Sunshine – always a blessing…

We had five kids – count them! – FIVE! in our class this morning. Josie and Jack were visiting from out of town (Max is their cousin), and Gracie was there, and Ben. There is volumn in numbers – in more ways than one. They did really well listening to the lesson, and Mary played a question/answer game with ping-pong balls. We learned what TRUSTWORTHY means and I think they did pretty well.

The message this morning was about putting God first – in your giving. Of tythe, time, talent, energy — Todd had strong points and I’m sure that many people are thinking a little deeper than they had been previously. Do we give God the leftovers or our best? Mostly we keep the good stuff for ourselves. Malachi 3:10 says we should test God – are we up to the challenge?

After Church I went for a windy walk through the neighborhood. The wind was so strong the flag was flying straight across. I took a picture of my house – It’s in the second row back behind the house with the brown roof. Sort of behind the trees…

On the way to the Hymn Sing I dropped Kyle’s cookies off at Kathy’s for Sarah to pick up. There weren’t many people in attendance but the singing was great and the fellowship was fun. Patty (of course) played the piano – – she can play anything and you can’t stump her! — and Mary, Diane, and Jim were the song leaders. There were a lot of special requests from the audiance. WONDERFUL GRACE OF JESUS was requested by someone who couldn’t even attend! My friend Janie (when we were in youth group) is out of state this weekend but still wanted us to sing that song. MANSIONS OVER THE HILLTOP is one of my favorites – it’s the only time that I can remember Kathy and I singing a duet ( I played the paino!) – again we were in youth group. It was a lovely afternoon. I decided (and asked for) a hymn sing for my birthday on June 18th! It’s a Sunday so that will be the perfect party – everyone singing hymns and praising together in song! Can’t wait!

Fun things to do in Maine:

Scripture:

Quote about singing:

PEANUTS POST:

Top hit in 1992: I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU – Whitney Houston

TOMORROW February 20th is:

National Muffin Day; National Leadership Day; National Comfy Day; Presidents Day; National Cherry Pie Day; National Love Your Pet Day.

Lots of good choices. I am guessing some of you have tomorrow as a holiday. Car dealers stay open for everything (almost)! Have a wonderful day! God bless….

I left the house this morning at 10:45am, and dropped some things off to Mary on my way to the church. I stopped at Goodwill quickly and found a Scrabble game for a few dollars. If you remember yesterday’s post, I found those cute little Easter decorations made from Scrabble tiles and glitter. So now, I just need a visit from my daughter and we can get creative.

It started out that there were four of us working on setting up the fellowship hall, but within an hour we added four more. There was lots to do, setting up tables, food, desserts, drinks, etc. We actually had a good time, talking and sharing and working. The family started coming in about 1pm after the funeral and the graveside service. We were on the go, and on our feet until after 3pm when everyone cleared out. There was so much food, and it was all wonderful. We have such loving and generous families to share their time and talents with those who are grieving.

I had planned on walking at the Mall or even going to LA Fitness, but after being on my feet for four hours I didn’t think it was necessary. It was sunny and bright enough that when I got home I took a walk, anyway – but only about 1.25 miles. That was enough. I decided to spend my early evening making oatmeal raisin cookies, which are now tucked safely in the freezer, with a few set aside for Sarah’s family. Kyle said they were his favorite! I’ll try to get the cookies to him tomorrow or Monday.

My supper was a piece of left over chicken from church, and it’s sitting like a lump in my stomach. I think I just need to get up and move around a little bit!

Fun things to do in Iowa: Visit with friend Janet, Kyle, Josiah, Noah, and Anaya Drown! Miss those guys!

Scripture –

Quote about mourning-

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1991: Unanswered Prayers – Garth Brooks

TOMORROW February 19th is:

National Arabian Horse Day (our first horse was Li’l One, and he was Arabian); National Lash Day (eyelash); National Chocolate Mint Day; National Vet Girls Rise Day.

Tomorrow is a Hymn Sing at church with Patty Buschek. Can’t wait. It’s always a wonderful time! Have a great day – God bless…

I had a lot of little projects to do today. After breakfast I started laundry, then went to L&L. I was sort of looking for a metal, outside Bistro chair for my deck. I’m not in any hurry. Saw these cute little Easter scrabble blocks. I wish I was creative enough to do that myself!

From there I went looking for capri jeans. I know it’s still a while to spring, but I wanted to get the jump on it before the last minute. I actually found two pair – and the total cost was $9.88! Not bad. The light denim with the stars were not the perfect size, but I knew I could sew them up to what I wanted, and I did. Now I’ll throw them in the wash and I’m set!

Picked up a few items at the grocery strore. Since the weather didn’t cooperate with outside activities, I got myself together and went over to LA Fitness. I didn’t get too creative; I just did 2.5 miles on the treadmill. I plan to try out other maches and get a routine going eventually, but I’m stepping into things slowly.

Last night I cleaned the panels that cover the overhead lights in the basement. They had dead bugs in them and that makes me crazy. I didn’t realize how many cobwebs were hiding in there, as well. So all clean!

I also gave all the little Amish people a good soaking in hot soapy water. Now everything is clean – for the time being!

I had filling for Pot Pies in the freezer, so I defrosted that and made one for supper. It’s just finishing in the oven so when I’m done posting this I’ll have supper.

Fun things to do in Iowa:

PEANUTS POST – also scripture:

Quote about kindness:

Top song in 1990: U CAN’T TOUCH THIS – M C Hammer

TOMORROW February 18th is:

National Drink Wine Day; National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day; National Red Sock Day; National Battery Day.

Tomorrow I’m helping with a funeral luncheon at church, and I might just have to wear red socks. Hoping to see some sunshine tomorrow! God bless…

It was partly sunny when I left for work, and spent the first 1/2 hour in Jeannette. Then I headed to Greensburg and had a delightful time there with Ken and Rege (who was filling in for the vacationing Joe). We always seem to have interesting conversations. By the time I left there it was pouring down rain, something I hadn’t expected.

After stopping to pick up something from Di, I was heading home when Mike P called me to do a deal. So I altered my course and headed there. I was home close to noon, and I changed clothes, made lunch, stuck a meatloaf in the oven for later, and took a walk (since it had quit raining).

Colonial Williamsburg sent out a valentine video about Colonel and Martha Washington: how they met, their courtship and marriage, and the subsequent 10 years (yes, it was a character portrayal) since their wedding. Colonel Washington has a delightful sense of humor, and the video did a great job sharing their story. One thing I found interesting is that when a husband/father dies, even though the children still have their mother, the children are considered orphans.

It makes sense, since one of the reference books I have from the Civil War is about Orphan Schools, where children of soldiers killed or missing in the war attend – even while their mother is alive. Charlie and Alice attended the Orphan’s School in Mercer, and their names are in the book. (Daniel and Mary’s children, LETTERS TO MARY.)

I have a few afternoon chores to finish but will close this up now. Maybe tomorrow will be more exciting!

Fun things to do in Iowa:

Scripture about orphans:

Quote about orphans:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song in 1989: LOST IN YOUR EYES – Debbie Gibson

TOMORROW February 17th is:

National Cabbage Day; National No One Eats Alone Day; National Caregivers Day; National Random Acts of Kindness Day.

We can all be kind, which includes asking someone to eat with you! Just so it’s not cabbage… Have a lovely Friday – God bless…

Started my day with my follow-up with the surgeon from my November surgery. She was very pleased and said everything looked wonderful. She took a little bit of dried skin from behind my ear, and I asked her about the little spot on my forehead. She said it was nothing to be concerned about and that my summer dermatologist appointment should be soon enough to check it out.

Nate txt me that his follow-up went well. He got the staples out and everything looked like it was healing as it should. He can change the bandage himself and go back to work.

Kathy had a checkup today, and got the go-ahead to attend their class reunion at JBC next week. She got two prescriptions for side issues, as well as an appointment with the kidney doctor for Friday. So everyone got good news. God is good, all the time!

I came home and did my standard Wednesday cleaning. Kath stopped on her way back from her checkup and we solved half of the world’s problems — well, maybe not solved them, but at least hashed them out! It was nice to sit and catch up for a little.

After I was done cleaning I took a walk. The creek down the road was clear and bright, and I could see some little fishies swimming around. The sun at the top of the one hill was so bright it looked like a bright ball of fire. It was so warm today, over 70*. I loved it! But as it’s only February I’m thinking we will still have some winter weather.

Bible study is still in Ephesians – about God’s grace and our acceptance. We can’t save ourselves – we just have to accept his gift. Great truths. I always park by the gazebo and leave room for others in their driveway and in front of the house. Amy brought pineapple upside down cake and I can’t TELL you the last time I had that. Yummy!

Fun things to do in Iowa:

Scripture:

Quote:

Peanuts Post:

Top song of 1988: El-Shaddai – Amy Grant

TOMORROW February 16th is:

National Almond Day; National Do a Grouch a Favor Day.

I can be crabby – so maybe someone will be doing me a favor! There’s almond flavoring in the scones so maybe I’ll have one for breakfast! Otherwise – it’s a work day! God bless….

Happy Valentine’s Day to all my sweet friends, faithful readers, and family. Love you!!!

It was a beautiful day – a gift in itself! Everyone else must have thought so, too, because there was a lonnnngggg line of traffic by the Church corner. I thought there was an accident but everything was clear. A good day to be going somewhere, I guess! I worked in Jeannette and then helped Brian at N Greengate with some titles. From there I stopped at the bank and post office, then home for lunch.

Oh! But on the way home I popped back into L A Fitness to switch my account. I got that set up and the app installed and I’m all set. I met a cute Valentine puppy. She had been at the groomers all morning and had on a sparkly heart neckerchief. And Teresa posted a Valentine greeting from GiGi. Cute!

After lunch I took a walk; I did the ironing, then waited until the end of the day and put away the Valentine decorations. I will switch out the outdoor flags tomorrow after my doctor’s appointment – have a follow up for my November surgery.

But guess what? I FOUND MY FLAG BOOK! I was sad about mis-placing it during the Christmas season. I was looking for a different set of battery lights and when I took the box down to find something there it was! So everything is back in its happy place.

Fun things to do in Iowa:

Scripture about finding the lost –

Quote about finding the lost –

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1987 – WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN – The Bangles

TOMORROW, February 15th is:

National Wisconsin Day; National Gumdrop Day; National Flag of Canada Day; International Angelman Day; Singles Awareness Day.

I’m very aware that I’m single. Not a gumdrop girl nor have I ever been to Wisconsin. I’ll just stick close home and have a fun day. God bless! (PS – go buy candy; it’ll be 70% off!!!)

So— Did you all watch the Super Bowl? I never do. I go to Walmart to do my shopping! No one is there, and it’s so empty! You can take your time, double check your list, make informed decisions. Cool. I had just climbed in bed with my book when I heard a bunch of whooping and hollering. My neighborhood likes to celebrate sports. Well, they celebrate anything if it means they can make noise. I checked my phone and saw that the game was over and the Chiefs won. I also heard a lot of great things about Chris Stapleton and the National Anthem. All true. He did a fabulous job. Also heard as many horrid comments about the half-time show. THAT I didn’t check out.

The sky has been beautiful this week. Here are a few pics that I took, and I’m sharing a few that I pulled off facebook that friends took. God is painting wonderful pictures this week!

But it is wonderful to see the sun shining. I took a 2.5 mile walk after work. I just went outside to check the mail, and the wind is crazy. I thought I’d blow into the next yard!

My friend Helen at church gave me a magazine that featured a story about Charles Schulz and the Charlie Brown Christmas program’s impact on the nation. It was a great read. It shows what influence one person can have. I have a lot of respect and admiration for Schulz’s talent, genius, humor, and creativity. As well as his steadfast faith.

Fun things to do in Iowa: Bridges

Scripture:

Quote about sunsets:

PEANUTS POST

Top song of 1986: ON THE OTHER HAND – Randy Travis

TOMORROW February 14th is:

National Cream Filled Chocolates Day; National Ferris Wheel Day; Valentine’s Day; National Organ Donor Day.

I hope you have a Valentine – even if it’s family or a best friend or someone you are just thinking about. Maybe give someone a call and tell them they are special to you, for whatever reason! Have a happy, blessed day!

I guess my tension last week at Sunday School was all internalized — Max came into class this morning with Valentine cards and candy in a heart for Mary and I. So sweet! His dad said he took the boys shopping for Valentines for their mom/grandmoms, and Max was appalled that he ‘forgot’ about Miss Mary and Miss Marge! He actually picked ours out first! And mine HAD to be Snoopy. It is so cute. After church he came flying up to me with a huge hug. He just melts my heart. My little Valentine!

So after church I stopped at Shop and Save and walked around the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile, taking pictures. There was a steady stream of people there. They were taking a pole as to who would win the super bowl: Ketchup (Chiefs) or Relish (Eagles). 6-2 Chiefs in our group!

Dottie was outside with her foster pup, a beagle-doodle mix named Chevy. He’s ready to be adopted and is as sweet as a button, so if you are interested speak up! I’ll get you connected to them.

I went for a walk after lunch since it was in the high 40’s. I need to get back outside and keep moving – fresh air and exercise. I saw a very cute Christmas house – about two months too late!!!

So last night’s Comedy Event was a two-edged sword! The doors opened at 6:30, and April and Quincy had brought 3 big pizzas, 2 shrimp rings, chips and dip and pretzels, and we brought cookies. We visited for an hour and a half – Liz and her grandma Del, Don and Sharon, Joelyn and Rich, April’s mom Kathy and daughter Gabby. It was wonderful – medicine for the soul! I was NOT a fan, however, of the comedians. It was a little too much on the rough side for me. But hearing everyone enjoying themselves and laughing was nice. As usual for me, I didn’t get any pictures of the friends – but the flowers on our table were white and purple (very pretty – again, a blessing) and I snapped a pic of the comedy host. So glad to spend that hour-plus with special friends.

Fun things to do in Iowa:

Scripture:

Quote about hearts:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1985: WE ARE THE WORLD – USA for Africa

TOMORROW February 13th is:

National Cheddar Day; National Clean out your Computer Day; National Tortellini Day; National Football Hangover day; Galentine’s Day.

Galentine’s Day is a celebration of girl friends: Women all have that one friend who cheers on her female companions. She is their best supporter, listener, and companion. No matter what, she has your back. Celebrate those ladies in your life, ladies! God bless…

After breakfast I met Valetta (tax lady!) uptown to drop off all my information. She’s such a lovely person and so kind and efficient. So glad to have someone I can trust and appreciate!

I changed bed sheets, washed them, and did ironing from yesterday. Watched the last session for the Bible Study on the book of Ruth (it was VERY GOOD!), then listened again to the one for Ephesians. Did a little writing and looked up some details on a reimbursement from Aetna on my dental expenses. It looks like I’m getting two checks. When I checked the mail I did get one today! I’m so excited! The money will be directly funneled to pay off the credit card charges! I’m very grateful.

Di sent me a picture of her daughter Shannon in front of the Weinermobile (Oscar Mayer). I read that it will be at our local Shop and Save tomorrow, so maybe on the way home from church I will drive by and snap a picture for myself! I remember singing their jingle when I was very young! ‘My bologna has a first name…’ (Go ahead! Sing!)

After lunch I went through a box of greeting cards that I have kept for years. There are a lot from Mom, Kath, and Gen. I found a very pretty card that I framed and put in my room. So peaceful and comforting!

I realized I never posted a picture of my Valentine’s day blankets. I’m still a little bummed that there are no St. Patrick’s Day ones…

Fun things to do in Florida:

Scripture about taxes:

Quote about taxes:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1984: I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU – Stevie Wonder

TOMORROW February 12th is:

National Pork Rinds Day; National Plum Pudding Day.

I think I’ll make it Oscar Mayer day! God bless…

There have been so many loving, concerned, and supportive comments regarding Nate’s surgery and Kathy’s illness. Thank you so much. And the comments about every day posts are so welcome! Thanks to everyone for sharing. It’s SO FUN to read them. You guys are so great. (Take a second to read them if you haven’t already!)

I worked today since I had been home since Monday – playing ‘hooky’ while my family was here. I’m caught up for now, but enjoyed getting back to my chores and seeing the guys. Colton even washed my car, which was totally filthy! So it was a great morning.

After lunch I caught up on my cleaning and laundry, and finished just in time to get to the Civic Center to usher for Bear. The play was Sweeney Todd, advertised as a ‘witty, dark musical thriller.’ It was a full house. I didn’t stay for the play but came home and made a salad for supper and now — posting this!

PEANUTS POST is the scripture:

Fun things to do in Florida: Museums

Quote about friends:

Top song in 1983 – BILLIE JEAN – Michael Jackson

TOMORROW February 11th is:

National Inventors’ Day; National Snowmobile Ride Day; National Make a Friend Day; National Peppermint Patty Day (the candy, not the Peanuts character!); National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day; Global Movie Day; National Shut in Visitation Day; National White Shirt/White T-Shirt Day.

Tomorrow for me is finish laundry, meet my tax accountant in the morning, and a comedy show in Latrobe in the evening. It’s been a busy week! God bless —