What is this called? A palindrome? That would be today’s date 12-22-21. Cool. And like the license plate the other day: A TOYOTA.

It’s very cold, and I was glad to stay inside. Pinnacle Greensburg was buying lunch today, but I had already informed them I wouldn’t be there; I was using today as a catch-up day. And I did catch up. I spent all day cleaning and doing laundry and replacing batteries in light strings. I even took about an hour and a half and scrubbed my basement floor on my hands and knees. It looks very much better, but there are still spots… Still waiting on SOMEONE to call me back and get this looked at. I can’t believe no one has time to get here. Hopefully after the holidays.

I didn’t hear from Kelly directly, but that’s probably a good sign. She’s not worse or panicked or overly stressed (note that I said ‘overly’). I was a drill sergeant before I left there last night – instructions for them all to HELP: her, each other, and themselves. We’ll see how that goes. At least they are on school break and she can wait to do that.

No pictures today. Nothing interesting or exciting. I’ll try again tomorrow.

Memory book – December 22nd: Tell about Holiday celebrations at a relative’s house during your childhood. “At Aunt Effie’s & Uncle Bill’s house we were treated as if we were very special. They had a beautiful tree & very special decorations. They bought us a gift (usually gloves or a scarf) & that was wonderful. They lived in Dayton, PA, which was about 8 miles from home.” I clearly remember Aunt Effie. We thought she was unique and fun and a little outrageous! She was one of Mom’s favorites.

On this day in 1882 the first string of Christmas lights was created, and in 1967 THE GRADUATE with Dustin Hoffman was released (It was ‘cutting edge’ at the time!!! I was a senior in high school). In 1895 the first human X-ray was taken, and in 1891 the patent for the first perforated toilet paper was granted. First Lady Lady-Bird Johnson was born in 1912, and Beatrix Potter died in 1943 at age 77. I loved the movie of her life starring Renee Zellweger.

(I just looked up a little more information on the Christmas lights. They were too expensive to buy, so you could rent Christmas tree lights for the season for $12 – That’s equivalent to over $300 in today’s money.)

TOMORROW December 23 is:

• National Pfeffernusse Day
• National Roots Day
• Festivus
• National Re-Gifting Day

Tomorrow is the Pinnacle Jeannette lunch. I will wait until about noon to go down to work and stay for a bit. I believe that the only thing I need from the store before Christmas is eggs. We ate a lot of eggs when the kids were here! Have a happy day. God bless!

Only a few more days until Christmas! I’m sure parents with young children are ready to pull their hair out – kids are so wound up! But what a lovely age, all the joy and trust and excitement.

I worked this morning – And there was a box of cookies that someone had dropped off for the sale staff. They were beautiful! I had to take a picture. I did not take one – they were too pretty to eat! Ken had changed my desktop background and given my computer reindeer ears! So it was a fun start to the day.

After lunch, the kids packed up their electronics and we loaded up the car. Taking them home was one of the hardest things I’ve done in a long time. Kelly is feeling much improved but she’s not better, and I know she won’t get ‘momma’ care nor get the rest she needs. Being a Mom and a Wife is a job you can’t just sit out. There’s so much to do, and so many people need so much – I don’t want to see her wilt. It was totally silly but I cried almost the whole way home. The good thing about that was that it kept me awake! I woke up at 4:45am and couldn’t get back to sleep. So this will be very short.

I pulled over when I got off of the expressway and took a photo of the Winter Solstice Moon, then another picture from my deck when I got home. It is really big, bright, and beautiful!

Memory book – December 21st: Do you remember a ‘best’ Christmas of childhood? “When we all got to go to Grandmam & Grandpap Eakmans & be with all our cousins, which were many.” We always loved to go to Grama and Grandad Crooks’, and be with the cousins. Grama and Grandad are long passed, but the cousins still love to be together!

On this day in 1933 Fox Films signed Shirley Temple, age 5, to a studio contract, and in 1937 Walk Disney’s first full length animated feature – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – premiered. Carl Wilson – guitarist for the Beach Boys, was born in 1946, and Jane Fonda in 1937. General George S Patton, 60, died in 1945. Jane Fonda married Ted Turner in 1991.

TOMORROW December 22 is:

• National Date Nut Bread Day
• Forefathers Day

Four more sleeps until Santa! You better be good! God bless….

Kelly & I left a little before 9am for her appointment at the WVU Eye Institute. We took a longer route (by about 10 minutes) to avoid tolls, which was fine. We were there about an hour and a half. Very thorough. She still has a few spots on her cornea but all in all doing well. The technician pulled a ‘mucus thread’ out of her eye with tweezer-type things. She looked like she was going to freak out and I was waiting… But she did good. He upped her meds (not stronger, just longer) and wants to see her on the 28th. I think Matt will be able to take her that day as he’s on vacation.

On the way home we saw Garry’s Auto Sales. Chase’s axolotl pet is named Garry (with 2 r’s) so we took a picture. Garry took a break from eating chips to pose for us!

She’s sounding more chipper but still gets tired easily. She’s napping right now. I am still considering the possibility of making a batch of cookies… We’ll see. I’m doing a few loads of never-ending laundry and getting the boys food upon request.

A nice treat after the appointment was that we stopped at Chick-Fil-A and had lunch. Don’t tell the boys – they will be disappointed. But of course, they could have come with us and spent 5 1/2 hours sitting in the car!!! While we were waiting to pull out we saw this license plate – it reads the same frontwards and backwards. Very clever!

This picture was on my facebook feed – and it just made me smile!

Kathy and Sarah both shared pictures of River Hill church’s Christmas program last night. Millie was an angel at the manger, and she was perfect! Doesn’t she look like a darling little angel? It’s very unusual for Millie to stand still for very long, but she lived up to being very ‘angelic’ and sang with the other kids. I think she may have a future in the theater!

Got a call about noon that Grama’s clock was finally repaired, so we stopped in New Stanton on the way home and picked it up. Now it’s back home where it belongs, ticking and chiming and keeping time!

Memory book – December 20th: Tell about your experiences with Santa Claus. “Our Uncle Edd lived with us. He always dressed up like Santa Claus. He would ring sleigh bells & then come in the front door. I was around 6 or 7 before I knew “Santa” was Uncle Edd.” Dad did that – he’d dress up and knock on our living room window and shake his finger at us. We never had our slippers on and we’d make a mad dash for them. But Santa was gone before we got back. It was a while before I caught on!

On this day in 1812 Grimms Fairy Tales was published; in 1920 Bob Hope became an American citizen, and in 1950 HARVEY with Jimmy Stewart premiered. Elvis received his draft notice in 1957 (Dear 53310761…). In 1946 It’s a Wonderful Life premiered, and in 1962 the Osmond Brothers made their debut on the Andy Williams show. Sacagawea died at age 24 in 1812; Donald Trump married Marla Maples in 1993, and in 2005 Renee Zellweger married Kenny Chesney – their marriage lasted 4 months!

TOMORROW December 21 is:

• Crossword Puzzle Day
• Humbug Day
• National Maine Day
• Phileas Fogg Win A Wager Day
• Winter Solstice
• National Flashlight Day
• National French Fried Shrimp Day
• National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day
• Yule
• Anne & Samantha Day

Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice – shortest daylight of the year. Go to bed early with a good book – and when you wake up on the 22nd the days will be getting longer each day! (This one’s for you, Joe Faddish!) God bless!

We sure have had some busy days, but mixed with fun and laughter along the way. Lots and lots of love and work and care-giving but isn’t that what love and family is about?

Kelly is improving but still in some pain – appointment tomorrow at WVU. Hoping for good news! Another day of lots of driving.

We had a Santa drive-through sighting this afternoon. Lots of families with younger kids were standing outside waiting for him to go by. Logan and Chase were not in that crowd!

After supper, we were just sitting in the living room, enjoying the lights and decorations, while the boys were playing games downstairs. Stolen moments of quiet!

Memory book – December 19th: Tell about the worst Christmas present you ever received as a child. “I don’t think I ever had a bad Christmas present when I was a child. We didn’t get things very often & we felt very happy with whatever we got.” Blessed and thankful- sweet memories!

On this day in 1777 George Washington settled his troops in at Valley Forge for the winter, and in 1843 A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens) was published.

TOMORROW December 20 is:

• Go Caroling Day
• National Sangria Day
• Mudd Day

ANYONE can go caroling! At least sign a carol in your car or in the shower. But share the joy of the holiday season! God bless — It’s CHRISTMAS week!!!

Another busy day – I have been washing sheets and towels and clothes every day, keeping things clean as possible. Kelly is improving every day, but still a ways to go. She needs to stay in and away from crowds, both for herself and for people-contact. I’ve been trying to make things as cheery as possible – I made her a pill snowflake, and put my Peanuts Christmas pillow case on her favorite bed pillow. Just a little bit of happy for her.

The boys – surprise, surprise! – are still just sleeping, eating, and gaming. Same thing, different day!

Kathy was the family ambassador and went to our cousin Judy’s 60th surprise birthday party. Before they went there, her and Paul drove over to see their grandson Isaac and his girlfriend Shayla. Tonight was their winter formal. Can’t believe how grown up he is! Looking pretty handsome to me!

After running a deposit over to the bank and grabbing a quick item at the store, I came home and mixed up homemade bread (turned out much better this time than Thanksgiving!) and also baked the scones that I mixed up last night. Then I made a double batch of cream of potato soup – Gen’s famous recipe!) We all love it. Except Chase. Chase eats pretzels, Goldfish, and egg sandwiches….

Memory book – December 18th: Tell about the best Christmas present you ever received as a child. “When I was a child we all wore ‘long legged underwear.’ They kept us warm when the winters came with the very cold temperatures. We had long ‘ugly’ stockings we wore over our long underwear. One Christmas Grama Crooks bought Hazel & I ankle socks with lace on them. It was a warm Christmas & we begged our parents to let us take off our long underwear & stockings so we could wear our new socks for a couple hours. Dad said we would catch pneumonia, but we didn’t even get a cold. Such a special time.” Imagine when a pair of socks would make for a perfect gift! We are so spoiled!

On this day in 1799 George Washington’s body was interred at Mt. Vernon; and in 1966 Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas aired for the first time. You’ve Got Mail premiered in 1998. Gary Dahl (creator of the Pet Rock) was born in 1936 – I had one; I named her Sylvia and still have her! Charles Wesley (Poet, hymnist, clergyman) was born in 1707, and Zsa Zsa Gabor died at age 99 in 2016.

TOMORROW December 19th is:

• National Hard Candy Day
• National Oatmeal Muffin Day

No oatmeal muffins – maybe snickerdoodles as per Chase! Have a great ‘Christmas Sunday’! God bless…

It was a busy day, trying to keep up with everything. I popped over to Walmart for some extra food, and had just got home and everything put away when the pharmacy called with Kelly’s prescription. We finally found one that had the medicine in stock. So I ran out to CVS and picked that up, and got Logan the drinks he wanted that Walmart didn’t carry.

I was encouraged that Kelly ate several healthy things today, got lots of rest, and took her meds. It will take a few more days of rest and medication but hoping she’ll get it here.

While she was resting and the boys were gaming, I cooked a huge pot of fresh green beans and made a huge pot of Acini de Pepe soup (Chicken Noodle, actually). I haven’t made it in so long I forgot how to do it and had to keep looking up the recipe. It should be ready to eat within the hour. Still have several things to do tonight, including folding the second load of laundry from the dryer and re-making Kelly’s bed.

Memory book – December 17th: Tell about the neatest present you remember giving to your Dad. “Aunt Hazel & I made Dad a night shirt for winter nights. He wore it for years.” I think making shirts are very hard. So hats off to them, and him for wearing it!

On this day in 1777 General Washington’s army returned to Valley Forge. In 1903 the Wright Brothers made the first sustained motorized aircraft flight at Kitty Hawk, and in 1987 the Simpson’s (TV) premiered. Tiny Tim married Miss Vicky on The Tonight Show in 1969, and Penny Marshall (Laverne & Shirley) died in 2018 at age 75. Today my cousin Perry is having a birthday. Happy birthday, Perry! Heard you had great luck hunting this year! Have a great year!

TOMORROW December 18 is:

• National Twin Day
• National Roast Suckling Pig Day
• Answer The Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day
• National Wreaths Across America Day

I hope someone I call answers the phone like Buddy the Elf tomorrow. That would be so fun! Have a great weekend – only 8 more sleeps til Christmas! God bless.

I left the house a little before 9am, drove to Kelly’s, and helped her get organized a bit, since she’s been feeling poorly and hadn’t done anything for days. She has an infection, and it went into her eye, and we had to be at the WVU Eye Institute at 1:45pm.

It was pretty easy to get to, but a long drive. We were there for over 2 hours – in the exam room – and they were extremely nice and very thorough. She was exhausted and had a horrid headache but we managed well enough. We got back to her place about 6pm, after stopping in Claysville to pick up a prescription. One of the eye creams – which wasn’t covered under their (or anyone else’s!) insurance was over $500! The eye doctor warned her that if it was expensive she could go without it. Thank heavens for that!

It didn’t take too much convincing to get Kelly, Logan and Chase to come home with me for several days. That way she can rest completely, and instead of taking care of her family, I can take care of her and the boys. Ma, Matt, and Peyton can take care of each other! So other than checking in with work in the morning, I am staying put at the house until further notice. It feels safer and smarter. And calmer and easier!

Wanted to share the inflatable Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus that they had up on the pool deck. I never saw anything like it. Very, very sweet.

The boys area already set up with their game systems, and Kelly is nursing a cup of Lipton soup. All is quiet and I’m glad to be home. Matt especially will miss his family, but it seems the best solution to give Kelly the complete rest she needs for right now. Pray for her – thank you!

Memory book – December 16th: Tell about the neatest present you remember giving to your Mom. “This was my mother’s birthday! Dad took Hazel, Jim & I to a nice ladies store in Indiana. We 3 had to pick out a dress for our mother. It took a lot of deciding between us before we finally chose the one Dad bought. I can still see my mother wearing that dress in my memory of those long ago times. We called it her ‘fancy’ dress.”

On this day in 1913 Charlie Chaplin began his film career, and in 1950 Shirley Temple announced her retirement from files at age 22. In 2019 Mariah Carey’s single “All I Want For Christmas Is You” reached No. 1, 25 years after release. Beatrix Potter’s Tale of Peter Rabbit was published in 1901, and the Boston Tea Party was in 1773. Colonel Sanders – KFC founder – died at age 90 in 1980. Shirley Temple married Charles Black in 1950, and Napoleon divorced Josephine in 1809. Beethoven was born in 1770 – just ask Schroeder! And Jane Austen was born in 1817. Today would have been my Grandma Crooks’ birthday – she was born in 1898. I still miss you, Grandma! Happy birthday!

TOMORROW December 17 is:

• National Maple Syrup Day
• Wright Brothers Day
• National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
• Underdog Day

I love Underdog! You gotta watch the movie. “I feel fine when I sit down; when I stand up, I spin around.” Stoney LOVED that line. We laughed and laughed. Have a great day, and wear an Ugly Christmas Sweater tomorrow! God bless…

Short walk on the treadmill, then cleaning the rest of the day. Had to run to the store after lunch for Nate – neither he nor Jen feel their best and don’t want to risk the public forum.

Came back, finished cleaning and laundry, and several phone calls. Kelly is dealing with some health issues (not COVID or CANCER but distressing) so I’m a little off-center right now. I’m driving to pick her up in the morning and take her to a doctor’s appointment in West Virginia, so I may not be home in time to post tomorrow. Don’t be alarmed! I’ll keep posting updates as I can.

No pictures today, and not much else going on.

Memory book – December 15, 2021: Did your Grandpa or Grandma ever make gifts for you? What? “Both Grandma Crooks & Grandmam Eakman made pillow cases & embroidered a nice picture of flowers on them. Grandmam made us each a quilt when we got married.” (Mom made us cloth dolls out of the pillowcases…)

On this day in 1939 Gone With The Wind premiered in Atlanta; Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash was released in 1955. Trivial Pursuit was invented in 1979, and in 1791 the Bill of Rights was ratified, creating the first 10 amendments of the constitution. Tim Conway was born in 1933. Mad Anthony Wayne died at age 51 in 1796, and Walt Disney in 1966 at age 65.

TOMORROW December 16 is:

• National Chocolate-covered Anything Day
• Barbie and Barney Backlash Day

I was going to buy peanut butter pretzel nuggets and make more chocolate-covered ones – Aldi was out of them! I’ll try again… Have a great Thursday! God Bless…

Treadmill, breakfast, and a short work morning. Day started good since I got a txt from Greg Pelc – Peanuts nativity! Thanks, Greg! I picked up the forgotten flour, and also got brown sugar for Kathy. I just got home was was partway through cleaning the car when Teresa called. It was a lovely day to soak up some sun, so I met her at Twin Lakes. We took this lovely bike trail (about a mile out and one back) and got some exercise as well as got caught up. GiGi came with us and she was very entertaining. When we got back to the car, we saw a horse and rider heading out, as well. And GiGi has her own car seat – never saw anything like it! GiGi is all the way up to 8 pounds now. And cute as a button!

Glad to have the car cleaned out and washed. When I walked around the yard picking up sticks I found a mum that was basically dead – but there was one loan bloom in the very middle! Cheeky little thing! Also got the kids/grandkids gifts handled and tucked away. I took some time to re-cover the wrist rest for my computer keyboard. The old one was dirty and falling off. Since this one is white (with stars!) I’m thinking it won’t last long. It matches the curtains.

Memory book – December 14th: Did you hang a Christmas stocking? “Yes. We put our name on a piece of paper and pinned it on the stocking. We hung them on the clock shelf in the kitchen. If Douds store had gotten oranges to sell we each got one in our stocking. Uncle Edd made fudge & we each had some in our stocking on Christmas morning. Mom made popcorn balls. Plastic wrap wasn’t invented so things were wrapped in wax paper. Nothing can ever taste as good as our Christmas stocking treats.” – In our prosperity we have certainly lost a lot, don’t you think? Simple, cherished treasures and memories!

On this day in 1542 Mary Queen of Scotts succeeded her father and became Queen of Scotland at 6 days old. In 1969 ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’ – sung by Peter, Paul, and Mary and written by John Denver – hit #1, and in 2012 the Sandy Hook School Shooting left twenty 6 and 7 year old’s dead, as well as six adults and the shooter’s mother. George Washington died in 1799 at age 67, and in 1780 Alexander Hamilton married Elizabeth Schuyler. Patty Duke was born in 1946, and today 2 people are celebrating. Today is my friend Bruce Shirey’s birthday – friends through my actor friend Bear (his brother) and through Hanna’s Town (he works there). Happy birthday Bruce! And today is Nate’s Jen Johnson’s birthday. Happy, happy birthday Jen – enjoy your day and a year of wonderful surprises and blessings! Love you!

TOMORROW December 15 is:

• National Cupcake Day
• Bill of Rights Day
• Cat Herders Day
• National Wear Your Pearls Day

Not a fan of cupcakes – or herding cats. I’m pretty certain Jen will be herding cats – not just tomorrow but almost every day! We should all just wear pearls in honor of cats! Anyway — God bless!

Early morning treadmill (still cold outside!), then worked both stores. I stopped and got groceries on the way home so I should be good for what I need. The only thing I didn’t think about was maybe flour. So I’ll think about it…

I touched up nicks on the bedroom baseboard (purple) and the bathroom clothes hamper (dark gray), and hot-glued a Christmas pin. And I didn’t glue myself to anything! I’ve had that pin since — well, since before I was married!!!

I have a secret – shhh! “Please don’t tell a single soul, what I’m going to say….” Here it is. I bought another blanket. I DON’T NEED ANOTHER BLANKET! It was so cute, and so different, and I couldn’t help myself. I had some money saved just for fun (not vacation fund) so I took the couple dollars from that. I’m looking forward to snuggling up with it after I’m done posting this. In fact, I’m going to make this a short post!

Memory book – December 13th: How did you decorate your trees? “We didn’t have electric so we just put strings of popcorn, paper chains, and card board stars we cut out of the back cardboard from writing tablets. We did have some very special ornaments that Grandma had bought. When we had the house wired for electric Dad and Mom sent to Sears & Roebuck and got a string of lights. We loved to turn off all the other lights & just look at the beautiful tree. When it was time to take the tree down we packed away the decorations very careful. I have some of them now. Memories.” (I have some of those ornaments, too! On my tree!) Can you imagine life like that???

On this day in 1774 Paul Revere and Wentworth Cheswell rode to warn Portsmouth of the approach of British warships. In 1950 James Dean began his career with an appearance in a Pepsi commercial, and in 1954 Peyton Place premiered (It caused quite a stir!!). Dick van Dyke was born in 1925; Mary Todd Lincoln in 1818, Taylor Swift in 1989, and Christopher Plummer (Captain Von Trapp in the Sound of Music) in 1929.

TOMORROW December 14 is:

• National Bouillabaisse Day
• National Alabama Day
• Monkey Day

I don’t have, need, or want a monkey. Guess that means I’m happy with what I have, especially a year’s supply of BLANKETS! God bless..