I picked Autmn up at 9am and we headed to Monroeville. Noah found her an eye appointment that was inexpensive and ready-in-one-day, so I was designated driver. Her stomach was a little upset, so we stopped at Chick-Fil-A to get a glass of ice water, and there was a water main break and the food places were all closed! Luckily I had a bottle of water (though not iced) and a chewy granola bar in my car so that got us over the hump.

We stopped at NTB (Noah works there and it’s directly across from Eyeglass World) to say hello, then went to the appointment. She found frames she liked with transitional lenses and a warranty and they were very reasonable. My pretty Autmn Rose!

By then Autmn was hungry (of course she was!) so we popped into Panera Bread and she got macaroni and cheese with a baguette. I bought two cinnamon crunch bagels for breakfast a few days this week. Then I dropped her off at her mom’s. She needed some ‘mommy’ time!

I came home to Torilyn and Dottie and Pipi hanging out in my family room – Tori doing school online and Dottie and Pipi just chillin’. The buyers had a home inspection in process next door and Dottie couldn’t be home. So Dottie stress-ate M&M’s, Tori studied, the dog slept, and I went to work!

By the time I got everything organized I only had about an hour and a half to work outside. I did finish digging out the crab grass along the white fence.

Thunder started rumbling and the sky got a bit darker so I quit and cleaned up. Hoping tomorrow to start on the hill.

In the meantime, I’m going to turn on the TV and watch a cute, funny movie, Love Strikes Twice. It’s a mood-lightener! So I’ll put on PJ’s, get something to eat, and laugh for a while!

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TOMORROW September 8th is:

World Ampersand Day; Star Trek Day.

Ampersand. That is totally something to celebrate. Hmmmm. Have a happy Friday & God bless…

As is typical for my Wednesdays, I spent most of the day cleaning and doing laundry. I worked on the upstairs in the morning and got every inch of it cleaned. Also finished the ironing.

I had to leave about 12:30pm to pick up Autmn. Her iron count is low so she’s getting infusions for the next few weeks. I was a few minutes early getting to Mt. Pleasant so I pulled off Main St, parked, and took a few pictures. The fountain (which I truly wanted to wade around in!), the gazebo, and the view of the distant mountains. There are so many beautiful views of the mountains in Mt. Pleasant.

It’s only 2 minutes to Frick Hospital so we made it in good time. It didn’t take the whole hour to get the process completed. It was chilly in the room (she said) and another patient’s daughter got a heated blanket and draped it over Autmn. She was impressed and grateful. I told her to pass it on.

We stopped at Walmart (Mt. Pleasant/Scottdale) afterwards, and picked up a few items we both needed. Then she was hungry (of course! When isn’t she???) so she got a wrap at Subway, a bag of chips, and a Coke. I had purchased pretzels so I had a few of those, as I had eaten lunch!

By the time I dropped her off and got home, it was almost 5pm. I cleaned the downstairs, did laundry, husked and cooked my corn, and ate supper. This is the next to last chore for the evening other than answered Kathy’s email. Please keep Paul in your prayers as he had a bad reaction to his new prescription and wasn’t feeling well this evening.

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TOMORROW September 7ths is:

National Salami Day; National Beer Lovers Day (not me!); National Grateful Patient Day; National Neither Snow nor Rain Day (USPS!!); National Acorn Squash Day; National New Hampshire Day; National Grandma Moses Day.

Enjoy something! And God Bless!

I had work to do at both stores, and also got a call to stop and help Mike P. After work I did get stamps at the post office and then run out to Palmer’s to get corn and tomatoes. Joe gave me a cucumber and then Mr. G gave me more tomatoes so I’m set for a few days. I love toast and tomato!

I took my time eating, and even topped off my tomato lunch with an Oreo and something cold to drink. Then I went outside. I finished weeding the front yard and the side yard above and below the fence. Most of it was in the sun so I took time for a few short water breaks. Some of it ended up splashed on my face — on purpose!

At my next break I talked to Al (neighbor) and he said Joyce (his wife) isn’t doing very well. She’s in a lot of pain all the time. She has been dealing with this for so long — she’s one tough, brave woman, for sure. But then I badgered myself into cutting the grass so THAT core is done for a few days. It was so long I had to cut half rows to make it look even partly decent.

It felt very good to get a cool shower, wash my hair, and get into pj’s. After I was done mowing I was soaked through to the skin. Now I feel fresh and clean – but very tired. Happy, but tired!

I got an email from Lisa that Hanna’s Town had a group coming on Saturday afternoon and they need two tour guides. So I guess I’ll help with that.

Did I already share the story about the Beach Boys sign? Ron and I were going to the farm to do corn 2 weeks ago and we saw a sign in a grassy strip along the highway advertising the concert. It was long over, so on the way back we drove sort of close to the sign. Low and behold, it jumped into my car! So now I have a Beach Boys sign in the back yard. It was dirty and all over grass but I scrubbed it clean. It’s just so perfect. Thanks a ton — and you know who you are… 🙂

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TOMORROW September 6th is:

National Coffee Ice Cream Day; National Read a Book Day.

READ A BOOK! Or more than one! I love to read. Choose a fun one, have some ice cream, and read the day away! God bless…

I took the morning to have fun with Kathy at the fairgrounds for the Arts and Crafts festival. We walked around all the booths and looked at the vendors. We each bought something. I bought a coaster that looks like a giant chocolate chip cookie! Also bought 3 bars of soap. It is the exact brand that I buy at at Barbara Ann’s at the mall – only instead of $8 each I got 3 for $10! So it was a great bargain and I know I’ll use them.

One booth was selling stuffed animal lights. My favorites were the pink poodle, the M&M, Woodstock and Snoopy. And a 1776 tee shirt!

We sat down in the pavilion and had French Fries with gravy and listened to a band. Don’t know the name of the band, but they did Margaritaville (Jimmy Buffet) and Daydream Believer (Monkees).

Look at the view!

I dropped Kathy at home and then started laundry. I finished the day as LABOR DAY! While that was washing I went outside and started pulling weeds. I did along the white fence up my driveway, then the front walk, both sides. It was very warm and humid. I tired myself out and didn’t get to cut the grass. Maybe tomorrow. Wow, that heat wears a person totally OUT! I don’t know how Ron does it in Florida when the ‘feels like’ is often 104*!!!!

Kelly sent me a picture of Peyton’s steer – Brandon. Ma (Peyton’s other grama) made a curtain for the stall. Brandon weighed in just 10 pounds over the required weight. We’ll see who buys it this year.

Yesterday I went to a picnic at Mary’s house. She has a lovely patio with a nice covered area, and a fire pit in the back. I knew most of the people there from previous events. It was a nice afternoon with just enough breeze to be comfortable!

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TOMORROW September 5th is:

National Be Late for Something Day (this could be Mary’s day!); National Cheese Pizza Day; National Another Look Unlimited Day.

I like that last one. Maybe look it up and see why… Tomorrow — we have to go back to work. I had a four day weekend! Wow! God bless…

Mary and I thought we had a grip on the lessons and the class for Sunday School this morning. We were wrong… The boys (Ben and Max) were not on the same page as we were – meaning they were interested in everything BUT the lesson! But it all went well and Church was good as Todd spoke about God providing for us.

After lunch (which was crackers and cheese) I emptied the car out – I still had all the stuff in that I took to Kelly’s and brought back from Kelly’s. I put her items for storage in the dresser drawers of her chest in the shed, and put all my stuff away. I downloaded all the photos from yesterday, talked to Claudia about the Fall Tea (Hanna’s Town), and gathered up things to take to Mary’s picnic. I will share that tomorrow, as I have YESTERDAY to catch up with today!

So yesterday Kelly and I went to Oglebay for the Fort Henry Days celebration. It’s an 18th Century Encampment and battle re-enactment. There were demonstrations of 18th century life, Punch and Judy puppet shows for the kids, Talks on Midwifery and Myths of White Captives by Native Americans, Dancing, Blacksmithing, Surgeon tent, Bookbinding, fabric demonstrations. It was very informative.

Kelly saw a few people she knew, and she had insights about some of the displays. I saw my friend Louise (and husband Scott) and we chatted for a while. Some of the interesting displays were the Ale sellers, the fabric dyeing, the surgeon’s tent, the Bookbindery (one of the pamphlets was the Art of Farting!), and forge.

We walked down to Camp Russel, where the 4-H troops have their camp weeks and where Kelly usually helps with cooking all week. It’s a very nice place and the buildings are well kept.

From the encampment we drove over to the Oglebay mansion museum. That was one thing I really wanted to see. There is a lot of local history at Oglebay, in the park and the museums and the family. We parked at the gift shop and looked around, then walked up to the mansion. It is beautifully kept, clean and well displayed and very interesting. MORE than worth the price to tour! It’s self guided, with a map and little recordings in most of the rooms. I could live there! Here are just a FEW pictures of a FEW rooms!

We passed several office buildings and the greenhouse and the amphitheater. The gardens are amazing and immaculate. The views were spectacular. All in all it was a wonderful day.

We left there, had lunch, and went home to tackle a few projects for the West Alexandria fair. Kelly is a 4-H leader and has her hands in a dozen things! She was working on a display for their chapter, and had some help from her little friend Jo. She just sent me pictures of the finished display! Fair starts tomorrow.

When I left, Kelly and Matt were walking down the driveway holding hands! It was a sweet way to end the visit!

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TOMORROW September 4th is:

Labor Day; National Wildlife Day; National Newspaper Carrier Day; National Macadamia Nut Day.

I’ll take a laborless labor day! Time for a break – after a morning with Kath at the craft festival! God bless…

I left the house a little before 9 this morning and headed to Kelly’s. We were going to Fort Henry Days at Oglebay Park. It was SUCH a great day! But as it’s 12 hours later and I have things to organize for Church tomorrow I am going to recap the day tomorrow and share pictures. I’ll just say that I saw a reenactor friend (Louise) and Kelly saw a few friends, and we toured the Oglebay Mansion. Lunch at Chick Fil-A! So — photos tomorrow!

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TOMORROW September 3rd is:

National Welsh Rarebit day; US Bowling League Day; National Pastor’s Spouses Day.

Mom loved to Bowl; and Kathy is a pastor’s wife, so here is to her! Celebrate! God bless…

I had a list going for me this morning. First thing – well, after shower and breakfast – was to go to a friend’s garage sale. Actually her MOM is a friend that I met through Ron. I thought maybe there would be something Autmn could use but there really wasn’t. I bought a pan for Kathy if she wants it, and a wooden book stack for me. I always wanted one and this was the perfect opportunity. Then I lucked on a set of wooden PEANUTS spoons! I was very excited!

From there I drove down to Pinnacle/Jeannette and switched out cars. I am driving a 2020 Nissan Rogue. It’s a very nice SUV. It was talking to me – told me there was a toll road ahead! I turned off, though, so I didn’t need it. I’m taking it to Kelly’s in the morning so we’ll see how it does.

Dottie accepted an offer on the house. Closing is in about 6 weeks. This young couple is moving back into the area from out of state – they have family in Indiana PA! So we already have something in common.

I also talked to Gen last night. She is coming back to Greensburg for a few days in September. I’m so excited! It’s been over a year since she’s been here! And she bought a house! Double excitement! She’ll only be 2 miles from Chris’s family. She sent me the link and it’s a beautiful house – just perfect for her. There’s a fairly nice sized yard for her gardens, and plenty of room for company (smile) and for her family to gather.

Since I didn’t get to see the Blue moon on Wednesday night, I watched for it last night. When it came up it was bright orange and big and beautiful! My camera doesn’t take good night pictures but it was a wonder to see.

After lunch I spent almost 5 hours outside. I got the garden between the driveway and the fence cleaned up, the patio stones done, and the top of the hill from the fence to the lilacs. Still a long way to go but I feel good about getting so much done. Have to have this thing in good order before my Master Gardner friend gets here!!

Here we are in a brand new month!

Today was two years since Mom’s passing. And yesterday was four years since we lost Susan (Skunk Hollow Cousin). Two beautiful ladies, dearly missed!!!

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TOMORROW September 2nd is:

World Coconut Day; National V-J Day; National Tailgating Day; World Bread Day; National Hummingbird Day; National Blueberry Popsicle Day; National Play Outside Day; International Bacon Day.

Play outside! I am going to Fort Henry Days at Oglebay with Kelly tomorrow. No tailgating or coconuts or popsicles, but possibly bacon… I like hummingbirds! Have a great Holiday weekend! God bless.

Today is the last day of August, 2023. I can’t believe the year is flying by so fast. Only 4 months left. Today is cooler; even though it’s in the 70’s there is a cool breeze. Hoping it’s like that tomorrow as I need to do garden work. But first thing in the morning I have to take the Altima down to Jeannette – they have a customer coming in to drive it.

After lunch I did a little yard work – there was a branch that was hanging out of my front Maple tree and I wanted to pull it down and break it up for the trash.

I also promised Peyton more cinnamon rolls, so I got those made, as well. And that, strange as it seems, was my day, except for answering a few emails.

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TOMORROW September 1st is:

National Chicken Boy Day; National Lazy Mom’s Day; National Burnt Ends Day; National Hotel Employees Day; National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day; National Forgiveness Day; National College Colors Day; National Food Bank Day.

The best choice is always to forgive. And be kind. God bless…

I popped out of bed and got to work cleaning pretty much right away. I was interrupted a few times when Dottie, Tori, and the dogs came over to evac for a house showing. It was the last one – – the realtor cut it off – she had several really good offers so he said – ‘This is it! Submit your best offer!’ She will decided which buyer today. I really thought I should be allowed to screen the candidates!

About 12:30pm I stopped chores and got ready to pick up Autmn. We went to Frick hospital and she got her blood levels checked and had more bloodwork done. Everything was good – except her iron count is down a bit. They will be monitoring that.

She was starved afterwards, so we went to McDonalds and got her food. Two chicken sandwiches, large fry, M&M McFlurry, Large Coke, and a glass of ice! I had a small frozen Coke…. She was very contented.

Here are some pics that Christina took at the Shower on Sunday.

Today was another horse day. They look so cool up in the field.

The morning glories are blooming on the fence. One made its way through the heart in the wheelbarrow…

I finished cleaning about 7pm. Next chore will be food. It WON’T be McDonalds!

Reports from Florida confirm that Ron’s area is safe – just rain here and there, plus a pretty intense lightening show last night. So glad they aren’t in danger – as long as no one travels to the coast!

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TOMORROW August 31st is:

National South Carolina Day; National Matchmaker Day; National Trail Mix Day; National Eat Outside Day.

I could eat outside, in South Carolina! It’s a nice state. Especially Charleston; I loved it there! The last time I had Trail Mix – I think – was on the Appalachian Trail at Harper’s Ferry! Have a great Thursday – God bless…

This will be a short post this evening. I was pretty busy all day and I’m about done ‘doing’!

I just looked out the door, and the clouds are beautiful. So dramatic. It looks like they have a hole for God to peek down through!

I worked both stores this morning, then stopped to help Mike P. Dottie txt me that they had another showing and they were at my place for a short bit. They were gone by the time I got home. Autmn Txt me and said she does need a ride to her appointment tomorrow. So that’s on the calendar.

The hurricane reports on Florida’s Gulf coast are scary. Ron is about an hour and a half north of Tampa, but inland. He’s not in the direct path but could possibly feel the effects. It’s frightening. I’ll be tense until it’s past them – as I’m sure all of that area of Florida will be!

Dottie’s two showings this afternoon late had the dogs here and Dottie keeping them company. Milo hurt his toe nail and she was giving him some extra lovin’. Willow ate a box of tissue – or rather tore it up! I don’t think she actually ate any!

After lunch (corn on the cob), I cut the grass and weed whacked. I was soaked and sweaty so I took a shower. Then I made potato soup but I don’t think I’ll have it for supper. I stopped at Palmer’s market and got a few home-grown tomatoes so I plan on having one of those with a slice of homemade bread.

And that’s it! We will put the lid on today and start again tomorrow!

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TOMORROW August 30th is:

National Toasted Marshmallow Day; National Grief Awareness Day; International Whale Shark Day; National Beach Day.

If you go to the beach, watch out of Whale Sharks! Feed them marshmallows. God bless!!!