B Window Cleaning. He calls me his second Mom! Happy birthday, Dave!

I started the day with sending Ron off at 7:15am, heading back to Florida. He spent the time here mostly with his brother Paul and Paul’s wife Cheryl. It was a nice visit for him, and I was glad to steal a few minutes of his time during his stay. Seems like he had a good visit.

But first I’ll recap yesterday. I left the house at 7:15am and headed to get gas for the car in town, then picked up Ron where he parked his car for the day. We got to the farm a little before 9am and immediately started husking corn – Uncle Clifford had already been out to the garden and filled this tractor cart with dozens of ears.

Nate got there a few minutes later, and we kept busy the rest of the day. We husked, cleaned, boiled, cooled, scraped, froze, bagged, and stacked corn all day.

There was a little break for lunch, at which we had sandwiches, macaroni salad, chips and corn on the cob. Aunt Joan and I cleaned up while the guys headed back out to the rows of corn to get another batch. We set aside a few for those who wanted to take some corn still on the cob home. Then we set to work again. I think we each (Nate and Kathy) ended up with 64 one cup bags of corn to freeze.

We stopped at Donna’s store on the way home and I picked up a cute little SMICKSBURG sign to put with my picture of the farm that I took last week. Ron got some granola and trail/snack mix for his brother and sister-in-law. We dropped that off on the way home, then grabbed a grilled cheese and were done for the day. It was a long but fun and productive day. Mazie agrees!

Today I started at the dentist at about 7:45am, then worked both stores. By the time I got home Kelly and Chase were already here. We grabbed our supplies to work on party favors for Autmn’s shower, then got Chick-Fil-A for lunch (Chase request). Kelly and I spent the afternoon on that project and cleaning up. I also did a load of laundry.

I think I have to turn my car in on Thursday so I spent an hour or more sweeping, wiping, washing, drying, doing windows, and generally cleaning the car. Tomorrow I will put everything from the car into a big basket so it’s easy to transfer over. And that – other than supper – was the last two days!

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TOMORROW August 23rd is:

National Sponge Cake Day; National Ride the Wind Day; National Cuban Sandwich Day; Black Ribbon Day.

Tomorrow would have been my Dad’s birthday. Happy birthday, Dad! It will also be cut the grass day. God bless!

I wanted to jump on here to say that I’m not going to post the Word Garden this evening! I will post tomorrow later in the day. It’s been a long but very fun day and I have an early start for tomorrow. Happy Tuesday and God Bless…. 🙂

I had a good nights sleep. Several reasons but I was very glad to feel rested and awake this morning!

Church started at Twin Lakes at 10:30am. I was out there a little early and got settled before worship. It was great singing and worshiping in the sunny morning air.

Todd had a message about meals – how they bring us together as a community. How we feel comfortable and encouraged and motivated by breaking bread together.

Then, after the message and communion, we did exactly that – ate lunch together!

The kids were playing games, hide and seek, and catching softballs. Mostly the adults ate and chatted. Betsy brought her new puppy Wilson. It was a nice time to be together.

Once the picnic broke up, I drove over to the other parking lot and met Ron – his church was having their picnic at a pavilion across the lake. We took a walk around the upper lake, and a friend of his from Maplewood church walked with us. Turns out she’s a friend of someone from HCC! We parted ways with Penny at her car then Ron & I said our goodbyes and each headed out. It was a really nice day.

I came home and made macaroni salad for tomorrow’s ‘corn’ trip to the farm, and got the supplies organized. Kathy stopped over and brought me a cute AUTUMN sign and some chili and applesauce. The horses were on the hill. Now I am finishing up typing and will be done for the evening.

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TOMORROW August 21st is:

National Spumoni Day; National Senior Citizens Day

So tomorrow is Corn at the Farm day! Autmn and Nate, Ron and I. It’s a small crew but we’ll do our best! So I must get moving and sleep quickly! 🙂 God bless…

I had the car packed last night by 11pm, except that I forgot the bunting! But there was so much stuff we didn’t need it. Then this morning I realized at 8am that I hadn’t iced the cinnamon rolls! I mixed up the icing, spread the rolls out on 3 trays, and went to work. I moved fast and got it all done and the kitchen cleaned up before Ron got here. We left about 9:17am and headed to West Alexander.

There were so many people helping set up! Aunt Kimmie and Uncle Greg, Mark and Drew Hancher, Kelly and her friend Jamie, Ma, Matt, Peyton, Logan, Ron and I. Carrie and Leighann came later and by about 1:30 everything was ready. Jamie and Ron basically set up the photo backdrop – I held the balloons! Red White and Blue theme.

Most of us (family) got a picture taken. I was frustrated when I realized that with my WHOLE FAMILY there I should have had a family picture taken! What a perfect opportunity!

There was so much food! And the centerpieces and backdrops and decorations looked wonderful.

We walked down to see the steers. I don’t know which one belonged to Japheth and which to Peyton. They were entirely indifferent to our presence. Most of the kids were either in the pool or the creek. It was a great day for playing in the water. They had outdoor games, too, and there were a lot of young people. It was so good to see so many there! Chrissy found a snail in the creek bed and there were daisies in the fields.

I hadn’t seen Chrissy for about a week – found out she passed her permit test – and Nate said she drove the whole way home down Route I-70! She also got a job at Subway in New Stanton so she’s all set! We headed back to Greensburg about 5:45 after helping clean up. Peyton’s older friends were having an after party down in the field with a bonfire and ‘real’ food. I’m sure they had a great time. It was a lot of work but Kelly did a wonderful job and everything was perfect!

Ron & I enjoyed spending time together in the country and being with family. Thursday night we were with his family; today, with mine. It’s been a great visit.

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TOMORROW August 20th is:

National Accessible Air Travel Day; World Mosquito Day; National Radio Day; National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day.

Tomorrow is our church picnic at Twin Lakes. It’s been a while since we’ve done that. I hope to enjoy a walk around the lake afterwards! God bless…

I could not fall asleep last night. Several dozen things kept racing through my mind. I’m sure Kelly’s thoughts were racing too. Hoping she got some sleep. But first thing this morning I took pictures of everything I had stored away that was red/white/blue and sent them to Kelly. She hasn’t told me yet if she wants me to bring anything – although I’m pretty sure she wants some of the serving bowls.

After breakfast I started on my errands. First was Shop and Save for Pepsi and Mt. Dew, then to Aldi for water. Mike P needed me URGENTLY for something so I swung in there on my way to the bank and to Walmart.

I had toast for lunch (??) then started on the household chores. Laundry, paying bills, list-making; mixed a pitcher of iced tea… I had a box of green beans that I snapped and cleaned and cooked, and also a big zucchini that I grated and froze in two-cup baggies for future zucchini bread.

I weed whacked by the driveway and the fence, then cut the grass. I won’t have time to get to it before next Tuesday so at least it’s under control.

Took a second to snap a photo of my Betsy Ross flag…

I will organize everything tonight but the cookies (last minute) and hopefully get the ironing done. Tomorrow is a busy day!

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TOMORROW August 19th is:

National Aviation Day (you may be able to guess whose birthday it is); World Humanitarian Day; International Bow Day (like, hair bow); National Soft Ice Cream Day; International Orangutan Day; National Potato Day; World Photography Day.

Chrissy loved photography and is good at it. I’m not a fan of soft ice cream but I do like potatoes. That’s enough for now! Tomorrow is also Peyton’s party! God bless…

First of all, today is my Skunk Hollow cousin Karen’s birthday – Happy birthday Karen! Sending you blessings and joy. It’s also Lindsey Smail Schneider’s birthday – she was one of my ‘bosses’ at Smails. Have a great day, Linz!

I worked both stores this morning – Then stopped and set up an appointment for a haircut for afternoon. The sky on the drive down Route 30 was beautiful! God is painting pictures again!

Greg sent me a picture of a Snoopy motorcycle. I think I need one…

After lunch I worked on a new story for the Skunk Hollow bonfire — I was inspired by Beth! Uncle Clifford called and said the corn would be ready on Monday. So now to find workers to assist. Ron txt and invited me to dinner with his family at Bob Evans. So I got the haircut at 3pm, picked up some items from Diane and dropped them at home, and met Ron’s group at the restaurant. It was a nice time and we just sat and lingered and chatted!

Kathy was working on applesauce so I took her extra apples and helped peel and cut. By the time I left it was already cooked down so things were moving along. So tomorrow and Saturday I have my lists of chores and I’ll be ready for a wild weekend!

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TOMORROW August 18th is:

National Ice Cream Pie Day; National Fajita Day; National Mail Order Catalog Day.

I ordered something on Tuesday that should come tomorrow – so a reason to celebrate! It’s a busy weekend to look ahead to! God bless…

Wednesday – cleaning and laundry, emails and reading. That’s my day! I heated up some of my Cream of Potato soup for lunch. In between chores I finished The School House and started The Christmas House – both by Elizabeth Bromke. They are some of her earlier books.

When I finished cleaning I went in to start the laundry. I noticed that the ‘start’ knob was missing in my dryer. How could that happen? I don’t take the dryer anywhere. I don’t move it at all. I looked behind the washer and dryer and under the wash tub and all around the floor. Where could it have gone? It doesn’t make any sense. But the good thing is that it still works, and I can start it by pushing the little nub that is still there. I’ll keep my eyes open as to where is could have gone.

I wish I had something a little more interesting to share – but since I had such a busy, exciting week I can’t complain about having a quiet day! That’s about it for now.

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TOMORROW August 17th is:

National Massachusetts Day; Black Cat Appreciation Day; National Nonprofit Day; National Thrift Shop Day; National I Love My Feet Day.

Hats off to Jen’s nonprofit NINTH LIFE RESCUE – made #1 in Westmoreland County for Non-profit again! Great job Jen and company! God bless…

I hit the ground running this morning – kept going all day. It’s 6:28pm and I’m slowing down. Still have miles to go, though!

First up this morning was Jeannette, then Mike P, then Greensburg. I stopped at the bank on the way home, and at the Dollar Tree, then a quick stop at Walmart. I needed 3 things but bought four! Oreo had their Halloween cookies with spooky designs and orange filling! I don’t generally buy Oreos except for the specialty ones, like Easter and Christmas and the fireworks ones (which are my favorite!).

Dottie (neighbor) called and asked if she could put a few things in my yard or garage. The realtor is coming this evening to take photos and they wanted as much out as possible. So there are little stacks of things here and there! Doesn’t hurt anything on my end!

After lunch (the last 2 ears of corn), I went outside with the intention to mow. I got distracted and spent two hours weeding and weed-whacking!

Finally did get to the mowing part and finished the yard before it rained. There were a few parts I skipped weed-whacking because I didn’t want grass to fly into Dottie’s stuff.

Kathy stopped to get a few things here and we had a nice chat. She was leaving here and going to see Sarah and the kids for a while. She brought me some veggies that she got at church.

I sprayed the bees nest in the shed and put everything away – I was a sweaty, messy, yucky mess so I went in and took a shower and put on clean clothes. I will need to finish the ironing and write out a few cards, but then I’ll do dinner and be done.

And here is a picture of my ‘Welcome’ sign last night with the lights lit!

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TOMORROW August 16th is:

National Roller coaster Day; National Airborne Day; National Tell a Joke Day.

Joke for tomorrow:

A man had every lamp, light, and candle robbed from his house. I guess you could say he was delighted. (hahahaha)

God Bless…

I will start by wishing a Happy Birthday to Autmn’s mom Jaime and to my cousin Allen! Hope you both had a great day and are looking forward to a happy year!

I got up this morning early and got gas in the Buick then headed to West Alexander. Kelly and I had a LIST!!! We spent all morning and afternoon until 4:30pm cleaning. We chased dust bunnies from the ceilings and corners, cleaned out and reorganized cupboards, swept the couches and chairs and all the floors. We even did the laundry room (while keeping multiple loads of laundry going) and the kitchen and bathroom. The only time we took a break was a short few minutes for mac and cheese for lunch. We did get most of the ‘heavy’ stuff on her list done, but the list is as long as the national debt!

If things go well I plan to go back down for a last minute freshen-up for the house. But we even talked Chase into using Magic Erasers on the entry doors and light switches, and Matt climbed up and pulled everything off a high shelf in the kitchen. And typical for me, I didn’t take even one picture! Her friends are helping her decorate and set up ahead of time. Right now the weather looks good for Saturday.

I left Kelly’s at about 4:35pm in the pouring rain. It poured the entire trip home and there were so many trucks! There is construction (of COURSE there is!) on Route I-70 so I sat for a while right before the Route 51 exit. But made it home, have a load of laundry going, and watching it still rain! Tomorrow I must cut the grass! But it was a good day, with safe trips spending time with family. Peyton and Logan went to the State Fair with their 4-H troop and will be back on Wednesday.

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TOMORROW August 15th is:

National Relaxation Day; National Lemon Meringue Pie Day; V-J Day – Europe; National Leathercraft Day.

RELAX is not on the list for tomorrow. I’ll catch up to that in September! Have some pie and enjoy your day. God bless…

At least this morning it was partly sunny! So glad the storms had passed. Today was our Pittsburgh day – twice in one week! I generally don’t go twice a YEAR! I drove over to pick up Mary at 11am, and was greeted by Poppy, her sweet dog! I also loved her ‘Home’ sign in her kitchen. Then we were off.

The Wheels on the bus…

We pulled up in front of the Benedum at 1pm. Mary and I walked around exploring and taking pictures before the house opened at 1:30pm. It’s a grand old ‘gilded’ building!

Stage:

The show was great – the performers were professional, and the music was fun. There was a lot more humor and laughter than I expected, and I really had a great time watching the whole show! Sky was just cute enough and ‘bad boy’ enough to command respect, and Miss Adelaide almost stole the show. They were my two favorites. The ending was perfect and the cast was 100% great!

We left the Benedum and walked over to the bus, and passed the stone tower where Ron & I had our picture taken when he took me to Jekyll & Hyde for my birthday one year. Memories!

We drove through Pittsburgh over to Station Square, where we ate supper at the Grand Concourse. Our dinner was a cold soup – a tomato base with veggies and bread cubes – with warm rolls and whipped butter. We had a salad with grilled chicken, then apple dumplings for dessert. It was definitely a venue that was a step above what I would normally frequent!

We headed back through Pittsburgh, across the rivers and downtown bridges back to Route 22. We pulled into the apartment buildings at 8:20pm. A huge thank you to Mary for the invitation and sharing her day with me! I’ve been to events with these people before and they are all very nice, fun and friendly and welcoming. It was a wonderful day!

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TOMORROW August 14th is:

National Creamsicle Day; World Lizard Day.

Tomorrow I am heading to West Alexander to help Kelly get some things ready for the party – just prep work that can be done ahead of time. So I’ll be down there for part of the day. No lizards or creamsicles will be harmed in this project! Have a great week! God bless…