We had a nice evening at Nate and Jen’s last night! Cameron – of course – was the entertainment, as well as a parcel of cats, a 75 pound dog Ranger that thinks he’s a lap dog, and a pig the size of a Buick. Cameron loves the animals but we all have a healthy respect for Piggy.

They all had their Christmas before I got there – which was planned. Autmn got new cookware – Pink! – and was very excited. Cameron was having a marvelous time playing with the dog’s toy (new, so it was safe). Everyone seemed to be very pleased with all their gifts. Autmn had to make a trip back in today to get everything else!

Jen made a wonderful meal. The beef roast melted in your mouth. Mashed potatoes, gravy, noodles, biscuits, corn and green beans, veggie pizza. And there were cookies, and snacks spread all over the counter!

Everyone had a wonderful day!

Kelly sent photos of Matt and his crew that went to the Steeler game on Sunday. They had a good time despite the loss!

My friend Diane came for breakfast and we spent a few hours chatting and eating. Her daughter Shannon is having back surgery tomorrow so please keep them both in your prayers.

After I had the kitchen cleaned up, I went to work. There wasn’t much but I got caught up. I had to switch cars. I am now driving a 2018 Ford Escape, bright blue! It drives really nice.

I left there and went to Walmart to grab the rest of the items I needed for Saturday. Also I hadn’t bought any fun thing for Cameron to open. I did find something (with the help of a suggestion from Autmn!) so I hung out with Cookie Monster for a while until I wrapped him.

Tomorrow I will spend the day cooking and doing a small touchup in the cleaning department. I’m looking forward to having the whole family here! (Except Noah, who has to work…)

My blessing for today was that Walmart was NOT crowded!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW December 27th is:

Case Day; National Fruitcake Day; National Socks Day; National Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day; Visit the Zoo Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Sleigh Day. Tomorrow – NO fruitcake. I haven’t made snowflakes since the girls were very little! I’d rather visit the zoo in nicer weather. God bless!

Right now it’s very quiet here. I have Y108’s Countrified Christmas on again, listening to non stop Holiday Songs. It’s much more fun than watching the hundreds of repeat Hallmark movies (although I do watch them every day!).

We had a nice visit last night – I sat and talked to Jesse and Tonia for about an hour or so while we were waiting for Kathy and Paul after church. Isaac doesn’t say much. Everyone seemed to like the sloppy joes and the potatoes, and everyone ALWAYS likes cookies! Kathy and Nate and I sat and talked for a while after dinner. Chrissy was there for about an hour and a half until her mom picked her up. Chrissy took pictures for me but she had a lot of uncooperative subjects!

I left most of the indoor Christmas lights on all night, as well as the radio. It was very faint but it sung me to sleep! I had left a lot of things go yesterday so I spent the first hour this morning looking for a runaway battery that escaped under the dresser, glued a broken lid, and restacked the take-home containers that ended up all mishappen in the garage. I had toast and an egg for breakfast and a few crackers and cheese for lunch. I just finished making Peyton’s Oreo ice cream for Saturday. He’ll have to share, of course. All I have to do now is on Friday bake Brownies for Jen (and everyone else!)

I looked out the kitchen window, and low and behold! SANTA must be having lunch at the neighbor’s. The reindeer’s antlers are sticking up above the house. Daniel’s every day grass mowing must have paid off.

It will be later once I get home from Nate’s so I’ll post those family Christmas pictures tomorrow.

My blessing today is just enjoying the peace and the meaning of Christmas.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW December 26th is:

Boxing Day; Day of Goodwill; National Sleigh Day; Kwanzaa; National Candy Cane Day; National Homeowners Day; National Thank You Note Day; National Whiners Day.

Monday’s fake day was National Cracker Day. TOMORROW – be sure to send thank you notes. No Whining! I’m not a fan of candy canes but to each his own. Peace on earth, GOODWILL toward men (and women!). God bless…

Dearest friends and family – After a busy week – month, even! – here it is, the quiet of Christmas Eve. I had my sister and Paul, their son Jesse and Tonia and Isaac, and Nate and Christina for supper after church.  We had plenty of food, lots of conversation, and too many cookies! 

 I’m sitting here typing in my Snoopy Christmas PJ’s – of COURSE they are Snoopy!  And I have my new Snoopy slippers on, too.  So I’m ready for Santa!

 Everything that needs to be done for the next few days is done.  I’m going to Nate’s for supper tomorrow and will get to see Cameron!  Autmn face-timed me today and he was so excited to see me.  He waved and clapped and smiled, and it melted my heart! 

 The Burke family is having their official Christmas on Saturday with everyone here. So I have a few extra days to make the Oreo Ice Cream for Peyton and Brownies for Jen!

 While November seemed to drag, December just flew by.  It seemed like I spent all my time baking cookies, running Christmas errands, and finding fun things to do!  We had our Skunk Hollow Christmas Fest; I went to Three Centuries of Christmas at Hanna’s Town; we went to the Byham to see A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS CAROL; I went to a friend’s lovely Christmas party (a former Smail co-worker).  And I love getting Christmas Cards, especially from people I don’t hear from very often. December was fast and fun!

 Today I had an especially delightful day.  I spent all day cleaning and cooking and getting organized for tonight’s family supper.  But I had Y108 on all day, and they had their Country Christmas on all day (very limited commercials) and I had a great time trying to guess who was singing each song.  You’d think it would be easy.  I was at about 80% correct until after lunch, when they started throwing in unlikely combinations.  I dropped to about 50%.  But I heard some fun new songs that I have to look into. 

Everyone in the family is doing well – busy and happy (mostly!) and healthy.  I love seeing them when I can.  Otherwise I keep busy – taking care of the house, myself, finding historic things to do, planning trips with Kath.  I’m still working a few days a week in the mornings at Pinnacle.  Those guys are super bosses and I love working for/with them!

Christmas Eve service was lovely as well.  My favorite part is the candlelight  Silent Night – after our candles are lit everyone makes a huge circle and they turn the lights down.  It’s beautiful and touching and makes the words wash over me like a huge happy hug.

It feels like everything has stopped, and we are all waiting to celebrate the most amazing thing that ever happened.  I am so thankful that I embrace the amazing moments of ‘Unto us a Child is Born.’  What could be greater, sweeter, or more important than our Savior’s birth?

So as the day draws to a close, I leave you with this thought.  Whatever you do, do your best to do it well and spread kindness and love.  Live in the moment; don’t rush through events or meals or activities. Turn you phone off – just for a little while. Focus on making memories, something that will last a lot longer than any gift or meal.  God has already given the best gift He has – His beloved Son.  And He has allowed me to choose life and to make life the best it can be for myself and those I love. 

Have a wonderful holiday, and God Bless Us, Everyone! 

It was really cold this morning – still a dusting of snow on the yards. I left the laundry room spigot drip all night, and left the doors under the sinks open to help keep them warmer. All was well when I got up. It’s 37* right now.

After work I stopped at the bank – Independence Health lost a check I sent them. So I have that to slosh through!

Also had to pop into Dollar General – they have their valentine items out already!

I had a grilled cheese for lunch (home made bread), then started on some food for tomorrow – put together the potato casserole and made deviled eggs and iced tea. So the hard stuff is out of the way.

Kath sent me a picture of Wyatt at his pre-school Christmas play. When he spotted her watching the show he pointed and yelled “There’s my Grandma!”

It’s now 4pm and I have THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN on in the background. I have a few emails to work on later and some ironing to do.

My blessing for today was seeing Ken, Sir Rege, and Barry to wish them a Merry Christmas!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW December 24th is:

Christmas Eve; National Cracker Day; Last Minute Shoppers Day; National Eggnog Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Glow Day. Tomorrow: Christmas Eve! Celebrate all day – music, lights and worship. God bless.

Very cold (20*)! But the sun is shining so that makes it tolerable.

Our ‘kids’ made Gingerbread Houses at church and they were on display this morning. They were all very good, but my favorite was the one with the little pond in the yard. And the one with green grass is pretty too.

Todd’s message was about power over the Kingdom. He sent the angels to lowly shepherds in a dark field. His message belongs to all of us, lowly or who the world thinks is important. And He came to save, not condemn. The lost people are not our ‘projects’; we should love them. Let the peace of God rule in your heart. You are your own worst enemy; and you are NOT God. Let God be God; you can’t fix it! You need to take deep breaths, then rest.

After church I stopped at Walmart to pick up a few things for Christmas Eve supper. I expected it to be VERY crowded and difficult but it actually went just fine. The lines were almost all open and were moving quickly. The worst part of the entire thing was that people were seeing friends and stopping in the aisles to chat! Lots of clogs.

I got a Christmas Card from the guys that cut back my trees! That’s sort of a first, that a vender sent a card. It was nice – pictures of his family (whom I never met!)! And I also got a very poignant card from the Smail family – on the front was a picture of their cottage in Canada, and the back was a picture of Jeff and Mark at the lake. They looked happy and healthy. How quickly so much can change!

I passed Suzie Squirrel back to Kathy. December is her birthday month so it’s her turn. We usually do that on birthdays, but this was a Christmas theme and I wanted Suzie to sit out and enjoy the holidays! She does have a staff (she’s a shepherd!) but I took the picture without it. She’ll be back with me in June!

I boiled potatoes and eggs so tomorrow and Tuesday I can put some things together for Christmas Eve. Can’t do anything too early – I need it to be fresh. But the boiling part is ok.

It’s been a long time since I lit a candle – so the family room has a beautiful vanilla fragrance.

My blessing today was surviving crowds at Walmart 3 days before Christmas!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW December 23rd is:

National Christmas Movie Marathon Day; National Roots Day (ancestors, not plants); National Pfeffernusse Day (It’s a cookie); National Glow Day; Festivus.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Flake Day. TOMORROW: No question – I’ll be doing the Christmas movie marathon! And we can blame Festivus on Seinfeld! God bless…

Only a few more days until Santa! SANTA! I KNOW HIM! (Movie quote…) I got up extra early to prep for the day. Changed sheets, got ready, had breakfast. Kathy and Paul picked me up at 8:15am and we parked at Kyle and Sarah’s. We headed to Pittsburgh to the Byham Theater to see A Musical Christmas Carol.

As is typical, we exited the tunnels going into the city and the skyline was impressive. And there was sunshine! But it was very cold and windy. Thankfully there is a parking garage across from the theater and we only had to cross the street.

We were there in plenty of time. There were 6 of us: Kathy, Paul, Sarah and Kyle and Millie, and me. Wyatt stayed home with Kyle’s dad, Chuck. I only got a few photos inside – there was not supposed to be pictures during the play. But it was a very nice performance and there’s always a certain magic to live theater!

When we came out of the theater it was snowing! Paul had chosen The Redbeard for us to eat lunch. I had a fish sandwich and it was very good – but huge. I brought half of it home to have for supper.

The drive home was blustery until we – again – got through the tunnels. There was still a bit of snow on the ground but it wasn’t snowing and the roads were clear. We all enjoyed seeing the city in the snow. It really was beautiful.

So now it’s back to reality and I need to make my list for the next 3 days – work and shopping and prepping. It did snow a bit since we got home but I don’t think we are to get any more.

My blessing today was a Pittsburgh trip with my family!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW December 22nd is:

Forefather’s Day; Mathematics Day; National Flake Day; National Cookie Exchange Day; National Nut Bread Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Fly Day. TOMORROW: I can do cookies and nut bread, but I’ve never been good at math! And celebrating forefathers is embracing history! God bless…

Five more days! I bet all the little ones are wound up and have enough energy to power Santa’s sleigh! And speaking of little ones, I haven’t seen Cameron in a while. Noah’s schedule and the weather are making it tough. I’ll see them soon I hope!

I started the morning out by mixing up bread dough and setting it to rise. Just did a few household chores, ate lunch, and then decided to trek down to L&L Fleatique, for no specific reason. I found a little cow for my farm scene, and a spoon rest for the stove. Those are the little things I enjoy, rather than eating out or splurging on frequent movies or hi-ticket shopping. I can manage spending a few dollars every couple of weeks!

A few things caught my attention at L&L. One was a Shirley Temple paper doll set. Karen Ober (Skunk Hollow Cousin) and I used to stay up late (without permission!) and play paper dolls. Her favorite was the Lennon Sisters – and if I could have found those I would have sent them to her! Such happy memories…

Another thing I saw was a set of little figurines that spelled N-O-E-L. We had a set of little candle holders, and when no one was looking Dad would rearrange the figures to spell E-L–N-O! He always denied it, of course!

This Sunflower dresser also caught my eye! It’s something I though Kelly would love. It was also look super cool in my Crooks room!

By the time I was on my way home, traffic was backed up on Route 30 for as far as I could see. I had planned on going home the back way but needed gas in the car for the weekend.

When I finally got home, I put the bread in loaves and they are currently rising. I can probably bake them about 7pm, and I’ll have a warm slice for supper.

Last night before I went to bed I snapped a pic of my neighbor’s house across the street. They have LED lights and they sparkle and shine and it’s beautiful to see!

My blessing for today was just thinking of so many precious friends!!!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW December 21st is:

Blue Christmas Service; Don’t Make Your Bed Day; Humbug Day; Anne (Frank) and Samantha (Smith) Day; Look on the Bright Side Day; National Crossword Puzzle Day; National Flashlight Day; National Fly Day; National French Fried Shrimp Day; Short Girl Appreciation Day; Winter Solstice; World Snowboard Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Turkey Neck Day; Tomorrow: Anne and Samantha, for sure! Not only will I make my bed, but I’ll change the sheets! There were a lot of obscure and off-the-wall celebration suggestions. So pick the ones that appeal to you! Like, Kelly – Short girl appreciation? And Daniel Morris – Snowboard? I think I remember a connection there. So let’s just all look on the bright side! God bless…

Man, I didn’t sleep last night! I was up until almost 4am. My mind was racing and just would not stop. I was even singing songs in my sleep! I’m convinced it’s one of my new medications but who knows which one. Three different doctors just prescribe something ‘to see’ if it helps….

Not much going on in Jeannette. Only 3 more working days this year for me. Monday is the last one before Christmas, and 2 after. Then I helped Mike P with a deal. I was looking for 2 things (the same two from before!) and still didn’t find them. One more place to check over the weekend.

I had Lipton soup for lunch, then made muffins for an easy breakfast choice these next few days. I had one while they were warm.

Mary sent me a photo of Poppy (her fur baby) playing with her new toy. It was a present for her since she’s been a good puppy this year! (Mary got a gift, too…)

Kathy sent me a picture from her office party today. Santa was there. Looks like they had a good time, and Santa thought they were all very good!

It’s only the 19th and my door is almost full of Christmas cards. I love getting them! A few people reached out this year that I don’t always hear from, so that was fun.

I watched Biltmore Christmas a few times yesterday. Sigh. I’m addicted. And TV shots make it look completely and totally wonderful! Which it is!

See how good you are at solving word search…

I was just sitting in the living room looking at the board Peyton made for me – It had to be about 10 years ago!!

My blessing today was a warm muffin!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW December 20th is:

Dot your I’s Day; Games Day; Go Caroling Day; Ugly Christmas Sweater Day; National Turkey Neck Day; Sacagawea Day; Mudd Day; National Underdog Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Dollar Day. Tomorrow: Singing carols will lift your spirits! Wear an ugly sweater and it will be all the more fun. I loved the Underdog cartoons and movie! But I don’t think that’s what is meant here. God bless…

It’s been a rainy day today, and a little cooler than Monday and Tuesday. Temperature says 34* but feels like 26*!! I did have to run out a few times: Take the trash up, get the mail, buzz over to the store.

I had a tough time getting started on cleaning this morning. I kept getting interrupted or distracted. I found a few things – two weeks after decorating! – that I wasn’t totally content with. So I moved them around and I’m happy now!

I had a mini waffle for breakfast and 5 chicken nuggets for lunch. Got the cleaning done plus a load of laundry. Towels folded. Took the trash up to the road, and then had to pop down to the store for one small item. It’s now 5:30pm and I’m settled in for the evening.

I have been feeling a little lost this week. Lots to do, and so much fun, but just feels like I need to do something different. Not sure what! I’ll think about it. 

Sitting on the downstairs couch I can see the lighted wreath in the powder room. It has a warm glow to it!

My blessing today was staying dry. Not as easy as it sounds!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW December 19th is:

Look for an Evergreen Day; National Dollar Day; National Hard Candy Day; National Oatmeal Muffin Day; National Regifting Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Tissue Day. TOMORROW: I don’t need an evergreen, and I just bought Jolly Ranchers (hard candy). Muffins sound yummy; I seldom regift. God bless!

Today after work I stopped at two stores to pick up little items but they didn’t have either of them. So I came home organized a few small gifts and found bags and tags for them. After lunch of potato soup I started a batch of fudge. It was my mom’s recipe and she made it every year. She cut it in small pieces and put it in a pink candy dish. I put mine in a sealed container because there is still 8 days until Christmas.

Once I had the fudge all cooked, cooled, and poured into a glass dish, I cleaned up that mess and started on a batch of chocolate covered pretzels. Autmn specifically asked for them. That always makes a mess because the non-perils bounce all over the kitchen, and I find them for days and days.

When I walked out to get the mail I noticed that my next door neighbor decorated their house with several strings of colored lights. It looks so nice! The former neighbor was not big on decorating, so this is a pleasant change.

While I was inside making a mess in the kitchen, my neighbor Daniel was outside mowing his lawn! Then he left his two dogs outside to fertilize the grass!

I talked to Kelly for a few minutes – they have been crazy busy. Matt sets up and runs the sound and slides for events at the church and there have been a lot with the Christmas holidays. Those guys need a vacation!

My blessing today was getting the chocolate snacks done and put away. Also talking to Beth for a few minutes. I’m so glad we did!

Today is my cousin Perry’s birthday. They live in Delaware. Happy, happy birthday Perry!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day is brought to you buy a distant cousin of Snoopy:

TOMORROW December 18th is:

Answer the Phone like Buddy the Elf Day; Bake Cookies Day; Flake Appreciation Day (Snowflake, that is); National Tissue Day; Wear a Plunger on your Head Day – who makes these things up???; National Twin Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Feathers Day. TOMORROW – I hope someone answers the phone like Buddy the Elf! How fun is that? I baked all the cookies and candy that I plan to do – all that’s left is the Oreo Ice Cream for the 28th! Have a happy Wednesday. God Bless…