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…

The last day of the first month – 2023. The month seemed to fly by. We’ve had warm weather, rain, freezing temps, snow, and occasionally sun! But it IS WINTER!

I didn’t have much to do in Jeannette; Rege and I sat for almost an hour and hashed out the current state of America! We didn’t solve anything but we felt better afterwards. Mike needed a title notarized and I helped Brain and Renee solve some issues there. Then Joe – who isn’t feeling his best this week! – had a deal for me before I left.

I stopped on the way home at Goodwill and dropped off the discarded jackets that I took out of the closet last night. Also dropped off some documents at the Blind Association to be shreaded. It’s free if it’s only a small amount. Next – stopped at Kathy’s to drop off a loaf of bread and the newest Alyssa Maxwell book.

Nate txt me that a friend was getting rid of an old sewing machine and asked if I wanted it. That’s probably the LAST (almost) thing I need but I immediately said YES! They will drop it off next week and I’ll stick it in the garage until I clean it up and decide where to put it!

My friend Diane is coming for lunch and a movie tomorrow so I got most of my cleaning done a little early. Not sure which movie – she ordered an old black and white one through Netflix. It’ll be a surprise! And that was my day!

Scripture about friends:

Fun things to do in Texas: Parks

Quote about friendships:

Peanuts Post:

Top song in 1973: KILLING ME SOFTLY WITH HIS SONG – Roberta Flack

TOMORROW February 1st is:

National Freedom Day; National Serpent Day; National Texas Day; National Get Up Day; National Girls & Women in Sports Day; National Dark Chocolate day; National Baked Alaska Day.

I didn’t know when I picked TEXAS on Sunday that it would have it’s own day this week! I love dark chocolate – my choice of chocolate! No serpents for ME! Just have a lovely February. God bless…

Today would have been Bill Smail’s 73rd birthday. I think of him often, and I think of Rick and wonder if he is doing ok in their little log cabin on his own. I hope he’s well and keeping busy. I should call him.

I worked both stores this morning, then stopped at the post office for Joe on the way home. They tried to mail old dealer plates back to PENNDOT, and our little local post office (not Greensburg) said the zip code was wrong and they wouldn’t mail them! Greensburg Post Office handled it and now they are on their way! The new ones have a picture of a car on them.

I just got home and made a fruit salad when Rosendahl’s called – they were on the way with my fridge. I stuck my salad aside and got the boxes – emptied out the fridge, then moved all the furniture to make a path from the door to the kitchen. There were 3 guys – two carried the old one out and brought the new one in, and the third handled the water connections for the ice and water dispensers. There are a lot of temperature choices so I’ll have to study the manual.

It took me an hour to figure out where to put everything. This fridge (French doors and bottom freezer) is arranged so differently! I really like it but I feel like I’ll need a map to find where I put things. I may end up making changes as things go forward.

I did a load of laundry and just folded it to iron later. There are a few other chores to do this evening but I just keep going back to peek in the fridge. It should be making ice soon – he said to expect it tomorrow.

Scripture –

Fun things to do in Texas:

Quotes about blessings:

Peanuts Post:

Top song of 1972: AMERICAN PIE – Don McLean

TOMORROW January 31st is:

Inspire your Heart with Art Day; National Hot Chocolate Day; National Backward Day; National Plan your Vacation Day.

Hear that, Kathy? Time to plan! Tomorrow is also the last day of the first month of 2023. Enjoy! God bless…

Rainy cool cloudy day – but I stayed tucked inside and was comfy. Nate came over and found the shut-off valve for the water connection to the fridge’s ice maker and water dispenser so he shut that off. There’s enough ice in there to last until the new fridge comes. Then he fixed the ghost in my downstairs bathroom exhaust fan.

Yesterday morning I came downstairs and the fan was making at rattling noise. BUT — it wasn’t on! I don’t think I’ve turned on that fan in months and months. The switch was turned off. I fussed with it a bit but it took a while for it to actually shut off. Occasionally throughout the last 24 hours it would rattle a bit so I decided to disconnect it. Nate was able to adjust SOMETHING (not sure what!) and it seems ok now. I’ll keep an eye on it.

So after Nate left I got busy with some little chores. First, however, I took about 15 minutes and sat down and read a few chapters of my current book. I’m reading THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN – I’ve seen (and even own) the movie but wanted to read the book. They are very different but I’m enjoying all the background information and history incorporated in the book. Well worth the read!

I organized my little corner shelf where I keep my vitimins and prescriptions and pill travel organizers. That didn’t take long! I answered a few emails, too, and then cleaned off the fridge. Took everything off the top and doors, etc. Cleaned out the freezer and put everything in the one downstairs. Had to leave everything in the fridge as I only have one! I’m so excited for the new one to come tomorrow. I’m not good with change, so I’m sure it will take some getting used to, since it’s bottom freezer and French doors on the top.

My main chore for today – left over from yesterday’s list – was chocolate covered pretzels. Everything went fairly well — until I turned on the faucet and the water hit the lip of the pan and sprayed all over the back splash and my shirt! No harm done but I stopped and cleaned it up. I always put the pretzels in the fridge so they set well before I put them in the freezer. When I opened the door, and smallest tray let loose, slid out like a sled on a hillside and bounced across the floor! Thankfully I had just scrubbed the floor (it was dripped with chocolate and little sprinkles!) so I didn’t mind picking up a few. I tucked them into a seperate container. Bummer – thus is life!

After a second kitchen clean-up, I organized the pantry space downstairs. Sometimes it just gets out of control. I also like it when I can share excess! The kids love fruit snacks…

Todd’s message was about asking for help, and how we feel it’s a weakness. In Genesis – very beginning! – God realizes that Adam needs help RIGHT AWAY. So he creates a helper for him. We were never meant to funcation as isolated individuals – we need to share and help each other. Go back and look up the words to John Lennen’s HELP – it’s spot on! There was so much more – but this will get you started thinking about it. Don’t try to do everything yourself; use your gifts but let others help!

Fun things to do in Texas:

Quote about asking for help:

PEANUTS POST:

Top song of 1971: JOY TO THE WORLD – Three Dog Night

TOMORROW January 30th is:

National Croissant Day; National Bubble Wrap Day.

Tomorrow is also new fridge day! So exciting. Stay warm and safe and happy. God bless…