Yes. You Can at Laurel Highlands Toastmasters!

Our word of the day on Tuesday at Laurel Highlands Toastmasters was Courage. We needed that during the meeting as the technology was not being so reliable. But, those of us in person and online persevered through the mess and made it another enjoyable meeting. 

We had three attending the meeting in person, while the others were online. A guest came on at the last meeting and we hope to see them at the next meeting on October 14. Also, we had an official visit from Autumn, our Area 23 Director. The room looked nicely decorated with plants, thanks to our amazing Sergeant at Arms. If we could get some furniture in there, the room would resemble a quaint little studio.  

Thinking about the theme from last night’s meeting, I’m reminded of “Yes We Can!”, the quote made famous by our 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. Though he did have critics in the opposing party and his own who sometimes made it impossible for the President to do his job. I also think about the theme in my life’s journeys. It’s been easy for me to give up because of little or no support. But, I’ve also been my harshest critic as well. I must keep reminding myself, “Yes. I can.” Last night, when our wifi went down at the beginning of the meeting, our President had to make some moves to right the ship. Fortunately, our Area Director was still online and kept things cool. She also gave a good evaluation of the meeting. Props to Ryan for staying calm and to myself for staying at the lectern while online spoke or performed their roles. I was up there for a majority of the meeting. 

We might be looking into having one hybrid meeting and one online meeting every month, but nothing is certain yet. Time will tell and this may be up for discussion at our next officers’ meeting. Dues are due September 30 and we have the minimum paid up, but it’s still important to get everyone in the club paid unless they don’t renew. Some of us have paid for the year, others for six months. I’m in the latter. Our next three meetings are October 14 and 28, and November 11. I will be in Johnstown on the 14th visiting with their club as that will also be my vacation week. 

Watching Jeopardy! runs in the family. It was always a favorite of Gramma Hilde’s (along with the Muppets), and I have many memories of being at her house on Friday nights. I always impressed her when I answered the question (or is it the other way around?) and she always had visions of me as a contestant on the show someday. Gram passed away in 2006 and with her passing went our love of Jeopardy!, as it was hard to enjoy the show that she had once loved. But our interest in the show has returned in the last few years. 

One of the contestants at the present time is someone right up Annabelle’s alley. He’s a band director, and he played baritone sax in school. That’s the instrument that Annabelle is playing in the middle school band at West Hempfield Middle School. We’re cheering on Steven as he competes on the iconic quiz show. It always feels good to do stuff as a family, and watching Jeopardy! is one of those things. 

I was ready to watch the show on Peacock after I got back but was disappointed to learn the show wouldn’t be up on the streaming platform until 6am the next morning. Shoot, I even had a bowl of ginger snaps ready to eat while I watched.  

This week, we’re finally getting the rain that we so desperately needed. I was driving in it last night on my way back from Connellsville. A few heavy downpours greeted me as I made my way into Greensburg. More rain is on the way today but we have a nice weekend ahead. I wonder what the weather will be like in Dublin on Sunday. 

Finally, Pumpkin season is in full bloom. I have my coffee, tea, and cider options lined up. That, and I know what I want to try at Cutie’s over the next few weeks. Carrot Cake Latte and Cherry Pie Chai, I’m coming for you! I’m looking forward to a Caramel Apple Pie coffee or a Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Latte at some point during Pumpkin Fall.