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!

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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!

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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!

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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…

It was snowing when I woke up, but it quit right away. Just a little dusting on the back deck.

It’s mid-afternoon, and I’m sitting here listening to CityAlight on YouTube videos. All of their songs are inspiring and delightful. A favorite, by far! Thanks to Greg Pelc for introducing them to me! They can keep me company and inspire me while I’m typing.

After normal Saturday morning routine (change bed sheets, set up pill organizer for next week, do laundry, shower, dress and eat breakfast!) I gave my friend Teresa a call. We haven’t talked in quite a while. We talked for almost an hour and a half! We had a lot to catch up on. We spent about 1/3 of that time talking about our respective Bible studies. Another 1/3 about home improvements and obligations. The rest? Just fun stuff and upcoming vacations. (And of course Gigi!)

Then I had a phone call from Rusty at Craftique. My rug was in already! So after I talked to Teresa I finished the laundry and drove up to get it. So nice to have a bright, new rug with no mistakes in it! I mean, no holes in it! It looks very sturdy and well made so it should last a while.

I popped into the Dollar Tree for a magnet clip (to hold the outdoor flag in place) and to get a little sprig of white flowers. I put them in the boot vase.

Kelly, Kath and I have been discussing what shirts we want for this year’s vacation. We’ve had shirts for Boston and Newport. So we’re working on ones for Williamsburg. I think this is the logo – when Kelly comes up we’ll pick style and color…

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Top song of 2011: HONEY BEE Blake Shelton

TOMORROW March 12th is:

National Working Moms Day; National Plant a Flower Day; National I AM Day; Daylight Savings Time; National Baked Scallops Day; National Girl Scout Day.

I work, and I’m a mom – does that count? I WAS a full time (two jobs) raising kids housekeeping Mom for over 20 years, then switched to Grammy mode! I love Girl Scout Thin Mints, and if it wasn’t so cold I would plant flowers. Hessie Mayhew (don’t ask) would say ‘Don’t plant before May 15th!!!’ Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead. God bless…

My original plan was to paint out a dresser that I have downstairs and switch it out with one upstairs. But the day was damp and cold, and I would have had to work in the garage all day. So that may be a spring project, if I still want to do it. After breakfast I braved the dreary skies and drizzle and went to L&L Fleatique. I haven’t been there in a while and wanted to look around. I saw a cute little bunny – I liked the colors.

I also bought a little metal star for the kitchen, and a black boot vase for the sewing machine. Yesterday I bought two little piggy plaques and made a hanging one for in front of the window. There was an empty hook there. So all in all I spent less than $5.00!

Lunch was a bowl of soup, and after I finished the laundry I decided to make cookies. I used the ginormouos recipe that Kelly gave me (we made them last time she was here) and put Easter M&M’s on for excitement. They are very good. I plan to take some to the Sunday School kids on Sunday morning.

Yesterday’s walk in Armbrust was very nice. The sun was shining on the creek, which was fuller than normal and flowing quickly. I walked about a mile and a half.

The walking trail goes past the house that Gen grew up in – and I was surprised that between her old house and the power lines there are two huge houses being built. I haven’t been down there for a while. Again, REALLY big houses! Someone was working on each of them, so I climbed the bank and took a picture.

I watched Pollyanna (staring Hayley Mills) and then I watched the newer Parent Trap (Lindsey Lohan). It’s been a long time since I saw either of them, and they were both fun!

My kitchen rug keeps getting worse, falling apart. I was glad I was able to order a replacement. Now I just have to wait for it to come in, and hope I don’t trip over the rug in the meantime!

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Top song of 2010: THE HOUSE THAT BUILT ME – Miranda Lambert

TOMORROW March 11th is:

National Funeral Director & Mortician Recognition Day; National Johnny Appleseed Day; National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day; National Promposal Day; National 311 Day; National Worship of Tools Day.

I can’t see worshiping tools. Just can’t. And 3-1-1 is a non-emergency number that you can call for information, questions, and connect with your community. Who knew? And the funeral director: I have a dear friend that used to work at Smail’s – decades ago. He left there and became a funeral director – he even married a client (a live one, not a dead one…)! Last I heard he was very happy and very successful. You just never know.

Di woke me this morning with a phone call. Well, she didn’t wake me – I was awake, but waiting for the ‘song of the day’. Her phone wouldn’t send txts through so she didn’t want me to worry about where she was so she let me know what was going on. The song – which came thought about 9am – was ‘Islands in the Stream’ with Dolly and Kenny. The theme this week is Duets. My favorite Dolly/Kenny song is ‘You Can’t Make Old Friends.’ That is an emotional song!

I just saw a facebook post for the Stahlstown Flax Festival in September. Cathi Rhodes will be opening the festival on Saturday. She does Patsy Cline – and I really enjoy that. I may actually try to get there!

Both stores were busy this morning – felt like the ‘old’ days! I got home a little after noon, made fish for lunch, and balanced my checkbook. It balanced to the penny the first time through! No errors or omissions! Quick as a wink! Now I’m listening to my iTunes library in the background as I type. I will take Chrissy to work at 4pm and maybe take a quick walk on the Armbrust walking trail after that. It’s cold but I’ll bundle up.

I forgot to post on Tuesday that I found out information that I hadn’t heard. I stopped at Craftique (in the Sea Base plaza by Shop ‘n’ Save on East Pittsburgh Street). Apparently SHEETZ bought out that whole corner. The stores are scrambling to find new locations. I don’t know a time-line but it will really make that corner more congested. These mega gas stations are all the rage so it will be welcomed I’m sure. I’m wagering that East Pittsburgh Street and Humphry Road will have to add lanes, lights, and turn-offs to accommodate. Changes everywhere! So you heard it here first, folks!

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Top song of 2009: I RUN TO YOU – Lady Antebellum

TOMORROW March 10th is:

National Mario Day; National Blueberry Popover Day; National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day; National Pack Your Lunch Day; International Bagpipe Day.

Chase will celebrate Mario; my friend Jeff Susa will celebrate Bagpipe day. He plays them, and does it well. I’d pack my lunch but I don’t have to go anywhere! Have a fun day celebrating and God bless…