About mid-morning the sun broke through the clouds. Kelly & I were sitting upstairs in the living room (boys were still sleeping!) and it was like the maples in the front yard suddenly turned golden yellow and were glowing! I should have taken a picture then, but I didn’t manage the picture until I got home from work. Not sure when I am going to get back out to work on the leaves so I’ll just enjoy the fact that the trees and yard both look beautiful!

After Kelly and the boys left I had to go to work. Since I didn’t go in on Tuesday there was a nice amount at both stores, and I also had to stop and help Mike P with something. Then I picked up my costume from Chrissy since I will probably need it on Saturday at Hanna’s Town. Nate’s neighbor bought those little ‘shadow’ characters and the two little deer look so cute in the yard!

Chrissy’s art class went to the Museum of Art in Greensburg today and she sent me some photos. She really loves her art and photography! So let the credit go to the artists for the first two pictures (whoever they are) and I’m not sure who snapped the picture of Chrissy in the shopping cart – it was in the Art Ally…

I’ve been trying to think of what I can have here in the house that will be easy for Kelly to make when she’s here next week. We came up with a nice list so I’ll be ready to host her when she comes up Wednesday night. So now I’m home and cold and tired – here’s to comfy Snoopy PJ’s!

October 27 – Tell a story about a time when you dressed up in a costume. “When we had a party for Halloween I dressed up like a Fortune Teller and we told the ‘guests’ their fortune. it was a fun evening & even the older folks got into the fun of the evening.”

Calendar Inspiration – Everyone working hard would appreciate a little help – it counts twice as much!

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TOMORROW October 28th is:

• National Chocolate Day
• National Internal Medicine Day
• National First Responders Day
• National Pharmacy Buyer Day
• National Breadstick Day
• National Frankenstein Friday 

Looks like Frankenstein eats breadsticks! I plan to celebrate CHOCOLATE! And all fun aside, First Responders deserve their own day, every day – They do what we can’t do. Blessings and safety to them all. God bless…

Just as I was getting out of bed I heard the rain. It stuck around most of the day with only a few cloudy interludes. And WAY more leaves on the driveway and in the yard. But the day started with a left-over event from yesterday.

Update on the Pinky Winky – I CAN trim it – in the spring! 🙂

Kelly & I noticed that the right front tire on the Buick was considerably low. I drove down to work and they put air in it but said to watch it. They found a screw stuck in the tread. Well, we watched it get lower! By the time we got home it only had about 18 lb of air as opposed to 32! I left the car outside as we could not get to the tire if it was parked in the garage. This morning when I checked the tire it was completely flat!

I had promised Claudia I would deliver the freshly ironed linens to her at Hanna’s Town this morning, so we did that in Kelly’s car. While we were gone, Ken and Rege came up and got the car and had the tire fixed. Now it’s sitting happily back in the garage with the appropriate amount of air and all is well! I love those guys!

It was wonderful to have Nate, Jen, Chrissy, Autmn and Xavier here tonight for Pizza with Kelly, Chase, Logan and I. We had a lot of laughs and some necessary discussions – I love these guys and the love and support they have for me, and for each other. So glad to spend the evening with them.

Just a little head’s up – I have to have a gland removed from my neck next week. I’ll keep everyone informed as we go along. God’s got this!

October 26 – Share a memory about being very scared. “I was to go bring the cows in to be milked in the outside cow lot. One of the cows had just had a calf & was way back in the woods. I got mixed up & went the wrong direction from where I needed to be. I followed a ‘rocky bottom creek’ about a mile. Found a place I was familiar with and was okay to find my way back. The cows were milked when I got there. 🙂 “

Calendar inspiration -The greatest challenges give the greatest rewards.

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TOMORROW October 27th is:

• National American Beer Day
• National Black Cat Day
• National Civics Day
• Navy Day

I would think Halloween would be Black Cat day. I may not celebrate anything specific tomorrow. Have a happy day – God bless…

Before I start, today would have been Bud’s 86th birthday – I still miss him! And he would have DEFINITELY reminded me that it’s two months until Christmas Day! Happy heavenly birthday, Bud!

While I was waiting for Kelly and the boys, I did some outside work. It was such a beautiful fall day, even at 10am! First I cut back the big hydrangea by the steps. Since it was on the hill, I was sitting on a kneeler. I kept sliding off, and at one point I suddenly slid down and threw the clippers – then I couldn’t find them. And I couldn’t finish trimming the bush because I couldn’t find the clippers. Finally I got a second bag and took one handful of stalks out at a time – found the clippers about half way down. They were heavy enough to work their way toward the bottom. I didn’t trim the Pinky-Winky – Gen advised that it was better for the bush not to!

Next I got the blower and the rake, and extra bag, and my garden gloves, and cleaned up the leaves in the front. There are still more on the trees than on the ground. Doesn’t even look like I raked at all!

Kelly has been working on getting me some Hanna’s Town tee shirts, and today she brought me up a red one and a blue one. Also this wonderful little draw-string back-pack! I’m excited – I hope to show Lisa and see if they might be interested in a few for the shop.

After lunch Kelly & I had an errand to run – I ran out of ketchup! She also wanted to stop at Gabe’s, which is where I usually get my batteries (and I was out). She bought 2 really nice fall and winter shirts, and I got my batteries, and SHE talked me into buying a blanket! (Yes, I’m blaming her!) It’s very pretty, and perfect for winter – thick and warm and longer than some.

We went to Walmart for ketchup and for fruit snacks for the boys – and found ‘Christmas Shopping’ shirts! Now we have to pick a day when we can go together.

October 25 – What hobbies or collections did you have as a youth? “I loved pretty handkerchiefs. I still do and have several I have had over 60 years. They are ones I received from friends.” I think Kathy and I both have a few of her hankies…

Calendar inspiration – Change is rarely easy to accept – but remember that every ending is also a new beginning.

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TOMORROW October 26 is:

• National Day of the Deployed
• National Financial Crime Fighter Day
• National Mincemeat Day
• National Mule Day
• National Pumpkin Day
• National Tennessee Day

Let’s celebrate mules! Not sure why… Just — have a super Wednesday. God bless…

My first chore of the day was to get my flu shot – and typical for Dr. Cole’s office their tree was decorated for the season! My arm is a little stiff but otherwise all is well.

Since I was already in Greensburg I worked at that store first, then went to Jeannette. It was about noon when I left there and stopped for groceries. I did laundry, had lunch, went for a walk, then caught up my checkbook. I wanted to get better lights for the hall – and I think they look cute.

Chrissy txt me to see if I had any Halloween lights. Her Art and photo classes are doing a photo booth on Wednesday and she wanted to dress things up a bit. I took her over 2 sets of purple bat lights, one orange jack-o-lantern set, and a purple LED set, all battery operated. Also lent her my witch’s costume so she could look the part. She’s the one taking the photos and she’s very excited. Can’t wait to see the pics!

On my walk I took some pictures in the neighborhood. It was a bright beautiful day and the trees were glowing!

When I got back from taking the lights down to Chrissy, I mixed up scones for the kids tomorrow. After I finish posting this I will find food for supper, then finish the ironing. I spent two hours last night ironing the tablecloths and napkins from the tea! That was quite a task. I’ll take them back over to Claudia on Wednesday for safe-keeping.

Got this picture yesterday from a friend’s friend who lives in Michigan. Amazing colors!

October 24 – If you had a watch, tell about it. “I didn’t have a watch until I was 26 and we sold enough Christmas trees in the front yard so your dad could buy me one. I still have it and wear it to church sometimes.” Actually, now I have the watch, and remembered the story! We take so much for granted.

Calendar inspiration is presented to you today by Woodstock!

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TOMORROW October 25th is:

• National Merri Music Day **
• Chucky, The Notorious Killer Doll Day
• National Greasy Food Day
• Sourest Day

I don’t think I’ll celebrate any of those – maybe I’ll celebrate that Kelly and the boys are coming up for three days! Enjoy your Tuesday. God bless…

The kids in Sunday School this morning were very excited about Trunk or Treat this afternoon. I decided I would dress up, so I dug all the old costumes out and combined about 4 different ones! Hope no one asks me who I am supposed to be!

But after church I picked up my friend Teresa and drove her to Laughlintown to pick up her car. The Pie Shoppe was open so we stood in line for probably half an hour, but we both got what we were hungry for. I was glad to do her the favor and to get a yummy treat as a bonus!

There were a good number of cars for Trunk or Treat and some were really cute! My favorite was – of course! – Charlies Brown & Sally. The kids basically walked around twice, then went through the arcade and got points or treats. Inside was a contest, hot dogs, chips, and drinks. They all had a really good time. The costumes were cute and the kids were excited, and the parents enjoyed hanging out. I think Mary’s Cookie Monster turned out FABULOUS! Great job, Mary – thank you!

KIDS HAVING FUN!

ACTIVITIES AND CAR TRUNKS:

And now at the end of the day the sky is pink and blue and beautiful. Signs of a perfect day tomorrow.

October 23 – Did you ever pick apples? “We had apple trees on the farm when I was growing up. We picked them to make apple sauce from the ‘summer’ apple tree. We picked them in early fall to make apple butter & pies. Then we picked from a ‘winter apple’ tree to store for winter.” Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford often shared their abundance of apples with us. Kathy was better at making the apple sauce, etc, than I was.

Calendar Inspiration – Step outside your routine and be adventurous – try something new!

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TOMORROW October 24 is:

• National Bologna Day
• National Food Day
• United Nations Day

“My bologna has a first name…” Fun! Just have a great day! God bless…

After changing bed sheets and having breakfast, I headed to Hanna’s Town to help with the Victorian tea. The hills in front of me had low-hanging clouds and were beautiful in the morning sun. I even drove through one!

Hanna’s Town had a few people waiting to greet us – and some signs about traditions associated with Halloween.

When I got to the Steele house, Becky was there with her pumpkins and extra flowers and greenery. She enlisted my help again and we perked up the vases that were droopy, set up a few new displays, and then cleaned up.

Just as I finished that, Claudia and Priscilla pulled me into the kitchen, so I went from flowers to food! There was lots to do, and we all kept busy from about 9:30am until I left, just a little after 4:30pm. We prepared, plated, (and sampled!) food, from scones and cookies and sandwiches to fruit and cheese puffs and pumpkin fudge. We boiled endless pots of hot water, changed tablecloths and napkins, washed dishes, and served food. Everyone pulled together and we’ve never had so many wonderful and supportive comments from the guests.

Thanks to all who made and contributed the food, served, worked scullery (kitchen help!), and hosted. It was a great day, and although I’m tired now, I’m thankful to be part of such a great team!

And now, at the end of my day, I just finished talking to my friend Teresa to hear about her adventures with Women Traveling Together (Charleston and Savannah). Also doing mounds of laundry from the tea – cloth napkins, tablecloths, and kitchen towels! It keeps on going!

October 22 – What is the farthest you ever ran or walked? “I guess when I was in 6th or 7th grade I was able to run all the way home from school, which was about 1 & 1/2 miles.” Not bad, Mom!

Calendar inspiration – from my Williamsburg calendar!

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TOMORROW October 23rd is:

• iPod Day
• National Boston Cream Pie Day
• National Mole Day
• National TV Talk Show Host Day
• Swallows Depart From San Juan Capistrano Day
• National Mother-in-Law Day 

Mole day! Hmmm.. OK. Well tomorrow is Trunk or Treat at Church for our little ones. Mary and I are doing Cookie Monster – actually she made it. I’ll share pictures tomorrow. Have a great day in the house of the Lord. God bless…

I’m adding an extra post today – As an ARC reader for Fiona Baker I wanted to post a review of her most recent book – THE CHRISTMAS LODGE. It’s the first book in a new series, set in the mountains of New Hampshire, in a small, quaint town. If you like Christmas novels, and sweet romance, and strong women characters, you will like this book! Here’s the review I posted on Amazon:

Lacy is a strong, driven independent woman – and determined to build a successful business that will lead to a productive and honorable life.  She has something to prove, to herself and to those who knew her father and grandfather.  She could right some wrongs – right?  But when she inherits her grandfather’s estate, and sets out to leave a better legacy than he did, she starts to discover that things are not always as they seem.  With the help of Derek, a team of sled dogs, and the entire community, Lacy digs deeper into her own memories, her own legacy, and reexamines what she has to offer that really will make a difference.  Fiona gives us all hope that even when things aren’t as they seem, they are just what we need!  Very inspiring, delightful, and encouraging – well worth the read, especially with the holiday backdrop.  Can’t wait to keep reading the series!

I was at Hanna’s Town by 10am, and we set about getting the tables set and the kitchen ready for tomorrow’s Victorian Tea. I was getting ready to leave when I noticed Becky struggling with boxes and bags of artificial and cut flowers and decorations. Her friend Debbie couldn’t make it to help her decorate so I offered – although I’m not talented with that at all!

But she showed me what she wanted done, and we made short work of getting it all put together. We’ll put the finishing touches on tomorrow morning early before we start preparing the food.

I stopped at the bank on the way home, ate lunch, then spent the afternoon outside cutting dead stalks, pulling weeds, and raking leaves. It was nice to be outside! And it was a busy day.

Happy, happy birthday to my dear Uncle Clifford! Hope it was a wonderful day and that you celebrate many more! Love you!

October 21 – Do you have a story about standing up against odds for something you really believed in? “I believe we need to have our pets spayed or neutered. I said we would not have cats we couldn’t take care of. We found a good vet that was reasonable & we could afford.”

Calendar inspiration – We all carry a bounty of gifts & experiences to share with others. Be generous, take your time, and enjoy!

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TOMORROW October 22nd is:

• National Color Day
• National Make a Dog’s Day
• National Nut Day
• National Make A Difference Day

Ahhh. Make a dog’s day! THAT could make a difference. Put color into someone’s day, for sure – God bless!

I dressed for Hanna’s Town this morning, but first went to work at both stores. It was very cold so I bundled up in layers to keep warm. We were inside the Klingensmith house, which had limited heat, and we did keep the windows and doors shut. However, that didn’t really make it warm! But it did eliminate the wind and that helped a lot.

Today was a homeschool group, with about a dozen students plus parent/sponsors. They all really enjoyed both doing the tin punch and learning about the craft. Even the parents did a picture. One younger girl was so excited about it that she got her first picture done and almost finished a second one! It was a short day but very fulfilling. Since the sun was shining it made for good pictures, as well.

I stopped on the way home and put gas in the Buick, then stopped at Di’s for a few things. Then I stopped at Kathy’s to drop something off! By the time I got home it was 3pm and I was hungry. I made a sausage, egg, and croissant sandwich for lunch and it was very tasty!

Next, I went to the Irwin Dollar Tree and Walmart to purchase items for my children’s Christmas Shoebox. I’ve never done one and had a hard time choosing. I probably did buy more than I needed to, but I think my little girl will be happy about her gifts. The ‘main’ toy was a kitten that meowed and walked across the floor when you squeezed it’s tummy! I like it, so I’m pretty sure she will too!

Oh – and I noticed that Walmart had a new greeter…

October 20 – Share a favorite fall memory. “For years we always tried to drive to the mountains. Your father liked Bedford & Myersdale. That is still my favorite time of the year. This year, 2005, was beautiful & a nice long fall season. We have gum trees, which are very beautiful early in the fall.” I know mom loved the fall season, fall colors, and all the wonderful memories!

Calendar inspiration is from Peanuts today – and in honor of that I stopped at the Post Office and purchased 2 sheets of Peanuts stamps!

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TOMORROW October 21st is :

• National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
• National Reptile Awareness Day
• National Witch Hazel Day
• Back To the Future
• National Mammography Day 

Mom used to call her cousin Hazel Brown ‘which Hazel’ because she had a sister Hazel too! And speaking of reptiles – we found a snake skin in the corner at the Klingensmith house! I’m really glad it wasn’t ‘occupied’! God bless…

Another cold and rainy day. But better weather on the weekend! This will be a short post, as I didn’t do much today other than do some cleaning and laundry and Bible Study. Hopefully more exciting things tomorrow! I am helping with a school tour (tin punch) at Hanna’s Town tomorrow.

I did switch my pumpkin blankets out and put the newer one on the couch. I love the stars on it with the pumpkins.

Kathy, don’t be jealous – last week I got a small bag of Potato Sticks. I know they are a favorite for you. I’ve been nibbling on them all week.

Bible study tonight was SO GOOD! We are still talking about heaven, and some of the thoughts and details we discussed tonight were very fun to embrace and think about. Heaven will be wonderful!

October 19 – Was an injustice ever done to you? “No. I have always been treated fair. People are, as a rule, very well behaved around you if you are well behaved around them. ‘Do unto others as you want them to do to you.'” I have a feeling that isn’t happening as much these days as it was 17 years ago when she wrote that!!!

Calendar inspiration -There is a great satisfaction in knowing that your hard work has paid off!

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TOMORROW October 20th is:

• National Brandied Fruit Day
• National Chicken and Waffles Day
• National Youth Confidence Day
• National Get Smart About Credit Day
• Get to Know Your Customers Day

I’ll be at Hanna’s Town for events on Thursday, Friday and Saturday! So it’s a busy week! Have a beautiful day tomorrow. God bless…