Brace yourself, end of an era blogs are coming. Well, not quite. This was around the time two years ago when my time at WIS was coming to an end so you’ll be reading a few posts on that once again.

However five years ago, another era ended for me while another would begin the following year.

Homecoming weekend at Slippery Rock was always a fun time on campus with lots of events leading up to Saturday. We had the parade on Main Street, the alumni would always come together, there would be tailgating and food in the big tent, and the annual Homecoming football game would take place. For me the tradition went on long after I graduated from Slippery Rock in 2005.

My memory escapes me now, but some of the themes that I remember from Homecoming week included Hollywood and the ’80s. During my time on campus, VH1 had shows looking back at the past decade (I Love the 80’s and other various related ones). So the ’80’s theme in 2004 really stood out to me. I even got to meet Dennis Haskins (Saved By The Bell’s Mr. Belding) in person during that week.

While a few of my trips up to campus after graduation were memorable, others were pretty forgettable. I had an ulterior motive in mind during those post-college years and that was to recreate my past and go back. I wasn’t happy for a long time after graduation because my life wasn’t where I wanted it to be. My entire time in school I always looked at it as being my own little safe space, both at HGA and SRU. Plus, working a menial job (early on) after college made me question why I went to school in the first place. My attitude has done a complete 180 in the last five years though and I appreciate those years now having worked at Park Diner and Kings.

I enjoy working and making money more now than I did 15-20 years ago.

The Slippery Rock Homecoming Tradition for me came to an end in 2018 (five years ago today). While an old tradition would end, a new one would soon begin. The Fall conference ended in 2017 in Toastmasters and would be replaced by the Fall Symposium next year. I had an opportunity to attend the first one in Erie but it was homecoming weekend and I wanted to keep up with the old tradition. While I didn’t want to admit it, I soon came to realize that this had run its course for me. While I didn’t enjoy myself, I learned that it’s best to find out on your own when something loses its interest.

I attended my first Fall Symposium in October of 2019 and enjoyed myself. I look forward to all I will be learning tomorrow and meeting all my Toastmaster friends.

Fall Cleaning

I used the last hours of my Giant Eagle vacation to put away my summer wardrobe and get rid of any clothes that I was giving to Goodwill. All in all I ended up giving five bags of clothes to Goodwill. I kept a few pairs of shorts and some summery shirts around for a few weeks as I know we’d have one last warm spell before things turned cold again. The timing couldn’t be more perfect as the remaining summer clothes go in my storage tub this Friday. Within the next month, I’ll be digging out the Christmas attire.

I used to leave my clothes sitting in the basket and keep my dirty laundry on the floor. I would leave my bed unmade for hours after I woke up. I’ve since moved away from those bad habits and my mood has changed because of it. I put clothes in my drawer now. There’s more room now since I got rid of stuff and put summer clothes in storage for the winter. I also make my bed as soon as I get up, before taking my pills. My space isn’t perfect but it’s better than it’s been in the past.

Letting Go of the Past

Two weeks ago, I asked some of my co-workers for advice on what to do about my old WIS shirts. Seeing as they weren’t being used anymore and giving them to charity being pointless, I was in a bit of a pickle. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to give them back to the office or let them sit. I wanted a little extra space in my storage for other clothes. My friends suggested getting rid of them, and that’s what I ended up doing on the last Saturday of the month. Almost two years to the day since the merger, I said goodbye once again.

Sometimes, that’s the best way to move on is to just let go of the past. WIS served its purpose and now I’m happy being close to home working at Giant Eagle. I’ll be celebrating two years there on the day before Thanksgiving.

It’s Time To Drop the Self-Doubt

As I let go of the past (and it was hard for me to do what I did because I paid money for those shirts), I also figured that it’s time to let go of the self-doubt plaguing me in my fashion journey. Two years ago, I was going through my own issues. I was at the end of my time with WIS, trying to figure out my journey and getting acquainted with Giant Eagle.

While this weekend was successful, I still feel a sense of deja vu. I was wearing my new leopard print sweater and I love my outfits but, I want to stop looking over my shoulder. I still have this sense of fear that someone will say something, leaving me discouraged. Maybe I need that to happen (be it from family or a random person) and I can finally stand my ground. That way I can prove that I’m not changing for anyone.

It’s time for me to be confident in myself, my fashion journey, and my abilities. I have the support system and the love. I just need to believe in myself.

Part I: Annabelle’s Hogwarts Birthday

On Saturday, Annabelle turned 11 years old (at approximately 4:56 AM). She wanted a party with a Harry Potter theme as she was really into the book series. Right now, she’s reading the third book, The Prisoner of Azkaban. Recently, I got back into the series myself and I’m not far behind her in the second book, The Chamber of Secrets. Reading Harry Potter definitely runs in the family as most of my cousins have read the books, some through the entire series. Gram got to the fourth or fifth book before she passed away in 2006. My family from Centre County got the fifth book when it came out in June of 2003, standing in line at the Barnes and Noble in State College to purchase it. I might be dating myself here, so don’t quote me on that.

Back to the birthday party. The weather was nothing like it was early in the week when it felt like Summer. In fact, it was very Fall-like and, it was a perfect opportunity for me to wear my Wizard Weather sweatshirt that I got a few years ago. I planned on layering up when I saw the forecast just in case the winds made it colder. Annabelle had fun with her cousins, classmates, and her friends from karate. There were lots of Harry Potter treats and the pavilion was decorated with everything Hogwarts. We ordered pizza and had enough to feed all of our guests. The cupcakes Katie ordered from Sam’s Club were just perfect and represented all the houses of Hogwarts. They even got the colors right too. We also got to experience the Giant Slide just across the road from our pavilion. I went down it twice and felt like I was doing the luge at the Winter Olympics. I don’t think I placed in the top three but I still had fun.

Annabelle was blessed with many gifts, which she agreed to open when she got to our house. It felt like Christmas but without the decorations and the Christmas tree. Annabelle loved all her gifts, including mine. I got her art supplies from Michaels as well as a Michaels gift card. She also got Harry Potter Funko Pops, some of them in protective cases. Those were a gift to her from her Aunt Pam. That was probably the coolest gift ever, and there were plenty, including Bluey. I might be looking for a sketch pad and some art supplies myself as I find yet another new hobby.

So wraps Day 1 of our big weekend. We’re headed to Laurel Hill today for the Gaffron Fall Family Reunion. It will be chilly, but the cooler fall air will help change those colors and make for a nice drive down PA 31 and through the park en route to our pavilion.

Part II: Gaffron Fall Family Reunion 2023

We continue this awesome weekend at Laurel Hill State Park for the annual Fall Gaffron Family Reunion. For the third year in a row, we held it at the indoor pavilion. That came in handy with the cooler weather and clouds, even though there was some sun during parts of the afternoon.

We had an amazing spread and we ate good. There was nothing left of the fried chicken, and I enjoyed the macaroni and cheese and chili along with some chips. I also provided coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts and Katie made apple cider. We even had a charcuterie board. The last few years we have held the reunion it has gone over well. Last year’s turnout was smaller due to other family members vacationing in Key West but still a great time was had by all.

The kids had fun playing with Benny’s wheelchair and pushing each other around. Henry was especially fond of it and how it worked. Future hospital employee right there. He even pushed me around the room. I got a few random pictures and then got called up to the deck for family pictures. This was a tradition that we used to do as kids where all the cousins from youngest to oldest would get in the picture. We had everyone except Jason and Nik. Even the second generation cousins got in on one of the pictures. We had a big family picture taken that I can’t wait to see. I also can’t wait to see the cousin picture, one of the first since the mid-1990s. If I can I will post them to this blog. Any pictures I find from today I’ll definitely look at and post a select few.

After I left Laurel Hill, I took the scenic route and picked up PA 711 going towards Ligonier. I drove through Stahlstown and passed a sign for the Foggy Mountain Lodge, which was two miles up PA 130. Feeling a little bit tired, I stopped in Ligonier and sat in the Diamond for a few minutes. I worked on this blog and saw a couple getting some engagement pictures taken at the gazebo and around the Diamond, as well as near the library. No better place for a photo opportunity than this little Stars Hollow.

As I close out the weekend and this blog, we are starting to make plans for Thanksgiving and it looks like we will be returning to Somerset County once again. Once I know the location and the logistics, I will let you know more.

The next big adventure after this awesome weekend? The 2023 Fall Symposium.

Today’s blog is a “Neapolitan” blog as it has a mix of everything. A little bit of this and a little bit of that. Just don’t eat one flavor because you don’t like the others. I’ll look back at the last few nights and look ahead to the amazing weekend that is to come. Without further ado, let’s begin.

Tuesday, I met Mr. Clougherty for dinner at Primanti’s in Greensburg as part of our monthly Dinner Series. Yes, I called it a series and also, yes I came up with the name just this year. I got the inspiration from one of my favorite YouTube content creators who has over 4 million subscribers and makes his own series. Examples given, the Psycho Series and the Devil Inside Series.

Our monthly Dinner Series runs from April to October, and then Mr. Clougherty’s busy season as swimming coach takes place from November to March. We usually find a restaurant in the Greensburg area. In the past, we have ventured out to Irwin and Murrysville (when he used to live in Plum). But the latter was for special occasions, such as my birthday and we always ate at Burgatory. When we eat out, Kevin will see one of his present or past swimmers working at the restaurant we’re eating at. He doesn’t hesitate to introduce me either and always talks me up and praises me to everyone. I’ll be seeing Kevin at practice tomorrow and introducing myself to his new crop of freshman swimmers. Our final installment of the Dinner Series will take place on October 26 at Kings.

Continuing in this “Neapolitan” blog, we had our Greensburg Toastmasters meeting last night. In it, we heard two interesting and very different speeches. One was an ice breaker from one of our new members and she could go a long way if she sticks around in our club. I feel she could be a future International Speech contestant. We also had another guest in attendance as well and she enjoyed the club experience. We made her feel right at home. I brought up last night’s meeting because we are now a club that is six Distinguished Toastmasters strong. Three have just recently achieved that highest honor and among the first five to get it in the new Toastmaster year. They will be honored at the Fall Symposium as well as other people who have helped serve the District in the past year (July 2022-June 2023). One of Greensburg’s newest DTM’s will be leading a session on humor.

Finally, the big weekend is almost here and it will feel very Fall-like indeed. But the trips on Saturday and Sunday will provide for some great color on the trees, especially in the ridges of Somerset County. Most of Pennsylvania is starting to see some of the best color, especially along the I-80 corridor and points north. The best color can be found way up north along US 6 from Port Allegany, Smethport, and Coudersport to Sayre, Towanda and Honesdale. I’ll spot some yellows as I make my way to our pavilion Sunday with my boxed coffee in hand.

Are you sad to see this October warmth go or are you ready for Fall-like weather?

Do you remember, the 21st night of September?

I remember it all, and that’s why I’m here to recap the last month for you. Hard to believe we are already in October. 2023 has gone by so fast. Pretty soon, we will be getting ready for Thanksgiving, celebrating the holidays, and decorating for Christmas.

Summer came to an end in the wee hours of September 23rd and we were welcomed to fall (or autumn) with gray skies and quite a bit of rain. A nice welcome to the fall season as temperatures did not get out of the 50’s. The beginning of October will not feel like it as we go above average early in the week before our next chance of rain comes on Friday and we cool down.

Next weekend is a big one for my family as we have a birthday party Saturday and a family reunion Sunday. Those 80’s that will be here at the beginning of the week will be replaced by below average 50’s. We’ll be in the higher elevations of Somerset County next Sunday so it will be even cooler for our Fall picnic. We’ll have to keep warm by the fire. I might even provide the pumpkin spice hot chocolate and fall treats for everyone.

The first frost will be here soon and then we’ll be talking about the first snowflakes of the year.

Before we begin the new week and enjoy October, here’s some of the events that made news for me in September.

Labor Day weekend brought with it summer-like heat and humidity. It was our last real week to keep the pool open and it felt like the best one of them all. I didn’t swim much in 2023, maybe only a handful of times, but I made the most of them. Work and other activities (like this blog) kept me busy.

My week off came in the middle of September and it was the perfect time for a vacation from work. We closed the pool at the beginning, I took walks around the lake, and attended one of my old Toastmasters clubs that met on Zoom. Just missed testing out my webcam for the Achievers meeting but it was a great meeting. As we climbed the vacation mountain and ascended the peak, I took some trips. From Flight 93 on Monday to the Pittsburgh Zoo the next day, and another trip to Somerset, I was very well-traveled. I dialed it back at the end of the week and spent the afternoons walking around Mammoth Park and Twin Lakes and looking ahead to big events in the Fall months. I shopped for Annabelle’s birthday and added to my fall wardrobe with some cute fall outfits.

Also in September, I got a late start on it but I quickly got caught up on the Halloween Baking Championship. I started watching this a few years ago, along with the Holiday Baking Championship (which I look forward to starting in November) and enjoy all the fun that goes along with it. These competitions air on Food Network but I watch them through the Discovery App on my Roku.

I’ve been getting my pumpkin spice on with fall coffee at local coffee shops and at home. I always make sure to have a little pumpkin spice creamer to go along with my coffee. I need to enjoy my tasty fall treats in October before Gingerbread and Peppermint Mocha season begin in November.

Finally, as I wrapped up vacation, I did some fall cleaning. I ended up giving five bags of clothes to Goodwill and put away all my summer clothes. I need to make way for Fall and the new clothes I’ve been buying. It’s nice to clear out all that clutter and let go of what’s been holding you back. I’m ready for sweaters, scarves, boots, and leather jackets. I’m also in the market for a houndstooth coat for colder weather which will be here before we know it.

Happy first of October, everyone.

Time to turn the calendar ahead to one of my favorite months of the year, October.

I had a great vacation last week and didn’t have any trouble getting back into the groove. The first two nights were a little rough but after that it was smooth sailing. I don’t want to say too much because I’ll recap the month of September in tomorrow’s blog.

Anyway, here’s what to look ahead to in October.

Fall Foliage will hit its Peak. I saw a little yellow on the trees in downtown Greensburg when I made me way to dinner tonight. I also spotted some orange while driving along Route 30 this afternoon. I expect it to be really beautiful next week as I travel to our Fall Family picnic. Mid to late October is when you can expect to see the best colors in Southwest PA.

Did I mention picnics? Next weekend is a big one for us with Annabelle’s birthday party on Saturday and the Gaffron Family Fall Picnic on Sunday. We are blessed this weekend with temperatures in the 70s and will hit the 80s for a good part of the upcoming workweek. That won’t be the case next weekend but it’s going to be nice to have a little touch of fall. I expect to see some amazing color on the trees next weekend.

The Fall Symposium remains up in the air for me until I see what next week entails for me at Giant Eagle. But if Friday night is open I will be there the next day. Awards will be handed out at the event for our Toastmasters who gone above and beyond during the year in District 13. Our speaking lineup looks amazing with one of our own doing a presentation. Whether I attend in person at Westmoreland County Community College or online in the comfort of my home remains to be seen.

I’m going back in time once again to the college years. Next month on the blog, we go back in time to talk about my experience learning to drive while I was living at the Hiram G. Andrews Center. We’ll also highlight Slippery Rock University homecoming and how and why it became part of my life long after I graduated.

We wrap up the dinner series in October as swimming season approaches and so Mr. Clougherty will be getting his team ready for the upcoming year. We enjoy doing this little tradition and this was our 11th year getting together and doing this. I had my own little tradition of coming up for water polo every Christmas Eve for over a decade. Tuesday we’ll meet at Primanti’s (rescheduled from September 28) and later this month at Kings or Oliver’s Pourhouse.

My two year anniversary with Giant Eagle will be drawing near. I got promoted to full time this summer. This month, we will look back on how far I’ve come and those last days at my old job.

Finally, I’ll be getting ready to stock up for winter as the month gets ready to draw to a close. I have a warm houndstooth coat 🧥 in mind but also boots and gloves 🧤. Don’t know what the season holds but, I know I’ll be ready when that chill in the air gets here. My journey is better than ever and I will soon be thinking about the holidays.

Tuesday night, I attended my first online Toastmasters meeting from the comfort of my laptop. I ordered a webcam off of Amazon last week. Overall, the meeting was a success and this made all the difference compared to using my iPhone or iPad mini. I’m looking forward to my next online Toastmasters meeting. My options include visiting Cranberry High Noon or Earlybirds, attending the Fall Symposium (still up in the air for now!), or having to enjoy Greensburg Toastmasters in the comfort of my own home this November. I want to plan an in person visit to CHN between Thanksgiving and Christmas (11/20 to 12/18)

I was gifted with my laptop from my cousin and her family last Christmas after I talked to Katie at our family reunion last year. She asked me about my blog and I told her I wasn’t posting as much, mainly due to limited resources. I told her that I was interested in buying a laptop after the holidays. This laptop has worked great for my blogs, for storing any pictures I may take with my camera, and now it works great for attending online Toastmasters meetings. Maybe my Christmas list to Santa (don’t judge) should include some accessories like a new laptop bag. Another microphone or a light may be in my future as well.

Back in 2020, the world was in lockdown mode due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the start of a period of up and down emotional roller coaster rides that would go until this most recent summer. Toastmasters wasn’t exempt from the lockdowns as well, as contests were cancelled and clubs would have to meet online for the foreseeable future. Enter the online platform known as Zoom. For over a year, our club had to meet online. It took a lot of getting used to, a lot of growing pains were dealt with, and a lot of people felt discouraged. Eventually, Greensburg would make the leap to hybrid (online and in-person) meetings.

I was dealing with a lot in 2021 despite some good experiences like turning 40 and attending Rob and Sara’s wedding. Changes were going on at work with the merger about to take place, and I was dealing with my own growing pains in my other journey. I was about to deal with other changes in my life, as well, as I would be leaving my job I had for 13 years and getting a job closer to home with more opportunity and room for advancement.

I achieved my Distinguished Toastmaster award in the Fall of 2019. Since then, I’ve gone through the motions in my journey. I struggled to adapt to the new technology when COVID forced us to do our meetings remotely. For a few years, my Toastmasters fire wasn’t burning as bright as it was and my light was starting to dim. I gave more of my energy to the new Laurel Highlands Toastmasters when I joined in early 2022. Being tabbed as the incoming president for my home club (Greensburg) gave me a new lease on life in Toastmasters. Using my laptop to attend Tuesday’s Laurel Highlands meeting helped me enjoy the meeting more. I’m finally starting to enjoy these hybrid meetings.

I finally had the opportunity to celebrate my achievement in person at the District’s DTM Gala in July of 2021. It was a great night as we all got together for the first time since the pandemic. We danced to disco music, even as the fire alarms forced us outside. It was one of the few other things that made 2021 good. Not to repeat myself, but it was a year of change. The dreary days we had in October of that year signaled the end of an era for me at my job, and I knew changes were coming soon. The mood was very depressing. I made some boneheaded decisions and invested my happiness in all the wrong places. Thus, that also led to my emotional roller coaster ride.

Fast forward to next year and, things are looking a lot better as the holidays approach. Christmas 2022 was COLD but in my heart it was WARM despite everything that happened (Benny being in and out of the hospital due to his health issues). I took my first paid vacation in 15 years and had fun Christmas shopping in Pittsburgh. I got back to blogging in January thanks to my new laptop. 2023 was looking good, and then the rains came again.

Benny was back in the hospital in February (on my sister’s birthday) and this time it would be a more prolonged stay as they tried to nip it in the bud with his health issues. That took its toll on me emotionally. In addition to that was the negativity spewed on TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney. This once again led to me questioning my own journey but in the end, I emerged victorious. I wowed my friends at Summer Club Officer Training with my outfit and my Coach purse and learned once again not to change for everyone. Hopefully this rollercoaster ride is done.

Today, I continue to excel in my Toastmasters journey and in my fashion journey. The future looks bright, and I know I have lots of support but it all comes down to me and my own self-love.

Happy 100th blog of 2023!

I wrapped up my vacation on Monday and it’s back to Giant Eagle after a nice ten days off. Overall, I give my vacation a B+. It was great, but I feel there were things I wanted to do that I couldn’t. Regardless, this ten day vacation was very productive.

At the start of my vacation, we closed down the pool. I got to take a few day trips as the week began. Flight 93 was an educational but somber trip. The zoo was a lot of fun and I got to enjoy my aunt’s hot tub. We also had lunch at Rey Azteca and Frappuccinos from Starbucks. Instead of taking more trips as originally planned, I dialed it back and took the trip to get outside. Thursday and Friday took me to Mammoth Park and Twin Lakes. I also looked ahead to our big weekend coming up.

I spent my last waking hours of vacation catching up on the Halloween Baking Championship. Afterwards, I spent time upstairs going through clothes I’m putting away for the season. I also went through things I’m giving to Goodwill. One bag from today and two from a while back will be going there around midweek.

Summer clothes are getting put away, while sweaters will soon be the rule of the day. I’m keeping a few pairs of shorts and patterned shirts out, as temperatures will trend above average next week. However, they’ll go into the bin after mid-October, as fall foliage begins to really hit its peak.

I caught up with Rae this morning while watching the Halloween Baking Championship. She’s doing well and told me how much she supports my fashion journey. She’s looking forward to Halloween but not so much the cold weather that follows. Not only does she and her family support me, but so does most of my family.

I recently purchased some new fall outfits, including some cheetah print sweaters. These all should arrive just before our big weekend next Saturday. I’ll have a try-on blog up sometime next week with my new outfits as well as the overalls that I bought last month. I’m thinking either a Stars Hollow sweatshirt with my Gilmore Girls t-shirt or one of my new cheetah sweaters with jeans. The possibilites are endless.

Here’s to getting back into the groove this week at Giant Eagle and not exposing myself to the drama behind the scenes.

Happy First Day of Fall! Time to celebrate the change of seasons and the eventual change of colors on the trees. Did you go to the pumpkin patch or pick apples today?

My week off is now officially in past peak mode. I checked my schedule for the next week and it’s favorable, plus I know I have time off coming in a few weeks. For what it’s worth though, I enjoyed my time off. The near peak part of my vacation, saw me visit an old Toastmasters club of mine and drive to the Flight 93 Memorial, as well as spend the afternoon at the Pittsburgh Zoo. At the peak of my vacation, I made another trip to Somerset to have lunch with my aunt and spend time in the hot tub. I also attended my home club’s meeting. The plaza at the courthouse looks very nice.

As I began to descend the vacation mountain, I made a change of plans which benefited me in the long run. My original agenda had me going back to Pittsburgh and then to Indiana. Instead, I decided to stay closer to home. After a full day Wednesday, I wasn’t sure I wanted to stick with my trip to the Strip District and the Heinz History Center. I didn’t feel too bad making that change. I ended up going to Mammoth Park and walking around the lake. Along the way, I saw our pavilion where Annabelle’s first birthday was held. Early on, I saw the pavilion where the party will be in a few weeks. It’s looking to be a fun-filled weekend coming up.

Friday was another productive day as I shopped for Annabelle’s birthday gift, walked 2 1/2 miles around Twin Lakes, and enjoyed lunch in downtown Greensburg. I was going to drive to Indiana and make my second visit to the Jimmy Stewart Museum. As fun as those trips would have been, I was spent after a full day on Wednesday. Did I regret staying close to home? Absolutely not. Sometimes, you need to use part of your vacation to rest and that’s what I needed. Things worked themselves out in the end.

Let’s be honest. You need a vacation from your vacation and that’s what I did. I’ll get another when I go back to work early next week.

Today marked the first day of Fall and it sure felt like it! Moisture from Tropical Storm Ophelia made its way to our neck of the woods. The clouds and rain kept temperatures down for most of the day. Not nice if you had weekend plans outside, but for me it felt very relaxing just staying inside. The cool, overcast conditions even got me in the mood to listen to Christmas music. All I needed was a fireplace and a peppermint mocha or gingerbread latte. This weather also reminds me of the last day at my WIS office before we officially merged with RGIS. I would soon be on my way to Giant Eagle not long after that.

I’m not going to overkill the holiday tunes just yet though. The beginning of November will mark the official start of Christmas music season for me.

But seriously, happy First Day of Fall!

Only six hours left in Summer 2023! We officially welcome Fall (or Autumn) at 3am Saturday morning. In my travels yesterday and today, I started to see some reds and oranges on the trees. The best color will likely come around mid-October. Time to get started on those fall home improvement projects and schedule hayride and pumpkin patch trips. For me, I am in peak pumpkin spice mode.

Highlights from my Summer 2023 included having a hard time seeing ahead due to the smoke from the Canadian Wildfires. It got better as Summer rolled on, but June was not fun if you suffer from respiratory issues. As I was driving down US 22 to meet Mr. Clougherty for my birthday dinner at Burgatory, visibility was just terrible. However, we had it better than some of the bigger cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York City.

I spent a good bit of my Amazon gift card money on books, including a storybook/cookbook by country music superstar Miranda Lambert. The book is titled “Y’all Eat Yet?” and has stories of her life growing up in Texas and going on tour. It also has some great recipes from her “Nonny” and the rest of her “girl gang”. I have one chapter left and will be finished next weekend. I ordered a similar book by Reba McEntire and it comes out October 10.

I also re-read Garth Brooks’ autobiography and learned of his success in country music, as well as watching his wife’s cooking show, “Trisha’s Southern Kitchen” on the Discovery App on my Roku. I also started the first book from Harry Potter, keeping up with my 11-year old niece who is reading the series as well. Just last week, I also began reading a memoir about the lady who voiced the Little Mermaid. Nice segue into Fall. Can you tell I love to read?

I spent the beginning of summer disheartened with my journey once again. This time, it had to do with negativity which was brought upon by TikTok star and transgender girl Dylan Mulvaney doing an ad for Bud Light. This made me want to buy their product even more. A lot of nasty things were said and I almost got rid of everything in my possession that was nontraditional because what was said about her offended me. I’m proud to be woke.

Fortunately, things turned around just as club officer training took place on June 24. I put together a nice outfit with a scarf and Coach purse included. Toastmaster Dana Mitnik taught me never to change for anyone, and he and another Toastmaster praised me for going against the status quo.

I purchased some new Fall outfits from Old Navy and did some try-ons for the blog and my social media accounts. I’ll be on later to look at a few more fall sweaters. I have a nice outfit in mind for the Gaffron Family Fall picnic in October, just a few weeks away. Time to slay those new fall fashions

I won’t delve too much into next month because that’s what next week is for in my Look Ahead to October. It’s back to work next week and the countdown to Annabelle’s birthday and the Gaffron Family Picnic is on, as well as the start of Peppermint Mocha and Gingerbread season.