I got up extra early this morning in expectation of Byron and his crew at 8am. They were pretty much on target. I am mostly tired this evening and just got home from Bible study so I’m ready to call it a night.

I’ll post pictures and share the day’s events tomorrow so stay tuned!

Fun things to do in Idaho:

Scripture:

Quote about being tired:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 2001: I HOPE YOU DANCE – Lee Ann Womack

TOMORROW March 2nd is:

National Hospitalist Day; National Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss Day); World Teen Mental Wellness Day; National Old Stuff Day; National Banana Cream Pie Day.

I’ll go with the old stuff. That’s me on several levels! Have a happy day and God Bless…

Here we are at the last day of February. It’s cold and cloudy and windy. My cabin fever is showing. Beth and I were e-chatting and both agree that we suffer from that! I sent her pictures of Mom and Dad in the sleigh and in the buggy, which she had wanted. That was a LONG time ago!

After work and then lunch I started working on food for tomorrow. My ‘electrician’ is finally coming to give me more outlets in my family room, and since they are a family friend I offered lunch. So I made macaroni salad, deviled eggs, and chipped ham BBQ. That is a lot of food for me to pump out in one afternoon! Now I have to organize the family room so we can get the work done.

Also have to remember to change all the calendars tonight, especially the Peanuts one. It’s a sad state of affairs when flipping a calendar page is the excitement for the day!

Fun things to do in Idaho:

Scripture is PEANUTS POST:

Quote about loving others:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 2001: DON’T HAPPEN TWICE – Kenny Chesney

TOMORROW March 1st is:

National Sunkist Citrus Day; National Minnesota Day; National Pig Day; National Peanut Butter Lovers Day; Self Injury Awarness Day; National Dadgum That’s Good Day; National Fruit Compote Day; National Horse Protection Day.

Let’s celebrate Piggy Smalls! It’s his day, after all! Hugs to piggies everywhere! Have a great MARCH!!!!

Nate txt me last night that they were bringing Dave’s Grandmother’s sewing machine over. They had asked me several weeks ago if I wanted to give it a good home. ABSOLUTELY!!! Wall to wall furniture, that’s me! So I got up, showered, dressed and had breakfast. I sent a quick txt to Joe and Barry to say I’d be later coming in. They both txt me back that they were still holding deals for funding so nothing there! SO… I changed clothes from work to play, took an almost two mile walk before it rained, and came back.

The sewing maching arrived and the guys carried inside for me and sat it on an old work-blanket. In the meantime I got a call from Mike P and a txt from Mike G – but I just scheduled them for tomorrow. I let Di know I was home, because the Girl Scout cookies I ordered were in. She brought over a pizza and we had lunch.

THEN I got to work cleaning the sewing machine. There were so many metal parts that were dusty and dirty, and the wood was so dry. I had to change the cleaning water just to get the job done. I treated the wood cabinet with Lemon Oil and it soaked in really fast. So now the Singer is sitting by the steps and will stay there until (really, unless!) I find a better showcase for it in another spot.

I did laundry this morning, ran the dishwasher, and made a list of chores that I will need to do in the next few days. After I post this I will answer emails and then look through photo albums for an illusive photo of my parents! Work tomorrow!

Last night I noticed that the deck lights – as they changed colors – made a pattern in the door. White and Blue.

Fun things to do in Idaho:

Scripture about cleaning:

Quote about cleaning:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 2000: HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW? Toby Keith

TOMORROW February 28th is:

National Tooth Fairy Day; Rare Disease Day USA; National Pancake Day – IHOP; World Spay Day; National Public Sleeping Day; National Chocolate Souffle Day; National Floral Design Day.

Tomorrow is also the last day of February! How can a day with 28 days seem to go so SLOW!!! Celebrate all day – and God bless…

Even though I got up a little after 7am, it felt like sleeping in after yesterday’s early rising. I left for church early and make copies of the Sunday School lessons for the next 7 or 8 weeks so Mary had a copy. We had a visitor today, Vivi, who is my niece Tonia’s niece! She was an upbeat little girl and seemed to really enjoy the class. We took some time for Play-dough and Gracie made Mickey and Minnie Mouse. I guess she’s going to Disney in March and is very excited! She really did a good job. Max had a lot of great information to share during the lesson, so we had a lot of child-input this morning. We all had a good class! We finished our finger paint project about being influencers. They had good ideas.

Our little behind-the-scenes stickee note writer is still leaving notes! It’s so cheering to see them – feels so personal. Thanks to whomever is so thoughtful.

Todd’s message was the first in a series of three entitled BREAKTHROUGH. Today we are breaking through disappointment. One of the most interesting points was that the first thing we do in a crisis or disappointment is to pray. That is not a WRONG thought, but when we do that our focus is on ourselves. We are self-centered and are thinking primarily about our requests. If you look in Psalms 77 it talks about turning to God, but what the writer does is to remember everything that God has done in the past, and all the blessings we have. That way we are focused on God and not ourselves. While we are trying to make our way through our problem, God is working upstream (reference crossing the Jordan River!) where we can’t see – already working on resolving our problems, His way! Never cease to focus on God, and always remember to include prayer!

TODAY is Westmoreland County’s 250th Anniversary! There will be lots of attention and celebrations throughout the year, so be sure to stay focused on media announcements: Newspapers, Facebook posts, Websites, Historical society events. Two Hundred and Fifty Years! Wow….

Deb sent me the cutest picture! But I don’t think I could eat this rice cutie-pie!

Fun things to do in Idaho:

Scripture:

Quote about works of God

PEANUTS POST:

Top song in 1999: SHE THINKS MY TRACTOR’S SEXY – Kenny Chesney

TOMORROW February 27th is:

National Kahlua Day; National Polar Bear Day; National Strawberry Day; National Retro Day.

Tomorrow is work, laundry, and some light clean-up day. Last week was a busy week and this week is shaping up to keep me busy, as well. Have a wonderful Monday and God bless…

I left the house this morning at 6:34am. I stopped to take a picture of the sunrise trying to happen. I’m seldom up and outside at this hour of the day! As I headed out of the driveway I noticed three visitors in the neighbor’s yard. They were so close I could almost touch them from my car.

I headed to Diane’s. Shannon was already there, so we were on the road in no time. We got to Jennings Environmental Education Center in Slippery Rock a little after 8:30am – had a cookie and some hot cider (which was very good!) and looked at some of the displays. Our tour started about 9:30am and we headed down the trail and across the bridge to the Native American, who explained some of the encounters General Washington had with local tribes.

The woods were pretty clear, and although you can’t see it, there were snow flurries. The guide gave us information about not only the education center and their programs, but also read quotes from G. Washington’s diary and that of his traveling companion, Christopher Gist. It was very interesting to understand that Washington was standing almost where we were standing, and once he finished up there he was heading to Williamsburg VA. So are we (in April)!

After the tour, Di and I walked out to the Wetlands. It was quiet today but mostly in warmer weather there are all sorts of wildlife visible. From there we had our Cherry Pie then looked at more of the displays. My favorite was about the restored school house up the road. I hope one of the times we go back it will be open to explore.

We left and headed towards home – took a detour to Leechburg and found a new little cafe to have lunch. Well, actually breakfast! Shannon and I had eggs and toast, bacon and homefries. Di had an omlet, potatoes and toast. It was very good. We parked right beside the Kiskiminetas River – a tributary of the Allegheny.

I came home and felt like I needed to take a walk – we sat so long in the car – going and coming back – and then ate a pretty nice meal – so I needed to walk it off. Now I am typing and will finish ironing. Gen called me last night to give me the name of a Prime movie to watch – she said it reminded her of Mom and John’s farmhouse! (Although it is sci-fi.) So I’m going to try to find the movie (Night Sky) and start watching that if I can. And since my little self is a whimp and not used to getting up at 5:15am I’ll probably go to bed early!

Fun things to do in Maine: beaches/state parks

Scripture about sunrise:

Quote about sunrise:

PEANUTS POST – sunrise:

Top song of 1998: MY HEART WILL GO ON – Celine Dion (from TITANIC)

TOMORROW February 26th is:

National Tell a Fairy Tale Day; National Set a Good Example Day; National Pistachio Day; National Letter to an Elder Day.

Tomorrow I need to write out a few cards and pick up some things at the store for the week. Also plan to take a walk, somewhere. A quiet start to the week. Have a happy one! God bless…

As Bud would say: 10 months from today is Christmas EVE!! Get out the decorations and let’s go shopping…

I did some house chores this morning, then took a chilly walk (34*) after breakfast. It was cloudy and a bit windy so I was happy to get back inside. I ordered and picked up a Jioio’s pizza (my favorite!) and headed over to Kathy’s. After lunch we went through the Williamsburg website EVENTS page and tried to put together a vacation agenda. It was a little confusing and seems like all the programs weren’t posted yet for April. We’ll keep watching the program postings and get back together the week before Easter. We still have several items to work through.

When I got home at 5pm, I worked on some emails and laundry, and got organized for our hike in the morning. Cherry Pie hike! We went last year and it was very nice. I’ll have pictures and details tomorrow!

Fun things to do in Maine:

Scripture about travel:

Quote about vacation:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1997: CANDLE IN THE WIND – Elton John

TOMORROW February 25th is:

National Clam Chowder Day; National Chocolate Covered Nuts Day.

I love chocolate covered nuts, especially from Donna’s store in Smicksburg. Yum. And tomorrow is 10 months until Christmas day! Enjoy your weekend. God bless….

It was a beautiful day! The temps got up to 74*. I got to take a 2.2 mile walk this afternoon on the Five Star Trail after I took Chrissy to work. I haven’t been down there in a while. Even though I’ve posted pictures before, I enjoy seeing my old neighborhood (or part of it!) so I’ll post again.

But let’s back up. It was amazing to see the sun shining in my window when I woke up. The sunrise was beautiful as it peeped through the clouds! I took advantage of the sunshine and snapped a picture of my own daffodils popping up, and also of a stone that shifted and is trying to roll down the yard. Next nice day I will dig out the pond stone and replace the stone.

I worked Jeannette and had my daily chat with Sir Regis, then stopped in Greensburg. Also stopped at Mike’s and did a few things for him, then got gas in my new ride. It’s been almost five years since I’ve had a Mazda CX5 and this one is fully loaded! I’m totally spoiled – and blessed! – and I love it! I think my favorite thing is that the MPH displays on the front windshield! Never even HEARD of that before!

My second favorite thing, which I’ve missed with the last several cars, is the little alerts on the side mirrors that tell you not to switch lanes as there is a car there. It is a little orange image of a car, and if you try to change lanes the car beeps at you. Such a great safety feature! I know the idea is to sell cars but I hope they don’t get a customer on this for a while! I’m in love!

I cleaned up the outside a little bit, sweeping up dead crunchy leaves so the driveway and patio in the back looks a little better. I ‘moved back into’ my new car and got everything put away.

Byron called last night and he is coming down on Wednesday with his work crew and they are going to add some electrical outlets and new breakers for my downstairs. I keep tripping the breakers because the whole basement is on the some circuit, and there are eight outlets down here. I’m very excited to get this done.

Tomorrow Kathy and I are having a vacation planning meeting. My job for this evening is to make a list of things we need to discuss, including what we want our custom tee shirts to say (courtesy of Kelly’s PLC Design!).

Fun things to do in Maine: Museums

Scripture:

Quote about blessings:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1996: MY MARIA – Brooks and Dunn

TOMORROW February 24th is:

National Tortilla Chip Day; National Tarter Sauce Day; National Skip the Straw Day.

Tomorrow, as mentioned, I am having lunch with Kath and we are discussing vacation. Then I have to get organized for a very early Saturday morning hike with Di and Shannon. That will be enough! Have a happy weekend. God bless….

Today is Ash Wednesday. I saw several people with ash dots on their foreheads. I love the focus and the direction of those thoughts. I got up earlier than usual for a Wednesday, had breakfast, and started cleaning. I cleaned the entire upstairs and part of the downstairs before I had to leave for Hanna’s Town and the Volunteer meeting. There are a lot of things on the schedule already, and many different opportunities to help out this year. There was a whole table of new people attending and that was very encouraging!

I got home from that meeting at 3:30pm and finished cleaning, then took a walk. It’s been cloudy and rainy all day but there was a break in the rain that gave me the chance to walk outside instead of going to LAF or the Mall. I like the fresh air best! A neighbor up the street (I don’t know them) had a baby girl some time today, as the signs weren’t up yesterday when I walked. Congrats to them!

I also noticed that many daffodils were up a good ways, and found these little guys already blooming!

PEANUTS POST and scripture are the same post:

Fun things to do in Maine: Trails –

Quote about Peace:

Top song of 1995: When you Say Nothing At All – Allsion Krauss

TOMORROW February 23rd is:

National Dog Biscuit Day; National Toast Day; National Tile Day; National Chili Day; National Banana Bread Day.

Lots of eating going on tomorrow! I will work in the morning, and then take Chrissy to work in the afternoon as Jen and Nate are both working. My kitchen rug fell completely apart so maybe in between I’ll try to replace it. Have a good day – God Bless!

I worked in Jeannette but didn’t have to go to Greensburg – Joe is still away. I left Jeannette and stopped at Staples, as they are closing and everything is 50% off. I bought a new wrist rest for my computer keyboard – the old one was falling apart. Also bought my favorite go-to list-makers: 3×5 cards! And in NEON colors! I’m a ‘colors’ girl.

I took a walk when I got home, because it had quit raining and the sun was out. It was very windy so I bundled up. The sky was dramatic, and we all know I love clouds!

After lunch (salad) I made cream of potato soup to use up the rest of the milk and the potatoes. It’s like an old story by now – I’m always making potato soup. But it’s yummy and I’m happy with that. It will get me through many meals. And I still have my pot pie, too. Meatloaf is finished.

Barry told me he planned to switch cars for me on Thursday so I took everything out of the Buick and piled it in the garage. I’m thinking he’ll put me in the Mazda CX 5 but that depends on if they’ve had interest in it.

I’m working on cleaning out my WORD files on my computer. I’ve spent hours already and I’m only on the ‘D’s’! Some things I don’t even know what they are so I have to open them and read before I know if I should delete, move to a folder, or just leave where it is. Very time consuming but long overdue. It’ll keep me busy!

Fun things to do in Maine: Appalachian Trail

Scripture about the sky:

Quote about the sky:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1994: I SAW THE SIGN – Ace of Base

TOMORROW February 22nd is:

National Cook a Sweet Potato Day; National Supermarket Employee Day; Ash Wednesday; National Margarita Day; National California Day.

Tomorrow I have a meeting at Hanna’s Town, then Bible study in the evening. In between I will try to do a little cleaning. And take a walk… Have a happy day. God bless…

Presidents’ Day, officially Washington’s Birthday at the federal governmental level, is a holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February. It is often celebrated to honor all those who served as presidents of the United States and, since 1879, has been the federal holiday honoring Founding Father George Washington, who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War, presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and was the first U.S. president. Here’s to the wonderful men – all of them – who have led this country for almost 250 years!

I had my semi-yearly dental checkup this morning – first time in decades that I have had a full slate of teeth and had no pending or ongoing dental projects! And everything was fine; no warnings or potential hazards rooting (dental joke). I was happy with the outcome and the cost of the visit!

From there I went to work in Jeannette, then on to Greensburg. Since it was raining (lightly) I stopped at the mall and walked there. It was much more comfortable. Lots of spring colors and displays in the store windows, except in front of the casino. They are still in winter mode!

I ate lunch, did laundry, and answered emails when I got home. Once I post this I plan to tweak a story I’m working on. Then do the ironing. Such an exciting life I live!

Fun things to do in Maine:

Scripture:

Quote about leadership:

PEANUTS POST:

Top country song of 1993: PROP ME UP BESIDE THE JUKEBOX IF I DIE – Joe Diffie.

TOMORROW, February 21st is:

Fat Tuesday; Paczki Day; National Pancake Day; National Grain Free Day; Fastnacht Day; National Sticky Bun Day.

I’ll take the sticky bun! Or, maybe the pancake. Tomorrow should be a calm and quiet day – we can only hope. Be blessed!