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 —

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!