I started out today with a tally of 9 extra RSVP’s for Saturday’s event. I already had the room set up and the food ordered. Why do people do that? One person is bringing five extra people! Oh, well. Enough venting. I handled it and we’ll have a fabulous time!
I worked both stores and stopped to help Mike P., then ran a few errands. I had seen a stereo stand at L&L Fleatique yesterday, and was contemplating that. The current set-up has not been efficient nor appealing. I took measurements, went back down, and measured again. I brought it home and scrubbed it, then rubbed it with Lemon Oil, and managed to get it in the house and set up. It took some re-arranging but I think it’s perfect. And very, very inexpensive.
Old Victrola standA little storage inside
The dry sink got moved into the flag room, and although it may not stay there, it’s fine for now and I can decide that I eventually want to do. Plenty of storage and will make things easier in that room, as well.
Works for now….
Tomorrow I plan to make a pot of soup, and maybe some chicken salad. I have all day! Saturday will be the crazy day…
Look out, chicken!
July 21 – Tell about the neatest shoes you ever owned as a youth. “I remember my penny loafers & how I kept my shoes polished. My first ‘fancy’ boots were brown & made to look like a pair of cowboy boots. They pulled on over my shoes and were made of a stretchy rubber. I loved them. I was probably 12 or 13.”
Calendar inspiration – Make an effort to get away from the hectic everyday work and leave your cares behind.
Today’s post is dedicated to Mom and her story – just a tiny recap, and I hope I have all the facts straight. I wasn’t there for a lot of it!
Mom and Me – 1950
Mom was born July 20, 1930 – the third child born to Erma and Jess Crooks. It would be seven years before another daughter joined the family, and it took Mom a long time to adjust to the fact that she wasn’t the baby any more!
Mom with her baby sister Joan
A few things I know about Mom’s school career: She wanted to go to school so badly, and loved learning so much (as well as being social with the kids!) that the teacher let her start school when she was five. She was able to keep up and did very well, and was a great student.
Mom on a school day.
When she was in high school, their local school closed and they had to be bussed to another high school further away. Mom did NOT like this, and (against her parents’ advise) dropped out of school. She was not permitted to just laze around; she worked hard at home and around the farm, taking on extra chores.
Sexy MomOur beautiful MomMom and her best friend Ruth
The summer my mom was in her mid-teens, she spent the summer in Erie with her aunt and cousins. During that time, she was maid of honor for her cousin Mary’s wedding to John Graves. Mom was a little starry-eyed over John, and had a crush on him for many years. But, alas. John was married to Mary.
? and John and Mary and Mom
Right about now we have to back up – to what year, I’m not sure. But my Dad’s uncle married my Mom’s aunt (cousin?) – and their association began. Initially, though, my dad was enamored by Mom’s older sister, who had eyes only for the man she eventually married. Dad’s attention, and devotion, transferred to Mom, and that was the beginning of OUR story!
Mom and her big sister HazelMom and Dad
Two months after Mom turned 18, she married my dad (20) and moved from Home, PA to Greensburg /Youngwood. She was homesick and had a rough time adjusting to life in the city, but soon two little girls and building a new house cemented her roots, and there she was. Dad was fun, and funny, and maybe a little hard to keep on track, but we had a good family.
Gene (Hazel’s husband), Dad, Mom, Hazel, JoanNewly married – and homesick – momKathy, Me, MomDad having fun with Mom
When dad passed away, it wasn’t long before her and sister Joan began discussing John, and the fact that Mary had left him alone with their five kids. Mom decided it was time for a visit to Erie, and one year in the early 1980’s Mom, Kelly, Nate and I went on vacation to Presque Isle, and she was able to connect up with John. Over the next few years, their friendship blossomed until the two ‘kindred spirits’ found love. Mom packed up lock, stock, and antiques and moved to Albion, PA.
Vacations at Presque IsleWedding day for Mom and John
Mom and John married in June of 1986, and enjoyed over thirty happy years together. Mom’s life took many unexpected turns, but she was perhaps one of the most saintly, happy, giving, sharing, Godly persons I ever knew. She was a great example to us, a wonderful mother, and touched the lives of everyone she met. I’m blessed to call her Mom, and to share these memories of her life and love! Happy birthday, Mom – I know the angels are singing with you today!
Me, Mom, KathyMom, John, Me, Kathy
July 20 – Share a birthday party memory. “When I had my 60th birthday and you called Mary Jane to surprise me with a party. It sure was a nice surprise and that was a memory I will have for the rest of my life. Thank you for doing that.” Glad to have given you a happy memory, Mom!
I actually feel like I’m someone EVERY day! And just for the record, I had a hot dog for lunch. No birthday cake, though…. Happy heavenly birthday, Mom. God bless….
Work was short today – and I was able to stop at church and drop off my trunk-full of items for Saturday. Now there will be room for the other items I need to take up.
The morning was to be cooler, so I was glad to get home early and change. I mowed the bottom yard, then stopped and pulled weeds. I cleaned out the bottom ‘cow pasture’ and also around the shed. The bag of weeds was so heavy it ripped on the way up to the trash and I had to re-bag it. Ugh. I spent almost four hours outside and by the time I was done I was filthy and exhausted in the heat. I took a shower then made a bagel for lunch.
Now I can see the cows!Now I need mulchAll cleaned up!
But the bottom yard and the hill looks pretty nice. Still some weeds but it really did get hot in the afternoon. I took some photos of the flowers on the side of the house. Think I’ll do some writing this afternoon.
July 19 – What was your favorite holiday of the year? Why? “Easter – everyone on my dad’s side of the family came for Easter Dinner.”
Calendar inspiration – keep your focus on your goals – you will stay on track!
It still feels strange with no one else in the house. I keep listening…
It’s been a rainy day until about an hour ago. I think the exact minute the rain stopped my neighbor was cutting his grass. I was wondering if there’s really a blade in his mower…
I worked both stores, then stopped and ordered the sandwiches for Saturday. After lunch and doing a load of laundry, I finished a project for the Pub party then geared up to go run errands. I know that last year I had trouble finding a few items on my first round, so I decided to start early. I did find everything that I could get early, but not all on the first try. Some things will wait until the last minute. Saturday will be busy!
Trunk full of food
I put the little snack treats in mini-bags and tied them with twine. So they are ready, too.
Little snack bags with twine
I needed to get a few totes out of the shed, so I snapped a few photos in the gardens. The purple day lilies are ones that Susan bought me one year. The other two — I am not sure where they came from! And I am always fascinated that the flowers on the hydrangea bush are two different colors, side by side!
From SusanYellow and MellonFour different shades on one bush!
July 18 – What did you do to stay cool? “We would bring our pillow & a quilt down to the screened porch at night. Day time we would stick our bare feet in the cold water that overflowed from the spring. It was very uncomfortable many times in the long, hot summers.”
It was good to be in church this morning. We had six little ones in our Sunday School class, two of whom did not seem to have too much Bible background knowledge. They were thirsty! It was nice to have them there and hoping they will keep coming.
Today was a catch-up day. I worked on the Publication Party, making lists and working on centerpieces and arranging set up. Mary came over and helped decoupage the cans – they turned out cute. Once they dry I will fill them.
Getting started on the centerpiecesLetting the cans dry.Book covers and first lines
While I was waiting on Mary I was checking out the flowers. I noticed that I have two different colors of gladiolas. The purple ones are so deep, and the two-tones pink are bright and beautiful!
Two-toned PinkDeep purple
The Snoopy doghouse is done and up! The address did not work like I planned. Although they were plastic, they were paper based, and the rain made them wilt. I will get the right kind at Lowes this week.
July 17 – Share a memory involving a heatwave or drought. “When July & August came we had to water the garden & the flower beds. Mom saved the rinse water on wash day & sometimes the dish water. It was hard work.” And we just turn on the hose!
SNOOPY is out of his doghouse and sitting happily on the roof – in my front yard. Thanks, Chase! And both Chase and I love Jolly Ranchers – he likes blue and I like green – sour for sure. Have a great day – no caviar! God bless…
After my breakfast and shower I put together part of the table décor for the Publication Party next Saturday. I knew it would be a while until Chase was awake so I tried to accomplish a few things!
Copies of book covers and first line quotes.
Chase spent his last night here staying up all night, gaming and watching movies online with Chloe. He slept until after 1pm. We made bacon and scrambled eggs for breakfast (lunch?), then he got a bath and all packed up. It was a pleasure to have him here, and he was very easy and fun. I sent him home with his Goldfish, Jolly Ranchers, and Strawberry Pop Tarts!
Since we had both been fighting off coughs and colds, I washed all the sheets and blankets and pillow cases and towels. Sprayed everything with Lysol and Fabreeze and wiped everything down. Ran the sweeper. Even threw the comforters in the dryer with wet towels and dryer sheets to freshen them up. Everything is clean and fresh for the next time! But it’s very quiet….
Fresh but lonely bedroom!
We met Kelly in Washington at 4pm, and when I got home she txt me and said he wanted to come back tomorrow! He actually could have stayed until probably Wednesday but neither Kelly or I thought about it. Maybe we’ll do another week in August!
Meeting Kelly – our view of Washington PA
July 16 – What kinds of party games or party activities were popular? “We had neighborhood parties. Musical Chairs & Spin the Bottle were games the young people played. The older folks played a game called ‘Heavy-Heavy what Hangs overhead?’ ‘Gossip’ was another game for older folks.”
I do not have or even know a yellow pig. I DO have a tattoo but I don’t play the lottery. And since I had a chocolate milk shake today on my way home from Washington, I’m all celebrated out! Have a great day! God Bless…
Today was a full day. Started with Brown P/H/AC coming first thing to give the A/C its annual checkup. All good. They were still here when Di came over for breakfast. She had a few bags of clothes that her granddaughters were passing along, and I am sharing them as well. We had a nice visit and enjoyed our scones and hot tea.
clothes to share
Chase, of course, slept through everything, but Di brought him a big bag of Jolly Ranchers so he was super happy! He had French toast for breakfast and then I made a pot to cream of potato soup with the last of the potatoes.
His favorite are the blue ones…
I think we finished the Snoopy doghouse! There may be a little (minimal) touchup for tomorrow but we’ll see how everything looks when it is totally dry. Then I’ll get the numbers and letters to add the address.
Just needs address…
Since we had the black touch-up paint out, I trimmed the little shelf that holds part of my stereo. You can see the difference between before and after.
BeforeAfter
In the meantime, I did a load of laundry, moved a huge stone in front of the porch because it was hidden under the shrubs, pulled and cut the weeds and stalks on the left side of the hill, and did little odds and ends. Chase is playing online video games. I still have ironing to do, if I get to it tonight.
This stone was out of the creek behind our Shady Lane house ( where I grew up). It sat by the steps into my Grandma and Grandpap Steiner’s house right below ours. Mom gave it to me when she moved to Albion.
Chase had crescent rolls for supper….
Can’t believe he DIDN’T eat the whole thing!
Teresa and Gigi came over last night. That little pup is so cute! She’s almost a year old already! She loved having the freedom to just run around the yard, and enjoyed all the new sights and sniffs. She ended up tiring herself out. Chase got his Domino’s pizza and ate the whole thing except two small pieces. I was lucky to even taste it!
Checking things outAll worn out
And the moon was still full last night…
Right now we are waiting to hear from Kelly – not sure what the plans are for getting Chase home. Might be tomorrow but doesn’t matter to me! Tomorrow IS another day!
July 15 – Share a memory about going on a picnic. “The picnics I remember were at the Dayton Fair Grounds. We put blankets on the ground by the car & ate egg sandwiches & celery, chocolate cake & sugar cookies. I think we might have had home made Root Beer. We were so excited to be at the fair we didn’t care much about eating.”
I could get into having a Personal Chef – but I wouldn’t ask for Corn Fritters. Maybe a chicken salad or turkey with gravy. Or just my cream of potato soup that I didn’t have to make! Alas — never happen. Have a wonderful weekend. God bless…
Chase slept in, and I went to work at both stores. Grabbed a few items at Walmart, including more pizza, and got home about 12:30pm. Chase said he was feeling ok but not perfect. He had strawberry pop tarts for breakfast and a Tylenol and has been doing ok all day.
Autmn and her friend Xavier came over for a few hours. We mixed up Chocolate Chip cookies so I could bake later. We had a nice visit. They seem to get along very well!
I dropped them off at Autmn’s friend Alex’s grandma’s house then Chase and I worked on the doghouse and deck box. We have a little touchup to do tomorrow on Snoopy’s white foot and black ear; then it’s done. I think instead of painting on the numbers and street name I am going to get adhesive stickies at Walmart or Lowe’s and use those. It will be easier to read. Very close to being done!
Missing an arm and an ear!Done!
I took a few pictures of the super moon last night. It was huge – bright and round and beautiful. My phone camera doesn’t do it justice.
Teresa and Gigi are coming over and picking up Chase’s Domino’s pizza (they don’t deliver). I’ll post those pictures tomorrow! Di is coming for breakfast (Scones!) and I’ll post those tomorrow too. At some point I will have to deliver Chase back to West Alexander. It’s been a pretty good week!
July 14 – Do you remember having a favorite snack that you made at home? “Popcorn. Mom grew our own.” Kathy & I grew up on popcorn snacks, too, although not home grown! We loved it, and I still do.
Calendar inspiration – take time to enjoy the quiet and coolness of a summer night.
Chase had a scratchy throat this morning but since breakfast (at 1pm!) seems to be holding his own. Chrissy is here and she borrowed an X-Box gaming system from Lori’s friend so the two are gaming away!
Chrissy & Chase – the stakes are high!
They were both hungry so we have 2 pizzas in the oven. We are a two-pizza family; they both like different kinds. that’s fine, because one wouldn’t feed us all anyway.
Chase & Chrissy – choices
Chase put another coat of white and yellow on the Snoopy dog house, then spray-painted the little deck box. Tomorrow we can paint out the trim in a different color.
Sprucing up the deck box
Kelly sent me a few photos of Peyton and Logan at 4-H camp. A friend brought his race car over, and Peyton especially was really into it. He could answer the questions as well as the driver/owner! They are both having a great time.
Logan in the driver’s seatPeyton – checking out the wheelUnder the hood…It’s not easy getting in and out!
On this day 240 years ago… Hanna’s Town was attacked. July 13, 1782, marks the day that the town changed forever. Hanna’s Town was attacked by a raiding party from Ft. Niagara and the town was burned. It never recovered; was never rebuilt, and faded away into farmland. Check out the history at www.westmorelandhistory.org.
Also on his date, in 1954, Pigpen was introduced into the Peanuts comic strip.
July 13 – Do you remember having a favorite candy? How much did it cost? “Licorice – in a small box that held 8 or 10 hollow licorice sticks that we called cigarettes. They cost a penny a box.” I liked licorice – and still do – but seldom have any.
The only time I will be NUDE tomorrow is in the shower! And it won’t involve Mac & Cheese or Tape Measures. Celebrate – and have a great day! God bless….
Subconsciously I knew all along, but it just hit me today that 2022 is half over! Wow. It seems like the year just started. Lucy would say we’ve been stuck with a used year. I believe it.
I got copies of the photos taken at the Topiary Garden in Newport of Kathy & I in our shirts. They were individual, but I snipped around them and put them in a ‘gilded’ frame. I think it’s a nice memory!
Gilded Girls – Kathy said she looked like a bruiser and I think I look like part of the mafia!
I had to go in to work early this morning to help with an out of state deal (SC), then had my dental check up for the implant sight. Following that I stopped by my friend Ruth’s house to pick up the tub of supplies for the Loyalhanna Review Publication event. We’re in good shape with products for now.
I did a load of laundry and ran the dishwasher, and also put the yard sign out that I picked up at Hanna’s Town on my way to Ruth’s. When Chase got up we went to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. He decided he was ready to get his hair trimmed, so we zipped over to Great Clips and now he looks neat and handsome (he was always handsome!).
I’ll be there Sunday afternoon but have a Skunk Hollow event on Saturday!Before hair cutGetting it doneSee? Handsome!
Chase put a good solid coat of white paint on Snoopy and yellow on Woodstock. While he was doing that I ran the sweeper downstairs and swept out the inside of the car. After we cleaned up paint supplies he went upstairs to play video games online with his friend Chloe, and I pulled weeds. I was under an azalea bush when it started to pour, and I was soaked. I got cleaned up and dried off – and now it’s sunny! Go figure. We just had hot dogs for supper and now to finish off the evening.
Day 2SoakedPouringSunny!
July 12 – Tell about your biggest or best catch. “I caught a cat fish over at the Mahoning Dam. We didn’t eat it as it didn’t look like something any of us wanted to eat. Only about 5 inches. We put it back in the water.”
Calendar Inspiration is to keep aware & open to new opportunity – it can be very unexpected!
Oh dear. This is strange! Chase was at the ‘barber’ shop, we had French Fries at Chick-Fil-A, and I had beans and franks for supper (Chase didn’t have beans). So tomorrow I guess we just have to celebrate Delaware! Have a great day. God bless…
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