Tonight is the eve of Christmas eve....

I have so much in my heart that I want to share. But, my concept of time has gone hay-wire. I wanted to continue our Christmas tree story... from once we got the tree home, in the stand and just let it settle for 48 hours. My dear husband had to go back to work for the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving, so we did the tree hunting the day after Thanksgiving, but decided to save putting the lights and decorations until he could be back with us Sunday afternoon/evening. I had a special dinner planned, and some tree trimming fun... and I think we finally got around to decorating the tree around 7 pm on Sunday... with our dear daughter-in-law having to travel 3 hours to get home that evening, as she had to be at work bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for Monday morning. But, alas, everything worked out. Let me go see if there are ANY picks of the tree in the house that I've uploaded from the camera. Those pics might still be on the camera. BRB.

Nope, unfortunately, I need to upload pics from my camera. I remember taking a few, my husband took a few, and then my son took a few... so there should be a couple of pics I can add to this post once I upload them (when I have time... hopefully tomorrow). I'm already upstairs and in bed and relaxing.

Anyhow... just in case I don't get the opportunity to do the photos, I would like to reach out and share the joy and love of the season, which we traditionally call Christmas. Our Messiah, Saviour, King of Kings, Emmanuel had come... in the form of an innocent baby, helpless to help the helpless, dependent to help the dependent, needy - to help the needs of those around Him. He was a gift to us on one very special night, but it is a gift that lasts for all eternity. His love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, meakness, goodness, and the other fruits of His spirit I cannot name at this late hour, because my brain is in denial, are gifts of who He is and what He freely gives to us. There is no guilt for taking part in this gift giving. It's all free. Let's just take a few moments of solitude and humbleness to remember what this day is truly about. It's not the money that gets spent, it's not about how many packages are under the tree (because I've learned that no matter how many there are under the tree, the kids think it's never enough). It's about a tiny baby born to be the Saviour of our souls. He lived a short life, by most peoples standards, but what a life!

I'm sleepy. I'll ad some pics tomorrow I hope. If not... Merry Christmas. Make it a good one. Let the peace that passes all understanding abide in your hearts and minds forever.

Hugs to all
Penny Sue

The Christmas Tree Hunt!

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way.
Oh what fun it is to ride in a 4-wheel drive Jeep...
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way.
If we get through this night, it will be a sweet treat! (I think I hear some of you singing this tune and trying to make the meter fit... and it does, if you sing it right... really :)

So, our adventure started out a little later than we had originally planned. We drove like crazy people to get to the tree farm before dusk. Smidgen wasn't really sure about going. (Let me pause here to say that just maybe, she was trying to tell us something, considering future events.) She ran around the back yard of our home dodging 3 people chasing her. I'm sure the neighbors got a good hoot out of us if they saw it. She's so tiny and fast. Finally, she got snagged by Daddy. (Good job Dad!) Yes, he is smiling on the outside, but who knows what's traveling through his thoughts. Me, I don't wanna know. But, it's a cute picture.

We had to stop and take a picture that most of you may ponder and think, "Yep, Pennsylvania red-necks :) This is the ever famous "Milk Can Corners". The one and only in Susquehanna County, PA. People from out of town think this is hilarious when they see it. They can't believe it's for real until they see it with their own eyes.

Here's where we go every year for our tree. It's a great place for the whole family, and I do mean whole. You can take your dogs too as long as they are on a leash. My apologies for the fuzzy pic, but it's hard to take a pic and drive over bumpy roads, especially without stopping the vehicle, and the driver (me) is the picture taker.


Well, because we all drove like crazy people to get there, apparently Smidgen gets "car sick". Yep, the husband was holding her in his lap, and because he couldn't hear her (his hearing is terrible) he didn't realize she was getting sick... in his lap. When we arrived at our destination, I took Smidgen from him to put her leash on, a saw the "up-chuck" on the seat and between his legs in his lap an on his jeans. Oh, was he MAD! It's a good thing I had the pup, or she might have met her maker right then and there. Wouldn't that have been a memorable Christmas Tree hunt?! After a good 5-10 minutes, my husband had calmed down, realizing Smidgen didn't do it on purpose... but he has a bit of a strained relationship with her to say the least. More of a love-hate relationship. But, when she's good, he adores her.... however, when she gets into mischief, let's just say, ya don't feel the love so much. (I'm not including any pic involving dog up-chuck... just because I would like to encourage you to go on with the blog reading. I figured you all could do a fine job of improvising whatever you're hearts desire along these lines. I dare not go where angels fear to tread.)

Anyway... on to the hunt. We schlep through the tree farm on foot. The best way to go. We had 4 dogs in tow. TRADITION! My son and daughter-in-love were also with us. TRADITION! We walked up the hills and back down the hills and back up the hills in search of the "perfect" tree. TRADITION! Of course, we were in a bit of a hurry because dusk was upon us with dark coming on quickly. Now, mind you, there are 4 people who need to agree on the "perfect" tree. A task indeed. But, surprisingly quickly done. The dogs didn't do too well however. Emily is 13... and she hasn't moved that much since probably last year's tree hunt. She couldn't walk up the stairs at the house for 3 days after our outing. I'm sure her legs were just aching. Brandy and Dizzy did much better. Emily kept walking out of her harness. As fat as she is, I'm not sure how she does the Houdini routine. So... after fighting with the harness for so long, we just left her off and she kept up with us and didn't wander off. Smidgen...??? She was inside mama's coat shivering like the little puppy she is. Best seat in the house, as many folks commented.

This shot is of Dad... with the 3 dogs we own that he wasn't intent on their demise.

This is Dizzy (our pure-bred Beagle pooch) wanting to know "is it safe mama?" She did well this year. She is 100% hound dog and she just loves walking in the woods... nose to the ground, and her little brown eyes looking up at you just to make sure she's doing what she's supposed to be doing.

Daddy's helping son hold the tree while son is under the tree cutting it at the base.

Son's wife is trying to find her husband under the tree... to get a pic. Emily and Brandy agree all is well... good tree Mom and Dad!


Smidgen with her best "seat in the house". I felt so bad for her. She really was shaking terribly. I'm not certain it was due to the cold, but more to the uncertainty of what she was in the middle of. I need to keep reminding myself that she's still a youngster, going through her first winter, Christmas, and all the trimmings. Hopefully, she won't be one of the trimmings!

Happy Son... wheeling the tree to the check out post. It IS the absolute perfect tree. (A hefty standard to try to maintain.) TRADITION!

A happy face... unusual amongst our crowd.... oh yes, my daughter-in-love! God blessed my life with her.

God bless us, EVERYONE!
Hugs,
Penny Sue

A day late .. and a dollar short... as always with me

Happy Thanksgiving "Season" to all today. I'm in a house that is so quiet and peaceful for a little while. I'm just soaking it all in. My husband and son went "guy" shopping, and I think, my dear d-i-l is napping. She was out of the house at 3:15 am today. She met up with a friend to go crazy shopping. I couldn't believe all the fliers in the newspaper yesterday boasting about their sales starting at 4:00 AM. My sister and I are of the opinion that there is nothing on God's green earth that is so important as to be at the store at 4:00 am, let alone whatever time you needed to get up to get there at that hour! I know they get great deals. Hey, that's their reward for being so diligent. But.. in my ever humble opinion... I would be a detriment to anyone at those hours. I would have to be pushing around an I.V. stand with about a gallon of really strong coffee. No time to drink it, just get it in the veins to get the heart pumping to keep up with all those people. I do love to hear the stories d-i-l has to tell when she gets home. I've heard her say she mostly likes to do it just for the "experience" of it. OK, I concur, I mostly like to sleep at 4 am just for the "experience" of it. :)

Anyhow, the house is still until everyone is up and around again, and I went about taking some pics of the house. I've realized I haven't shared too much in the way of my home, simply because I figure who cares. But, I like looking at all the pics of other's homes and think, well, maybe someone???

This is our dining table, much tidier and cleaner than yesterday. (It took two scrubbings to get the sticky gravy off, and ground in mashed potatoes.) I didn't do a "center piece". If my table allows, I usually do something towards the opposite end of the head of the table. No froo-froo in the way of the food. With a husband and son, nothing had better get between their forks and the platter! ;) I bought the two pumpkins to carve for Halloween, but hubs and I never got around to it... so, they came in handy for table decos.


A pic of our walk-out bay window in the dining room.

A few more shots around the dining room...





I've got more pics to share, but everyone is up and at-em... and there's shrimp involved... I've GOTTA go! Quiet time is officially over.

I truly desire in my heart that everyone, across the country, in dire or in plenty, was able to find just one thing to be thankful for in their hearts. I, personally, have found much to be thankful for.

God Bless ye kindly,
Penny Sue

Hey guess what? I'm on Borough Council!

Woo-hoo! I was elected into the position of our Borough Council on November 3rd. I am really excited about the possibilities over the next 4 years. Someday I will share with you all as to the passionate ideas I harbour in my heart and hope to have to come to fruition. I would truly like to make a difference, in our very own local community, without getting dragged down into the muck and mire of so many negative people in our community. We need positive things... we need positive things for our Senior Citizens, for our unemployed, for our youth. My hope is to work very hard over the next 4 years to try to address some of these issues. I truly believe by being on the council, that I will have contacts and the proper exposure I need in order to push ahead. I truly am excited. I will keep you all informed as to the ideas, my presentation of them, and the reception of them by my peers on the council.

I think I would first like to choose one project for two categories that weigh most heavily on my thoughts. Something for seniors, and something for the youth. I would like to work on research, prepare presentations and plans for how to get things started and to continue them throughout my term and beyond. I pray every day that the Lord will guide me, to keep me humble, to keep me listening to His desires and plans for what He wants me to do. I have some very specific ideas as to what I would like to try out. However, I want to do the best job I can do... and accomplish what He intends to be best for all concerned. I am not looking for glory for myself. I am looking for what is best for those in the community that I desire to serve... for Him.

Hugs to all,
Penny Sue

Coffee or Tea?

I recently purchased a king-size duvet and pillow sham set. Cindy from "My Romantic Home" would be so proud of me. I got it at HomeGoods. It was originally priced at almost $100. I found it on the clearance counters in the bedding department for $36.00. We have a queen size bed, but I usually use king-size comforters/quilts/duvets because they hang longer on the sides of the bed. I like the king just for the extra coverage. Even with a bed skirt, the bed looks sufficiently covered and more lush. Right now I don't have any kind of pillow top for inside the duvet. That will have to be another HomeGoods deal in the future, just gotta wait for the right time. The pic below is just one of the pillow shams. Not much detail visible. But the next pic after this one might show a little more detail. I think it isn't showing up very well because it's so very WHITE! And... I'm not a good picture taker. :( I'm trying to get better though.

I'm just curious if there is anyone out there in blogland that has done tea staining or even more interesting, coffee staining. We are not a "pure white" style family. I have read a few different things online after doing a "search" for both, and, among other things, I have found someone thinks that coffee staining leaves a more warm color of brown. My fear is that it won't take a relatively even stain. It doesn't need to be perfect, but I don't want it to look like a tie-die job. Ya know what I mean? But we are talking a huge king size duvet. It will fit in the washing machine or my laundry tub. If I need to keep it moving, probably the washing machine would be the best bet? I'm supposing that I should try staining a yard or two of bleached white muslin with both. The duvet and shams are 100% light-weight cotton, and I'm not sure what to do once I tea/coffee stain them. I've heard soaking in cold salt water, or vinegar will set the stain? How much salt or how much vinegar? I don't want to mess up this great deal. If I don't do it right, I might as well throw $36 down the toilet. Hope someone can help. Please do forgive the wrinkles, I've not yet washed it, which I will, before I try to stain it.

Hope all is well with everyone...
Hugs,
Penny Suzie

Help! I can't decide!!!

I've decided to re-do (somewhat) our bedroom. I purchased a gift box from Homegoods, gosh, a long time ago. I'm using it as my color inspiration and decorative direction. Those of you who watch HGTV's Color Splash with David Bromstad will know what I mean. This one has a street in France of a Flower shop... Mostly in blues, greens, browns, and ivory. I'm going for the romantic French country look. I love these boxes from Homegoods. I buy them all the time. First it was mostly hat boxes they carried, round, and stackable. Then, the selection just blossomed. They now have rectangle shapes that are also nesting type boxes, so they are stackable when you buy more than one. Or they are beautiful alone. Wonderful for storing so many things. They also have started making funky shapes like wine bottle boxes, suitcase style, file box style, and I believe I've even seen a "lunchbox" style. I usually pick one or two up when I find one that I like the pattern or style to use for my shop to make gift "baskets". I like using anything other than wicker. I think we ladies past the age of 40-something know what I mean. You collect a zillion and one wicker baskets... and can only find just so many things to use them for. I thought it would be nice to use these boxes for holding the gift items.... and it can be part of the gift as well.

Anyhow, here's the pic of my color inspiration box.

I should have taken a closer pic of just the box because it's so pretty, but I didn't think about that. My camera was forcing me to use settings that I was not used to and I was getting frustrated. But, the changes from "easy" and "auto" to actually using different settings changed the colors dramatically. The new settings I used show the colors more true. Easy and Auto are washed out quite a bit... especially when a flash gets involved. Easy and Auto are just settings on the dial.... makes me think of "Normal is just a setting on the dryer"... :)

I went to the local hardware store and grabbed as many paint swatches as I dared without fear they would tackle me on my way out the door. They sell Glidden paint, and now I'm having a hard time choosing my color for the walls and ceiling. First I wanted to do a soft medium toned green, not really interested in blue, but then I thought about a hue of brown. There are so many luscious colors out there, I'm even changing my mind about a blue.... but more of a turquoise hue... can you see my dilemma? Somewhere along the line I became this woman afraid of commitment :) But then I tell myself, it's only paint... and I can always change it. Besides, we are eventually going to renovate the bedrooms upstairs, so this is mostly a temporary fix to a really ugly room. But, if I wait for the "renovations" to take place upstairs, I'll be too old to care. Also, whatever we do to the room, I will reuse the drapes/curtains and bedding and pillows in the new room (if they aren't dry rotted by then... :)

These paint strips are the ones I've "narrowed my choices" to. You should see the stack I sorted these out of. This is showing the greens-blues. I'm fairly certain I won't use any blue. I'm so tired of blue. As an accent color is fine, but not interested in painting my whole room that color.

This is showing the blues/browns. Don't you think one of those medium browns would look scrumptious on the walls?

Yes, there is a piece of material in the middle of it all, but try as I might I cannot (no matter how I set the camera settings) get the true color and nature of the material, especially the greens. I purchased the whole bolt at JoAnn Fabrics. I had a 50% off coupon the entire amount that was left on the roll. What should have cost me well over $100 only cost a little over $50. I fell in love with the fabric. It's a floral almost like a damask, has flat color fabric and shiny fabric, and the colors of brown beige in the background, the horizontal lines are a very dark olive green, and the flowers are this amazing swirl of blues and greens. I will be making curtain swags and valances as well as decorative pillows and shams, and a cover for my dressing table bench seat.


Does anyone have any opinions? My husband says he doesn't care, you know how guys are. When I ask him what he means by "doesn't care", he says that he'll be fine with whatever I do because he trusts me to do a fantastic job. He knows that I will make it a comfortable room for him too, considering his personality to express in what I choose to do. Now there's a confidence booster! What a great guy I've got!

Have a great day. I welcome any advice or inspirations from you. Please don't hesitate to write me something of what you're thinking! Invite your friends to take a gander and share an opinion or two.

Hugs,
Penny Suzie

I'm so weary... did I use this before as a title? Oh, who cares. I can be weary twice, eh?

No pics, just me. Have you ever had a couple of those days where you just don't know... and you feel like certain other people just don't get it? I'm in a funk between yesterday and today. Work has been a little touchy this week, and I'm just not getting a good feeling. It's so weird. This is why; my husband has been going through some very difficult times at his place of employment for a long time. When he left this past Wednesday morning to go back to work, I remember feeling sad for him, spending some time in prayer for him, and thinking to myself that it must be difficult going to work day after day when things are just so wrong. I felt sympathy and my heart actually hurt for him and all the while, thinking in my head and heart, I'm so lucky to have a job that I go to and am marginally happy with. Later the same day, I went to work, and things were just so wrong. Ironic, one might say. If you read this, Honey, I love you with all of my heart...

No pics, just me,
Good night,
Penny Suzie

Sunday night, sitting on the couch with my Honey...

Today has been a relaxing kind of day for me. My time has been spent doing some laundry, picking flowers, and playing on my computer. I was trying to figure out how to do my playlist. I used to have one, but I deleted it... and I can't remember how I got the first one to work.

Here's a couple of shots of our last summer bouquet.


Good night, sleep tight...
Hugs,
Penny Sue

Today was a great day to make homemade soup... Mmm Mmmm Good!

Just sitting here sipping my Mocha Starbucks Doubleshot... Yummy!

Today was the first day I didn't have to go to work in 7 days straight. I enjoyed a nice sleep-in... finished watching a movie I'd started last night, and decided it was time to get making my soups. Yep, soups... plural. I prepared a roasted chicken yesterday for one of the soups so I was a step ahead of the game today. My first soup prepared was Navy Bean & Ham. This soup was one that my maternal grandmother used to make when I was a young girl. I have been thinking about this soup and how long it's been since I've had some. Doesn't it look scrumptious???

I took a break and went outside with the doggies... when the sun made its guest appearance this afternoon. The girls sniffed around the ground, romped and rolled and chased leaves blowing in the wind. We are supposed to have a killing frost either tonight or tomorrow night. Last night it was in the 50's... but tonight it's already diving into the 30's. I went out and picked the last of my peppers... and the roses that were on my rose bush just off the back porch. I brought the roses inside and put in a vase to enjoy for at least a few more days. I didn't have the heart to leave them out to freeze.

Little Miss Smidgen thought they smelled good too.

After my break, I came back to my kitchen and started soup number 2. Chicken Noodle! I'll let the pic speak for itself. ;)

My gal pals hanging in the kitchen, hoping Mama would drop something on the floor. They got some chicken, and Smidgen seems to like carrots.



Of course, I don't think there is anything Smidgen won't eat. Last night before I went to bed, I'd gotten out my earplugs, had to leave the room, and came back, yep, you guessed it, earplugs gone. Smidgen ate them just that fast. She's so small, I'm afraid the earplugs might clog her up. Time will tell.

Update: 10/12/09 - Earplugs have cleared. She swallowed them whole! Amazing!

What's that bright light outside... ?

I've got to be to work at 2 pm today. I've been enjoying a leisurely morning with my dogs, snuggling on the couch, and writing in my blog right now. The sun is shining, there isn't a cloud in the sky, and the sky is the most gorgeous color blue, and it's crisp and clear and cool. I love it! Yesterday we had horrible winds. I'm hoping that it didn't destroy our leaves on the trees, as we're coming up on our peak season over the next two weeks. I'll have to get some pics before the leaves are all gone. There are some beautiful reds this year... especially right in my own back yard. My favorite tree in all the world is right outside my back door. And our new slate patio looks so pretty with a carpet of red crunchy leaves scattered around. I just adore it!

I'm sitting here listening to Amy Grant's "Behind The Eyes" CD while typing away. I've enjoyed growing up with Amy's music since I was introduced to it while in college. She is so very real and true. I purchased her book through a christian book distributor for $3.95 last week, and I read it in two days. "Mosaic... Pieces of My Life So Far". I just gobbled it up. It was a biography. It was written in 2007. I have yet to see her in concert. I have not ever had the opportunity. Someday... I hope.

Can anyone guess what these jeans are going to transform into? If you think you can guess, let me know. Otherwise, I'll show you when I'm done. But guessing could be fun... and give me some more creative ideas... ;)

I thought I might post a couple of new pics of Smidgen. She's grown a little bigger, but not much. The one pic is of her next to a woman's size 6 sneaker, just to put things into perspective. She's just a precious poochie. Hope you enjoy.


Me thinks if she gets caught in a head wind she might end up in Kansas! :)

Hugs all around,
Penny Sue

I can't believe it's October already? Did we have summer?

Good Day everyone,

It's been a forever since I've posted anything. Life has been pretty busy with my part time job, the hubby's projects, my projects, the house, the yard, the gardens, the this and the that. But it's been a pretty good month for September. Usually I become rather melancholy during the fall season. It used to be my absolute favorite season of the year. I loved going for long drives in my car, just me and my camera, and taking tons of pictures of the gorgeous blue of the sky (unlike any other time of the year) as well as all our beautiful foliage. However, in the past 11 years, it has also been a smacking reminder of my Mom's journey to heaven. It's a bittersweet memory by now... I don't feel quite so fully incapacitated as I did those first few years. However, I do find myself connecting this season and all its beauty and glory to my Mom's passing. I suppose that will never cease. I suppose it will become less painful as more years pass along. In all honesty, I don't ever want to "not" remember, you know what I mean? But, my mother's life, as I have been taught in the past few years, should never be defined by her death. I find myself remembering many happy, fun, laughter-filled memories. This is the way I really want to remember her. As I grow older, I also learn more about who my mother really was. It comes with a perspective that you gain only as an aging adult looking over the life of a loved one who's passed on... and a better understanding of who that person was. Who my mom was to me when she passed away 11 years ago is not the same mom she is to me today. I hope that makes sense to someone out there.

I've three days left to finish our tax paperwork. My husband is going to contact someone different than whom we usually use. Hopefully all will work out. I swear, I gain more gray hair from taxes than any other "trauma" in my life... :)

As for the shop... well, it's slow going, but it's going. The photo below is one of the two major things which needed moving in order to change the layout of the "gift shop" part of the building. This beautiful corner hutch is one of the first pieces of furniture which my brother-in-law, Tom, made. He no longer wanted it, and it came to visit at our house. There was only one corner in our entire house in which it fit. When we opened the shop and were pressed to find display pieces in the beginning, we decided to move it out there. It's not for sale. I would never sell it. But I've had so many offers from people interested in purchasing it. And let me tell you, it's cavernous! I never truly realised how much "stuff" this thing would hold until I had to empty it out to bring it from the house to the shop. Stuff that I had accumulated over the years seemed to find a comfortable home inside of it. Now, it's all packed away, awaiting a different option, whatever that may be. This hutch now resides in the opposite front corner of my shop.

This is the second piece that was moved to a new location. It's my "check-out" station. This used to be in the opposite side of the front room (basically the two pieces swapped sides). However, because that space was narrower than the other portion of the shop, I realised clients were not really "shopping" in this portion of the store. So, I stuck myself in the far corner, out of the flow of movement, and hopefully gaining that space back as a place to display items which people will feel comfortable looking at. Hope this works. I don't know how many times my dear hubs will be willing to move these hunk-a-hunkas.

The rest 'tis a mess. But, I'm working on that, when I can.

Hugs all around,
Penny Sue

I'm sleepy...

I spent time over the past couple of days with the husband learning how to used certain power tools out in my "studio" of the shop. I still need to get some of my inventory out of that room, just for the sake of keeping it clean. Anyhow, I took a bunch of pics of the new mess... the Hubs moved two really heavy pieces to new locations so that my check out counter is in a different location. Anyhow, I was going to go dust, pack, and rearrange, but got sidetracked by my tomatoe/pepper garden. Our tomatoes have suffered a blight. It seems to be pretty wide spread here in northeastern PA and south and actually into Jersey? Wierd. Everything was going really well, then the next thing you know, they were all rotting right on the vine without even ripening. Oh well... I'll be working out in the shop tomorrow for a while. Then off to work at the market. Hope everyone is having a good week.

Hugs,
Penny Sue

Another Saturday night and I ain't got nobody... I got some money cuz' I just got paid...

Hey, How's it going for everyone out there? Does anyone remember the rest of that phrase of the song in my blog title? Anyhow... it's getting to be very late on a Saturday night... I'm watching old movies... and feeling sad.

Last weekend, the hubs and I went to a 90th birthday party for my mother's older sister. Mom was actually born when her older sister was going on 13. It was during the depression. Mom was a bit "unexpected/unplanned". Not a great time to be born, according to Mom. She always felt very much a burden to her family. All she heard while growing up was she was perceived as "another mouth to feed". Can you imagine? I'm sure that some of you can... but, Mom rose above all of that and never, ever once made her two "beauties" feel insignificant or unwanted. God bless You Mama. I love you and miss you terribly.

This is my cousin's daughter (in the middle)... so I guess we're 2nd cousins/or first cousins once removed.... I don't really understand the lingo. We just call each other cousins. The two beautiful young ladies she is in the middle of are her very precious daughters. Anyhow, "We are family, I got all my sista's with me... We are family... come on everybody let's sing"! God is so gracious.

Gotta love family, Hugs, Penny Suzie

Help... I'm sweating... and I can't stop!

Hey there,

It was a high of 85+ deg. today with the "feels like" 90-something. This whole weather system and lingo just has me totally flabbergasted! But that's a whole different story. Anyhow, I'm marathon cleaning my house today inside. And in about 1 hour, I'm gonna go out and mow the yard. I thought I would wait until at least 5:30 or so with the hopes that it will be cooler for mowing. I want to get that done before my husband comes home so he won't have to do it while he's home on his weekend. The hubs should be here around 7 or 7:30 tonight. That should give me enough time to do what I need to do. I'm taking a 20 minute break though... cuz I'm sweating like crazy. I just finished dusting and making beds and cleaning the bathroom up on the 2nd floor. It's very warm up there. It makes me appreciate the 77deg. it is on the 1st floor. :) After my break, I'm gonna vac. and then hopefully head out to the yard to mow.

I'll sleep soundly tonight, guarantee you that. I just might even keep the hubs awake with my snoring! :) You know what they say about pay-back!

Our son and d-i-l are coming sometime during the night tonight... like around 2:00 am. YAY! I probably won't even hear them come in. They will be here for Sunday and Monday and heading back home Monday night. We are supposed to be going to our local fair. It's a wonderful event. Except, well, I'm 'stinkin' it's gonna be really sticky and hot. We'll have to plan for sometime in the afternoon into evening... and then the son and d-i-l are going home straight from the fair. Whatever happens, it will be good to see them again. Good times, good communion, and always good food.

This is a picture from their wedding day back in 2007. It's their first dance as hubs and wifey. Gotta love it. My eyes are just a-swelling with tears, just like they did on that day as I watched them take so many first steps together. It was such a beautiful day! And so much fun too. Who knew weddings could be so much fun?


Well, I need to get going. The vac. cleaner is calling my name... I hate when that happens. Hugs all around, Penny Sue

Clambake Day!

I had such a great time with my Dad today. It was our annual Father/Daughter thing we like to do. It is a clambake at a place called "Mountain Top". The company Dad and I used to work for (he retired in '93, and I left in '98) has an annual clambake party at this place. We ate like pigs! It's employee based, not necessarily a "family" function. Anyhow, it was a great day. Good weather, good food and good friends! Thanks Daddy, I love you. Can't wait until next year! :) Hugs all around, Penny Sue

Just Breathe...

OK, now that everyone has gone home or back to work... I have a little (very little) down time. The clutch changing was a huge undertaking for my son to tackle... and tackle he did. Three days later, it was all back together. And it's one of those situations where anything that "could" go wrong, well, yep, it sure did. It was a frustrating couple of days for him. My husband helped him a lot. I'm sure my son had a well taught lesson during this job.

I'm not working my part time job at the market today. The first Thursday of every month is the Borough Council meetings, and since I'm going to be on Borough Council in January, I've been trying to attend the meetings as much as I can, by leaving work early and someone covering for me. That hasn't been working out too well. I've missed the last two meetings. Graciously, one of the girls I work with made an offer that once a month she would work my Thursday (so I can go to the meeting) and I would work her Saturday (so she could have both Saturday & Sunday off). Works out for both of us. I'm thankful for her willingness to do this for me.

With all the rain we've been having, our weeds are getting out of control. My hubby mowed the yard last night, and didn't do the trim mowing or the weed whacking. I'll probably do that in a little while. I also would like to get more weeds pulled. Then when he's home again, he can put mulch around stuff so my efforts last a little longer! :)

Hope everyone is having a good day. Sorry, no pics today... I'm in a bit of a hurry and I'm really "slow" when it comes to pics. Besides, I don't have any new ones. Hugs all around, Penny Sue

Our son is coming, our son is coming...

I'm so happy that our son is coming for a visit. It's two-fold in purpose. He's due for a visit home, so he says, and he also wants to work on something mechanical on his vehicle. The latter usually necessitates a trip home to use some of Dad's tools, or to just have Dad around in case he needs advice or help. My husband was well versed in the language of automotive repair. He saves us literally hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in any given year by doing most of the repairs himself. As long as he can get the parts, he can usually fix almost anything. If he can't fix it, well, it's time to move on to another vehicle, as it would be a job that would probably cost more than the vehicle is currently worth. Once my son purchased his own car (while still living at home) he learned well from his Dad. I'm glad for this, as this will save him a lot of money as well. He loves to tinker with his vehicles. And, he keeps them immaculate... inside and out. (I like to think some of his Grandpa wore off on him!) My own Dad keeps his cars so clean, you could literally eat off the floor mats. Amazing!

So, I'm off to do some marathon house tidying. And, I forgot to take some food out of the freezer for dinner, so I'm trying to figure out what to have for dinner. Hmmmmm.... maybe some Chinese.

Have a blessed day! And be a blessing to someone else! Hugs all around, Penny Sue

Another day of rain! I need some flower power...

What a day, week, month, summer! It's been such a strange summer here in Northeast PA. Out of entire months, only a handful of days in that month has the sun actually come out from behind the clouds. And even on those days, it might have been a false hope because 4 times out of 5 it rained at some point during that day. I'm going bonkers!

I just wanted to share some flowers that haven't been beaten in the Rain Smack-Down! Even my tomato plants are getting weary. There are tomatoes on the vine, but because there is so little sun, they are a long time changing color! I'm becoming discouraged. I might end up with all "Green Tomatoes"... no red, no green zebra and no purple. We need more sun. Thanks Lord, I'm sure You heard my whining!




All of the above have been planted by my very own personal Mr. Green Jeans! Ha-ha, whatever color jeans he's wearing, he's a hottie! Hugs all around, and hopefully some nice warm sunshine! Penny Sue