This morning started much better than yesterday. I felt pretty good most of the day. Thankful to be on the mend. I finished book three leisurely snuggled in my bed before getting up for my shower and breakfast (oats again). But I started book four of the History Detective Club series. After this one I will have to wait, because the last two are not released yet!

This one takes place at Christmas.

I started my laundry load, then picked up where I left off yesterday with my new Tazz story. I finished it just now! I printed it so I could proof read it effectively and will do that later. I also answered some emails and some txt messages.

Detective Tazz

My cousin and I are going to work on updating the Steiner Family Tree. I was looking over what we have, and I think we stopped adding info back in 2004! This will take some work.

Since all I did today was laundry and write that’s about it. The next week is to be very cold and windy. Don’t forget to bundle up and to let your water drip to keep the pipes from freezing. Oh, and I have a picture from Autmn and Noah’s visit last night!

First of all, he’s a ham for the camera, and second, he sure loves his cows!

Today I am thankful for creativity!

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 20th is:

National Cheese Lovers Day; National DJ Day; National Buttercrunch Day; International Day of Acceptance; National Camcorder Day; National Coffee Break Day; National Penguin Day; Take a Walk Outside Day.

Autmn and Kelly both are cheese-heads! My cousin Perry and his wife Anita are in Antartica and are surrounded by penguins! Perfect day to be there! It will be too cold to walk outside. God bless!

Amazing photo:

My friend Tom took this.

On this date in history: TODAY!!

Governor of TN declared January 19th (Dolly’s birthday) an official holiday – Dolly Parton Day!

The day didn’t totally start as I expected. We were schedule to have a luncheon after church to kick off our new class options for the winter and spring. I woke up with stomach issues — nothing awful but something I needed to stay close to home for. So I missed the luncheon. By about 11am I was able to get my shower and have some oats for breakfast. I think that helped.

As much as I didn’t want to, I bundled up and cleared a section of the driveway so if we get rain or more snow it wouldn’t freeze into ice. It only took me about 20 minutes and was no trouble at all. I came in, had a flax ball (more oats!) and started working on my newest Tazz story. He’s going to Biltmore! Hoping it turns out the way I’m planning. Sometimes the characters take their own direction and you can’t redirect them.

Driveway clean – deck it not!

Autmn and Noah and Cameron are supposed to pop in to pick up a few things – one of which is her birthday card. She will be 23 on Wednesday — how did that even happen!

Autmn’s ‘birth’ day!

Since I didn’t manage church this morning and could not sit through the live stream, I plan to watch either Greg or Todd later this evening.

Greg

So now – we are facing a new week, and I’ll see how I get through the whole thing. Lots of good things to look forward to, and just one medical test. We shall see!

Today I am thankful for Baby Hugs from Cameron!

Hugs with Aunt JoJo

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 19th is:

National Imagination Day; National Martin Luther King Day; National Popcorn Day; National Tin Can Day; World Quark Day; Blue Monday; Elementary School Teacher Day.

Use your imagination whenever possible! I like popcorn – with butter! God bless…

Amazing photo:

Gen, Jackson and Declan – what a view!

On this day in history: 1993 Martin Luther King Jr. holiday observed in all 50 states of the USA for 1st time (although this year it’s celebrated tomorrow).

The day did start out cold, windy and overcast. But now, at 4:15pm, it’s sunny but still cold. The sky has been dramatic and changing all day.

Dark above the hills; gets white as it moves up, and then blue sky.

Kathy and I took a little jaunt to a few thrift shops this morning — To Cross Your Paws out near our church to start with. It was nicely laid out and there was a lot of dishes and household items. Also, there were two little dogs and a big black cat. All friendly! There were a few interesting things but nothing I could convince myself I should bring home (including the pets!).

I did like this corner cupboard but didn’t have the space or the use for it.

We stopped at Goodwill on the way back to Kathy’s. We fussed over several interesting items but in the long run we weren’t compelled to purchase. When we got back to Kathy’s we sat in the car for almost 45 minutes and just talked! All in all is was a good morning.

Kathy shared a piece of ham with me – I came home and made a salad and garlic toast, and added some ham. Yum. My next chore was to make macaroni Salad for the lunch at Church tomorrow.

For lunch tomorrow.

Today I am thankful for my sister – and conversations.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 18th is:

National Michigan Day; National Thesaurus Day; National Peking Duck Day; National Winnie the Pooh Day; National Gourmet Coffee Day; World Snow Day.

If I could pick, I would pick NO snow. Or coffee. Winnie the Pooh is OK. God bless!

Amazing photo:

We spent a lot of time in trees in my neighborhood.

On This day in History – January 17, 1706 — Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born.

Friday! It’s usually my favorite day of the week. It just felt so cold and dreary today. It’s a good thing I had obligations and plans or I would have probably spent the whole day snuggled in front of the space heater, drinking hot tea and reading about the American Revolution!

BUT — I had a chiropractor appointment at 10am. My day actually started when Autmn called me to fill me in on her day. She was hoping to stop in today, but their landlord was stopping to fix a broken commode in their only bathroom, and then her mom’s car wouldn’t start, and Autmn and Cameron had to pick up JoJo and get back to Monaca to pick up Noah at work (Autmn’s sisters were going down there for a girls weekend!).

Kip (chiropractor) and I were talking about books and reading and history and of course the subject went to Letters to Mary. He wants to buy one, and so does his receptionist. So that will be fun, sharing the book with them. I’ll take them down on my next visit.

I stopped in at Shop and Save, as they had a sale on Diet Coke. While I was there I walked past a TY display and – low and behold! – they had a skunk! A little different than some of the ones I have, but it was the last one. So, YEA!

Isn’t he(she?) cute???

From Shop and Save I went to Walmart for the rest of my groceries. I was happy that my little skunk did not drink all of the Diet Coke while I was in Walmart. I bought a lot of fruit and veggies and have big plans for the week.

Yes, they were Christmas. Probably why they were on sale!

So when I got home I spent the afternoon cutting and cleaning my plunder. Autmn called again to say she would plan to stop and see me on Sunday — and Cameron was calling ‘Hi, Mimi!’ the whole time from the back seat. It was hard to hear his sweet little voice and not be able to hug him. But Autmn sent me a few pictures to hold me over.

Cameron with curls on his forehead and chocolate on his lip!

Cuddled up and watching a movie

Dangling dinosaur train.

Happy B-B-B-Boy!

No clue what this is but they are happy about it.

I did laundry and now I have to iron. Read a few chapters in my current book and cleaned out a few more items in the downstairs freezer — then stocked the purple fridge. So – that’s it!

Today I am thankful for SKUNKS!!! (Stuffed, of course…)

Quintuplets

QUOTE of the DAY:

I agree – !!!!

PEANUTS?

Karen Walker!!!!!

TOMORROW January 17th is:

Popeye the Sailor Man Day; National Classy Day; National Use your Gift Card Day; National Hot Buttered Rum Day; Cable Car Day; National No Phones at Home Day; National Kid Inventors Day; National Tulip Day; Benjamin Franklin Day; Soup Swap Day.

I couldn’t do the ‘No Phones at Home’ day. I love tulips – especially at Williamsburg or Biltmore! God bless…

Amazing photo:

I don’t authenticate these – I just copy them!

Work this morning was a series of small jobs to get done. I did ask about the trunk issue — it’s scheduled to be check out next week.

No, not this kind of trunk!

I dropped Girl Scout cookie money off to Diane and picked up a few things from her. Although the driveway was covered when I left, by mid-afternoon the sun had melted all but a small patch that doesn’t get direct sunlight.

Clear driveway but snow still on the deck and yard.

The day was crazy weather-wise. The sun would be bright, then the snow would swirl so that it was almost impossible to see across the street.

Can you see the snow?

I have History Traveler on in the background, and have been listening to information about Altoona and the Baker Mansion. Very interesting. Something worth visiting, I think. Next we went to Gettysburg. I could set here all afternoon!

Baker Mansion in Altoona PA

Gettysburg – with Ken Burns

And also there was a video about Southern Mansions, and THE MYRTLES was featured. Ironically it was the home in Louisiana that David Bradford escaped to when he was accused of tax ‘fraud’. If you may recall, we toured Bradford House in Washington PA last summer. Bradford was eventually pardoned. So this was interesting.

As you can see on the photo – it’s haunted!

Since I finally found a glass sealable container for my honey, I made little labels for the jar. I’ll see if it holds up.

My friend Bernie (previous neighbor) called me and we set up lunch for later this month at the Boulevard. So now something to look forward to!

Today I am thankful for discounts (my AAA account!)

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 16th is:

National Without a Scalpel Day; National Fig Newton Day; National Religious Freedom Day; National Nothing Day; Appreciate a Dragon Day; Book Publishers Day; International Fetish Day; International Spicy Food Day; National Boston Day.

I love Boston so I’ll celebrate that any time! I’m thankful for religious freedom, and possibly Dragons, although I’ve never met one. And of course, Book publishers! God bless…

Amazing Photo:

Image of the Compton Oak in Williamsburg VA (87 years old)

On this day in History: in 1777 Vermont declared independence from the colony of New York.

Today was in the 40’s with rain. I didn’t see the sun all day. Tonight, even my solar lights refused to peek out. I finished the book I was reading, so now I have to decide which series I want to continue – ‘Almost Christmas’ or The History Detective Club. Leaning toward history.

Today being Wednesday I started out after breakfast to clean. I was half way through the upstairs when Sir Rege called. They needed my car as a customer came in on it. I stopped what I was doing and emptied everything out of the Mazda and went down to Pinnacle. So I am now driving a Nissan Rogue. Actually it’s becoming one of my favorite vehicles. The dashboard looks like a 747! But I paired the phone with no problem, set the seats and mirrors, tuned in Y108, and was set. Not sure how to open the trunk but I’ll handle that tomorrow.

Same color.

I’m listening to Fixer to Fabulous on HGTV. Dave and Jenny are helping a crew create a new outdoor space for a little girl who is a patient at St. Jude’s for brain surgery. They built her a swimming pool with a deck and a big playhouse with an art studio. Everything was donated. It’s amazing what they do in 24 hours and the little one was thrilled!

Jenny and Dave

Beth sent me info on a new (?) thrift store on Donohue Road. I’m excited to check it out! Cross Your Paws Thrift Store 

Just one picture….

Today I am thankful for a safe vehicle to drive!

Just turned this one in.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Not a bad suggestion….

Tomorrow January 15th is:

Get to Know Your Customers Day; National Bagel Day; National Strawberry Ice Cream Day; National Hat Day; National Pothole Day; Wikipedia Day.

I don’t normally wear hats unless I’m shoveling the driveway. I’d love a chocolate chip bagel — Panera Bread quit making them! There are plenty of potholes, though. God bless!

Amazing photo:

Peace and beauty.

On this date (January 14th) in 1784 ratification of the Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolutionary War,

I had a few things to do at work this morning, then stopped to help Mike P with a deal. On the way home I picked up a few items, then made the burgers for lunch. Filled my day with items on my ‘list’ – updating a few appointments, reading a little more in Revelation, balancing my check book, making phone calls, keeping my feet warm!

Fluffy slippers and a space heater.

The WORM is back! Unfortunately (for him) I think he’s petrified. He’ll probably stay in that spot until one of us throws him away. Poor little guy!

I added a few caption words to my mood M&M magnet. I felt inspired to upgrade.

Since I had a burger for lunch I will probably heat up some of my Cream of Potato Soup for supper and read a few more chapters in Revelation.

Today I am thankful for: Sir Rege and Ken and Barry!

My bosses are the best…

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow January 14th is:

Ratification Day; National Dress up you Pet Day; National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day; International Kite Day; National Take the Stairs Day; World Logic Day; Take a Missionary to Lunch Day.

I prefer stairs most of the time. That’s logical, don’t you think? God bless…

Amazing photo –

Wonder what the cat is apologizing for…

Today is Beth’s birthday – and her daughter Sabrina’s! Happy birthday ladies! Love you both and wish you a year of happiness, fun, faith and love!

Beth and I

Joyful Beth

Beth, Nancy, Gwen, Holly and Kelly in front (long time ago!)

Sabrina – with her daughter Hazel, son Julian, husband Ray, and youngest son Carver.

I snuggled in my warm bed and finished reading the first book in the History Detective Club series – Seeds of Rebellion. I found it cute and interesting and made history come alive – from the vantage point of 11 year olds. It also comes with the option of downloading free puzzles and quizzes and worksheets for kids to solve mysteries. I’ll probably get the other 5 books but I’ll spread them out.

After a shower and breakfast I did laundry, fixed a magnetic message board that is on my fridge, put a few pre-made burgers in the fridge to defrost, and read 13 Chapters in Revelation in preparation for our Sunday School series. By then I got my txt from Giant Eagle that my prescription was filled, so I went over for that. Picked up milk and potatoes so I could make Cream of Potato soup. Also bought my favorite chocolate ice cream – came home and separated it into nine little half-cup servings to avoid over indulgence!

When I got home I looked for a jar that I could use for my honey, something that a measuring spoon would fit into. I found one with a wooden lid that had a rubber seal and that should work. My new Fix and Mix Tupper bowl came today. My other one was OLD – I think it was one of the first Tupper items I ever purchased, probably before I was 20. I love the color! And since it’s now 8pm I think that’s it for the day!

Dark red with white lid.

I grabbed a flax cookie ball break before I started this. And I think I’ll have toast for supper again!

Today I am thankful for my safe little home!

My house!

Last night with a little snow on the deck.

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

I don’t think I’ve been warm since August!

Tomorrow January 13th is:

National Shop for Travel Day; National Sticker Day; Stephen Foster Memorial Day; National Peach Melba Day; National Rubber Duckie Day; Make your Dream Come True Day; National Kathleen Day;

Let’s celebrate my SISTER tomorrow! Nothing better than that! When I worked at Smail’s I was always the Sticker Lady — always had stickers for the kids that came in. And M&M’s! And here is my Rubber Duckie! God bless...

Amazing photo:

Living here would make me dizzy.

In Sunday School we are starting a study on the book of Revelation. This should be interesting. I like the teacher (it’s a video series), who is Shane Woods. We’ve had studies by him before.

Todd continued his series on Chutes and Ladders. Here are some points: Don’t measure your life by someone else’s life. We always chase after more – but it’s better to have less of what matters than more of what doesn’t. Let go of what doesn’t matter – it’s a distraction! Fight for what matters. Climbing ladders takes effort – fighting means persistence, not perfection. And you don’t have to fight alone. Have you mistaken a chute for a ladder? What does GOD what you to fight for?

After church I picked up another picture frame – I wanted the kids’ ones to match. I’m ALMOST happy with the pictures now.

Boys

Girls

Answer to yesterday’s song: Turn, Turn, Turn – by the Byrds in 1962. From Ecclesiastics 3:1-8 (10th century; song was written in 1959!)

I had soup for lunch, then did a little more presidential research. I’m glad to stay inside as it was blustery, as Winnie the Pooh would say.

Today I am thankful for Bible based messages in Sunday School and Church.

QUOTE of the DAY:

Peanuts?

Tomorrow January 12th is:

Kiss a Ginger Day; National Clean off your Desk Day; National Marzipan Day; National Curried Chicken Day; National Pharmacist Day; Coming of Age Day; National 4th Grade Day; National Gluten Free Day; National Hot Tea Day; National Youth day; Remembrance Day; Work Harder Day.

I think my desks are good. I’ll have a cup of hot tea in the morning and lift it in a toast to all my fellow tea drinkers! Let’s work harder together. God bless.

Amazing photo:

(From internet)

I made it a point to have an extensive list today, to keep me focused and busy. I accomplished my entire list today – just now – and it’s 6:21pm. So it’s time to post on the Word Garden. Ironically my entire list was very unexciting! So not much to write about.

Not too exciting….

As it’s Saturday, I started by changing and washing my bed sheets, and filling my little vitamin organizer. My breakfast was hot tea in my new cup and a muffin.

My snowflake cup, which Kelly loved using!

Some of the things that kept me busy today:

1. Washed three loads of clothes; the sheets, the towels from the week, and the normal Friday load of clothes that I didn’t do yesterday.
2. Ironed said laundry
3. I was getting tired of the CD’s in my 5-disc changer so (other than Dan + Shay) I swapped them out.
4. I did my research for the President’s Day luncheon at Kathy’s to get a jump start on my information.
5. Took the kitchen trash out and put a new bag in the can.
6. Swept the kitchen and my bedroom floor.
7. Restocked the fridges with Coke, Pepsi, plus water in the downstairs one.
8. I still do have to get something to eat for supper later.
9. I’ll walk up for the mail in the morning – or get it on the way to church if it’s raining.

The task that took the longest was to find and print photos for my new frames. I wanted to add toddler photos (in teeny tiny frames) beside the senior pictures on the shelf. I had one for Autmn but needed to do Peyton, Logan and Christina. Chase won’t have one for another year. I also moved the picture of Chrissy and Autmn at Hanna’s Town (in their colonial garb!) and found one of the boys together to make it even.

Christina in her hat; Autmn in her flower girl dress; Chase in the playpool; Logan in a Snoopy snowsuit; Peyton – Daniel Boone!

Far left – Chase/Peyton/Logan (Williamsburg picture- center); Chris & Autmn at Hanna’s Town on right.

Kelly and I had gotten new frames at Marshall’s on Wednesday, and I printed out an old picture of the cabin in the snow and put it in the frame. Not sure if I’ll leave it or come up with something else. There are a lot of beautiful snow pictures.

I absolutely love this frame!

And that was basically my day. I’m enjoying the Williamsburg book and excited to see how the author handles the history. I KNOW what happens – obviously!

Diane sent me a trivia questions. Answer tomorrow:

TODAY I am thankful for:

Crossed off lists!

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 11th is:

National Hot Toddy Day; Learn your Name in Morse Code Day; National Sunday Supper Day; National Step in a Puddle & Splash your Friends Day; National Milk Day; Cigarettes are Hazardous to your Health Day; Golden Globe Awards; Heritage Treasures Day; International Thank You Day; National Girl Hug Boy Day.

Not going to do the puddle thing. Never smoked. I like heritage and treasures. It’s always a good idea to say thanks! God bless…

Amazing photo:

Peyton made this all by himself as a surprise for his mom when he was six!