The day started out very cold, and my computer right now has a memo at the bottom corner that says ‘Temps to drop’. Ugh. Winter has arrived, exactly one month ahead of schedule! My friend posted a picture of his yard. It was snowing here about an hour ago.

When I got to work I found a little grouping of random items ‘left behind’ for me – probably had something to do with Ken… I never had a carpenter’s pencil before…

After work I went to Aldi and to Walmart for groceries. I got everything on my list except for little alphabet noodles, like for in soups. So I guess I’ll check Shop ‘n’ Save later as I don’t need them right now.

After a piece of toast for lunch I made chocolate covered pretzels. I used my newly purchased Holiday pretzel shapes.

I have missed seeing my family (small and large!) so I had Autmn send me a picture. They were playing peek with the bucket. The other one, he climbed into the little box and couldn’t get back out! Such a fun baby!

Since I was at the store anyway, I bought a small bag of carrots. I’m going to make roasted veggies for supper tonight.

My blessing for today was the pictures of Cameron!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 22nd is:

Flossing Day; Go for a Ride Day; National Purple Day; Housing Day; Humane Society Anniversary Day; Love your Freckles Day; National Cranberry Relish Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Puzzle Day. Tomorrow: I’ll go for a ride to L&L Fleatique if the weather behaves! I don’t have freckles and I’m not a fan of cranberries…. God bless…

I was up a little earlier than usual for a Wednesday. I made Oats for breakfast then had a few phone calls to make. Had to set up a yearly routine medical checkup, which fell into January. I asked the scheduler if I would get in trouble if the appointment tumbled into next year. She said no, so I’m set.

The next call was longer and more frustrating. I got a bill from Excela Health for a balance from a COVID test they did in October. This should have been a covered procedure. I called Aetna and they said the authorization was done incorrectly so wouldn’t be covered – but it could be resubmitted. They also said my provider – Tammy, the helpful really nice one! – was out of network. The crazy thing is she just left Excela on November 4th. So in October she WOULD have been in network. So I called my Doctor’s office to have an authorization resubmitted but they haven’t called back yet.

My phone said that our area had a high wind warning and a tornado watch until 6:15pm. So that will expire in about 10 minutes. Then I’ll take the trash to the road. I didn’t want it to blow away.

I spent the rest of the day cleaning and scrubbing and dusting and doing laundry. I’ll take the garbage up, get something to eat, and that’s it for the day.

Oh, and BETH: I watched the two movies you suggested. I can see why you like the one in Ireland. The scenery was spectacular and the culture was so interesting! And Santa Tell Me was very funny. I knew that guy’s name had to be Nick!!!

My blessing today was being safe from the winds and rain.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 21 is:

False Confession Day; Great American Smokeout; National Gingerbread Cookie Day; National Puzzle Day; National Rural Health Day; National Stuffing Day; Red Mitten Day; Use Less Stuff Day; World Hello Day; World Television Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Unicorn Day. Tomorrow: I don’t have any red mittens. Not sure I could cut too much of my stuff, but I’d say hello, and I’m sure I’ll be watching Television! And I do like stuffing… God bless…

Thankfully it wasn’t raining when I got up, and didn’t start until after I had left work. My plan was to do some Christmas gift scouting. I needed ideas and figured browsing was the best plan. I was at Big Lots, Five Below, Walmart, Target, and Ross’s. I had five gifts to find and I bought two gifts! I did get some ideas but then couldn’t find the items!

I have been looking for pine scented bath soap to no avail. Ross’s had it and for half the price of what I paid last year. So that was a win.

When I got home I had a cinnamon bagel for lunch, then worked on December’s Sunday School lessons. It will be our last month to teach. I’m excited about that but in another way I’m sad – stepping away after almost 50 years. But teaching December is wonderful – who doesn’t like Christmas lessons??

I zipped over to Kathy’s to drop off some strawberries, etc, for Sarah and some beets for Kath. Then I took stuff over to Mary before heading to Pinnacle to meet a customer to do paperwork for them.

I decided to switch TV gears and am watching the Christmas Cookie Baking challenge on the Food Network. I could never attempt some of the cookies they did but they got good reviews, even the losing cookies!

My blessing for today was seeing my sweet family, including Millie and Wyatt! Such cuties!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 20th is:

Future Teachers Of America Day; National Unicorn Day; International Hug a Runner Day; Name Your PC Day; National Child’s Day; National Pay Back your Parents Day; National Peanut Butter Fudge Day; National Absurdity Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Cracker Day. Tomorrow: I’d hug a runner if I saw one, and I’d hug my child/grandchild. Too late to pay back my parents but I can remember them and thank them in my heart! God bless…

I was busy all day but nothing really to write about. I found out first thing this morning that a friend that I worked with at Smail’s for about 40 years passed away on Friday. He had lymphoma and it was in remission for a very long time and he had a lot of really good years. It came back with a vengeance and wasn’t ill very long this time. I met his kids for the first time, and connected back up with his sister who I used to see often. I’m sad for his suffering.

I had a bunch of deals to work on at Jeannette, then stopped at Mike P’s. Two of my bosses also worked with JV, as well as Mike. I also saw a few people at the funeral home from Smail’s. I got gas in the CLEAN Ford then came home. I was determined to cut the grass. Should be the last mowing of the season. Did some laundry, had lunch, went to the funeral home, and now I’m about done for the evening. I will grab something to eat next.

My blessing today was getting the grass done.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 19th is:

International Journalist day; International Men’s Day; National Cracker Day; National Camp Day; National Have a Bad Day Day; National Play Monopoly Day; World Toilet Day; National Carbonated Beverage With Caffeine Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Blue Day. Tomorrow – We like to go to camp programs! I don’t WANT to have a bad day! We used to play monopoly all the time, especially at Grama Crooks’ house. I prefer my Pepsi caffeine free but it’s harder to find so I settle! God bless…

A sunny Sunday morning but very chilly. Sunday School lesson was about being grateful. As Todd is still stick Wayne gave the message this morning, entitled Getting the Best out of Every Day. 1) Have an attitude of appreciation – and let people know you appreciate them! 2) An attitude of humility – serve with a sincere heart, not for honor. Lift up Christ. 3) Attitude of Joy – A Joyful heard it good medicine. 4) Attitude of Confidence. “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”

I stopped on the way home and picked up one small item from WOW Outlet, then stopped at Gabes. Then to Giant Eagle for my prescription refill. While I was there I found the last piece of the Christmas snack puzzle: Holiday shaped pretzels! For lunch I had a grilled cheese with Homemade bread as promised. Yum!

I kept trying to talk myself out of it, but I finally did spend a little time outside. I cleaned up a bunch (but not all) rotting mushrooms in the bottom yard. Then I dug up the lamb’s ear that was finally dead. I think there are still a few roots out there.

Last outside task was to wash the Ford. It was really yucky. The trip home from Oglebay on Friday was a messy, rainy drive. I don’t like the car to be a mess. It’s the one thing I can do myself!

I was just sitting down here and looked outside. The sky was blue and pink. But it got dark quickly.

My blessing today was finishing outside tasks.

SNOOPY Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 17th is:

National Penguin Day; Apple Cider Day; Mickey Mouse Birthday; National Princess Day; Odd Socks Day; National Vichyssoise Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Blue Day. TOMORROW: I like hot apple cider, especially in the fall at Colonial Williamsburg. I don’t think I’ve ever worn 2 different socks although once I did accidently where two different blue denim shoes to work! God bless…

Lazy start to the day – reading and changing sheets and doing odds and ends before even getting dressed!

I spent the morning doing laundry and then some research for a short children’s book. The Flax committee requested a more basic, elementary version of Fields of Blue, explaining the flax process in simpler terms. So I did the research in the morning.

After lunch I baked cookies – I used the recipe for Candy Cane Cookies but just made small round balls. Then I pressed them down with the bottom of a patterned mug. After I baked them I sprinkled them with sugar. They taste just fine but there’s something about the twist of the dough for the candy cane cookies that change the texture!

After the cookies were done and the kitchen cleaned up, I sat down and wrote out a rough draft of the flax story.

Now the one-day-after the full moon is bright and round!

My blessing today was finishing the first draft! Phase one!

PEANUST thought for the day:

TOMORROW November 17th is:

International Students Day; National Hiking Day; National Homemade Bread Day; National Blue Day; National Bible Week; National Butter Day; National Baklava Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Note Day. Tomorrow: Di and Gen will FOR SURE celebrate National Hiking Day! I know what I’m having for lunch – homemade bread! With butter! Enjoy – God bless…

I was up earlier than usual to get organized for our little day trip to Oglebay Manion in West Virginia. I put some ice packs in a cooler bag to keep some water cool for later. Also grabbed a warmer coat and scarf in case we were outside. Next I left cookies and a note for… No, Not Santa! The furnace technician who was going to service and clean my furnace. All is well there! Kath had sent me a picture the other day of the sunrise from her office building. We needed that today as it was cloudy all day.

Kelly met us at the mansion and we went into the visitor center and the botanical room. There was a tour bus going into the museum so we had to give them time to get though the first floor at least!

Flowers in the Botanical greenhouse:

We walked past the administrative buildings as well.

The mansion was decorated for Christmas, and each room featured a different classic movie! Everything was absolutely beautiful and I’m not sure if I could pick a favorite.

We went to the gift shop and looked around. They had a candy and sweets tree by the entrance. I noticed the weird drinks they had – there were more than that but I thought posting two was enough!

It wasn’t raining so we walked out through the gates and to the front of the mansion and got pictures. Kelly had to leave as she had a commitment so after we were done walking around we drove through part of the park. It’s so big I was afraid I’d get lost so we went past the lodge and the entrance to the zoo. They have a drive-through light tour but of course at noon they weren’t lit!

We drove back to Cabela Drive and had lunch at Wendy’s and sat for an hour and chatted. We got home a little before 3pm. It was a lovely day despite the cloudy drizzle. I loved the rooms all decorated for the holidays.

Kelly had bought me a pair of Snoopy Christmas Slippers. I love them! I’m about ready to be wearing them…

My blessing today was spending time with Kelly and Kathy at the mansion.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 16th is:

Guinness World Record Day; Have a Party with your Bear Day; National Button Day; National Clarinet Day; National Note Day; National Fast Food Day; National Check Your Wipers Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Drain Day. Tomorrow: My bear isn’t too exciting. He just sits on the chair with the cougar and doesn’t say much. I had fast food today so I know I won’t have it tomorrow. Happy weekend. God bless…

It was chilly all day – started to rain about 10:30am. At that point I was wishing I had a warmer coat! I had errands to run after work.

First I went to Miller’s Crossing Fleatique and got a jar of honey. It doesn’t do to run out!

From there I stopped at Aldi because they had Ms. Rachel toys advertised. Turns out it was only the doll and although it’s one of Cameron’s favorite shows he already has Ms. Rachel.

St. Paul’s church (up the road from me) has their Christmas Bizarre this weekend so I stopped in there. I certainly don’t need any Christmas items – I have plenty! But I did buy a snowflake mug for $1 which will be my winter tea mug. I’ll save it until after the holidays.

Diane had lent me Pennsylvania Magazine yesterday so I could read an article about the Live Nativity in Cooperstown. I read the article (and it sounds like a very worthwhile venture!) and then dropped it back off to her.

I had a few items to drop off at the Blind Association to be shredded, then home for lunch. I made a salad and garlic toast, then decided to make cookies. It was a challenge, made harder by the fact that nothing tastes right to me. So I will have to get a taste-tester to verify their worth!

While I was working on the Peanut Blossoms I had vegetable soup simmering on the stove. I will have a bowl of that and a slice of homemade bread that I defrosted when I got home. And that will be it for me tonight.

My blessing for today will be hot soup and homemade bread – and a call from my friend Mary! And one last night from my New York friend Gen!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 15th is:

America Recycles Day; Day of the Imprisoned Writer; I love to Write Day; National Ample Time Day; National Bundt Day; National Drain Day; National Camp T-Shirt Day; National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day; National Drummer Day; Pack Your Mom’s Lunch Day; National Raisin Bran Cereal Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Towel Day. Tomorrow – I’m not imprisoned but I do love to write! There’s almost nothing in my fridge to clean out. My nephew’s son Isaac is a drummer in his school band and our church praise team and he’s good! Also, it’s always fun to have someone pack my lunch! God bless — and stay warm and dry.

Here we are, back at Wednesday and a day of cleaning and laundry. I had oatmeal for breakfast and the last of the Cauliflower crust pizza for lunch. Now to figure out supper. I just know it was cold and windy today and was glad to be inside.

I did all the cleaning and I have towels tumbling in the dryer right now. When I took the garbage up and then got the mail, I took a quick walk around the house. I noticed a little cluster of my blue lobelia is still blooming, against all odds.

Also saw an old Snoopy Christmas bulb cover under my front deck. It had to have been there 15 years!

The moon was already out, even at 4pm, and the sky was getting pink.

And there was a little vine in the side garden with deep red leaves. At least there’s SOME color in the landscaping!

Please continue to pray for Tonia, as radiation is planned to start within the next week. And also for Beth – she fractured her boot and is very restricted in walking!

My blessing today was being inside out of the wind and cold.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 14th is:

Children’s Day; National Towel Day; International Girls Day; Loosen Up Lighten Up Day; National American Teddy Bear Day; National Family PJ Day; National Pickle Day; National Seat Belt Day; World Diabetes Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Guitar Day. Tomorrow: I like children, especially my own! And Teddy Bears are super cute. Kathy and I and our matching dolls had matching PJ’s when we were very little. Does that count? God bless…

Today is Noah’s birthday – I gave him his card on Sunday and txt him this afternoon. Wishing him a wonderful day and a happy year.

Work was very slow, but Sir Regis, Barry and I did have a nice chat, and I did a little research online. Then I stopped to see Mike P but he was much calmer today…

Diane txt me this morning that she had lovely hot chocolate mixes for us to share, and she’d bring a salad and sweet. So next month it will be my turn to do lunch. We ate and chatted and had a very nice visit.

After she left I was going to iron but decided to make a batch of cookies. I was hungry for Russian Teacakes or whatever different name you want to call them. They turned out very well.

I just finished cleaning the kitchen when I got the txt from Giant Eagle that both of my prescription refills were ready. So I buzzed over there to pick them up. BUT!!! I hadn’t forgotten the disappointment from the pretzel issue yesterday so I got a box of frozen pretzels. I know it’s a better choice to get a good name brand, but since my taste buds are not back on track (when they even work at all!) so I decided to start with the store brand. That will be for the weekend.

I also saw a little Christmas plate, and although I certainly don’t need any more Christmas ANYTHING I love these little square ones. There were choices but I only bought one. After all, I am only one person!

And that’s it for my day. I’m listening to the Hallmark Christmas Movie: It’s Christmas, Eve! It stars LeAnn Rimes and I enjoy this one. I’ll get something to eat later and that’s it.

My blessing today was a friendship visit with Diane.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 13th is:

National Dream Destination Day; National Hug a Musician Day; National Indian Pudding Day; Sadie Hawkins Day; World Kindness Day; National Guitar Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Saddle Day. Tomorrow: My dream destination (other than Switzerland!) is always Williamsburg. I am a firm believer in being kind! Celebrate THAT every day! God bless…