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…

I was snuggled up in bed reading (I committed to ONE CHAPTER!) and Gen called! I had sent her a long email to catch up and she decided to call instead of email back. It was great to talk in person. She’s enjoying her grandsons and little Declan is 7 weeks old! She posted a picture on facebook and he is for sure a cuddle baby!

After I changed/washed my sheets, showered and had breakfast, I decided to be spontaneous and have a small adventure today. I drove up to Ligonier to see if any of the ice sculptures are still standing. Some of them were still discernable but most of them had broken or melted. It was still fun to walk around the Diamond and take a few pictures.

Since I was so close I went on up to Laughlintown and bought a bag of Snails (pastry cinnamon treat) at The Pie Shoppe. It was so tempting to eat one, but I had my banana instead. On the way back down, I drove up to Linn Run and took a short walk. It was a beautiful, sunny day with bright clouds, but still cold. There was still some snow and lots of mud and slush. The boots I had on were not entirely water proof and I didn’t want to have wet feet.

The drive through Rolling Rock is always amazing. I cannot imaging owning all that and living there! One field had a few horses wandering around. My last stop was at Walmart, and amazingly they did have the things that I couldn’t get yesterday at our store. I also got the supplies I need for next Saturday’s Beef Day outing.

After a late lunch (soup!) I wiped out the inside of the car. I had considered washing it but had turned off the outside water spigots and decided it was too early to turn them back on. I did wipe the windows, too. I discovered that I had some little spring flowers poking up! They look like hyacinths and I hope they don’t get eaten by the vermits or freeze off. Hyacinths and Lilacs are my favorite. Now, other than supper, no other chores. Tomorrow I plan to make chocolate covered pretzels.

Fun things to do in Washington State: Lakes –

Peanuts Post – also the scripture:

Quote:

Top song of 1970: BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER – Simon and Garfunkel

TOMORROW January 29th is:

National Puzzle Day; National Corn Chip Day.

I’d say have some corn chips while you work on a puzzle! OR… make chocolate covered pretzels. Not a national day but it could be fun! God bless….

If I remember back, all those years ago, there were a few hours that were pretty tough for me to get through. But they all seem but a second in comparison to the blessings and joys that this baby daughter brought! I am so thankful for all the years she has enriched my life, and all of those around her. Happy Birthday sweet Kelly — many, many more!

Here are some older photos!

I’m so glad the sun decided to peek out, even for just a bit. Looks like the temperatures are to go up tomorrow, along with the possibility of rain. But you don’t have to shovel rain!

I was excited that my movie came – I used a bit of my Christmas money to order it. This movie is not a category ‘Hallmark’ movie and I really like it. Hope you get the opportunity to watch it. NORTH TO HOME.

When Kelly and the boys were up last week, she made the suggestion to always leave something for Chase to find (like, to hide something somewhere in the house). He’s always finding little things out of season. So I bought a little Stitch (his favorite!) and I will place it somewhere different for every visit. Sometimes I’ll make the hiding place easy; sometimes — hard!

This morning, after breakfast and laundry, I ran a few erands. I had to notarize a title for Mike G; then Mike P sold and delivered a few vehicles so I stopped to do those. A few groceries and then home for a fruit salad for lunch – next: Ironing!

I just heard the mailman, and was happy to see I got the next book in Alyssa Maxwell’s Gilded Newport Mystery series. Kathy and I have been taking turns buying them and so far we have the whole series. This is #10; she’s reading #9 now. I’ll read it when she’s done and catch up before #11 comes out in August – Murder at the Elms.

Fun things to do in Washington State: Gardens

Quote about daughters:

Peanuts Post:

Top song in 1969: SUGAR, SUGAR – by the Archies

TOMORROW January 28th is:

Data Privacy Day; National Seed Swap Day; National Gift of the Ladybug Day; National Blueberry Pancake Day; Global Community Engagement Day; National Kazoo Day.

To get free seeds, mail a self addressed, stamped envelope to Live Monarch – 2022 Seed Campaign, Po Box 1339, Blairsville, Georgia 30514. In return, you’ll receive 15 or more milkweed seeds for your region. So that’s a good way to celebrate! God bless…

It was a cold, rainy day – but there was snow blowing around here and there. It’s the longest work day I’ve had in a long time. I had a PAA/PENNDOT training webinar for my biannual training. Four of us from Pinnacle took it so we should all be official and much smarter!

I was at my home computer a little after 8:30am. The seminar presenter (whom I’ve heard before) was over the top (and not in a good way). As in the past I found lots of half-errors in her presentation, and she did over-teach most of the topics. By the end of the four hours I was stretched (stressed!) to the limit! When we hit the last screen I had my boots and coat on and was ready to go out the door!

Worked in Greensburg first, as Joe needed something. From there I went to Jeannette, and had several projects. I was home a little before 6pm. In the mail was my Westmoreland County booklet, which lists sites of interest (mostly history-related). Can’t wait to explore some of them. My little grab-a-snack lunch has worn off long ago – so I’m planning supper next!

Fun things to do in Washington State: Parks –

Quotes about parks:

Peanuts post:

Top song of 1968 (year I graduated) – Mrs. Robinson SIMON AND GARFUNKLE – I saw the movie The Graduate.

TOMORROW January 27th is:

Vietnam Peace Day; World Breast Pumping Day; National Big Wig Day; Holocaust Remembrance Day; National Fun at Work Day; National Chocolate Cake Day.

And it’s my lovely daughter’s birthday! There will be pictures tomorrow. Cake? Wigs? Peace? Work? Go for it! God bless…

TODAY it’s 11 months until Christmas Day – as Bud would remind me. It’s also a month since Christmas. It seems so much longer ago than that.

It’s also Ruth Ann Hancher’s birthday (Kelly’s mother in law). Happy birthday, Ruth Ann – hope your day was amazing and wishing you many more!

I cleaned today – and finished up the Stufffed Pepper soup. It looks yummy!

The soup cook-off went very well! It was surprising that we had 19 entries. I know that Shelagh (chicken noodle) won 3rd prise, Jackie Leasure won 2nd prize (didn’t catch what soup she made), and Ryders won first place with white chili. I had the chicken noodle and it was very good. Max (from my Sunday School class) snuck up to me and announced that he was one of the judges! How cute!

It’s 5:30pm and it’s still daylight. One day at a time! A little pink in there, too!

Scripture about sunsets:

Fun thing to do in Washington State: Waterfalls

Quote about sunsets:

Peanuts Post:

Top song in 1967: TO SIR WITH LOVE – Lulu

TOMORROW January 26th is:

National Peanut Brittle Day; National Green Juice Day; Australia Day; International Customs Day; National Spouses Day.

Austraila is good – have a happy day! God bless…

It’s been a cold day, but no snow. Every now and then the sun peaked out and it felt good. I worked in Jeannette and Greensburg and then got gas in the car.

When I got home I started a pot of stuffed pepper soup. I’ve made four pots of cream of potato soup, one of chicken ‘acini de pepe’ soup, and two of stuffed pepper soup, in the last two weeks. I’m souped out! We are having a soup cook-off tomorrow at church so I decided to take the stuffed pepper soup. I’m not even sure my taste buds are up to the task!

I keep forgetting to turn off the little heater under my desk so I made a reminder note. When I turn the heater on I’ll stick the note where I can’t help but see it! That little thing really keeps me warm when I’m working.

The day will basically be a writing and reading and catch up on devotion workshops day so I’m posting early! If anything exciting happens I’ll post tomorrow!

Fun things to do in Washington State: Museums

Scripture about sunshine:

Quote – today sent by my friend Diane:

PEANUTS POST: Snoopy in the SUN-flowers!

Top songs in 1966 – ’66 was MY year – super summer, and I was sixteen!

TOMORROW January 25th is:

National Irish Coffee Day; Library Shelfie Day; National Florida Day (somewhere I have no desire to visit); Burns Supper (Robert Burns wrote Auld Lang Syne); National Opposite Day.

I will probably focus on being opposite. I do that mostly anyway so it won’t be much different. Celebrate well and God bless!

I was up extra early for my dentist appoint. I had the two crowns put on the implants. First time in absolute YEARS that I haven’t had a space somewhere in my mouth from a missing tooth. They feel comfortable, and I can now chew on my right side!

There was a little work in Jeannette; I stopped at the bank to check out a double payment on my bank card, then worked in Greensburg. I offered to help Joe with filing and shredding, and will work on more tomorrow. I was even taking a few pictures of the snow on the trees.

Also had time to stop and get special light bulbs for my little electric candles, then came home and had soup for lunch.

I had a doctor’s appointment in Latrobe, which was quick and easy. Now I’m home and was hoping to stay in, but Autmn just called and may need a ride somewhere. So I’m waiting to hear for sure. Today was Chrissy’s first day of work at Shop n Save in Youngwood and she was excited. So was Ranger the dog!

Fun things to do in Washington state:

Scripture about hills:

Chinese proverb about light:
 “Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” — Chinese Proverb

Peanuts Post:

Top song of 1965: Wooly Bully by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs

TOMORROW January 24th is:

Beer Can Appreciation Day; Global Belly Laugh Day; National Compliment Day; International Day of Education; National Peanut Butter Day.

Beer Can? Really???? Laughing is good, and so are compliments. Education is important. I’ll pass on the peanut butter! Whatever you celebrate, enjoy! God bless…

We had Ben and Max in Sunday School, and they worked very hard to think of a time when they needed to forgive someone! You could just see their minds churning. We talked about The Lord’s Prayer but focused on Forgiveness.

Todd have a very focused message this morning about Dream Big Dreams. Tradition needs to be replaced by spiritual growth! The ‘good old days’ don’t work in the 21st century. That being said, you have to follow the dreams that GOD is a part of – don’t leave preaching the Bible behind! He quoted Mom’s favorite verse (Psalms 118:24) and my favorite verse (I Corinthians 2:9). Take a risk – dream big!

Autmn and Noah stopped over in the afternoon – she got her birthday card, deviled eggs, and candy cane cookies. She was excited that they were green and not pink! She and Noah both had cookies, and he sort of nibbled an egg while we were all talking!

After they left I mixed up Cinnamon Muffins (with chocolate chips). I needed a quick breakfast to grab and go. It was hard not to eat one when they were warm from the oven, but it was too close to dinner!

Fun things to do in Washington state:

Since today is Chinese New Year (Year of the Rabbit) this week will be focused on Chinese proverbs:

Peanuts Post about dreaming:

Top songs in 1964: I Want to Hold your Hand/She Loves You

TOMORROW January 23rd is:

National Pie Day; National Handwriting Day

My handwriting has always been a failure (literally: I got a ‘W’ in 5th grade!) but I could do pie. Apple or Cherry…. Have a happy day. God bless…

I did go down to Mary’s work for the flea market. I really didn’t find anything that caught my eye but it was fun to go down. I did get to see Mary’s new car! She’s very excited and it’s very nice!

After lunch I worked on the Sunday School lesson (we’re learning about forgiveness and The Lord’s Prayer), and then I made Cream of Potato soup AGAIN! I had potatoes I had to use up, and Kelly didn’t drink any of her milk! So – perfect combination. Even had a bonus HEART potato!

The CVS over the counter order came, too. So that was good.

TODAY my Autmn Rose turned 20! Can’t believe that she’s grown into a lovely young woman, with a job and a life of her own. We’ve tracked a lot of miles together, and they are every one special to me! Happy birthday, Miss Autmn. Love you!

Scripture is the Peanuts Post:

Fun thing to do in Maryland: Antietam National Battlefield

Quote from AN AMERICAN PRESIDENT:

Top song in 1963: Surfin’ USA – the Beach Boys

TOMORROW January 22nd is:

National Blonde Brownie Day; National Polka Dot Day; National Sanctity of Human Life Day; Celebration of Life Day.

Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini — God bless!!!

For a change, cleaning day was today instead of Wednesday. I didn’t want to take time or attention away from my family on Wednesday so I took advantage of today’s cold, snowy, all-alone-in-the-house day and cleaned. I did a few loads of laundry and answered a few emails. I also packaged up Autmn’s Candy Cane cookies and made her the requested deviled eggs.

Tomorrow is the indoor flea market at my friend Mary’s workplace so I hope to go down there in the morning (Harrison City).

(Indoor Flea Market Saturday, January 21 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Connect 55+ Penn Township 4000 Village Drive Jeannette, PA 15644)

I got a lovely thank you note from Kath today – it was on stationary from The Governor’s Inn (Williamsburg VA). I know she’s had it a long time as we haven’t been there since 2015! But it was so fun to get, and start (or continue!) dreaming and planning for our April trip.

I tired to take a picture of my little lighted vase of flowers in the hall but you can’t see the lights very well. They look so cute sitting by the mirror! Next chore of the evening is to fold towels and then eat dinner.

Scripture about flowers:

Quote from AN AMERICAN PRESIDENT:

Peanuts Post:

Top song in 1962: I Can’t Stop Loving You – Ray Charles

Fun things to do in Maryland:

TOMORROW January 21 is:

National Fruitcake Toss Day; National Hyaluronic Acid Day; Squirrel Appreciation Day; World Kiwanis Week; National Use Your Gift card Day; National Hugging Day; National Granola Bar Day; International Sweatpants Day.

Tomorrow is also Autmn’s 20th birthday! We can combine that with Hugging! Not sure about the Squirrel thing. Have a happy Saturday. God bless…