Kelly called about 9am saying she was on her way with the 2 boys. I was just setting things up, and decided that instead of being outside in the pounding heat (no shade in the back at all) we would set up in the garage. I had a nice fan, two tables, comfy chairs, and got all the pans and bowls and knives ready. By the time they arrived I had about 8 ears of corn husked!

We decided to do one task at a time, so we husked everything and carried it upstairs in clothes baskets. We set the water to boiling, then got the boys lunch. Kelly and I had corn and a slider left over from Bingo. Once all the corn was cooked and soaking in cold water, we took a little at a time and de-corned the cobs. Is that a word? Kelly did the initial cutting and I scraped the cobs. We kept the bowls in the freezer until we were completely finished, then made sure everything was mixed well.

We both worked at putting the corn in little bags and got them in trays in the freezer. They should be frozen enough tomorrow when they leave to get her safely home. After we cleaned up – she did dishes and I wiped everything in the garage and hosed it down – we popped over to Gabes and Walmart. Successful at Gabes, not so much at Walmart. She bought a back-pack purse at Gabes and I did NOT (well, maybe I did) buy a Christmas blanket…

Chase and Logan were eating PB pretzels when we got home, so we pulled out the chocolate that I bought at the Amish bulk store and melted it down. We made a huge try of the PB ones and two trays of the regular pretzels. Yum. Logan loved the PB ones.

Hamburger Sliders for supper, and potatoes. Chase had frozen pizza. Once this post is done I will be done for the night except to answer an email! Yea! It’s been a whirlwind couple of days. FUN – but a whirlwind none-the-less. I talked to Nate and he said the Bingo fundraiser was a huge success, and the the kitchen held its own. So that was good.

August 29 – Tell about an incident when you were very angry with your mom or dad. “I wanted to go with my cousin, Dora Burns, to see a big parade in Washington, D.C. Dad didn’t trust Dora to take care of me. I was very mad.” I don’t even think I would trust ME to go to Washington DC! But I’d love to go.

Calendar Inspiration- The school of life is a continual learning experience. What good lesson have you learned?

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TOMORROW August 30th is:

• National Beach Day
• National Grief Awareness Day
• National Toasted Marshmallow Day

I won’t be visiting a beach, or having toasted marshmallows. I will spend the morning with my family then go to work in the afternoon! God bless…Hopefully the shower posts for tomorrow!!!

Here it is, after 10pm and I’m just starting this. So once again I will not share the shower with you. Hopefully tomorrow but don’t hold your breath! I spent the day – directly after Sunday School – helping Jen and Nate with the 9th Life Rescue Bingo Fundraiser. Sunday School was the last class that we would have JJ & Shanelle as they are moving to the 2nd grade class next week. Our lesson was on LOVE; who we should love and how God wants us to love them. They all made pictures and were happy to share.

So, I spent the day in the kitchen at the Bingo event. We served fruit cups, veggie trays, pierogis, rigatoni, ham BBQ, nachos and cheese, Ham, turkey and beef with cheese sliders (which went over very well!), chips, and there was a bake sale table, which sold out! And water and soft drinks, of course.

There were 32 raffle baskets. Chrissy won a candle basket and was very excited, because the candles were from Yankee Candle. We had the same two favorite ones: Cedar and Lilac! They were all good.

There were a lot of volunteers, but there were a lot of players. There were two rooms full of people playing Bingo. They had all sorts of different games, and pull tickets, and jackpot cards, and 50/50 raffle. We were totally busy serving food from about 2:30pm until close to 7pm. They are a really nice, hard-working, fun group, and I enjoyed spending the day with them. Jen had her bottle-baby kitty with her – it has to eat often so she couldn’t leave it alone all day. So tiny and cute! I will probably help again whenever they have the next one!

August 28 – Tell about going to box socials or pot lucks. “Once in a while the school house was open in the evening so we could have a get-together. Mostly cookies and cake was what we had to eat.”

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TOMORROW August 29th is:

• According to Hoyle Day
• National Chop Suey Day
• National Lemon Juice Day

Not sure who Hoyle is – I’ll look him up! Tomorrow is corn day – again! I’d better get some sleep. Night, all! God bless…

Apologies to those of you are are hoping to see posts and pictures of my trip to Smicksburg and the baby shower, and to AJ/UC’s for the corn. It’s almost 9pm and I just finished cutting the grass and getting the corn tucked away. Where do you put 11 dozen ears of corn? So…. That entire story will wait until tomorrow. Let me just say that it was a wonderful day – and I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family! So stay tuned tomorrow night!

August 27 – Did you ever have a fire in your home or accidentally catch something on fire? “Just the one in our Shady Lane house when your dad tried to start a fire in the furnace with gasoline. It caught the drapes on fire but when the coating burned off the fire went out. So thankful. I know you (meaning me!) were very frightened.” I remember that day very clearly! Kathy was a baby and she was in the house. I carried her out into the yard, and I wasn’t supposed to pick her up at all because I was only about 5 or so!

Calendar inspiration – Your hard work creates bountiful rewards. I’d say that my family’s hard work created rewards! Again, a huge thank you to AJ/UC, Jason, Miranda and families!

TOMORROW August 28th is:

• National Bow Tie Day
• National Cherry Turnovers Day
• National Power Rangers Day 
• National Red Wine Day
• National Thoughtful Day
• Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

There’s always something to be thoughtful about. And Tazz-puppy went over the rainbow bridge, about 2007, I think! Still miss that dog!

I lazed reading in bed to finish the last chapter of a book so I could start reading Liz’s newest release. I had just finished it and stepped in the shower and Kathy called. She never calls from work unless it’s something timely so I jumped out to chat. We discussed plans and I jumped back in – and she called back! So I jumped out again. I was laughing and dripping everywhere but it’s all good. Then after pulling weeds I came in and jumped in the shower real quick and again got a call! So showering today was a challenge. But I’m clean so that’s ok.

After a bagel for breakfast and starting laundry, I drove down to L&L. I was looking for board books for the baby shower (not to read in the shower!) and they always have really nice ones there. So I was able to get two cute ones. I saw a metal cooler like the one we used to have when I was growing up. Dad always said these things ‘fell off a truck.’ I don’t even want to analyze what that means… Then I stopped at Walmart to get items for the ‘pounding’ they are having for our new minister’s family. Do you know what a pounding is? I bought baking supplies because I think they are essential!

Once I had lunch I went outside to pull weeds. I got the rest of that section below the fence and a little section by the driveway gate. It’s shaping up but a lot left to do!

Kathy had put me onto a website where you can order free COVID tests from the government. They came today. There was a box missing (they send them two at a time), and I was curious about that, but the mailman stopped on his way back down the hill and put another package on my porch! I also got an LTD catalog which can get me into trouble if I’m not careful. Nothing called my name so I’m safe again! Maybe I’ll iron tonight, or read another section of stories. When I start reading Liz’s books I have trouble doing anything else!

August 26 – Describe how you used the phone to call a friend. “We had to turn a crank on the right side of the wall phone. Each person had their own ‘ring.’ Ours was one long and one short. To call long distance you rang one long ring & then when you got the operator (Minnie Nephe) you gave her the town and number.” I remember doing that at Grama’s!

Calendar inspiration – Beware – it’s easy to get caught up in the trivial things of everyday life.

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TOMORROW August 27th is:

• National Just Because Day
• National Pots De Creme Day

Tomorrow I am going out HOME – just because… there is a baby shower and just because they have corn for us! So that will be my day! God bless…

Today was Hempfield’s first day of school – and Chrissy is a Junior this year. How time flies. So many back to school pictures posted but here is Christina Kelly, ready to conquer the world (or at least the first day!)

I had Cheerios and a banana for breakfast before work. There wasn’t much in Jeannette, but the guys had to go pick up a car so I stayed and watched the phones and the lot while they were gone. Made me feel important! Then I went to Greensburg and did a few deals up there and helped Joe figure out an application for dealer tags. It was a basically quiet morning!

At home I grabbed a small piece of leftover pizza and waited for my first appointment. ‘Sean’ came to explain different Medicare and supplemental Dental plans. I got enough information to at least make an informed decision as to my immediate decision. I have until December 7th to make a different choice. Then at 3pm my neighbor, Mr. G, who is my financial advisor, came over to guide me in the required distribution of funds from my 401k. So all taken care of, at least for now.

After that I went outside and pulled weeds on the hill. I forgot to take a ‘before’ picture, but if you look at the one photo you can see how it DID look and how it’s cleaned up. Still have a lot to work on. One weed at a time!

Kathy stopped over to drop something off, and we chatted for about an hour. It was good to catch up, and find out about Millie’s first day of Kindergarten and the plans for her birthday party Saturday.

I have ‘A Royal Winter’ on in the background – and it’s one I really like. I love when the kids sing Lavender Blue. While I was watching that part I looked out the window. One little corner of the sky was lit up with bright pink clouds. Beautiful sky tonight.

August 25 – If you ever had a hero, tell who, tell why. “I think Rev. Russell Wilson from the Church of God. he was a young man & went in the army as a Chaplain. He wrote to Hazel, Jim & me.” Worthy person to be a hero!

Calendar inspiration – Life is the sum of our daily choices; choose well to live well.

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TOMORROW August 26th is:

• National Dog Day
• National Cherry Popsicle Day
• National Got Checked Day
• National Web Mistress Day
• National Women’s Equality Day

Does NATE DOGG count for dog day? He’s my favorite!! I’ll stack my equality up against any woman’s. Have a happy Friday and a great start to the weekend! God bless…

Four months from today is … Christmas Eve. I love Christmas, especially the lights and the music and the movies. But I’m NOT ready to start thinking about it yet! Presents get tougher every year.

I finished reading through all 58 Flash Fiction stories for the first read. Tomorrow I’ll start reading again and giving them scores. I have some favorites that I was impressed with, but the rest will be tricky to judge. We have until mid-September but I need to get them done. Liz’s new book that she asked me to be a Beta reader for is coming my way just about that time, too!

Today was a typical cleaning day, and that’s basically what I got done. I had to run down and do some notary work for Mike P, then stop at the bank. I came home and had the last two ears of corn on the cob. I decided NOT to do chocolate covered PB pretzels, as I didn’t have very much chocolate to melt down. So I took the broken pieces of my bag of Utz pretzels and did them. They are SO good. I think I like them better than the PB ones! I hope to grab more chocolate this weekend if the Amish bulk store is open.

I was heading outside to shake rugs when I spied a little chippy playing on the deck. I stood and watched for a bit. He was jumping up and down from one level to the next. He lives under the deck box, I think. Or is it a she? I don’t know how to tell.

I still have towels to fold and put away then I’m done with today.

August 24 – Did you have to abide by a curfew as a youth? “Yes, and we didn’t always make it back in time. Most of us didn’t have a watch. Our curfew was 10pm on Friday & Saturday night. 9pm on all other nights, if we were allowed to go any place.”

Calendar inspiration – An opportunity will present itself -recognize it and more forward with confidence.

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TOMORROW August 25th is:

• National Banana Split Day
• National Kiss and Make up Day
• National Park Service Founders Day
• National Secondhand Wardrobe Day
• National Whiskey Sour Day

I love second hand clothes! I don’t think I’m mad at anyone that I’d have to kiss and make up with. And four months from tomorrow is…. God bless!!!

I went to work twice today! I went to Jeannette and helped Rege with a title that he needed. Then I went to Greensburg and did a few titles up there. Floor Plan was checking cars, so I was glad I was able to show up at the right store at the right time.

After I got home, I cut, weed-whacked, and swept outside. The grass always looks so nice when it’s freshly mowed. I finished that task, then made a few more phone calls regarding my dental plans. I got some useable information from the Dental insurance provider. Now I just have to decide how to use it! Still waiting for Dr. Lane’s office (my general dentist) to call me back.

Then — I went back to work. I had arranged to meet Jesse there to do a title transfer and tag for his truck. I know he was glad to get that done. Then Rege, Kevin, and I chatted for a bit before I left. I found out some interesting things about my buddy Rege – he’s actually sort of a hero type. I’m in awe now! Maybe I need his autograph. But seriously. He’s a seriously nice guy!

When I got home again I made a pot of potato soup. I taste-tested it and am pleased with the results! I bought PB pretzel nuggets at the store but didn’t want to get involved with dipping them in chocolate today. It’s almost 8pm and that’s sort of late for that kind of project these days! Maybe tomorrow – or Friday. Thursday I have two appointments regarding my financial planning.

TODAY is the anniversary of Sally’s first appearance in the Peanuts strips. THAT’s something fun! I was nine years old…

August 23 – Tell about another favorite toy. “It wasn’t a toy but a ‘dresser set.’ Hand mirror, comb, and brush. I loved it.”

Calendar Inspiration – Life is the toughest teacher. Learn all you can in school to make life a little easier!

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TOMORROW August 24th is:

• National Maryland Day
• National Peach Pie Day
• National Waffle Day

My personal favorite waffle is Eggo Chocolate Chip. And I do NOT like peaches, in pie or any other way! Maryland, on the other hand, is a pretty nice state… Have a great day and God bless…

Happy happy birthday to my second son, Dave Bath! He and Nate have been friends since grade school – and he’s been hanging out and sharing life with us for a long time. Hope all your wishes come true, Dave – sending hugs! Love ‘Mom’ #2!

I have to say, reading those Flash Fiction stories – which are all rather creepy – had me dreaming some strange dreams. After I finish this project I am going to have to go through detox!

I worked both stores, then came home, changed, and had lunch. I went outside to work in the front yard while I waited on the guy from Country Farms. He gave me a thorough idea about what would work and what they would have to do to get the hill gardens under control. He actually said the gardens looked nice! I was encouraged by that. They will send me an invoice and then I’ll decide. Tim was much more congenial than the other guy was… It will depend on the price, and if I can work it into my budget.

Beth sent a txt message about a tavern in Vermont – the Skunk Hollow Tavern! So perfect! Maybe that should be our next adventure. It’s a little far for a day trip…

I should have started on my project for the day earlier than I did – but lesson learned. Things close earlier – like dentist offices. I called my Medicare provider to get information on their plan and what it covers. He was very nice, and helpful, but no — it doesn’t cover any part of implants. So then I called the person (broker) that Paul recommended, and he was very helpful. We talked about coverage and plans and providers and costs. He’s scheduled to come over on Thursday and we are going to go over a few different options. It’s fairly certain I will make SOME sort of change. And I’m not good with change…

Other than that, it’s been a calm day. I had a fruit salad for lunch, and plan on having corn for supper. I may also work on cream of potato soup – either today or tomorrow.

August 22 – Tell about a favorite doll, teddy bear, or other stuffed toy. “One Christmas Hazel & I both got dolls that had tin heads. We wore them out playing with them. Our mother had made clothes for our dolls. I wish I had it to show you.” I had a few toys growing up that I wish I still had, primarily my Gerber baby. And my Buzzy Bee toy! I would have liked to see the doll with the tin head, though.

Calendar inspiration – Learning the basics is the vital first step of education. Then you can achieve anything!

Quote – Two today!

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TOMORROW August 23rd is:

• National Cuban Sandwich Day
• National Ride the Wind Day
• National Sponge Cake Day

I found a sponge under the dryer yesterday – but it wasn’t cake! I’ll take my chances with the wind. Have a happy day. God bless…

It was sunny when I left for church, but I was only there about 15 minutes when it started to pour. There’s a member who rides his mountain bike to church every week, and he got caught in the storm. The educational wing doors are always locked but I heard him up there and ran to open it. He was dripping, soaking wet, but very happy to be safe! The radar had been clear when we left the house – he was not a happy camper! But he did have dry clothes so all was well.

I sort of thought that since it was pouring rain I could get out of washing and cleaning my car – NOPE! By the time I changed clothes and had lunch it was sunny, warm and clear. So that project is done and I have a clean vehicle!

While I had the car outside, I cleaned up the drink storage and switched it out with the paper product storage in the laundry room. Everything is now neater and easier to get to. Small things!

But this morning in Sunday School Mary had the kids playing a game which they love – and they had a great time with it! The lesson was about Daniel in the Lion’s Den and they learned about Daniel praying to God, even against the king’s new law. It doesn’t matter how many time I hear, read, or teach a lesson, I always come away blessed!

Di sends four of us a morning song (there’s always a theme), and this morning after the song she sent me pictures that our friend from High School took of Friday’s sunset. She lives in North Carolina. Her photos make mine look pale and dull! She’s a great photographer. Thanks for sharing, my friend!

Brian (cousin) fixed my mower and brought it back this afternoon. I’m so excited to have both mowers working now. So next spring I will get a small storage ‘shed’ and keep one mower up by the house and the other one down in the big shed. No more dragging the mower up and down the hill! Again, small blessings!

August 21 – Share an early experience with make-up. “We didn’t have lipstick but our cousin Helen brought us a bottle of fingernail polish (no polish remover). We painted our ears, chin and nose. Dad was so mad he made us keep washing until we finally peeled the bright red polish off our face. A lesson learned the hard way!” That is a funny story!

Calendar inspiration – Peanuts!

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TOMORROW August 22nd is:

• National Bao Day
• National Be an Angel Day
• National Pecan Torte Day
• National Surgical Oncologist Day
• National Tooth Fairy Day
• Never Bean Better Day

Ahhh. Tooth Fairy. I could use one. But I somehow doubt that will happen. Have a great week – God bless…

It was a beautiful summer day. The grass seemed like deeper green; the sky was deep blue with fluffy white clouds (Presque Isle Sky!). Just a slight breeze. After breakfast I went down to L&L Fleatique and just walked around. Saw lots of interesting things but nothing motivated me to purchase. I even went straight home and didn’t stop at the store. Amazing.

The sunny, bright day inspired me to clean thoroughly, which I spent all day doing. I was finished about 7pm, and THEN ran quick over to Walmart to pick up a picture from the one-hour photo center. I wanted the one of Chrissy by the sunflower to put in a frame on my bookcase. The only photo I need framed now is Chase – the other four photos are a unique photo or milestone event. So I’m waiting for Chase to be unique! (Did I really say that???)

I did pick up a bag of M&M’s – it’s the first time since May that I haven’t had red/white/blue M&M’s in my bowl!

Just as I was finishing up cleaning it began to totally pour down rain. I could almost not see past the deck. But suddenly the sun came out and there was a rainbow! It faded quickly but I did get a few photos. There was another one when I was driving to Walmart but I couldn’t take a picture while I was driving.

I am a judge for the Flash Fiction contest for Ligonier Valley Writers this year, along with two other people. We have to read 58 stories, score them, and then submit the results to the administrator. She will calculate the scores and send us back the names of the top 15, and we have to pick the top 10, in order. I’ve already read 10 of them (Flash fiction is 1000 words or less) and I’m sad to say that only one was even worth reading. I think they need a younger, more ‘in touch’ judge than me for this. I just can’t wrap my head around these stories. This should be interesting!

Flash Fiction Contest: (mermaids, selkies, and water dwellers)

I was going to watch the newest movie on Hallmark with Paul Campbell, but I got home after it started. I don’t want to spoil it having missed the beginning, so I’m watching a different channel. Next will be supper. I changed bed sheets and washed three loads of laundry in addition to cleaning and errands!

August 20 – Did you ever make a purchase that you later regretted? “Nothing ‘big.’ I bought a lot of small items like irons, food processor, stationery bike, etc. Always think before you buy any large, expensive item.” Great advise!

Calendar inspiration – Everything looks different with time & experience. Consider a new viewpoint on a familiar topic.

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TOMORROW August 21st is:

• National Brazilian Blowout Day
• National Senior Citizens Day
• National Spumoni Day

Tomorrow is going to be ironing and wash the car day. Two great reasons to celebrate — when the chores are done. Have a beautiful day in the house of the Lord. God bless…