Treadmill, breakfast, then spent some time figuring out our vacation plans. Kath took the B&B and made our reservations there, and I took the half-way motel on the way up. So we are set to get started. We’ll figure out the rest when we decide if we want to do something else when we leave Newport.

Nate and Dave were able to grab the cedar chest out of the garage today, so I have a bit more room. Right now I still have a few boxes of pictures sitting there but they will soon be gone from there.

I had my caricature sketch that Kelly’s friend drew for me for Christmas, but there was so much white space in the frame that you sort of missed the sketch. So I trimmed it down, put her signature on a glitter heart, and put it in a smaller, unique frame. It looks much better on the shelf and as a focal piece. Nice improvement.

I got the house cleaned and the chores done, so after I post this I will get something to eat. I’ve been listening to and watching some episodes of Home Town with Ben and Erin. It’s a show about home purchases and renovations and I like a lot of what they do. They like to keep older character in the homes so I enjoy that. I still have to take the garbage up before my day is done…

February 9 – Tell of a nickname given to you by friends or classmates. How did you get it? “I was always called Dot. That was a common nickname for my name, Dorothy.” Except her dad called her DeeDee sometimes…

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Iowa – the picture posted was Sculpture Park. Other things to do in Iowa (beside visit Kyle and Janet Drown!) are Pottawattamie Squirrel Cage Jail, Maquoketa Caves State Park, Elwood – world’s tallest concrete gnome; star gazing, Hobo Museum, Matchstick Marvels Museum, Lovers Leap Swinging Bridge, Iowa 80 Truck Stop, American Gothic house and barn, Zombie burgers, Art Museum, history, River Museum and aquarium, fairgrounds, Czech & Slovak museum and library, Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, Biking, Amana Colonies, Pools, waterparks, wineries, zoo, science center, Museum of National History, sunflower fields, State parks, beaches, riverboat rides, Mount Hosmer, Waterfalls, boating, hiking, Snake Alley (World most crooked street), Grotto of Redemption, Reiman Gardens, Berry Patch Farm (pick your own fruit).  And there’s tons more! Iowa is a big space.

Calendar Inspiration is Whatever we’re doing, we still look forward to whatever is next.  Slow down and savor the pleasures of the moment. 

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TOMORROW February 10 is:

• National Cream Cheese Brownie Day
• National Home Warranty Day
• National Umbrella Day
• National Giving Hearts Day 

I work tomorrow morning – then the weekend is mine! Have a happy Thursday! God bless…

At least I managed the treadmill this morning. Finally. I worked at both stores, then stopped at the bank. Did title work extra so I was later getting home. I told Chrissy I would stop at the driver’s center and get her a Driver’s Manual so she could study for her permit. They don’t have paper ones any more – you have to scan the bar code and download the manual. So I did that and forwarded the link to her and now she’s all set – but when I finished there I went next door to the new Dollar Tree. It’s spacious and open and very nice. I didn’t need anything but I never mind taking a leisurely peek at a new store.

My plan for this evening (after ironing and balancing the checkbook) is to go through a small box of old, black and white photos. I want to sort ones that the Skunk Hollow Cousins would enjoy looking through. And I thought I should share Grandpa Fresh’s new den. He needed someplace that he could tuck into and still be able to see what was happening around him. I think this works.

February 8 – Tell about someone who had a big influence over your life. “When I was young my Grandma Crooks taught me about loving everyone. When I was a young woman our minister, Pastor Cook, taught us how to always read and study the Bible. I still love to read & learn from God’s word. I learn the meaning of Bible ‘truths’ every time I pick it up to read and study.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Key West, Florida, and the photo posted was Fort Jefferson. Other things to do in Key West are dinner cruises (daytime and sunset), Shark & Wildlife adventures, snorkel tour, jet skis, Conch tour, dolphin watch, glass bottom boat, parasailing, cocktail crawl, cultural walking tour, coral reefs, cycling, historic homes and island history walking tour, Hemmingway tour, Jimmy Buffett tour, Key West historic tour, Ghost & Mystery tour, Florida Keys private tours, Dark Side of Key West tour, Beaches, Aquariums, shopping, cultural, scavenger and treasure hunts, paddle boarding, nature tours, Haunted history & civil war tours, Old Town literary tour, live music tour, Maritime museum, Keys audio driving tour.

Calendar inspiration is The more you share an experience, the more you will remember it. Make strong memories by sharing them!

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TOMORROW February 9 is:

• National Cut the Cord Day
• National Bagel and Lox Day
• National Pizza Day
• National Toothache Day

Pizza. I’m in! And we WON’T talk about a toothache! Tomorrow is stay-home-and-clean day. Have a happy Wednesday! God bless…

It was a crazy start to the morning. I got up, took my vitamins, then came down and put my walking shoes on for the treadmill. But then I noticed that the glass panes in the door were horribly smeared, so I took a few minutes to clean them. I also noticed that I did not take the box of garbage outside last night, so I did that next. Then I realized that I hadn’t finished writing out my ‘friend’ card to mail today so I did that. Then my phone binged with an incoming email. By the time I responded it was time to get a shower. So I took off my walking shoes and got on with my day. I made up for not walking by scrubbing the basement floor for an hour and a half! It isn’t entirely stain-free but it is CLEAN!

I went to work in Jeannette and had a nice chat with the guys before I left. Went to Walmart in North Huntingdon since ours didn’t have what I needed (after 3 consecutive trips). I popped into Gabes and found an Easter blanket. Photos to follow, closer the holiday! I brought up the last boxes of photos from the shed since the path down was clear and dry. Something else to keep me busy while watching HGTV and Hallmark in the evening.

Tonight is the third episode of The Gilded Age. I’m going to Kathy’s to watch it – we are having Carrol Cake for dessert!

January 7 – Tell about a big fib you told. “When Ruth Sink & I told our teacher we were to go home from school at noon so we could go to Indiana with our parents. Ruth & I were running away from home. We walked for a few hours through woods & thicket. We decided to come back home & got home before dark. We were sorry we worried our parents that day.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Santorini, Greece and Kathy guessed correctly. The picture posted was Santorini along the coast. Things to do are Ancient archeological sights, ATV tours, never ending views, whitewashed terraces and homes, winding lanes, blue domed churches, hikes and cable cars and scenic trails, ferries and docks and cruises and shopping and beaches and mountains and sunsets; boutiques, great dining and quaint travel accommodations.

Calendar inspiration is: There are so many nice ways to keep in touch and spread cheer. Surprise someone with kindness today.

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TOMORROW February 8 is:

• National Boy Scouts Day
• National Kite Flying Day
• National Iowa Day
• Safer Internet Day U.S. 

So, go fly a kite! In Iowa! Especially if you are a boy scout. In the meantime, choose some activities that you enjoy, and appreciate doing them! God bless…

Once again, I breezed through Liz’s newest release, The Country Cottage. So honored to be an ARC reader for her. This is the first in a new series (Prairie Creek) , and I’m excited to see what’s next in The Thimble Shoppe! I’ll be a Beta reader for this one.

Elizabeth Bromke’s The Country Cottage makes me want to read it just by the title.  Actually, I’d really like to GO there!  With the cultural trends around us suggesting to always update and replace and modernize, being comfortable in the past is the place to be.  As Kelly and Logan each struggle with their personal choices and dilemmas, it seems that indeed, two are better than one.  Their chemistry brings them together in a way that leads them each to where they need to be, comfortable with their past.  As is usual for Elizabeth’s books, once I begin to read, MY life falls off the back side and I get caught up in THEIR lives. I seem to leave housework and chores behind as I step into the very believable, relatable, and inviting world she creates. Pieces of the puzzle are revealed one at a time, chapter by chapter, until we realize that they both have drama and distress that change the direction of their lives, and the Country Cottage project begins their forward journey and gives them confidence to move forward.  So much ahead; can’t wait to see where Kelly and Logan take us next!  Great characters, wonderful story line, compelling motivations, and delightful solutions!

After lunch yesterday I spent some more time working on the basement floor, then made a casserole for Nate. It’s one he particularly likes so every now and then I make it for him. Today he picked it up after church and brought over the mower that I’m keeping here. I plan to sort out some of the items in the trunk for the SHWF cousins to review next month, then spend another hour working on the floor. That is my exciting Sunday!

Church was particularly good this morning. Joe did the communion devotion, and JJ, (who is seven and in my Sunday school class), helped by quoting John 3:16. He stepped up to the mic and spoke loudly and clearly and with total commitment. In addition, my nephew Jesse’s son Isaac was on the drums for the praise band. So exciting to see these young boys participating. Wayne’s message was very good about allowing God to lead – delivered with conviction and a dash of humor and heart-felt insight. Encouragement for the week!

January 6 – Who was the most famous person you ever met as a child? “I think meeting Jimmy Stewart’s father would be the closest to a person of any fame. He owned a hardware store in Indiana, PA.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Big Sur in California, and the photo posted was the Calla Lily Valley. Other things to do and see at Big Sur are Andrew Molera State Park (hiking, meadows, beaches, bluffs, hilltops, camping, ranches), Sea Otter Game Refuge, Carmel River State Beach (lagoon, bird watching, scuba diving) Garropata State Park –( 2 mile beach, hiking, climbing, even nude swimming and sun bathing – redwoods). Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – 80 foot waterfall, overlook trail, fantastic views.  Los Pardres National Forest (mountains, forests, streams, beaches, rivers). Historic Mission San Carlos; Old Coast Road with beautiful landscapes, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Point Labos National Reserve and ranch, butterfly sanctuary.

Calendar inspiration today is from Peanuts.

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TOMORROW February 7 is:

• National Fettuccine Alfredo Day
• National Periodic Table Day
• National Send a Card to a Friend Day

We can all send a card to someone we care about! If you are reading this, I care about YOU! Have a great week. God bless…

Yesterday I finished out the day with a few chores. It stopped snowing so I went out and cleaned the walks and the driveway. There was ice underneath in a few places but I was careful and had my spikes on my boots. You can see the difference in the two places.

I also took the Americana comforter apart and finished off the edges to make it fit on both of the beds in the Flag room. It fits so nice now, and the trundle pulls out easily and looks great with comforters on both beds that match. Coming along nicely!

Also ordered tickets for a program at Compass Inn at the end of the month. They are Fireside Chats about Histories and Mysteries of Language. That will be fun!

I took a little time to work on a small area of the downstairs floor. It was an improvement but if you look REALLY CLOSELY you’ll see that there are still shadows of white along some of the seams. Not sure if it’s a stain on the flooring or if the color bled off.

This morning I went out first thing (well, second thing. I changed my bed sheets first!) to clean off the driveway again. We got a lot of fresh snow overnight. It actually looked like Ivory Flakes – remember those? Laundry detergent? It was light and sparkly and fluffy. The temperature was 15* so I didn’t dally. You can see how much snow by the back deck.

Kathy came over and we looked through the rest of the items in the trunk. We found the deed to the Shady Lane property (long sold), our polio vaccine certificates (See? We’re safe!), Temperance petitions, old family photos, sympathy cards, birth and baptismal certificates. So much history! But who to pass them on to? Not much interest in that for the next generations…

February 5 – What were you doing to first smash a finger? “I never smashed a finger. I was doing some ironing when I was about 6 years old. I dropped the heavy iron on my big tow & smashed it. The toenail came off & never grew back on like it should be. I had to wear a covering over my toe for a very long time that summer.” Ouch!!!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Minnesota, which is the land of 10,000 lakes! Picture posted was the Sculpture Garden. Other things to do and see are parks, lakes, resorts, flea markets, drive-in theaters, historical sites, museums,  golfing, tent and RV camping, canoeing, hunting, rock climbing, dogsledding,   Minneapolis Museum of Art, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Quarry Hill Nature Center, Marine Museum, Leif Erickson Park & Rose garden. National Eagle center, vineyards, historic Mill City museum, North American Bear Center,  History center, cruises – plus more!

Calendar inspiration – After a long day of work, you can head home with the satisfaction of a job well done.  Your commitment is important.

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TOMORROW February  6 is:

• National Frozen Yogurt Day
• National Lame Duck Day
• National Chopsticks Day

I did buy some yogurt but it’s not frozen. I guess I could just sit it outside! Stay warm and safe and have a great day. God bless.

I made French Toast for breakfast, then started laundry. I knew I had Valentine napkins in my bin in the garage, but it was behind the freezer. I tugged and pushed and yanked and dug and finally got the package out, but not without boo boos on my hand! Another week or two and the excess in my garage will clear out, and I’ll be able to have better access. Hopefully before time to decorate for Easter!

As we got rain, then ice, and now snow – and I am nearly out of salt (couldn’t find it yesterday) – I will be staying at home today! My goal is to get the driveway cleared off this afternoon and then throw the rest of the salt. By then maybe I can get more salt on Saturday.

I did manage to remember to wear red today – even though it’s the wrong holiday. I’m very warm and that’s important for today.

Here are some pictures from yesterday’s attempt at making the house Valentine-y. Is that even a word?

February 4 – Do you have any knowledge of the origins of your family name? “When I was growing up we were teased & told our ancestors were horse thieves so we were named Crooks. Later I was told, by my doctor, that our ancestors were shepherds and used the crooks to work with the sheep. I like that origin the best.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was St. Augustine, Florida. This choice was inspired by Teresa, who has a trip planned with her travel group ‘Women Traveling Together’; they are going to St. Augustine and Savanah later in the spring. Photo posted yesterday was Flagler College. The city is rich in history; first Spanish settlement – 1565 – and oldest continuously occupied US settlement.  Other things to do and see are Corks & Forks strolling tour, Scenic boat rides, haunted trolley tours, afterlife tours, distilleries, breweries, and wineries, St. George Street – Spanish settlement and Colonial Florida;  Beaches galore, Pirate & Treasure museum, Scavenger hunts, Lightner Museum, Wild Life reserve, Old Jail, Old City, Old House tours, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Anastasia State Park, Farmer’s market at the pier, Oldest Store Museum, Golf Hall of Fame, Ft. Matanzas Monument, Fountain of Youth, Colonial Quarter, numerous walking history tours and hop on – hop off trolley tours.

Calendar inspiration – Tonight, listen for the magical moment when the natural world settles down into silence for the night. Peace!

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TOMORROW February 5 is:

• National Shower with  a Friend Day
• National Weatherperson’s Day
• World Nutella Day
• Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
• National Play Outside Day

No showering with a friend, tomorrow or any other day! Ice Cream for breakfast is on my radar, and I have a feeling I’ll be ‘playing’ outside today & tomorrow to clear the driveway and walks! Whatever you do, enjoy. OH! And I did make soup yesterday so I will be eating homemade soup in my red outfit! God bless…

There were so many little things to do first thing Wednesday morning. Felt like I was all over the house from one chore to the next. I didn’t even start cleaning until almost 1pm! But before I move past yesterday, here are two photos I didn’t include in our Groundhog Day tribute. One is my little collection that resides on the ladder all the time. The second is one that Diane sent me last thing – long after I had posted.

There’s not too much exciting about cleaning the house, so I’ll just share some things from the last few days. Chrissy finally sent me a picture of her bed with her new comforter set. She’s very excited. She also sent a pic of her salt rock lamp (Elephant) which is her ‘favorite thing’ in her room! It’s her little haven.

I was talking to Teresa on the phone, and she sent me pics of paper heart garlands that she made for her grandkids. I love them. So bright and festive!

When I finally took the trash up to the road and then got the mail (which went directly into the trash!!!), it was past dark. As I walked back down, I could see Torilyn’s tree glowing through the window in their bedroom (she is my 14 year old neighbor). It looked so pretty and cheerful glowing in the dark night! A little festive in a dirty-snow winter.

Today, Thursday, work was light. The weather wasn’t! It was foggy and rainy and miserable. Thankfully it stayed warm enough so no ice or snow yet. We will see what tomorrow brings. But after lunch I made a huge pot of stuffed pepper soup. It was a good day to do that as it made the house smell warm and inviting all day. I picked Chris up from the old bus stop and drove her home, and when we passed the trailer we saw a ring neck walking around in the yard! I couldn’t believe that neither Chris nor her friend Hope even knew what a ring neck was!

I didn’t go inside when I dropped her off, but Nate sent me photos. They were installing a security door so that the cats and dog would not accidently slip out the door. It’s a new house and a new neighborhood. They got a lot done today.

February 3 – Share a memory about a weather-related school cancellation. “School was never cancelled because we all walked to school. It was impossible to get word to the students as very few had telephones or radios. We were dismissed early on bad snow days so we could get home before it got any worse. The COLD was the biggest concern.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Palm Springs, and the picture posted was a bike trail overlooking the city. Things to do and see are San Andreas Fault bike tours, Indian Canyons, Joshua Tree National Park, Tennis, Golf, Spas, Escape rooms (there are several!), windmill tours, French cooking class, Mountain sunrise hikes, scavenger hikes, rock climbing, Earthquake canyon, shopping, desert Oasis.

Calendar inspiration – Fun is not any particular activity but rather a joyful attitude that transforms everything you do in your day. 

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Scripture – The reason I chose this scripture today was by Max’s influence in Sunday School. Our lesson was of Jesus teaching us to humble ourselves and be kind. Immediately Max chirped up and quoted this entire passage by heart, complete with scripture reference. That may not seem overly impressive; but Max is either 4 or 5 years old. Puts us to shame!!!

Vacation Destination –

TOMORROW February 4 is:

• National Create a Vacuum day
• National Hemp Day
• National Homemade Soup Day
• National Thank a Mail Carrier Day
• National Wear Red Day 
• Bubble Gum Day

I believe Friday will be the kind of day that I CAN wear red and eat homemade soup. As we live in HEMPfield Township that’s an easy celebration. No bubble gum for THESE teeth! Have a happy day, and God Bless…

I thought it might be fun to celebrate Groundhog day by finding some unusual facts about the day. The first official Groundhog Day was celebrated in 1887 (some say 1886) at Gobbler’s Knob, 2 miles outside of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The name Punxsutawney comes from the Delaware Tribe whose members settled the area in 1723 and their word “ponksad-uteney,” which means “town of the sandflies”.

First, Happy Birthday to Shannon Meyers – turning 50! – and celebrating with Phil on Gobbler’s Knob. Happy birthday, Shannon. Here are some photos from her early morning adventure!

And also Happy Birthday to my cousin Dan Cornman – turning 70! – Hope you have a wonderful day and a healthy, blessed year.

Groundhog Day falls on the 2^nd of February for a reason. It’s what’s known as a “cross-quarter” day, meaning it falls at the midpoint between one season and another. In the case of February 2^nd, it’s the cross-quarter day that falls between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, making it the ideal time to consider whether or not spring will arrive early.

When he’s not predicting the weather on Groundhog Day, Phil lives in the town library in Punxsutawney with his groundhog “wife,” Phyllis.

Punxsutawney Phil has only predicted an early spring 16 times.

After the 1993 movie Groundhog Day became popular, attendance at the Gobbler’s Knob celebration skyrocketed. The movie caused numbers to jump to 35,000 plus. (At the time of the release, the population of Punxsutawney itself was less than 7,000.)

Other weather forecasting groundhogs include Staten Island Chuck from New York City, Sir Walter Wally from Raleigh, North Carolina, General Beauregard Lee from Atlanta, Georgia, and Jimmy the Groundhog from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. An armadillo, named Bee Cave Bob, makes his weather prediction at the West Pole in Bee Cave, Texas.

Also known as woodchucks, groundhogs belong to a group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. They grow up to 25 inches long and can live for 10 years in captivity. (According to legend, Punxsutawney Phil is more than 125 years old thanks to the magical punch he imbibes every summer.)

Tradition goes that if the groundhog pops his head out of his hole and sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, then we are in luck for an early spring. Even though this is a fun tradition, science says that the groundhogs actually come out during this time of the year to search for a mate!

January 2 – Do you have any ice skating memories to share? “We didn’t have ice skates but went to the swamp & pretended we did & skated around on the ice. We wore our worn out, smooth soled shoes so we could slide better. None of our friends had regular skates either so we had lots of fun on cold, clear nights.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was voted the best small town in Pennsylvania in 2019 – Volant! Obviously, they haven’t been to Smicksburg or Donna’s store… Anyway, there are great things to see and do, and it is a very quaint and friendly town, easily navigated. Some things to do in Volant are: Miss Scarlett’s gift parlor, Ivy Creek Creations, Teena’s Quilt shop, Amish farms, Water falls, farms, Special-Teas, etc, Bakeries, candy shops, antiques, B&B’s, Amish furniture, Alpaca LOL (handmade gifts), wineries, lots of gifts and specialty shops.

Calendar inspiration – Mid-winter is a tough time for everybody. Spread good cheer & kindness throughout your day. Be generous to all!

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TOMORROW February 3 is:

• National Carrot Cake Day
• National Day the Music Died Day
• National Missing Persons Day
• National Women Physicians Day
• Optimist Day

Ooooh. Love carrot cake. It was our go-to dessert every time we took a trip to Mom’s! I wish I could say I was an optimist, but…. Have a happy day! God bless…

Another busy day, but productive. I got up early and still didn’t get to work early. Sigh… There wasn’t much to do, so I was home by 11am – even with stopping at my favorite L&L Fleatique. I was looking for a small narrow table or bench for the Flag room. What I found was a darling little pie safe, which I cleaned up when I got home. Also saw a dressmaker Christmas -type tree, and some directional advice…

I grabbed some pretzels and cheese for lunch, then changed into warm layers and went outside to clean the car. First I swept out the filthy trunk. I was very happy that it came so clean. It’s hard to see with the shadow but big improvement.

I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to actually wash the car, but with making so many trips to help Nate in the freezing weather, the outside was covered in dirt and salt. Then there was the trip to Smicksburg for Beef Day and added more grime. So I did wash it to get the worst off. The thing was, I went over to help clean the trailer and while I was parked there a bird pooped on my back window. Ugh. But the rest is as clean as it could be after driving on the salty roads again!

Once I got home, I took my little pie safe and put it in the kitchen. Then I took the shelves that were in the kitchen and put them in the Crooks room. That seemed only fitting, because it was made by Mom’s sister (Hazel Crooks)’s husband! Finally I took the little bench in the Crooks room and put it in the Flag room. Now there is something to set the gaming monitor on that is sturdy and eye level. Productive day for sure.

Changed all the calendar pages, and also the Snoopy calendar. Ready for February!

February 1 – What extras did you use for your snowman’s face, buttons, arms, hat, etc? “Coal was used for eyes, nose & buttons. If we made a mouth we used kernels of corn or tiny pebbles. We stuck small branches in & covered them with snow for arms. We put old gloves on for hands & put an old hat on its head.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Prince Edward Island (You’ve been there, right Beth?). The picture posted was an unnamed light house on a picturesque coast. Just a very few of the fun things to do and see on PEI: Make your own wind chime, visit Charlottetown (scavenger hunt to find hidden bronze mice),  shopping, musicals, Island Hill Farm (Baby animals), Cavendish beach/sunsets, Ceiledh social gatherings (singing, music, dancing), sailing, festivals, golfing, glass bottle houses, light houses, Kayaking, Sandcastle competitions.  Potato Museum, beaches and lighthouses and red clay roads and fields. History, hiking, road trips. Historic house tours – much more!

Calendar inspiration – Nature reminds us that everything is best in balance.  Rest and renewal are as important as work and activity.

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TOMORROW February 2 is:

• National Heavenly Hash Day
• National Tater Tot Day
• National Groundhog Day
• National Girls and Women in Sports Day 

My friend Diane and her daughter Shannon went to Punxy today – and plan to attend some of the festivities and to be at Gobbler’s Knob about 6am! It’s Shannon’s 50th birthday and that was all she wanted! I hope they have a wonderful time and get to meet Phil in the process. I guess we’ll see in the morning if he sees his shadow. God bless…

Back on track this morning – treadmill, work, laundry. I went over after lunch and helped Jen clean the trailer. Chrissy did her room; the bathroom is done; I did the master bedroom. I haven’t wiped down walls in a very long time and I feel it in my neck and shoulders! After I post this I plan to take a hot shower…

When I came back (after taking a load down to the house), I went to work rearranging the Flag room. Not sure this is the final arrangement but it’s good for now. I have to leave ample room for the trundle to pull out. So really can’t put anything too much on the long wall. I like it for now. Just have to wait for the final test – how the boys do with their game systems! (Pictures below)

I am going over to Kathy’s to watch the second in the series of The Gilded Age. We really liked the first one. I’m excited! And that’s enough excitement for one day!

Actually – I did have other excitement! I got an email for my author friend Liz, and she was ‘impressed’ (I guess) with the comments I sent her about The Abbey House. So instead of being an ARC reader (Advanced Reader Copy), I will be a Beta reader. I will get a copy BEFORE it is published and read for content, coherence, grammar, spelling, etc. I’m very excited! I am finally using a skill associated with the Masters program from Seton Hill! The next book will be ready the end of February.

January 31 – What did you use to go sledding down a hill in the snow? “We had a regular ‘bought’ sled called the “American Flyer.” We also had a wooden bobsled that was jointed. Sometimes we all rode down on a large piece of sheet iron. We had lots of wrecks & spills but no serious accidents.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was South Korea! Picture posted was a rock mountain – not sure if it has a name. Some things to do in South Korea are Palaces, Seongsan Sunrise Peak, National History Museum, Jagalchi Fish Market and local markets, Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, Lotte World & Magic Island, Bukchon Hanok Village, Exotic food, Yeosu Hikes, Water scenes, Island Getaways, Beaches.

Calendar inspiration is – everything we do lingers in the minds and memories of others. if you do your best every day, your good efforts will continue on.

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TOMORROW February 1 is:

• National Baked Alaska Day
• National Dark Chocolate Day
• National Freedom Day (Freedom From Slavery)
• National Get Up Day
• National Serpent Day
• National Texas Day
• February International Days

Ooooh. Dark Chocolate. I’m all for that! And I do plan to get up in the morning. Whatever you choose, enjoy! 🙂 God bless…