Woke up to an expected layer of cold, partially frozen snow. It was cloudy and gray and I had no motivation to be outside for any reason. I took my time getting a shower and dressed and having breakfast. I txt work and said I would be in after I cleaned off the driveway. It took a while to do that and I was very tired and stiff. And by then it was time to change the laundry load and get lunch. I did look like a gimlet after I finished all that.

After a short rest I was inspired to move the living room furniture around and give it a little change. There’s not too much I can switch – some things will only work in one place. The stereo and speakers being one of those things.

It started snowing again at 2pm and is still coming down, albeit a little lighter. Hoping I don’t have too much trouble cleaning it off again.

And that will be my day. Scripture of the day:

Peanuts?

TOMORROW January 7th is:

Distaff Day (check it out – historic fact); I am a Mentor Day; I’m Not Going to Take it Anymore Day; National Bobblehead Day; Old Rock Day; Orthodox Christmas Day.

I could be a mentor, I have a Snoopy solar bobblehead and several old rocks. Happy Orthodox Christmas. God bless…

It was very cold this morning but no new snow. Predicted snow for overnight but I’m hoping they are wrong. I popped over to Walmart to grab a few things and it was a madhouse there. So many shelves were empty! Glad it wasn’t something I needed. People everywhere. I saw my step-daughter Theresa’s husband (widower? She passed away) and he is hoping to get home before he has to worry about the snow, too.

Todd’s message was about the CHURCH. The church changes lives. We are all connected by belief and response. The gospel is for everyone, not for us to decide who can be part of the church. Church is not a building; it’s the people who grow together as they serve God and love the Lord.

I neglected to mention yesterday about the little milk can light. It’s about 6 inches high and is perfect with the downstairs décor.

I have been scrolling past a lot of this year’s Hallmark Christmas movies but I found one I really did like. I enjoyed ‘Following Yonder Star.’ It is worth the watch – is certainly faith based; and the male lead is a very unique actor – lots of humor.

Last night was my first sleep on the new flannel sheets that Kelly’s family got me for Christmas. Soft and warm!

Scripture for today:

Peanuts?

TOMORROW January 6th is:

Apple Tree Day; Dry Bean Day; National Thank God its Monday Day; Epiphany; National Cuddle day; National Take a Poet to Lunch Day; National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day; Three Kings Day; World Day of War Orphans; National Shortbread Day.

My tree is down. Haven’t see the kings anywhere, and don’t know any war orphans. I could do the cuddle thing. God bless…

Took a slow start to the morning – updating my pill organizer, changing sheets, doing my ‘exercises’. Got a shower and made cinnamon rolls for breakfast. By the time I was dressed and started laundry it had quit snowing, and the roads and driveway were almost totally clear. I loaded up the car and drove to Goodwill and dropped off the boxes of extras that I didn’t want. Right now it is snowing again but hoping we don’t get much overnight.

After Goodwill I enjoyed walking around L&L Fleatique. I was looking for something specific I saw there before Christmas – it was a small blue felt reindeer. Of course that one vender had switched to Valentine’s day already. He had white ones so I bought one, and a blue tree. Tucked away until next Christmas.

And these are two of the finds that I thought were interesting! (Didn’t purchase.)

I ate a leftover roll for lunch then changed the laundry load to the dryer. I did another ‘dance’ exercise and cleaned off the driveway and walks again. Got a txt from Mike G and he wanted to run out to get something notarized. He had never been here so it was fun to show him around. He loves antiques and was excited when I told him about L&L. I suspect he’ll end up there soon. He insisted on bringing me dinner – so I am having a Big Mac when I finish this!

Last night I took a picture of the red lights glowing under a layer of snow. Looked really cool.

I decided to keep using the winter plates for a while. I knew right where they were so I grabbed them out of the bin in the garage. It will help make the winter bearable!

Autmn sent me a picture of Cameron watching his shows on TV – he was decked out all comfortable in her new inflatable chair that she got for Christmas.

Here’s a word from Snoopy today:

Scripture of the Day:

TOMORROW January 5th is:

National Bird Day; National Day of Dialogue; National Screenwriters Day; National Whipped Cream Day.

My mom would have loved National Bird Day! All writers like dialogue – Barb Miller is the queen of dialogue. My favorite Hallmark actor – Paul Campbell – is a screen writer, along with his ‘sidekick’ Kimberly Sustad. I’m not a fan of whipped cream. Enjoy your Sunday – ‘I was glad when they said to me, let us go into the house of the Lord. Psalm 122:1’ God bless…

Started out this morning with a little stress with a bit of snow. My cousin needed title work done, so he came over and while I was filling out papers, he and his son shoveled my driveway. So all was good!

I did laundry, had breakfast, and Kathy called. We don’t get to talk on the phone very often so we had a nice chat – about 45 minutes. Then I talked to Autmn for about 20 minutes. Cameron is doing well and enjoying all the mischief he can possibly get into. She’s getting ready for Nate and Jen to go down tomorrow night.

I stitched a little place on a slipper sock, did some ironing, and then went upstairs to put my Christmas clothes away until next year.

I was organizing the piles when I heard a loud crash. I rushed into the bathroom and a glass vase slid off the back of the toilet, crashed to the floor, and broke in pieces. I carefully picked up the big pieces, then salvaged the colored stones that were in the vase. Then I swept everything up. I found a new vase and everything is sort of back to normal. I can’t explain why the vase fell. It may have just vibrated too close to the edge.

Right now it’s 24* with heavy snow predicted. I can’t see past the neighbor’s house. I walked up earlier to bring the trash can down but the mail hadn’t gone yet. I’m not going back out tonight!

Scripture for today: Genesis 1:27

TOMORROW January 4th is:

Free Flower Basket Day; National CanDo Day; National Spaghetti Day; National Trivia Day; Pop Music Chart Day; Tom Thumb Day; Weigh In Day; National Play Outside Day.

Tomorrow I WON’T play outside if it’s this cold and snowy! I CanDo the driveway if I have to! Not weighing in for a few more days. And I’ll be happy to get a flower basket! God bless…

Today has been cold – but we could see an inch or so of snow tomorrow. I’ll be glad to stay home if I can. That’s the plan!!

I was busier at work than I have been in a while. I processed a few deals, then made up new folders for 2025. On the way home I stopped at Walmart for AAA batteries and drain root killer, which I’ll administer mid-January.

Just when I got home, Nate called to arrange to fix my doorknob. He was here in a flash and it’s perfect! I love the way it looks, and it’s much easy to use.

Autmn and Cameron stopped and visited for an hour. He is such a funny kid and is always running and laughing and playing. He likes to steal his mom’s drink so he can use the straw — and he likes soda! He does have his own straw cup with milk but that – of course – is not as fun.

He is fascinated with the little glass puppy that sits on the chair. Today he was ‘feeding’ it. Any time a door is left open (laundry, bathroom, garage) he runs to it and sits down in the corner and laughs!

Their visit made my day, and I was so glad to see them. Autmn took some of my discarded Christmas and dish items but didn’t want as many as I thought. Next step – Goodwill.

Scripture for the Day: Exodus 3:5

TOMORROW January 3rd is:

National Drinking Straw Day; Festival of Sleep Day; Fruitcake Toss Day; Humiliation Day; National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day; National Write to Congress Day; Women Rock! Day.

I’ll celebrate by sleeping! Cameron will do the straw thing. Mom would have had Chocolate Covered Cherries (her favorite!). Pick your fun! God bless…

I got a lot of things crossed off my list today but I took my time. One thing that I did was drive up to Lowe’s and get a new door knob for the family room – to the garage. I was very excited! HOWEVER — once I got home and took the old one off I couldn’t get the new one on. Bummer. Nate will come up soon and put it on for me – I had to put the old one back, but I couldn’t do that right either. Oh, well.

Yesterday I forgot to post the morning’s sunrise. It was beautiful – a perfect send-off for 2024. I fell asleep about 10:30pm and didn’t wake up for anything until 3am. I never heard a peep out of the neighborhood.

This morning I changed all the calendars – including the Snoopy wooden one – and did the ironing and put all the laundry away. I ran the dishwasher and paid bills. I’m still getting used to my new keyboard. It has a light touch and I keep typing double letters! But I love it!

And just remembering to write/type 2025 is challenge enough! And I would LOVE to find these in a store somewhere…

After lunch I made a turkey pot pie from leftover turkey and gravy I had in the freezer (for that exact purpose). I’ll have it later for supper.

A sweet little family from church gave me a planner for Christmas, and I determined that I would try and use it. I intend to keep track of things on the calendar pages, and write down everything I eat in the back ‘notes’ section. That’s not to say I’m WATCHING what I eat :). I’m just writing it down…

This afternoon as I was working I was ‘watching’ both WINDOW WONDERLAND and BILTMORE CHRISTMAS. Now I am watching THE MAGIC STOCKING. I don’t remember watching it before.

I have been on pins and needles all afternoon. Autmn called me from Children’s Hospital. Cameron tripped and fell against his new toy chest and cut his forehead. And you know how heads bleed! Her and Noah were both panicked. He was a real trooper and made a ton of friends with the nurses and doctors. She just called me and everything was fine except he had to get 3 stitches. Poor little guy! Autmn is coming in tomorrow for a while so I’ll get to hug him and snuggle him and give him Mimi kisses and make him better!

Scripture for the day: Genesis 1:1 –

TOMORROW January 2nd is:

55 Miles Per Hour Speed Limit Day; Ancestry Day; Happy Mew Year for Cats Day; National Buffet Day; National Cream Puff Day; National Science Fiction Day; Swiss Cheese Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Raisin Day. After today there will be no fake days. TOMORROW: Eat a piece of swiss cheese! God bless —

On the eve of 2025, you have to wonder what this new year will bring. No one knows. Half of 2024 was a challenge medically for me, but I’m thankful that I have felt better and been comfortable enough to get back to feeling like myself. Christmas is tucked away but there is a brand new year waiting!

I start January with five medical follow-up appointments, which I am hoping will be just that – just keep sailing! I’m really looking forward to new adventures and routine days and family and friends. Kathy and I are already planning a trip to see my friend Gen in New York sometime in the spring. And she REALLY wants to visit the Newport mansions during the holidays.

I have read a lot of posts today – reflecting on 2024 and looking forward to 2025. There is SO MUCH to look forward to; so many wonderful things just waiting for us to embrace them. I wish everyone the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy this new year.

My decision is to not make any specific resolutions. I just want each day to be better than the day before. I want to find ways to make life good for those around me, and to let God lead me to where He wants me to be; what He wants me to do. I’m sort of hoping that includes Williamsburg or Biltmore – but if not in 2025 then there are more years after that one.

God bless each of you – sending love and wishes for good health, peace, and finding your happy place.

My blessing today is typing this – to so many people that I care so much about!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW January 1, 2025, is:

Apple Gifting Day; Commitment Day; National Raisin Day; New Year’s Day; Polar Bear Plunge Day; Ring a Bell Day; World Day of Peace.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Jump Day. Tomorrow: No jumping in the river for me! I can ring a bell – I have Mom’s school bell on my desk! Happy New Year! God bless…

Kelly was here well before I expected her! I had just showered and dressed, and was drying my hair. We had breakfast and then got organized and planned out our day.

I didn’t take any pictures and we didn’t do anything very exciting. We got ALL the Christmas decorations taken down and packed away, and she even managed to get the tubs up on the shelves! The only thing left for me to do after she left at 4pm was take down the tree and a few sets of lights. And the tree was super easy since it was pre-lit and I just had to put the ornaments away! The house is a TOTAL mess, with dust, and tinsel and glitter and crumbs everywhere. Tomorrow and Wednesday will be deep cleaning day. We DID have Chick Fil-A for lunch!

I have a few boxes of extra decorations and some dishes that I cleaned out of my cupboards that I am passing on. Autmn will look at them first, and what she doesn’t want will go to good will. It feels so good to declutter!

My blessing for today was spending the day with Kelly; even though we worked crazy hard, we had a great time together! Neither one of us are good at being idle.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW, December 31st is:

Hogmanay; Make up your Mind Day; National Champagne Day; New Years Eve; No Interruptions Day; Unlucky Day; National Jump Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Sing Day. Tomorrow: I’ll try to make up my mind. It might be New Years Eve but I’ll be staying in! I don’t plan to be unlucky. God bless…

First order of business. The 28th was Sarah’s birthday. Happy belated birthday to my sweet niece! Hope your day was amazing!

And today is my sister’s birthday! She’s had her family there almost all week, and I haven’t talked to her. So here’s hoping that she had a great day and has felt loved and blessed! Love both you girls!

Wayne preached this morning as Todd and Heather were out of town. He had a good message. It was about embracing our faith and trust in Jesus. He confirms our faith. Christmas confirms that God is with us. Our priority is to follow God – accept and watch for his leading. His spirit lives in us forever. The scripture was I Corinthians 2:9, my favorite verse! Be open to God – he has riches for us, and we must be prepared to believe and to receive His gifts.

Elise Wolfgang had the special music and she sang Breath of Heaven. That, too, is a favorite.

As for yesterday, is was total chaos — but absolutely wonderful! Cameron was the ring leader and we chased him around all over the house! He was so fun and happy and enjoyed everything going on. We had a totally strange supper – deviled eggs, cream of potato soup, pizza, cookies, and Oreo Ice Cream! And chips and dip and crackers and cheese. When the kids left I sent almost all the leftovers home with them. The only thing I saved on purpose was the iced orange drop cookies!

We did have one hic-up in our day. Kelly, Matt, Logan and Chase came up before lunch in the van. Peyton and Izzy came about 1pm in Matt’s work truck. It was not running right, and when he turned it off it would not start. Izzy had to be home by 3pm so they took the van and left! Long story short, Matt had the truck towed to his friend’s shop and about 9:10pm I took Matt, Kelly, Logan and Chase to Washington to meet Matt’s mom. They rode the rest of the way home with her! I got home at 10:02 on the nose! Long day but it was all fun – and an adventure – and I was blessed to have them all here.

The kids bought me new flannel sheets for my bed, earrings, a new keyboard and mouse (purple!), an electric kettle (purple!), and fluffy blanket, and Red Door. Autmn got a new apple watch and gave me her old one, which is only 2 years old. So I have to get it charged and figure out how to use it! I also got a set of very festive kitchen towels from Matt’s mom, and 4 little M&M bowls from Jen’s mom. So fun!

Today after church I started taking down decorations. I took advantage of the decent weather (but a bit windy) and got everything outside down and put away. Also got the winter garden flags put up and the blue and white deck lights up as well. Spent all day working on undecorating the house inside!

So I’m going to get something to eat now and chill for a while. Kelly is coming up to spend the day tomorrow, and she plans to help me get some of these decorations put away.

My blessing today was nice weather to be outside!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW December 30th is:

Falling Needles Family Fest Day; National Sing Day; National Bacon Day; National Resolution Planning Day; Sodium Bicarbonate Day.

Friday’s fake day was National Water Day. TOMORROW: Bacon! Yum! I gave up on resolutions years ago, and I have a fake tree so no needles. God bless…

I heard from Diane about 2pm, and Shannon did well with her surgery. She will be in the hospital in Pittsburgh two or three days. Still praying for complete recovery!

Not much to post, as I spent the day preparing for tomorrow’s family Christmas. I made the deviled eggs, baked brownies, and pealed/cubed the potatoes for the soup tomorrow. Then I cleaned the house and did a load of laundry. Once I finished that I popped over to Walmart to get a little extra food as Kelly’s family will be here early, for lunch. Our family meal will be about 5pm or 5:30pm.

I also remembered to fill the Snoopy M&M bowl. The kids expect it!

Don’t be concerned if I don’t post tomorrow. We’ll be busy all day. Have a lovely weekend. Oh – before I forget – Daniel took down the giant reindeer on Christmas night so I couldn’t get a picture from the front! Go figure…

My blessing for today were those yummy Brookside chocolates, which were a Christmas gift from Ken at Pinnacle. It’s tradition!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW December 28th is:

Card Playing Day; National Call a Friend Day; National Chocolate Candy Day; National Water day; National Download Day; National Short Film Day; Proclamation Day; Pledge of Allegiance Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Socks Day. Tomorrow – A repeat of the chocolate candy. I probably won’t remember to proclaim anything or say the pledge of allegiance. I may, however, call a friend! God bless…