July has come and gone, and the summer of 2024 is going by fast. For Hempfield, school starts on August 22. It’s been a hot, dry summer. I knew this was going to happen. We had a Spring that saw record rains in April. We experienced more tornadoes next month than we usually do in a year. The heat ramped up just as I began vacation on June 21 and hasn’t really let up. We’ve seen rain but it hasn’t been enough to put a dent in the drought we’ve experienced this summer. I’ve been busy working and trying to find time to do everything, and most times set myself up for disappointment. But I’ve swam in our pool this summer more than I have in recent years.
As we turn the calendar to August, summer begins to hit its peak. It starts to fade as school busses hit the roads and bells ring. I start to look ahead to the fall season and when I’ll taste my first pumpkin spice latte. I’m thinking about planning my fall wardrobe. I look forward to rocking my cheetah sweater and leather jacket for the first time after the long, hot summer. Before all of that happens, let’s look back at July.
Fourth of July at the Farm
The Fourth of July picnic was held at the Gaffron farm on the actual July 4. There was lots of family and lots of food. I caught up with everyone including my midwestern cousins and those closer to home. I had to work that night so I couldn’t see the fireworks in person. Not to worry though, as my cousin posted pictures on social media and video of the fireworks.
James Visits Western Maryland Toastmasters
A week later, I had an opportunity to visit the new Western Maryland Toastmasters club. Since I worked that night and it was an hour and a half drive, I attended online. I bought a new mouse that week. It would help make it easier for me to mute. I would not rely so much on the touch pad. I’m getting the hang of the Zoom platform more and more now, four years later. Western Maryland Toastmasters chartered in May and the meeting I attended had a great turnout.
Just like the red carpet event that Laurel Highlands Toastmasters held after chartering in June 2021, Western Maryland is also having one in September. This event will be similar. The event in September is expected to be just as exciting. This one will be held at Rocky Gap Casino. I attended the Laurel Highlands event and really enjoyed myself there. Going off of experience, I know the Western Maryland event will be just as spectacular.
Getting Back Into My Walk With God
Finally, I got back into reading the Bible in July. I studied the book of Proverbs and read a chapter every day. What’s funny is I read every day up until the last day of the month. Plans in August include studying the Gospels, starting with John. I hinted at going back to church but I’m still up in the air over that.
I attended Bible Study Monday night. It was held in the parking lot at Cutie’s, one of my favorite places to get coffee in downtown Greensburg. The turnout was amazing. It’s recommended that you take your own chair for sitting in. Monday night’s study was on forgiveness. It was the first time I attended a big event like this in a while. The next event will be held on August 12 and the study runs every other week through October.
Time to look ahead to the new week.
Stylish 🍒 