Chase came to find me (I was reading in bed) at 6:45 this morning, looking for food! So I got up and made him pancakes before getting ready for work. I worked for a while in Jeannette and had the usually typical pleasant conversation with Sir Regis. Then went to the Greensburg store – both Ken and Joe were in fun moods – but the computer kept stalling out. I did as much as I could then went to my chiropractor appointment.

While I was still at work, though, my cousin Holly called me. Her brother (and Beth’s and Karen’s) passed away this week. They just discovered his death this morning when a close friend of Dan’s stopped by. He was maybe 71? He did have various health concerns but his death was very unexpected. It will be difficult for Dan’s sisters, and his friends and other family. Lots of great memories associated with playing ‘little men’ in the creek behind their house, and hanging in the tree house. Prayers go out for everyone.

Soooo … I got home and did some planning and corresponding for the Loyalhanna Review party, did a few emails, brought the trash cans down from the road. Chase was hungry and I promised him Domino’s pizza, so we ordered that online (a new procedure for me!). I picked up my prescription at the pharmacy, then got the pizza. We splurged and took a risk and got the cinnamon twists with icing. He LOVED them! So he has leftover pizza and twists for later or for lunch tomorrow.

Hopefully Chrissy, Chase and I are going mini-golfing tomorrow about noon, if the weather cooperates. Chrissy is going to her mom’s in the afternoon so we have to get our activities in before that.

My new cup from Amazon ‘Prime’ day came today. Like I really needed a new cup… But that’s it for today, even though it’s early.

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TOMORROW July 14th is:

National Tape Measure Day; National Nude Day; National Mac and Cheese Day; Collector Car Appreciation Day; Bastille Day; National French Fry Day; World Kebab Day.

Nude? Um, no. My neighbor will be happy because he appreciates his collection of antique and vintage cars. The French celebrate Bastille Day – we all love French Fries — so pick something and celebrate! God bless. And please pray for Dan’s family and friends as they mourn his passing.

Diane came over for tea and bear claws — she brought the treats and a car full of pass-along items from her daughter who is moving. I now have a happy tummy and piles all over the garage to go to different people! We share the love!

Chase was thirsty for Sprite, so I popped over to Walmart and picked up a few items (4 to be exact!). He is happily consuming his Sprite and I once again have aluminum foil.

After Quilla-Dilla’s for lunch, Chase went back to his gaming and I cleaned the house. Even though downstairs is still a little cluttered from ‘boy’ things, the house is clean and feels fresh. Can you smell the lilac Fabreeze?

We are hoping to go to Kerber’s Mini Golf tomorrow or Friday. There is a chance of storms both days, but I’m hopeful we can sneak it in! Still left on the agenda is Domino’s pizza!

Actually, that’s it for today. Chase is drawing a tree for my Sunday School class – so we can attach fruits of the spirit, one fruit each week! He does well on art projects…

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TOMORROW July 13th is:

National Beans & Franks Day; National Delaware Day; National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day.

Tomorrow I have to work in the morning — then we’ll take the day as it comes! Have a happy Thursday! God bless…

TODAY is my Brother-in-Law Paul’s birthday. I think they were going to Sarah’s for supper. Hope you had a great day, Paul.

I did a few small inside things this morning – cut up the chicken breasts to marinate, and I’ll cook them tomorrow afternoon. Worked on correspondence and the Sunday School lesson for Sunday. Noah, Autmn and Josie stopped so they could print someone off on my printer for Noah’s work. They had stopped at 7-11, because today (7-11) is free slushy day there.

After they left we picked Chrissy up, and got as far as South Greensburg before they were hungry. I zipped into the Wendy’s drive-thru and got them French Fries. We got to the theater about half an hour early; went in and got settled, Kit Kat’s for Chris and popcorn for Chase. WHY are there so many movie previews? As it was, the Spidy movie was 2 hours and 13 minutes. I won’t spoil the ending, but let’s just say that regardless of whether I’m a fan or not, I’ll have to make it a point to see the next movie when it comes out in 2024!

Chase and I dropped Chrissy off after the movie — and it was a lively conversation on the way home! Chase decided suddenly that he was hungry for cinnamon donuts – and he had eaten all the pretzels. So we handled that at Shop & Save.

He had also mentioned chocolate chip cookies – so I made Kelly’s recipe – half with Red/white/blue M&M’s and half without (Chase’s request – he doesn’t like them!)

So it’s 10:00pm, and I just finished cleaning up the kitchen, and was totally thankful I didn’t have to pull weeds or mow the grass. TOMORROW is another day!

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TOMORROW July 12th is:

National Pecan Pie day; Paper Bag day; National Different Colored Eyes Day; Eat Your Jello Day; National Simplicity Day.

I’m still hung up on Cow Appreciation Day! God bless…

It was a full day but we got a lot accomplished. I dropped the Colonial Camp shirts that Kelly did off to Lara at Hanna’s Town before work, and then went to Greensburg since it was closer. From there I went to Jeannette. There was a little snafu with one of the deals – license plate issue – but even though it took about an hour we finally were on the right track. Seems like every little thing I picked up had an issue there today! And to top it off I found that Rege is still sick, and feeling very miserable. I’m so glad that he was able to enjoy his daughter’s wedding last weekend! Praying he feels tip-top again very quickly!

When I got home, I picked up Chase and we went to the mall. He had birthday money and wanted to get another stuffed animal at the GO CALENDAR! store. Turns out they were on sale, so he could get two!

From there we walked over to the Shoe Department and he got a new pair of Sliders. They are bright and colorful and it surprised me that he didn’t want plain dark blue or black. He’s happy! We had Chick-Fil-A at the Mall location, then came home.

I cleaned out the lint filter on the dryer, then spent a little over an hour pulling weeds on the bottom corner of the hill by the shed, then we watched the Spiderman movie: Into the Spider-verse. I never saw any of the super hero movies and I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t as hard to watch as I feared! Chrissy, Chase and I are going to see the new movie at the theater tomorrow. Chase wanted to ‘catch me up’ so I’d be ready. He’s already seen it once, last week!

He wanted Quilla-Dilla’s (Quesadilla’s) for dinner, which I made, then while he was eating I cut the grass. It was cooler and the whole yard was in the shade. Glad that’s done for another…. few days! It always looks so nice freshly cut!

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TOMORROW July 11th is:

National Blueberry Muffin Day; National Cheer Up The Lonely Day; World Population Day; Cow Appreciation Day; All American Pet Photo Day; National Seven-Eleven Day; National Rainier Cherry Day.

Cow Appreciation! Oh, joy! THAT I can get into. Make sure you hug your cow tomorrow… God bless!

Today was an on and off day for weather. It rained several times, but also the sun was shining and bright. I was able to be outside for about an hour, pulling weeds and cleaning up the yard while I was waiting for Kelly and Chase to come.

Autmn and Noah came to church this morning! I was so excited to see them there.

Kelly did a few loads of laundry, then we went shopping for a few things that she needed for camp this week and I needed for Chase. I think Chase will mostly be content to connect via his gaming system with his friends all week. BUT – we are planning to go to a movie on Tuesday, and maybe mini-golfing one evening.

Kelly just left, so she’ll have to drive home in the dark. Mommies don’t like their babies out alone after dark, even when they are in their 40’s!

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TOMORROW July 10th is:

National Pina Colada Day; Global Energy Independence Day; International Town Criers Day; Chronic Disease Day; National Clerihew Day; National Kitten Day.

Ask Jen about kittens! She’ll say EVERY day is kitten day! Have a great day and a happy week. God bless…

This morning’s program at River Hill Church was really nice. Tracey Scott and her grown daughter Alicia did a great job with their testimony and their encouragement. They both went through some tough trials, and with their unwavering faith and belief in God’s word as truth they saw miracles work in their lives. Ask in faith, believing, and God hears and answers.

Lunch was served after the program, and it was very good. My favorite were the little boat cakes and the chocolate covered strawberries. I was just craving those yesterday and there they appeared! And I didn’t even ask!

Again, I had a few small indoor projects to do before I went outside, but worked out there for over two hours. Today I cleaned up the weeds in the stones on the hill, between the fences. Dottie’s fence is still not secure, and it made me really nervous to be climbing on the hill, knowing that in April it came crashing down. I took comfort in the fact that it fell into HER yard, so I did both ends (above and below the loose brace), then cautiously got the rest in the middle.

There were other places along my fence line that needed cleaned up, so I got them, too. Job much needed but well done.

Ninth Life Rescue – Jen’s rescue – is looking for homes in barns for outdoor cats. They are fully vetted, spayed/neutered but unadoptable. If you know of someone who wants or needs outdoor barn cats – let one of us know. Check out Ninth Life Rescue on facebook for more details…

I still have to go over my Sunday school lesson (about De-bugging ourselves???!!!!) and balance my checkbook before I call it a day.

Oh, and yesterday Beth brought me down one of my favorite things: A coaster! I love it — It’s right beside the couch and near my computer, so I can use it all the time.

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TOMORROW July 9th is:

National Sugar Cookies Day; National Dimples Day.

Let’s go with the Sugar Cookies. I wish I had one of Grama Crooks’ sugar cookies right now. They were the best!!! God bless…

Here it is, July 7th. And it was a good day! I managed to finish the brownies with frosting and sprinkles, and roll out the cinnamon rolls for baking. So that got done earlier in the day.

About 10am Beth and Harold stopped by, and we had a really nice visit! It was good to just chat about things – like our kids and grandkids and our homes and plans. Beth dropped off a trunk that had belonged to Mom, as she thought one of us would like to keep it. I actually felt bad, because after they left I realized Harold had probably never been here before — I should have given him a walk-through of my little palace! Next time!! (That means you have to come back, Harold!) I love my family ~~ so glad for a visit.

I did a load of laundry, swept out the garage and cleaned the driveway and the sidewalk (rabbit was scattering mulch again!) and tidied up the kitchen. After I had procrastinated as long as I could, I ‘suited up’ and cut the grass. It was fairly warm, but I took a few breaks and managed just fine. Nate & Jen stopped for their brownies, and Nate finished cutting the front yard.

I took a shower, and even at 6pm I put my star PJ’s on and I intend on just chillin’ out for the rest of the evening. I’m going to a program at Kathy’s church with her in the morning so that will be a nice event.

Here is a little post-July 4th message I thought I’d share. It’s SO TRUE!!! From here on, the year goes so fast…

4^TH OF JULY IS OVER. TIME TO GET YOUR BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES & HALLOWEEN COSTUMES & THANKSGIVING MENU & CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DONE NOW BECAUSE IT’S BASICALLY 2024. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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TOMORROW July 8th is:

National Chocolate With Almonds Day; National Freezer Pop Day; International Skinny Dip Day; National Raspberry Day.

No Skinny Dipping – I barely manage a shower! Chocolate is great with or without almonds. I’ll skip the freezer pop. Have a great day, all day. God bless…

Today is a repeat of most Wednesdays. I just did cleaning, walked around the yard, read book 5 in the series I’m in the middle of, washed a load of towels. That was the excitement for today. I was going to cut the grass but it was 90*!

I did get an email notification that a very dear friend of my sister’s from grade school lost her brother today. He was considerably older and had been ill for a while, on and off. Mae has lived with her brother for years and years in Kentucky, and I know this will be a huge adjustment for her. If you think of it, send up a prayer for Mae, and for Jim’s family and friends.

Last night, amidst the fireworks, the moon once again was bright, and illuminated the clouds.

As I look outside I can see fireflies flitting around. These are the first I’ve seen this summer. I almost feel like going out and trying to catch one! The little rabbit that lives under my azalea bush keeps pushing the mulch onto the sidewalk. I sweep it clean, she pushes it back! Tug of war! That rabbit will undoubtedly win!

I noticed that the neighbor has lights strung on his back patio. Don’t they look like Christmas ones???

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When Gen called me yesterday she said she wanted to wish a happy July 4th to the most patriotic person she knew! So, maybe Linus beats me out!

TOMORROW July 6th is:

International Kissing Day; National Hand Roll Day; National Fried chicken Day.

Hoping you can celebrate by kissing someone you care for very much! Or — have a piece of fried chicken. That’s probably what I’ll do… God bless.

Last night the sky was beautiful – fluffy white clouds on a blue background. Then after the moon came up, it was also bright and beautiful. The July full moon is the a Super Moon.

My 4th was very nearly perfect! Started my day with a phone call from my long-time best friend, Gen, from New York! She called to wish me a Happy 4th – and we talked for 45 minutes! Yesterday she took a 40 mile bike ride and I’m sure I would not have been able to do ONE! Her son Dan’s family was in from Colorado for almost a week and her whole family was together – a rare occurrence. They had a great visit, and we had a great chat!

I was at Hanna’s Town at 10:45am, not necessarily thinking that we would have much people traffic. Boy, was I wrong! It was a steady stream of people from 11am until 4:35pm. Here are a few early photos:

I left Hanna’s Town – after helping lock up – and drove over to Teresa’s. We put together a salad and garlic toast, took a walk, and solved a bunch of the world’s problems. Well, maybe not solved. But we did hash them out!

I got home just before dark, and the fireworks were already going off all over the neighborhood. I did try to take pictures but I’m never successful capturing the lights.

Also got half an email from a friend from out of state. So the day was very full!

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TOMORROW July 5th is:

National Graham Cracker Day; National Apple Turnover Day; National Hawaii Day; National Bikini Day; National Workaholics Day.

Ummm. Hawaii sounds fun. And I tend to be a workaholic. I’ll just clean the house and have a happy day. God bless!!!

“… Declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown,…” God bless America! *1776

I stopped at Jeannette this morning, even though there were no deals. I had to organize the documents listing the new fees for the sales department. Also I wanted to take a card in for Rege’s daughter Kelly & her new husband Justin. There weren’t a lot of pictures on facebook yet but I did pirate a photo of Sir Rege dancing with his ‘baby’ daughter! She’s beautiful!

From there I went to Greensburg, and Joe had a fairly big pile on my desk. He was in a super good mood and the morning went very well. I got everything finished and was home by noon. Changed clothes and made myself a cup of potato soup. I trimmed more dead stalks and pulled some weeds on the hill. Here are before and after photos:

I took time to put out a few 4th of July decorations. I thought I should be a little festive!

In addition, I spent the afternoon listening to CD’s with music from the 1700’s and 1800’s. THAT was fun, too.

Now I’m typing, and I have ‘Haul out the Holly’ playing on Hallmark in the background. It’s so silly it’s ridiculous — but really very funny!

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TOMORROW July 4th is:

National BBQ Spare Ribs Day; National Caesar Salad Day; Alice in Wonderland Day; Independence Day.

I love July 4th! Where would America be without it? Plan your day tomorrow around some reflections of our great nation, and thank God for the blessings we enjoy.