This last week has been chaotic, to say the least. Between being short at work (we were down three people) and working up to the end of the night; and, preparing my reflection speech, I’ve been out of it. However, I did post some content including my most previous blog on 9/11.

Prepare for more content starting now and going up to Christmas 🎄.

Friday marked 18 years since Gramma Gaffron passed away. I’ll always remember our last summer together when she stayed at our house and I helped keep her company and take care of her. I wanted to do a blog post but couldn’t get anything good together with the week being the way it was. In honor of her, we’ve been watching Jeopardy! every night again. It was always a favorite of hers and we watched it with her when we’d visit. I’ll always remember her laugh, how much she loved her family, and how she always let us think for ourselves. I wish she could have seen me driving (I didn’t start until just after she died). Also, watching Barack Obama run for President and becoming the first African American commander in chief would have made her happy. Third, I’d definitely talk up Toastmasters with her.

Last night, a few of us from the Greensburg Toastmasters got together for a potluck dinner. The occasion was to celebrate two of our members who moving east. They’ll still be a part of the club but will be exclusively 100% virtual, like Greg (another member who is also remote for our meetings). We’ll miss having the Teagues in person as they always make our meetings fun and really helped with getting the technical stuff all taken care of. Fortunately, we have an awesome replacement in Mary Ellen, our club president, who is doing a wonderful job running the laptop during our meetings. Our Table Topics will center around the Moments of Truth #4: Program Planning and Meeting Organization. As for the spread, it was very good and we ate well. The sliders (pot roast and chicken marsala) were very tasty, as well as the potato salad and even the veggie tray and cookies. It was a great night to have an outdoor meal too as the nice September weather continues. However, much needed rain is in the forecast this week too.

The coffee tour continued on Friday as I went to Steep Mountain and had a Pumpkin Pie Matcha latte. It was good and I was happy to go out, even if only for an hour or two. I read a little bit of the next chapter in my Barack Obama book. I’ll get back to that and Kamala’s book this week as well. As for my drink, it was very good and had that pumpkin pie taste to it. I’ve been drinking pumpkin spice tea on occasion and it has a cinnamon flavor to it.

Coming up this week on my Pumpkin Spice and Fall Treats tour, I’ll be checking out a local drive thru coffee stop and buying more treats at Giant Eagle. Also, I’ll be visiting Target to look at their Fall goodies. I wonder if Christmas is up yet at some of these stores?

Last year on my week’s vacation from Giant Eagle, one of the trips I took was to the Fligbt 93 National Memorial. My mom and I both went up that morning (it was a week after the actual 9/11) and were in awe of everything. It’s very humbling when you take it all in. We listened to the chimes and read about everything leading up to the the hours and minutes when the first plane hit the tower. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should definitely check it out.

I’ve twice been to Shanksville where the plane crashed and have been near Quecreek where the mine rescue occurred.

My 9/11 story takes place not far from where Fligbt 93 had crashed. I was a college student attending classes at the local community college. I was in Math class that morning and when class ended is when I got word of what happened. The college was attached to the Hiram G. Andrews Center (where I resided). I went back to my dorm and watched news coverage in the lounge. Soon after, everyone was called to the cafeteria and learn about the events unfolding. It was a very sad day and a very humbling week.

Sporting events and life took a back seat that day and for the rest of the week. When the NFL season resumed a week later, everyone came together including those in New York and Washington. Many lives were lost that day and this otherwise random Tuesday in 2001 still goes down as one of the worst days in our country’s history.

Not many people are still alive who remembered where they were when Pearl Harbor was bombed. Some might recall what they were doing when the astronauts 👨‍🚀 landed on the moon 🌕. We all know where we were when the World Trade Center and Pentagon were hit and when the plane crashed in Somerset County.

That day changed our lives forever and that week put things into perspective for all of us.

Recently, I wrapped up the last Harry Potter book, thus ending the series. I started last summer and it was only fair to start from the beginning. What I mean by that is I tried reading the books before. It was 2018 and I was looking for something to keep me occupied. I took advantage of my Kindle unlimited membership and read the first three books. I quit just before I was about to begin Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Inspired by one of my managers (who also likes Harry Potter as well as Game of Thrones) and many family members, I was ready to give HP another try. I was glad I did.

Here’s a list of some of my favorites when it came to all things Hogwarts.

Favorite book: Prisoner of Azkaban.

Favorite movie: Same.

Favorite headmaster: McGonagall

Favorite Dark Arts teacher: Lupin

Where I’d want to live: The Burrow.

Where I wish the Sorting Hat would place me: Ravenclaw or Gryffindor

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a Christmas movie in my opinion because of the holiday scenes taking place at Hogwarts.

Favorite parents: The Weasleys. I think Mrs. Weasley is everyone’s mother and she’s not afraid to fight when they’re in danger. She’s a mama bear and she reminds me of someone I know.

Favorite Weasley: It’s a three way tie between Ron and the twins. Yes I just praised Molly to the heavens for being the mother of all mothers. But let’s think of the children as well. Fred and George were friendly and always provided the comic relief. Ron was always the middle ground in the trio, not quite as brave as Harry and not quite as smart as Hermione.

Favorite non-trio character: It’s a tie. Neville’s character grew on me throughout the book. Luna had a personality all her own. She looks like someone I used to work with. These days Neville is teaching young wizards the in and outs of Herbology, I’m sure.

Scariest creature: Aragog. I don’t blame Ron for being scared shitless in the Forbidden Forest. However, Ron and Harry did what they had to in order to clear Hagrid’s name. Harmless to Hagrid but his children almost made Ron and Harry lunch. Where’s Hermione when you need her?

Favorite creature: It’s a tie between Hedwig 🦉 and Buckbeak 🐦 . It’s heartfelt watching the scene where Hagrid buys Harry his owl. I also when Harry takes Buckbeak for a ride. Personally I’d be afraid and fall off this mythical creature.

Favorite quote: “There’s no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid.” At the end of the Chamber of Secrets, after Hagrid reunited with the trio when he was released from Azkaban. It’s here that Harry gives Hagrid the credit he really deserves.

Favorite adult: Hagrid. Took Harry under his wing and always welcomed him into his hut 🛖. Very hospitable and didn’t take crap from anyone. Again, there’s no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid.

Finally, here’s a six pack of facts on Harry Potter:

1. I was introduced to Harry Potter in 2001 when my aunt, sister, and I saw the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone at the former Destinta Cinemas in North Versailles.
2. We owned the first three movies on VHS and DVD. Where are those now?
3. Reading runs in my family and that includes Harry Potter. My gramma owned the first five books though I might be wrong on that. I remember seeing Goblet of Fire in her living room back in the early 2000’s. My cousins have read all of the books as well and now that I’ve joined that fraternity, we have plenty to share.
4. My niece’s birthday party had a Harry Potter theme and she and all of her friends dressed like the character. All of the party favors and cupcakes were dressed up like Hogwarts. One of the coolest presents she got for her birthday were the Harry Potter funko pops from her aunt.
5. There will be a Wizarding World bake-off show premiering on Max this Fall. The hosts are non other than twins James and Oliver Phelps. The two twins played Fred and George Weasley in the Harry Potter movies. It will have some big name guest stars appearing as well.
6. There is a Wizarding World section at Universal Orlando that opened in 2004. I didn’t see this when I was at Disney back in 2015. However, I’d love to come here in the future. Maybe I can put this on my bucket list.

Well, it’s official. We’ve begun the process of closing the pool. Despite the forecast calling for warmer temperatures next week, likely summer’s last stand, the writing was on the wall. Morning temperatures in the 40s and 50s mean the water is cold and won’t be warming up that quick. I spent more time in the pool this summer but it’s all about making time. Problem was, I’ve been divided between swimming and other activities.

I know that there’s still officially two weeks left of summer. Autumn officially makes its arrival on September 22 at 8:43AM. When I look back on this Summer, was it a bust? I don’t think it was. It started out cool and then became hot and dry. I figured it would have gone that way after the wet April we had. I took my vacation (around my birthday). I attended TLI and went to the picnic at the farm. We had fun visiting with my cousins and we swam. Overall, not a bad summer, though there’s a few things I wish I would have done better.

The past few summers, I got depressed over my journey because I felt like I wasn’t getting approval. In 2022, I was away from those who supported me as I was at a new place of employment. Plus, I was dependent on approval and wanted to give up when I didn’t get it. This year felt the same when I let negative feelings overshadow the beginning of my vacation, as well as early in the Spring thus hindering my first in-person conference in five years. After a visit to Dollar Tree and a conversation with a cashier last month, I realized I’m not doing this journey for the attention. I’m doing it to make myself happy and to be an inspiration to people who want to be different.

The Pumpkin Spice and Fall treats tour continues next week as I try new drinks at other cafes in the Greensburg area and other places. I’m biased, but Greensburg has some of the best coffee shops and restaurants in the area. Dates are to be determined but I do plan on visiting Oakmont Bakery sometime this month. I’ll also check out a coffee shop/chocolatier up in the Allegheny Valley while I’m in the area. I’ll make it to Groove next week. Maybe I’ll do Latte Lane in October (sounds like a good drive on a morning off). Visiting these mobile coffee shops, I might have to find a trail to walk on to make my trip worthwhile.

I had to rest on Labor Day since I had to work that evening. My aunt had a picnic at her house and it would have been a great opportunity to show off my Eat’n Park book to some of my family members. My cousin works for Eat’n Park in marketing and showing them the book would have meant a lot to them. My first job was at Park Classic Diner, where I worked for two summers while on break at Slippery Rock University. I wish I wasn’t so eager to get back to school and just enjoy my work. That’s my only regret. Maybe I would have stayed in the restaurant/hospitality business after college. But then again, I might not have met the people I did or started the things that made me who I am today.

Finally, as I have finished the Harry Potter books, I’m reading about the history of an iconic brand that calls Pittsburgh home. Also, I’m rereading a book about our possible future President, and just hoping that the third time is the charm reading about our former President. Do I still plan on sticking with the fantasy genre as I did when I started Harry Potter? That’s still a possibility but it won’t be until after Christmas until that happens. My mind changes all the time, so we’ll see.

Regardless, a developing situation.

Thursday night, I drove to Market District in Murrysville. It was a special trip and I was planning to use my gift cards from my birthday and the dinner to purchase some pumpkin spice and fall-themed treats. This night was just the beginning as my shopping spree went into Friday as I bought a few things at ALDI. As Pumpkin season rolls on, I’ll get a few more things and go to some new places on my tour. But for now, let me share some of my great buys and deals from the Pumpkin Spice shopping spree.

I didn’t get deals at Market District on Thursday but I had a great time regardless. This is a former Giant Eagle that was rebranded as Market District in the Fall of 2022. The first thing that I picked up was a six-pack of Samuel Adams seasonal beer, Jack-O. This is a pumpkin beer and I’ve had it before. I’m also going to buy the Oktoberfest beer as pumpkin season rolls on. I proceeded to put more fall-themed items into my cart including pumpkin spice coffee and maple cookies, as well maple-flavored soda. I have a mix that’s still good until January, so maybe I’ll put that and some apples to good use and make apple crisp.

I’m not done by a long shot. Friday, I went to the Aldi that opened over a year ago. This used to be Staples (a lot of them have closed and have been made into sometthing else). Not as much was bought however I did get a few more things to add to my Fall food haul. I bought these cool mug toppers made of cookies (almost like putting a lemon or lime slice on your drink). I can’t wait to try these with a pumpkin spice latte. I also bought some kettle corn and apple butter. I tried the latter this morning with an English muffin.

While grocery shopping at Giant Eagle on Saturday, I picked up some seasonal ice cream. It was apple crisp and I’ll have to go for the pumpkin pie ice cream at some point this Fall. I also bought two cream cheeses (pumpkin spice and salted caramel). $2.99 and with my discount, just a little bit less.

In the next couple of weeks, my fall food run will continue. Also, my tour is beginning to heat up. I’m thinking cereal and some baking mixes as well as some of the Fall Tootsie rolls that caught my eye last year. I want to make pumpkin spice cookies as well as some cupcakes with a spooky 👻 twist. Either of these sound like they’d be perfect to take to a Fall picnic. Another Giant Eagle road trip is on the horizon and I might want to check out Target’s seasonal section as well.

Finally, if my schedule allows next week, I will once again take a drive out to Murrysville and try out Groove Coffee Company. I’ve followed them on Instagram and found out about them through my favorite coffee shop. Sometime this month, a little closer to Fall, I plan on going to Steep Mountain in downtown Greensburg and try a pumpkin matcha. I am a huge fan of matcha lattes so I’d love to try this too.

When I look back at August, I saw some missed opportunities. But, I also had days where I made the most of everything too. Part of the reason for those missed opportunities was some busy stretches at work and having to go around vacation schedules; thus, leaving me tired. However, I was able to accomplish a lot of things in August and meet a few goals.

One of those goals was giving two speeches in my clubs and inching closer to my level 5 in my path. Therefore, with my next speech (Reflecting on your Path), I will have completed Dynamic Leadership. I’m contemplating whether or not to stay with the path I chose in 2020 or go after Presentation Mastery as my next path. I’ll give the last speech for Level 5 at my September 18 meeting for Greensburg and start the new path October 2.

In July, I thrived at having read the Bible and studying a chapter in Proverbs. I read every day except the last day and that rubbed off into August as the sophomore slump really got to me. I did start John at the end of the month and read Proverbs 31 and now have a plan in place through November as I’ll study the Gospels up to Thanksgiving week, as well as James (Fridays starting 9/6) and 1 Peter (Mondays and Fridays starting 10/7 and ending 11/1). I did attend the Bible study at Cutie’s once this month and plan to do so again in September. Does this count as part of my PSL/Fall treats tour? If it means substituting a drive to Ligonier on a Sunday, then yes. I think a trip to Groove Coffee Co. is in the plans as well.

The next day following my Night Turn Appreciation Dinner was my niece’s first day of middle school. I was up for the momentous occasion and got a few pictures of her. When asked how her first day was, she didn’t like it… SHE LOVED IT!!! Not sure if that excitement will hold up through the rest of the school year, but it’s safe to say the first day went well.

Last month, or about a week and a half ago if you’re keeping score at home, my store held its Night Turn Appreciation Dinner for its employees who work those nocturnal graveyard hours. The spread was Italian and food was provided by our deli, as well as Rizzo’s and Denunzio’s. Our store leader put it together and she thanked us for all of the hard work that we do overnight behind the scenes. There was plenty of food to go around. We ate well, and we had plenty of leftovers. My favorite was the gnocchi with meatballs as well as the tiramisu for dessert. Each of us on night turn received a gift bag with snacks (I ate all the chocolate that night) and a Giant Eagle gift card. I used mine Thursday shopping for Fall treats at Market District in Murrysville. I’m loaded up on all things fall and pumpkin spice and not done yet.

A few weeks ago, I went for bloodwork and afterward had breakfast as I usually do when I complete that daunting task. I do bloodwork at Excela Square and go across US 30 to Eat’n Park. After a delicious breakfast of pancakes 🥞, bacon and eggs, I fell in love with a book that I saw when I walked in and ended up buying it (separate from my breakfast). Eat’n Park celebrated 75 years in 2024 and the book covers the history of the company since it began in 1949. I’m only two chapters in so far but I’m savoring the book and the history of the company. I have a history with the Eat’n Park, having worked at the old Park Classic Diner for a few summers when I was a student at Slippery Rock. My only regret is that I wish I appreciated the job more and not counted down to going back to my college (aka “safe space” before it was a household name). That could have possibly changed the narrative a bit and I could have gone further in the restaurant industry. But, I am happy with what I’ve chosen in Giant Eagle.

The summer months are over, time for the ‘ber months to begin.

The month of August has come to an end, and now it’s time to look forward to Fall and the new month ahead. Football is back as well with Penn State playing West Virginia in Morgantown and Clemson and top ranked Georgia among the key early games. Thursday night is the kickoff of the 2024 NFL season with Baltimore traveling to Kansas City to face the defending Super Bowl champs.

I finished the Harry Potter series on Friday and have just the last movie to watch. I’ll view part 2 of Deathly Hallows soon. You will see a blog post in the near future that talks about what I liked about Harry Potter and who some of my favorite characters were. My niece is back to reading the books once again. For me, I thought about continuing on in the fantasy genre, but I feel a series of quirky romance novels calling my name. Those and memoirs by our past President (Barack Obama) and our hopeful future President (Kamala Harris).

My Pumpkin Spice Latte and Fall Treats tour begins this month. Given how consistent my schedule has been, I’ll go for coffee on Monday or Friday morning, or Sunday or Thursday afternoon (if open and if I’m up). There’ll be plenty of Cutie’s visits over the next couple of months, as well as some road trips including Ligonier (either Abigail’s or Kingfisher). Silver Horse Coffee in Donegal might be on my radar too (either en route to Aunt Sue’s or just for a morning adventure). There are a lot of places I’d love to try out, locally and in the Pittsburgh area. If I’m going to a Cranberry High Noon meeting this Fall, I’d love to stop at Convive (they have a location in Mars and a Fall menu). I smell a trip to Groove Coffee Co. coming up soon as well, located in Murrysville.

I didn’t get to attend an online meeting at Bakery Square like I wanted to in August but, I plan to make up for it in September. Later in the month, I will attend an in-person meeting in Johnstown. It’s something I had planned on since the Spring when I attended a meeting of theirs in-person. For me, driving to Johnstown is always a nostalgia trip because I attended college there before I came to Slippery Rock. Since my last Johnstown club visit, they’ve since moved to Richland.

The Dinner Series returns September 26 as Mr. Clougherty and I will meet up at Eat’n Park. I’ll be sharing with him the book on the history of the iconic restaurant. We only have a few more times where we’ll get together before he gets busy for the start of swimming season. I will be making a few trips to the pool to introduce myself to the new swimmers as is tradition.

It’s fall outfit time in September as I’ll make use of my Old Navy gift card to buy a few sweaters. In October, I hope to put my Super Cash towards some outerwear. It’s almost time to switch out summer clothes for fall and winter attire and a few things are on the list to go to Goodwill. I’ll be slaying my Stars Hollow sweatshirts and hope to be in the market for a Hallmark Christmas top, as well as that elusive houndstooth coat I wanted last year.

It’s anniversary time as this blog turns five years old later this Fall. September 24 also marks an anniversary for me (if you know, you know). If not, it’s when my fashion journey was birthed. We were on an overnight trip at work when both of these events occurred. September was in Ashtabula. November was in Erie (a week before Thanksgiving). We’re going on five years since I achieved my Distinguished Toastmaster award too.

The Fall of 2019 was a passing ship en route to not so calm waters ahead the next couple of years. It was fleeting and when the calendar turned to 2020, the honeymoon was over. But, 2019 was a fun season in my life and I still enjoy looking back at it.

Finally, September 16 is the premiere of the Halloween Baking Championship. This and the Holiday Baking Championship I always look forward to watching. This Fall, I have some extra viewing with the Wizarding World Bake-off hosted by the Phelps twins (Fred and George Weasley). Having just finished the Harry Potter books, I may give this a look.

This coming Thursday is my night off and I plan to go shopping for some awesome Fall food items and maybe some decor. First, I’ll stop at Giant Eagle or Market District (therefore I’ll be going to Murrysville or Monroeville) and use my gift cards. Maybe I’ll round out the trip by shopping for Fall decor at Michaels or JoAnns. Then on Friday, I’m going to ALDI to check out their Pumpkin Spice display and because I’ve haven’t yet been in that store since they opened last September.

I plan to purchase some Fall coffee and drink it at home this month, as well as check out some of the local cafes and some that will be worth the drive. I’m picking up ideas for good pumpkin spice roadtrips along the way, like Caffe Amadeus in Indiana. This will make for a nice Friday morning roadtrip. Plus, Indiana is another Hallmark Christmas town like Ligonier and Bedford.

I wanted to do this last year but couldn’t quite get it off the ground. Pumpkin season begins Friday and runs through early November. After we turn the clocks back, it’ll be time to try some Thanksgiving features and start planning for the holidays.

I’ll sip my first Pumpkin Spice Latte on Friday and will go to Cutie’s for it. That’s where I’ll spend a majority of time since their Fall menu looks amazing. I’m dying to try one of their flights, especially that Gilmore Girls flight (but the Spooky flight looks just as awesome). I’ll also hit up White Rabbit and Steep Mountain too. If I’m up for a drive, I’ll go to Ligonier too. I plan on posting pics on the socials and in the stories as well.

I don’t have a set schedule, but one place I definitely want to go to is Oakmont Bakery. I’ve been there before and I know how busy it gets. Both visits were on a Saturday. But maybe on a weekday, it won’t be as bad. Afterward, I might take a drive up to Harvest Moon and stop there to try their Fall coffee and maybe buy some chocolate. Is it better than Sarris? Harvest Moon has two locations, in Tarentum and in Natrona Heights.

Finally, I will wait until close to the end of September to try some Fall items, such as the cereals. My favorite is Count Chocula with Franken Berry a close second. I also want to buy the Harvest Tootsie rolls. I have some stuff from last year that I’d like to make that is hopefully still good and has t reached its expiration date. One thing I’d like to try is the Pumpkin Spice Dolly Parton Cookie Mix from Duncan Hines. Maybe I can bring Pumpkin Spice cookies to work or to a picnic.

It’s been fun for the last year but, after Friday I will be finished with the Harry Potter series. I’m proud of myself for accomplishing the difficult task of having read all seven books. I might say I even say I would have made Gramma Gaffron (R.I.P. 🪦) proud too. I believe she only made it to the fourth or fifth book. While I enjoyed Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix was a tough one to get through.

I am now down to the last hundred pages in Deathly Hallows. That’s four chapters plus the Epilogue. These next two Sundays I will watch parts one and two of the last Harry Potter movie. Look for a blog post from me in a few weeks which will be a six pack of what I liked about the series.

As someone who is for the LGBTQ 🏳️‍🌈 community, I am aware of J.K. Rowling’s views on trans people. I wasn’t going to quit reading the books because of that. I may be finished with the series after Friday, but I may still watch Sorcerer’s Stone at Christmas and, down the road I may pick up Fantastic Beasts or Quidditch Through the Ages. Therefore, her views don’t phase me. Only when people get vocal about it, and when people force it on me, is when I take action.

My next few books will be political as we near the election. I’m going to reread Kamala Harris‘s book and I’m also going to finally put a dent in Barack Obama’s memoir which came out in 2020. I want to finish that before he writes about his next four years. I never even looked at his portrait book that I got for Christmas in 2018. I’ll get to work on that as well.

I am saying farewell to Hogwarts, and we are saying farewell to Summer as the calendar turns to September. After our taste of Fall last week, summer weather returns as we near 90. This week coming up might be the last week to enjoy the pool. Looking ahead to the first week of September, temperatures will fall back to the low 70s. It’s only a matter of time before we close the pool for the year. However, September may surprise us with a heat wave.

It was farewell to summer vacation as well as my niece started her first day of sixth grade on Thursday at West Hempfield Middle School. We got pictures with her before her mom took her to school. For my dad, it was back to driving the bus Thursday morning. I watched him pass by our house Friday morning. He starts his day early and then goes back in the afternoon. Both of my parents have been retired since 2021.

As for the first day of middle school, AB didn’t like it. SHE LOVED IT!!! We all were concerned how she would adjust and so far, so good. There will be good days and bad days but we will be there for her when she vents about those not so good, very bad days.

Mr. Clougherty’s school year began Thursday as well. It’s another year for him of teaching AP Government and sharing articles with students. This may be a historic year as it might very well be the one where we have our first Female President of the United States. He’ll be able to share it with his students and get their input on it. I’ve enjoyed his evolvement from teaching Special Education to teaching Advanced Placement. This year feels like 2008, when we elected the first African-American president.

Let’s just hope for me it’s not a repeat of 2008 or 2012, and this time just walk away from conflict before I’m belittled (2008) or reduced to tears (2012).