Finally a sunny, mild day – and not too hot. I worked in Jeannette, then had a meeting at Hanna’s Town for the Fall Tea. There was a lot of ladies at the meeting; a lot more help this year! The flowers right outside the entrance where delightful as always. Greensburg didn’t need me to come in, so I dropped off an item at Goodwill then came home.
This space is always lovely
The full moon isn’t until Saturday, but last night’s sky was beautiful and the moon was bright and almost totally round. It was a nice evening.
Beautiful Wednesday evening
After lunch today I went out on the hill and pulled a few more weeds. I think one more go at it will finish it off. There will always be weeds to pull, but the horridness should be over by then. I have a plan for next spring, and I think Kelly and the boys may be able to help! That will be good!
BeforeAfter — Just the top right side to finish up.Little touch of yellowRose of Sharon
The ‘Paint Guy’ called me back and he’s stopping out to give me a quote on staining the deck. It really does look nice now that it’s completely dry. It needs protected for the winter. My cousin is stopping by in a few minutes to see if he can help with the loose post on the top corner. I’d like to get one major project under my belt this fall!
Posts are separating….
This just in! My cousin stopped and fixed the gap! Thanks Mark!
Very sturdy and safe now!
The plan is to stay home all day tomorrow. What do you think? Can I DO it? I’ll keep you posted….
Home sweet home…
September 8 – Did your parents ever make you wear something stupid to school? “We had to walk over 2 miles to Plumville so in cold weather we had to wear slacks under our skirts to keep our legs from getting front bitten. Girls didn’t wear slacks in those days.” I was never allowed to wear pants to school (Hempfield dress code); by the time Kathy got part way through, girls were wearing pants!
Calendar inspiration – Shortcuts are so sweet! Look for new time-savers.
Quote – Most quotes about short cuts were negative!!! Go figure!
Kelly used to love Care Bears – she had several. Nate may have had one. I have a purple sparkly Teddy Bear my mom bought me. I think I was in my 50’s when I got it, but I still have it! Go enjoy a Wiener Schnitzel with your bear! God bless…
I was dressed and outside about 8am, taking everything off of the decks and front porch, and moving the little lawn décor away from the area. I was able to get everything moved and ready and have breakfast before Nate and Dave got there. It was chilly this morning, and by the time they finished they were both wet and dirty. But the decks look amazing! It will be ready to paint now.
Dave & NateSteps turned out very nice, and the deck box is clean!Upper deckLower deck
While they pressure-washed, I cleaned and swept and scrubbed inside. The one ‘minus’ of the whole process was that I just washed windows on Friday – and now they need wiped again! Small price to pay.
Windows for sure took a hit….Door got it from below and above
Dave cleaned the deck box out of me, but the chairs were filthy. I hosed them down and stuck them on the fence to dry. I can soon put them away.
All the chairs in a row…
I still have Kelly’s corn in my freezer, and it was just sitting on trays which kept tipping over and spilling. I bagged them all and cleaned out the freezer so now I can get to what I need until she can get her corn. Probably next week…
I found my Oreos!
September 7 – Tell about the playground equipment at your grade school. “We had NO playground. The farmer that owned the ground where the school was built tried to mow enough of his field so we had a place to play outdoor games.”
Calendar inspiration – Be ready for opportunities and take advantage of them when the time is right.
Cloudy early this morning, a little drippy rain here and there, but a comfortable day. I worked at both stores and helped Mike P out afterwards. Since it was sort of a light day, I stopped at church and changed the bulletin board in my Sunday School class room. Nothing amazing, but a nice change and can stay up until Christmas – and I won’t even have to change the background since it’s green. I wrote new names on bright cards and labeled the baskets for our current students and possible visitors. All in all it worked well.
Old bulletin boardLeaves and fall pictures – Falling for Jesus; Fall for Jesus; He never leaves!More fall!New names on the baskets
I stopped at the bank on the way home, and struck up a conversation with a lady in front of me in line. She said she wasn’t there for banking business; she was there to give her friend a hug! The lady (Linda) was celebrating 2 months from having stopped smoking. We stood in the parking lot and talked for almost an hour – and she ended up buying LETTERS TO MARY! She has 18 grandchildren and great grandchildren! Wow! She bakes and sews and baby sits – makes me look like a slouch with everything she does. I hope I hear from her after she reads the book. The conversation really started when we talked about imprint tee shirts – I gave her PLC Design’s contact info (Kelly’s imprint business) and it just moved from there! She was so nice to talk to!
They can do ANYTHING!
After lunch I cut the grass, pulled some weeds, trimmed back some dead stalks, cut the Rose of Sharon bushes that were encroaching on the hill between the fences, and pulled down some dead morning glory vines. Of course, then I had to shower, because I felt creepy! I went upstairs to turn on the deck lights and saw that the sky was very dramatic. The deep green trees, the red patio umbrella, the violet sky, and dark gray clouds — very striking.Next – food!
Dying flowersSteps beforeCleaned up the dead yellow flower stalksWeeds cleaned from the stepsTidied around the shedCleaned around the walkwayCleaned up between the fencesDrama in the sky
September 6 – What do you remember doing at recess? “Played outside in good weather. We all brought our sleds when it snowed. Played jacks when we had to stay inside.” Can you imagine kids taking sleds to school? That just doesn’t happen these days…
Calendar inspiration – Explore everyday wonders of your local area – the more to look, the more you’ll see!
THAT is a crazy list of things to celebrate. Hmmmm. I’ll go for the neither snow nor rain – but I’m thinking that has something to do with the post office. Maybe I’ll just see what happens. I think I’m getting my deck power washed tomorrow – so I’ll celebrate that. Have a great Wednesday! God bless…
I slept much better last night, but there was at least one major, compelling reason for that. I had just finished supper at a little before 8pm when a long-time friend called me. We see each other across the room at functions but seldom get together to chat or catch up. Well, we made up for that last night. It was well after midnight when we hung up, but there’s not many topics we didn’t cover! Some serious, some making us laugh, some shared interests. It was nice to catch up but I don’t think I EVER spent 4 1/2 hours on the phone at once in my life!
Yep – 4 hours and 23 minutes!!!
Despite the questionable weather (rain), Deb, Kath and I donned raincoats, umbrellas and suitable wet-weather clothing and headed to the Pennsylvania Arts and Craft fair at the Westmoreland Fair Grounds. It was not crowded; the rain was gentle and it was warm, so we were fine.
Rainy mountain viewI think Deb was trying to hide behind her umbrella!
We enjoyed looking at everything, had lunch there, and each made a purchase of some sort. I bought one of my favorite things (second to blankets!) and also a tiny baby rubber duckie. My writer friend has one and when she goes on trips she take a picture of it in documenting her travels. I’m excited to have this little guy (or gal!) and will have to pick a cute name.
Coaster – with a cow, barn, AND scripture. Kath found it!Rubber Duckie, reading a book!
My favorite display was Silvis Landscaping. They are at all the local fairs and festivals, and their waterfall features are wonderful. That would be a pipe-dream for me. But we had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed being together – we made our own sunshine!
If you look closely, the water fall starts above the bridge. I love it!Me in my natural habitat….
I’m not sure where the afternoon went – except that I did spend several hours cooking (which is NOT my thing!). I made zucchini casserole and mixed up scones to bake tomorrow. The casserole is done so I’ll have some for supper once I finish posting this. Tomorrow is back to the regular routines – but only a four day week! 🙂 That means two work days for me so I’m happy.
Z Casserole – just add cheese!
September 5 – Tell about a school bully. “Blain Cunningham was always the one all us girls disliked the most. He was just plain mean & hateful.”
Calendar inspiration – Autumn offers a rich harvest of flavors. Enjoy old favorites and sample new ones.
Quote –
Scripture –
Random Photo –
Brand new baby – my first granddaughter Autmn Rose
I actually have chocolate mocha ice cream here now. I’m not a fan but it’s ok. And OF COURSE I’ll read a book. When don’t I? Have a happy, short week. God bless…
I could not sleep last night. I woke up at 3am and didn’t fall back to sleep. I ended up working at the computer for over an hour but that didn’t help. It’s a good thing no one else is here because I’m probably a grouch in real life!
When I looked out the door at church I saw a little blue button – but it wasn’t a button. It was a googly eye. I’m really glad about that, because it’s a good thing to keep an eye on the church… (I know, I know…)
It didn’t help that Sunday School was a little scattered. The two boys were excited, feeling like they got ‘promoted’ even though they were in the same classroom. They both moved up a grade in school, of course. We talked about rules and why they are important, but most of all we talked about how to find JOY (loving God with all your heart, mind, and strength). We’ll talk about JOY all month so we can reinforce the lesson.
Last night I was finishing my supper when I heard one loud boom. I went outside and realized someone down the street was setting off fireworks. They were hard to see over the trees and I didn’t walk down, but I stood there for a few minutes and enjoyed them. I love fireworks!
Today after lunch I went outside and worked on pulling weeds and cutting back plants on the hill. I still have one section to do – if it doesn’t rain all day tomorrow maybe I’ll finish it then. It’s looking better each time.
A little more doneI cut back the Tansy All the way acrossThis part not done yet.
September 4 – Tell about your school year calendar. “The superintendent of the Indiana County Schools sent or brought one to the school. The teacher would make copies to send to each household of her (or his) pupils.”
Today is one year (Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, but it was actually September 5th) that Byron did the service and we said our farewells to Mom. I’ve thought about her a lot this weekend!
Byron leading our celebration of Mom’s life.Mom looking ‘saucy’ in her hat!
Calendar inspiration – Working with others will bring sweet rewards for all.
Well – those all sound fine. It’s very easy to be late for something – or everything. And I can always eat pizza! Not sure if we should celebrate Labor Day by NOT doing work or by doing our work WELL! Anyway, hope it’s a fun day. God bless…
I accomplished everything on my list today but none of it is actually post-worthy. I changed and washed bed-sheets, studied my Sunday School Lesson and made some crafts for them. Wrote a review and posted for Liz’s book. Changed the Snoopy flag to one for the holiday. And I finally finished scoring the Flash Fiction stories and sent the results to Anita. The committee will discuss them when everyone has turned in scores. I concentrated on making that a priority in case Liz gets her NEXT book to me as a Beta reader – which means I read with complete concentration and without interruption! So THAT was my day – and it’s 9:00pm! I have LIVING BIG SKY (buying homes in Montana) on in the background.
Snoopy flag for Labor day weekend
Here is the review for Liz’s SECOND CHANCES AT BRAMBLEBERRY CREEK: Amber Lee watches her cousin Morgan Jo’s life fall into place. Morgan knows what she wants to do, and who she wants to do it with, and what has to happen to make it work. And Amber is ready to throw herself wholeheartedly into the family project. But when Amber’s life takes an unwelcome turn, she even starts to question whether Morgan Jo can really make this project a success. There are secrets and failures and incomplete entries in their grandfather’s diary that seem to thwart their every move forward. Will Morgan and Amber be able to agree on what direction to take to make the winery a success? Will they have to compromise or accept partial defeat to make it work? Amber pushes past objections and even tests Morgan Jo’s determination, but finds that second chances aren’t just the only choice. They are most often the best choice. Elizabeth doesn’t just write the story; she writes the lives that you feel part of. You live each choice, disappointment and success. And who wouldn’t find happiness in Brambleberry Creek? (Posted on Amazon and B&N)
So, that’s it! Hopefully more exciting day tomorrow! Though, truthfully I was very content with my day. Didn’t get outside but hope to tomorrow. Here is a picture of the moon! That’s pretty cool!
September 3 – What do you remember about your first day of school? “I visited school so often when I was 5 years old that Miss Mary Marshall told Dad if I got vaccinated she would let me be with the first grade class. I learned to enjoy school that year. I don’t even remember my ‘first’ day of ‘real’ school.”
Calendar Inspiration – A kind word or cheerful song can brighten your day. Share that with others!
I started early to focus on the windows but had a number of disruptions. Thankfully, they were mostly fun ones so I was OK with that. I finished up a little before 1pm and had everything cleaned and sparkling. Kelly called and warned me NOT to fall out the window. I didn’t so we’re all good.
Clean, sparkling windowsNO! B&B did NOT clean my windows! I did! And the dog is just a friend. He doesn’t work for them….
Once I finished windows, I had a yogurt and then started on the white fence between my yard and neighbor Dottie’s. I use the ‘Totally Awesome Cleaner’ that you can get at the Dollar Tree. It does a great job on the fence and now it’s shiny white!
See the black across the top and down the post… It was at the bottom, too.All clean!
The Flash Fiction stories were playing heavy on my mind, so I spent a few hours reading and scoring some of them. I have several more to do but you can only take crazy stories about Mermaids, Selkies, and sea creatures for so long before your mind starts to frazzle. So I took a break and did errands. I stopped at Gabe’s for batteries – they had an entire new shipment of fall blankets, and I’m happy to say that I escaped out of there with NO NEW BLANKETS! HONEST! I just bought the batteries.
I got groceries at Walmart, and then replenished my Totally Awesome Cleaner at the Dollar Tree. Unfortunately I could not find any more fall or ghoul M&M’s – Walmart sold out and Target didn’t have them out yet – just Peanut ones. But now I’m home and I’ll finish this and get some supper.
M&M’s haven’t been $2 since forever!
I did forget to post yesterday that it was one year since Mom’s passing. I thought about it all day but just didn’t translate the thoughts to the Word Garden. We all miss her, and it doesn’t seem real that I can’t call or visit! Love you Mom!
Mother’s Day 2020
September 2 – Do you have a memory involving V J Day? “We celebrated by calling everyone on our telephone line. Some people didn’t know as they didn’t have a radio and the news would be late coming to the news paper in our area. Our school held a special assembly. A day that had happiness along with the awful way (Atom Bomb) it came about.”
Calendar Inspiration – Peppermint Patty from PEANUTS.
I think this is most of us these days….
Quote –
Scripture –
Random photo –
Kathy, Susan and Gail (Skunk Hollow Girls) taking time for a rest.
Mom loved to bowl – had her own ball and shoes and bowled every week with her friends in Greensburg. I don’t think any Welsh Rarebits were involved…. And none of them had beards! Have a happy Saturday. God bless…
It was a pleasant day today – not too hot to be outside. And no rain. I started by working in Jeannette and finished up a project there. Then I stopped to see Mike P, and finally on to Greensburg store.
I am NEVER this busy at work! Ever!
I also changed the Snoopy wall calendar. Good for another month!
From there I dropped off an apron that PLC (Kelly’s imprint company) made for Kathy’s church. We chatted for about 45 minutes then I came home and had lunch. The other day I broke the soap pump on my kitchen sink, and my neighbor popped over to see if it really was broke or I just didn’t know how to put it together. It appears broken. He says they have several so I’ll wait a few days to see if he brings it. It not, I’ll get a new one. We were able to put it back together and it will work temporarily but is not secure and moves around.
Kathy’s apron for churchIt works for now
Next chore was to weed whack. For some reason it was really nasty, and I used up both batteries by the time I was done. But it should be good for two or three grass-cuttings before I have to whack again. Then I paid bills to start out for September. I hope to do the ironing, then work on reading and scoring the FF stories. Not an exciting day but I did accomplish some things!
Weed whacked and neatPaying bills
September 1 – Do you remember any Labor Day traditions of your youth? “No. I don’t think too many celebrated Labor Day when I was young.”
Calendar Inspiration – Rest and play are just as important as work. Take a break; you’ll be glad you did.
Kelly and the boys left about 9:15am – She and I had zucchini bread for breakfast. The boys got up last-minute, packed all their gaming stuff, and off they went. Logan was more awake than Chase, but they were both agreeable. I always hate to see them go!
Well, today is the last day of August. The next thing we know it will be December! I’m NOT ready for that. But it’s a bit cooler, in the early morning and later in the evening. I went out this morning and found a huge spider web outside my door. There were droplets of water on it. Amazing.
See the water drops?
I spent the day alternately cleaning the whole house and reading. I should be grading Flash Fiction stories – that will start tomorrow! I read the first 2 stories in a series – The Sandbar Sisters – and the third one came out yesterday. I’m almost done with it. I think it’s the best of the three. I finished Liz’s newest book last night, and the next won’t be released until the end of September! But I am going to be Beta reader for the next book in her Prairie Creek series. That’s in about two weeks, so I have to get the stories judged and scored quickly!
Book 3 – really good!2nd book in series – very good!Just a few more weeks to wait…
On Sunday Sherree (Jen’s mom) gave me the Westmoreland ‘Best of County 2022’ magazine. Ninth Life made best non-profit! I’m so proud of them and the hard work and dedication – all volunteers! Not a paid person among them! Way to go, Ninth Life!
After I finally got the house cleaned and two loads of laundry done, I went out and cut the grass. It was well past dusk when I finished. I was a mess so I just got a shower. Next — food!
August 31 – Share a memory involving an outhouse. “Snakes like warm places to sleep. An outhouse in summer is a very warm place. When I was a kid I would run to the outhouse instead of going inside to our bathroom. One day when I went in and slammed the door a black snake slid down in front of the door on the inside. I was always VERY afraid of snakes but I stood on the toilet seat & screamed until Dad came & opened the door & chased the snake away.” That would freak me OUT!
Calendar inspiration – Favorite books are old friends – keep finding new ones to enjoy!
Most of life feels like no rhyme nor reason – so I guess we’ll go with that! Enjoy whatever you put your mind to, but consider reading a good book and make new ‘friends’. God bless…
I got up and went to work in Greensburg early. Joe had deals and a mileage issue on a title. Got that done and headed home; then Kelly & I drove down to Norwin Walmart. She was looking for clothes for Peyton – and she finally found what she needed. HOWEVER, we got caught in the rain and were soaked! After a change of clothes and a quick lunch for everyone, we mixed up zucchini bread because Matt was hungry for some. While it was baking, I zipped down to Jeannette to help Rege with a dealer plate mandate then came home. That has been the excitement of the day. So now, I finally think I’m prepared to post about the shower on Saturday!
One for Matt, one to freezeWith a little drizzle
So I left the house early on Saturday, and stopped at a few antique shops on the way to Smicksburg, one in Plumville. I was walking around and a customer and the owners were talking about events and family and it was funny to hear other people talking about people that I knew — or at least knew of! By the time I left, I had done the same thing with the owners. My cousin Bonnie used to cut her hair! Small world…
McCormick Mansion in Smicksburg- they were talking about this. I was in it at least once as a small child…
So from there I went to the Amish Bulk Food store, and did find chocolate wafers. I walked around looking at the the fun foods and items they had. I was so tempted to just keep buying. But I left with my chocolate, and tucked it in the cooler with ice.
Using my chocolate…
From there I drove into Smicksburg and parked by the Community Park. The first thing I noticed was that one of the houses was now an Inn – or Bed and Breakfast. Turns out it was my cousin’s wife’s mother’s house and they sold it for good purpose! It looks really appealing.
Charming and inviting!
What was once The Drying Shed (my favorite shop) is now The Farmhouse Finery. I walked across the street and went through all the rooms. Very much country farmhouse. This is their first official year open for business.
I then walked BACK across the street to the Country Cupboard just to look around. Again, hard not to buy! Their bath soaps smelled wonderful and were very reasonably priced. They had dip mixes and fudge and fall displays. But I was heading to the baby shower and was out of time…
Country Cupboard
On the drives around town and country I snapped a few photos of Amish – as long as I didn’t take their faces. It was a beautiful day, and it’s a beautiful area. It brings peace to my soul just taking it all in.
Drive through SmicksburgAfternoon drive Stop at a friend’s.Walking to where they need to go.
It was so great to see my family! I sat with Aunt Joan, Gwen and Gail, and a person from ‘Skunk Hollow’ (sort of) that I hadn’t seen since she was tiny. Now she’s married and has six kids and I THINK a grandson! I talked to Allen and Bonnie (the baby-to-be-born’s great grandparents) who are my cousins. I talked to Erin – the grandmother (Allen & Bonnie’s daughter), and a passing hi to several others. I saw Maria and Susie across the room but didn’t really get to chat.
Our tableAJ & I – Gail in the foreground.
Bonnie shared with me that she made the ‘bouquet’ on the registration table, and the ‘cake’ on the food table, and the centerpieces on the seating tables. I loved the centerpieces. I may consider asking her to make one for me. They were so pretty, and very unique.
Diaper bouquetCakeFlowers (from Bonnie’s garden) in Mason jars in the trough! I love it! Bonnie taking picturesLittle tea light
The food was good and plentiful – sandwiches, potato salad, veggies and fruit, rigatonis, fried chicken, pasta salad. Tons of desserts, including cupcakes, Jello-pretzel salad, and a pudding dessert.
Meat tray looked like a flower!flavored cupcakes
TONS of gifts, and I would bet my game prize that they got close to 100 outfits plus everything else. My favorite thing (since of course I am a blanket person) was the soft, fleece blanket with the baby’s name all over. So beautiful!
My game prize – can’t believe I actually won something!Shay’s blanketNight lightBeautiful baby blocksFor guests of honor, seats of honor. The blanket was Renay’s when she was a baby!Renay and Mackenzie All the gifts!
After hugs all around I headed over to the ‘farm’ to pick up the corn that had been picked for our families. There was over 11 dozen ears. But the bonus on that side trip was that Perry (cousin) and Anita (wife) were in from Delaware. We chatted and I hung around there for half an hour before heading back to Greensburg. It was a wonderful day, and I felt I represented the family admirably in this venture! Can’t wait for the next visit!
Welcome at the farm.
I got home and situated the corn, cut the grass, and prepared for my Sunday School lesson. I was tired and glad to say goodnight! But it was a great day and I was overwhelmed with love and gratitude for the blessings of this beautiful family.
Part of the corn.
So now it’s after 9pm on Tuesady, and we will probably have to think about food- which turned out to be pizza. Kelly planned on leaving this afternoon, but Matt & Peyton tour her bed apart to replace it and didn’t get it back together. SO…. I’m thinking she’ll hang here where at least she has a place to sleep!
Decided on Giannelli’s Pizza – Carbon.
August 30 – Tell about an incident when your mom or dad was very angry with you. “We were having a big family dinner. I was 3 or 4 and wanted a ‘big’ piece of cake. I was told NO which made me pout. Dad took me to the ‘very back’ kitchen & paddled my behind. I was so ashamed I hid in the broom closet. Uncle Fred Eakman came and found me :)” I love this little story! Poor little Dot!
I’ll gladly go back to South Carolina – Charleston was amazing! I enjoy a good trail mix and like to make it myself, and eat it outside. No matches for me, thank you! Have a happy day tomorrow – which is also the last day of August, 2022! God bless…
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