It felt so good to wake up to bright sun shining in the window! It was a double inspiration to get up and moving (the first being I had to work!)

There wasn’t a lot to do at either store, so I came home, answered a few emails, and got busy putting away all the Easter decorations. I didn’t expect it to take so long – seven hours! But I went through all the boxes and organized everything. I packed it away methodically and carefully and arranged things on the shelves more logically. So everything is back to pre-Easter, including the garden flags! I even swept out the garage and carried the snow shovels and the driveway salt down to the shed.

That being said, I’ll post this but won’t start any other projects. I did a load of laundry that needs ironed and put away and that will be tomorrow’s chores. I have an appointment to get my hair cut in the afternoon so it will be more manageable to vacation.

Sunday’s HCC message was the Greatest Story Ever Told – Easter! A few key points: Jesus always has an answer. Give Him a chance. He died for us. God had a plan, and He still does. Celebrate the risen Lord – It was the empty tomb!

Fun things to do in Montana:

Scripture and PEANUTS POST:

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Musical from 1967: HAIR

TOMORROW April 11th is:

National Cheese Fondue Day; National Submarine Day; National Barbershop Quartet Day; National Living Donor Day; National Pet Day; National Eight Track Tape Day.

“We all live in a Yellow Submarine” — need I say more? God bless…

I went to sunrise service this morning – it was outside in the parking lot at HCC. We had a simple song service and an inspiring message from Todd before going in to a wonderful breakfast – the ladies did a great job!

After breakfast Mary and I got our photo taken at the photo ‘booth’ inside. It was a very nice backdrop!

I will share the rest of my Easter day tomorrow. Jen and Chrissy were supposed to take pictures and send them – but I didn’t get them yet. It’s late and we had a full day so I’ll share more later. Hope your day was wonderful! I just watched the kids pull away with Chase’s two stuffed ‘friends’ (Axolotl and Turtle) strapped safely into their own seat!

Fun things to do on Easter:

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Musical from 1966: SHOWBOAT

Tomorrow April 10th is:

National Cinnamon Crescent Day; National Siblings Day; National Encourage a Young Writer Day; National Farm Animals Day.

Wow – I love cinnamon crescents, and I love my special sibling sister! As for encouraging a young writer – Autmn’s sister Summer is at SHU as a Writing Major – so here’s to you, Summer James Griffin! God bless…

I started the day with a clear slate and was going to focus on just getting organized for tomorrow: Cleaning, potato salad, deviled eggs, defrosting corn, rearranging the fridge. I kept getting into unplanned projects and it filled the day. But that’s good, as I don’t like to be wandering aimlessly.

Gen called and wanted to run some info past me. We talked several times throughout the day. It was fun to be included in this thought process. Now, just waiting for the outcome!

Jen txt me and Chrissy needed a ride to work at 2pm. When I got there I realized why. A Humane Officer was there with a car full of rescued animals. Jen’s rescue (Ninth Life) is high on the list of responsible shelters and by the time I left, there were two beagles sniffing around the yard on leashes. So I dropped Chrissy at work and came home to finish my chores.

Once the food was done, I bundled in outside clothes and ‘attacked’ the rocks on the hill. It was full of weeds. Now It’s all cleaned up, with only a small section of Tansy growing by the fence. Job well done, and early in the season, too.

I noticed that there was clumps of rabbit fur outside the bunny nest. I was afraid an animal had gotten to the babies, but I saw mommy bunny there at the nest, and then she hopped away and sat giving herself a bath. So I guess everything is ok!

I have GODWINK CHRISTMAS playing in the background…

Fun things to do in Alabama:

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Musical from 1965- ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

Tomorrow April 9th is-

National Chinese Almond Cookie Day; National Unicorn Day; National Winston Churchill Day; EASTER; National cherish and Antique Day; National Name Yourself Day; National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.

Focus on, and celebrate, EASTER. The Lord is Risen; He is Risen INDEED! God bless…

The full moon last night made everything bright and beautiful! I love watching the clouds change.

Autmn txt me that she was getting dropped off here at 5:30am! Yikes! So I set my alarm and made sure I was up and had the lights on and the door open. We both went back to sleep until about 7:45am. Chrissy got here about 8:15am or so. I put the sign up for our annual Crocus Tea.

Autmn did Chrissy’s hair while I started the breakfast.

The girls helped with the preparations and cooking. Our menu was totally different this year as we had a breakfast/brunch instead of traditional tea items. We had sausage, bacon, toast, scrambled eggs, home fries, scones and chocolate chip muffins. There were a few bites of left overs but mostly I planned the amounts fairly well.

There was a fair amount of muffins left as I made a whole batch. Autmn is taking some to Noah as a treat!

Chrissy looked so cute – she actually got dressed up in a pretty sweater and Autmn had her hair in French braids. We had fun conversations and even managed some laughs! It was a very nice day.

After lunch Chrissy walked half-way and met her friend Hope, who walked back here with her. We went over to Dollar Tree so Chris could get a few things at the Dollar Tree. The girls are watching a movie (something animated) and waiting for Noah to pick them up! I may mow when they leave, and do the ironing.

Fun things to do in Alabama:

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Musical from 1964: MARY POPPINS

TOMORROW April 8th is:

National Zoo Lovers Day; National Empanada Day; National All is Ours Day.

Tomorrow is food prep day! That will do it for me. Have a lovely day and God Bless… Take time to reflect on Good Friday, today.

After a short time at work I stopped to grab ONE THING at the grocery store for tomorrow’s crocus tea. I was just home when the Pest Control company came – they treated the ants with chrysanthemum oil and it’s a guaranteed fix. Haven’t seen one since, but it took a while to clean up the fallout. I’ll keep a close eye.

After lunch (fruit salad) I mixed up a batch of mini chocolate chip muffins, and then made the Oreo Ice Cream for Sunday’s dessert. I talked to Kelly for a few minutes – they have a lot going on this weekend. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.

This posting of the Word Garden is brought to you by HYACINTHS!

Fun things to do in Alabama:

Scripture is same as PEANUTS POST:

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Musical from 1963: SUMMER MAGIC

TOMORROW April 7th is:

Good Friday; National Girl Me Too Day; National Beer Day; National Coffee Cake Day; National No Housework Day.

Tomorrow is our annual Crocus Tea – I’ll fill you in on Friday’s post. God bless…

I was just getting started with my cleaning after breakfast when Pinnacle called me. I had made an appointment for Thursday morning and the customer confused the day and was waiting for me! Since I was very much closer to work than it would be for him to go home and come back tomorrow I slipped into my shoes and drove to work. Got that done, and also did other things for work while I was there. I was just finishing up when Mike called me – so I left there and stopped at Mike’s. So by the time I got home it was after noon. I grabbed a quick lunch and got to cleaning.

The ants were back, and I was trying to clean them up, wipe the window, and spray again – when I knocked the Terro over and it went flying through the air and landed on the floor, spilling everywhere. I was trying to clean that up and I knocked the calendar off the side of the fridge and it landed behind the fridge. I went outside and sprayed again but then called Hilltop Pest – they are coming tomorrow. All in all I spent over an hour cleaning up the mess I made. Grrrr.

Thankfully I finished all the cleaning but sweeping downstairs before I left for our Bible Study wrap-up party. There was a lot of good, creative food choices and lots of fun – playing name that tune (our own version!). Even the dog had a good time! These are just a few of the guests.

Gen called from New York and we had a lovely hour’s conversation – talking about the upcoming April vacation and our respective children and grandchildren. She fills my soul with joy! By the time we finished talking it was pouring rain and there was a rumble of thunder. I’m glad I didn’t have to go back out tonight!

I finished running the sweeper and threw the towels in the dryer, and that was the end of my evening – but it’s almost 11pm!

Fun things to do in Alabama:

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Musical from 1962: THE MUSIC MAN

TOMORROW April 6th is:

National Employee Benefits Day; National Student Athlete Day; National Alcohol Screening Day; National Tartan Day; National Teflon Day; National Carbonara Day; National Sorry Charlie Day; National Caramel Popcorn Day; New Beer’s Eve; National Burrito Day.

Can’t see anything I’m really excited to celebrate for tomorrow! Maybe I’ll just be happy in the day! God bless…

The WORST thing about today was that there are ants on my window sill. UGH! I’ve never had them there before… I put an ant trap up and then sprayed them outside and in. If I can’t get them banished I’ll have to call Hilltop Pest. Why, I ask you. WHY?

Work was light today, so I stopped on the way home and got the food that I need for the week and for Easter. Di asked me to stop by as she left something on her porch for me. A man at her church makes these and she brought one home for me. It’s very lovely. I left her a pot of pink tulips on her porch. She has tons of daffodils so I thought pink would be a good contrast with the yellow.

After lunch I worked on the gardens beside the driveway. Got almost the whole thing done – just a bit more to do. Probably won’t be before Easter with everything else going on. But it looks nicer already.

A few weeks ago I purchased a bunny and egg tic-tac-toe game. Kelly had really liked it, so I thought I’d get it and keep it here until she gets a house with room to set it out! It’s cute and I think the kids might even play with it!

Fun things to do in Alabama:

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Musical from 1961: BABES IN TOYLAND

TOMORROW April 5th is:

Passover Begins; National Caramel Day; National Raisin & Spice Bar Day; National Walking Day; First Contact Day; National Read a Road Map Day; National Deep Dish Pizza Day; Childhelp National Day of Hope; Gold Star Spouses Day; National Nebraska Day; National Go For Broke Day; National Flash Drive Day.

I think most of those things need a little research. I did look up the First Contact Day – wish I hadn’t… STRANGE. Whatever you celebrate, make it worthy and enjoy your Wednesday. God bless…

It’s been a very beautiful, warm sunny day! After lunch I worked outside all afternoon. I swept the patio stones and the driveway, then spread loose dirt around down by the shed. While I was down there I decided to bring up the lawn furniture and a few outside decorations – just a few. But it helps to make it feel more like spring and that summer is a promise! When I finished that (two hours later!) I hosed things off.

Kathy is coming over in a bit for our vacation planning meeting, so I got the table set and organized the food prep. I’ll finish that at the last minute. – Back now to posting. We had a yummy supper (grilled cheese on homemade bread, rice, grapes and strawberries, and chocolate covered pretzels for dessert.

After we ate we had our meeting. Kath pointed out some key items that need addressed – the call line was closed for the day (it used to be open until 9pm; we called a little before 7pm!). We made reservations for dinner at a tavern for Tuesday evening, Haunted Williamsburg for Monday, and To Hang A Pirate for Wednesday. I’ll finish the rest by phone tomorrow morning. It was a good night’s work!

She also brought over the wreath that I won in the basket auction on Saturday. It’s beautiful, and I didn’t realize it lights up! So excited. And we had split the contents on a basket and I kept the little white bunny (it talks to me…) and two packets of flower seeds. All in all, very fun!

Fun things to do in Alabama:

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Musical from 1960: CAMELOT

TOMORROW April 4th is:

National Jeep 4X4 Day; SAAM Day of Action; National Walk Around Things Day; National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day; National Vitamin C Day; National School Librarian Day; National Hug a Newsperson Day.

I would think one would always walk around things. Right? Take your vitamin C, eat your chicken, and hug— someone! God bless…

Today was quieter in some ways than I expected, but busier in others. Our lesson in Sunday School was very sober – it was the Good Friday message. Both Gracie and Max absorbed it well, and although we left the lesson with Jesus being buried in a borrowed tomb, they both knew the end of the story and are already looking forward to April 16th for HE IS RISEN! I noticed that in Second Hour they had the Palm Sunday lesson and all the kids came downstairs afterwards with palms waving. Very fun. Below is a photo from the church out Home that posted Palm Sunday photos!

After church was the Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. The event planners did a wonderful job in making the welcome center look festive and inviting. They had everything handled, and we had quite a number of extra families there, so it seemed expedient to have the extra adults step back. I snapped some photos before I left – I’m sure both kids and parents had a great time!

After lunch (salad) I bundled in layers against the cold water and did some outside chores. First I washed the car and wiped out the floor mats. It took a while to do, as this is one of the bigger cars I’ve driven in a while. It looks very nice resting cleanly in the garage.

Once I cleaned up from that chore I put more soapy water in the bucket and scrubbed the bottom deck and entranceway and also the bottom of the driveway. It still had muddy footprints on it from all the winter work, and the rain didn’t wash them away. It looks a lot better now. I spent 2 1/2 hours outside scrubbing and cleaning.

The last outside chore was to pick up the sticks that came down in yesterday’s wind and rain. This is getting to be a habit!

Todd’s message (The Bad Boys of Easter) was the thief on the cross. What do YOU want to be remembered for? Part of the CROWD or part of the CROSS? Remember that FORGIVEN people go to heaven. What are qualifications? 1) Admit to their crimes (don’t compare yourself to others – use Jesus as your benchmark) 2) Ask for help – YOU have to choose, crowd or cross? WE are a bad boys of Easter – we have all sinned. Be forgiven!

Fun things to do in Alabama:

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Musical from 1959: THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Broadway)

TOMORROW April 3rd is:

National Chocolate Mousse Day; National Tweed Day; National Film Score Day; World Party Day; National IEP Writing Day; National Find a Rainbow Day.

After looking it up, the FIND A RAINBOW day signifies Hope, Promise, and Beauty. That’s a worthwhile celebration! God bless…

So far – thankfully – no April Fools pranks. Rick Kozar was the KING of pranks, regardless of what day it was! It’s been quiet.

After changing bedsheets, I went immediately into mixing up bread dough. By the time I finished cleaning up the kitchen and doing laundry and having a shower and a cup of tea I headed to River Hill at 11:15am.

Kathy and Paul’s church was having a craft and vendor show and I mentioned trying to attend. I had never driven there by myself and the last several miles were rather obscure, but I made it down (and back) without a hitch.

The activities room was full of vendor tables and they were all displayed with wonderful crafts. It was hard not to get caught up in everything! I bought tickets for the Chinese Auction baskets, and just got a call that I won two baskets! One I had chosen because it was so cute for a little girl and Kath mentioned having her eye on it for Millie – so I thought I’d up the chances. I won it so I can give it to Kath for Millie.

The other one that I got was a huge Easter wreath – it was the one that I wanted above all else, and put almost all my tickets in that one. So I’m very excited about winning that. I’ll post a picture next week when I get it. I made just a few small purchases: A carrot and a bunny made from clothes pins, and knitted eggs!

When I was leaving a family came with a German Shepherd Puppy – It was so cute and soft – but it will get to be over 80 pounds!

When I drove down, I took Route 70 and Route 51 and cut across. On the way home I picked up Route 136. It was a more scenic route (including a ‘close call’ with three deer on the road!). BUT — In West Newton I got stuck on the bridge for 10 minutes waiting for a very long train to go right through the center of town!

Today I received two Easter cards – One from Joelyn and one from my sister. She sent me a coaster with a lamb, so I put it near the lamb that mom made about 20 years ago!

It’s still raining – there was a lot of thunder on and off today. When I left River Hill it was sunny and over 70* – but by the time I got home it was dark, cloudy, and very windy. No outside work today!

Tomorrow is the Community Easter Egg hunt at Hempfield Church. If you are local be sure to stop in.

Fun things to do in Colorado:

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Musical from 1958: JANE EYRE

Tomorrow April 2nd is:

National Education and Sharing Day; National Ferret Day; World Autism Awareness Day; Geologists Day; National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day; National Reconciliation Day; Palm Sunday.

NO PB&J for me — but tomorrow’s Palm Sunday is a good plan. God bless, and take time to consider, every day for the next week, the path that Jesus walked.