TODAY is my son’s birthday – sending him hugs and lots of love and wishes for a beautiful day and a wonderful year ahead! We will get together tomorrow evening!

I worked both stores this morning, then helped Mike P with two deals. I got home just a few minutes after Kelly got here. We got organized then went to get a few groceries for the week. First we spotted a chicken breast display at Aldi, and ended up getting everything we needed to make acini de pepe soup!

Then we decided to make a butterscotch pie for Nate’s birthday (his favorite thanks to Aunt Cordelia!), and Kelly thought we should have brownies, too. So a few extra things for the afternoon.

Logan was hungry for chicken patties, so Kelly bought buns, too, and then grabbed hamburger so we could have those for today’s lunch. Wow. Lots of projects. Then Chase requested chicken Quilla-dillas so lots of chicken dishes today: Soup, sandwiches, quesadillas.

Chase wanted Cheddar Pringles, which made Kelly hungry for Pringles but she doesn’t like Cheddar ones. So she bought a can of the regular.

Our wall clock quit working at Jeannette, and everyone was irritated when they looked above the door and the clock was gone. So I bought us a new one today, making sure it had big, clear numbers!

When we got home, Chase and Logan stocked the fridge with everyone’s favorite drinks. So we are set for tomorrow’s birthday bash.

The zinneas are still blooming and pretty. I also found a mushroom growing. Weird…

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TOMORROW October 18th is:

International Legging Day; Bra Day USA; National No Beard Day; Medical Assistants Recognition Day; National Chocolate Cup Cake Day; Hagfish Day; Support Your Local Chamber Of Commerce.

I love wearing leggings. They are just comfortable! Have a fun day tomorrow, and again, Happy Birthday today to my Nate! God bless…

It was cloudy, and cool, but not much rain – thankfully. I left early to pick Autmn and Cameron up and stopped at the store to grab Bosses Day cards. OF COURSE there was none to be found! So a huge THANK YOU and note of appreciation to the four best bosses a girl could have. They keep me sane and support me and validate my purpose. Thanks – Sir Rege, Ken, Barry, and Joe! You are the BEST!!!

Today was the grand opening of the Dunkin’ Donuts in Youngwood. Autmn and I discussed it and figured it would be really crowded. We got there and NO ONE was there! So we swung in and got her a donut, and they were giving away string backpacks. Y108 was there – They waved at us! If I had known the DJ there I would have stopped but I didn’t!

Autmn, Cameron and I got to the appointment exactly on time. Cam passed his ‘tests’ and is doing great. He wore his little skeleton outfit and was so cute!

When we got home we stuck tater tots and chicken nuggets in the oven. I held Cameron while Autmn ate, then I grabbed a few tater tots. Autmn was finally able to get a nice nap and slept for a good while, so that was good. I took a picture of his little baby feet because I think little baby feet are so cute!

It’s hard to see in the photo, but the trees are really starting to change to bright colors. It would have helped if the sun had been out!

I’ll probably finish the ironing once I post this, then make a salad. I still haven’t watched my WINDOW WONDERLAND movie yet – hoping I have time to do that tonight! Noah just got here so they are getting ready to head home for the evening. I have to work in the morning…

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TOMORROW October 17th is:

National Pharmacy Technician Day; National Edge Day; Black Poetry Day; National Mulligan Day; National Pasta Day; Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity.

It’s also MY SON’S BIRTHDAY – Happy birthday to Nate – enjoy your day and we will celebrate Wednesday! That’s enough celebrations for me. God bless…

It was a rainy cool morning, but the sun came out for a while this afternoon. It’s 51* with light rain right now. I moved the buckets that blocked the driveway so Noah can drive down it when he picks up Autmn and Cameron.

Cameron is napping. I turned on the vibration in the pack and play and he seems to like that. And since he just ate maybe he’ll sleep for a bit. Autmn just needed to get some sleep so I picked them up and have been helping with Cameron to give her a break. Tomorrow I’ll take them for his doctor’s appointment, then on Wednesday they will spend the day with Kelly and the rest of us here for Nate’s birthday celebration.

Todd’s message was very applicable – about Anxiety. It steals our trust in God. He’s basing his four sermons on Philippians and a book by Max Lucado. The #1 health issue in the US for women is anxiety; the #2 issue for men. There has been a spike in Anxiety in our society since the removal of God from public forums and since technology. Plus we are more aware of the state of the world, which is distressing. We need to celebrate who God is and rejoice in the Lord. Celebrate what is true about God. Anxiety is both physical and spiritual.

Chrissy and Dray went to Homecoming Friday and I just nabbed some photos from Jen’s facebook page. They look stunning!

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TOMORROW October 16th is:

National Sports Day; National Liqueur Day; National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day; World Food Day; Global Cat Day; Department Store Day; National Dictionary Day; National Boss’s Day.

My bosses are the BEST! Jen will surely celebration national cat day. Sports day? Not this girl! Have a lovely Monday and God bless…

Typical Saturday start. I changed/washed bed sheets, organized prescriptions for next week, and had breakfast. I handled some emails and research before having to leave. It was very dreary; foggy, rainy, cold. Ugh. I was supposed to take Cameron to his follow up appointment but at the last minute Noah decided he wanted to be there. When I talked to Autmn she said he’s perfectly fine and all is well! He is still gaining weight!

I left the house at 12:30pm and went over to PetSmart to pick up Kelly’s order from the Ninth Life Fall Auction. I was still really early for the Library program so I stopped at Walmart and I was so glad a did! They had the cutest little train set that will be perfect for Wyatt’s birthday! (I can post this because he’s only two – I’m sure he’s not going to see the Word Garden posts!)

I was early at the library anyway – so I helped them set up the chairs. I have heard Grant speak before, and he’s so good. I cannot imagine how he remembers all the facts and names and dates that he does. It amazes me – this guy is phenomenal! If you every get a chance, you need to go see him. His name is Ken Serfass and you would swear (please don’t, though) that he is really Grant. Here are a few facts that I learned: He was born in Ohio, not Illinois. He had no aspiration to be president – he wanted to go home and be mayor and install sidewalks in the town so people would not get their boots dirty going to the train station.

Since his initials are U. S., once he started achieving success the people/press started calling him Uncle Sam Grant; then later because of a quote he said, they called him Unconditional Surrender Grant. Also, he was the 2nd three-star general our country has ever had, George Washington being the first!

There were so many other facts – we sat for 2 1/2 hours listening to him. He told about the night Lincoln was shot, and so many little mostly-unknown details. I loved being there!

Yesterday was National M&M Day – it wasn’t on the website that I check daily. My sister brought me a bag of M&M’s to celebrate (she was at the Grant program). Sweet sister; sweet treat!

Our Williamsburg calendars came today. It’s a good thing they were sealed well. The packaging was SOAKED!

Teresa gave me a thank you card for driving on our last two adventures. It’s a sketch of a road-runner. It reminded me of the Road-Runner cartoon, and my dad LOVED that cartoon. That one, and Foghorn Leghorn!

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TOMORROW October 15th is:

National Shawarma Day (Cultural – it’s a thing!); Global Handwashing Day; National Cheese Curd Day; National I Love Lucy Day; National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day; White Cane Safety Day; National Grouch Day.

Lucy VanPelt and I can both be a little grouchy now an again. 🙂 I know several people who have lost babies and it’s something you never get over. I loved the Lucy museum in New York when we went! So worth the visit. Wash your hands, and don’t be grumpy. God bless…

Friday the 13th brought us a sunny, happy day – all was well! I picked up Teresa and Gigi about 10am and we headed to Ligonier. There was a LOT of traffic and even more people. We had a rough start because the parking attendant mentioned there were no dogs permitted at the event. Gigi is a Therapy dog so we decided to give it a try. Teresa avoided crowds and congested areas and also from the vendor tents and all was well. EVERYONE fussed over Gigi and she even danced for them. She is a sweet, well-behaved dog. We had a great day!

While Teresa and Gigi went one way (less crowded) I would walk through the booths. I bought a pair of ‘bat’ earrings that match my outfit. They are black, though, and not orange or white. They were on my list so I was excited to find them!

I’m sitting here typing and a robin keeps hopping around the deck and past the door. Did he miss his bus south? I should think he’d be gone by now…

I am watching (or rather listening to) the Christmas Cottage on Hallmark. It’s not a favorite movie, but I really like Merritt Patterson. She’s one of my favorites.

Back to Ft. Ligonier Days. Teresa and I met back at the stage with live music, then walked up the street. I took their picture on the butterfly bench. I also took a photo of the B&B – there was a ‘guy’ smoking a corncob. NOT a corncob pipe. A corncob…

I slipped back into a cluster of booths and took some pictures. Teresa loves to sew and create with fabrics, so I took a picture of a sweatshirt that I thought she would be able to duplicate. Also found a colorful, glowing painting that I liked.

I thought it was a little ironic that the wine and spirits and tasting booths were on the church lawn. But I guess things are a little more accepted than they were when I was but a child…

We walked up to the Diamond and checked out the food booths. Teresa got a coffee but I just basically walked around. It was really crowded. I guess the resident witch got jostled in the crowd. Got a picture of the gazebo with the flag at half mast. I wondered if it was for Israel… Also snapped a pic of Miss Ligonier and her court. She was very tall…

Also ran into Bear and his friend. They took the day off to enjoy a sunny day at the event. Always a great day when I see Bear!

We had a beautiful day – sunny, warm but not hot, lots of walking. Teresa’s fit bit tracked over 9,000 steps. I probably didn’t have as many, but it would be close. And Gigi would have had a lot more because her legs are short. I dropped them off about 1:40pm, came home to grab lunch, and ran over to Walmart for some fruit and veggies. I was ready to come home by the time I was done with that. Parked the Nissan in the front yard for the night. She’ll be fine there, even if it rains.

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TOMORROW October 14th is:

National Real Sugar day; I Love Yarn Day; National Motorcycle Ride Day; National Dessert Day; Be Bald and Be Free Day; National Chess Day; National Costume Swap Day.

Tomorrow is a program at the local library – Ulysses S Grant is speaking. I sort of thought he had died. This should be interesting. Also have to pick up an auction item for Kelly at Pet Smart. In the mean time – love your sugar! God bless…

Worked both jobs this morning, helped Mike P, and then went to my chiropractor appointment at ALIGN. From there I drove down and picked up Autmn and Cameron, just to come and spend the day.

Nate got here about 1pm and brought Chick Fil-A for him and Autmn for lunch. I had my leftover soup (by choice). He started the driveway and not long after that Chrissy and Dray came over for a few hours. It was such a beautiful day that they put the stroller together and took Cameron for a walk. I went outside and kept Nathan company while he sealed the driveway. Dray left for football practice, then Jen came and picked up Chrissy because she was getting her hair cut and colored for her senior pictures sitting next week.

So all we really did today was play with the baby, seal the driveway, and hang out! Autmn is watching Gray’s Anatomy and I can’t STAND watching drama shows. Especially medical. But I’m keeping focused here so that’s ok for now!

Ron’s latest email said there were tornados in their area – one touched down about 10 miles from them. They are all safe and sound and no more threats for now!

Tomorrow’s plans are to drive up to Ft. Ligonier Days for a few hours. The weather should be nice!

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TOMORROW October 13th is:

Breast Cancer Awareness Day; National No Bra Day; National Yorkshire Pudding Day; National Train Your Brain Day; Navy Birthday.

It’s also Friday the 13th! My brain could use a little training. Have a wonderful Friday and God bless…

After my shower I had a few things to do, so it was about 9am when I was sitting at my counter eating breakfast and looked out to see Dotty’s 4 dogs running in my yard! I looked out the front, and her car was parked in my driveway, plus a friend’s truck, and piles of things she was trying to get out of the house by 10am closing!

I know she was having a rough time, adjusting to leaving that house. I almost believe she could have bounced between both houses for years if it would work! I didn’t meet the new neighbors but I did see them carrying things into the house. They are very young. And Dotty did say she is going to handle the bees. They really swarm on warm days!

Kelly sent me a picture yesterday of Logan making friends with a chicken. I said that would be their next 4-H project but she said (quite emphatically) NO CHICKENS! Hmmm.

Nate is planning to do my driveway tomorrow so I went out today and cleaned it off as much as I could, and pulled the plants that were encroaching over the edges. We can blow it clean tomorrow at the last minute, because leaves keep falling!

I ordered Williamsburg 2024 wall calendars today. We get them every year (since the 90’s) and I’m glad Kath reminded me!

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TOMORROW October 12th is:

National Farmer’s Day; National Gumbo Day; National Savings Day; World Sight Day; National Vermont Day; National Freethought Day.

Farmer’s Day: Here’s to Uncle Clifford and Aunt Joan. Love you! I was in Vermont once and had a great time! Beautiful state! I like saving, as much as possible! And I love seeing… Have a lovely day. God bless…

My first goal this morning (besides getting out of the house!) was to stop at a Quick Draw and get my routine bloodwork done. I did fast so I was ready. I really like the one on Pellis Road, but when I got there it was closed indefinitely! Bummer. The nearest one was at Mt. View so I drove up there. It’s only a short way past Pinnacle so it was convenient. It was not a long wait at all and the girls in there were very nice. I didn’t feel anything – until about three hours later and my arm started to ache. I’ve never had THAT happen. But all is well.

I made a salad for lunch, with garlic toast. I pondered the options for a safe and easy place for Cameron to nap and get changed when he is here. Ideas kept running through my mind when all of a sudden it popped in my head that I have a pack ‘n’ play! Well, actually Kathy has it. I called her thinking we could share it, but she was happy to return it. So for now I have it tucked in the garage covered in a pillow case until I decide where to set it up. I’ll check with Autmn when she comes over next time.

When Kathy dropped off the P&P, she also dropped off some Chick Fil A nuggets. So that will be my supper! She also brought me a magnet (which I collect) back from her vacation. I love it! Now I have to go there myself and see it in person.

I am watching (again) 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost. I missed parts of it so I decided to at least listen to it while I type. I loved the ending – last 5 minutes. Actually worth watching the movie for!

After that I went outside and cut the grass. The back yard was tricky because it wasn’t very long and I had to pay attention to see where I had already mowed. The rest was obvious. Once the grass was done I raked the leaves stuck on the driveway. Looks better now.

Dotty stopped over – she is overwhelmed trying to get everything out as the closing is tomorrow morning. She had some weeds scattered in her front yard and I didn’t think she’d have time to clean it up – so I offered to handle it. Now that looks better, too!

That was it for the day! Tomorrow will be just as quiet but I am certainly ok with that!

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TOMORROW October 11th is:

National Curves Day; International Day of the Girl Child; National Take your Parents to Lunch Day; National Fossil Day; National Sausage Pizza Day; General Pulaski Memorial Day; National Bring your Teddy Bear to Work/School Day; National Stop Bullying Day; National Emergency Nurse’s Day.

If I was going to work I’d take my Teddy Bear! Check out General Pulaski – it’s an interesting piece of history. And I love my girl children! God bless… (I’d LOVE to be able to take my parents to lunch!!!)

It was sunny most of the day, which made accomplishing our chores a lot easier. I picked up Autmn and Cameron about 9:30am, but it took us a while to figure out how to attach the car seat base to my car. Then we strapped Cameron in the car seat and snapped the seat into the base. We were early for Autmn’s checkup but the doctor was running late. But everything checked out OK and she got her questions answered.

From there we went to Walmart and picked up a few personal items for Autmn. She was going to come back here for the day, so we stopped at her house and packed up what they both needed for a day away. I folded a load from the dryer and carried it upstairs to the bedroom for her.

We went thru the drive-thru for McChicken Sandwiches on the way here. Cameron was very good and waited until we got home here to have his bottle. I washed a load of clothes and threw in a few things for Autmn, too. Cameron got a fresh diaper and ate, then Autmn got a shower and I kept an eye on Cameron — well, both eyes!

I introduced him to Snoopy and he took a liking to his ear! Cameron loves to feel his own face, and I really think he’s going to be a blanket baby. My next task will be to make a little blankie for Cameron to drag around with him, like Linus does.

Just as I typed this Autmn was hungry, so I made her mac/cheese and some stake fries. Cameron is eating his ‘supper’ and will then get a fresh diaper. (He just peed all over himself!!! He’s now unhappy…) I will probably finish my ironing once I post this. I just looked outside and the sky is dark and it’s raining. Gray skies, no more sunshine today!

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TOMORROW October 10th is:

National Angel Food Cake Day; National Cake Decorating Day; National Handbag Day; World Mental Health Day; National Walk to a Park Day.

October 10th and 11th are also Amazon Prime days. I have 2 items in my shopping cart, waiting for tomorrow! God bless!

Yesterday’s post was long. Today’s will be much shorter. Mostly because I didn’t do very much today! Hoping that this post goes well – yesterday my website crashed just when I was ready to post it, and it took me three hours to reboot and repost. Hoping for better processes tonight.

Sunday School went very well, and the kids REALLY remembered the lesson and could answer all of the questions in the review. Mary and I were both excited! Next week we start lessons on Noah. Today was Adam and Eve and the sneaky snake!

Todd’s message was the last in a series about Stephen. We need to focus on eternity, not live in the moment. Life is a mist, a vapor. What happens when it’s over? Think about Heaven; it’s real. Read Colossians 3:2. One of my favorite verses.

The first post I saw this morning was what Lori posted. They finally got to see Cameron and he was smiling! I was so excited! I wanted to rush right out and snuggle him!

After lunch I made deviled eggs to take to Autmn and Noah tomorrow. Now I just have to remember to take them! I need to put a note on my dash.

I forgot to post a picture of the little pumpkin gourds I got in Smicksburg yesterday. They look fun beside my mums!

The clouds have been dark and dramatic all day. They were beautiful yesterday, as well – but I didn’t think I should be snapping photos while I was driving on the expressway! These are from today.

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TOMORROW October 9th is:

National Leif Erikson Day; National Pro-life Cupcake Day; National Online Banking day; National Kick Butt Day; Native American Day; Columbus Day.

I will take Autmn to her appointment tomorrow, then go in to work. And it’s Columbus day! So, celebrate. God bless.