An Emotional Day

This past week was heavy, the Charlie Kirk shooting in Utah and then 9/11 the next day. 24 years later, that day still hits hard. Saturday was an emotional day for my family. We had fond memories of our beloved Gramma, aunt, and mother, Hilde Gaffron.

My aunt posted a picture of the Gaffron siblings on her Facebook. It was taken at my cousin’s graduation party and it brought back memories and a lot of nice comments too.

19 years ago my life was in transition. My academic life had come to an end and my life in the real world was beginning. While it had to happen, that still didn’t make it any easier for me. That Spring, Gram got sick and had to spend time at Forbes before temporarily moving into a nursing home nearby. She spent the summer at home with us. For me, most of that summer was spent taking care of her, as I was unemployed. We spent a lot of time together and she tried to keep my spirits up during that difficult season in my life. Gram made some progress and was able to go back to her house for at least one weekend. Just when it appeared she was turning the corner, she had passed away. I remember the morning very well.

I had just started working at Kings, after my summer of discontent and employment. We were all devastated by her passing. I wonder what she would have thought of all our accomplishments. Three things I know Gram would have been proud to have witnessed:

  1. Barack Obama winning the election in 2008. She followed his senate run in the mid-2000’s and just after her passing, he accepted the nomination for President. I do know she would have not been happy with the state of our union now, or the current administration.
  2. My involvement in Toastmasters. I joined Toastmasters in 2011 and continued to stay with the organization through transitions in my own life and in hard times. Having to adjust to online meetings during the pandemic did test my loyalty, though. A few of my speeches have been about her, also.
  3. Getting to meet Annabelle and all her other great-grandchildren. Gram would have proud to see her other grandchildren become parents. She got to experience being a great grandmother to my oldest cousin’s three boys. Gram and Annabelle would have shared the love of Harry Potter.

I think Gram would have also been proud to see her grandkids take up writing as a hobby. She would have loved reading about my everyday life or about Katie’s everyday adventures.

Finally, some words of wisdom that I picked up in times like these. During 9/11, I memorized a Bible verse that got me through those trying times. It also came in handy during quarantine and social distancing times in 2020.

2 Timothy 1:7–“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Also, in light of the events in Utah, a friend of mine shared a post encouraging us to step away from things like electronics and social media and enjoy life. This was from the governor of Utah and couldn’t have been said any better.

Finishing Up My Summer Reading. What’s Next?

I didn’t post a blog on Thursday (well I did but it was dated Wednesday), but I took time to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 24 years ago. The attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and a plane crashing in a field in rural Somerset County shook us to our core that day. We remembered how grateful we were in the following days and were proud to display our patriotism. I was in my second year of college, sitting in math class, when I learned of a plane hitting the World Trade Center. 

While looking about the photo book of President Obama, I’ve now seen pictures from his first term. Unfortunately the last shots from the official White House photographer during that time were from the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in December 2012. While at a play for one of the girls that was going on around the time of mourning, even the photographer shed a few tears.

Let’s not just remember the 9/11 victims, but also those children and parents whose lives have been affected by all these horrific school shootings.

Wednesday, I learned of the passing of right wing voice and Trump ally Charlie Kirk. While I’m not going to get into a debate on my blog and I didn’t agree with his political views, I am sorry that his wife and young daughters lost a husband and a father. 

My blog is a lifestyle blog and that’s how it’s always going to be. 

Last night I finished up another chapter in Barack Obama’s memoir, “A Promised Land”. As I put the finishing touches on former First Lady Michelle’s memoir today, I’ll have finished that book a second time. Next week will be for reading the last chapters in the former President’s book. The first time I read “Becoming” it was a great read and the second time around did not disappoint either.

So, with my Obama summer reading project done, what am I planning to read for Fall. Originally, I was going to give “107 Days” by Kamala Harris a read. However, since I’ve already covered two books on political figures, I’m opting for something a little more light-hearted. I’ll commit more time to “We Can Do Hard Things” after finishing Barack’s memoir next week, and begin “Matriarch” by Tina Knowles. I’ll start out with one chapter a week there and then do more once I finish Glennon Doyle’s latest book. But a new book has caught my attention as well and it comes out on October 7 (Annabelle’s birthday). Don’t worry, I won’t forget to buy her gift.

Yesterday in my Instagram travels (I seriously spend too much time on there!) I found the perfect book to get me excited about the Fall season. I didn’t want to wait for Christmas when I saw this, but “Meet Me at Luke’s” looks very tempting. After two interesting political memoirs this summer, I think I need a pop culture fix. I previewed the book last night and today and this read looks good. This may be quality reading at Cutie’s, at the Diamond in Ligonier, or at the Fall Picnic.

I enjoyed a beautiful late summer afternoon at Cutie‘s where I ordered the Banana Pancake Latte. It was really good and I continue to be impressed by the Fall menu so far. I’ll be having my Pumpkin Spice Latte around the first day of Fall. I’m interested in trying some of the Chais at some point this Fall, including the Butterbeer Chai. My niece didn’t like it but maybe I will. I’m thinking about the Carrot Cake Latte for the beginning of October.

I hate to close off the blog with some bad news but sadly, Cutie‘s decided to end their Bible Study. I learned about this from their Instagram stories. Some not so nice things have been said and it’s gotten out of proportion. Feeling pressured, it was the best interest of the owners to discontinue the Bible Study.

I had hinted about committing to church attendance again, and this may speed it up. I was a hard decision but I understand Cutie‘s going forward with it. Over the past year the leaders did an excellent job, and Cutie‘s will continue to serve the community even as this season comes to an end.

Having a SWEET Time at Laurel Highlands Toastmasters!

Tuesday night, we held our Laurel Highlands Toastmasters meeting. At first, it looked like we might have just three in attendance but people came in at just before six. Our Vice Presidents Education and Membership came in just a few minutes past six with agendas in hand. Zoom wasn’t working in our favor but our President was able to establish an online link through WhatsApp. We started a little late but made up for that start with a quality meeting.

Judging by the theme and the title of my blog, we had a SWEET time at our meeting. Our President gave a wonderful speech about “The Sweet CEO”. I’m referring to Milton Hershey. He went over Hershey‘s life and also discussed his philanthropy. In the blog, I’ll also be highlighting my trip to Hershey from this past November.

In Table Topics, the questions kept with the theme of the meeting. I was asked what I could suggest to make Toastmasters meeting sweet? Our Vice President Education came up with questions but our club president led the topics session. The Table Topics master and Toastmaster switched roles. Our other speeches Tuesday night touched on the five C‘s of Leadership and 3 F‘s we must look at when dealing with rejection.

Some takeaways I had from the meeting, one was from our Vice President Education. The acronyms and stories help us to remember the speeches. Also, WhatsApp is better than Zoom. Dues are due, and I will be renewing this weekend for both Laurel Highlands and Greensburg.

At the meeting I doubled up as speech evaluator and timer. We had a guest in attendance and so I explained my role to her.

Hearing Ryan’s speech reminded me of my past trip to Hershey. Last Fall just before Thanksgiving, our little group of Gaffrons went there to see Trans Siberian Orchestra. We made it a great weekend, and not just because of the concert. Our first night in Hershey we saw the lights near Hersheypark. I took many pics that evening and we saw many neat displays. Getting there is the run and we had to brave and battle the snow and slush-covered roads to get to our destination.

Saturday was the big day. We met up with my cousins and made our way to the Giant Center. The show was great and this was my second time seeing Trans Siberian Orchestra. The first time was a few days before Christmas in December 2019 at PPG Paints Arena. We all know what happened three months later. Following the concert, we ate dinner at the Macaroni Grill. I enjoyed the company and all the food. My cousins picked a great spot for our post concert dinner. I do wish I’d have saved room for dessert too. Maybe I can eat half my dinner next week at Olive Garden and save room for cheesecake and tiramisu.

Sunday was our last day in Hershey before heading home. We spent our last hours in the hotel checking out the arcade and watching the world go by. We ate lunch at Funck’s and it looked very festive inside as the restaurant was decorated for Christmas. As we parted ways with the State College Gaffrons, we stopped off at Chocolate World for an hour. I bought a few things (that Hershey’s Pot of Gold is still upstairs on my counter) and then faced reality. Our trip was over. It was a nice weekend and great mini-vacation even though I got sick just before Thanksgiving.

You can read about my Hershey trip in more detail. Links to follow.

Depending on God at Cutie’s Bible Study!

Last night was another great night for Bible Study at Cutie’s. Despite dealing with drought conditions, it’s been a blessing to have nice weather though it is cooling down as Summer begins to wind down. Cutie’s Bible Study will come to an end in October as the days continue to grow shorter and the weather begins to turn colder.

I arrived and set up my spot in the parking lot. My drink of choice was the Oatmeal Creme Latte, which came with a Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie. So far, what’s been the best drink? I would go with the Maple Cutie Latte. In October, I looking at trying the Cherry Pie Chai once again. Also, the Butterbeer Chai looks good. Maybe if Katie and Annabelle would join me for coffee, I’ll buy one for the birthday girl who will be turning 13 in October. In two weeks, when we officially welcome Fall, is when I’ll get my Pumpkin Spice Latte. When is that Carrot Cake Latte going to be in my sights? Time will tell.

At Bible Study, we learned about the importance of depending on God. Our speaker gave his testimony and had us reading through the Gospels and in Exodus (talking about not worrying and then Moses). We began the evening with a worship tune by Elevation Worship titled “Worthy”. We wrapped around 7 and I packed up everything before socializing with the leaders. Despite our big difference in age, we connect well. I blew everyone’s minds a few weeks ago when I told them my age. Our next three Bible Study meetings will be our last three. Weather permitting for that Oct. 20 meeting, I’m pretty sure.

Once Bible Study wraps, I’m going to challenge myself to get back to church. It’s time.

Monday morning, I finished a small, easy read that I could have taken a week on but decided to spread it out over the summer. “Brighter By The Day” by Robin Roberts is a self-help that doesn’t preach, but reads like a storybook.

I’m no stranger to the author’s work, having read another of her good reads titled “Everyone’s Got Something” which highlighted her cancer journey. Some of the things I enjoyed about this book was the passion and emotion Robin put into her stories. Whether it was applying for her dream job at ESPN or covering Hurricane Katrina, she wrote it from the heart. She also talked about one of her proudest achievements. That was when Good Morning America finally knocked off Today as the #1 morning show. That was a long time coming. This little read gets a A+ in my book (pardon the pun).

Finally, I wanted to end this blog by sharing a little more information about The Fat Squirrel. They have fun options for appetizers and entrees, not to mention ice cream 🍦. They also do catering and have a list of what you can order from sandwich platters to entrees to BYOB (build your own bars).

Also, they have a sister restaurant called The Chubby Chipmunk in downtown Somerset. Whereas The Fat Squirrel has dinner hours, The Chubby Chipmunk has lunch hours. One of these days when I’m visiting my aunt, maybe we’ll go here for lunch.

Friday Night Dinner at The Fat Squirrel!

Friday morning, my aunt reached out to me about meeting her for dinner. It was this place in Jennerstown that she liked, called the Fat Squirrel. We decided to meet at 4:30, and we got a table outside. The menu had some interesting choices for appetizers. We all agreed that the Sweet Potato Fries was the best choice. This would be my first time trying brisket and it was good. We took our time ordering because all the choices looked good. The menu reminded me of a few times when Mr. Clougherty and I ate dinner at Sun Dawg (before the owners opened the new restaurant). At first I was going to try the cheesesteak Mac and cheese, and then it was either going to be a sandwich or a panini. I ended up choosing the brisket panini with pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes. Actually it was half brisket and half smoked chicken. My side was the garlic parmesan cauliflower.

The Fat Squirrel lets you BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle), and my cousin did just that by bringing three little bottles of Prosecco. The food was great and it was a nice night for outdoor dining, albeit a little windy. I wonder what business is like in the cooler months. Does this place close for the season? That would be important to know. We all enjoyed ourselves and my aunt had a nice birthday dinner. We left around 6:30 and I made my way back down the mountain to Greensburg.

Overall grade: 5 out of 5.

In our family, we are looking forward to the Gaffron Family Picnic on October 12. But first, my mom and aunt enjoyed a nice morning at Laurel Hill and mom sent this pic of a new fire pit near where they met yesterday morning. This is located next to our luxe lakefront indoor pavilion where we’ll have our reunion.

Friday afternoon before I set sail on my adventure, I got a group message from my cousin about the picnic. I’m currently on the fence about either bringing food or making something to take to the picnic. If I decide to buy something, I’m trending towards cookies from the Giant Eagle bakery (I’ll go that Friday). If I decide to make something I’m thinking a carrot cake or a pumpkin spice cake. No matter what I bring and no matter what the weather will be, I’m looking forward to having a great time and enjoying the early days of my vacation.

There’s five weeks between now and then, so I’ll enjoy September and all that it has to offer. Last night, I watched the first episode of the new season of the Great British Baking Show. I returned from Jennerstown around 7:30. After taking some time to decompress, I got to enjoy the show with Mom.

I won’t give a thorough recap of the show so that I can avoid posting spoilers. I loved the intro to the show and the cakes were very neat. It’s time to change things up in my television viewing habits. After enjoying the Halloween Baking Championship the last four years on Food Network, I’m moving on this year. The jury is out even on Holiday Baking Championship, but if there’s a new season I’m most certainly in.

Before I met my aunt and cousin at the Fat Squirrel for our Friday night dinner, I stopped at Cutie’s and had the Caramel Waffle Latte. It was either go to Cutie’s or break up the trip and stop in Ligonier. As fun as that would have been, I’m glad I had my Cutie’s fix on Friday. Two for two on the new Fall menu with more trips to come. I’ll be there Monday night for Bible Study and the weather is looking perfect.

The NFL Returns!

In Thursday’s blog, I highlighted my favorite things. Getting to the point, these would be: 

1.) Toastmasters meetings and other big events like the speech contests. I get to reconnect with other members and meet new people along the way. 

2.) Fall, because it brings a change in the weather and lots of color. That doesn’t just mean the leaves changing on the trees. It’s a new season of football at the high school, college, and professional levels.

3.) New shows to enjoy. Recently, I finished the reboot of King of the Hill on Disney+ and enjoyed it. The show was renewed for a second season in 2026. 

Yesterday, the Paper premiered on Peacock, from the creators of another iconic show, The Office. Like that show, the Paper is a mockumentary and if you’re a fan of Dunder Mifflin you may notice a few familiar names. Greg Daniels is creator, and one of the episodes was directed by Ken Kwapis. An old face returns for the new series, and that’s Oscar. Not sure what his role will be, as I’ve only watched two episodes. I plan to take the month of September to watch all ten episodes so I’ll have a better idea on how I feel about this show. 

Other than Oscar Nunez, the only other recognizable name on the show is Domnhall Gleeson. You may remember him as eldest Weasley child Bill in a few of the Harry Potter movies.

Just as I would root for the Stars Hollow Gazette if that ever became a Gilmore Girls-themed spinoff, I’ll do the same for the Toledo Truth Teller. Now onto the sports page. 

The NFL kicked off its 2025 season Thursday night when the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles hosted the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles were an 8 ½ point favorite, and there was drama right off the bat. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct when he spit on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott. That may have been the deciding factor between a close game and a blowout. I’m quite surprised Dallas kept it close. It was a much improved performance from them after scoring only 13 points in the two meetings last year. 

Severe weather delayed the game for over an hour in the third quarter. After play resumed just after 11:30 PM EDT, both teams’ offenses went into the tank. The s Eagles escaped with the victory, but it was too close. I had the score at 34-17. It’s the first game and things will get better. Time to rest, regroup, and get ready for Big Red and the Chiefs next Sunday. 

Looking ahead this weekend, the Steelers’ 2025 season opens in New York against the Jets in a battle of two quarterbacks facing their old teams. A great division rivalry resumes later when the Lions travel to Green Bay to take on the Packers. These two teams should battle it out for the NFC North in 2025. Sunday night brings a divisional playoff rematch to the table when Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens travel to Buffalo to face Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. It will be the final home opener in Orchard Park, N.Y. before the team moves into its new stadium in 2026. 

My Favorite Things at Greensburg Toastmasters!

Our Greensburg Toastmasters meeting was a success last night, despite the small turnout and one speaker having to postpone until the next meeting. It was nothing our group couldn’t handle. Four of us attended in person with the three usual suspects joining us online via Zoom. I will be ending my speaking streak and going without speaking for the first time since January. This gives others room to speak and it takes the stress off of having to double (or even triple) everyone up. Rather than keep the streak going, I’m comfortable with having a break to replace the old and aging vets with the new and younger talent. Pardon the sports metaphor. 

We had no problem using the club computer to run the meeting, as it was our first time doing this. The late start we had was made up for with a quality meeting. I highlighted the importance of looking at the camera when making eye contact so I didn’t make myself look silly by looking up into space. I also recall the difficulties I had attending Zoom meetings when they became a thing. Using my cell phone or iPad for the meetings became a tall order. However, using a stand might have improved that experience. 

Our table topics was about our favorite things. I answered the question by talking about Mr. Clougherty and how he helped me become successful, and as well as how he helped his swimmers become great in life. I’ll get to some of my favorite things in this blog, momentarily. 

The courthouse was a busy place last night, with our meeting, gun permits, and a DUI class which took up our usual meeting spot. With everything else going on, we held our meeting in the jury room. Maybe it’s my imagination but those benches outside make it look like we’re in a train station waiting for our next train. The one meeting in May that was held in the hallway, made it feel like we were in an airport terminal.

Our next three meetings are scheduled for September 17, and October 1 and 15.

Some of my favorite things include speech contests, and Area 23 held theirs on Saturday morning at the Morgantown public library. I wasn’t able to attend in person, but thanks to the power of social media I read that it was an amazing contest. The pictures and video from Area 23 Director and Contest Chair Autumn came in handy as well. The clubs which had members in the Humorous Speech and Table Topics contests were from Laurel Highlands, Western Maryland, and Country Roads. 

Laurel Highlands swept both contests and the winners will be advancing to the Division Contest on October 11 at Westmoreland County Community College. All three divisions (B, C, and D) will be competing that day, so it’ll be interesting to see how that all works out. My vacation will just be getting started, and I do plan on attending that contest. The winners advance to the District Contest which will be held at the 2025 Fall Symposium on October 25 in Moon Township near the Pittsburgh International Airport. 

I’m enjoying a couple of days off right now and my plans include watching the kickoff to the NFL Season as the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles take on the division rival Dallas Cowboys. I’m also hoping to begin that new series on Peacock from the creators of the Office. We had to postpone our dinner plans again but I talked with Mr. Clougherty and we agreed to reschedule for September 18 at the Olive Garden. Hopefully the third time is the charm. It’s my aunt’s birthday on Friday so I will shop for her in my travels. I’m also thinking a trip to Cutie’s is in order, either for breakfast or coffee. Tomorrow night, I’m looking forward to the season premiere of the Great British Baking Show, and enjoying it with Mom. 

In closing, here’s some of the drinks I’m looking forward to trying at Cutie’s on this new menu. Pumpkin Cheesecake, Carrot Cake, Apple Crisp, and Banana Pancake, and of course the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Photo courtesy of Cutie’s Coffee Company, not me. 

Did Summer Fly By?

As I said I would, I made it out to Cutie’s on Sunday for the first day of the new “Cutie Fall” menu. I made it for coffee, even though I missed the morning market that went on from 9 to 1. It was still steady around 3pm but not as crazy as it was in the morning. It’s good to be busy though as it makes the day fly by. My mid-20’s self wanted to hear no part of that as I’d have rather been back in school. My first drink from the Fall menu was the Maple Cutie Latte. I loved the Maple Leaf cookie that it came with. I took my drink outside and enjoyed my time in the sun. Not too hot and humid like it had been most of the summer. Here are some pics from today.

While I was sleeping and the market was in high gear, my family performed the difficult task of closing the swimming pool for the season. This may be the earliest date we’ve ever closed the pool. That includes the one we had for 20 years before we tore it down in 2008. Last year I believe we closed it a week after Labor Day. It was hard to make that decision yet it was necessary. The cooler nights we’ve had over the last week have dropped the temperature of the water, making it too cold to swim. It was only 69 degrees on Friday as we removed the ladder from the pool. The weather pattern will be sticking around for the first week of September before we warm up next week, but not by much. With the pool closed, it’s time to start thinking about the changing leaves and all the yardwork and home projects that will need done in the upcoming Fall months. 

With today being the last day of August, I ask myself “Did This Summer Fly By?”.  The cold, dark days of winter seem to go on and on, as did this damp, cool stretch we had in the second half of May. It was a shortened pool season for me, despite opening on Mother’s Day (the rain and cooler temperatures soon followed). I don’t think summer flew by though. It all comes down to attitude and while I struggled for part of the Spring, I was able to enjoy my first vacation at the end of June. Plus, July and August took their time. 

Kids are now back in school and Fall is making its rounds in all the retail stores. I’m going to be patient this September so I can enjoy a great October. There’s plenty of Cutie Coffee visits along the way and still time for Bible Study as it will run through October. Therefore, I’m going to enjoy it. Back to the blog on Thursday. 

New Beginnings!

It’s always hard to say goodbye, and that includes the change of seasons. We had a summer dominated by heat and humidity, definitely the latter. After a wet spring, we dried up this summer and some places are reporting drought conditions. It’s shaping up to finish as our driest summer in a decade. But, given the recent stretch of cooler weather (we started Saturday morning in the mid-40’s), we made the tough decision to close down the swimming pool early. Last night we removed the ladder and very soon, we’ll be putting the cover on. Even if we get a stretch of 80 degree days, it’s not going to help warm up the pool which was 69 degrees yesterday.

For me, I was able to use the pool more than I have in a while, despite the early closing date and the limited amount of time that I usually had. We opened the pool on Mother’s Day weekend but, due to the cool, damp second half of May, I didn’t take my first swim until June 11. It took until the first weekend of summer before I swam regularly. When I went to Kennywood for Bites and Pints, it was one of the more active visits for me since COVID. It’s been an active summer, in a good way.

The new season of the Great British Baking Show premieres on September 5 on Netflix. While I’ve watched a few episodes in the past, I’m going to enjoy a full season this time around. Does it replace Halloween Baking (probably but not setting that in stone yet). The Great British Baking Show has aired since 2010 and has its name due to Pillsbury owning the Bake-off trademark. For Christmas in 2023, I got my mom a cookbook from the show. This show along with The Paper will on my list of shows that I’ll view during the month of September. If the Holiday Baking Championship returns this November, I’ll most definitely be watching.

This weekend marks the end of 15 months of French lessons on Duolingo. September is a time to try new things. Beginning Monday, I’m going to learn German. With these early Fall months comes Oktoberfest, so I feel German may be a good fit for me. My ultimate goal is to have 100000 XP on four of the main languages I’ve learned on Duo. I’ve got a nice start on German and Italian and I’m almost halfway there on Spanish. I started with Spanish in April of 2022 before branching out.

Tomorrow begins the new Fall menu at Cutie’s which is one more sign that Summer is winding down. I’ll come down after I wake up. My first choice on the Fall menu will be the Maple 🍁 Cutie Latte. I would go Thursday but that’s Olive Garden 🍝 night for me; however, I’m off Friday so that will likely be my next Cutie’s visit. With rain likely, it may be a perfect morning for some Fall coffee or breakfast. I’m thinking Caramel Waffle Latte will my next drink (maybe for next Monday’s Bible study). I just saw the Carrot Cake latte on my Instagram stories and can’t wait to try that too. After a quiet August, I’m ready to get into the groove for Fall, and I look forward to trying my Market District coffee as well.

Coming to the blog this week, I’ll recap my Cutie’s visit and look ahead to September. I need to pace myself because my October is looking pretty good. It’s the start of football season with Friday night lights, College on Saturday, and the NFL kicks off Thursday night with Dallas and Philly. Steelers-Jets on Sunday, along with Detroit vs. Green Bay and Baltimore vs. Buffalo later on. I’ll also be recapping our Toastmasters meeting.

Happy Apple Fall, everyone!

Ending August The Way I Began It!

August is ending for me the way it began, as I tried out a new cafe. This time, my travels took me to White Tree Cafe and Coffeehouse in downtown Irwin. It was a cool day like the first day of August. While on my way, I also had my autumn jazz playlist on just like I did when I visited Coffee Bean and spent the afternoon in Ligonier. It was appropriate music for the fall-like temperatures experienced on this last Friday of August. Instead of the closing days of summer, it felt more like Pumpkin Fall. 

That nip in the air didn’t stop me from enjoying myself Friday morning. I ordered the Cinnamon Roll Latte, part of their August specials. Inside, I was impressed with the amount of literature you could read and even buy for yourself. If you like to read like Rory Gilmore in those Chilton years, this is your place. Next time I visit, I might have breakfast too. The cafe is located in the old Irwin House. I ordered my drink and took advantage of the outdoor seating, watching the world go by in downtown Irwin. 

Before I set off on my next adventure, I walked down Main Street and found a bookstore that caught me called Completely Booked. They used to be in Murrysville in the Blue Spruce Shops. I might stop there next time to see if Kamala Harris’ new book is in stock. 107 Days comes out September 23.

I did some Fall food shopping at the Market District in Murrysville. Originally I was going to go out to the Giant Eagle in Monroeville but missing my turn a few times, I just decided to go to Murrysville instead. I picked some seasonal coffee and teas, as well as autumn-flavored snacks. I spent within my price point of $25-$50, staying on the lower end of that. We are getting ready to enter meteorological Fall, and the first day of Autumn is September 22. Last week, I was going to try out Latte Lane in Cheswick before doing my Fall food haul at the Market District in the Waterworks. I couldn’t get anything going last week. Blame all of the Pittsburgh influencers whom I follow on Instagram. Later next month, I’ll pick some more Fall flavors at a location TBD. 

There was a change of plans on Thursday as Mr. Clougherty and I postponed our dinner plans, thus rescheduling them for next week. We will still eat at the Olive Garden. Upon moving our dinner date, I’m considering making an adjustment. That is, I’m proposing doing away with our late September meeting and also, pushing October’s dinner meeting up a week. He’s flexible, as am I, and it shouldn’t be an issue to move things around. The cancellation could have opened up plans for me to spend time at the Night Market Thursday, It was in the cards as I could have taken the bus downtown. I was even going to go to Millie’s to get ice cream and make an affogato as the Cutie Cart was there. I did have stuff to do at home, so I took care of things and hung out there instead.  

Finally, I’ll recap Bible Study from Monday night. Before that, for me this week saw the 25 year anniversary of the beginning of my college experience when I moved into my dorm at the Hiram G. Andrews Center in beautiful Westmont. 

This weather has been a role reversal from the end of Spring, when Bible Study got moved online due to the damp and cool weather pattern. The last few months have amped up our drought prospects, and ramped up the heat and humidity. But, I digress. 

We learned the importance of having the Fear of God in our hearts, and living a Christ-centered life. What we’ve been dealing with in the past or going through shouldn’t define us. It’s just a part of who we are. With everything going on in the world, now is the time to get right with God and be crucified with Christ. 

We began the outdoor Bible Study by singing “Jireh” by Elevation Worship. I enjoyed hearing that song in my not-so-distant church days. I wrapped up the summer menu by ordering a Funnel Cake Latte. In my next blog, I’ll talk about some of the drinks I’m excited to get from the new Fall menu as I look ahead to September.

Is the Pumpkin Spice Latte on my radar? Absolutely.