I worked this morning and had a productive time. Had a few items to untangle and was glad to have sources to do that. Stopped at the bank afterwards – I needed to grab a small amount of cash for two orders I placed. Went to Walmart for pineapple, bananas, and strawberries and had a fruit salad for lunch.

Kath came over for a few hours after lunch. Our goal was to go through a few things that I still have of Mom and Dad’s to see if she’s interested in anything. We enjoyed a walk back memory lane! We read letters and looked through journals and items that belonged to our grandparents. Once Kath gets organized (she’s getting a new piece of furniture) we’ll make the final decisions. Then I need to figure out what to do with neither of us want.

We went through the trunk.

She’s also looking to get a treadmill and we studied mine. Now to find what will work for her.

I took another yard walk and found a few more flowers popping up.

Hyacinths – in the front bed.

Daffodils on the hill.

Tulip by the bench.

Also saw a blue bird and a rabbit playing in the yard. That will be it for the day – time to find supper!

Bluebird in the lilacs

Hard to see – but one of three rabbits.

TODAY I am thankful for sister visits!

Sister and best friend!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 6th is:

World Day of Prayer; Day of the Dude; National Employee Appreciation Day; National Spray Tanning Day; National Dress Blue Day; National Dress Day; National Oreo Cookie Day; National White Chocolate cheesecake Day; National Frozen Food Day; National Dentist Day; Alamo Day; No Homework Day.

I’m sure by bosses appreciate me – mostly. I seldom wear dresses – usually pants: shorts, capris, leggings. I like to do chocolate covered Oreos, especially the mint ones. I guess I should appreciate my dentist. And the kids will all appreciate no homework. God bless….

MOVIE from 1978:

Timeless and classic!

On this date in History:

I had an early doctor’s appointment (6 month checkup) this morning. Learned a few things, and they went over my medications and why I was taking them. Some things make more sense now. But ultimately she was pleased with everything and has absolutely no concerns. That was good to hear.

I had soup for lunch, and spent the day cleaning and doing laundry. So this is a short post – nothing really exciting. The day was overcast and rainy and the only other time I was out was to get the mail and take the trash to the road. So that was my day!

I’m listening to (and half watching) THE REAL WEST in the background.

TODAY I am thankful for a good doctor’s report!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 5th is:

National Slam the Scam Day; National Hospitalist Day; National Cheese Doodle Day; National Multiple Personality Day; Cinco de Marcho; Nametag Day; Real Film Day.

Nothing on today’s list makes me feel like celebrating. I’ll just be content all by myself. God bless!

Popular song from 1977:

I liked this song (I have brown eyes!) and I liked her long hair! She was Loretta Lynn’s sister!

On this date in history:1681 English Quaker William Penn receives charter from Charles II, making him sole proprietor of colonial American territory Pennsylvania

Thankfully I did sleep well last night. I’m looking forward to consistently getting better sleep once I’m cuddled on my new mattress next week. And the weather is to be much warmer – even close to 70* on the weekend!

And speaking of the weekend, I plan to help out at the special event on Saturday at Historic Hanna’s Town. If you have a chance to come out I think it will be a nice event!

10am to 4pm Saturday – come on out!

I finally went through the tea linens that Kathleen (from Hanna’s Town) took home. They were very stained and I couldn’t get them clean enough. She did an amazing job! Not a stain on any of them. So I’ll press them off and have them ready for the tea on May 9th.

Linens that need pressed.

Once I got home from work today I did a few chocolate covered mini cookies. On these I used spring sprinkles rather than winter. I’m sure they will taste very different!

I plan to iron the tea linens and then maybe go through the items I have that might add to the colonial/250 theme for the tea. I still have to walk up and get the mail after it stops raining. And that’s all the projects I have for today.

TODAY I am thankful for warm rain rather than snow!

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 4th is:

National Sons Day; Marching Band Day; National Hug a G.I. Day; National Pound Cake Day; Courageous Follower Day; Benjamin Harrison Day; March Fourth (Forth!); Toy Soldier Day.

Here’s to my favorite son! Love you, Nate! And both my kids were part of a marching band – drum line and color guard. God bless!

Movie from 1976:

When we were in Philadelphia we ran up the museum steps and back down – where the statue of ROCKY is!

On this date in history:

I had promised on Saturday to help a former neighbor with title work. There was some confusion about the processes involved and we txt back an forth over the weekend and she had to flip the work until Monday at 10am. I don’t work Mondays but agreed to meet here there. I went down but never heard from her. Not sure what happened…

Didn’t happen….

I left there at 11am and went to Levin’s. I managed to purchase my mattress, which included 2 puffy bed pillows and 9 inch box springs. When they get delivered next Tuesday the delivery team will take the old mattress and springs out to the curb for trash pickup Wednesday.

My car just sort of turned right onto Route 30 and pulled into Giant Eagle parking lot – so I got potatoes and milk. After eating the leftover pizza for lunch, I made a meatloaf, cream of potato soup, and divided the ice cream into little mini-containers. So I’m set.

Cream of ….

Potato soup

Ice cream

Meatloaf

It was cold today – I was happy to be home and inside. I did laundry and worked online a little bit and ran the dishwasher in addition to my kitchen projects. And listened to Jon Pardi Christmas!

I have HGTV on in the background – nothing sounded appealing on Hallmark today. I do have a few more small projects to finish tonight. I have work tomorrow and some prep for a meeting on Monday at Hanna’s Town.

100 Day Dream Home – Mike and Brian HGTV

Last night was my weekly non-sleep night. I didn’t fall asleep until after 3am, and I couldn’t stay warm enough. Then I was awake before 7am. Hoping I catch up tonight.

I jinxed myself yesterday.

TODAY I am thankful for new mattresses!

QUOTE for the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 3rd is:

Simplify Your Life Day; World Hearing Day; National Soup it Forward Day; National Pancake Day – IHOP; National Cold Cuts Day; National I Want You To Be Happy Day; 33 Flavors Day; Canadian Bacon Day; Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race; National Anthem Day; National Town Meeting Day; Peach Blossom Day; Purim.

Simple is good – and I’m glad I can hear! I already made my soup. No pancakes or cold cuts for me tomorrow. If 33 flavors refers to ice cream I’ll take chocolate! YES for national anthem. Do you know what Purim is? God bless…

MOVIE from 1975:

Very funny – great actors!!!

ON this day in history: 1778 Nathanael Greene is appointed Quartermaster General of the Continental Army under George Washington (Our fair city of Greensburg was named after Nathanael Greene!)

The weather really took a dive. It was sunny, still, but breezy and chilly. I did go outside long enough to put up the St. Patrick’s day garden flags but didn’t stay out. Right now the sky is pink, which bodes well for tomorrow!

One of four.

Pink sky and almost full moon (The 3rd…)

Sunday School was still in Revelation – and we talked about the symbolism. For sure there is a LOT of that in Revelation! Todd’s message was the final from the Sermon on the Mount. It was about the two men who built houses – one on the sand and on on the rock. You can just picture what happened when the storms came. Foundation is critical. To build a solid house you need a firm foundation. You have to move beyond KNOWING, and DO the right thing. Don’t just know the book ( Bible ) but know the Author (Jesus)! WE are responsible for building and we all face storms. Never lose the wonder of following Jesus; nothing in life compares. Don’t just be amazed; be transformed. It’s not IF you build, but WHAT. We are all building houses – our lives.

Now that you know this information…. (see above screen behind Todd!)

After church I stopped at Levin’s and at Original Mattress Factory. I think I am going to get the mattress at Levin’s. I liked the feel, color (should be irrelevant but it’s not to me!) and the price — and the sales person. I’ll get out there one day next week.

When I got home I made a salad for lunch, then started on the St. Patrick’s Day decorations. I put up a few (but not all) of my lights, the coasters, blankets, and little stuff.

Bookcase – lights and little things…

My Irish cow – it’s actually from Ireland! Kelly got it for me when she was there in 1999.

My little bisque doll.

Kitchen lights

Dottie doll

She’s a lucky girl!!!

Wait — is Snoopy Irish???

Blanket and pillow cover.

After I was done with that I buzzed down to Norwin Walmart. I was looking for something that our Walmart was out of. That’s the second thing in 3 days that I found what I needed in the smaller store.

I didn’t know we had a Meteorological spring!!!

Now I am typing this, and will finish up, get supper, and work on two small projects. I have to go in to work in the morning at 10am to meet a customer. I have a Hallmark movie on in the background.

TODAY I am thankful for good books

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

I really slept fine – but I have at least one night a week like this!

TOMORROW March 2nd is:

Fun Facts About Names Day; International Rescue A Cat Day; National Banana Cream Pie Day; National Egg McMuffin Day; National Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss Day); National Old Stuff Day; World Teen Mental Wellness Day; World Tennis Day; Toddle Waddle; American Citizenship Day; Peasant Day.

I won’t be rescuing a cat but 10 to 1 Jen will be! I haven’t had an Egg McMuffin for YEARS! I will read in a nook; I will read every book; I will read in every state – maybe even on every date! I have PLENTY of old stuff – more old than new, including me!

Top song from 1974.

Big hit!

On this date in history: 1692: The Salem witch trials began in Massachusetts with the interrogation of the first accused individuals.

Right now it’s 62* and sunny. I tried to do a few things outside. Right after breakfast I did wash all the windows. I usually do that mid-March but it was too nice to pass up the opportunity. That took me outside several times for windows I could reach from ground level.

Clean windows and doors

Once that was done, I made myself a fresh salad with a thin slice of garlic toast. Yum.

Makes good garlic toast! (Gen brought it down)

Also changed sheets and washed them – but of course I didn’t do that outside! I did take some time to walk around to see if anything interesting was popping out of the ground in the yard. I did find a few sprouts of a cluster of daffodils. Also the bridal bush has tiny buds. I did not see any crocus, but I may have missed them. They could have stayed buried under the snow.

Buds on the bridal bush.

…. but they still have a ways to go.

I even moved the wrought iron flag holder in the front yard. I was tired of mowing and trimming around it. I put it in the flower bed out of the way.

Not sure it’s entirely straight.

It feels strange that February is over today. Somehow this year I felt the shortness of it.

I’m listening to a Hallmark Christmas movie in the background. I’ve seen it often so I don’t have to pay too close attention.

TODAY I am thankful for clean, fresh windows!

QUOTE of the DAY: In honor of my friend Gen!

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW March 1st is:

National Wedding Planning Day; National Barista day; National Sunkist Citrus Day; National Minnesota Day; Finisher’s Medal Day; National Dadgum That’s Good Day; National Horse Protection Day; National Fruit Compote Day; National Pig Day; National Peanut Butter Lovers Day; Baby Sleep Day; Namesake Day; Plan a Solo Vacation day; Share a Smile Day; World Compliment Day.

We will celebrate Piggy Smalls day! I sent Jen a txt so she’d know. Smile! God bless...

MOVIE from 1973:

ON this day in History: 1983 Final TV episode of “M*A*S*H” airs on CBS, a two-hour special directed by series star Alan Alda titled “Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen”; a record 125 million viewers watch in the US. (I watched it – did you?)

Gen called me this morning as she was leaving town. She got a later start than on Wednesday but still hopes to make good time – good weather and sunshine! We had such a nice visit.

I lazed around this morning and finished book #1 in a three book series. I knew there were multiple books but didn’t realize it was the kind that leaves the story hanging between books. So this afternoon I started book two!

For breakfast I had a piece of toast – the good French bread that Gen brought down. Once I got a good start on the laundry I made my short list and buzzed down to Irwin. I am drawn to Miller’s Crossing Fleatique about every two or three weeks. Today I did NOT find any skunks – but I did find a TY cow. Welcome to the herd, little guy!

When I first saw it in the basket I thought it was a skunk! Right color; wrong species!

Also saw a purple piggy bank! I don’t think I would live long enough to fill that thing!

Yes, it really IS a bank!

Next was a stop at Walmart for 2 pair of socks – one pair white and one pair black. I didn’t want ankle socks – sort of like Bobbie socks. I did find them so that was a plus! I was just leaving Walmart when Mike P called and said he had a deal for me to check, so I stopped there on the way home.

The white pair.

Had the last burger for lunch, then finished the laundry and did a batch of chocolate covered Shortbread cookies. Now I’m listening to HGTV and typing!

Girl Scout Shortbread.

TODAY I am thankful for COWS!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 28th is:

Rare Disease Day USA; National Chocolate Soufflé Day; National Tooth Fairy Day; National Floral Design Day; National Public Sleeping Day; Car Keys and Small Change Day; International Sword Swallowers Day; National Essay Day; US Snow Shoe Day; National Pancake Day; National Science Day.

My friend has a niece that has a rare disease. It’s a great challenge but a labor of continuous love! I could have benefited from the tooth fairy had it continued into adulthood. I wouldn’t entertain swallowing a sword. And I do write a lot of essays! Gen is definitely into floral design! God bless…

MOVIE from 1972:

This is a great movie to laugh the whole way through!!

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY: 1813 US Congress authorizes use of steamboats to transport mail (Sometimes I think they still use them! — sorry….)

Inspirational photo: The hope of spring!

Reminds me of the azalea gardens at Biltmore!

Gen and I had a good afternoon and evening yesterday. She arrived a little past 3:30pm. She was happy to be out of the car after the 8 hour drive! But we hopped back in the car after she got settled in the house and went out to get the car washed. That’s always fun – to sit in the car with the water and brushes everywhere. And it feels like the car is moving when it’s not.

Soap and water pounding the windshield.

Gen laughing as the brushes zoom past.

After that we came home and took a walk, which felt good! Gen and I cooked supper together. She brought tomatoes and sliced cheese and ground beef. I had buns, lettuce, and two packages of Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford’s corn. It was REALLY yummy! She loved the coasters I made for her: one of her new house and one of her and Rainy (former dog companion).

Corn!

She brought some toys and books for Cameron that Jackson and Declan (her grandsons) are done with. I know Cameron will love them! She also brought me a spray treatment to coat my yard-working clothes. It will repel and kill Ticks. She explained the whole process and the directions for use so I have one important protective step come weeding season. We had Klondikes for bedtime snacks and both of us had a good night’s sleep.

Gen and I had scrambled eggs and yummy French bread toasted with hot tea for breakfast. We looked through a few picture albums and did a walk-through of our trip to Biltmore in November. She took a minute to model her new boutique shirt.

Gen’s new blouse.

We took a selfie on the porch and she left a little after 10am. It’s always hard to see her leave, and it feels like so long between visits. Gen was picking up her sister Dottie and meeting sisters Kathy, DeeDee and Johanna at Phipps Conservatory. They are treating themselves to a girls night at a local motel, and Gen will start home in the morning. Safe travels, ladies!

Best friends – selfie on the porch!

They have a good day to be on their adventure – it’s beautiful weather with sun and no wind. And the two feet of snow missed us!

Hahahaha

I worked in Jeannette, picked up some table linens at Hanna’s Town, grabbed 3 items at Shop and Save, then went to help Mike P. with his paperwork. I made myself another burger when I got home. My neighbor across the street walked over and chatted for about half an hour when I walked up for the mail. I answered some emails and have HGTV on in the background. And I have a list for the weekend!

TODAY I am thankful for the guys at work!

Ken, Sir Rege, Barry

QUOTE of the DAY:

I’ll take the donut….

PEANUTS?

I would for sure benefit from this!!

TOMORROW February 27th is:

Big Breakfast Day; National Skip the Straw Day; Pokémon Day; Anosmia Awareness Day; National Retro Day; National Polar Bear day; National Strawberry Day; International Stand Up to Bullying Day; National Chili Day; National Protein day; No Brainer day.

We had the perfect breakfast this morning. I think I was born in ‘Retro’! I like strawberries but not Chili so much. God bless….

MOVIE from 1971:

On This Day in History: 1983 Michael Jackson‘s “Thriller” album goes #1 and stays #1 for 37 weeks

As Bud would say – it’s 10 months until Christmas Day! I do still think of him often. He was a great boss, a story and joke teller, and had lots of insights to the business world. He was a kind man – and it appears he liked Christmas!

Today I’m operating the Burke Bed and Breakfast. Gen is coming down for an overnight stay and I want to be alert and watchful for her arrival. So I’m not really posting much. I did run out real quick this morning – the plan was to go to Ollies and pick up a package of batteries. I have a lot of battery operated light strings. When I got there there was a sign on the door that said ‘Closed until Further Notice.’ So no clue – but I had to get batteries elsewhere. Got gas in the Nissan and here I am. So I’ll get back to posting on Thursday.

Not really – just our inside joke!!!!

TODAY I am thankful for New York friends!

My dear long-time friend!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

For sure! I think for us it was 1964.

TOMORROW February 26th is:

Carpe Diem Day; National Chile Day; National Toast Day; National Small Dog Day; National Pistachio Day; Digital Learning Day; Letter to an Elder day; Tell a Fairy Tale Day; Thermos Bottle Day.

Ransom and Gigi are both small dogs – hugs to both of them. I seldom eat Chile. If I see Cameron I will share a fairy tale! God bless…

MOVIE from 1970:

What girl did NOT swoon over Robert Redford???

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY: 1862 First Legal Tender Act of 1862 is passed by US Congress, authorizing the United States note (greenback) into circulation, the first fiat paper money that is legal tender in America. (And here we are!!!) (Fiat paper currency is government-issued money not backed by a physical commodity like gold or silver)

Wren Drive was snow covered and I wasn’t sure what the roads would be like. But once I got out of the plan they were all clear. I did have work to do so I was there for a bit. Stopped at Walmart to get the cocoa that I couldn’t get yesterday at Shop and Save. Who doesn’t have Hershey’s Cocoa? Apparently Shop and Save! But Walmart only had 8 oz containers. That is NOT very much! Enough for maybe one and a half brownie batches. I’ll have to find someone who has a Sam’s club card, save up, and get a bigger container!

I decided to drink more water – so I have my snow cup today.

I spent the rest of the day cleaning and reading – more cleaning than reading. Once I came downstairs I put HGTV on in the background. Di txt me that the Girl Scout Cookies are in – so I will pick them up tomorrow. And that is it for the day!

TODAY I am thankful for clear roads in winter.

This is beautiful – but I’m glad my roads didn’t look like this.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW February 25th is:

Inconvenience Yourself Day; Let’s All Eat Right Day; National Chocolate Covered Nuts Day; National Pink Shirt Day; Pistol Patent Day; Quiet Day.

Eating right it a good plan any day. Donna’s Store (Smicksburg) has the BEST chocolate covered nuts. I’m fairly sure my day will be quiet – mostly. God bless…

MOVIE from 1969:

I totally love this movie! I watch it often – maybe I’ll watch it tomorrow!

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY: 1981 Britain’s Prince Charles announces engagement to Lady Diana Spencer