A little improvement, finally! I did get some sleep last night. I woke up several times but could get right back to sleep. That was a blessing. Also the doctor’s office called and my Chest X-Ray was all clear. So whatever is going on, it’s allergy related. But it really packs a punch!

As as is typical for a Wednesday, I did cleaning and laundry. It was SO tempting to clean up some weeds on the hill but I heard all those warnings in my head and totally avoided it! Just stayed inside all day. Ran over to the store for about half an hour but didn’t find what I wanted so that was that! In addition, the door came shut on my hand. Bummer…

When I was shaking rugs, I noticed that I have a small yellow rose blooming. I thought they were done!

Kathy said in her email that she’d have to keep notes so she remembered what she was doing. She wants to spend some time keeping Tonia company, and tomorrow starts her ‘get Millie off the school bus’ duties. She’ll have to remember where she’s going and what she’s doing. Hoping she doesn’t try to put Tonia on the school bus!

And my dear friend Gen from New York called to check on me, and suggested a few things to check into that could be effecting my cough. I made some notes and will check them out tomorrow. She’s also being care-giver this week. She is always a care-giver several times a week for a few hours for two children in her neighborhood (brother and sister). But the mother had a chance to take a small trip with friends, and between Gen and the kids’ dad they are watching them all week. Since Dad has them all night, Gen brought little Lucy the dog over to her house so she could sleep in her own bed. So now she’s bonding with Lucy.

Last night’s moon pictures.

Today’s blessing was the little extra sleep I got last night – I had a bit more energy to get things done!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW August 22nd is:

Be an Angel Day; Folklore Day; National Jeans Day; National Burger Day; National Pecan Torte Day; National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day (There you go, Jen!!); National Tooth Fairy Day; World Plant Milk Day; Rainbow Baby Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Anchors Day. Tomorrow: Be an Angel and do something kind for someone. Eat a burger and take your cat (if you have one) to the vet. I no longer need the tooth fairy – but if you do, good luck! God bless…

BONUS: Here is a joke for you – answer tomorrow!! Why did the man get fired from the calendar factory?

This post is going to be a bit on the dry and boring side today. Another night of no sleep – I think it’s was close to 5am when I finally drifted off and was up at 7 when the alarm went off. I got ready and drove down to Norwin Square Excela Health for a chest X-ray. I haven’t heard back with results, so at this late hour it will probably be tomorrow. But since I did get new medication yesterday I’m hoping a day’s worth will start me on the right track.

After the X-ray I went to work at the Greensburg store. Joe’s grand-daughter Ella was there for the morning, and she loves to color and draw. She’s very good with both staying in the lines and with creative colors.

Once I left there I stopped at Palmer’s and got tomatoes and a few ears of corn. I had corn for lunch and will probably have toast and tomato for supper.

Although I was really tired, I couldn’t unwind enough to rest after lunch, and absolutely didn’t get a nap. So, I cut the grass. I know, I know….

Also pulled a few weeds – neighbor’s corner was spilling into my yard.

Pat is here now replacing the last bad board on the upper deck. Then we just have to wait for the new door to come in.

Tomorrow I plan to take my time with chores, and since it’s to be chilly again I’ll stay inside. I had 2 people approach for long-term type commitment favors and I gently explained why I could not take on anything else right now. Maybe down the road, but I’m pretty sure I need to take on less commitments, not more.

My blessing today was visiting with Ella for a bit!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW August 21st is:

International Day of Remembrance; Internet Self Care Day; National Senior Citizens Day; National Spumoni Day; National Anchors Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Nose Day. Tomorrow- lots of things to remember, especially our Senior Citizens! Have a happy day and God bless…

I just called my doctor’s office – the first thing they made me do was a COVID test – which was clearly brightly negative. So that’s ruled out. Now they are going to take that news, plus my symptoms, and see if they can come up with a plan – which hopefully will involve no coughing and a lot of sleep!

But now, back to the ‘holes’ in the weekend. First, Nate and Jen took Chrissy to Point Park on Saturday to get moved in to her Dorm room. From the pictures it looks roomy and comfortable. She did meet her room mate and it seems like a good fit. She has her BallyHoo posters up – her favorite band! – and also her bear that she got in the hospital the day she was born! Nate says he feels like he left a little bit of himself there when he headed home; Jen cried half way home! This is a new and exciting chapter in Chrissy’s already fabulous, sweet, accomplished life!

These pictures are from Lauren’s facebook page:

Chrissy sent me a txt – this is outside her building and she thought of me!!

Autmn sent me a few txts – Noah brought her flowers home, just because. I told her he was a keeper, and to make sure he knows she appreciates him! She also said Cameron is a walking machine and all over the place. He’s also been laughing and giggling a lot. I can’t figure out how to get a video to post here so here’s a snapshot.

Jeannette store was slow this morning but I didn’t leave there until 11:15am. Sir Rege and I were discussing business, illnesses, and healthy food. Then Ken came in and we talked about crabgrass, Lantern flies, and buying hogs at the fair! Interesting morning! After a quick stop at the bank, I came home and made a grilled cheese sandwich from Homemade bread.

In honor of the full moon and the National Moon Festival (today) here is a picture of our moon!

My blessing today was a call back from the doctor’s office – 3 prescriptions and a chest xray in the morning!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW August 20th is:

National Bacon Lovers Day; National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day; National Radio Day; World Mosquito Day (They have their own DAY???); National Accessible Air Travel Day; National Nose Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was (big surprise!) don’t mow day. Tomorrow – Bacon is good, and I like my radio. Won’t be celebrating mosquitos… God bless…

Out of the lowkey non-exciting weekend came a busy day! This post will be about a morning of decisions, and afternoon of parties, and a preview of tomorrow’s post. But first I had a cup of the tea Gen brought down to me – with local honey.

Then I took a picture of the spread of morning glories across the fence. Also noticed that Daniel is letting Enzo help him cut the grass. I think he’ll need to be a little bit older than four to do it himself!

It started out that I could NOT decide about going to the outdoor picnic/outdoor church service. Normally I would jump right on that, but I had a tough night trying to sleep, and it was cloudy, cool, and drizzling off and on. I didn’t want to be outside in that for several hours. So I opted to stay home. Wouldn’t you know, it was a beautiful, warm, sunny day with a nice breeze. To sooth my disappointed self I made a small batch of chocolate chip cookies. They turned out OK, but turns out I lost my natural touch for cooking and baking lately. Bummer.

After I cleaned up from the cookies, I wrote out a few cards of encouragements for my sick friends, then a birthday one for Millie’s party. I decided to go to the Ninth Life Volunteer Appreciation Picnic at Park & Pool (Ninth Life is Jen’s rescue). I got to catch up with a few people I knew and the food was good. Dessert was yummy and a very wide variety. Jen’s friend Esther makes the chocolate chip cookies and they are one of the best I’ve ever eaten. Made mine seem sad and forlorn.

After the Ninth Life picnic I went to the next pavilion to wish Millie happy birthday. They had her 7th birthday party at Park n Pool – kids everywhere but the parents were very good keeping track of all of them around the pool. Kathy and I did get to chat a bit and catch up. She said Tonia is doing much better but her left eye is still very swollen.

Autmn sent me pictures of Cameron, and Sherree sent me pictures of moving Christina into Point Park yesterday. I will cover those tomorrow!

My blessing to day was getting out in the fresh air and visiting with so many nice people!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW August 19th is:

National Aviation Day; August Moon Festival; National Don’t Mow Day; Discovery Day; International Bow Day; International Orangutan Day; National Photography Day; National Potato Day; National Soft Ice Cream Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Ivy Day; Tomorrow – The moon is good, potatoes and ice cream are yummy – and take some pictures! God bless…

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!!!