Today is Karen Walker Ober’s birthday (Skunk Hollow Cousin). Sending a huge birthday wish to Karen out in Mt. Joy, PA! Love you!

I didn’t sleep last night and I’m still coughing, but since this is a measured med pack I’ve only taken 3 pills. I’m hoping by tomorrow evening I’ll notice a difference. My list was very small today, and I got everything done but making cookies. Maybe tomorrow for that. I had planned on going to the church picnic at Twin Lakes but since it’s to rain and be wet all day that seems like an unwise way to spend a day, being outside in the dampness with a cough.

I did normal sheets and laundry and breakfast and lunch. I did take about 20 minutes to go to Dollar Tree and purchase get well cards. I want to send one to Tonia, and one to my dear friend Patty Buschek who is in the hospital, and also to my Bear. He called me this morning and he is having surgery on August 26th – he has cancer on his tongue. He’ll have the tumor removed, then have radiation and chemo. So he has a road ahead of him, too. I’m lifting these special, dear people up in prayer, and thankful He has them in His hands! Love you guys!

After I got the cards I dropped a loaf of bread off at Kathy’s house – they weren’t home. They stopped to see Tonia and then went to a play in Pittsburgh that was scheduled since early summer.

I heard thunder and expected it to rain. Despite the darker clouds it has not yet rained. I took a few pictures of blooming flowers.

My blessing today – Flower power!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW August 18th is:

Bad Poetry Day; Green Man Festival Day; National Ivy Day; National Ice Cream Pie Day; National Mail Order Catalog Day; Never Give Up Day; Serendipity Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Clouds Day. Tomorrow- DON’T write bad poetry, or even read it. Ice Cream in any form is a good idea, and of course, NEVER give up! God bless… (And remember to pray for Tonia, Patty, and Bear)

Ahhh man. I am a crazy cough-er. I did get meds from the doctor, but it’s one of those packs that you start before breakfast and take so many a day until they are gone. So since I just got them (6pm) I have to start them in the morning. So I am taking Tylenol and cough meds and lots of water. Hoping I can get some sleep tonight, and I can get this under control by Monday.

I mixed up bread first thing – thinking of Tonia. At Christmas she gave me pointers on why my tried and true (Grama Crooks’ recipe) loaves didn’t turn out. I followed her advise and the loaves are rising nicely in their pans. I will bake them when I’m done here.

After lunch I met Kelly’s family in Youngwood and picked up some paperwork that I have to help Matt with. Then I went to Mt Pleasant Walmart, but still didn’t find the specific item I was looking for. I’m officially giving up! Then I picked up my prescription. When I got home Mary was waiting here to pick something up I had for her. We had a nice – but short – visit. She was heading home after work!

I also finished attaching the roof to Puppers dog house. It looks nice and I think it will stay secure.

I will do the ironing, bake the bread, and be done for the day. Tomorrow should be a slow day – Just normal Saturday chores and maybe a little writing.

My blessing today was a doctor who trusted my symptoms and ordered my prescription without an in-office visit!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW August 17th is:

Baby Boomers Recognition Day; Black Cat Appreciation Day; National I Love My Feet Day; International Homeless Animals day; National Nonprofit Day; National Thrift Shop Day; World Honey Bee Day; National Pineapple Juice Day; National Cloud Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Eat Slow Day. Tomorrow — Baby Boomers! Black Cats are ok, and I like my feet and also like thrift shopping. And clouds! God bless…

First, if you have been following Tonia’s health journey this past month, you know that her surgery was scheduled – and indeed did take place – today. It was to begin at 7am, and was expected to be long and delicate. Jesse posted about 7pm that the surgery was complete, the doctor was very pleased, and Tonia was settled in a room in ICU to be monitored for 24 hours. Our prayers of thanks are now lifting, and continue prayers and support as they start through the healing and recovery process. God is good!

I worked at both Pinnacle stores, then had to help Mike P. with several deals and a dealer title. The guys in the next office needed my help with title work for a work van. After that I stopped to put gas in the Chevy, then picked up a few things from Diane. While I was there I got a txt from Logan – he passed his driver’s test the first time! Now that is four grandchildren out of five who are licensed drivers. The only one left is Chase, who has about 11 months until he’s 16! Congrats to Logan. Great job, Buddy!

After lunch I worked on the dog house for our puppy kissing booth at the Flax Festival next month. I still have to figure out how to attach the roof!

I did figure out how to attach purple paint to my entire right arm. I have white paint on my fingers that wouldn’t come off, but didn’t even try to get the purple off!

I think that’s all the excitement for my day. I’m so glad I have tomorrow off, and can work on a few at-home projects. I do believe we’re looking at several rainy days coming up!

My blessing today was getting the doghouse done!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW August 16th is:

Hawaiian Shirt Day; National Airborne Day; Koolaid Day; National Eat Slow day; National Roller Coaster Day; National Rum Day; National Tell a Joke Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Hat Day; Tomorrow let’s drink Koolaid (well, thinking back, maybe not!); Just tell a joke! God bless…

TODAY is my cousin Allen’s birthday. So a big shout out of Happy Birthday to him – We were born the same year so we must be the same age! And the same age as Snoopy!

I cleaned and did laundry, then managed to mow the grass. And that is the total extent of my day. So this is just a short post and hopefully tomorrow will be more exciting!

My blessing today was accomplishing my chores!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW August 15th is:

Chant at the Moon Day; Check the Chip Day; National Lemon Meringue Pie Day; National Hat Day; National No Sponge Bob Day; National Relaxation Day; World Greatness Day; National Leathercraft Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Pine Day. Tomorrow -Relax a little, chant at the moon, eat some pie, and be as great as you can! God bless…

Today is Deb’s birthday – our ‘violet’ cousin. Hope your day was happy and delightful, Deb!

For a day that was full from 7am until 7pm I don’t have much to post. I worked in Jeannette but Greensburg didn’t need anything. Since I was close, I went to Norwin Walmart but they didn’t have what I was looking for. I did find a pair of walking shoes to replace the ones I’m currently using with almost no tread on them. Long over-due.

I made a nice salad and garlic toast for lunch. I decided to mark the plug on the toaster because it was hard to tell which side was wider. OF COURSE when I did that I dropped a dot of nail polish in the toaster! I was freaked out and panicked. I was able to take a clean, dry cotton ball and get the drop out, then took a soft dry brush with Dawn detergent on it and removed the polish residue. Then I decided that it might be flammable. So I took the toaster outside and set it in the middle of the driveway and plugged it into an extension. I turned it on high and watched it from a distance. It was fine.

So I took it upstairs, put a half slice of bread in each side, and tried it again. It was normal and no problems. Only me….

Once I cleaned up that experiment, I backed the car out and washed it. The trip to the farm to do corn left it covered in dust and I hadn’t cleaned it. So now it’s clean with sparkling windows, so I’m relieved about that.

I was just finishing up when Pat came to do the rest of the deck boards. He got them all done but one, because there was a faulty bolt that wouldn’t come out. He’ll bring different tools and handle that next. He also fixed the downstairs closet door. And of course there is the wait on the new door.

That’s about it for the day. Tomorrow I will get the cleaning done and so some laundry.

My blessing today was beautiful sunshine and cooler temps!

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW August 14th is:

Love your Bookshop Day; National Pine Day; National Creamsicle Day; National Financial Awareness Day; World Calligraphy Day; World Lizard Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Nail day. No lizards for me, tomorrow or any day. I’ll stick with loving my bookshop! Mostly it would be Kindle! God bless…

Gen and I got up early and had time for a good breakfast and conversation before she got on the road. We had homemade bread toasted and little mini cinnamon rolls with hot tea. She brought me down two boxes of STASH tea – Earl Grey and English Breakfast.

After work I stopped by the post office for stamps, and also walked down to see ‘Dad.’ His Hometown Heroes Banner is on S. Pennsylvania Avenue so I wanted to see how it looked and take a picture. It was a very moving experience, and I was emotional and on the verge of tears. Sometimes you just miss your dad!

But to recap our visit last night. I had just finished up making potato soup and baking some chicken when Gen txt that she was on her way from Youngwood. We sat downstairs for about an hour and got caught up on current news.

By about 5:30pm we were both hungry. She made us big plates of salad and I made the toast (homemade bread). Fresh veggies and warm toast. After dinner we took a two mile walk around the neighborhood, then took a garden walk. There were a few flowers that I have that she wants me to share with her next summer when her flower beds are prepped and read. I was flattered! Then we couldn’t help ourselves – we ‘gloved up’ and weeded the flower beds around the bottom driveway. A little task that made a big different. She loves the Zinnias where they are and suggested adding to them next year.

It was such a beautiful night, we decided to have dessert on the deck, as it was dusk by now. We set on the deck chairs, eating brownies and ice cream, watching the stars slowly peeking out into the night sky. She shared a story about her son Daniel camping in Utah, and seeing Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite. It was a cute story and amazing information about the ‘train’ satellite.

We both shared stories about family and work and some of our adventures. It was so wonderful to have her here, and to continue the bond we’ve had since the first day of school in 9th grade. These, as Diane would say, are forever friendships!

And speaking of Diane, she sent me photos of her hike today up at Buttermilk Falls, near Kittanning. Looks like the perfect day for a hike!

So back to yesterday. Sunday school was a huge challenge, which I won’t go into, other than to say our little class of 3 or 4 was almost overflowing with 7 kids. A new family had a three year old, and he was unfamiliar enough with a classroom or structured setting that it was more than a challenge to teach and keep Bobby occupied at the same time. We will have to do some adjustments for future classes, for sure!

Todd’s message was still about ‘searching’, about making decisions and finding God’s will for your life. Several points that hit home: 1) We have too many choices. 2) Is my decision sustainable for me and won’t wear me out . 3) Peace is on the OTHER side of obedience. 4) WHO you are is more important than WHERE you are.

Pat (contractor) is outside working on replacing some deck boards. He already realigned the kitchen storm door. We’re coming along!

My blessing today and yesterday was Gen’s visit. Words can’t describe!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW August 13th is:

Left Handers Day; Women’s and Family Day; National Filet Mignon Day; National Nail Day.

Friday’s day was National Crow Day. Tomorrow – my Cousin Deb’s birthday. I know several left-handers. We’ll talk about that tomorrow. God bless!!!

There will be no post tonight – I’m spending a delightful evening with my friend Gen! Catch you tomorrow — God bless…

Today is Snoopy’s birthday – and he’s 74! He looks really good for being so old. I hope I look that good when I’m 74. Oh, wait….

I decided to take advantage of the cooler temps and the nice breeze. I got up, changed and washed bed sheets, and then went outside to weed whack. My intention was to do that early, have breakfast, then go back later in the day and mow. But after I took a break, I decided why get dirty twice? So I cut the grass, hosed off the mower and the weed-whacker, then hosed the white fence. THEN I came in and got a shower.

I was going to have toast for breakfast but my toaster wouldn’t work. It did that once before and the manufacturer explained how to fix it. I’ve tried several time to clean it out thoroughly but no luck. I’ll try it one more time, and then it will be switch to a new toaster. I really liked that one!

Pat (who is replacing and fixing my doors) just called me. The new door for the family room presents a pickle. If I get the same swing as I have now it will cost $300.00 more. If I get the opposite swing the door knob will be on the other side. They say when you get older you should experience things that challenge your brain. Bingo!!!

I had the last two ears of farm corn for lunch, then went for a short (very short) walk. I noticed how raggedy the Bridal Veil Bush was – WAY too big and impossible to mow around. It’s branches are prickly and kept whacking me in the face and arms. I spent about 45 minutes trimming that, and also some little lilac stragglers that were encroaching on the front deck. So now that’s done.

I want to review my Sunday school lesson again, because it’s a little deep for my 4 year old student. I need to simplify a few concepts.

Beth sent me a photo of a ‘Book’ Christmas tree. I may try that this year. I really need to upgrade from my 40 year old artificial tree!

Christina and Autmn went to a concern tonight – it was their last ‘sisters’ fling before Christina leaves for college. Nate and Jen are watching Cameron, so he brought him over for about an hour so we could play. It was a fun evening!

My blessing today was spending time with Cam and Nate!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW August 11th is:

Melon Day; Mountain Day; National Align your Teeth Day; National Crow Day; National Face Mask Day; Presidential Joke Day; Son and Daughter Day; Play in the Sand Day; National Spirit of ’45 Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Sea Shell Day. Tomorrow let’s reach out to our sons/daughters, climb a mountain, play in the sand, and eat water melons! God bless…

It was a lovely Friday – weather cooperated after a morning rain. I did some reading, laundry, ran the dishwasher, fussed around in the yard, and switched out some photos in a few frames. I also got a jump on the essay for our Skunk Hollow event in October so I’m ahead of the game for that one.

I finished the first book in the Amelia Island series and started the second one – This series seems to have a lot of drama and action.

Outside I pulled a few weeds, got the mail (junk only!!), and saw that the Butterfly bush got considerably bigger. The blooms are almost all purple and white.

I noticed that Ligonier Valley Writers posted a picture of most of the published authors on their facebook page.

I finally got around to making my yellow squash for lunch, with a piece of water melon. I’ll probably have tomato and toast for supper.

I decided to switch out some pictures in a few of my frames. I don’t do that too often. But I really liked the picture of Kathy and I in the antique car at the Frick mansion in Pittsburgh so I put that in the ‘sisters’ frame and it really kind of ties the pictures together. Also put out a picture of Duke of Gloucester Street at night, taken from our Colonial House window right before our ‘ghost’ tour. The other frame was upstairs in the living room, a picture of the Biltmore and one of our Williamsburg Colonial House at night.

My blessing for today was the sunshine after the rain.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW August 10th is:

Garage Sale Day; National Sea Shell Day; National Bowling Day; National Lazy Day; National S’mores Day; National Shapewear Day; National Spoil Your Dog Day; Update Your Bio Day; World Lion Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Eye Glasses Day. Tomorrow – garage sales sound fun, and being lazy. If you have a dog, spoil it! God bless…

My first chore of the day was a doctor’s appointment at Latrobe Hospital. It was a follow up from a pulmonary function test I had in February. There are two other tests I need to have done – to determine treatment. I don’t really have issues right now, but I also don’t push it, either! Both tests are mid-month so we’ll see!

From there I got tomatoes at Palmers, stopped at both Pinnacles, then came home. I had corn for lunch but had a tomato for supper.

I spent a little time outside pulling a few weeds, then I took a walk. I feel like I need to get back into a routine of that. I liked seeing my house from the bottom road; right now it’s fairly neat.

My toe nails needed touched up so I just changed the color. They were blue. They are a little rough around the edges but that’s the best my hands can manage.

Di was needing to cheer up a friend, so she stopped and got a few flowers from my yard. She did a lovely job of putting together a nice bouquet!

I just balanced my checkbook but there is a mystery attached. As long as there is more money than I THOUGHT there was (and not less!) I’m ok with that! I’ll check it again over the weekend.

Today was 33 years since Stoney passed away. Hard to believe it’s been that long.

My blessing for today was my yummy lunch and supper with fresh garden produce!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW August 9th is:

National Co Working Day; National Book Lovers Day; National Hand Holding Day; National Rice Pudding Day; National Women’s Day; Shop Online for Groceries Day; National Passion Fruit Day; National Eye Glasses Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Twinkly Lights day. Tomorrow let’s celebrate books! I LOVE books! Wear glasses if you need to, especially to read. God bless…