I expected a quiet day – but it got busier as the day went on. After breakfast Kelly and I went to the used book sale at the library. She bought several classics for home-school classes, and I got 2 kids books, the classic REBECCA (a favorite!), and also found MY book in the historic reference section! I was flattered, because that meant it wasn’t just a shallow fiction novel. I bought it, as it is in mint condition and I can share with with someone else.

When we got back, we made 8 dozen chocolate chip cookies. I think we froze six dozen of them for the HCC outreach day on April 1st. I’m sure we’ll eat the rest up quickly.

Kelly had some lesson plans to work on, so I went outside and fixed the section of lights on the deck that weren’t working. All good now.

While I was outside I walked around looking at the flowers and picking up sticks. The daffodils are not blooming yet, nor are the hyacinths. but they are up and have buds!

Chrissy needed a ride to work, so I did that while Kelly kept working. When I got home, Chase reminded us that he needed shoes, and Logan chipped in that he did, too – so we all set out on a mission. Chase got slides and Logan got tennis shoes; they are both happy!

Tonia posted a video of Isaac’s drum duet (Kath’s grandson) at a school program. They did a terrific job. If you’re on facebook check it out!

Here are some random decoration pictures:

Fun things to do in Ohio:

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Top song of 2021: THINGS A MAN OUGHTA KNOW – Lainey Wilson

TOMORROW March 22nd is:

National Bavarian Crepes Day; National Goof Off Day; National West Virginia Day.

My recommendation is to just goof off! Have a happy day and God bless…

It’s the first day of spring! There was a chill in the air but it was a beautiful day. I worked in the morning, then Peyton brought Kelly, Logan and chase up as far as King-of-the Hill. When we got home and unloaded the car, Kelly helped me take down the winter (blue/white) lights and we put up the purple ones for spring and Easter. Sadly, the ones I’ve used for YEARS were mostly burned out, so I pulled out the back-up ones (still purple). It took several tries to get them right.

Kelly needed one of her old books (stored in a tub in the shed) for her literature classes so we went down and dug through several boxes of old books until we found the right book. Next we went to Walmart and got the rest of the food that we need for the week, plus strolled around the holiday candy aisle for ideas. The plan is to get the Easter shopping done on Wednesday.

Supper was spaghetti which I haven’t had in ages. Meatballs and garlic toast, too. Perfect. After we ate Kelly & I dropped in on Kathy so we could pick a color for our tee shirts for vacation. Kelly ordered the shirts tonight and will have the shirts for us at Easter! We are excited! The sunset on the way home was beautiful – nice day tomorrow!

We had tea and cookies just now – Kelly had the Easter chocolate chip (I had oatmeal) and she used my Christmas mug. Mixed holidays!

Fun things to do in Ohio:

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Top song of 2020: DIE FROM A BROKEN HEART — Maddie & Tae

TOMORROW March 21st is:

National California Strawberry Day; National 3-D Day; National AG Day; National Common Courtesy Day; World Down Syndrome Day; National Fragrance Day; National Memory Day; National French Bread Day; National Countdown Day; National Single Parent Day.

There are plenty of things to celebrate tomorrow! I’ll pick strawberries and French bread and hope I remember! And I AM a single parent! God bless…

I’m obsessed by shadows – and the ones on my window blind this morning were so cool! Great way to start the day!

Got a txt from Mary right before Sunday School. She had a situation at home and could not make it to class. Max and I took a moment and both of us prayed for Mary (and her husband and son and mother!) and for the lesson. We walked down to the supply room and pulled a few items off the shelf. Mary always does the activities and craft pages and I didn’t have anything prepared. We worked on the bulletin board for a while.

Max stepped up to the plate and took over as assistant teacher! He filled in the attendance card, held the flannel graph board, and handled the snack. He probably would have totally taught the lesson as well, but I was prepared for that! We learned about the Last Supper and the Jewish Passover.

After church I stopped at L&L Fleatique. I had seen a little stack of wooden books that I liked and had time to check it out. One booth had an Easter tree up. I didn’t put mine up this year since the pre-lit lights don’t work. It would be a little more work than I wanted to get into. But the little books look so sweet beside my tiny typewriter (Pen and remote holder!).

Here are a few pictures of outside decorations. I braved the frigid temps and fierce wind to get some of it done. I still need to change the lights on the back deck.

I also went to Scotland (Scottdale!) to the Walmart there. It was crazy crowded and only had half of what I needed! Looks like Kelly & I will have to make a Walmart run Monday or Tuesday.

Fun things to do in Ohio:

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Hit song of 2019: GOD’S COUNTRY – Blake Shelton

TOMORROW March 20th is:

World Flour Day; National Ravioli Day; National Native HIV/Aids Awareness Day; Spring Begins; National Proposal Day.

Let’s just go for the spring thing! I’m all for it! Have a wonderful week and a beautiful spring season, start to finish! God bless…

Saturday routine: Change and wash bed sheets, shower, breakfast. The task today was to get the Easter decorations out and put up. I spent ALL DAY on that – it was a huge task. I don’t know why I have so much. It doesn’t look like much, but I have some of Mom’s ceramics that are larger and they take up a lot of storage space. I didn’t do anything else today, and it’s 10 til 8pm. The only thing I didn’t get done was a few things outside – it was cold and very window and at one point it was snowing. So hoping I can finish that up tomorrow. THAT is my day!

Fun things to do in New Mexico:

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Top song in 2018: HEAVEN – Kane Brown

TOMORROW, March 19th is:

National Certified Nurses Day; National Chocolate Caramel Day; National Let’s Laugh Day; National Poultry Day; National Backyard Day.

I’m all for back yards, chocolates, and LAUGHING! Maybe, just maybe, I can do all three at once tomorrow! Enjoy your Sunday! God bless…

I didn’t really do anything special for St. Patrick’s Day. Nothing green; nothing shamrock-ish. But that’s ok.

Kath stopped after her doctor’s visit – she is improving and moving in the right direction. We chatted for a few minutes, and I mentioned that my chore for today was to wash windows. I think she was ready to feel my forehead and take my temperature… “In a RAIN storm?” Well, Yes. I needed to clean the tracks that the windows slide on, and I wanted to get the grime off the windows before I put the Easter decorations up. I was fortunate that the rain stopped so I could do all the windows and doors without getting wet. Rain or no rain, they look a lot better!

Every time I clean the living room window, there is a little nest-like thing of dried grass stuck between the screen and the track. I never see any bugs, etc, so I have no idea what is building it. Always in the same window – far right, living room – no matter what I do. Wiping, spraying, cleaning, it doesn’t matter. It’s a puzzle.

Chrissy wanted me to make a deposit in her managed savings account, so I zipped over to the bank after I finished my chores. The gas terminal by Willow Crossing Road put up new outlets and they were both blazing! I could see them from the road above my house. Only thing left on the list tonight is supper and ironing! Tomorrow I hope to start making the house look festive for Easter.

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A top worship song of 2017: Gloria/Angels We Have Heard On High – Casting Crowns

TOMORROW March 18th is:

National Sloppy Joe Day; National Supreme Sacrifice Day; National Awkward Moments Day; National Corn Dog Day; National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day; National Quilting Day; National Biodiesel Day.

Interesting choices. I’m sure one speaks to you! Celebrate good things! God bless – –

Happy St. Patrick’s Eve! Hope you enjoyed today’s warm temps and sunshine – Tomorrow looks like clouds and rain on and off. We might need some ‘luck of the Irish’ tomorrow!

Both stores were busier than they have been for a while. I’m glad they are selling more cars! I had to stop in to see Mike P, and grab some things from Di, but got home in time to grab lunch.

I did stop on the way home to grab Scott’s Weed and Feed. Kelly sent me a message from Matt that Ollie’s had it on sale at a good price. I also found M&M eggs on sale, as well. All set!

I’m making pork chops. I haven’t found a good recipe yet so we’ll see how it turns out! They smell yummy!

After lunch I worked outside for 2 and a half hours. I cleaned up the yard, picked up stray stones from the electrical project, blew off the driveway, cut back some dead stalks on the hill garden. Chrissy needed a ride to work so I did that. I got a txt that she got asked to the prom. Exciting times!!! These kids keep growing up…

Mary sent me some pictures of a tea party she had with her two nieces on Sunday. Making memories! I saw the crocus blooming so it’s time for the crocus tea, too!

My dear Beth sent me a lovely note, and inside was a post card from 1911. It was sent to my grandad Crooks and it’s a picture of the Theater at Oakford Park in Jeannette. I couldn’t find any evidence that it’s still standing. It was interesting to read about it online! I hadn’t realized there was so much at Oakford Park back in the day (I just knew about the public pool!).

My cousin posted this on facebook – a tribute to Grandad Crooks.

Yesterday on my walk I found a really nice wooden box in the neighbor’s trash. I love repurposing! I scrubbed it out and it looks like new! I love it!

Fun things to do in New Mexico:

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Top song in 2016: HUMBLE AND KIND – Tim McGraw.

TOMORROW March 17th is:

St. Patrick’s Day; National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day.

My daughter is a huge St. Patrick’s Day fan. So we can just all celebrate with her! Have a green clover of a day! God bless…

The Ides of March! It used to signify the beginning of a new year, a time of celebrating and rejoicing. Also, the death of Julius Caesar; associated with warning or evil omen! Today, it just means the middle of March!

Happy birthday to my cousin Deb’s son Michael. How could I not mention it!

I spent the day cleaning, as is typical for a Wednesday. I had time before Bible study to take a neighborhood walk. My ‘favorite’ house put their Easter decorations up. That will be on my list for Saturday. This evening we had Bible study. Only two more weeks of that, and then the last week it wrap-up and social.

So even though my day wasn’t exciting, I love a clean house! I ate a piece of meatloaf for supper and had a cookie. Time to call it a day!

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Top song of 2015: GIRL CRUSH – Little Big Town

TOMORROW March 16th is:

National Panda Day (Don’t tell Jen – she’ll want one!); National Freedom of Information Day; National Artichoke Hearts Day; Absolutely Incredible Kids Day; National Everything You Do Is Right Day; National Farm Rescuer Day; National Spray Tanning Day; National Curl Crunch Day.

Peyton can rescue farms. I know a bunch of incredible kids. No artichoke hearts for me. Have a happy Thursday. God bless!

Pi day! I can’t say that I was impacted in any way because of that. Just sayin’…

I was surprised at the snow this morning! Unlike my sister who declares beauty in a little dusting, I need a full blown ‘cover everything’ snow before I am impressed. Don’t think that’s going to happen this winter. It was very cold, and although I did have to go out, I was glad I didn’t have to stay outside for long.

My first stop was at Hanna’s Town, and it did look picturesque with snow on the log buildings. We had a meeting to organize the spring Victorian Tea. We ended up with about twice as many attending as are in this picture. My responsibility – in addition to working ALL DAY in scullery – will be lemon curd, sugar cubes, milk, and Strawberry Jam. The tea is in May so there’s lot of time to prepare.

Priscilla is making Lemon Spritz’s, and brought some for us to sample. Yum. They are light as a feather!

After the meeting I worked at Greensburg Pinnacle then went to Jeannette. There was more than usual to do. I left there and got gas for the car, then came home and had some of my roasted veggies. I will make the meatloaf after I post this. It’s still snowing…

The Ninth Life Online Spring Auction is now closed. I tried to keep up with what I bid on and if I won any of the bids. After a quick review I think I did make top bid on a few items (although not my top favorite!). The administrator will notify us for sure. If you might be interested in at least looking at future auction items (there are frequent auctions throughout the year) just go on facebook, search for Ninth Life Rescue Online Auction and click ‘JOIN’. The admin will approve your request. There is never any obligation to bid on anything, but if you make the high bid you have to follow through! Let me know if you have any questions!

Fun things to do in New Mexico:

Scripture and PEANUTS POST are the same:

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Top hit of 2014: PLAY IT AGAIN: Luke Bryan

TOMORROW March 15th is:

National SBDC Day (Small Business Development Center); National Pears Helene Day; National Kansas Day; National Shoe The World Day; Everything You Think is Wrong Day.

There are certainly a lot of things wrong, especially if you don’t have shoes and you live in Kansas. Just have a good day tomorrow and eat the left over ‘pi’! God bless…

Flurries were flurrying when I got up this morning, and they continued through the morning. Work was somewhat light; I finished by 11am and stopped at Walmart (I think it’s my second address of record…) to grab Easter candy. There were dozens of dozens of egg cartons at church, and I grabbed several filled with empty plastic eggs. After lunch (salad) I turned on a movie, started laundry, then filled the empty eggs with goodies for the HCC Palm Sunday egg hunt.

The movie I was watching was a Hallmark new release – Unexpected Grace. I haven’t been watching too many Hallmark movies but this one had some unusual comments so I gave it a try. It was worth watching, so if you are a ‘Hallmark’ fan check it out.

One of the ads during the show was for a premier on Sunday – The Cases of Mystery Lane. It stars Paul Campbell (we all know he’s my FAVORITE!) and I feel like there will be a nice amount of humor in addition to the mystery.

Yesterday afternoon Hempfield church had a former youth pastor at our church, sharing updates from his ministry as a missionary to France. Greg Saldi, his wife Nikki, and his 11 year old daughter Ophelia are assisting in planting churches in central France.

He did have a lot of interesting information. We tend to think that life everywhere is like it is in our country. That is so not the way it is! He talked about the routine of the French citizens – and that Sunday isn’t a day for traditional church services.

They have prayer meetings on Fridays, and two Sundays a month they meet together. They want to hear about Jesus, and what the Bible says, but basically if they don’t like what they hear they could decide Jesus isn’t for them. Only 1% of the population is Protestant. Mostly the ‘church’ in France is discipleship. Sharing meals and friendships. As a whole, though, it appears that Europe is moving away from God.

Greg’s family has been there for 6 years, but are being transferred to Fougeres next year. It will take a year, or maybe two, for them to be well established in the new location. They love what they do, but as missionaries aren’t encouraged in European countries it’s becoming more difficult. He did say they have learned to cook traditional French cuisine!

Not sure what I’m permitted to share or write – so that’s it for that!

I did get the ironing done while I was watching the movie, and set out ground meat to defrost so I can make a meatloaf later. I have a meeting in the morning so I’ll work in the afternoon.

I’ve been watching the items on the Ninth Life Spring Auction. I’ll sneak in at the last minute tonight and check my bids on the items that interested me. We’ll see what happens!

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Top song of 2013: WAGON WHEEL – Darius Rucker

TOMORROW March 14th is:

National Potato Chip Day; National Pi Day; National Children’s Craft Day; National Learn About Butterflies Day; National Write Down Your Story Day; National Equal Pay Day.

Ugh! I gave up potato chips for lent. Bummer. I could have Pi instead, but wrong kind of PIE! And we all know I’m lousy at crafts… So write down YOUR story for equal pay and have a super day. God bless…

As I am not a morning person, I thought I’d be dragging myself out of bed this morning. But who could stay in bed with the reflection of this glowing pink in my window?

The painting of the Welcome Center and Sanctuary is coming along, but not completely finished. It’s basically light gray, with dark gray accents and black trim. Looking very nice. I love the colors and the contrast.

Sunday School we learned about Palm Sunday – and Max made a donkey (colt, actually). He did a great job on it, and in turn got to eat homemade chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

Todd’s message this morning was about Sorrow, and how we can have a breakthrough and come out on the other side a stronger person. GOD is greater than your sorrow, and he never promised everything would always be good. But he DID promise Good would work in all things to accomplish HIS purpose. Strength is born out of sorrow. Are you going to let LOSS define you? Or victory? Focusing on the love of God will not disappoint you – Even in our sorrow God is still Good! Sorrow is NOT the end of the story. Take a minute and listen to Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton – ‘When I Get Where I’m Going.’ Beautiful words and comfort and encouragement.

I popped over to the mall after church, since it was cold and snowy. I did about 2 1/2 loops (walking) and bought a bar of soap at Barbara Ann’s (love that store!). The Easter Bunny was in center court – most of the kids in line were excited but one little boy was screaming loudly. Not sure how THAT photo turned out!

Found a recipe on my friend Robin’s facebook page – Green Velvet Cheesecake Cake – I know my daughter would love this – she loves all things St. Patrick’s Day.

Last night I made roasted veggies for supper – drizzle them with olive oil and sea salt – bake at 425* until desired softness. Yum!

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Hit Song of 2012: SPRINGSTEEN – Eric Church

TOMORROW March 13th is:

National Earmuff Day; National Coconut Torte Day; National K9 Veterans Day; National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day; National Good Samaritan Day; National Jewel Day; National Napping Day.

You nap because you had to get up earlier! Not sure I’m going to do the umbrella thing, or the earmuff thing. K9 Veterans are good. Just enjoy this day that the Lord has made! God bless…