August 30, 2022

I got up and went to work in Greensburg early. Joe had deals and a mileage issue on a title. Got that done and headed home; then Kelly & I drove down to Norwin Walmart. She was looking for clothes for Peyton – and she finally found what she needed. HOWEVER, we got caught in the rain and were soaked! After a change of clothes and a quick lunch for everyone, we mixed up zucchini bread because Matt was hungry for some. While it was baking, I zipped down to Jeannette to help Rege with a dealer plate mandate then came home. That has been the excitement of the day. So now, I finally think I’m prepared to post about the shower on Saturday!

One for Matt, one to freeze
With a little drizzle

So I left the house early on Saturday, and stopped at a few antique shops on the way to Smicksburg, one in Plumville. I was walking around and a customer and the owners were talking about events and family and it was funny to hear other people talking about people that I knew — or at least knew of! By the time I left, I had done the same thing with the owners. My cousin Bonnie used to cut her hair! Small world…

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McCormick Mansion in Smicksburg- they were talking about this. I was in it at least once as a small child…

So from there I went to the Amish Bulk Food store, and did find chocolate wafers. I walked around looking at the the fun foods and items they had. I was so tempted to just keep buying. But I left with my chocolate, and tucked it in the cooler with ice.

Using my chocolate…

From there I drove into Smicksburg and parked by the Community Park. The first thing I noticed was that one of the houses was now an Inn – or Bed and Breakfast. Turns out it was my cousin’s wife’s mother’s house and they sold it for good purpose! It looks really appealing.

Charming and inviting!

What was once The Drying Shed (my favorite shop) is now The Farmhouse Finery. I walked across the street and went through all the rooms. Very much country farmhouse. This is their first official year open for business.

I then walked BACK across the street to the Country Cupboard just to look around. Again, hard not to buy! Their bath soaps smelled wonderful and were very reasonably priced. They had dip mixes and fudge and fall displays. But I was heading to the baby shower and was out of time…

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Country Cupboard

On the drives around town and country I snapped a few photos of Amish – as long as I didn’t take their faces. It was a beautiful day, and it’s a beautiful area. It brings peace to my soul just taking it all in.

Drive through Smicksburg
Afternoon drive
Stop at a friend’s.
Walking to where they need to go.

It was so great to see my family! I sat with Aunt Joan, Gwen and Gail, and a person from ‘Skunk Hollow’ (sort of) that I hadn’t seen since she was tiny. Now she’s married and has six kids and I THINK a grandson! I talked to Allen and Bonnie (the baby-to-be-born’s great grandparents) who are my cousins. I talked to Erin – the grandmother (Allen & Bonnie’s daughter), and a passing hi to several others. I saw Maria and Susie across the room but didn’t really get to chat.

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Our table
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AJ & I – Gail in the foreground.

Bonnie shared with me that she made the ‘bouquet’ on the registration table, and the ‘cake’ on the food table, and the centerpieces on the seating tables. I loved the centerpieces. I may consider asking her to make one for me. They were so pretty, and very unique.

Diaper bouquet
Cake
Flowers (from Bonnie’s garden) in Mason jars in the trough! I love it!
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Bonnie taking pictures
Little tea light

The food was good and plentiful – sandwiches, potato salad, veggies and fruit, rigatonis, fried chicken, pasta salad. Tons of desserts, including cupcakes, Jello-pretzel salad, and a pudding dessert.

Meat tray looked like a flower!
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flavored cupcakes

TONS of gifts, and I would bet my game prize that they got close to 100 outfits plus everything else. My favorite thing (since of course I am a blanket person) was the soft, fleece blanket with the baby’s name all over. So beautiful!

My game prize – can’t believe I actually won something!
Shay’s blanket
Night light
Beautiful baby blocks
For guests of honor, seats of honor. The blanket was Renay’s when she was a baby!
Renay and Mackenzie
All the gifts!

After hugs all around I headed over to the ‘farm’ to pick up the corn that had been picked for our families. There was over 11 dozen ears. But the bonus on that side trip was that Perry (cousin) and Anita (wife) were in from Delaware. We chatted and I hung around there for half an hour before heading back to Greensburg. It was a wonderful day, and I felt I represented the family admirably in this venture! Can’t wait for the next visit!

Welcome at the farm.

I got home and situated the corn, cut the grass, and prepared for my Sunday School lesson. I was tired and glad to say goodnight! But it was a great day and I was overwhelmed with love and gratitude for the blessings of this beautiful family.

Part of the corn.

So now it’s after 9pm on Tuesady, and we will probably have to think about food- which turned out to be pizza. Kelly planned on leaving this afternoon, but Matt & Peyton tour her bed apart to replace it and didn’t get it back together. SO…. I’m thinking she’ll hang here where at least she has a place to sleep!

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Decided on Giannelli’s Pizza – Carbon.

August 30 – Tell about an incident when your mom or dad was very angry with you. “We were having a big family dinner. I was 3 or 4 and wanted a ‘big’ piece of cake. I was told NO which made me pout. Dad took me to the ‘very back’ kitchen & paddled my behind. I was so ashamed I hid in the broom closet. Uncle Fred Eakman came and found me :)” I love this little story! Poor little Dot!

Calendar Inspiration – to my precious family!

Quote – Two today

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They are a WONDERFUL gift!

Scripture –

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Absolutely!

Random Photo –

Aunt Hazel, Grama Crooks holding Aunt Joan, Uncle Jim, Grandad Crooks, Mom (Dot)
Late 1930’s

TOMORROW August 31th is:

I’ll gladly go back to South Carolina – Charleston was amazing! I enjoy a good trail mix and like to make it myself, and eat it outside. No matches for me, thank you! Have a happy day tomorrow – which is also the last day of August, 2022! God bless…

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