I’m not posting tonight – I’m up to my eyebrows in boxes and bins and Christmas decorations. And I’m hungry! So I’ll catch up either tomorrow or Thursday. Have a lovely, safe, and fun New Year’s Eve!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

NEW YEARS :

TOMORROW December 31st is:

National Champagne Day; No Interruptions Day; New Year’s Eve; Make up your Mind Day; Leap Second Time Adjustment Day; Unlucky Day.

I’m hoping I don’t get interrupted finishing up these decorations. I doubt if I’ll make it to Midnight! Happy New Year! God bless…

Today is my best and favorite sister’s birthday! We had a nice afternoon together. First I took Suzie Squirrel over to live with her for six months. Suzie decided to adopt a horse, so she’s decked out in a cowgirl hat, brown fringed vest, and her arm around her horse. I think the next six months will be fun for both of them! I did not take any pictures today – so I guess use your imagination! After Suzie got comfortable in her new stall, Kathy and I went to Parkwood for lunch, and it was very good. We both had fish and fries. Then we went to RAVE (antiques) and walked around for almost an hour. It was nice to spend the time together!

Kath with Santa

Kathy with Charles Dickens

Kath with Mae

Kath with Li’l One (her horse in Middle School – SHE’s in middle school; not the horse…)

I came home and started putting the decorations away. It will take a while. I did the hardest part first: I took the window clings off the windows and put them away. I also washed a load of towels, dishcloths, leggings, shirts, etc, so I can tuck them away tomorrow. I have to wrestle the bins off the shelves first!

All clean and ready to pack away — watched over by my reindeer blanket!

I’m going to grab supper – I’ll heat the rest of my fish that I saved from lunch. Stay warm – this cold and WIND is brutal!

No, my fish didn’t look like this….

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Happy birthday, Kathy!!

PEANUTS?

NEW YEARS:

TOMORROW December 30th is:

Falling Needles Family Fest Day; Bacon Day; National Resolution Planning day.

I don’t do resolutions. They don’t work for me. I have a ‘fake’ tree so no falling needles here. But BACON! That would be fun! God bless…

Happy birthday to my niece Sarah! Hoping you have a wonderful day, and a lovely and love-filled year ahead… and many more! Enjoy your precious family and all the Blessings God can send. Love you!

Sarah with her family: Millie, Kyle holding Lucas, and Wyatt

It was nice for a change to have a slow start to a Sunday morning. Though I DO really miss our Sunday school class and will be happy to have it back. Since Todd is still away with family, Wayne preached this morning. It was a very good message – I took a lot of notes but to condense it, we have been given three gifts: Forgiveness, peace and eternal life. We all need a savior – He can take care of anything. You can’t resent and rejoice at the same time – Give it to God!

Since I planned for a low-key day, I stopped on the way home to grab two items at the dollar store. The crazy thing was that half the store was Valentine’s day items and the other half was Easter! I had a salad and garlic toast for lunch, then read a little in my current book. I spent some time going through a few things in my bedroom closet, and went searching for a small bin to stick under the bathroom sink.

I came downstairs to post this, and decided I had enough of Hallmark for the day. First I pulled out An Avonlea Christmas – but after a few minutes it was too dramatic for my mood, so I switched out the DVD.

I’ll try this one again another day.

So I pulled out Holiday Inn. I really haven’t watched it in years. I watch White Christmas at least once a year, but this is totally different. It’s also a pretty long movie – 1 hour and 47 minutes with no commercials. It struck me at the beginning that it was obvious how long ago this movie was written and presented. They celebrate all the holidays in the year, and they had Lincoln’s birthday and Washington’s birthday celebrated separately, with Valentine’s day between. This is a crazy, fun film with Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby. Lots of good music and a lot of fancy dancing!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

NEW YEARS:

TOMORROW December 29th is:

National Pepper Pot day; Tick Tock Day; Still Need to Do Day.

Tomorrow is also my dear sister’s birthday! I’m hoping we can go to lunch. That’s more than reason to celebrate that! God bless…

It’s 5:30pm, and I’m just about done with my major projects for the day – except for baking the homemade bread. I mixed it up – of course – earlier this morning, and it’s been rising all day. I have GODWINK CHRISTMAS playing in the background while I type, and the space heater under my desk keeping me warm.

As per typical Saturday, I filled my pill dispenser first. Then I changed and washed my bed sheets. Since my next project was to mix the bread dough, I decided to do that before my shower. I do make a mess when I mix the dough, and it just made more sense. So while the dough was rising, I got a shower and made breakfast. By then it was almost 11:30am so I guess it was brunch. I made a piece of French toast.

Sort of looked like this…. Only not three pieces.

I cleaned out a few more dresser drawers, and went through my Christmas socks. I used to wear Christmas socks almost every day during the holidays and seldom do these days. So I kept about 4 or 5 pair, a few of which I could wear all year. Like my ‘Hallmark movie watching socks’. And ones with snowflakes that can be worn all winter. I took two little Snoopy charms off a pair of old ones and transformed them into earrings!

After the dough was punched down and set to its second rise, I went over to get a few groceries. I think there were 6 things on my list. Shop n Save was having a sale of soft drinks so I bought two cases. I was actually surprised because you could mix and match 2 cases of either Coke or Pepsi products to get the sale prices. Usually those two don’t mix! I got a Diet Pepsi and a Diet Coke so I’m set for a while. At lease until next year. Hahaha.

I found a little ‘candy cane’ tree to add to my mini display. All the Christmas items were 50% off so I didn’t feel too bad getting that.

Since I was right next door I stopped at Burger King and got a frozen Coke. I was a little frustrated with that – I first started getting those because they were $1.00 each. Then they did away with the ‘special’ and they were $1.59 each. Today when I stopped I found out that they ‘discontinued’ the small size. So if you want a frozen coke you get a medium or large. Sigh. I got a medium ($2) and drank a little. Came home and put it in the freezer and just now finished it. But I probably won’t do that too often. EVERYTHING is going up, and not in proportion with income!

My frozen Frozen coke.

Oh, and while I was at Shop and Save I got 1/4 pound of Sweet Lebanon Bologna. I only buy it once or twice a year because it’s expensive.

Looks sort of like this.

Last night was another ‘I couldn’t fall asleep’ nights. I feel like I could fall asleep at my desk in the middle of a sentence — but then I wouldn’t sleep tonight, either. So I’ll fight to stay awake. In the meantime, as promised from yesterday, I DID make a paper snowflake!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Not actually a scripture but inspirational….

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS/NEW YEARS:

TOMORROW December 28th is:

National Short Film day; National Card Playing Day; National Chocolate Candy Day; Pledge of Allegiance Day; Holy Innocents day; National Call a Friend Day; National Download Day.

Tomorrow is also my niece Sarah’s birthday – so we will celebrate her tomorrow! As mentioned in a previous post, I’m not good at competitive games so playing cards wouldn’t interest me. And I’m not good at calling friends. I normally wait for them to catch up with me! Have a lovely Sunday. God bless…

It is dreary and wet but thankfully here there is no ice – at least not yet. I planned on staying in since we have had ice storm warnings for 3 days about today. I can’t say that I was super busy but I did have things going on all day. I cleaned out a few dresser drawers, got my paperwork organized to switch files from 2025 to 2026 next week. Had a few shrimp for lunch, and a few nachos with cheese.

Mid-afternoon snack.

So let’s zip back to last night. I went over to Nate’s about 5:30 pm – everyone was already there. The kids were working on Gingerbread houses – and Cameron made a barn and a car.

Working on a gingerbread house.

You can see he was into the icing!

Taking a drink break

Jen and Nate were finishing up the meal. Jen had the most tender roast I think I have ever eaten. Plus, she had a ham roast with potatoes and carrots. Mashed potatoes, gravy, noodles, corn, croissants, King’s Hawaiian rolls, cookies, candy, and brownies. So much food! Very good.

Nate and Jen finishing up cooking.

Nate’s tree – wall version!

I did get to meet Anthony – Christina’s boyfriend. He is very nice – they seem good together. He’s comfortable and polite and down to earth. I like him! After we ate Jen and Nate pulled the gifts out of the bedroom – there were so many! Everyone had piles to open! Cameron opened two or three then sat in the box and played with his little cow and pig! He had apparently had enough Christmas!

Anthony and Christina

Cameron in his box.

After gifts the kids played a game that projects on the TV and their phone interacts. I didn’t follow it but there was a lot of laughing and competition. Jen and Nate’s friends were there with their four daughters and they were all playing. Cameron took turns climbing over piles of presents and sticking his feet in the dog’s water bowl! When I left at 8:30 everyone was still playing and chasing Cameron! The cat just climbed on the cat tree and pretended he was alone!

Jen and Nate watching Cameron climb on the table!

Nate, Jackie (in her new unicorn robe), Sherree and Noah

Who’s winning????

Calm cat.

I was very thankful to be included in supper and spend time with Nate’s family and friends. It was a good way to end Christmas day 2025!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 27th is:

National Fruitcake Day; National Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day; Visit the Zoo Day.

I remember back when Bitsy was still alive, their family (Bitsy, Tim, Paul, Todd, Emily and Mary) would always go to the zoo on holidays. It wasn’t crowded and they could really enjoy it as a family. I may try to make a snowflake tomorrow!

Merry Christmas. I hope you are enjoying all the wonderful things around you – people, places, music, love, friendships — whatever makes you smile! We just got a group email that one of our Skunk Hollow cousins got engaged! That is very exciting and I’m very happy for both of them.

I haven’t seen the ring so I don’t know what it looks like!

It’s quiet here right now – has been all day. But I’m going to Nate’s later, and his whole family plus several friends will be there – so I understand it won’t be quiet! I just finished making brownies for dessert. I wanted to ice a few of them, and when I touched the tops to check on them — apparently they weren’t cool enough because I got chocolate chips all over my hand!

Brownies

I guess it wasn’t cool enough….

Once the brownies were done and put in travel containers, I melted down some white chocolate and covered the rest of the holiday Oreos (not mint). Melted enough to cover a few mini-chocolate chip cookies, too.

White chocolate covered.

I did several loads of laundry this morning, scrubbed the kitchen floor, did dishes several times, picked up the Pack n Play from Autmn’s mom’s house at 9am, wrote some emails, and changed the batteries in two light sets. I have The Christmas Train playing in the background for company.

Last night Autmn’s family stopped here to get Cameron a bath. They were staying at her mom’s overnight and all they have are showers. All he wanted to do was play with his barn and the mailbox with the snowball in it. This morning Autmn sent me a picture of Cameron opening his gifts – she said it was chaos there for sure. But they all had fun.

It’s a wonder he can see with all that hair…

Cameron’s GRINCH PJ’s – see the mailbox to his left?

Chaos at Autmn’s Mom’s

After I picked up the pack n play, Noah, Autmn and Cameron went to his mom and step-dad’s for lunch and part of the afternoon. Again, more gifts, and it looks like he was enjoying the frog! I could use a turn at whacking something….

Whack-a-frog….

So I have to do a bit of ironing and I’m done for the day. I had (have) plenty of time so I’m just lazing along. Have a wonderful holiday celebration – sending Christmas hugs and wishes.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 26th is:

National Whiners Day; National Thank You Note Day; National Candy Cane Day; Boxing Day; Kwanzaa; National Homeowners Day.

I love owning my home – except when I have to weed the hill. No candy canes, please. I try not to whine but it happens. If you do get a box, I hope it’s pleasant. God bless…

It’s 6:45 and I have a bit of time before it’s time to go to Kathy’s for supper. Our service at HCC was at 5pm, and there’s at RHCC is at 7pm. So I’m catching up with a few things while I’m waiting.

candlelight service

I just finished drying a load of towels so I’ll fold them when I’m done with this. And I still hope to do my Christmas Eve Email Letter after that.

I spent the day cleaning and catching up on a few things. Other than our Candlelight Service I didn’t leave the house. When I went to church, it was crazy with traffic and full parking lots up and down Route 30. When I left the church, it was dark by then, and there were only two restaurants open, all the stores were closed, and way fewer cars on the highway. I always love driving home from Christmas Eve Service – it’s so quiet and peaceful. Just a sliver of moon and Christmas lights. I even drove around the neighborhood to see the lights – as I haven’t done that yet.

Stock image

Mary gave me my gift after church – it’s a beautiful hand-made snowflake mug! I love snowflakes! I’ll have my breakfast tea in that on Christmas morning!

And I also changed the postcard in my little display frame. I’ve had that frame since high school (I’m surprised, because it’s glass, that it survived so many years!). I had a snowman in it, and changed it to a snow-scene barn. I’m excited about that!

There’s really nothing else to report – so I’ll close for now. Have a very happy Christmas Eve and a very Merry Christmas! Love to all – you mean so much to me!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 25th is:

NO ‘L’ Day; Christmas Day; National Pumpkin Pie Day; Jesus’ Birthday

Celebrate Christmas – the birth of our Savior! God bless…

Here we are — Christmas Eve Eve! I had chores and errands lined up all day. It started with having my friend Dom V come out and look at my kitchen drawer, which broke a few weeks ago. It had been lop-sided for about 10 years but I just put up with it. When everyone was here on Sunday Peyton found the problem but it needed new parts so we couldn’t fix it. Dom is the contractor who installed the new kitchen back ‘when’ so he brought the parts and fixed it in no time. I think my cousin had something to do with the whole thing because Dom didn’t charge me! And he fussed over the kitchen, saying that the cupboards have been discontinued — now you can only get those in custom orders! He even took pictures! So it was a good start to the day.

I went to work after that, and checked on a license plate that that had me concerned. Turned out that was all good, as well, so I headed over to help Mike P with something. After lunch I popped over to Aldi and Walmart (which would have been a mistake if I had other things going on today, but I didn’t!). Traffic and people were crazy busy but all went well.

Sample plate.

BIG NEWS if you haven’t heard it. HALLMARK just announced that they are partnering with Biltmore again and will being shooting a new movie in January for the 2026 COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS. ‘Winston’ will reprise his roll but the main characters will be different, as will the story line – adding a little magic to the story. I’m very excited! There were several articles on Facebook about it today.

The two new stars for the 2026 movie.

Right now I’m watching Window Wonderland while I type this, and just had a bite of Ritz and cheese to hold me over until supper later. And that will be it for me today.

Oh! But Nate got a great report from his doctor this morning. He’s been released to do everything except for heavy lifting. So he’s excited to get back out and start doing things again – and being able to drive! I’m so happy for him, and know God’s blessing has been on us.

Picture from 2024 – I never got any pictures from Sunday!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 24th is:

National Eggnog Day; Christmas Eve; Last Minute Shopper’s Day; National Consumer Rights Day.

Not an eggnog fan. I hope to get the house cleaned and get to our service at HCC which is at 5pm. I don’t plan to do any shopping – today was tricky enough! God bless…

Yesterday was a success! It does feel like Christmas is past, though. It was very much a celebration with family and fun. Everyone was here except for Christina’s friend Anthony (he had to work!). I had snacks sitting out all afternoon and we really made short work of those. About 4:30 we had pizza and salad (and Veggie Pizza thanks to Jen), then plenty of cookies for dessert.

JOY of being a kid at Christmas!

SNOWFLAKE Cameron

Cameron had a great time – and it took a crew of at least five people to keep up with him all afternoon. He loved his family gifts – a barn with shape-sorter animals, and (from Kelly’s family) a reusable sticker book that creates scenes. We were all playing with them. Ransom came up and joined in the fun – he’s a good dog and was no problem but fun to have here.

We all slept good on Sunday night!

Playing with his barn.

Peyton brought Izzy (whom I had met several times) and I finally got to meet Logan’s girlfriend Clairese. Both girls are sweet and fun and just perfect the their guys! So happy to have them here. And the Steelers won, so that was Matt’s Christmas present (even though it was a very close call at the end!).

Autmn sent me a picture Saturday night on their way in – they stopped at PPG place to show Cameron the tree. He loved it! I asked him about it and he told me it was blue!

PPG Place Noah and Cameron

Beth txt me that she was in Williamsburg for a few days – and sent me a photo of a Colonial door (their Christmas Decorations Walking Tour is amazing!). I said (Jokingly) that I’d go next time – and she sent me a picture of their accommodations! Ha!

Williamsburg wreath

Did they really stay here? Hmmmmm……

Kath’s email said her bloodwork was great, and PCP appointment said she was doing perfect! So that’s a blessing for sure. And Nate has his appointment in the morning.

Both Kathy and Nate.

Cameron decided he was going to use my kitchen bar stools for a climbing gym. He crawled head first into the first one, went underneath it and climbed up and out of the second one. He’s a monkey! Ransom just watched – I think he was amazed.

In – head first

Emerging out the other side.

Ransom trying to figure it all out.

On my way home today I got stuck at a Railroad Crossing… Thankfully it wasn’t a L O N G G G G train!

I love my family!

SCRIPTURE OF The DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 23rd is:

National Roots Day; National Pfeffernusse Day; Festivus; National Christmas Movie Marathon Day.

It’s always good to know a bit about your family history. Never tasted a Pfeffernusse. I’m always all in for a Christmas Movie day! God bless….

The day has turned interesting – and I need to make this quick! We are having our family Christmas tomorrow and I still have several things to do. In addition, Autmn and Noah and Cameron are coming tonight so they are already here for the festivities. It makes it easier for them than rushing around in the morning. Not to mention dealing with whatever weather we will experience. So I will catch up with pictures and posting on Monday.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS

TOMORROW December 21st is:

National Flashlight day; National French Fried Shrimp Day; Humbug Day; Crossword Puzzle Day; Anne & Samantha Day; Blue Christmas Service; Winter Solstice; Don’t Make your Bed Day; Look on the Bright Side; World Snowboard Day; Short Girl Appreciation Day; Yule.

I have several flashlights and they do come in handy. I try not to be a humbug. Tomorrow is the shortest day of Daylight, and then things lighten up! I can guarantee I will make my bed! God bless…