Our first week of October

 Ok, here goes - memories of our first week of October.  First of course, the pictures I took outside, because you never know.....  One night of heavy frost can change everything.

On the right is my hydrangea bush still showing off its foliage.  Not one bloom since 2017!!!  We should probably dig it up and plant it somewhere else.

Last Monday, October 2,  was our 52nd anniversary.  In the morning, before I left to pick up Elizer, we took a few pictures.  We fed each other iced molasses cookies instead of wedding cake.

What I discovered later was this picture on Facebook!!  While I was getting my phone ready for a timed picture of us feeding each other the cookies, he took this picture of me.  Like I wanted a picture of my rear end on Facebook, haha!  That's my hubby for you!

When I realized that our anniversary was on a Monday, I knew we would not be able to go out to dinner because Destiny works till 11 pm on Mondays, and we would have Elizer.   So I tried to think up another idea.  And I got one!

I ordered take-out from Cracker Barrel - meat loaf and mashed potatoes just like we had at our wedding reception.  I picked up the order, then went to pick up Dick at the beginning of his lunch hour.  It was a beautiful day, and we went to eat our food at a picnic table outside Meyers Dairy.  We had beautiful views both directions as we ate, reminiscing our wedding day.  The food was bland, just like our wedding reception food probably was.  (I was too excited to eat anything that day!)  When we were finished with our main course, we went inside for dessert - their yummy ice cream!

When I picked Elizer up from preschool we went to Spring Creek Park.  He rode his bike,  petted some dogs, and we walked across the covered bridge.  

I love the view of the creek from inside the bridge. 

In the evening Dick took Elizer to Walmart for some hunting stuff.  Elizer wanted this hat, haha!

He also tried to throw frisbee with Elizer, but this was the result!  The boy needs some more practice!

Building towers and playing guitar.

Here's a picture of Elizer at preschool on Tuesday.  What a great way to get the kids to recognize the letters in their name!

I got some necessary work done on my computer that day.  And I mailed some cards.  When I picked Elizer up from preschool I took him to Tudek Park for the first time.  It's on the other side of State College, not exactly on our way home.  But I needed some groceries at the Weis Markets over there.  The park is in such a lovely setting. 

He had so much fun! Lots of dogs to pet, and new things to climb.  He is so agile and sure-footed.

When Dick got home from work he mowed our lawn then took Elizer for another tractor ride around the neighborhood.  We never know how long the grass will still be growing. 

Wednesday morning was horribly foggy when I went to pick up Elizer.  We often have morning fog, but this was so bad! 

By the time I got back home, after having taken Elizer to preschool, it was starting to clear.  I took this picture of my knockout rose bush.  This is like its third resurrection this season, haha!  

After I picked Elizer up that day we went to Talleyrand Park in Bellefonte.  The weather was so warm and beautiful.  Dick was going to be going over to Anthony and Lori's to mow after work, so we had lots of time to gad about. 

As we were walking across the bridge we heard a train whistle!  That never happened while we were there before.  Such a nostalgic sound!  Take a listen. 

And then the train crossed that bridge!  There is a foot bridge right beside the train bridge, and we always cross it.  Imagine being there at the same time as the train!

I had brought us a little picnic, which we ate while watching the ducks.

Then we went to the Bellefonte Weis Markets to fill my water jugs, something he loves to help with.  He likes to put the coins and dollar bills in the slots and then press the button that makes the water start flowing.  

I needed a few groceries, and we were excited to find an available kiddy cart.  Of course we also had to spend some time watching the lobsters.  

There was a beautiful view of the sunset from the parking lot.  

Then I took him home to his mamma.

Thursday morning I was so happy to see a sunrise instead of fog!

But alas, the fog was waiting for me as I drove to pick up Elizer.  We live on a hill, and I guess we were above the fog that morning.  

I did our laundry and worked on choir music prep that day.  After preschool we spent a little bit of time at the Benner Township Veterans Community Park, which is at the entrance to our community.  

Destiny picked him up right before we left for choir practice. 

On Friday morning after I took Elizer to preschool I had an appointment for a six-month checkup at my doctor.  I had had bloodwork done the previous day, and she was happy with all my bloodwork results.  And I was too!!!  

I knew they were planning to put the steeple on top of the church that morning, and I was hoping to get there to take pictures of the process for our church Facebook page.  But there it was when I arrived!  I called our administrative board chairman to tell him I had missed getting the pictures.  He said, " I got there shortly after 7 AM, and it was already up!"  Amish builders don't fool around!

I made Jamaican Rice and Peas and curried chicken for us and for Lori and Anthony's family.  I folded our laundry and had time to watch one episode of Virgin River before leaving to pick up Elizer.  I took Lori and Anthony's food to Dick at work because he would be going over to their place to mow again after work. 

Here's a cute picture from preschool that day.  The eight kids who signed up for Hoop Stars sitting with their coach.  Elizer's face!  He looks so pleased sitting there beside the coach.  I admit, I'm wondering if he's there because the coach needed to keep him from running around, haha!

I picked up Elizer and went to Walmart where Destiny met up with us.  We shopped for groceries, then they came here for dinner and the evening.  I didn't take any pictures, so I'm not sure what else we did besides eat, haha!  

Saturday was going to be a big day.  Sammy had a soccer game at 1:30 which we were planning to attend.  Then Sammy and Bianca were coming home with us for the weekend.  But it was also a fall festival day at Way Fruit Farm.  We would not be able to get back from Sammy's game in time for the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch.  Elizer had missed that last year because of being down in Lancaster with Alex's family.  We hated for him to miss it this year.  So Dick and I split ways.  I went to Sammy's game, and he went with Destiny and Elizer to Way Fruit Farm.  

I had fun sitting with Sam and Steph and Bianca to watch the game.  It ended up tie.  Not good enough for Sammy.  I told Sammy I'm pretty sure I am bad luck, because the only other game they didn't win was the one I was at!

Meanwhile, the pictures Dick sent me from the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch.  What you can't see is that it was COLD AND WINDY!  Destiny had not expected that, and they weren't dressed warmly enough.  

I got home with Sammy and Bianca at exactly the same time they got home from Way Fruit Farm!  Dick left to do some archery hunting at Anthony and Lori's before dark.  The rest of us went to Goodwill.  Sammy wanted to see if there was any cool artwork there.

We did not find cool artwork, but we did have some fun!!

Sammy found a really nice scooter for only $20!  So that was my birthday gift to him, and he was really happy!

I didn't take any more picture that evening, so I'm not sure what we did.  I know I made hamburgers for our dinner.  Elizer stayed overnight because Destiny had to work Sunday, and he would be going to church with us.  

Sunday was cold and blustery.  We went to church in the morning, then to Doan's Bones BBQ for lunch.    I was hoping Anthony and Lori and the boys could join us since it's over in their vicinity, but Anthony said both boys were coughing up a storm.  Actually, Elizer wasn't much better, and we had to constantly remind him to cover his mouth with his arm when he coughed.  But we surely did enjoy that food!  It is just the best! 

When we were finished eating we went to the nearby Whipple Dam for a windy walk.  No playing in the sand and water this time!

Then we drove into the far countryside to pick up Dick's venison from the butcher.  Lots of beauty to behold, even on a somewhat cloudy day.  

It was a good way for Elizer to get a nap.

When we got back home,  Sammy could hardly wait for a chance to try out his "new" scooter.  So we went to "airport park."  

It was windy, sometimes a bit of rain, but then bursts of warm sunshine!  When we arrived we even caught sight of a rainbow!  (top left picture)

The boys had fun on their scooters. 

Bianca on the monkey bars.

Back home again, I made some venison chili for our dinner.  

Of course, Sammy and Bianca and I had to play LIFE.  I had pulled out Destiny's childhood Hannah Montana guitar from under the guest room bed.  Sammy was serenading us with guitar strumming as we played.  Don't be too impressed.  The guitar has a problem staying in tune, and Sammy doesn't know any chords.  

Destiny came for Elizer after work.  She works till 7:30 on Sundays, but often has to stay till 8:00.  Sammy and Bianca had no school on Monday, so they were staying an extra day.  They were looking forward to some time without Elizer on Monday.  They love him, but they like when I can focus on them sometimes without his distractions and needs.  

I'll tell you all about that next time!

Our last week of September

This season is fickle!  About the time I have put away all summer clothes, our temps are in the high 70's!! I got pumpkins for my front porch, but the summer flowers are still blooming, so it's like summer and fall are colliding!

My roses had almost quit on me, but now there's some life out there.  The little zinnia patch is so bright and colorful in front of the shed.

Last week started out with a bang.  I get up at 5 am on weekdays so I have time to work out a bit, shower and dress, make Dick's omelet, and help to pack his lunch before I leave the house at 7:10 to go pick up Elizer at Destiny's house and take him to preschool.  I like that routine, because it's easy to go for whatever groceries I need or to do morning appointments if necessary before going back home.  

On Monday I got a few groceries, then went home to start making a pot of chicken corn noodle soup.  I also did music prep for the upcoming Sunday.  I picked Elizer up from preschool at 3:30 and took some of the soup to Anthony and Lori's place.  It was a rainy day, so no trip to a park. Elizer stayed at our house overnight, because Destiny works till 11 pm on Mondays.  I wanted to make a sweet video to send her before putting him to bed, but he was way too silly.  He kept calling her Mr. Fox for whatever reason, lol!  Here it is, if you have two minutes to listen to his silliness. 

Tuesday was my blog day and also Sammy's 12th birthday.   It was rainy again, so after I picked Elizer up from preschool we browsed at Goodwill.  I was looking at artwork, since that's what Sammy is interested in.  I sent him a few pictures of pieces I thought he might be interested in.  He said he wants to wait till he's up here, which will be this coming weekend.  

We went home and did some play doh, but discovered that we need to get new.  It's a bit dry and crumbly, which is not fun.  Elizer did stickers too.  They are always a hit.  

Then I took him home.

Wednesday morning we actually had a sunrise.  

When I picked Elizer up for preschool he was so delighted to see that the little scarecrows he had given Destiny for her birthday had not gotten ruined by the rain.

I made air-fried chicken and oven roasted veggies for us and for Anthony and Lori.  Air frying is quick, but not when you're making several batches.  I was glad to be finished.  

After I had picked Elizer up from preschool and took the food over to Anthony and Lori's place, I took Elizer to "airport park."  I always follow him as he rides bike.  He said, "You don't have to follow me, Grandma.  I'm fine."  I said, "But this is how I get my exercise!"

Actually, the bees were horrible that day.  At one point one was actually following us around the whole park and buzzing at my head.  Not fun.  

Thursday was my laundry and choir prep day.  Here's a picture of Elizer at school that day.

After I picked him up from school we stopped at the park at the entrance to our community.  

He had fun running the bases of the ball field - backward.  But who cares when you're the only one running.  

He discovered that he is able to hang from the monkey bars!  And drop down without hurting himself.  So I guess the next thing will be figuring out how to go from bar to bar.  

He was very pleased with himself!

We had choir practice that evening.  

On Friday I made Thai Chicken Peanut Noodle Salad for us and for Anthony and Lori.  Around 2:00 I left to take Anthony and Lori's food to Dick at work.  He would be taking it to them after work since he was going over there anyway.  Then I picked Elizer up from school at 2:15 and took him to Destiny's place.  They were leaving at 3:00 for Lancaster.  She had a doctor's appointment down there, and Elizer would be spending the weekend with Alex's family. 

Elizer had had his second session of Hoop Stars that morning.  There are eight in the class, and there are pictures of the whole class, but I need to be careful about posting pictures of other people's children.  It's such a great program.  The kids love the coach.

After Destiny and Elizer were on their way, I came home to my quiet house all by myself.  I cleaned up the house, then I settled down with my unfolded laundry and started watching my next episode of Virgin River.  I'm finished with Call the Midwife.  I would have had other things to do, but I pretty much watched Virgin River till bedtime!

Saturday morning was gorgeous.  

I sat on the side porch and had my coffee with some Archway iced molasses cookies I had found at Ollie's on Friday morning.  What a satisfying combination! 

Meanwhile I was getting text messages from Dick.  It was the first day of archery season.  He was over at Anthony and Lori's woods and got a deer.  I'll spare you the picture he was so proud of.  We do like venison.  But I just hate the thought.  But I will show you this picture he took of a tree at Anthony and Lori's.

In the afternoon I went to Harner Farms to get some pumpkins, a mum, and some apple cider.  They had such a lovely Fall display.  

Lori met me there with Hunter, and he came with me for a sleepover.  Before going home we stopped at "airport park."  

At home we played LIFE, Scrabble, and did the US floor puzzle.  We had hot dogs and ice cream sundaes.  But I didn't think to take pictures of any of it.  Then he took a bubble bath and I did remember to take a picture to send to his parents.  He said he was in Mt. Bubblous.  

On Sunday morning he went to church with us.  The first thing he asked when we arrived was why his name was on the window.  I had no idea what he was talking about.  He pointed to the writing on the stained glass window near our pew.  Not once had I ever noticed the name Hunter on that window, hahaha!

He was telling people right away that he hadn't been here since 2022, and he was right.  He had come with me to VBS in July 2022, but not since.  His 7-year-old brain keeps track of such things!

He was also having fun playing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" before the service started.  I tried to record him, but the voices of all the people talking and laughing was louder than his playing!

After church we met Lori to give Hunter back.  We had a day trip to Manheim ahead of us.  What a gorgeous and sweet child he is!

We had packed our lunch and ate as we drove the two-and-one-half hour trip.  

Our first visit was with Grandma Arlene, Dick's stepmother, at Pleasant View Communities.  It seems unthinkable that we had not seen her since a family gathering in June!!  

We had a nice long visit with her.  She is amazing at 91 years of age, and so much fun to talk with.  

Our next visit was with Jess, Bjorn, and Charlie.  We had not seen them since that family gathering in June either!  

Look at this Charlie boy!!  A petite, VERY ACTIVE 15 months old.  So charming and full of tricks!!  We think he looks like Jess and her dad. Just the cutest little thing!!

He keeps his mamma and daddy on their toes.  He doesn't like to nap, but he does sleep really well at night, thankfully. I could look at this adorable little face all day!

He found Jess's cup and kept trying to drink from it, but it was empty.  

Apparently crawling up on the end table is a favorite thing to do, but not exactly allowed.  He was making sure Bjorn saw what he was doing, haha!

It's good he has a big, strong daddy!

After we left their place we went to the Sheetz near Landisville to pick up Elizer from Alex's dad.  And we needed some caffeine to get us home!  Elizer is a good traveler.  But I do dread when these long rides will be in the dark next month.  

He had a little bit of time at our house before Destiny came to pick him up.  She worked till 8:00. He decided to build a tower for the first time in a while. He always wants me to take a picture of his towers.  

And that was the end of another week!  Next time I'll tell you about our 52nd anniversary.