The obvious start to this day is the question, “Where were you when you heard President Kennedy had been shot?” On this day in 1963 JFK was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas Texas, when he was part of a motorcade with the governor of the state. I was sitting in 7th period study hall, and when the announcement came over the P.A. system it simply stated that the president and the governor of Texas had been shot. We all wondered who the president of Texas was. It wasn’t until I reached home that we learned that President Kennedy had been killed.

The current vice-president, Lynden B Johnson, was sworn in as the 36th president of the United States. We were glued to the television for days, watching every show and newscast that we could. It was a sad day for John-John (a nickname he disliked) and Caroline Kennedy, losing their dad. And a sad day for the American people.

I did almost a mile on the treadmill, then worked at both stores, as well as stopping in to see Mike at NGAS. He had several issues that needed help. I popped into Aldi’s (thought I was DONE getting food!), stopped at the bank, got gas for the car, and came home to start laundry. Kelly and the boys arrived about 3pm. After they unloaded their car and the boys set up their gaming devices, Kelly and I did about an hour’s worth of shopping. I was so happy that I had good ideas for gifts for almost everyone on the out-of-the-family list. I did not find one single thing on the list. Maybe we’ll try again tomorrow, as Kelly needs a few things, as well.

We had grilled cheese sandwiches and Lipton soup for supper (except Chase had an egg sandwich). And I was very excited that Chris (the person Rege recommended to look at my basement water issues) called me and will stop at the beginning of next week. He’s fairly convinced that it’s downspout issues, and if it is I will be very, very grateful! I poured about 4 gallon of water out of the dehumidifier since Saturday!

Memory book – November 22nd: What were you doing when John F Kennedy was assassinated? “Your Grandmother Steiner & I were shopping at Davis Supermarket. Everyone was talking about how sad it was. I watched every TV program about it for days.”

On this day in 1934 ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ was first heard on the Eddie Cantor show; in 1944 the musical ‘Meet me in St. Louis’ with Judy Garland’ premiered. In 1984 Fred Rogers presented a sweater to the Smithsonian, and in 1995 TOY STORY was released; the snowmobile was patented in 1927. Rodney Dangerfield, comedian, was born in 1921; Abigail Adams, 2nd first lady, in 1744. Blackbeard the pirate died in battle at age 38 in 1718. C. S. Lewis, author, died at age 64 in 1963, and Mae West died in 1980 at age 87.

TOMORROW November 23rd is:

• National Cashew Day
• National Eat a Cranberry Day
• National Espresso Day

I’m sort of wondering why cashews get their own day. Well, that’s ok. Their lifespan is very short. It’s Thanksgiving week; be thankful! God bless…

by Elizabeth Bromke

I wanted to post this – get it out there. You all know I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth’s books – and love writing reviews. I hope you can take time to read a few – or all of them! This book, The Manger House, it a bit shorter than most of her books, but it is so perfect for the holidays – from the season, the setting, the references, the reflections – It’s very much worth the read!

The Manger House by Elizabeth Bromke is more of a journey than a story. Three sisters – Tatum, Cadence, and Darla – have struggled with their relationship for years. They are all strong, independent women, who are fiercely protective of each other but also prepared to take their own reins. Is being their own person and following their dreams independently the most important thing? Or is it really the journey together that matters the most. Wrapped and entwined with references from the story of the first Christmas, the Manger House takes these ladies through unexpected events, compromises, and surprises. As they search for their own safe haven and validation of their future, they realize that – both separately and united – often life is not about the way they see things. Maybe life hasn’t changed as much as they have changed how they see it. Because how they see it often has a whole lot to do with who they share it with, and not just where they are going. I loved the way Liz laced humor, introspection, and direct references to the nativity from beginning to end. I laughed out loud; but I also clung to the joy and awe that each woman felt as she made her way – to the Manger House. I loved it!

It was a little warmer today, but rained off and on. I stopped at Nate’s to get the turkey and he was cutting the grass. When I left it was starting to rain. Hope he got finished. I was able to go outside about 4pm (no rain) and cut back 2 lawn bags of dead plant stalks, and take apart the broken tier lights and throw the bad ones away. The lights still work – the covers are destroyed. They just disintegrated and fell apart.

Since Kelly and two boys are coming up tomorrow, I made a small amount of meatballs. Logan and I like them, and I haven’t had spaghetti in a long while. I did throw my outdoor work clothes in the laundry – the pollen from the sage was so strong that it almost strangled me. It was like a fine powder and I was coughing and sneezing and collecting it all over my clothes.

We had so much to do in Sunday School, we stuck to half a lesson on Daniel – where he refused to pray to King Darius and went against the King’s law to worship God. We will do the lions next week. But they enjoyed making their turkeys. We wrote what they were most thankful for on the feathers. JJ put ‘food’ on twice. It’s really important to him!

For those of you who offered prayers for my two ‘families’, thank you! One issue has improved dramatically and moving in a positive direction. Very thankful. The other is a friend with back and knee pain. He cannot walk at all. If this isn’t resolved he will not be able to go home. I can’t imagine that. Ever! Please continue to pray for his comfort and healing and acceptance. He has a strong faith; prayers make a difference, so thank you!

I stopped on the way home today at a new little antique mall, just starting out. It’s called Yesterday’s RAVE Antiques: stands for Retro, Antiques, Vintage, Eclectic. As they move forward they hope to expand to twice or three times the current size. It’s a very nice place, and the prices are reasonable. For anyone local, it’s in the old Schaller’s bakery building by Nature’s Way.

Memory book – November 21st: If you have a baby picture of me to share, place it here. (attached)

On this day in 1931 the movie ‘Frankenstein’ with Boris Karloff was released; in 1963 President JFK flew to Texas (he would be assassinated the next day). In 1976 Rocky (with Sylvester Stallone) premiered. When we were in Philly we saw the statue at the bottom of the museum steps. Very cool! In 1980 the TV series DALLAS aired with ‘Who Shot JR?’. David Cassidy (Partridge Family) died at age 67 in 2017; In 1987 Demi Moore married Bruce Willis. Goldie Hawn (Cactus Flower – my favorite! – and Laugh-In fame) was born in 1945, and Marlo Thomas in 1937. And Ralph Kercheval -fellow Hempfield grad, former Smail Co-worker- is having a birthday today. Happy birthday, Ralph. Hope you had a wonderful, happy, blessed day!

TOMORROW November 22 is:

• National Cranberry Relish Day

Not much to celebrate nationally tomorrow – let’s just have fun! God bless…

I really had a full, busy day today. Changed and washed bed sheets; half hour on the treadmill. Mixed up Grama’s bread. Re-organized the linen closet, THEN breakfast. It was a good day to take a break, so I drove over to my favorite fleatique in Adamsburg, L&L. I was greeted by a very cool-looking Santa! It’s like that place exploded Christmas! Lots of fun things to see. I was very proud of myself, since I didn’t spend a penny! Bought nothing! I thought maybe Kelly and I could try this project. I have lots of buttons and twine.

After lunch I tackled a few kitchen projects. I set the bread rising in loaves, then mixed up brownie bites. Made some with and some without icing. Matt doesn’t like them iced. I also made peanut butter blossoms, and saved out a little dough to make several with Reese’s PB cups. Once I got the kitchen cleaned up, and the cookies all packed away in the freezer, I put the bread in the oven. It has about 35 minutes to bake. I’m listening to The Christmas Train on Hallmark as I type.

Tomorrow’s Sunday school lesson is Daniel in the Lion’s Den – so I’m ready for that! We have two huge stuffed lions in our classroom – I have a feeling they will fit nicely into our lesson!

The dehumidifier has been running as expected. All is well so far. And I have even discovered that I can run the space heater at the same time and it doesn’t throw the circuit! Blessings abound!

Memory book – November 20th: Who was the President when I was born? “Harry S Truman (1945-1953). He was Franklin Roosevelt’s vice-president. When Roosevelt died Truman became president. In 1948 he was elected president for a second term.”

On this day in 1789 New Jersey was the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights, and in 1982, at age 7, Drew Barrymore hosted Saturday Night Live. Joe Biden (our President!) was born in 1942; Ann Cook (Model for the Gerber Baby) in 1926, and Robert F Kennedy in 1925. In 1947 Princess Elizabeth II married Lt. Philip Mountbatton, Prince of Edinburgh.

TOMORROW November 21st is:

• National Gingerbread Cookie Day
• National Stuffing Day
• National Red Mitten Day

My sister makes really good gingerbread cookies. I should try them. Or not! I don’t think I own a pair of red gloves or mittens. I have red and green ones, but not plain red. Have a wonderful day in the house of the Lord (as my Mom would say!) God bless…

I started on the treadmill this morning, reading Liz Bromke’s latest pre-release THE MANGER HOUSE (I’m an ARC reader; it’s not officially released yet). I just finished it, and it’s shorter than most of her other books, but tightly woven and very good – lots of funny moments and even more profound thoughts! I’ll write the review tomorrow and get it posted for her. She’s a great writer!

After breakfast I started my morning errands – I stopped at Home Depot and got a dehumidifier. Turned out that after all my extensive research, dehumidifiers are as scarce as hen’s teeth (exactly how scarce ARE hen’s teeth???). The only practical choice within 50 miles were the ones at Home Depot. I plan to turn it on tomorrow – it needs to run 24 hours non-stop when you start it. So I’ll be here to keep an eye on it.

I kept going toward Irwin, and stopped at Aldi’s first, then Walmart. I got everything I need for Thursday, but I may have to make another quick trip once Kelly gets here Monday. I don’t know what they’ll need. I did get flour so I can mix up Grama’s homemade bread in the morning.

Autmn, her friend Alex, and Lori stopped for about half an hour. It was good to see Autmn – I hadn’t seen much of her in weeks. Then I cleaned and cut up celery, made pepperoni balls for appetizers for Thursday, melted chocolate and made my favorite chocolate covered peanut butter pretzel nuggets with Christmas Sprinkles. Pepperoni balls and pretzels are tucked in the freezer. I’ll get something to eat, then finish the ironing. Tomorrow IS another day! More projects!

A fun thing was that I was able to log into my Frndly TV account on my tablet, and could watch/listen to Hallmark Christmas movies in the kitchen while I worked. What a perk!

Memory book – November 19th: What other names did you consider for me? “I don’t think we ever thought we would call our first daughter anything but Marjorie.” When I read the entries in this memory book, I would dearly love to ask Mom tons of questions about the entries. Or even what ISN’T in the entries!

On this day in 1620 the Mayflower reached Cape Cod and explored the coast; in 1805 Lewis & Clark reached the Pacific Ocean. Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863, and in 1965 Pop Tarts were created. James Garfield (20th president) was born in 1831; Calvin Klein (designer) in 1942, and Meg Ryan (You’ve Got Mail – actress) in 1942. Charles Manson died of natural causes at age 83 in 2017, and in 1834 Franklin Pierce (14th president) married Jane Appleton.

TOMORROW November 20 is:

• National Peanut Butter Fudge Day
• National Absurdity Day
• National Child’s Day
• National Adoption Day 

Well, THAT’s absurd! Haha. Tomorrow maybe I’ll write some – who knows? Maybe make a batch of cookies to freeze in addition to baking bread. Oh, and please support me in a special prayer for two separate and very dear people (families) who are going through a tough, frightening time right now. No names at this point, but God knows! Thank you. God bless!

I took a walk outside this morning. There was a beautiful sunrise – but that meant it would be a nasty day. Which it was – rainy and cold and windy all day.

I started down the street but there was a stray dog in the neighbor’s yard, so I turned and went the other way. I didn’t want any close encounters of a canine kind! I did see a robin hopping around my yard – several, actually. I think they may have missed the bus south a while back. Sure hope they’ve got reservations for the next one – it will be getting mighty cold mighty soon!

I worked both stores this morning, then stopped at my friend Diane’s to pick something up. She had a little Snoopy gift for me. It changes colors and it’s so cute! I will of course leave it out until after Christmas. I have a bobble head that I DO leave out all year. It sits on the window sill and nods at me all day!

I have been checking out dehumidifiers for my basement. I know it won’t solve the problem, but it will help over-all. I did NOT want a GE – but things are pointing that way. I looked at so many online that I feel cross-eyed!

Memory Book – November 18th: How did you choose my name? “Your father knew what he was going to call you the day you were born. Corene was the name of a movie star your father liked. The name suited you & so that is how you got your name. He never wanted anyone to call you Maggie. No one did until the song “I never see Maggie alone.” Bill Aughinbaugh (neighbor on Shady Lane) called me Maggie ALL THE TIME!!!

On this day in 1978 in Jonestown, Guyana, 918 members of the Peoples Temple were murdered or committed suicide under the leadership of cult leader Jim Jones. In 1920 Walt Disney’s ‘Steamboat Willie’ was released, the first Mickey Mouse sound cartoon. In 1989 Pennsylvania is first to restrict abortions after US Supreme Court gave states the right to do so. In 1997 Metallica released the album “ReLoad”. (This one’s for you, Nate-Dogg!) In 1948 KFC founder Colonel Sanders (58) wed his long-time employee Claudia Price. In 2000 Catherine Zeta-Jones married Michael Douglas, and in 2006 Tom Cruise married Katie Holmes. In 1886 Chester A Arthur, 21st President, died at age 57. Alan Shepard, astronaut, was born in 1923.

TOMORROW November 19 is:

• National Carbonated Beverage With Caffeine Day
• National Play Monopoly Day
• Substitute Educator Day 

Tomorrow, for me, will include Diet Pepsi, and it will have Caffeine. I won’t play monopoly, but I will play ‘beat the crowds’ and try to get all that I need for Thanksgiving day’s meals! Have a great weekend. God bless…

I tried to keep my promise of being more exciting today – but it didn’t work. Sorry. I started – after breakfast – by calling the dentist for an appointment. Another loose crown; they will call me back with an opening. Then I emailed a friend who flips houses to get recommendations on a contractor to look at my basement issue. Just to see what they say. I also took time to message another friend – who is an electrician – to see about having 2 additional outlets put in my basement on a separate breaker. I keep tripping the breaker. I forget about the heater being on and try to sweep or iron. Separate outlets will help in that regard. He agreed. I also want to run electric to my outside shed. So we’ll see how difficult that will be. He says ‘simple’! A lot going on.

I cleaned the house, did a load of laundry, and cleaned up all the leaves in the front/back yards. That should be that last of them; the trees are bare.

Also paid a couple of bills. That is never fun…

Went to Bible study. Tonight we were learning about the fall of Lucifer. It was very interesting, and raises some interesting concepts. I should write down my questions so I don’t forget to ask God about the answers when I get there!

Had a tuna salad sandwich for supper, and that’s my day. The moon is bright even though the full moon isn’t until tomorrow.

Memory book – November 17th: Tell about the day I was born. “It was a Sunday. Father’s Day 1950. We were having a thunder storm. Couldn’t get Doctor Blackburn on the phone. We drove to his office & read the note that said to call Dr. Thomas or go to the hospital. We went to the hospital where they told us Dr. Blackburn had broke his arm. Dr. Thomas was the doctor you had.” Funny that I don’t remember that. (hahaha)

On this day in 1997 Mario Lemieux entered the NHL Hall of Fame; in 2003 Britney Spears was the youngest singer (21) to get a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. In 2004 K Mart Corp bought Sears, Roebuck, and Co. and named it Sears Holdings Corp. In 1869 the Suez canal opened, and the NRA was founded in 1871. Toto, the dog from the Wizard of Oz, was born in 1933; Rock Hudson, actor, (Pillow Talk) in 1925. Lyndon B Johnson married Claudia Taylor in 1934. Blake Shelton married Kaynette Williams in 2003.

TOMORROW November 18 is:

• National Princess Day
• National Vichyssoise Day
• Mickey Mouse Birthday
• World Pancreatic Cancer Day
• Great American Smokeout
• National Rural Health Day

Mickey Mouse’s birthday is worth celebrating! And so is being a Princess. Celebrate! I have to work in the morning, then I’m not certain. But have a great day! God bless….

Early treadmill – it was still cold and dusky outside. I did a few chores around the house, waiting for the insurance adjuster. She was looking at an issue in my basement. That’s still up in the air. I called the sewage authority and they checked things out, but it’s all safe and clear. So now to find the next step. One thing at a time – and I DO have time to figure it out. Lucy had good advise…

I grabbed a slice of meatloaf for lunch, then did the ironing. I was scrolling through old facebook memories and came across this one – 8 years ago! They were so little and life was so simple. Or was it? Seems like there are always twists and turns, no matter the age or time. But the picture made me smile.

I got my COVID booster, and so far all is well, other than a little ache at the injection site. I stopped afterwards and did a few things at Pinnacle Jeannette.

I noticed yesterday that South Greensburg had their street decorations up. As it was daytime they weren’t lit. But it’s coming around that time of year! (See 1979’s day in history!)

I have been cuddling under my ‘Thanksgiving’ blanket It’s 9 days away!

Memory book – November 16th: Tell the full names, birthdays and birthplaces of all your children. “Marjorie Corene Steiner 6/18 Westmoreland Hospital. Kathleen Louise Steiner 12/29 Westmoreland Hospital.” Easy enough!

On this day in 1979 Paul McCartney released “Wonderful Christmas” (or Wonderful Christmastime); in 2010 an engagement was announced between Prince William and Catherine (Kate) Middleton; and in 1907 Oklahoma was admitted as the 46th state. Clark Gable died in 1960 at age age of 59 (Rhett in Gone with the Wind).

TOMORROW November 17 is:

• National Butter Day *
• National Baklava Day
• National Take A Hike Day
• National Homemade Bread Day
• National Educational Support Professionals Day 

I will probably have a slice of homemade bread with some of Deb’s soup tomorrow. I won’t take a hike (except possibly on the treadmill) because I have a full schedule tomorrow. Enjoy your day! God bless…

It is so cold today! I was thankful for the treadmill as I don’t like being outside in the cold and wind. I mixed my day up a little. First I loaded up the bins and totes in the Mazda, then headed to Hanna’s Town kitchen. Claudia and I spent about three house cleaning off shelves, the fridge, and little nooks and crannies. I didn’t take many pictures but it looked really good when we were finished.

From there I went to work, Greensburg first. Deb dropped me off a container of minestrone soup. That will be tomorrow’s lunch. I went from there to Jeannette. Later I have some paperwork to do for Dave (the other ‘B’ in B&B Windows…). I also started a load of laundry, and which included kitchen towels and aprons from Hanna’s Town. I will iron later.

So that was the extent of today. We’ll see if I can dig up a little more excitement tomorrow!

Memory book – November 15th: Tell about the most serious problem or challenge you faced during your early years of marriage. “Like most young couples we had to learn how to budget our money. I did get homesick the first couple years. We didn’t have a car & we didn’t get to see my family too often.” I can only image how that would be. So far away and no way to see those you love. What a transition! God bless my little momma!

On this day in 1492 Christopher Columbus noted the first recorded reference to tobacco – see what he started? In 1620 Myles Standish lead 16 men in a foot exploration of Cape Cod; in 1777 the Articles of Confederation – 1st constitution of the US – was approved by the Continental Congress. In 1864 Union Major General Sherman left Atlanta on his ‘March to the Sea.’ In 1956 Elvis Presley’s film debut ‘Love me Tender’ premiered, and in 1969 Dave Thomas opened his first Wendy’s hamburger restaurant. Roy Clark – country singer/HeeHaw host – died in 2018 at age 85. Ed Asner, actor, was born in 1929. Heather Bath is celebrating a birthday today, and my cousin Allen’s wife Bonnie also has a birthday today. Happy birthday, ladies! Enjoy your day, and have a wonderful year!

TOMORROW November 16 is:

• National Check Your Wipers Day *
• National Fast Food Day
• National Button Day
• National Indiana Day

Indiana PA or the state of? Hmm. Have a terrific Tuesday! God bless…

It was a very cold, blustery day. The kind that Winnie the Pooh would undoubtedly comment on! A few flurries but nothing notable. I had a few chores to do – one being to spray paint a flag trivet I had tucked away and thought I should either use it or donate it. I’m trying to use it.

I had been looking for a couple of months for new black sink mats for the kitchen. I finally gave up and ordered them online, and they came today. I think they look really nice. The old ones were about 8 years old, and stained and curling up and I couldn’t get them clean. Happy happy!

JJ & Max were so crazy in Sunday School. We learned about Daniel eating healthy food. JJ & Max wanted none of that. Max wasn’t too bad – he wanted M&M’s and donuts and lobster! JJ just wanted donuts and NO FRUIT OR VEGETABLES – AT ALL! So Max may have survived Daniel’s healthy eating request, but JJ probably would not have! Of course for snack (after giving them Honey Nut Cheerios that met with some distain) was York Peppermint Patties and Reese’s PB cups!

I had a piece of meatloaf for lunch, then made Chocolate Chip Cookies with red and green M&M’s. I’ll freeze them for Christmas.

Memory book – November 14th: What qualities in my dad did you try unsuccessfully to change? “I encouraged him to stop smoking & he never could break the habit. He loved to eat & could never seem to understand how it was hurting his health.” I remember that very well! He loved life fully and happily – but it was not nearly long enough.

On this day in 1851 Moby-Dick was published, and in 1883 Treasure Island was published. In 1896 Niagara Falls power plant began operation, and in 1906 President Theodore Roosevelt visited Panama (if you saw Arsenic & Old Lace, you will get the connection – CHARGE!). In 1914 the first airplane flight from the deck of a ship was in Norfolk, VA. Claude Monet was born in 1840; Condoleezza Rice in 1954 (I got to see/hear her in person. She is an intelligent, amazing woman!). Charles, Prince of Wales & heir to the British throne, was born in 1948; Brian Keith – heart-throb in Parent Trap!! – was born in 1921; Mamie Eisenhower – first lady – in 1896; Robert Fulton (born in PA!) – inventor of the steamboat – in 1765. In 1532 King Henry VIII secretly married Anne Boleyn, and in 1855 J E B Stuart married Flora Cooke; he was a famous Confederate general.

TOMORROW November 15 is:

• National Bundt (Pan) Day
• National Philanthropy Day
• National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day
• National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day
• National Raisin Bran Cereal Day
• America Recycles Day

I don’t have to clean out my fridge – there is currently almost nothing in it! Hoping to clean out some shelves at Hanna’s Town tomorrow – that will have to do. Have a happy week. God bless.