Last night the moon was full and bright orange! My photo didn’t do it justice. When I got out of bed to try and take a few photos, I heard all this racket outside! My neighbor and her friend were carrying all this furniture and stuff outside onto her bedroom (2nd floor) deck and stacking it in piles. I did find out this morning that she was having her carpets cleaned today and wanted everything out of her bedroom! Makes sense, but it WAS 10:30 at night! 🙂

So after breakfast Kelly & I drove down to Pinnacle to handle Matt’s truck registration. The PENNDOT online system wasn’t working. I was able to handle that for her and Matt was very relieved! We came home and made mini-pepperoni rolls. That’s what we had for lunch and they were so good – and easy to make!

I was looking through the cookbook for an icing recipe and found instead a recipe for Orange Drop Cookies that my cousin Gail gave me decades ago. We decided that would be a good addition to her party menu, so after retrieving a quart of orange juice from the Dollar General store, we made what felt like 150 cookies, and then iced them. They were very good and I’m glad we did them. But there is NO MORE ROOM in my freezers!

Autmn and Noah stopped to pick up the trunk that Beth send down for them, so we had a nice visit. In between laundry and supper and cutting the grass we finished all our chores for the day. Tomorrow is back to work!

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TOMORROW August 3rd is:

National Hair Gloss Day; National Watermelon Day; National Grab Some Nuts Day; National Georgia Day.

I like walnuts and honey roasted peanuts best. And watermelon is good. You can probably eat both of those things in Georgia. God bless…

After a shower and a breakfast of scones Kelly & I jumped right into our cookie baking project. The first ones we made were chocolate fudge – made from Better Crocker Fudge cake mix and adding dark chocolate chips. The dough had to be refrigerated, so we made that first. Later in the morning we scooped them into round balls, stuck an M&M on the top for color, and baked them. They were very good! (We – of course – taste-tested them!)

Next we started on the pretzel/Hershey Kiss cookies. They had to cool before we could touch or move them, so they stretched out over the whole day. But we finished those up about 3pm.

We tackled the chocolate chip ones next, putting the red/white/blue M&M’s on them. Remember that Peyton wanted the R/W/B theme for his party. We did make a tray without the M&M’s because some people prefer them without.

The last batch was using the candy cane recipe – but we rolled the dough into balls, then in colored sugar (red and blue), and pressed them down with a fancy pattern. They have an almond flavor and everyone likes them.

By the time we got the cookies all tucked away and the kitchen scrubbed clean, Chrissy called for a ride to Autmn’s.

We came back and grated two zucchinis that someone had given Kelly, and she wanted to freeze them to make zucchini bread for Matt. Next we will try to figure out supper (cookies, maybe???) and that will be the day.

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TOMORROW August 2nd is:

National Ice Cream Sandwich Day; National Coloring Book Day.

I loved to color when I was a child! And ice cream is a good choice. God bless …

I just got a txt from Logan, and they are half way here. Kelly and I have a baking marathon planned for the next few days in preparation for Peyton’s party. So I’ll post a short Word Garden and try to be ready for them. After work this morning I stopped at Palmer’s farm and bought fresh veggies: Corn, tomatoes and beans. The funny thing was I said to the checkout lady that I wanted a bag of corn, tomatoes and green beans. She said, ‘But ma’am — these are yellow beans!’ So I had to explain that I actually did want the yellow ones – just mis-spoke!

I came home and did some weeding, cut the grass, did laundry, and then picked up Autmn and took her to her Mom’s. Noah will stop there later and bring her home.

So — short post today! I’ll try to remember to take pictures of our creative cookies tomorrow! Have a lovely evening!

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TOMORROW August 1st is:

International Mahjong Day; International Childfree Day; National Night Out Day; Respect for Parents Day; National Girlfriends Day; National Raspberry Cream Pie Day.

Tomorrow is ‘bake a bunch of cookies’ day at the Burke house! I’ll let you know how that goes. God bless…

We had our Sunday School lesson about JOY – the second fruit of the spirit. The idea was to explain the difference between happiness and joy. Mary had a few videos that did a great job! I actually think Max and Gracie got it…

I left Sunday school and went straight to Hanna’s Town for day two of the Civil War encampment and programs. The first two hours I had my book table – there was so much going on across the road with reenactments and battles (etc) that I didn’t have much traffic today. I closed up about 12:45pm, grabbed a hot dog and ate with my friend Mary Ann, then walked around and took a few pictures.

The doctor was on call this afternoon as well.

Again, I was stationed from 1:00 to 3:00 pm upstairs in the tavern. Most people are mildly interested in the history, but today I had several families that really loved getting the information. There was a mom and two young girls that asked the best questions and I was able to give them some information that generally doesn’t get discussed. I had a great afternoon. I made a young friend yesterday and was happy to spend some time again today, chatting with her. She’s nine and she LOVES reenacting!

I even stopped by McClellan’s tent and Grant’s tent afterwards!

As I pulled out of the parking lot I remembered that Autmn’s baby shower at her mom’s was today. I drove straight there and stayed long enough to play a few games and see her gifts. She got a lot of clothes for the baby, and lots of really cute baby books!

The shower was just finishing up, so Chrissy was done taking pictures. I scooped her up and took her to Park & Pool for the tail end of Jen’s Ninth Life Volunteer Thank You picnic. They were closing up as I got there, but I grabbed a Diet Coke and a free tee shirt and got to talk to the group for a bit.

I was only home about an hour when it got dark and cloudy and very windy. Now it’s pouring rain, but there is a beautiful rainbow across the sky! Two ‘showers’ in one day!

For all these events I went to today you would think that I had my fill of food! I didn’t eat anywhere except for the hot dog at 11:15am at Hanna’s Town. So I will need supper shortly.

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TOMORROW July 31st:

National Raspberry Cake Day; World Ranger Day; National Avocado Day; National Mutt Day.

Choose one and run with it! I’ll take the mutt… God bless!

Today was a mix of rain, clouds and sunshine. For the most part we had a good day, and all the events on the schedule could take place. There were several fife and drum groups, and lots of cannon and gunfire. I was assigned to the upstairs area of the tavern so I missed most of it except for what I could see from inside, looking out the window. I was ‘working’ with several lovely guides so we had many conversations in between visitors.

The one time I was taking a picture from the upstairs window, and a reenactor from one of the troops saw me sitting in the window. He asked me to wave to him — and he took MY picture as I was taking his!

After a yummy lunch at the food tent I set up my book table. I had several people stop, and one bought a book. That was a pleasant surprise as that is rare at those type of events. We got quite a storm at 4pm so I loaded up and took everything inside. I’ll try again tomorrow!

I met Mark and his son Jake (and Jake’s wife Krista) at my place at 6pm to transfer a title. We got that handled and they invited me back to Paul’s house for pizza. It was a nice visit — it’s not too often I get together with those cousins. There was Mark and Jake and Krista; Paul and Laura and Nike; Mike and Talya. Plus me, a cat, and two HUGE dogs! We had Rocco’s pizza and dessert and lots of conversation! Very nice evening! (And sorry – I totally forgot to take pictures!!!)

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TOMORROW July 30th is:

National Climb a Mountain Day; International Day of Friendship; National Whistleblower Day; National Cheesecake Day; National Father-in-law Day.

I don’t have a father in law – never did. I’ll go for the day of friendship! Enjoy… God bless.

TODAY we celebrate the birthdays of two of our Skunk Hollow Cousins: Karen Valyo and Gwen Sadler. Happy, happy birthday ladies and many more! Love you!

I could not fall asleep last night- It was almost 3am when I last looked at the clock. I’m really ready for bed but need to finish this evening’s chores. Have to get organized for tomorrow as I have to leave here at 8am to get to Hanna’s Town for my early shift in the tavern! But as I sit here typing the wind is kicking up and the evening sky is dark even for 9pm.

On top of that I got up early and even before breakfast went outside and weed whacked. It’s usually a 45 minute job – today it was two hours, and I fully expended both batteries. And I didn’t finish. I had to lug the electric blower out to clean up, then drag out the hose to scrub the white fence. I finished weed-whacking and blowing when I got home tonight at about 6:30pm. But it’s all done for now. Probably within the hour all the weeds will grow back!

I had a few important emails to attend to this morning, then left the house about 1:20pm to get Autmn. The mountains in the distance were beautiful. Mt. Pleasant has so many beautiful views but I couldn’t take them while driving. I got to sit in on her checkup – they just weighed her, measured her tummy, and listened to the baby’s heartbeat. I have two kids and five grandkids and I’ve never heard an unborn baby’s heartbeat! THAT was very cool. I was honored to be part of her journey. We stopped at Walmart on the way home and picked up a few things for her and Noah.

From Autmn’s I went straight to Hanna’s Town. The Civil War ladies hosted a tea, with cookies made from a Civil War era recipe. They were very good – especially the ginger cookies! There were four or five ladies hosting, and we were privileged to meet a few of the distinguished guests at the encampment, such as President Lincoln, General McClellan, and General Grant. I think the weekend is going to be super fun!

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TOMORROW July 29th is:

National Lasagna Day; National Lipstick Day; International Tiger Day; National Chicken Wing Day.

If you are local, come out TOMORROW to Hanna’s Town and visit the Civil War reenactment. It’s worth the time! God bless…

This morning I worked both stores, and stopped to do something for Mike P. He wasn’t there but Renee was there so we worked it out. From there I popped down to Mt. Pleasant to pick Autmn up – she needed a ride to her mom’s. So I switched my day around and was able to do that for her. Noah is picking her up after he’s done work.

After lunch – as is my normal schedule these days – I took a half hour reading break. I’m re-reading the Birch Harbor series by Liz Bromke – I’m on book three. I read it before but I still love reading them.

I had some business and personal emails to answer, then I made another bath of Cinnamon Rolls for Peyton’s party. I’ll probably do one more, maybe two. I have time.

I kept putting off mowing because of the heat, and when it finally cooled off I sent outside to cut it — and it started raining! Bummer. But it only rained for about a minute and a half, so I was able to get the grass cut. If I get a chance in the morning I will weed whack. I walked around and checked the flowers – there are several things blooming. The grass looks nice – except for the unexplained brown patches in the bottom yard!

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TOMORROW July 28th is:

World Conservation Day; National Get Gnarley Day; National Waterpark Day; National System Administrator Appreciation Day; National Milk Chocolate Day; National Talk in an Elevator Day; Buffalo Soldiers Day.

Look up ‘Buffalo Soldiers.’ Interesting. I can get behind Mike Chocolate Day – but I prefer dark chocolate! And the best thing about waterparks is the lazy river — with the waterfalls! Have a great day! God bless…

I was up and moving early this morning, and was able to clean the whole upstairs before I had to get ready to meet my friend (and former neighbor on Mohawk Drive) at Bob Evans for breakfast. It was so nice to catch up and hear about her boys and granddaughter, and her two poodles Charlie and Gracie. Of course I filled her in on my job and family and adventures! Thanks, Ginny, for a wonderful time.

When I got home I got to work cleaning the downstairs. That took me a little longer because Three Wise Men and a Baby was on and I kept pausing in the middle of a chore to watch it! That movie makes me laugh, and we all need to laugh!

The last chore before posting was to cut the branches of the Rose of Sharon and Tansy that were poking through the fence. I got it all done, except the little tiny one that is directly under the loose post on Dottie’s side. Hoping that gets fixed so I can get that done!

Autmn sent me a txt photo of her haircut. She got a LOT cut off! The first picture is from yesterday when she’s holding her hamster. You can see that her hair is down past her waist. Noah said this is his favorite haircut ever. I told her she should hang on to that guy! He’s a keeper!

And here is another picture of the publication party:

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TOMORROW July 27th is:

National Love is Kind Day; National Korean War Veteran’s Armistice Day; National Chili Dog Day; National New Jersey Day; National Creme Brulee Day; National Scotch Day; National Refreshment Day.

I can truly embrace Love is Kind Day. My dad was in the Korean War. No Chili Dogs OR Scotch for me! Have a happy Thursday. God bless…

We had a nasty round of storms through the night. First thing I did this morning was check the yards for fallen branches, etc. But everything was fine. I spent about 45 minutes sitting in the office in Jeannette, talking to Sir Rege and Barry. Not sure we solved anything but we affirmed each other, for sure! There were a few things in Greensburg.

As promised last week, here is the picture that Ella drew for me when she was working with her pappy. It’s a purple cat, and I didn’t even tell her I liked purple!

After my chiropractor’s appointment at Align, I drove down to Mt. Pleasant and picked Autmn up. I was excited to see where she lives and help her with an appointment. She had to have routine bloodwork done, and it was one of those ‘drink glucose’ or something then wait an hour. We spent the whole hour chatting and it was a nice visit. We probably drove the other people in the waiting room crazy but my guess is we were entertaining!

After the appointment we stopped at McDonalds (aren’t pregnant women always hungry???). She was txting Chrissy to tell her we were heading down there, and I got a txt message from Chrissy asking for food! 🙂 So we took Chrissy cheeseburgers, fries, and a Sprite. I got home at about 4:10pm. But it was a nice day.

I then spent time outside, spreading Weed and Feed, then an hour pulling weeds and trimming stray shrub branches. Again, I was so sweaty and grassy that I took a quick shower. Now I’m typing and will get something to eat.

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TOMORROW July 26th is:

National Disability Independence Day; National Bagelfest Day; National Aunt & Uncles Day; National Coffee Milkshake Day; National All or Nothing Day.

Happiest day of days to Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford. I am so blessed to have them in my life! The milkshake thing is ok, but CHOCOLETE, not COFFEE! God bless…

It was quiet at work this morning – I ran a few errands on the way home and was still here before noon. Made a deposit at the bank and paid the cabin taxes. All done…

During lunch (the last of the potato soup) I made a chore list. There were a lot of little things on the list, like refilling the scratch paper in the kitchen. I pulled weeds on the hill for over an hour, took a break and then cut the grass. I tried to talk myself out of it, but there was a cool breeze and the back yard was totally in the shade.

After the grass was cut I stuck the yard sign out for Hanna’s Town Civil War weekend. I’m going to have a table out there for a couple of hours with LETTERS TO MARY so I’m excited. My schedule is Saturday from 9am to 1pm in the tavern (docent) and then from 1pm to 5pm in my little book booth. Sunday after Sunday School I will be in my book booth from 10:45am to 1pm, and in the tavern from 1pm to 3pm. Come on out – there will be a lot to see and do!

Here are a few pictures of the LR party that I just got online:

Last night when I turned off the lights I noticed that the outside lights reflected on the door like a curtain. Very cool!

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TOMORROW July 25th is:

National Hire a Veteran Day; National Wine & Cheese Day; National Hot Fudge Sundae Day; National Thread the Needle Day; National Merry-go-Round Day.

TOMORROW is 5 months til Christmas day (Thanks, Ron, for the reminder!). Have a Hot Fudge Sundae and celebrate! God bless…