Well, let’s see what happened in the last two days. Kelly and Chase got here about 4:30 on Wednesday. We got settled and then ordered Gianelli’s pizza for supper. Nate still was dealing with a strong reaction from a steroid medication so they did not come up. We just ate and listened to my CD’s while Chase played his games online. Thursday we made fresh scones and then after breakfast Kathy stopped for a few minutes. She brought me a new set of green lights — my one set died on me 24 hours after putting it out. It looks much nicer because it’s actually an exact match to the one that’s on there.

Kelly and I went searching for some things – Big Lots for unique deck lights, which we couldn’t find. Spring isn’t out yet. We tried Marshall’s just for fun. I found two really nice picture frames to replace the ones that broke last week. Then we got batteries at Ollie’s. We made Chase Quesadillas for lunch and Kelly and I had leftover pizza. We spent the afternoon just working on projects. She was working on 4-H and Upwards projects and I washed my car. It was so dirty I was embarrassed.

Dirty

Clean

Kelly wanted a coaster like I made of the covered bridge at their place so we made that, then had grilled cheese for supper. I cleaned out both freezers and was able to send some items home with her today.

Covered Bridge on Erskine Road — West Alexandria PA.

This morning we buzzed over to Walmart to get what she needs for tomorrow’s Upwards basketball games at their church. We didn’t do much else – just chatted and read our current books. I found a series set in Williamsburg in 1774 – I am very excited about it. Although the first book is $.99 the rest a slightly more. But if I really like it I will probably invest. The author is a very good writer!

The clouds were unusual the last few days…

Tonight

Tuesday

It was hard to see them leave and the house feels so empty and alone. I went in to work, and Rege was by himself. After I finished my work, I stuck around to answer phones, etc, while he handled his customers. At one point there were four at once! That never happens. But it slowed down enough that I could leave at about 4:45pm.

Sir Rege with customers

I felt like I didn’t want to go home yet, so I walked around Gabe’s (and I did NOT buy a blanket! Or anything, actually…) and then Dollar General. I did by a little wooden pedestal that was 70% off. It’s just a winter piece but still included in the Christmas clearance.

About 5 inches in diameter.

I’m watching a somewhat nonsense movie on Hallmark. It’s just on in the background. I’m going to get something to eat, and then finish my evening. Tomorrow is a new day, with no mistakes in it! ( Anne Shirley — Anne of Green Gables.)

Today I am thankful for family visits!

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow January 10th is:

National Houseplant Appreciation Day; National Oyster Rockefeller Day; National Vision Board Day; Save the Eagles Day; National Cut your Energy Costs Day; National Bittersweet Chocolate Day; Peculiar People Day.

I don’t do houseplants or oysters or vision boards and I don’t have any eagles. I love chocolate. Is that peculiar?? God bless…

Amazing photo:

And exactly how did this happen????

Just a quick post this evening — Kelly and Chase are here so I’m not going to be creative until Friday! Have a lovely two days – and celebrate something good in your life – and don’t forget to be thankful! God bless!

I worked this morning – had a few deals and then Barry and I rearranged the 2024 and 2025 deals and files to make logical room for the 2026. It didn’t take that long – I made the file folders and got them in the drawers. I grabbed a few items at Walmart (I feel like I live there!) in anticipation of Kelly’s visit; I’m fairly certain Chase will come, too. And today is Epiphany Day – or Three Kings Day.

Di asked me to stop and pick up a little treat at her place. It was a cute little Snoopy Christmas book with games on the flap and candy inside.

Autmn sent me pictures of Cameron dancing to Veggie Tale songs – and one he was dancing with his bouncy cow to Easter Cow! Fun times!

Dance moves are hard to document when they’re moving!

Good job, Cameron.

Cameron and the cow dancing to Easter Cow (you gotta listen to this – it’s cute!)

I braved the drizzle after lunch and took down the Christmas deck lights and put up different ones. Not much to choose from – I put blue on the back deck and green on the front. I guess next year I’ll have to shop early for 2 strings of the same color for both front and back — or something unique and different.

Blue around the deck

And blue down the post

Green on the front deck.

Also took a few minutes to clean up all the wet clumped-up leaves on the patio stones and by the deck. Looks so much neater now!

Since I wasn’t sure what our schedule was for the next few days, I made a dozen cinnamon streusel muffins and a batch of white chocolate drizzled popcorn. I still have chocolate covered Oreos and pretzels left, too. They last a long time in the fridge.

Muffins

White Chocolate popcorn.

Today I’m thankful for space heaters!

This is exactly like mine!

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

Tomorrow January 7th is:

National Bobblehead Day; I am a Mentor Day; Old Rock Day; Orthodox Christmas.

Let’s celebrate each other! God bless….

Amazing Photo:

Today was a focused stay-at-home and do chores day. They were all little things, even down to cleaning out some of my phone photos and deleting old emails. I did laundry and worked on a story that I can’t seem to move forward too far with. I need to do some research. I did a bit, but need more inspiration. I have been listening to CD’s so far all day – especially the Christmas Dan + Shay one I got for Christmas. There are a few extra cute songs on there.

For lunch I heated up the leftover spaghetti that I had at lunch yesterday. To compensate for that I plan on having something light for supper later.

I decided after that I should get something done in the afternoon. The sleeve of one of my favorite Williamsburg sweatshirts had a hole on the cuff so I sewed that. Also had to grab a few extra hangers from my storage closet back up to my bedroom.

At least I stopped it from fraying more.

This morning I noticed that the fan blades were pretty dusty. I got a bucket of hot water and Pine Sol and did the one in my bedroom, one in the hall, and the kitchen. I also cleaned the light over the bathroom sink. While I was on the step stool I noticed over the shower curtain that the shower head was dusty. How can a shower head be dusty? Anyway, I climbed up and cleaned that too. I came down to empty the bucket and noticed that the floor behind my stereo speaker in the basement was cob-webby. So that got done, too.

By now it was time to get the ironing done, and Kelly called to give me some information. She found the craft tiles (at Hobby Lobby) that I wanted for my coaster project. She txt me photos and I picked the ones I liked. She’ll be up on Wednesday and bring them then.

I hope to make more of these, different pictures.

Autmn called this morning and we chatted for a while. Cameron always wants to talk to me! She sent me pictures of him and his playroom.

Cameron in his new stroller. He’s ready to go!

Gigi and Puppers got him this bouncy cow for Christmas. I want one! (In my size, of course)

Playing Santa

Playroom

Also picture of an aquarium that she’s painting for her turtle. I hope they come up this weekend.

Bottom of aquarium.

If it stays warmer a few days I should be able to switch out the lights on the decks. Not sure what color I’ll put up. Maybe green for a change, if I have 2 strings.

Christmas in the snow.

Today I am thankful for phone calls and leftover spaghetti!

Quote of the day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 6th is:

National Cuddle Up Day; National Technology Day; National Shortbread Day; National Bean Day; Apple Tree Day; Epiphany; National Take a Poet to Lunch Day; National Take Down your Christmas Tree Day; Three Kings Day.

I like shortbread – and speaking of — I just saw an ad for Girl Scout Cookies! My tree is already down. God bless!

Amazing photo:

NY – Six feet of snow????

Well, the first Sunday in 2026! We had a nice discussion in Sunday School about our favorite scriptures. My two were I Corinthians 2:9 and II Chronicles 7:14. Todd’s Message was ‘Chutes and Ladders’. Life is like the game. Sometimes we climb, sometimes we slide backwards. But no one sets out to say ‘Today I’m going to ruin my life.’ Often we settle for GOOD when God has the BEST waiting for us. Remember that one day in the outside courts of God’s kingdom is better than 1000 days somewhere else. Be aware of God’s presence – climb the ladders. 1) Be in constant communication with God. 2) Have instant obedience to God. 3) Be desperate DAILY for God. Get up each morning and start again!

After church we were standing in the Welcome center talking, and my cousins were planning lunch. So they included me in the invitation and we went to Gianelli’s on Route 30. There was Mark, Paul – Laura – Nick, Deb, Mike – Talya, me. Since today is National Spaghetti Day, I ordered spaghetti with a meatball and a side salad. Yum! I was just saying how I hadn’t had spaghetti in SO LONG. I brought a little home and I can have it for lunch tomorrow. The restaurant was still decorated for Christmas and the tree was elegant.

Perfect day for Spaghetti – and thanks Deb for the reminder!

Long overdue for me.

I had a few things for Jen, and Nate wasn’t feeling well, so I stopped at Pet Smart and gave the items to Sherree. We had a nice chat, and she was so glad to see me! We decided we had to spend time together keeping each other busy! We had similar holiday experiences and it was nice to share a hug. There were two cats who were snuggling together. They were all beautiful cats. The dogs were really loud but clean and happy.

They are buddies for sure!

I finally figured out how to order through the online store for Highmark. I stocked up on a few things and they should be here this week.

Also, yesterday I saw online that the Washington Monument is being light with highlights celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. I copied a picture of one but there were several. So we are already starting the celebration!

Just one of the images

TODAY I am thankful for Sherree and our time to share together. Have a great week, Sherree!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 5th is:

National Keto Day; National Screenwriters Day; National Thank God it’s Monday Day; National Whipped Cream Day; National Bird day; National Day of Dialogue.

I think writing movies or screenplays would confuse me. I wonder who really is thankful for Monday? God bless…

An Amazing photo:

Tonight is to be the Wolf Moon – a super moon! I found this list on facebook and decided to keep it. I did peek out but I think it’s too cloudy right now. No moon at this point!

I had a lot of little chores to accomplish today, and did pretty good. It was not, however, without it distresses. I started the dishwasher after breakfast and I couldn’t hear the water. I went down to make sure the washer had finished, and when I got back upstairs everything was fine. I’m getting pyrenoid these days – expecting everything to mis-behave! But the sheets and the dishes are all clean – separately but perfectly. Dishes are dried and put away, and sheets are folded and tucked into the linen closet.

My most unpleasant chore for today was to clean the oven. I put on an old sweatshirt because I always get my clothes dirty leaning into the oven to reach the corners. I think it looks a lot better and I’m glad that’s done.

Dirty oven

Clean oven.

Around 2pm I took a drive over to L&L Fleatique. I’m on the hunt for more skunks! And cows for Cameron if I come across any. No skunks or cows but I did find a tiny cow for my castle. I previously decided that this Christmas gift from my kids when they were VERY young (I think my mom took them shopping) could stay out all year, all the time. Nothing Christmas-y about it. I put the yellow lights around it, and thought it needed a bit of character. So I added a few little items – a cow being one of them. It’s so tiny, and so cute!

Baby cow in the center near bottom.

I stopped on my way home at this little shop on Route 30 – Route 30 Retro. It’s not what I expected! It’s all retro (maybe 70’s, etc??) furniture and décor and clothing. Not really an ‘antique’ or ‘fleatique’ place.

I figured since I was already in boots and warm clothes I’d finally change the yard flags. Three big ones and three little ones. I did put the New Years’ Flag out – it’s still a new year! My fingers were froze when I got inside.

Can you guess what year I bought this??

About half way through the afternoon I realized how much exercise I have been getting. All I get done doing is bending over and picking things up off the floor. For some reason, everything I reach for or pick up goes sliding, flying, bouncing, rolling, tumbling, flopping, jumping or slipping off counters or out of my hands. I get really tired of that! I guess I must need the extra exercise.

Latest example – these 2 M&M’s jumped off my desk and rolled across the floor….

In my mail today I got a letter advising me that my home warranty is about to expire. No company name, no address, no account number – just an URGENT warning. Out of curiosity I googled the key phrase and it popped up THIS IS A SCAM! They are trying to get you to purchase overpriced home warranties that don’t exist. Beware!

I was on a roll – so I pulled out a panel of little Peanuts Characters (material) that you cut out, stitch together, and stuff. I had a plan for Snoopy, but once I finished him I changed my mind. So right now he’s sitting on the bench with Desiree just chillin’. I may finish the other 4 later. I think there is Lucy, Charlie Brown, Linus, and Sally.

Isn’t he cute? And I only stitched myself to the material twice!

About an hour ago I had a phone call from a friend I knew through Ron – Mary Lou was his boss in the Jewelry Department at Sears years ago. She heard about Nate’s surgery. She’s a B&B Window customer, too. So we chatted for about 45 minutes – a lot of ‘remember when?’ and laughing and just feeling amazing at how much life has changed and is continuing to change. It was so great to talk to her!

Sears, of course, is closed now.

The last item on today’s list was to make Flax Cookie Balls. Ran into a few snags here but they turned out fine. My peanut butter was low sugar and you could tell. But I accidently added a bit too much honey, so it was too sticky, so I threw in a pinch extra oats. They taste like they are supposed to – I’ll have one for dessert later. Fruit salad on the list for supper later. And that’s about it for my day!

Not sure but I think they were rolling around in the fridge….

TODAY I’m thankful for long-time friends and phone conversations!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 4th is:

National Missouri Day; National Trivia Day; National Spaghetti Day; Free Flower Basket Day; National Can-Do Day; Pop Music Chart Day; Tom Thumb Day; Weigh-in Day; World Braille Day.

I haven’t had Spaghetti in — almost forever! I’d enjoy a flower basket. I weigh in every morning. Can be a scary thing! God bless…

UNIQUE PHOTO:

I had a list and several things to catch up on from last week. First I worked for almost an hour. Rege came in but he is very sick (cough, cold). He was leaving for a doctor’s appointment just after I left. Here’s to a quick return to good health! I finally managed to get to Miller’s Crossing for my honey. I took a very quick look around and found another TY skunk! I’m so excited! I have 6 now that match, and four other ones (plus little plastic ones). We do have Mr. Fresh, but I don’t know who has him or where he is. That would round us out if he turns up.

Big skunk, little skunk

One skunk

Two more skunks…

Five skunks!

Monday when Kathy and I were at RAVE I saw a small wooden cow. It’s one that is totally safe for Cameron to play with (he loves playing with things that are NOT toys!) so I stopped and got it today. Then I had a chiropractor appointment. It was nice to catch up with Kip; he DID end up getting engaged over the holidays – so congrats to him and Jackie!

Next I grabbed a few items at Walmart, then came home and made a hot dog for lunch. Kip was talking about having hot dogs and it made me hungry for them. I had 2 loads of laundry that I still have to iron.

Laundry

I went through my bin of battery operated lights and sorted them. I have way too many so I hope to share or weed them out as the occasion arises. Then I had the bright idea to make a few coasters with winter pictures. I couldn’t fine backsplash tiles at Lowe’s, so I used two of the ones I already had to experiment. I made one of the farm at Mom and John’s, and one of the covered bridge at Kelly and Matt’s. I’d love to make more, if I could find tiles.

My battery lights

I’m going to probably change up my add-ons for the Word Garden. Instead of scripture I will post something I’m thankful for. Just to clarify, these will be small, ordinary everyday things. I’m not going to mention the obvious, most important things – like my faith, salvation, God’s love, my home and family. These will just be little things that make my day special. Like, yesterday I was thankful for my Driveway Angels!

TODAY I’m thankful for my two new little homemade coasters. I didn’t think I could do it!

My coasters – Mom and John’s barn and the covered bridge at Kelly’s.

QUOTE for the Day:

(Thank goodness!)

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 3rd is:

National Fruitcake Toss Day; National Play Outside Day; National Drinking Straw Day; National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day; Festival of Sleep Day; JRR Tolkien Day; Women Rock! Day.

My mom used to LOVE chocolate covered cherries – We bought them for her every year for Christmas! I think it will be too cold to play outside. I’ll celebrate sleep. God bless!

And here is an amazing photo of Lake Erie!

Well, I kept my plans for the day and spent the whole day organizing and cleaning. I started by sorting all my Christmas leggings, sweaters, tee shirts, socks, PJ’s – and packed them away. I have two under-the-bed storage bins that fit perfectly and are also easily accessible in case I need a ‘Christmas in July’ outfit (or May or October or February!). That took longer than you would think – because I had to re-organize my non-Christmas clothes and sort them into the right drawers. I also put up the 2026 calendars and changed the wooden Snoopy calendar to January.

Last night I saw a quote by Brad Paisley. Actually I saw the same quote by someone else, too, but whoever said it, I love it!

Byron – who lives down the road from Mom and John’s farm – posted a picture of Crouch Road. Such an inspiring photo! I have a few taken in the same spot – all seasons. I do love the snowy one, though. I actually set it as my computer wallpaper.

I cleaned all day – got in corners and wiped down cupboards and changed lightbulbs as needed. Washed a load of towels. While I was sweeping the steps, low and behold the Driveway Angels came and shoveled my driveway! Noah had told me his step dad would clean it for me when I needed it done. I looked outside and there was Scott and a friend, cleaning it off! I offered to pay them – they declined – so I’ll put money in his grandson (Cameron’s) savings account!

Today’s Scripture:

Quote of the Day: (Same as above)

Snoopy?

TOMORROW January 2nd is:

National Cream Puff day; National Buffet Day; National Science Fiction Day; 55 MPH Speed Limit Day; Ancestry Day; Happy Mew Year for Cats Day; Swiss Cheese day.

I am just going to be happy! Celebrate your favorite! God Bless…..

Again today I jumped right in after breakfast and started getting the house to rights. I got all the light sets taken down and tucked away. Those are what I miss the most. I still have plenty of unique lights and night lights in my house – but at Christmas I take it to a ridiculous level! But it’s back to Pre-Christmas now and I’ll adjust.

I upgraded the light string on the stairs to LED, and it leaves interesting shapes on the ceiling!

After the lights, I took down the tree. Then I took the tree apart and put it in the new storage bag I finally bought. It was very inexpensive but it works perfectly. In fact, the main tree fits in, and so does the little 4 foot tree I bought a few years ago. Perfect!

No, it’s not a body bag. There are trees in there!

Fits perfectly on the shelf.

Things seem so minimal and simple once all the decorations are down. Once I adjust to the trauma of putting away Christmas, I like having the house back to rights.

Kitchen

Family room (complete with treadmill!

Living room

After a salad for lunch I bundled up (had to talk myself into it!) and went out to clear the driveway. I was able to get the decorations down and the big Snoopy and the reindeer put in the shed. The only thing I didn’t get done was to change the garden flags. Some of them were frozen so I just let them go. This is the first time in 26 years I have not put my New Year’s flag out!

You can see where the car was. I let it run for about 15 minutes then put it in the garage. But it’s snowing again!

Snoopy and the reindeer are hibernating until November!

I came in and threw all my snow clothes in the dryer, then made a cup of tea. I had my Holiday Ritz crackers and a few bites of cheese. I put the Christmas blankets away and got the winter ones out, and changed the coasters (I won’t tell you how many I have…).

Autmn sent me pictures of Cameron’s first haircut! He looks like a little man! How handsome he his! Love this little guy!

It doesn’t look like he was traumatized by the experience!

My handsome little guy!

Tomorrow, New Year’s Day, I plan to clean the whole house. It’s said that whatever you are doing on New Year’s you will be doing all year. No surprise there! Tonight I intend to have something fun for supper (no clue what would be fun), watch Hallmark movies and probably fall asleep well before midnight. Have a wonderful New Years – and a beautiful, healthy, successful and peaceful 2026. May it be filled with love and joy!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

NEW YEARS:

TOMORROW, January 1st 2026, is:

World Day of Peace; Z Day (pretty interesting – check it out!); National Bloody Mary Day; National Hangover Day; New Year’s Day; Apple Gifting Day; Ellis Island Day; Copyright Law Day; Polar Bear Plunge Day; Ring a Bell Day; Rose Bowl Game; Tournament of Roses Parade.

Can you get a hangover from Klondike bars? I knew a guy that did the Polar Bear Plunge – not sure if he still does. I hope I remember to catch a few minutes of the parade. God bless, and Happy New Year!

I’m not posting tonight – I’m up to my eyebrows in boxes and bins and Christmas decorations. And I’m hungry! So I’ll catch up either tomorrow or Thursday. Have a lovely, safe, and fun New Year’s Eve!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

NEW YEARS :

TOMORROW December 31st is:

National Champagne Day; No Interruptions Day; New Year’s Eve; Make up your Mind Day; Leap Second Time Adjustment Day; Unlucky Day.

I’m hoping I don’t get interrupted finishing up these decorations. I doubt if I’ll make it to Midnight! Happy New Year! God bless…