January 30, 2022

It’s still cold but an improvement from past days. My car is a total mess – ice and dirt. It’s still too cold to wash it but I think better days are coming!

The plan is that the people who want the bed are coming after lunch, and then I’m going to run trips to the new house with Nate and Jen. I’m itching to get started and to wait an hour is difficult!!! I need to learn patience – but I want to do it quickly!

I’ll recap yesterday’s beef day. We stopped and got Peyton breakfast on the way, and snapped a picture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I love Pennsylvania! Once we hit Smicksburg, the rolling fields were covered with snow and the vistas were beautiful, as always. Kelly was snapping photos of Amish farms and buggies. We even got into an Amish traffic jam! But it untangled fairly quickly.

Mountains in the distance
Fields
Amish farm
Snow buggy
Amish traffic jam
Stopping to chat

Between Kelly & I we got a bunch of photos. It was so fun all of us working together, and having Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford sitting there on their chairs, observing and once in a while slipping in to help. Jason knew that Nate and Dave had it under control, and pretty much left them handle the whole operation. Peyton was an ‘intern’, watching and learning the entire process, seeing what his steer Fluffy will end up as after the fair. The experience was great for him and once he writes this up for his 4-H project he’ll be set! Between his help and interest in the beef process and helping at Jen’s Ninth Life Rescue for 8 hours on Friday evening, he’s got a lot of community service credits under his belt! And he worked hard and did a great job. What a fine young man my grandson is growing into. Thanks, Peyton!

Contemplating Fluffy’s fate…
Trimming up for ground meat
Learning how it’s done –
Dave & Nate on the saw
There’s a certain way to cut it
Paying close attention …
That’s a lot of beef!!
Second round through the grinder
Cleaning everything with bleach and steamy hot water

Here are beef pictures:

Quarter of a beef, about 200 pounds
Fred Flintstone size steaks!
Cutting a rack of ribs –
Watch your fingers, Peyton!
Lynn, Kathy, and Sarah (with scarf)
Jason watching his crew work
He trained them well!
Greg and Lynn
Jonathan and his sister, Sarah
Olivia (Jonathan’s wife), Autmn, Kelly, Sarah
Kathy’s creative packaging!
Aunt Joan’s groundhog collection
Olivia admiring the huge fern. She’s a plant girl!

January 30 – Tell about the worst winter storm that you can remember as a child. “I don’t remember the year or month but the snow got so deep no cars or trucks could travel the back roads. My dad walked over the hill to Beyer and got enough sugar & tobacco to last until the snow melted enough so the horse could travel with the wooden farm sled. It was slow going but Dad could get flour on it. We had everything else we needed.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Ireland. Sarah and Lynn Pelc, Lisa Carter Siders, and Ed Kelemen have all made at least one trip to Ireland and brought back beautiful pictures and lots of wonderful memories. There is so much to see in this beautiful country, not limited to Haunted castles, Riverdance, water falls, rope bridges, mysterious beaches, Newgrange (Winter Solstice), Guinness storehouse, cemeteries, festivals, Spike Island prison, Dingle peninsula, Ring of Kerry scenic drive, hiking, boat trips, fishing. Yesterday’s photo was Cliffs of Moher. 

Not sure I could cross that bridge….
Blarney stone
Titanic museum
Beautiful cliffs and views
May be an image of sky
Ed’s photo from Dublin
May be an image of one or more people, people standing and outdoors
Ed (on right) at castle ruins
No photo description available.
Sarah Pelc’s photo of County Cork
Glendalough – beautiful scenery

Calendar inspiration is Woodstock.

Quote –

Scripture –

Charlie Brown had a little bit to add today

Vacation destination –

Lots more to see and do in this foreign country than you would probably give it credit for. Not a common vacation destination!

TOMORROW January 31 is:

Bubble Wrap – funny how something so entirely ‘silly’ can be useful and fun at the same time. I never wake up in the morning thinking, ‘Oh, it’s bubble wrap day!’ Choose you joy! God bless…

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Beef Day 2022

Today was the long-anticipated beef day! Kelly, Peyton, Kathy and I headed to Smicksburg about 8:30am. Jonathan & Olivia Pelc and Sarah Pelc arrived (they live in Philly) right after we did; next Greg & Lynn (Scottdale), and then Nate, Dave and Autmn. Jason and Trent brought the first quarter of beef over and we jumped right in. I will post pictures and stories tomorrow. It’s late and I want to get a good night’s sleep. Just made myself the freshest hamburger that could possibly be made! Ground into ground meat at about 5:30pm; at 9pm in a skillet on my stove! Yum! So grateful for the day – not only for freezers full of beef for seven families, but for the friendships and family and fun.

Three shelves full of fresh beef for Nate’s family and for me!

January 29 – What was the dumbest stunt ever pulled by you and a brother or sister? “My sister & my brother & myself decided to play in the barn because it was raining. Hazel & I were to pretend we were groundhogs. When my bother Jim whistled we were to stick our heads up out of the hay & Jim would click his BB Gun and say “I got you.” A BB was stuck in his gun & when he pulled the trigger he hit Hazel on her forehead just above her eye. We never played that game again.” I hope not!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Erie, PA! In the years that we have gone up there – several even before Mom & John married, we have had amazing adventures and shared lots of fun. It’s great for a weekend or even a day trip – but you’d never do all the cool things in a day trip! Picture posted was Ashbury Woods outdoor playground.  Here’s a list:  Fishing charters, Presque Isle State Park – Beach 11!  Bike and skating and walking trail.  Waldameer & Water World, Erie Zoo (Nate loved the white tigers!), Mini golf, Maritime Museum – especially when the Flagship Niagra was in dock.  Scallywags Pirate Adventure, Splash Lagoon, Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Specialty and gift shops, Port Erie Tower, Millcreek Mall and West Erie Plaza (shopping), Children’s Museum, Perry Monument, Trail riding (horses), Downtown Erie, Candlelight Ghost Walks and Vampire Tours, Breweries, Speedway, Library, North Pier Light, Sailing, Art Museum, Arboretum, Firefighters Historical Museum, Hagen History Center & Museum, Library Park, Escape Game, Food tours (chocolate!), Biking.  Every few years there is the Tall Ships Erie event when all the ships come into Erie’s ports (Teresa and Mom & I went one time – It’s worth the weekend!).

Presque Isle Lighthouse
Erie Land Lighthouse
Library Park
(I walked this when I went to the court house to file Mom’s POA!)
Waterfront; public dock – Dobbins Landing
Little Toot excursion boat
Tall ships – Erie
Sunsets

Calendar Inspiration is: Friendships thrive on steady effort and nurturing.  Today, send a note to an old friend just to say hello.  Both of you will benefit.

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

I have three separate good friends who have taken numerous trips here and loved it!
Would you go?

TOMORROW January 30 is:

Well, time to be done for the day – tomorrow is another day! Have a wonderful day – God Bless!

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January 28, 2022

Thursday was very cold but sunny and bright. Even though it was below zero, lots of snow piles and icy patches melted off. I did do the treadmill (still sub-zero outside!), then went to Jeannette store. There was lots to do, and they put me through the paces. Several strange twists and some confusing paperwork. But nothing is always easy so we worked through all the issues. It was a longer morning than I’ve had in a quite a while, and by the time I picked up pretzels and bananas at Walmart it was almost 1:30pm until I got home and could eat lunch.

Sun is setting down on a cold freezing day Stock Photo - Alamy
Stock image – sun on the snow.

I decided to make a cover for the body pillow instead of just putting a throw blanket over it. I also had a piece of material stashed away for years and years, and decided to share my huge cuddle pillow and covered it, too. That way when the boys are playing their video games or someone is just watching TV in the ‘new’ flag room, they will have comfy pillows to snuggle up with. I also put a few white vinyl star stickers on the bed frame. That is, after all, part of the theme of the room!

Big square pillow, and body pillow – with bed pillows in the basket behind it.
pillows
Star stickers
star stickers

The dentist office called me and if I wait until April 1st or later my insurance will kick in, and I’ll save about 60% on my out-of-pocket. So that’s great news! Bad news is the appointment is the day before Good Friday. It will be in the middle of a busy week, but that’s ok. Get ‘er done!

Cartoon dental implant and teeth Royalty Free Vector Image
Implant

Hallmark movies are in the background, and the dehumidifier is humming beside me. I have a little microwave bunny rice bag type comfort on my chair to keep me warm. It gets kind of cold downstairs.

Bonita Bunny

I heard from the vendor where I bought my flooring. They are going to open a claim about a professional cleaning (if that’s an option) or maybe replacing the flooring. I really don’t want to do that. It will be an incredible amount of work clearing out this room! Their representative was very nice. The floor is dry now, with no more water seepage. And regardless of how it looks, it’s clean. One step at a time!!

Residue on floor
Doesn’t look good…

So now it’s Friday. I got up and shoveled the driveway and the walks, but my friend Robin had to rearrange the pickup day again for the bed. Between work and ice and snow and school cancellations, they couldn’t make it. Nate changed moving day to Sunday afternoon – almost everything but the furniture is out, and they don’t have much that they are taking. I’m learning patience, waiting on these guys!

Clean again – for now!

So after breakfast I started laundry and then mixed up the brownies for tomorrow’s Beef Day. Now I plan to make a few rice bags, just in case someone needs extra help staying warm through these chilly days. Right now it’s 30* which is a huge improvement from below zero! Beach Boys Christmas is playing in the background (I never get tired of my Beach Boys, regardless of the season!).

A few for Gen, and a few for others…
Beef day brownies

Peyton’s practice got cancelled so they are on their way – about 5 hours ahead of original schedule. That is perfect because Peyton is going to help Nathan finish up some drywall at the house. Kelly and I will finish up prepping for tomorrow. So I’ll close this for today, and pick up on Saturday night. This post is long enough already, anyway!

January 28 – What did you and your brothers or sisters fight about the most? “Whose turn it was to take the milk and butter to the springhouse. We had no electric so we used the drain in the springhouse to keep our food cold. 3 times a day we had to make 2 trips, over to get the food and then take it back.” Don’t we take a lot for granted?

Springhouse at Grama Crooks – what Mom was talking about!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Amish country – Berlin Ohio. The picture posted was Amish & Mennonite Heritage center. Some things to do in Berlin are Amish Country Theatre, Antique Mall, Trading Post – LOTS of antique shops.  Amish Country Store, Christmas store, Heritage Village Shops, Fudge & Popcorn Company, Fabric Outlet, Quilt Shop, Catalpa Trading Co, Escape Room, Walnut Creek Cheese, Soap shop, Gospel Book Store, Country Craft Cupboard, General Store, Thrift Store, Primitive Porch.  So much to see and do! Sol’s is one of our favorite places, and there is a huge Amish buffet about 8 miles out of town, right before getting back on the interstate, that is perfect for dinner before heading home.

Holmes County Open Air Museum
Beeyond 1817
Country from the Heart
Village gift barn
Sol’s specialty shops
Amish Heartland Tours
Antique Mall – several stores in one place

Calendar inspiration is : Make your home a welcome refuge from the cold – then snuggle in and enjoy!

Quote –

Scripture –

Favorite scripture suggested by SHWF cousin Beth!
Thanks you, Beth, for sharing your heart!

I just found out that Beth is not feeling well – praying for you, Beth. For your comfort and healing and quick recovery. If you need anything let me know – I’ll be praying!

Vacation Destination –

This is very generic! I’m sure you will not be able to figure it out! But we loved being there – in the summer!

TOMORROW January 29 is:

Saturday for us is BEEF DAY! Heading to Smicksburg to cut up, grind, and wrap an entire cow! There will be 15 of us, I think. Many hands make light work! God bless …

Cow Momma (@Cow__Momma) / Twitter
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Happy Birthday, Kelly!

My lovely daughter is celebrating a birthday today! Since the day she was born, she has known her mind, followed her heart, and threw herself wholeheartedly into any project that was worth her time and passion. She loves and follows the Lord in all she does. She gives endlessly, to the point of sacrifice and exhaustion, and asks for little in return. Well, she’d really like to have a HOUSE~!!!~~~ Happy birthday, sweet daughter! Love you and am so proud of you!

At Thanksgiving
Young love
Fashionista
My firstborn newborn
Daddy and daughter
Bed is just a bit too small
Just an afternoon ride – where to, Ma’am?
Grandad Cliff drying her hair
Trick or Treat – guess who?
Beach beauty
Christmas with Nate and his puppy
First day of school with Mom
Kelly and ‘baby sister’ -all worn out
Choosing a major – Messiah College here we come
Colorguard co-captain
Looking for eggs
Mommy with Peyton, Logan and Chase
The whole family

January 27 – Did you ever have an imaginary friend? “Yes. I had a friend I called Elmer. It was long before Elmer Fudd became famous.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Lake Tahoe. Picture posted was the M.S. Dixie II paddling its way past all the big attractions like Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, and Vikingsholm Castle. Other things to do at Lake Tahoe – Parasailing, cross country skiing, Watch the Salmon spawn at Taylor Creek, Ski through Sierra at Tahoe’s old forest, History on Emerald Bay, Heavenly Ridge Rider mountain coaster, Autumn in Hope Valley, Wild flower walkabout, snowmobile, paddleboard yoga, golf, hiking, beaches and boating, fishing, hot air balloon rides, Mt. Tallac.

Mr. Toad’s mountain bike wild ride
Highest lighthouse in North America
Hike to Eagle Falls
Sunset from Cave Rocks

Calendar inspiration – You are always in the driver’s seat regarding your daily actions and reactions.  With kindness as a goal, your path will be well lit. 

Quote –

Scripture –

Favorite scripture submitted by Aunt Cordelia! aka Kath

Vacation Destination –

Could be anywhere – but WHERE?

Tomorrow January 28 is:

I don’t work tomorrow – except to help Nate & Jen move. Ladybug day sound fun! Maybe that! I don’t have a Kazoo. I’ll just go with the flow. And again, a wonderful, blessed, healthy, happy, precious year ahead for my Kelly! God bless!

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January 26, 2022

I could not fall asleep last night. It was like every crazy question I ever had about life kept running through my head. It was close to 2am the last time I looked at the clock (I know, Deb – I shouldn’t be looking at the clock!). Needless to say I wasn’t a fan of getting up this morning. But it’s a little after 9am and the plumbers are already working on the pipe, so good thing I got up early.

I dived into cleaning once the project was done. Everything is all fixed. We left the water turned off to the outside spigot until spring. I was halfway through cleaning and ready to grab lunch when Jen called that they were going to take a few loads from the trailer to the house. So I bundled up and went over – stuffed all 3 vehicles as full as we safely could and drove them to the house. Then came home and finished cleaning. But the two rooms are coming along at the house – First three photos are the progression of the room for the cats, and the other one is the beginning of framing out a space for Sherree. It’s coming along!

Empty and ready to start
framed out
Almost done (cats)

Framing out Sherree’s room

January 26 – Did you ever see a President or Vice-President in person? “NO” Then she drew a frowny face!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Florence Italy! I was never there, but friends Bill Smail & Rick Kozar were there once and brought me back a Snoopy in a gondola.

Things to do in Florence and surrounding areas could be: Wine tasting and vineyards, art and history museums, landscapes, hiking, wine and cheese tours, city walking tours, Hidden secret tours, renaissance tours, horseback riding through wine country, monuments, day trips to Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli,  day trip to Venice, biking, hot air balloon over Tuscany, shopping and fashion. Cabaret shows, river cruise.

Tuscany – reminds me of ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’!
Cinque Terre
hiking and beautiful views
Famous for city markets

Calendar inspiration for today is: The world offers many highs and lows –But Home is where we can even out after a hectic day. 

Home sweet home…

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

Got the inspiration for this destination by watching a movie last night. Would you like to go there?

TOMORROW January 27 is:

Not much inspiration there! Create your own special day! And have fun while you’re at it! God bless…

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January 25, 2022

I didn’t need the treadmill this morning because I spent over an hour cleaning the driveway. The snow was frozen and heavy, and I had trouble getting it up in some places. It was all melted off by the time I got home, which is good since we will be living in the Tundra for the next few days! It’s still clear as I type.

The mattresses were here when I got home from the dentist. (Implant is scheduled for March 29th – first available appointment!) I was very concerned when I first saw them, because they were rolled up in a box.

Magic mattresses

By the time I opened them up, it was like an inflatable raft (although no inflation was involved in the unleashing of the mattresses!). It took me a very long time to put the beds together, putting the extra foam toppers on, the mattress covers (one zipped and one hooked – they are ones I had), putting sheets and blankets on. I stuck the pillows in a wicker basket, and stuck the new body pillow I bought beside them.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Pillows-1-22.jpg
Body pillow and bed pillows

Then I put the quilt on, and the shams, and extra blankets. I can’t do anything else in the room until Friday when the double bed’s mattress and box springs get picked up. Then I’ll arrange the extra furniture and see how it all fits together. Different views of the bed(s).

I made a big salad for lunch, but it was about 2:30pm when I ate. After I post this I will be done for the day. The plumber is supposed to come first thing in the morning so I need to be ready. No lazing around in bed reading!

Cute girl reading a bedtime story in bed Vector Image
Reading in bed

January 25th – At what age did you first vote and for whom did you cast your first Presidential vote? “I voted for the first time in 1952 when I was 22 years old. I have voted every presidential election since, as far as I can remember. I voted for Dwight D Eisenhower. He was a good President and had a second term.”

Calendar inspiration is that Winter is a wonderful time to dream about your future plans.  Then work hard to turn those dreams into reality.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Orlando, Florida. And the ironic thing is that today is National Florida Day! I didn’t know that until after I had picked the destination, saved some info, and then looked at the ‘National Day’ site! A few other things to do in/around Orlando: Museum of Military History, Sea Life Orlando, Universal Studios, Beaches, Horse Farm, Pirate Cruise, Crayola Experience, Seaworld/Gaterland, Walt Disneyworld, Discovery Cove, Sky trail, Zoo and Gardens, Helicopter tours (day and night) and much more!  Just enjoy!

Everglade Adventure
Hiking and exploring
Beaches
Hot air balloon rides
Kennedy Space Center
Nightglow paddleboard or Kayak adventures

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

I have a Snoopy souvenir from here – but I’ve never been here!

TOMORROW January 26 is:

I didn’t know Libraries could take selfies… Tomorrow for me is (of course) CLEANING – and getting the pipe replaced. The floors are much dryer already, although it will be a while before it’s completely dry. Then I have to figure out what to do about the floors. I hope they can be cleaned and I don’t have to replace the flooring! One thing at a time – I’m SO thankful for where I am NOW!!! God bless…

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January 24, 2022

I started my day at 7am, cleaning and salting the driveway. The specific instructions from the auto txt from the plumbing company was to make sure driveways and sidewalks were clear of snow and ice, and salted. So I did that. Hoping we don’t get any more snow tonight but it looks like a possibility. *** Well, just looked out the door…

Can you see it snowing?

The plumber came a little after 9am. He wasn’t even here 5 minutes and he discovered the problem. I was prepared to have my front yard dug up, the driveway ripped apart, the basement floor torn open…. Turns out that it was a leaking pipe – leaking pretty hard – and running down the cement block wall. You couldn’t see it because of the dropped ceiling and the paneling and drywall. He removed a few ceiling tiles and found a mess. He shut the water off to that pipe (outside spigot) and is coming Wednesday to put in new pipes, etc. It should take about a week for the floor to dry out if I run the dehumidifier constantly. So that’s the plan!

You can see the wet insulation….
And the wet wood.

I was expecting tens of thousands of dollars in repair. Turns out it will we less than $300 unless he runs into another issue. I am in shock! I was prepared for and expecting the worst, but God had better things in mind for me! As Nathan said, that is an example of answered prayer if I ever heard one! Blessings abound!

See the source image

Two problems at work got cleared up this morning, plus two friends that were sick are on the mend. So today is full of sunshine despite the snow! I am one thankful ‘puppy’! And that’s the bottom line for today.

See the source image

January 24 – Who was the President when you were born? “Herbert Clark Hoover was the 31st president. He was president from 1929 to 1933.” Herbert Hoover was blamed for the Great Depression, because the stock market fell right after he took office.

Calendar inspiration – Savor the little things that make you feel cozy.

That would be my house – possibly a BIG thing!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Ecuador and the picture posted was Bartolome Island. Other places to do and things to see are Snorkeling, beaches, hiking, mountain climbing, history, farms, sunsets, museums, parks. I have never even remotely considered going to Ecuador but it looks beautiful.

Snorkeling under an iceberg
Quilotoa
Santo Domingo Church
Santa Anna Hill

Laguna Cuicocha- wild flowers, photography

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

Beautiful skyline. If you were there, where would you be?

TOMORROW January 25 is:

This is very ironic – I’ll tell you why tomorrow unless you already know. As for vacations, Kath and I are hoping to spend some time together this evening sketching out some plans! So we’re a day early. And one month ago today was Christmas Eve! I was at Kathy’s then, too! Have a happy Tuesday. God bless…

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January 23, 2022

Another cold night, but no snow yet. It’s only noon – so I’ll update this later. JJ & Max were back in Sunday School, and they looked so dapper in their blue corduroy pants and red sweaters! Like college prep! We were making a treasure box, and we put a little cologne on a cotton ball. Max was amazed and said “Thank you SO MUCH! I have always wanted perfume. I love it!” JJ liked the rock…

JJ & Max

Later in the day yesterday my daybed WAS delivered. I intended to slide it inside the house from the front porch. I couldn’t get it up over the threshold. So I imposed on my cousin Paul – and he and Nicholas (8) came up and helped get it inside. He also took the other bed apart, which is now in my living room (ended up moving it to the garage)! Then he put the new day/trundle bed together, at least the pasts that needed a screwdriver (I’m not good at that – remember???). I put the slats in, the braces on, and the safety tabs. I ordered the mattresses because it’s sad to say that local stores charge high delivery fees, but Wayfair and Amazon, etc, deliver free if over a certain amount. So the mattresses were on sale, plus no delivery fee, and come right to my door! What more could I want? They will be here Tuesday – how can you even beat that….

Bed slats in living room
Bed frame
Mattress and box springs in bedroom
Huge, heavy heavy box – with my shadow!
All put together – Thanks Paul and Nicholas!

After church I changed into multi-layered clothing and met Teresa and her friend Janice – Teresa drove and we went to the Ice Fest in Ligonier. It was cold, but we all stayed warm enough. We walked around looking at the sculptures, then took time to go in a few stores. My favorite is always the vintage or antique stores. We grabbed a hot drink along the way just to keep warm. Saw a few people I knew there, too, which is always fun. Here are some of my favorite sculptures:

My favorite – Liberty Bell
Star
Horses and coach
Spigot with running water – very cool! (no pun intended)
Snowflake – another favorite
Deer
Puppy
Praying hands

And pictures of us and around town.

Bench and snowy bush
Snowy bushes
Oh — just coming out of my seasonal residence (if ever only!!!)
Crazy alligator in antique shop – $98 worth!!!
Greeter puppy
Snowing – a little before 3pm!
Teresa, Me and Janice
Teresa and Janice at the Gazebo – snowing!
It was a beautiful snow.

Also found a ‘Smile’ Rock by a lamppost at the gazebo. I posted pics on their facebook page and will re-hide it next time I’m somewhere different! This is the second pass-along rock that I’ve found and I think it’s fun!

Smile rock
Instructions – I’ll re-hide

January 23 – Tell about the naughtiest thing you ever did. If you got caught, describe the consequences. “Hazel & I were painting the big kitchen. Uncle Edd kept telling us we were doing it wrong (we probably were). I was up on the step ladder and when he came close & pointed and said I had missed a spot I reached over & painted his bald head. I don’t remember what punishment I got but I was very ashamed I had done such a thing!” I think I posted this last summer, but it’s worth repeating! It IS funny!

Calendar inspiration is from Snoopy:

Fits in well with my LOVE day theme

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Montana – specifically vacation ranches. The picture posted was an all-inclusive vacation ranch. Some of the offerings they may provide are Historic sites and battlefields, Indian Country, Ghost towns, dinosaur museums, Lewis & Clark Trail.  Ranches offer golf, photo safari, hospitality, beauty, scenic views, dog sledding, snow biking, spas, skiing, yoga, hatchet throwing, pool, fishing, archery, white water rafting, scenic river float, cattle drives, snowmobiling, backpacking.  And more!

Glacier National Park
Offered from Black Diamond Christian guest ranch
Flathead Lake
Ghost Town
Amazing campgrounds
Small towns – shopping and exploring

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

Very unique – someplace I’ve never been and probably would never have thought of going!!!
How about you?

TOMORROW January 24 is:

I have never actually appreciated a beer can. Sorry. I think all of us can pay a compliment. Have a good week and stay safe and warm! God bless…

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January 22, 2022

It was very cold here last night – and I’m excited that it’s up to 23* here already just after 2pm. I was snug and warm last night, and no issues that are obvious. I may, however, step out of my norm for the morning and have a second cup of tea! I’d really like to clean off the steps and the walkway down to the shed, but it’s ice and snow- covered and don’t want to risk it.

Second cup – one of my favorite mugs

Just got a notice that my daybed has shipped. Estimated delivery is today, but with the weather there is a ‘delay possible’ contingency on the notice. I can’t get it in the house by myself anyway so I’ll see what happens next!

Since yesterday’s post was all about Autmn Rose (thanks to all who sent birthday wishes and greetings – it was a total blessing for both of us!), I’ll recap yesterday. My sister called it my LOVE day! I (of course!) stopped at L&L Fleatique late morning, and found another snowflake. I’ve got to quit doing this. It was less than $2, so it’s not the money aspect. I’m running out of cute spaces! But I do love my snowflakes!

It was the smaller wooden block. You can see the ‘bell’ with the snowflake, and the mug, and the small section of the trivet. That, however, is not all of them…

Every morning at exactly 7:30am Diane sends a music video, and each week is a different theme. This week is FRIENDS and she has been a friend since the first day of 10th grade in homeroom. Yesterday’s song was ‘You can’t Make Old Friends’ by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. What a profound truth! (Listen to the video/song – they had a chemistry!) Copy & Paste:

High school classmates Carol, Kendra, Diane, and me

I stopped at Kath’s to drop something off to her, and of course we share a strong sister-love all the time. I am blessed!

Me and Kathy
(aka Cordelia)

I was coming out of Dollar Tree and saw an old friend from about 25 years ago. He was happy to see me, and told me how he didn’t understand ‘God’ and ‘church’ all those years ago when I tried to share with him – but he understands better now, and considers me an important mentor. Not often someone shares that with you. Then Autmn and I got into a txt session, in which she told me several, several times ‘I love you, Mimi!!!’. Warms my heart, because I love that ‘little’ girl!

Autmn

I was on my way home when my friend Bear (Barry) called me – he’s the friend who had a heart attack last week. He’s home and doing well; no pain, but on restrictions until next checkup. When we hung up, he, too, said “Love you, Marge!” Old friends are dear friends.

Bear and I – when he starred in OKLAHOMA

I was barely home when Kelly called me, and shortly afterwards Nate called me. We always end our conversations with them saying, “I love you, Mom!” And later in the evening my friend Gen from New York called to tell me a story about sharing. I had given her a ‘comfort’ gift a few years ago, and she shared it with an elderly church friend. She called to thank me both for that long-ago gift and for the privilege of comforting another. We ended our conversation with ‘love you’ as well. So I felt refreshed, blessed, and a deep thankfulness for all of these people in my life who didn’t hesitate to validate my place in their lives! God is good, all the time!

Kelly, Autmn, Nate
My beautiful (inside & out!) friend Gen

To finish off the evening, I had a potato and watched the Hallmark movie North to Home. It was exceptionally good, and unique in view of traditional Hallmark movies. Surprises, humor, drama; great cast and story line. So glad I watched it. I’ve been skimming a lot of the movies as they usually stick to a given, predictable pattern. I believe this was is worth the watch, maybe even worth buying the DVD!

Stars Kimberly Sustad (second from left) and I’m a huge fan!

Not sure what the rest of my day will be – depends on if the bed arrives!

January 22 – When you needed punishment as a child, which parent corrected you, and how? “My father spanked us with his big hand. My mother used a little ‘switch’ – we sometimes had to get it from a bush for her to use it on our ‘back side’.”

Calendar inspiration – A journey without a map or destination can be difficult.  Keep your goals fixed in your mind.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Israel – the picture posted was the Sea of Galilee. No need to go into too much detail about what is interesting there to see and do! Start with the ‘In the Footsteps of Jesus’ tour, and the Biblical tour. Then there is Sunset camel safari, Caesarea, Jordan, Tel Aviv, Jericho, Holy Sepulcher, and the Ramon Crater. And much, much more! Just to be there!

Israel museum
Jerusalem and Bethlehem
Masada and the Dead Sea
Tower of David and Old City Jerusalem
Glass bottom boat tours

Quote –

This quote was actually in a book I’m reading.

Scripture –

You are beautiful! Don’t compare yourself to anyone else!

Vacation Destination –

One of many – what, and where, is it?

TOMORROW January 23 is:

I have horrid handwriting so I won’t celebrate THAT. And next Saturday (Beef day) Kath is bringing pie – so I’ll wait. But today, in honor of yesterday, I want to let everyone know who reads this – occasionally or faithfully! – how much you all mean to me, and how blessed I am that each of you are in my life! God bless…

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Happy birthday, Autmn Rose!

Today is dedicated to Miss Autmn! That girl has a piece of my heart, and I carry her around in mine all the time! I have been so blessed to be there from the minute she was born (3:58pm), and share in all the steps of her life. She has often fought against the odds to move forward, and has had disappointments (as we all have!), and both great exciting times and hard and sad times. One thing is for certain: She has a family that loves her – and even as she steps closer to adulthood and independence, we will always be there to celebrate life with her! Love you, Autmn Rose!

Newborn
First Christmas
First birthday
Sisters
Snoopy fan
Helping at Hanna’s Town
At Dan Rice days
Deviled eggs
2nd Annual Crocus Tea
Crocus Tea 2014
May be an image of one or more people, people standing, balloon, indoor and text that says '16 16 PENGUINS HOCKEY ILTER LIER 16'
Sweet 16
Senior picture – Hanna’s Town
She did it!
Grad party – with Aunt ‘Cordelia’ and me!
My birthday present from Autmn – the Beach Boys in concert!
Renaissance Festival
Autmn & I at Camp Christian

Happy, happy birthday, Autmn! I’m here to say that you will always be a shining star in my heavens – and that I love you always!

Roses for Autmn Rose!

January 21 – Relate an experience or memory of a cousin. “Hazel crooks, daughter of Uncle Charlie, was very special to us kids. She was several years older than me. When I married your dad & moved from the country to a more city type setting she helped me adjust to all the new things. We nick-named her ‘which’ Hazel because of my sister having the same name. She became by best friend and second mother.”

Calendar inspiration – Playfulness is an attitude, not an activity.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was a Cruise Ship! The picture posted was the inside main stairways to the decks. Cruise ships offer destinations all over the world.  There are holiday cruises, celebrity cruises (such as the Beach Boys one in March!), topical, island, European,  – and dozens of cruise lines.  Everything you could possibly want to do on a vacation is available on a cruise ship.  My mom’s cousin just spent 10 days on a cruise for her birthday with her kids.  Just remember this little tip from Rick Steves – travelers usually gain a pound a day on a cruise – at LEAST!  So stay active!

Caribbean
Hawaii
Alaska
Disney

Quote –

Scripture –

See the source image
Scripture choice submitted by my sister!
Kathy aka Cordelia (long story)

Vacation Destination –

Peaceful, quiet setting – but not always!
Where is it?

TOMORROW January  22 is:

I don’t think I would have waited 21 days to toss my fruitcake. I was never a fan… But Happy Birthday sweet Autmn! Snoopy is celebrating with you! Place of honor!

Snoopy birthday on top – note the date (21st) has a birthday block!
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