I did something this morning I don’t think I’ve ever done before – simply because I am very strict with myself. I got up to a light coating of snow on the driveway. Normally I would have bundled up early and cleared it. I looked at the crazy cold temps and said, “naaaa.” I did my treadmill, got ready for work, and just slowly crept up the driveway. No problem. It was mostly cleared off from the sun by the time I got home, but still a few snowy spots. Hoping it warms up enough to melt the rest. It was just very cold. I don’t have to go out again until Thursday morning. Nate sent me this picture this morning, and I think this summer when Kelly is here for a few days I may try to duplicate this. It would be perfect for me!

After work and a bowl of soup I met Nate at the house and started in doing some cleaning again. They have a lot moved and a lot cleaned. Today I did the small furniture pieces that were already there, scrubbed the washer and dryer, and wiped down the walls and door in the laundry room. Jen should be all set to start putting things away. Nate and Dave painted Chrissy’s room and it’s very pretty. All that’s left to paint is the baseboards and the door/window trim. She’s very excited!

My niece Sarah shared her son’s journey – He was born with a left clubbed foot, and has had casts since he was two weeks old! Today he had surgery to start the correction process. The surgery went well and the doctor was pleased. The staff at Children’s Hospital were loving and efficient and supportive. It will be a long journey but with the incredible staff taking care of Wyatt he is in excellent hands – and God is so good! Please pray for Wyatt as he continues this journey – and for Sarah and the entire family who loves and takes care of him!

January 11th – Tell of any other nicknames in your family. “My dad’s nickname was Piney. One of his young friends named him that nickname. My dad called my mother Beckey. He liked that name!”

Inspiration calendar –  Fine solitude; some precious quiet time to soothe your spirit and calm your emotions.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Switzerland! Someplace I’ve ALWAYS wanted to go. The Alps, the vistas, the castles. The picture I posted was Lake Geneva. Other places of interest are Lake Como tour/Lucerne, Swiss Village day trip, Swiss Grand Canyon, Chocolate & Cheese factories, Rhine Falls, Lunch with Heidi (haha), – I’d GO THERE to have lunch with Heidi, the Grandfather, and Clara! Zurich, Albula Railway, Matterhorn, Jungfraujock (Top of Europe), Interlaken. The whole country is amazingly beautiful!

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

TOMORROW January 12th is:

• National Curried Chicken Day
• National Kiss A Ginger Day
• National Marzipan Day
• National Pharmacist Day

Tomorrow, for me, is cleaning day. I have to really keep after the basement floor. It’s quite the challenge. Stay warm and have a happy day! God bless…

Still cold enough to stick with the treadmill this morning. The sunrise was beautiful. See the little burst of red from the horizon up into the sky? Calming way to start the day.

I had planned on helping Jen and her friend Carol pack up stuff at the trailer after work, but Jen is a spitfire, and by the time I was done working and got home, the two of them had everything that they could possibly pack already taped shut in boxes, loaded into vehicles, and stored at the garage of their new house. So I’m waiting to hear what the next step is. Nate and Dave were going to pick up another bed somewhere. In the meantime, I’m thinking that with Jen being so aggressive, there are probably cats taped up inside boxes stacked in the garage. Seeing that cats love boxes they will probably be just fine. Now if Piggy got taped into a box – not so much. But I doubt Piggy would FIT in a box!

Laundry load is in the dryer. Dishwasher is unloaded. Lunch is finished and cleaned up. I have an email to write and then I’ll get back to my Piney’s Rest fall story. I’ll iron once the load is finished. Then we’ll see what’s next.

January 10th – Tell a family nickname that you had. How did you get it? “Everyone called me Dot except my Dad and he called me DeeDee.” My dad called me Finnigan when I was very small and Mom made him stop. She said it was a horrid nickname for a little girl! Thanks, Mom – I agree!

Inspiration from calendar page – If you can’t be there in person, ‘visit’ someone with a cheerful call, note, email or txt. I love sending notes and cards.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was, indeed, Alaska. Kathy guessed correctly. Alaska is a huge state and there’s lots to do there. It is a beautiful place. Other points of interest are Tracy Arm Fjord (Glacier Bay Natl Park);  Native Heritage Center, Iditarod Trail, and Seward (Prestine landscapes, Alaskan railway).

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

TOMORROW January 11 is:

• National Arkansas Day
• National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
• National Milk Day
• National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day
• Shop for Travel Day

Not traveling for a while yet, and when I do it won’t be to Arkansas. I’m sure there are lovely places to visit there but I have other places at the top of my travel list. Have a tolerable Tuesday! God bless…

Rain, rain, rain. Ugh. But at least you don’t have to shovel rain! As long as it doesn’t freeze we should be fine! I’m waiting on Chris to call me about getting paint for her room. They are not early to rise and shine at that household!

Our Sunday school lesson for this morning was the raising of Lazarus. The boys (JJ & Max) were fascinated by the lesson – about Jesus loving that family, crying with the sisters for their brother’s death, and Lazarus walking out of the tomb. They made Lazarus with white yarn, then they took the extra yarn and wrapped Mary and I! Then they wrapped the snakes. They even helped clean up the crumbs after snack time. But they did really connect with the lesson.

I wanted to post the review for Elizabeth Bromke’s newest release, The Abbey House. It was a great story, and a perfect wrap-up to the Heirloom Island series. Now — waiting on the next series!

The Abbey House is the perfect ending to the three-book saga of three sisters, who are totally different yet totally committed to each other.  Elizabeth Bromke uses the differences as strengths to create a foundation for these sisters to have a future of their own, yet together.  She does an amazing job of bringing out the individual personalities and using these to unite them. Each sister follows her heart to what will fulfill her as a person, in their career, and as a solid support system for each other. There are several surprises and unique circumstances that make the book almost impossible to put down. Everyone needs an Abbey House, a place to go to find themselves, to find answers, and to escape – just for a minute – the uncertainties and fears they face. And ultimately, in the end, realize that they could embrace who they each were and move forward to overcome these uncertainties.  The best line in the book sums it up:  they could appreciate that families were typically a messy, broken bunch of people just trying to make it through life together.  A truth, and a comfort.

My cousin Mark told me after church this morning that he traced the Steiner family back to the 1500’s. In the 1500’s, to Germany. In the 1600’s, Switzerland! My favorite country (other than Home Sweet America). How cool is that? He still needs to verify some facts, but that’s amazing.

Memory book January 9th – What was your father’s date and place of birth? Dad was born in a house just east of Byer, PA, and just west of Plumville, PA. They called the area Walppsburg. It was August 30, 1892.” I remember Mom pointing out the house, or at least the location.

Calendar inspiration today comes from Peanuts:

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Paris and surrounding countryside. The posted photo was Normandy. Just a few of the other points of interest are the Eiffel Tower, Seine River cruises (day and nighttime), Louvre, Versailles Palace, Mont Saint Michel, Loire Valley castles & Chateaus. Countless more!

Quote –

Vacation Destination –

TOMORROW January 10th is:

• National Bittersweet Chocolate Day
• National Cut Your Energy Costs Day
• National Oysters Rockefeller Day
• National Save The Eagles Day
• National Clean Off Your Desk Day

I do like Bittersweet Chocolate! Hope your week is safe and warm and happy! God bless…

It was 9* this morning, so treadmill for sure. I didn’t even want to stick my head out the door. I had warm scones and hot tea for breakfast, did the ironing, and balanced the checkbook. Nate called me at about 11am and said they were going over to the house to shovel and clean, so I met them there at 1:30pm, complete with cleaning supplies, rags, and my snow boots!

Jen had other obligations for an hour or so, but Chrissy and her friend Hope helped clean – looks like they are really working hard, doesn’t it? But they did – they scrubbed every bit of both bathrooms. Chrissy is super excited, and Nate can’t wait to move in next weekend. Here are some photos I took.

Since they ordered pizza, I didn’t have to cook when I got home, so I had a hot tea now I’m ready to post this.

Memory book for January 8th – What was your mother’s date and place of birth? “Mom was born in a house that was on what is Route 85 now. It was between Numine & Byer. It was December 16th, 1898.”

Calendar inspiration is problem solving – anticipate a problem to minimize impact; plan and prepare. Problem is practically solved!

Karen Ober guessed the vacation destination correctly – Creation Museum! Other points of interest in the area are – of course – The Ark Encounter; also Hillforest historic home; Dinsmore historic homestead; USS Sachem Ruins (land-locked abandoned ship); Lesko Lake and bike path. You could easily fill up a long weekend with so many things to do and see!

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

TOMORROW January 9th is:

• National Apricot Day
• National Balloon Ascension Day
• National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
• National Static Electricity Day
• National Sunday Supper Day 

I will probably take Chrissy tomorrow for paint – she wants to have a forest green bedroom. Looks like my day will be busy again! Love my little family! God bless…

The deed is done: THEY DID IT! After years of wishing and hoping and months of looking, Nate, Jen and Chrissy are the proud owners of a new house! I’m so proud of them, and happy for them, as they embark on this new journey! Lots of room, inside and out. And not too far from me, either, compared to what they started out looking at. I am excited to help them move (hopefully next weekend) and get settled. Nate will be closer to work, Jen can bring her work home, and Chrissy will stay in Hempfield school. Congrats to my little family!

It’s hard to come back down to earth after that – they just txt me about 10 minutes before I typed that. But we woke up this morning to several inches of snow, which I ignored for a few hours before going out to tackle the driveway. It was very cold, but the snow was not heavy. It took a little over an hour and a half to clean the driveway, the decks, and the walkways. During that time, I had two people stop for title work! I may be retired but I don’t always direct my own agenda!

After a shower and a salad, I popped over (cautiously) to Walmart and got potatoes so I could make cream of potato soup (Gen’s recipe). It seemed like the perfect thing for a cold, snowy day. I did laundry and will hopefully get the ironing done after this.

Memory book January 7th – another sparse entry: What was your father’s full name? “Jess Merle Crooks” Grandad Crooks to me! I looked up public records online, and it says ‘Erma Edith Crooks’ and ‘Jess Mearl Crooks’ – More research to see which is correct!

Inspiration from the calendar is that Mid-winter is a tough time, so brighten the journey. Share good cheer and a warm smile!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was… Dallas TX – the George W Bush Presidential Library and Museum. There are lots of things to do in Dallas, such as the Guided Chocolate tour, the Southfork Ranch and TV tour, JFK History tour, and the Dallas Cowboys Stadium Tour. Nearby is Rock State Natural Area, and Fort Worth (full of history!) is only a short drive.

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

TOMORROW January 8th is:

• National Argyle Day
• National Bubble Bath Day
• National English Toffee Day
• National JoyGerm Day
• National Winter Skin Relief Day 
• National Vision Board Day

Today is my friends April & Quincy’s wedding anniversary. Wishing you many more happy years together. Love you!

Treadmill again – it’s still very cold and windy. But the sunrise was beautiful, if not ominous, predicting the predicted snow! Nate stopped just as I was getting organized for work. Apparently the Snoopy Calendar people are sending out bonus Snoopys. We got a birthday one and an Easter one. That wasn’t part of the original arrangement so I was excited. Those little guys are so cute!

I did some title work for Mike G and was at work 3 times. But it’s all good now. He said his dad is getting therapy for his back and walked 13 steps by himself yesterday. The first since October, so they are very excited. Still praying for full mobility!

When I got home from work I couldn’t get warm. I changed into a heavy sweatshirt, then put on a sweater over top! Socks and slippers! I am comfy now, sitting here typing with a blanket over my legs. I put the floor protector mat back down, because even though it doesn’t stop the water from seeping in, it keeps my feet from getting wet! I think I’ll do a little research on my story since the house is clean, laundry isn’t until tomorrow, and the weather is to get dicey!

Today’s inspiration calendar is ‘your own imagination and creativity make the best fun!’

Not much on the memory pages today and tomorrow – January 6th: What was your mother’s full name? “Edith Erma Eakman” I knew her as ‘Erma’, aka Grama Crooks!

Had a guess again about the location of the Light House. It’s Peggy’s Cove (Nova Scotia), one of the most iconic and photographed Lighthouses. Google the 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Nova Scotia and see the beautiful photos and options, including the Bay of Fundy (world’s highest tides and unique rock formations), 26 hiking trails (including Cape Breton Highlands National Park), cycling paths, 150 lighthouses, historic Fortress of Louisbourg, and whale watching – 12 species. Many historic and natural sites!

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

TOMORROW January 7th is:

• National Bobblehead Day
• National Tempura Day

I will probably stay put tomorrow if we get the 3-6 inches of snow they are calling for. A good day to do laundry and write! And read! Have a happy day. God bless…

Treadmill, then baked the scones before my appointment. Bone density scan, and I already know my numbers are down. The doctor’s office will call next week and tell me what that means to me.

In the meantime, after I got home I began cleaning – but not my normal routine. I started by scrubbing the basement floor on my hands and knees. I took a before and after picture of one section. It made a big difference, but it’s not perfect. I just have to keep after it. Just finished everything but the dryer load of towels, which will take another half hour. Then supper.

Today’s inspiration calendar: Beauty is all around us. Let it inspire you every day.

January 5 – Name your brothers and sisters and their years of birth. “James Simon Monroe Crooks – July 22, 1926. Hazel Leone Crooks (Cornman) – March 22, 1928. Joan Ethel Crooks (Gaston Griffith) – May 19, 1938.” My uncle and aunts!

I did have a guess for yesterday’s vacation destination, which suggested Ripley’s in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge TN. Although that was a logical choice, the destination was actually Branson Missouri! The picture was the Wonder Works house (upside down house). Other attractions there are Silver Dollar City retro amusement park, the Titanic museum, the scenic railway, and the wax museum. There is a Sight & Sound Theatre in Branson as well. Really sounds like a city that would be worth the trip. Lots to see and do.

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

TOMORROW January 6 is:

• National Bean Day
• National Cuddle Up Day
• National Shortbread Day
• National Technology Day 

What fun thing will you celebrate tomorrow? A new beginning? Or the next step. God bless…

Treadmill again as it was cold. I did go to work in Jeannette, but it was a light morning. I stopped at Kath’s on the way home to drop off a Boy’s Town calendar, and we solved a lot of the world’s problems! Now if the world would just listen to us…

Got a txt early this morning that we were meeting at the church to take the Christmas decorations down and pack them away. We all met there at 1pm – there were seven of us. Many hands make light work! I’m glad Dianne was there to direct the packing. Everything had a place in a specific box or tote. We were there just about two hours, but when we left everything was tucked away in the storage rooms until next year. It was nice to work together and chat as we worked.

After ignoring most of my chores yesterday in favor of reading the Abbey House, today I was able to mix up a batch of scones for baking in the morning, and to get the ironing done. I will get some dinner in a bit, and that’s about all of the chores I have for tonight.

Today’s inspiration for the calendar: As you move forward, blaze a helpful trail for others to follow!

January 4 – If you have a childhood picture for me, put in in this space. “At Marshalls house – Dot Crooks, Dorothy Marshall, Hazel Crooks, Louise Marshall.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Washington Park in Denver Colorado. A few other worthy sights are the Denver Zoo, 85 miles of biking trails, and the mile high hiking trail.  The Botanical Gardens offers native plants and also plants from around the world. It’s 24 acres is one of the most visited and well-loved botanical gardens in the U.S. Gen, have you visited all of these places?

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

TOMORROW January 5 is:

• National Bird Day
• National Keto Day
• National Screenwriters Day
• National Whipped Cream Day

Wednesday is a medical checkup day for me in the morning, then probably cleaning in the afternoon. Maybe I’ll even do some research for a writing project I’m thinking about! God bless…

Too cold to be outside this morning – so treadmill it was. I took the Christmas decorations down and packed them away at Pinnacle, so another year is past. Updated some of the files and folders at the Greensburg store – ready for another year to begin.

Todays motivation (from the calendar page) is that today is an opportunity to shine and be my best self. I’m working on it. Does laundry count? Does POSTING THIS count???

Even thought Christmas decorations are packed away for another 11 or so months, I still have a few lights. This one is brightening up the kitchen. I am going to mix up a batch of scones later. For now I am listening to a Hallmark movie – an older one from years ago. As much as this new season of Christmas movies did not appeal to me, I do miss having them on in the background. Mostly it will be back to the radio and CD’s.

I stopped on the way home and renewed my library membership, which had expired a while ago. There are so many programs and options now – I’m excited to make better use of their facilities. First thing is to register online for my account – so I can borrow ebooks. And yesterday I got the newest ARC (advanced reader copy) for Elizabeth Bromke’s newest book – The Abbey House. It’s the last (3rd) book in the Heirloom Island series, the one after the Manger House. I’m about 40% through it at this point. As usual, I love it, and it’s hard to put down. Who knows what chores (if any) I’ll get done til I finish the book!

January 3rd – Do you know any other circumstances of your birth (who was present, who delivered, etc)? “My grandmother Crooks, who lived with us, helped Dr. Clark Smith in the delivery. The rest of the family were there in the house. Uncle Edd, brother Jim (4 years) & sister Hazel (20 months). Dad was there also. They said there was a bad thunderstorm when I was born.” It’s strange to think about babies being born at home. Very few consider that option now.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Bali, which is in Indonesia. Three best things to see there are the sunsets, island tours (waterfalls and lagoons), and Monkey Forrest. Bali offers lots of sports activities, like hiking and snorkeling. Weather is usually in the 70’s or 80’s – with a pronounced rainy season. Beautiful scenery! If you go, send pictures!

Quote –

Scripture –

Vacation Destination –

TOMORROW January 4th is:

• National Missouri Day
• National Spaghetti Day
• National Trivia Day

Go to Missouri and have spaghetti – then play trivia. You’ve covered all the bases. Have a terrific Tuesday! God bless…

I was so thankful that the rain stopped. The temperature did drop and it was windy, but at least no rain for now. It was so nice to wake up in fresh sheets, to a clean house, and an organized garage.

Mary and I stopped after Sunday School and had breakfast together. It was nice to just sit – the two of us – and talk for an hour. And I didn’t have to cook when I got home; added bonus! But I did change clothes and went back out to the garage and cleaned another section of shelves. I went through my recycled gift bags and was critical of the ones that were crumpled and coming apart. Also organized the extra storage bags and paper products. It all makes so much more sense now. I even rearranged the paint shelf and the Easter shelf. Great success!

I washed a load of towels and an old painting sheet and my outside jacket, all of which were long overdue. My plan for this evening is to iron and plan out next week. I also paid bills – which is never actually fun :(. But necessary!

If you haven’t figured it out, yesterday’s destination was Newport Rhode Island. Hoping it will be a vacation destination for us this summer. Some of our favorite things to do would be the Cliff Walk (3 miles), the gilded mansions (which can be toured), the beaches, and the history. And great seafood!

January 2nd: Where were you born? Be specific. “I was born in the parlor of the Crooks homestead. The address was Smicksburg, Pennsylvania. We were 3 miles from Plumville, PA, but they didn’t deliver mail. Many years later the Home post office became our mailing address.”

Quote – The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. -Walt Disney.

Scripture – Psalms 18:49

Vacation Destination:

TOMORROW January 3 is:

• National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day
• National Drinking Straw Day
• National Fruitcake Toss Day
• National Thank God It’s Monday Day

Mom loved chocolate covered cherries. I was never a fan. I could probably get into tossing fruitcake. And I will thank God for each day, Monday or not, one at a time! Happy back-to-work day; the new year has begun. God bless..