TODAY was the original due date for baby Cameron’s arrival! We’re so glad that he’s here and surrounded by love.

Before I left the house this morning I treated my drains with the anti-root chemicals. It’s supposed to be done every 6 or 8 months and I know I did it back in the winter. It’s not hard to do and doesn’t take long so I’m not sure why I kept putting it off. I do know you aren’t supposed to use the drains (aka water) for 5 or more hours after the treatment, so that’s tricky. I usually do it before bedtime, but I am always up several time during the night so that’s not ideal either. But I realized I would be gone until mid or late afternoon so today was the perfect solution. So the job is done until sometime next year.

I picked Teresa and Gigi up at 9am and we made great time. We pulled into Donna’s store at 3 minutes after 10am. It’s the first time I had been there since she opened the new addition, and it’s a lovely space! She has so many beautiful items and displays. Since Gigi couldn’t be in this store location, I went in first and looked around and got some cheese for me and for Noah/Autmn.

The bonus was that Colleen (Skunk Hollow Cousin) was working to help out for the Fall Festival Weekend! She wasn’t at the bonfire so it was great to catch up with her. She asked about Autmn and Cameron and we had a nice chat. I loved the store and all the new merchandise and it was hard not to spend more time (and money!) browsing and buying.

I gave Teresa a turn to go in and look around while I stayed outside with Gigi. From there we drove over to the Bulk Food Store, and I was able to get my slab chocolate and even some baking mini-M&M’s, which are hard to find around here. An Amish buggy pulled in beside us, and Gigi went a little crazy barking at the horse. A little girl climbed out of the buggy and she was in her bare feet. It was 54* outside! She didn’t seem to mind.

I tucked my purchases in the cooler and we headed on into town. I found a parking space next to the post office (centrally located) and we walked all through town looking at the booths and stores. The Primitive Peddler was handing out free popcorn, which sent that delicious aroma all through the store. Of course I had to have some.

From there we walked up past some houses that had tables displayed with yard sale items, collectors items (like saws and road signs and window shutters), up to the pottery shop. There were a few new stores, including one that sold apple dumplings with ice cream. Tempting, but we passed it up.

We walked down to the stores on Main Street, including the Farmhouse Finery. They had some interesting wreaths, including one that said ‘Dead and Breakfast – stop in and stay forever’. Hmmm. I am always drawn to the Smicksburg Inn, which looks quaint and inviting. There were a lot of tables selling pumpkins and Indian corn and squash, as well as just about every kind of baked good you could think of. It was hard to resist all that.

There was live music on the porch at Smicksburg Furniture, and we waved and clapped as we walked inside. This store had wooden Peanuts characters that were very appealing to me! When we walked back down toward the car we went through the museum, which is only open on occasion. They had local honey (and she said it was REALLY local!) so I bought a jar. I am hoping that if I am faithful to use it with my daily tea it may help with my allergies.

We saw the piano that Aunt Joan donated to the museum, and a few other interesting displays. There was a sewing machine, but mine is nicer! (Thanks, Dave’s mom!!!) There was a young girl walking around taking pictures; she just LOVED all the old furniture and fixtures and the way the rooms were set up. She said she really wanted to live in an old fashioned house! She was probably about 10 years old.

My favorite shop these days is THE SHOP in SMICKSBURG. I got a little wooden tree and snowman, and also a dishcloth. Gen bought me one like it one year for Christmas and I really like it. I’ve never seen them anywhere else. So I splurged and bought one (very inexpensive). Teresa bought two hand-made baskets that were very unique. We stood and watched the artisan weaving one on the spot. She sent me pictures of where she put them in her house.

While I was in THAT store I ran into (not literally!) Karen V (Skunk Hollow Cousin). She wasn’t at the bonfire either, so now I felt like we had come full circle! We stood and chatted for a bit; she’s been having some medical tests and has some challenges ahead of her. Hoping she gets some answers and treatments – sending prayers on her behalf.

When we finished there we circled back around to Donna’s store and Teresa and I each got a hot dog with sauerkraut. Hers are just the best! We sat and ate, then headed towards home (not HOME) but took a detour down Sinktown Road. Brings back so many memories! Allen and Bonnie were outside getting read to mow their ‘leaves’, so we stopped and talked to them for a bit. Josh was raking leaves in his yard so we waved on the way past.

Eric was on the roof of his mom’s trailer doing some repairs. We pulled over to say hi to him, and entreated him NOT to fall off the roof! We continued down (and up) Sinktown Road and wove around back to Plumville and headed out Route 85 to Home Station.

It was so nice to spend the day with Teresa (thanks for sharing your day with me!), to see the Skunk Hollow cousins, and take a drive down past the cabin. Spending time with friends and family, walking around Smicksburg on this lovely fall day, having snacks and food and browsing and enjoying so many wonderful things – it made my heart smile!

We were about half way home when Gen called. She was driving from Walworth (where she used to live) where she attended a wedding, back to Albany. She has movers scheduled for first thing Monday morning to settle her into her new home about 2 miles from Chris’s family. I’m so excited for her and this great new adventure, and that she can settle into her ‘nest’ and be content and surrounded by everything that makes her heart happy.

When I got home I sent Autmn a txt to see how she managed the day with just her and Cameron. Noah had to go back to work today. She said everything was good, and Cameron did good, but he was peeing on everyone and everything no matter what he was wearing. I think we should get him a wet suit!

The only thing left to do tonight is review my Sunday School lesson for tomorrow (God loves us even when we don’t do the right thing), and balance my checkbook. It was a great day, and I am so blessed by those who make my life so full and rich and happy.

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TOMORROW October 8th is:

American Touch Tag Day; National Fluffernutter Day; National Pierogi Day; National Clergy Appreciation Day; National Hero Day; International Off Road Day.

Make sure you let your minister/preacher/pastor/priest/clergy know how much you appreciate them. They don’t have an easy job! God bless…

I started the day with only one thing on my schedule. I promised to meet a friend at Pinnacle to help with a registration renewal. I left there and stopped at Walmart for a few groceries – since it was cloudy, windy and raining I decided to have a kitchen day. Trust me when I say that NEVER happens! I bought items to make ham rolls, cinnamon muffins, and stuffed pepper soup. I just started working on the process when I got a phone call from another friend who sold his car. His buyer lived very nearby so I said I would meet HIM at Pinnacle.

So, leaving everything sit, I met them all at Pinnacle and after a few snafus we got that paperwork done and I headed home. BUT — not before Sir Regis and I had a lovely chat, which ended up in a discussion about the mega lottery drawing tomorrow. We’ll see what happens…

So, it’s now 5:20pm and the soup is finished and cooling on the stove. The muffins just came out of the oven and will be a fun breakfast. The ham rolls will most likely go in the freezer once the cool off. It was a productive day, along with doing laundry and sweeping the kitchen floor about a dozen times. I hate a messy floor.

In the middle of the night I got a txt from Autmn – Cameron’s first night in his own home!

After I post this I will get organized for tomorrow’s road trip to Smicksburg. It will be cooler so I plan on dressing in layers and taking an extra jacket. That will be enough for today!

This just in! I had visitors! Cameron had his first doctor’s appointment, so Autmn and Cameron stayed here afterwards while Noah went to Walmart for a few items. Cameron’s sleeping away in his little seat so I haven’t disturbed him — yet! Poor Autmn, though – her legs and feet are so swollen! She has an appointment for herself on Monday so she can check on them then.

Kelly sent me a txt of pictures of pictures from the Ohio County Country Fair and their 4-H displays. Also, two girls from her 4-H Creeks Club got Queen (Emma) and Princess (Trinity). That’s pretty cool that both the girls are from her club! Beautiful girls!

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TOMORROW October 7th is:

National Propane Day; National Play Outside Day; National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day; National Inner Beauty Day; National LED Light Day; National Frappe Day.

I’m all about the chocolate covered pretzels! That’s why my main objective tomorrow is to get more slab chocolate. It’s on my chore list! God bless. PS – we will also be OUTSIDE!!!

Both stores were pretty slow this morning. I stopped and got gas for the car, then went to Aldi for 3 things. It was such a beautiful day – I did some work in the garage, re-arranging the fall totes and going through some of them. I left them sort of cluttered when I decorated, as I wasn’t feeling my best. They are all organized now. I had toast and tomato for lunch, then went outside and washed the car. I’m thinking it’s supposed to rain tomorrow, so OF COURSE I washed the car!

I took a short walk around the yard, but didn’t want to tramp in the grass with the Scott’s application on it. After it rains and soaks it into the ground I don’t worry so much about it. I noticed I have some little springs of lavender blooming – and since I transplanted that twice I’m excited that it’s thriving! The bees in the wall are still swarming, which makes me nervous..

Before I washed the car I talked to my friend Teresa. I think she, her dog GiGi and I are going to the Fall Festival in Smicksburg on Saturday. It will be cool but we will dress accordingly.

Kath said they toured two houses that they really enjoyed. I looked them up and I can see why!

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TOMORROW October 6th is:

World College Radio Day; National Coaches Day; National Orange Wine Day; National Body Language Day; National Plus Size Appreciation Day; National Manufacturing day; World Smile Day; National Noodle Day.

John always called Mom a Noodle-head because she loved noodles! Sir Rege is my favorite coach. I think we can all find a reason to smile. I can think of tons of reasons! God bless…

I started this morning by watching the temps – as soon as it hit 60* I went out and spread the fall Weed and Seed. I did the whole bag and gave the back yard a good treatment. It was recommended that the temps be between 60* and 90* and the ground a little damp. The dew made the grass wet so it was perfect. So if it rains from Friday on it’s a safe distance out.

I cleaned the house – as is typical for Wednesday – and once I got downstairs I decided to put a movie on. Not sure why, but White Christmas was calling my name! So I enjoyed dusting and sweeping to ‘Sisters, Sisters,’ and ‘The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing.’ Maybe I’ll be able to test that out someday, but in the meantime you can’t beat the ending to White Christmas!

Kath sent me some pictures from their trip – The Smoky Mountains parkway in early morning. Plains, GA, where Jimmy Carter is from. And yes, she assured me that Jimmy and Roselyn were at home. One of the people they met were dropping off dinner for them tonight. Another one had made the cake for his celebration! That’s a small town, for you! During Jimmy’s run for President he used the train depot as headquarters, because it was the only building on main street that had rest rooms!

Oh, and on Monday at the Biltmore they had a bus driver who was an ‘extra’ in the Hallmark movie scheduled to premier on November 26th called A Biltmore Christmas (set in 1946) with Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha. I’ll look for him, for sure!

I did not go to see Cameron today. Jaime (Autmn’s mom) had to work all day yesterday and was planning on spending time with them today. So I gave them their space! But Jen and Nate went up last night. I did get a txt from Autmn and she was feeling more energetic and glad to be disconnected from all her tubes, etc. Cameron was eating well and everyone is ‘very good’!!!

Let it be known that Snoopy first appeared in the PEANUTS comics on this date in 1950!

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TOMORROW October 5th is:

National Do Something Nice Day; National get Funky Day; National Rhode Island Day; National Apple Betty Day.

Kathy said the Biltmore is decorating for Christmas. With 250 rooms I guess you’d have to start early! Glad I only have six!!! Rhode Island – let’s go to Newport! And for SURE, do something nice! God bless…

Cameron James Thompson – 8 pounds 4 ounces. Born this morning about 5:30am or so. I didn’t get the specific details, but I got to hold him and kiss his little head and snuggle and get a whiff of that baby smell! I think he’s going to be a blanket baby, because he was happy holding his blanket up to his face!

Her labor was a little tricky, and she ended up with a C-section. But everyone is safe and healthy and moving forward. Noah is a trooper and was changing diapers and Cameron’s outfit and snuggling him in his blanket. Cameron took the opportunity to pee in Noah’s shoes, which were sitting on the floor by the little portable bed. Lesson learned – baby boys do that!

It’s amazing to think that 10 months ago this child did not exist. Now, he will never NOT exist! A little soul forever in God’s care. I pray that he will be a happy, healthy child that is a blessing to many throughout his whole life! Especially to his parents!

Little Cameron had several visitors this morning, so after work I stopped at Lowe’s and got my Scott’s Weed and Feed. I should be able to apply that in the morning. It’s specifically for fall and winter. It was pricy, but the other two stores were sold old so I just did what needed done. There are a few trees getting into the fall spirit that I can see from my back deck. After lunch I spent time with Autmn, Noah and Cameron.

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TOMORROW October 4th is:

National Taco Day; National Golf Lovers Day; National Walk to School Day; National Pumpkin Seed Day; National Coffee with a Cop Day; National Cinnamon Bun Day.

I think I have a Poppin’ Fresh cinnamon roll tube in the fridge. I’ll try that! Have a happy hump day and God bless…

There were several deals and titles in Jeannette, but less in Greensburg. After I finished I went to Palmer’s and got a head of cauliflower and some tomatoes. I had toast and tomato for lunch and a grilled cheese for dinner. Tomorrow will be the cauliflower.

Autmn is in labor – at 4pm she was about 6 cm. I haven’t been updated so I’m waiting it out! I knew I had to keep busy, so I did laundry and some household chores, then went outside to put away all the summer lawn decorations. It’s very labor intensive so I’m glad it’s all done. I left two chairs and a small table on the deck for now, and will tuck those away once it’s too cold to sit outside.

I forgot to post yesterday that I made chocolate covered pretzels. This is some of my attempts.

Kath sent me some pictures of their afternoon. They were at the Biltmore in Asheville NC. I was pea green with envy!!!

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TOMORROW October 3rd is:

National Techies Day; National Boyfriend Day; National Fruit at Work Day.

I hope it is ‘go visit your new great grandson’ day! I’ll keep you posted. God bless my little Autmn – and all of you!

It’s Sunday afternoon and I’m going to post the Word Garden early, because mostly it will be Friday and Saturday adventures, anyway, except for Sunday School. Mary was on vacation so we stayed low-key. It worked out so well! We talked about how God made us Special, and how we were alike and how we were different. They had some interesting thoughts to share! They all agreed that Gracie had the longest hair, and Max was the loudest! And he was BEST at baseball!!

I stopped at L&L Fleatique on the way home, just for fun. There was nothing that I felt drawn to (for purchase) but I did see a few craft items that compared to what Harold was showing us on Friday night. He was going to work with Hazel (their granddaughter) to make things to sell at the spring festival. So I sent pictures to them!

I had a salad for lunch, then started a laundry load. I took the baby gifts from two Skunk Hollow girls up to Autmn (she was at her mom’s) and a box of shared items from Beth, then actually got a txt message from Beth. She sent me pictures of Bernie’s custom cupcakes and the special order cookies. I found a picture of Bernie to share, as well! Happy birthday, Bernie!

I just now got a txt message from Kathy. She and Paul are on their way to Georgia for vacation. These are a few pics of the mountains going through West Virginia. PERFECT day for traveling!

OK – back to Friday. Kelly got here about 10am and we headed over to Vanderbilt Church (Greg & Lynn), as they were having a rummage sale. We bought a few things there and most of all chatted with Greg & Lynn for a bit.

We must have traveled through time and space. This was on the block across from the church!

The ride down and back was so pretty and the little town of Dawson was FULL of wonderful, historic buildings. We drove around all the side streets and took pictures. We were captivated by the one big old stone church. And we got stuck behind a line of cars at the train track that goes right through the town!

The stone church: Phillip G Cochran Memorial Methodist Church

NOW – for the rest of the houses. Kelly was my photographer. Cross the bridge and this is what you find!

So that was our afternoon and morning adventure! All those amazing buildings within about a block. What a quaint little town. We drove back to Greensburg and popped into Walmart as Kelly needed a card. Sometimes I who wonder who thinks up these things….

We did a little shopping, then headed home as Kathy and I had to head to Indiana for the Bonfire. So now we’ll jump to Saturday!!!

So Saturday we did some laundry and I fixed one of Kelly’s shirts to fit better. Then I pressed the shirt and a few other items, made lunch, and we headed to Latrobe airport to pick up Logan from his Disney trip. They all three were glowing and had a great time! Even though Kim and Greg were not HUGE Star Wars fans, they loved the Enterprise expedition and couldn’t say enough good things about the week. I was so happy for them, and felt myself being emotional for the blessings they shared together. Kelly even got her picture taken with Arnold!!! Logan was really excited about his Light Saber. Which he demonstrated in the garage where it was a little darker.

Once Logan and Kelly left, I cut the grass, then changed and went to the civic center to usher for a play for Bear. I did not stay for the play – I determined that my week had been fairly busy and I could use an early night. But it was nice to see Bear and talk to him for a bit. We have been friends from a VERY long time — since the 80’s maybe???

Kathy sent me pictures of their train adventure in Hollidaysburg. Sarah, Millie, Wyatt, Kathy & Paul went and had a great time. Quote from Kathy’s email: “The station was all decorated with bales of hay, scarecrows, pumpkins, mums, etc.  They had pumpkin bowling, pumpkin checkers, and other games to play while we waited for the “All Aboard!” call.  Wyatt was beyond himself excited.  He loved every minute of it.  When we got to the pumpkin patch, there was a hay maze, little clusters of pumpkins, pumpkin cookies and the best cider I have ever tasted.  Millie did the maze several times and picked a bumpy pumpkin.  Wyatt looked at a few pumpkins but hurried back to the engine and pointed to it.  The engineer was so sweet to him.” Here are some pictures:

So it was a great week, great weekend, for everyone! My October – so far – looks far quieter and I’m actually hoping it sort of stays that way. I’m sure I’ll have things come up that will be fun and entertaining – like U. S. Grant at the Library on the 14th. In the meantime, maybe I can slow down the pace!

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TOMORROW October 2nd is:

National Custodial Workers Recognition Day; National Child Health Day; National Name Your Car Day; National Fried Scallops Day; National Consignment Day; National Produce Misting Day; National Smarties Day.

Well, I’m surprised that produce has their own misting day. And I know Aunt Joan likes Smarties – so I hope she gets some tomorrow! I could never name my cars – I switch too often! I wouldn’t remember! So go consignment shopping and have a great Monday. God bless…

There has been a lot of things going on in the last few days. But in this post I am only going to share our bonfire at Beth’s. I will catch up on the other things in the next few days: The rummage sale at Greg & Lynn’s church, Picking up Logan at the airport, Ushering for Bear’s play, Kathy’s train ride with the kids. So here goes.

I picked up Kathy at a little before 4pm on Friday, and we headed out to Indiana (PA) for the bonfire at Beth’s. Everyone brings food and we always have more than enough. Harold was on hand to build our fire, and he always does a great job! He’s a nice guy to have around! They have the perfect yard for the fire, and their flowers are beautiful!

We basically just sat around the table talking for the first hour or so – everyone was able to come but Karen V & Colleen. We MISSED them! But we could share stories of our current circumstances and be of encouragement to each other. We all have life events that we are dealing with, some more distressing or intense than others. My Grandma Steiner always said that if everyone hung their troubles on the clothesline and it started to rain we would all run out and grab our own – because we are used to them! But it is lovely and fitting that we could hold each other up.

As is typical for a Skunk Hollow event, I had a story to share. This time, actually two. There was a lot of conversation and reminiscing about the first story – a recap of our ‘corn’ day in August. Spending time with family is such a blessing! If you check on the ‘PAGES’ on my website the story HEADING HOME is posted there.

Although we could share struggles, we could also share blessings! Everyone asked about Autmn, knowing that baby Cam is close to making an entrance! Also, Gwen shared stories about her little granddaughter Lottie, and we had a fun discussion about Holly’s ‘granddog’ who is celebrating a birthday on Sunday with a party, complete with custom cupcakes and catering! What fun!

We all had glow sticks – Fall for Jesus; he never leaves!! – that Autmn made for us.

Connie summed it up when she said she had friends she could talk to, but none were like our Skunk Hollow Group. There’s just something comforting and safe about that group, through thick and thin, happy and sad. What would we do without each other?

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TOMORROW October 1st is:

National Fire Pup Day; National Pumpkin Spice Day; National Green City Day; National Black Dog Day; National Hair Day; National Homemade Cookies Day.

I LOVE homemade cookies – and I have hair. No pumpkin spice for me. Enjoy the first day of a brand new month and God bless…

TODAY was the Skunk Hollow bonfire at Beth’s. Since it’s actually tomorrow (????) I will post this later. We had a wonderful time around the fire, full moon bright overhead, and some of the dearest people on earth around that circle. I will post pictures and stories tomorrow! God bless….

After several nights of sleeping well, last night was a challenge. I was just wide awake! Ended up downstairs on the computer at 3am, working on projects! It’s almost 7pm and I’m running out of steam. Luckily I made it through the day awake and alert! Rege kept asking me if I was still awake. Which I was.

I worked Jeannette, Mike P, and Greensburg, and did title work for Mike G. Then I decided that since I had time I would drop off the bag of baby bottles to Lifeway in Latrobe. There were detours and closings on so many streets I never found Lifeway – I even asked for directions and was sent the wrong way! So I dropped them at Goodwill. Some of the sights:

Made it to the Tea meeting early, and we had a full house. Lots of people willing to help make food and also work to set up and serve the day of the event. I came home and made a frozen pizza for combined lunch/supper. Autmn has an appointment tomorrow at Frick but her Mom is taking her. I’m very thankful as I have a pretty busy day tomorrow!

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TOMORROW September 29th is:

National VFW Day; National Coffee Day; Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day.

I was just saying to Rege that it’s too bad I don’t drink coffee – I could have used a strong cup to perk me up today! Hopefully tomorrow I will be caught up on my sleep. God bless…