Kelly and I both slept in a little this morning and woke up to a drizzle. It rained some on the way up the mountain to Stahlstown but did not dampen anyone’s spirits for the festival. It was mostly clear and dry by the time we got there and we could set up our tables for the day.

We had a steady stream of little artists all day – they loved the coloring pages and the leaf crafts. We did read a few stories, and gave one little baby in a stroller a book about a farm. He sang ‘Old McDonald’ the whole way around the park! I met a little girl named Scarlett who was a true artist and one named Royal who was very creative and quiet as a mouse!

I sold two LTM books today and the buyers were excited to read the book. I’m hoping they reach out and leave me a message once they finish reading. Had a few long talks with Marilee who really seems to appreciate and enjoy our being part of the festival, and helping with the kids’ section. We had a great time, too! Also talked to Shirley (library) for a while and was glad to get caught up a little with her.

Kelly used her food coupon for a plate of pancakes and sausage and shared it with me. Later in the afternoon I used mine to get us ice cream.

The afternoon entertainment was fun – Bluegrass bands. My favorite was the first one (Centerfire) and Kelly’s was the second (Plate Scrapers).

The rain came in earnest about 4pm so everyone started cleaning up. It wouldn’t do to have books and craft pages out in the bad weather. We had just loaded the car when the Indian raid on the homestead started so we stood and watched that. It was a tough battle, leaving the British and the settlers lying in the field. Those were scary times in remote settlements!

I bought a few tomatoes from a local farm market stand, and when we got home the boys had egg sandwiches, Kelly had leftover pizza, and I had homemade bread toasted with fresh tomato slices! As we were cleaning up the kitchen the sun peaked out – and a rainbow settled in the sky. Perfect way to put a blessing on the weekend!

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TOMORROW September 18th is:

World Bamboo Day; National Cheeseburger Day; Airforce Birthday.

Tomorrow is my ‘Well’ visit, and Autmn’s 3rd infusion. Then it’s home to do laundry and catch up from the weekend. Have a great new week; God Bless! (And have a CHEESEBURGER!!!)

FLAX SCUTCHING! Kelly and I left about 9:45 with the boys still sleeping – or sleeping again. Chase got up to eat French toast and went back to sleep. We got gas in the Nissan and headed up to Stahlstown.

I was surprised to see several people that I knew – Helen and Donna from HCC, my cousin Deb, Paul’s wife Laura and son Nick, and Kath & Paul. Didn’t really have time to chat with anyone for long – there were a lot of people there and our little corner was busy. Cathi Rhodes as Patsy Cline was the first entertainment act, and I loved listening to her do cover songs and her own songs – such as ‘Crazy’ – which was Stoney’s favorite.

I had my books set out – Letters to Mary and Fields of Blue – and I did sell a few. That made me happy! We also had story time and read my HARVEST poem to the kids. There were dozens of other kids’ books that they looked at, and some sat down and read for themselves. We had a craft page for the kids to do, and the glue sticks (that I just bought) did NOT work. One little girl (age 9!) said ‘You have to by ELMER’S SCHOOL GLUE’ – and don’t blame yourself. No one’s blaming you but you!’ Ugh…

The guy at the table across from us was playing songs on his zither – the kids loved trying to guess the songs. He did a great job and we all enjoyed it.

Kelly stepped in to give the kids craft table a back up when that person needed a break. So we were busy all day. We had food vouches so we each had a burger, chips, and then split a funnel cake – which we shared with a few other authors.

Ed Kelemen was there, and so was Tom Beck, and a friend I met through Ron several years ago – Shirley. She works at the Ligonier library. Also chatted and exchanged ideas with Marilee, as well.

Took some photos around the grounds – It was a beautiful afternoon and everyone was having a good time! We got home about 6pm or so, and now have to regroup and resupply for tomorrow!

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TOMORROW September17th is:

National Apple Dumpling Day; National Professional House Cleaning Day; Constitution Day & Citizenship Day; National Monte Cristo Day; Wife Appreciation Day.

Tomorrow is also day two of the Flax Scutching festival. Rain in the forecast so not sure what effect that will have on the day. Appreciate the blessings you have – God bless.

I’m glad today was a stay-at-home day. I still have a few things to do – but I’m stopping mid-day to post this and do emails.

I went outside early and cleaned up the top part of the stones between the fences. I braved the swarming bees about half way down and cut back the Rose of Sharon growing against Dottie’s fence. There were a few more weeds below that but I wasn’t risking it. I got the Round-up out and sprayed the rest of them with a good coating. I shouldn’t have to bother with them until spring, now.

Today was laundry day, and also bread-baking day. Got that done but still have ironing to do. Also made mini-muffins, although the timer did not go off (it’s done that a few times for some reason) and they baked longer than I like. Thankfully they aren’t ‘hard’ or burned on the bottom. Still yummy!

Kelly and the boys will be here later. I want to be organized for the weekend before they come so I’ll get moving.

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TOMORROW September 16th is:

National Play-Doh Day; Boys’ and Girls’ Club Day for Kids; National Step Family Day; Mayflower Day; National Dance Day; National Gymnastics Day; National Guacamole Day; National Working Parents Day; National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day; National Cleanup Day; Puppy Mill Awareness Day; Responsible Dog Ownership Day.

Families are a wonderful place to be! I dislike puppy mills – be responsible to and with your pets! Have a lovely weekend, and if you are local try to stop up at the Flax Festival! I’ll be there. God bless…

I had an awful dream last night – which I won’t recount here. But I woke up fighting mad and upset and frustrated! Thankfully it passed quickly when I realized it was a dream. Tough way to start the day, though!

I worked this morning, and did title work for a friend whose husband passed away recently. I stopped to help Mike P with something and there was a train across the tracks and tied up traffic for a bit. But I like trains! You don’t see them much any more!

On the way home I stopped at the new Aldi store. It’s only a few minutes from my house. It’s a big, clean, spacious new store and I’m going to like shopping there.

After lunch (toast and my last tomato) I did some inside chores then went outside. I weed-whacked, cleaned up a bit – a big limb came down from the front maple. I broke it in pieces and trashed it. Then I cut the grass and blew everything clean. Also watered the Mum on the back bench.

This is the last little space that needs weeded, but I don’t like climbing between the fences these days. The white fence has come down twice, the railroad tie wall has a few rotted boards, and there are bees nests in them. So I am going to just spray the weeds and let them die!

I found this rock buried in the dirt on the hill. No clue where it came from. So now I have two mystery rocks.

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TOMORROW September 15th is:

National Cheese Toast Day; National Felt Hat day; Greenpeace Day; National Neonatal Nurses Day; National Tradesmen Day; National Online Learning Day; National Double Cheeseburger Day; National Creme de Menthe Day; National Linguine Day; National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Lots to choose from tomorrow. Felt hats are nice and so is cheese toast. Nurses are very special! I love hamburgers!! Celebrate it all and God bless…

First things first: Happy birthday to my son-in-law Matt! Hope your day was wonderful! Love you!

I had a lot to get accomplished today – so no lolly-gagging around in bed this morning! First thing I did was take the rest of the weed trash bags (5 of them) up to the road – the ones I left in the bottom yard when it started to rain last night.

I had a scone for breakfast then jumped right into cleaning. I had the upstairs done by 11:15am, then started downstairs. I got everything done but the floors before I had to change clothes and leave to take Autmn to her infusion appointment. I was able to go back and sit with her this time. It’s a half-hour drip.

When we were finished there I took her to Shop and Save (about two blocks from her house) and she got a grocery order. She’s all set now for a good while. I got back home a little before 4pm. I finished the floors, did laundry, then went outside and finished the hill! The wild orchids are still blooming so I will leave them until they die off. I’m so glad that part is done. Hopefully tomorrow I can cut the grass!

A txt from Kathy assured me that her follow up appointment went well, and she got permission to work from home tomorrow. And Paul has an appointment on Monday to have his leg checked out. So things are going well. And I made her day when I txt her back a picture of our book that came today! Yea!!

This evening was Hanna’s Town staff and volunteer picnic. It’s always nice the have almost everyone together at once. Lisa (Director) said they are very close to hiring a new educational director. That will be a relief to everyone! Food was good and company was even better.

Beautiful pink court house dome on the way home.

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TOMORROW September 14th is:

National Parents Day Off; National Eat a Hoagie Day; National Virginia Day; National Cream Filled Donut Day; National School Picture Day; National Sober Day.

Tomorrow is the day that our newest local ALDI store opens! Maybe I’ll pop in, just to check it out. It’s very close! I can celebrate Virginia – Williamsburg is there! Have a great day – God bless.

I didn’t have to work this morning – not enough to warrant going in. I’ll do everything Thursday. The day started as bright and sunny with beautiful puffy clouds.

Rather than getting cleaned up to play in the dirt, I went outside right after a breakfast of oats. I got past the half-way point by noon, took a break for toast and tomato, then went back out. It was very hot working in direct sun. I got almost to the end when it clouded up with thunder and steady rain. So I didn’t get another picture. Will update later.

Right about the time I was trying to drag bags up to the house, Kathy called to let me know she was home, but Paul was having an issue with his leg and had to get it checked. She wasn’t supposed to be alone for 24 hours (cataract surgery) so I got a quick shower and went over until Paul got home at 8:30pm. He was given treatment recommendations and I think between the two of them they can cautiously take care of each other!

Kelly sent me a picture – Logan is our newest permitted driver! So now, four out of five grandkids have licenses or permits. Chase still has 2 years to go. Good luck, Logan, and congrats!! So excited for you!

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TOMORROW September 13th is:

National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day; Day of the Programmer; Uncle Sam Day (Dan Rice???? – Nope, but close); National Peanut Day; National Bald is Beautiful Day; Positive Thinking Day.

Dan Rice and Uncle Sam look VERY much alike! ANYONE could take over my kitchen and I wouldn’t mind. Think positive, do something kind! God bless…

I did hear a number of comments today about 9.11. It was such an act of deliberate violence it’s hard not to remember that day with horror and sadness…

I worked at both stores today. In Greensburg I had a bunch of documents to notarize for Ken’s niece. She’s trying to get her citizenship in Italy. She’s a basketball player and has her eyes on the Olympics! The documents were official papers from her grandparents and great grandparents – birth certificates, marriage license, working papers, passports. They were very old and so interesting. What history!

After lunch I went on the hill. I finished the middle section and got the first small part of the left side. I’m excited to get working on it again. It will be tricky climbing around among all the tall, scratchy plants, but most of it will be cutting down and not pulling and digging. So that’s good. One section at a time, and that was mostly my day.

When I came in I finally had the courage to change the water and air filters in my new fridge. It wasn’t hard so I’ll be good next time! So now I’m back to blue lights and not red ones!

Mary’s father-in-law passed away, so I went to the funeral home for visitation. Talked to Dave, said hi to Dom, and chatted with Mary. I saw a couple who lived across from me on Mohawk – Bernie and John. I haven’t seen them in decades so it was nice catching up. Their daughter just had a baby girl this morning! When I left there I stopped to pick up a few groceries. A ‘few’ groceries these days cost almost $100! And most of it wasn’t even ‘food’! Draino, shampoo, card stock, trash bags… Ugh. BUT!!! I did get Ghoul’s Mix M&M’s! So that’s a plus!

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TOMORROW September 12th is:

National Video Games Day (This one’s for YOU, Chase Emerson!!!); National Just One Human Family Day; National Ants on a Log Day; National Hugs and High Five’s Day; National Chocolate Milkshake Day; National Day of Encouragement.

Ah – tomorrow will HAVE to be a chocolate milkshake treat day! No ants, probably no hugs — But enjoy! Encourage someone and God bless…

Autmn and Noah are supposed to pop over, and I’m in my PJ’s and robe. With my hair scrunched up in a clip. Oh, well. It is what it is! I was working outside for about an hour and a half. Got about 2/3rds of the center section done. It was a cool evening and in the shade so it was a good opportunity to work outside.

Mary and I had 3 visitors in Sunday School this morning, in addition to Max and Gracie. One was Sawyer, a granddaughter of one of our members. The other two little guys have been coming to Second Hour and this was their first time in Sunday School. I think they enjoyed the class – but having kids from age 4 up through age 7 is tricky. The older ones are SO ready for deeper lessons! But it went well.

After church Kathy picked me up and we went to Delmont for a presentation by our second First Lady, Abigail Adams. She did an excellent job! I had to remind myself several times that it wasn’t really her. She divided the session into three parts. The first was her presentation; the second was questions and answers with her still in character. The third was questions and answers with her as herself, about her research and studies and professional life. She has portrayed many other people in addition to Abigail.

Some facts that I learned: Her husband, John Adams, called her Miss Adorable. They wrote over 2000 letters to each other. She said the hardest part about being a mother is losing a child. When John Adams was helping write the Declaration of Independence she wrote to him and told him to REMEMBER THE LADIES. He laughed at her! She was not a fan of Thomas Jefferson. After the revolutionary war John Adams ended up being an ambassador to England.

She is a very talented and lovely lady and a great speaker. Check her out on facebook as JoAnn F Peterson or at joannpeterson.com.

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TOMORROW September 11th is:

National Boss/Employee Exchange Day; National Make Your Bed Day; Patriot Day and National Day of Service; National Hot Cross Bun Day.

Never forget 9.11. THAT’s what will make our country great. I make my bed EVERY SINGLE DAY! I would not want to exchange places with my boss – any of them. Their job is way more challenging than mine! Have a great day – and remember what you were doing 9-11-2001. God bless — our country and its people.

So, today was divided into three parts. First, I got up a little early, put on ‘play’ clothes, and went out to weed. I got a nice section done. Then I came in, got a shower and dressed for the tour at Hanna’s Town. I wrote out some notes last night just as a refresher. There were some points I needed to go over.

There were 14 ladies in the group from the D.A.R – I told them I was intimidated by their credentials, which I didn’t have! But they were very attentive and seemed to really enjoy the tour and the information. I felt a lot better (confidence-wise) when we were finished. I also talked to Jim (another volunteer) for a bit in the shop afterwards. Found out he and his wife live just a few miles from me, near Jioio’s! Fun fact! Here are flower and butterfly pictures from the afternoon.

I came home, changed clothes again, and went back to the hill. I finished the far side! I was very happy about that! Probably about 85% was cutting back dead stalks so there are a lot of trash bags for next week’s garbage. It made me a little nervous, though – I think the weeds are rebelling and trying to sneak back down to the hillside!

But I think the section looks really nice. I’ll start on the middle next chance I get, then the far left.

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TOMORROW September 10th is:

National Grandparents Day; National Hug Your Hound Day; National Pet Memorial Day; National Swap Ideas Day; National TV Dinner Day.

I can celebrate Grandparents day – I am one, and I’ve had several! Someone please just hug a hound for me! Thank you, and God Bless!!!

I started my day out by putting on work clothes and going outside for almost 2 hours. I got the weeds cleaned out around the lilacs by the fence. It was sunny but cool with a nice breeze and it really needed done. First thing, though, I saw two deer – looks like mamma and baby – up on the hill where the horses usually are. Then I saw a rabbit hopping around the flower beds, and found what I think is a rabbit nest. Can’t be sure – but I’ll keep an eye on it in case it’s something else. It’s a fairly large hole!

After a shower and a quick bite of leftover soup, I drove uptown and met Kathy at the Palace Theater. They were offering free tours, which included touring the building and lots of history – not just about the building but a little about the Cultural Trust, and also owners and managers and neighboring buildings. Theresa Baughman – interim CEO and Director of Operations and Programing – gave the tour and was a total wealth of information and very interesting facts.

I have known Theresa for a number of years, as the Palace and the Civic Center are both part of the Westmoreland Cultural Trust. I usher for the Civic Center and have done that for a long time. I was very impressed with her knowledge and presentation and ease of sharing it with us. There were over 100 people in this afternoon’s tour.

I was back outside cleaning up the yard, cleaning out the flower beds, enjoying the Zennias, and finally, cutting the grass, just as soon as I got home and changed back into play-in-the-dirt clothes. I was sneezing and itchy so I took a cool shower and now here I am, typing in my Word Garden!

Kelly posted a picture of Peyton with Brandon – he will be selling the steer for beef on Saturday.

Oh! And before I forget — Autmn passed her permit test. So, here’s to another new driver on the road! Congrats!!!

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TOMORROW September 9th is:

Share Your Care Day; National Teddy Bear Day; National Wiener Schnitzel Day.

Care Bears are so cute! Share a little bit of yourself with someone tomorrow! God bless…