In today’s blog, I wish my wonderful niece AB a happy birthday. How is she 12 already? But I’m also recapping this weekend and fun that was to be had. It was a great weekend for festivals, homecoming, as well as getting outside. In my most recent blog, I talked about the book I’m reading on the history of Eat’n Park, called “The Story Behind the Smile”. I went over some of the things in the book that made it famous and there’s still more to learn about, including that happy cookie that you can enjoy after you’ve had your SuperBurger and fries. You can buy it at any Eat’n Park (while supplies last) or online at Amazon. Part of the proceeds goes towards a great cause.
On Saturday, I went back to church at Community and it was a wrap on the Vote for Jesus sermon series. A new one on Stewardship begins this weekend. But despite the political theme, I don’t feel as polarized as I have in the past during an election season. I may stream this one Saturday night as I have plenty going on this weekend with a birthday party and a family picnic to get ready for. As for Saturday night, I was a little bit tired from a hectic workweek and still somewhat gunshy. However, the latter is beginning to wear off and so I can blame it on fatigue for my being closed off. I’m making a comeback and soon enough, I may come for a Wednesday night dinner and make plans to attend a Christmas Eve service.
Sunday, it was back to Cutie’s and will be the first of multiple trips this week for their Fall drinks. I took advantage of the 80 degree weather and the sunshine to sit outside and finish my most recent blog. I ordered the Cherry Pie Chai and really enjoyed it. I also sipped it with a cutie straw. When I return midweek, I’ll be up for the Maple Cutie Latte and then if I go Saturday, well that’s up in the air for now. I’ll be somewhere else on Sunday, so happy first birthday Cutie’s. I’ll be attending the market in spirit.
Here’s what I missed on this wonderful first weekend of October. This past weekend was the apple festival in Delmont. I’ve gone in the past and have also seen the Frownie parading around. I was there on a warm October day in 2007 on a weekend just like this most recent one. But contrary to popular belief, I wasn’t the Frownie when I was at this event. Since I mentioned the other iconic dessert, this festival was always great for Kings as they got a lot of business on Apple Festival weekend. It was always neat to watch them make cider, look at the tractors (always a fun thing at the old Harrold Fair), or shop around. If you have a side business, it’s a great opportunity to sell your product.
Indiana was also the place to be this weekend as IUP held its annual homecoming weekend. My alma mater has theirs this upcoming Saturday. Representing at the event was a group of Toastmasters from Area 21, which includes the Indiana Toastmasters club, as well as Johnstown and Allegheny Mountains Toastmasters. If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls, the next day was perfect for you to come. If I had the time this past weekend, I would have made plans to attend either of these events. I would have definitely rocked some Stars Hollow swag and took part in some Gilmore Girls trivia. While Indiana may not have the Stars Hollow charm that Ligonier does, both are the perfect Hallmark Christmas towns.
Saving the best for last, I want to wish AB a happy birthday. Again, how is she 12? I’ve had fun watching her grow up, playing Mario Kart and Mario Party with her, and having the opportunity to see her every day. This year made the seamless transition to middle school and it started off very well. In addition to being involved in band this year, she’s also taking part in chorus at West Hempfield Middle School. AB continues to thrive at karate, working towards her black belt. and she loves Taylor Swift. This year, the theme is Taylor Swift and AB will be in her birthday era this week.
Speaking of eras, I’ll be starting a six week series as recent Octobers have brought forth the end of certain eras in my life. We’ll call it the (End of) Eras series. One of those I’ll definitely highlight is the end of my WIS era which was three years ago and brought forth some much needed change in my life. When it rains, especially in late October, I’m always reminded of last days at a place I was at for a long time.
These blogs will be up once a week through mid-November.
Stylish 🍒 