Today was departure day, so we just kept low-key after breakfast. Kelly had a few things to work on, and in between reading chapters I did some cleaning and organizing. We left the house here about 1:30pm to meet Matt in Washington at Cracker Barrel. I hate to say that the service was not so great – we were seated right away but everything else took forever. Logan and Chase kept busy playing the peg-board games on the table. Matt kept us entertained with stories about his projects. We did laugh a lot!

I stopped at Belle Vernon Gabe’s on the way home to see if they had St. Patrick’s Day blankets. Nope! I guess we are skipping right to Easter…

Greensburg was formally incorporated as a borough on February 9, 1799, making it the first borough in the county. In the early 19th century, Greensburg had very little growth in population. After 1850, Greensburg became a growing county seat with inns and small businesses. Greensburg was names for Nathanael Greene.

The house is quiet, and it feels funny to not have to think about making food or scheduling the day. I always miss the kids when they leave – it feels so empty in the house! I’ll work tomorrow morning, then catch up on the cleaning in the afternoon. Just a quiet evening for tonight.

Fun things to do in Florida: Caves

PEANUTS POST:

Scripture:

Quote about friendship:

(Don’t be deceived: Friends can be any gender, any combination!)

Top song of 1982: THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT – The Tokens

TOMORROW February 10th is:

National Umbrella Day; National Cream Cheese Brownie Day; National Home Warranty Day.

Tomorrow I promised to usher for Bear at the Civic Center. I’ll work toward remembering to do that! Have a wonderful Friday and God bless…

Shower, breakfast, and Walmart. Standard routine. Kelly has a cheer project for one of her groups so we had to get hair ties and ribbon. We came home and made lunch – sliders and mac/cheese and fruit.

While the boys took turns getting showers, Kelly worked on St. Patricks Day joke cards to share at nursing homes and care facilities. We laughed and enjoyed some of the jokes, like this one:

Also got an update from Nate, after his checkup. Was glad to see that he had encouragement and good news! For as extensive as his surgery was, this is a great relief. These unexpected set-backs do just that: Set us back further than we expected!

Kathy’s morning email confirms that she is improving, and that she is indeed taking it slow and easy while keeping busy. I’m still going to monitor things and make sure she has food and help to whatever extent she needs. So good news on both fronts!

Quote from Kathy’s email: I am doing pretty good.  Taking it slow, and feeling like I probably could be doing more, but I am determined to not mess up my future by being foolish right now.  I am being a good patient.  Bob Macik (boss) hasn’t said anything but words of comfort…take care, rest well, etc.  No pressure at all.  SO that is a blessing.  I did look at the WG comments.  So many sweet people.  I appreciate the thoughtfulness. 

We don’t have anything else planned for the day except for the laundry and supper. I’m searching to be inspired to write something fun – so far, falling short!

Fun things to do in Florida: (Submitted by Ron S)-

Kayaking is a popular activity, as there are many lakes and rivers around.

Bicycling and hiking are also very popular; there are biking/hiking trails everywhere, and they go for miles and miles.

For the serious hiker, there’s the Florida Trail, 1,500 miles of adventure. That one’s on my bucket list (Ron).

Scripture:

Quote about celebrating:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song in 1981 (Year Nathan was born): ELVIRA – Oak Ridge Boys

TOMORROW February 9th is:

National Bagel & Lox Day; National Giving Hearts Day; National Toothache Day; National Pizza Day; National Cut the Cord Day.

Cut the Cord is the cable cord! I did that over a year ago and it’s a great option (sorry, Xfinity!). I will plan on Pizza for tomorrow and maybe a bagel, but no lox. Giving from the heart is always a good thing – and NO TOOTHACHE! Have a wonderful Thursday! God bless…

Kelly and I got up early – for us! – and after scones for breakfast headed over to get food at Walmart. We came home and got involved in projects.

Last night I got a call from our former minister, and he was out to visit his daughter’s family in Iowa recently. His twin grandsons, Noah and Josiah, were in my Sunday School class for several years. They knew I loved Snoopy, so when they spotted a Santa Snoopy in a Christmas mug they had to get it for me! Mike dropped it off at church and Kelly and I picked it up on the way home. So very cute and what a blessing. A huge thanks to Joe and Noah!

I wanted to take supper to Kathy today so right away we made chicken salad and potato soup. Once that chore was done, we made chicken soup and corn muffins. I mixed up more icing for the scones and that made up our day.

At 2:30pm I took the food to Kathy, then went down to pick up Chrissy and her friend Hope. Chrissy needed pants for work, so we went to Dick’s. She got a black pair, and then a shirt for her and one for Hope. Besties!! Matching shirts for school.

When I got back, the boys had already eaten so Kelly and I had soup. Now she’s working on school projects and I’m typing. Nate has a follow- up appointment tomorrow and I’m hoping he gets encouragement and good news. He’s still pretty restricted. It’s so hard to see Kathy and Nate under restrictions, but that’s the best way to heal completely, quickly! Please continue praying for them. Thank you!

Fun things to do in Florida: Beaches

Quotes about being ill:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1980 – LADY by Kenny Rogers

TOMORROW February 8th is:

National Iowa Day; National Boy Scout Day; National Kite Flying Day.

GO FLY A KITE!!! Isn’t it ironic that I got the gift from IOWA today! How cool is THAT??? Have a super day and God bless – count your blessings!

Just got a message from Kathy that she just got home (4pm). I have no other details but she is happy to be home! I hope to help with food for a day or two but not sure what it will be yet! Thanks for your support and prayers – and please continue them. I’ll keep you posted as I know anything!

From Kathy:

And here is my update. I am so happy to be home. I have to take antibiotics for 12 days to be sure my serious infection is completely gone. When it is totally cleared up, I’ll have a procedure to break up the kidney stone. It is too large to pass on it’s own. No pain most of the time, so that a blessing. l really appreciate all the love and prayers from family and friends. God is good…all the time.

It’s been a quiet morning, which I needed and appreciated. In between working in Jeannette and in Greensburg I stopped at the bank to deposit beef money and got gas in the (dirty!) car. Since I had a little time I stopped at the mall. I got there at 10:45am and the stores weren’t open yet. Life is so different these days. I walked a few loops which was good for me, and took a picture of the middle fountain.

I was really surprised at how empty it was. Other than walkers and a few people sitting on benches, no one was there. I waited for Barbara Ann’s Country store to open at 11am. I really only wanted a Valentine coaster but they didn’t have any so I got a cow. Thought that was appropriate and fitting.

I have this ‘thing’ for license plates ( hazzard of working almost 56 in auto dealerships!). Today I saw four or five license plates with Kelly’s initials in some form, and once there were cars side by side with the letters ‘MBX’ on one and ‘KBL’ right beside it. Ironally the truck in the turn lane had ‘STONEY HOLLOW’ on the side. Yikes! Hmmmm.

There’s a new song out by Megan Moroney called ‘Tennessee Orange’. I really like it, and I like her voice. I looked it up and speculation (neither confirmed or denied) is that it was written about Morgan Wallen. I don’t blame her if she has a crush on him. I do, too, and I’m old enought to be his grandmother!

I thought I’d post early since Kelly’s family will be up this afternoon and it will then get a little busier. Including the fact that other than beef I don’t have much exciting food in the house!

I got a message from Kathy this morning that she is scheduled to come home this afternoon. I haven’t heard anything yet about what time. I will add to the post when I know she’s actually home. Haven’t heard any details of future or ongoing treatment or improvements.

Scripture about home:

Fun things to do in Florida:

Quote about home:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1979: I WILL SURVIVE – Gloria Gaynor

TOMORROW February 7th is:

National Send a Card to a Friend Day; National Periodic Table Day; National Fettuccine Alfredo Day.

I send cards all the time – put seven in the mail today! Have a wonderful Tuesday – God bless…

I think I could have stayed in bed all morning! I just felt – – – out of sorts. I think it was evident in my little SS class. The kids were distracted with everything and anything, and I apparently was too! But we made it through. Possibly the fact that I took them the leftover brownies from the weekend helped my case! We did a really cute craft (thanks Mary!!) and they really liked it. I will try to remember to take a photo next week.

Todd was having issues with his portable mic, but he soldiered through. His message was about saying I love you and that the greatest commandment is to LOVE. It’s not just something you say, it’s something you DO – and it’s very pro-active. Most laws are about things NOT to do; love is something you DO. LOVE is all we need when we get to heaven: Faith and Hope will already be realized, and what we have left is love. DO LIFE; rejoice and mourn. Show up; Just say it; it changes relationships.

I finally got to actually talk to Kathy. She’s moved from ICU into a regular room. She’s feeling better but will still be monitored and treated. Since there was infection she will have antibiotics. The kidney stone will have to be disolved or passed. I will keep you posted as I hear. She’s not a fan of posting details on facebook so I’ll post here. Just check in and I’ll post what I learn. She is feeling very blessed and thankful, as the infection may have spread quicker and stronger had she waited any longer. Thanking God for taking care of her even before she knew what she needed.

(PS – Nate is feeling a little better but still very sore and swollen, and somewhat anxious. I’ll keep you posted there, as well.)

OK – Beef Day. Kelly, Peyton and I left about 7:30am, and stopped briefly in Blairsville to get breakfast for Peyton (special request!). We pulled into UC’s driveway at about 10 ’til 9 and he was watching for us out the door. Greg, Lynn and Sarah were right behind us. Jason and Trent arrived next with a quarter of the cow and we got started. Thankfully they could step in for Nate who couldn’t make the trip because of his surgery. He was very distressed and sad about missing Beef Day, but needed to be home resting and healing. Thanks, Jason & Trent!

Autmn and Noah (on their own) arrived a little after 9:30am. They walked in the door, we handed Noah (who knew no one else!) a knife and got him started. He did well and worked where he was needed. He helped wrap for a while, and he and Autmn did most of the ground beef by themselves. It was a much smalled cow than last year, which was good time-wise (and money wise) but we’ll go through it a lot faster!

Kelly was in charge of wrapping – we took turns helping.

Our main cutters – missing Nate’s expertise!

Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford kept watch. He was our knife-sharpener and kept the cutters efficient.

I took a few minutes when we had a lull in the wrapping department and went to Donna’s store for cheese. Lynn and Sarah already had their lists made out in anticipation. It’s ALWAYS worth the trip over to get cheese and chocolate covered peanuts!

It’s always a blessing to spend the day with family and friends, sharing stories and food and laughter as well as hard work and a job well done. This year was a bit stressful coming together, but the day could not have gone smoother. Thanks to Lynn for the delicious chicken noodle soup and to Greg and Peyton for the natural wit and entertainment! My life is richer today because of yesterday! Thanks to all who pitched in and gave it their all.

We got home about 6pm (after a quick food stop at Chick-fil-A and stopping to put Kathy’s meat in their freezer). Peyton and Kelly helped unload the car and get the beef in the freezer (Sweet Autmn and Noah having transported and delivered Nate’s meat to him). Within fifteen minutes Kelly and Peyton were back in the car for their hour’s drive home. A special thanks to them for making the extra leg of the trip to help. Peyton is a cattle guy (farm guy at heart!) and he really was glad to be there. I was tired, but again felt so thankful and blessed.

Fun things to do in Florida: Wildlife tours –

Quote about cows:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song in 1978: YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE – Debbie Boone

TOMORROW February 6th is:

National Chopsticks Day; National Frozen Yogurt Day; National Lame Duck Day.

No chopsticks for me – I like yogurt OK. No lame ducks. Tomorrow Kelly and boys are coming for a few days. No beef will be involved unless we eat the spoils of war from Saturday (which we will!). God bless your new week…

I will share stories and pictures of Beef Day tomorrow. It’s late and we had a full day. I’ll catch you up and then get some rest.

The day started a little after midnight, actually, when I got a txt from Kathy. She had a kidney stone and was on her way to the E.R. Good grief, Charlie Brown! It was hard getting back to sleep, concerned for Kathy, concerned for Nate, and concerned that we were down two strong workers for Beef Day! But God always knows best….

Within the next twelve hours, I got updates on Kath that she was in ICU, because of a kidney infection (in addition to the stones) and a more serious infection. It’s very concerning and we would all appreciate prayers on her behalf. She promised to call me tomorrow so we can chat phone to phone.

Nate was home trying to get rest and increase his healing capabilities when he heard a loud pop. He looked out the window to see that their above ground pool had sprung a leak in the liner (it only had about 10 inches of water in it) but water was surging out and down the hill. The liner was old and they have a new one already for spring, but by the time he made certain the water hadn’t damaged anything he was pretty worn out and aching.

I’m thankful at this point that everyone and everything is fine and that Kelly & Peyton made it home safe and sound after a long day. We all need some sleep! Stay tuned tomorrow for Beef Day!

Fun things to do in Texas:

Quote about praying for healing:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1977: Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett

TOMORROW February 5th is:

National Shower with a Friend Day; National Weatherpersons Day; World Nutella Day.

Nope to Shower with a Friend. Weatherpersons can’t read God’s mind. And I don’t like Nutella. I’ll eat the chocolate covered peanuts I bought from Donna’s store. Have a great day! God bless…

I decided to change the sheets this morning, as tomorrow we’ll have a time crunch to get on the road early. Beef day! Nate usually runs the show, and because his surgery was so much more severe than anticipated he won’t be able to go. He’s feeling really distressed about that but better to stay quiet and heal. He’s had a rough couple of days and he certainly don’t need to be around all that meat and people and sub-freezing weather!

We have eight people plus Jason so we should be able to accomplish things in a decent time. It’s always a blessing to be together and to reap the fruit of our labor! Don’t be alarmed if there is no post tomorrow. I’ll catch up on Sunday if I don’t have time tomorrow evening.

The scones did get baked, and the laundry done, and the brownies baked and iced. I even had time to run out and grab the last few things I need to tonight and tomorrow.

Now I’m waiting for Kelly and Peyton to come up and we’ll make supper. Peyton requested sliders and wants the left-overs for breakfast!

My phone rang last night at about 7pm, and when I saw Ron’s name on the screen I just knew it was bad news. Unfortunately it was. Ron’s Auntie D (Aunt Darlene) passed away and he was kind enough to call and tell me. Auntie D and I stayed in touch for the most part and met for lunch every few months. I hadn’t heard from her since before Christmas but had seen a few posts on facebook. She loved beautiful, calming scenery pictures like this one:

Auntie D was indeed one of the biggest fans of my writing, and was the first and most enthusiastic promoter of LETTERS TO MARY when it came out. She and Ellen Smail tied for how many books they sold for me! She sold books to people she never even met before! She was lively and happy and loved food – and was on first-name basis with the servers (and sometimes the owners!) of her favorite restaurants, like Pizza Siena, New City Buffet, and even Lapp Family Market in Latrobe. She would email me their weekly specials.

According to Ron there won’t be any servies or announcements, as per her request. It will feel like things were left unfinished, but that was the way she wanted it. She called me ‘Margie-girl’ and got the greatest joy of sharing all sorts of things, including bright colored four-inch paper clips! I think I have half a dozen! Her favorite thing to share was the little travel bottles of hand sanitizer. I will miss our lunches and chats and her unique outlook on life and relationships. It really feels sad that she is gone. I’ll miss you, Aunt Darlene!

PEANUTS POST – and scripture conbined.

Fun things to do in Texas:

Quotes about Missing Someone:

Top song of 1976: Don’t Go Breaking my Heart by Elton John and Kiki Dee

TOMORROW February 4th is:

Ice Cream for Breakfast Day; National Thank a Mail Carrier Day; National Play Outside Day; National Homemade Soup Day; National Create a Vacuum Day; National Hemp Day.

I like ice cream for breakfast! But it will be way too cold to play outside. I think we’re having homemade soup at Beef Day (ironically, chicken noodle!). And we live in HEMPfield Township so we’re set. Hug someone you love – you never know what tomorrow will bring. God bless…

Well, the little rodent saw his shadow so we have six more weeks of winter. Newsflash – six weeks is the first day of spring! But Phil and I had a fun day together, because we declared it ‘Bring your Groundhog to Work day!’

We went first to Jeannette and notarized a stack of papers for Ken. Then, on to Greensburg to file titles for Joe. We left there and headed home. I did stop at the Dollar Tree (didn’t find what I needed, though) and saw the sign in the windows that our Staples store is closing. I had heard rumors so I guess that’s a fact. Also heard that Aldi is going in there. THAT can’t happen soon enough!

Since I didn’t find what I needed at the Dollar Tree I popped into Dollar General. Phil waited in the car. He fell off the dash – not sure what he was doing…

After lunch he helped me mix up scones, which we’ll bake in the morning. He also is sending a valentine greeting out to everyone…

Now we are sitting at the computer, and he’s drooling over our plans for Williamsburg. I hate to break it to him that he isn’t going. Colonial Snoopy always goes…. After I finish this I’ll answer emails then get supper.

Fun things to do in Texas: Lakes –

Quote about spring:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1975: Rhinestone Cowboy by Glen Campbell

TOMORROW February 3rd is:

National Carrot Cake Day; National Day the Music Died Day; National Missing Persons Day; Four Chaplains Day; National Womens Physicians Day; Bubble Gum Day; National Wear Red Day.

We always took Carrot Cake when we went to Mom’s; I’m not into bubble gum at all, especially with my teeth… The Music Died on February 3rd 1959 when Buddy Holly and two fellow singers died in a plane crash. I will wear red tomorrow – to raise awareness of heart disease in women. Have a wonderful day, and be aware! God bless…

After breakfast I changed all the calendars to February, as well as the Peanuts wooden wall one. It always takes some time to figure out what I need to remember, like National holidays and personal obligations!

After I did that, I got out the valentine decorations and started placing them around the house. Last thing I put out was the M&M’s. It’s only the 1st, so I may need more. I’m going to try to keep my hands out of the bowl!

This is the last Valentine Grama Crooks sent me and I’m so glad I have it!

Diane came over about 11:30, and she brought homemade chicken salad (with cranberries!). I had croissants for sandwiches, and we heated up some stuffed pepper soup. She also brought popcorn but we didn’t get around to that! We watched the black-and-white movie ‘You Can’t Take it With You’ and it was very funny. Nice afternoon.

Nate got home from his surgery about an hour ago. He sent me pictures which I won’t share as they aren’t for the squeamish! They dug clear to the skull, behind his ear. He was in good spirits and Jen said he was dancing around the operating room… But I’m sure he’ll have pain and some restrictions, as well as a few side effects. He’s off the rest of the week so he’ll be able to heal up safely. As Aunt Cordelia (Kathy) said, Our poor dear Nathan! Thanks in advance for prayers on his behalf…

We have out first Bible Study tonight on Ephesians. I think the sessions will run through May. That’s all I have planned for the rest of the evening.

Fun things to do in Texas: Museums –

Quote on healing:

Peanuts post:

Top song of 1974: Annie’s Song – John Denver

TOMORROW February 2nd is:

Optimist Day; National Tater Tot Day; National Ground Hog Day; National Heavenly Hash Day.

Ground Hog day is fun – I have four little Beanie Baby ground hogs. They’ll celebrate too. It will be a good day; I’m optimistic about that! Have a happy Thursday. God bless…