Out with the Pumpkins, in with the Holidays!

After a busy month of October that was rife with time off and other activities, the last week of the month saw a return to normalcy. It was ordinary, but I welcomed the tranquility. Working on a Friday and Saturday felt weird as I was spoiled during my last few weeks off. But, Iโ€™m readyContinue reading “Out with the Pumpkins, in with the Holidays!”

A Look Ahead to November!

Pumpkin Fall is about to give way to Cranberries, Turkey, and delicious pies. On Saturday, we turn the calendar over to November. Is it too early to start the Christmas Music season? October provided me with some great adventures in Laurel Highlands, Slippery Rock, and the other side of Pittsburgh. How does one follow thatContinue reading “A Look Ahead to November!”

Celebrating Family and Food: A Sunday Reunion Story

Today was our Gaffron Family Reunion at Laurel Hill. For the fifth year in a row, we had it at the indoor pavilion overlooking the beach. We had a decent turnout. While we missed some people who couldnโ€™t make it, we were happy to see my uncle make it to the picnic. One of myContinue reading “Celebrating Family and Food: A Sunday Reunion Story”

Itโ€™s the Last Day of Summer, and Relief is Coming!

Back in May, we were stuck in a damp, cool weather pattern. This coming on the heels of a warm, Motherโ€˜s Day weekend when we opened the pool. I didnโ€™t get in the pool until exactly a month later. Go figure with this Pennsylvania weather. The second half of the month was mostly cool andContinue reading “Itโ€™s the Last Day of Summer, and Relief is Coming!”

Third Timeโ€™s the Charm!

Thursday night dinner finally happened! The third time was the charm as Mr. Clougherty and I rescheduled our dinner series twice. Once was due to swimming and the other was for Open House. I proposed we do it September 18 and he agreed to it. The timing couldnโ€™t have been more perfect as the starsContinue reading “Third Timeโ€™s the Charm!”

New Beginnings!

Itโ€™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. Itโ€™s shaping up to finish as our driest summer in a decade. But, givenContinue reading “New Beginnings!”

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 justContinue reading “Ending August The Way I Began It!”

Is It Fall Yet?: Invocation or Speech?

Iโ€™ve been flip-flopping on what to do about Tuesday night at Laurel Highlands. Am I still going to speak? Yes, and I also signed up to give the invocation as well. I have two great ideas for what I want to talk about and either of them will be great as an invocation or preparedContinue reading “Is It Fall Yet?: Invocation or Speech?”

Itโ€™s Summer, But Fall Coffee is coming!

This weekโ€™s weather will start out hot and humid, as we add to our 90 degree days for the Summer. Late in the week, we get a break from the heat as we usher in August. While we try to stay cool this week, letโ€™s look forward to Fall and some of the new FallContinue reading “Itโ€™s Summer, But Fall Coffee is coming!”