This will be short, because I spent all day cleaning and doing laundry and ironing. That isn’t anything to elaborate over or to take pictures of!

About 5pm I went outside and pulled weeds on the last section of the hill. I got about half done. It had cooled off and the hill was in the shade so it was comfortable. A few of the plants made me cough so I didn’t stay out too long. Came in and took a shower then ate the last piece of leftover pizza for supper. I was going to make a salad but the lettuce was smushy.

So, that’s it! Kelly called to check on my plans for the weekend – which are still ‘soft’. So I’ll see what I can do tomorrow to firm them up.

My blessing for today was that I got through my list and even got a little extra done.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 9th is:

Alphabet Magnet Day; Hurray for Buttons Day; Lost Sock Memorial Day; Buttercup Day; Make a Book Day; National Sleepover Day; Tear the Tags off the Mattress Day.

Yesterday’s fake was Light Bulb Day. I can celebrate buttons, making a book, having a sleepover. Pick one and have fun. God bless…

Worked both stores this morning – but much lighter than yesterday. I stopped on the way home to look for a pair of jeans but found a shirt instead! Kelly was on her way up to get the title work done for Peyton’s car – VW Jetta diesel. He’s very excited. So we went back down to Pinnacle and handled that, and by the time we got home Autmn and Cameron were settled in for the day’s visit.

Kelly sort of offered to make chocolate cupcakes for Sir Regis, so we came home and did that after lunch. I’m sorry I didn’t take pictures – I forgot! But they were Chocolate fudge with a Hershey kiss tucked in the center, with chocolate frosting. We all piled into the car and drove them down to him. He was very excited to get them!

Cameron was happy and in a fun mood. Autmn put his play-yard together and dumped the balls in, and he loved crawling around in them! He played with the balls, his toys, had a bottle of milk, then came upstairs and played on the cow rug for a while.

He likes the cow pillow, and playing with little Tupperware bowls, and then talking to the baby doll. I think he’s decided she’s his new friend!

After Kelly left, Autmn and I took Cameron for a ride in his stroller down to the playground. He rode for a while in the baby swing, which he loved. Then he sat with his mom on the big swing.

He did take a short nap while Autmn called to look for apartments in Pittsburgh near Noah’s work.

Now it’s after 8pm and I’m waiting for the predicted rain. Another busy day but loved spending time with Autmn and Kelly and baby Cam!

My blessing today was being able to do something nice for Sir Rege – He has had a few tough days in a row (a friend is struggling with a cancer diagnosis) so it was nice to be nice!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 8th is:

Free Trade Day; Iris Day; Light Bulb Day; Jamestown Day; National Give Someone a Cupcake Day; National Have a Coke Day; No Socks Day; Reward Yourself Day.

Yesterday’s day was National Stifle Your Frustrations Day. We gave cupcakes away today so probably not do that tomorrow. Kelly took some, and Autmn took the rest. Autmn had a coke and I didn’t wear socks. So what does that leave for tomorrow – but to have a happy day? God bless…

I thought for sure it was going to rain today – it was cloudy on and off. But it’s 5:30pm and no rain yet! That gave me a chance to cut the grass. My neck and shoulders are stiff, as the grass was high and thick and took some effort. I weed-whacked around the fence line but it only took a few minutes. Done until the weekend!

Kelly sent the some of the photos she took yesterday. A lot of them are close to what I took, but I’m sharing them anyway.

So, now for the tea. Between Friday’s set up and Saturday’s event, we had a lot to do. We talked to Claudia a few times, and she was feeling really good and missed being with us. We soldiered through and it was a very successful event. Becky took charge of the fresh flowers and decorations throughout the rooms and on the tables. She did have some talented helpers and the rooms looked lovely! Thanks, Becky, for another excellent job.

The first seating was at 11:30am – and we were ready.

Cathy and Carol each explained the traditions of the tea – one at each seating. There was a door prize awarded at every table, which was collected at the gift shop across the walk. Each guest also received a discount coupon for store purchases today only. Several of the guests were dressed to the nines, with fancy hats and heels and flowered dresses. Everyone raved over the flowers, the food, and the festivities. It was a huge success!

That being said, the scullery crew invested heart and soul into making sure the plates were presented well, the tea pots were kept full and hot, and all the needs were met and exceeded. After the first seating we hand washed all the fancy tea cups and saucers, then ran two dishwasher loads for everything else. The linens were changed on the tables, and everything started over again. When the last guest from the second seating at 2:00pm left, the extra clean up crew came in and the first morning shift were able to leave. Not me, though! I was in it for the long haul. It was after 4pm when everything was washed, the tables were cleaned off, the linens stuffed in bags (which I brought home and laundered), and everything packed in their appointed bins until the fall tea. We all worked together well, and even had several laughs together. They are a great bunch of ladies – all volunteers – and despite being thoroughly tired at the end of the afternoon it was a great event.

Now I just have to spend the next several hours ironing all the tablecloths and napkins!

I stepped out on the porch just now and saw that a robin was building a next on my porch light. No eggs or babies, so I dismantled it and tied a grocery bag around the light. I think that will prevent her coming back to rebuild!

My blessing today was getting the grass cut. And having enough leftover Cream of Potato soup for supper!

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW May 7th is:

Love’s Baby Soft Day; National Foster Care Day; National Stifle Your Frustrations Day; National Paste Up Day; National Teachers Day; World Asthma Day; Donkey Week; National Hug Holiday Week; National Tourism Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Dark Sky Day. I can identify with Asthma issues; I like hugs as well as the next guy/gal. Let’s be tourists and go somewhere! God bless…

Today was Free Museum Day in Ligonier, in addition to being National Museum Lover’s Day. I will share today’s adventures and catch up from the tea tomorrow. It’s easier when today is still fresh in my mind.

We woke up to rain, and it stayed wet the first few hours. Kelly and I went to Sunday School and taught the Prodigal Son lesson. Jackson thought it was a very sad story. So we went over it again and I explained about how the younger son did make some wrong choices and ended up alone and broke, but he decided he was sorry and went home to the Father. I believe it gave them something to think about. God loves us – if we just turn to him as His child!

So Kelly and I left after Sunday School and headed to Ligonier. The closer we got the less rain we had. It was still cloudy and overcast but not breezy or wet. We had packed a few pieces of leftover pizza and some water, with the intention of stopping at The Pie Shoppe in Laughlintown for dessert. Which eventually we did.

Our first stop was The Lincoln Highway Experience. I do like stopping there. I enjoy watching the movie about how the highway was built, and all the history and sights along the way. Like, the Coffee Pot, and Ship Hotel, Serro’s Diner, and the little rental A.B.C. Motel cottages. I love seeing the replica of the Ship Hotel and remember stopping there with my family as a child; the views were amazing. On Free Museum Day Serro’s Diner even has free pie and coffee/water. Kelly got a poster for Logan of a classic car. Don’t ask me which one!

By now it had totally stopped raining and the sun was trying to peek out. We drove up to Laughlintown to the Compass Inn – an 1800’s stagecoach stop. I am actually friends with a woman whose family owned the Inn and helped restore it. There are several outbuildings, and today they had a blacksmith demonstration, cooking, children’s games, and docents in all the other sites. The cook had made a pot pie that looked delicious!

We walked across the street to a little craft and gift shop. I bought a candle bulb that is scented, and two small sample soaps. Next we went to The Pie Shoppe. I bought two cookies and a maple iced cinnamon roll, and a package of Snails (cinnamon dough cookies). Kelly bought an M&M cookie. I ate one cookie with my lunch and brought everything else home.

The parking lots at Ft. Ligonier were all full, and we drove around the block several times before we found a little space just a block up. We timed our arrival well, as the French troops were presenting a demonstration on the side lawn. They also set off a volley. There were guides stationed in all the buildings and interpreters to explain military life in the 1700’s, including in the Officer’s quarters and the surgery and the barracks.

After we walked around outside we went into the museum and looked at the displays there. My favorite is always the time line of the forts that were built – like Bedford and Littleton and Duquesne and Ligonier. I also like the documentation of the archeology digs and celebrations in the last 60-70 years. Hard to believe those were in my lifetime!

We headed home after that, and got all the way into Greensburg before it started raining again. There was enough sunshine for me to plant the forsythia that Roxanne gave me yesterday and relocate the hidden azalea that Chase uncovered on Friday. I pulled a few weeds (very few!) while I was at it. Now — rain again.

Kelly and Chase left about 7pm, right when it started to rain and thunder! They had to pick Peyton up at work in Eighty-Four (PA). I have an email to answer and will probably grab a slice of leftover pizza to end the day. We really had a nice day – no rain during museum time, took our leisure, and saw a few people we knew. It was relaxing, interesting, and historical! Really worth going!

My blessing today was spending time with Kelly, doing something we both enjoy!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 6th is:

International No Diet Day; Melanoma Monday; National Beverage Day; National Nurses Day; National Open Farm Day; National Tourist Appreciation Day; National Dark Sky Day; Deaf Awareness/Sign Language Week; Screen-Free Week; Westminster Dog Show.

Yesterday’s fake day was Lilac Day. I know Kathy and her fellow staff will be celebrating deaf awareness. I can do without a diet tomorrow but I won’t be able to go without a ‘screen’! Have a great week and God bless…

Today was a long, busy day – but very rewarding and fun and productive! It was our semi-annual Victorian Tea at Historic Hanna’s Town. Two of our key players were missing from the committee and we all stepped up to the task. Well done, friends! Especially to Priscilla for her guidance and to Roxanne for holding me up!

I will post details and pictures either tomorrow or Monday. Tomorrow is Free Museum Day in Ligonier so Kelly and I have planned to do that. So I will catch up asap.

My blessing for today was a well-executed Victorian tea and all of us who worked together to make it happen!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 5th is:

Cinco de Mayo; Blessing of the Bikes; Museum Lover’s Day; National Lilac Day; Nail Day; National Astronaut Day; National Cartoonists Day; National Lemonade Day; World Laughter Day.

Yesterday’s day was National Daisy Day. Kelly & I are for sure celebrating Museums, and my favorite cartoonist, who is — you guessed it! Charles Shultz! God bless… (Take time to laugh a little!)

Started the morning at the post office sending off a Letters to Mary book to my step sister-in-law SJ from South Carolina. She lent her copy out and never got it back. The internet was done and none of their equipment was working. It finally popped up and I was able to send the book out.

Then I stopped at Sheetz to get a gift card as a thank you for my mower guy. I made it to Hanna’s Town just as Kelly called me about a car they found for Logan. We spent the next hour getting information on title requirements, but thankfully it worked out. Logan actually bought and paid for this car all on his own. Proud of you, buddy!

As I was tied up all morning, my friend Teresa picked up Chase for me and dropped him off at the house. Gigi got her picture taken with Arnold Palmer at the airport, and again with Chase at my place. She’s a popular little pup.

We got everything organized for the tea tomorrow. It will be a long day but hopefully everything will go smoothly. We even got to talk to Claudia – she’s being released tomorrow, which is great news. Her surgery was Thursday.

Chase was settled in and comfy, so I went out and worked in the garden. I cut back the dead branches of the shrub under the steps, pulled the rest of the weeds, and cleaned out around the lilacs along the fence. I also planted two cuttings from my bridal bush and two from my lilac bushes, and a forsythia starter that I found at Aldi.

This is the Bonsai tree that Chase and Aunt Kimmie made out of Legos. There are pink branches so it can bloom in the spring, too.

Then I came in and made cream of potato soup and a frozen pizza (his request!) for Chase. I’m bushed. No pun intended.

My blessing for today was having Teresa pick up Logan. That saved Kelly a trip up from W. Alex, saved me from leaving the Tea team short handed, and allowed Chase to spend a few days hanging out here.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 4th is:

45 Day; Anti Bullying Day; Beer Pong Day; Daisy Day; Free Comic Book day; National Herb Day; International Respect for Chickens Day; Kentucky Derby; Naked Gardening Day; National Fitness Day; National Scrapbooking Day; Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!!); Bird Day; Start seeing Monarchs Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Brewed Tea Day. I think my favorite day for tomorrow is Respect for Chickens. I wonder how many people will do their gardening in the nude? Of course, everyone should celebrate Star Wars! Here’s my tribute to Bird Day – God bless…

Today is my friend Mary’s birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY! I hope your day was special and you felt loved and happy!

It’s 8:30pm and I just came in. To be fair, I didn’t go outside until about 5pm. First of all, I had a full work day. Then I had groceries to get and errands to handle. Still have two to do tomorrow. I did stop at Aldi and got a new garden kneeler. It’s like getting a Cadillac kneeler for a Hyundai price! They are very nice. Mine was falling apart.

Chase is coming tomorrow to spend the weekend so I made chocolate chip muffins and mixed up some grape Kool-Aid. I’ll be gone half a day tomorrow setting up for the Hanna’s Town tea, and all day Saturday until 4pm. So I wanted something for him to eat that he didn’t have to fuss with.

The big news is that Autmn passed her Driver’s Test! I prayed all day for her – and God is good — all the time! And since she’s over 21 she gets a ‘big girl license’. Cameron, however, is still working on his Learner’s Permit…

I got the left side of the hill done. The plants are filling in nicely but still have a ways to go. I finished that last corner and then did under the deck in the back. That didn’t take long, but getting under the steps was uncomfortable. One thing at a time!

My blessing today was that Autmn passed her test. I’m very thankful as she really needs it to get a job and stepping into the rest of her life!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 3rd is:

National Paranormal Day; National Public Radio Day; National Two Different Color Shoes Day; Sun Day; Wordsmith Day; Kentucky Oaks; Lumpy Rug Day; National Brewed Tea Day; National Chocolate Custard Day; National Garden Meditation Day; National No Pants Day.

Yesterday’s day was National Take a Hike Day. As for tomorrow, Wordsmith Day is cool – and I kind of like two different colored shoes. But I won’t consider not wearing pants. Have fun, and God bless…

Well, here we are – May Day! I hope little kids all over the country celebrated with a Maypole dance. So exciting to make those memories.

I alternated my day by reading chapters in the second Mitford book and cleaning the house. Right now I am waiting for the dryer to finish so I can fold towels.

After I finished cleaning I went down on the hill and almost finished the left side. Just one little corner to do.

And the horses on the hill just stood around munching…

Not a very exciting day to write about, but a productive day! The rest of the week will be on a fast track. I’m ready…

My blessing for today was just spending a bit of time outside. The fresh air and the breeze felt refreshing.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 2nd is:

National Baby Day; Brothers and Sisters Day; Harry Potter Day; National Take a Hike Day; National Day of Prayer; National Play your Ukulele Day; World Password Day; National Truffle Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Trash Day. Above all, take time out of your day tomorrow to spend time in prayer. Our families, our nation, our health — and also thankful for our Salvation. God bless…

The day did start out sunny and warm, but the rain eventually came. But first I worked both stores. Jeannette put me through the paces, as there were complications with everything I attempted. I was home by 11:30am and jumped right into yard work. The grass really needed to be cut, so I decided to forego pulling weeds and cut before the rain hit. I got the grass cut and weed whacked and the walks and driveway blown clean.

I stopped long enough to have lunch – leftover pot pie that was in the freezer. Yum! My neighbor was outside walking one of his dogs, so we chatted on the street for a bit before I went back inside and got out the rest of my summer clothes. I was wondering why I didn’t have any summer yard work clothes, and then I remembered that I only unpacked the summer clothes that I needed for vacation.

I had made a note to remind me to change the photos on the fridge. I liked seeing the old Crooks springhouse pics but I missed having my little family on view. I left the two original springhouse pictures that Aunt Hazel and Mom had sent me ages ago, and added a picture of Biltmore. Then I added Cameron, a young Kathy & I, Nate’s group several years ago, and the Hancher family when the boys were very young. I’m happy with it – for now!

Today is my friend Teresa’s birthday – Hope you have a happy day spending it with Gigi!

It’s 6:30pm and I could probably ‘force’ myself to pull weeds for an hour – but I actually don’t want to! I need a break. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

My blessing for today was mowing with my totally serviced mower – and I even took time to hose it off and clean it before I put it away. Brian would be proud of me!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW May 1st is: ( There was a very long list – here are a few!)

Blessing Day (my favorite!); Frequent Flyer Day; Global Love day; National Trash Day; Great American Grump Out; International Doodle Dog Day; Learn to Ride a Bike Day; May Day; Mother Goose Day; National Loyalty Day; Phone in Sick Day; Zombie Awareness Month; National Interpreters Appreciation Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Hopping Day. Take time tomorrow to count and appreciate your blessings! Maybe read some Mother Good rhymes, and probably avoid calling in sick! My favorite interpreter is of course my sister. Have a happy day and God bless…

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of April 2024. One-Third of the year will be over, and where – exactly – did it go?

I worked at both stores today but neither were busy for me. They had a steady flow of customers but those deals aren’t ready for me yet. I was home by 10:30, had a quick snack, and headed to weed the hill. I worked for an hour but it was very hot, so I took a break, made lunch and read inside for half an hour.

There was more of a breeze when I went back out. I put on some sunscreen and got back at it. At about 4:30 I called it quits and switched gears – I washed the car. That was good for cooling off.

Now I’m inside and having a pretzel until I can make dinner. I still have clothes in the dryer to fold and iron, as well. And I forgot to mention yesterday that a friend of mine from Hanna’s Town (their longest and oldest volunteer!) passed away on Sunday. She was 85. She was the tea ‘ queen ‘ – mixed up the spiced teas and hosted the semi-annual Victorian teas that are so popular. She will be dearly missed – she was a beloved and valued member of our team. It won’t be the same moving forward.

A little bunny just hopped past my door and up the steps!

Blessing today was beautiful weather! I love being outside. I just noticed that the weather on my computer toolbar said strong winds coming. Hmmm.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 30th is:

Day of the Child Day; Hairstyle Appreciation Day; National Hopping Day; Healthy Kids Day; Honesty Day; International Jazz Day; Mr. Potato Head Day; National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day; National Bubble Tea Day; National Bugs Bunny Day; National Oatmeal Cookie Day; National Tie Dye Day; National Raisin Day; National Military Brats Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was Red Door Day. We had Mr. Potato Head when we were growing up – but we used the pieces with real potatoes! It’s important to be honest, and why not have an oatmeal raisin cookie? Did you know Bugs Bunny has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Enjoy – and God Bless..