Merry Christmas, dear friends and family! 

What a winter we have had – and it’s only been four days!  But it seems like we have had cold and creepy weather since October.  Does that mean spring will come in February?

This year has seen a lot of new adventures, mostly good.  Nate, Jen, Chrissy and Jen’s mom Sherree moved into their new home in Hunker, along with Ninth Life Rescue.  They love their new, very spacious SPACE and have settled in nicely.  Autmn has tried several adventures of her own, but ended up returning – at least for now – to the Bull River Taco shop where she is working and seems to really like it there, while living with her mom and sisters.

Kelly’s family has been doing home renovations – and just currently rebuilt their family bathroom.  It was a much needed upgrade.  Matt left Staples to be sole owner and operator of Lawn Boys Landscaping.  Peyton passed his driver’s test and is happily working for a farm up the road, taking care of animals and related chores.  In addition, I believe he has two steers that he is raising.  Logan will be 16 in April, and Chase is still lost somewhere in the land of Forte Night!  Kelly is busy with everything that even comes near her, from making custom shirts, running 4-H clubs and Shooting Sports, running the house, raising the boys, and running sound at their church.  She makes me tired just thinking about it!

My sister Kathy and her husband sold their home in Ft. Allen and moved into a great little community about 10 minutes from me.  It was a chore to sort through over thirty years of life, but aside from a bump or two (still can’t find her CD’s!) she is happily settled.  I was happy to be part of her team!

And speaking of moving, my friend Gen moved from near Buffalo NY to Albany (her son Chris’s family lives there).  It was a huge change for her, but she has embraced the changes – as well as her 5-year-old grandson Jack and his very new baby brother Declan Graham Morris!  Congrats to all of the wonderful blessings there.

I am very happy to be healthy, despite a November surgery on my neck (all is well and healed!).  I love working for Pinnacle, and the guys are MY PINNACLE GUYS!  I appreciate them; they are the cream of the crop! A lot of time and energy (and often finances!) has gone into maintaining my house and property, but it’s a labor of love.  Still teaching Kindergarten Sunday School and the blessings there are innumerable. 

Next to my family, the Skunk Hollow Girls (10 cousins all together) are my support system.  I’m very thankful for them, and cherish the times we get together for our own version of adventures. We truly share, in hard times and in times of celebration.

It did seem like this Christmas evoked more memories of Mom, times on the farm, Shady Lane, and even out Home – more than last year.  I think last year things were too fresh and our thoughts went to the most recent, harder times spent together.  But now we are remembering all those good times, growing up, vacations, life lessons, holidays; the person that Mom was and will always be to us.  I’m thankful for the transition to happier memories.

It’s quiet here now.  I had Kathy’s family, my cousin Deb and her husband Jim, and Nate’s family here for supper after church.  Blessings!  Earlier I watched Dr. David Jeremiah’s WHY THE NATIVITY on Lifetime and enjoyed it very much.  I turned off the TV in favor of Y108’s Country Christmas celebration and it makes me smile.  Tomorrow I will attend morning church then go to Nate’s for dinner.  We will celebrate as a family on Wednesday.

Wishing each and every one of you a blessed Christmas celebration, with the peace and gift of the Christ Child and His love for you tucked snuggly into your heart and mind.  May 2023 bring joy and gladness, laughter, fun, comfort, and prosperity.  Love and kindness to you each one.   God bless….   M

The wind has died down and it’s actually a few degrees warmer (it’s a whole 10*!) – but nothing to get excited about. It’s still VERY cold. Looking forward to warmer temps, but I felt like I could safely venture out for church. I spent most of the day prepping for tonight’s family supper after church. I had chipped ham BBQ in the crock pot, and the potato cheese casserole in the oven. Everything else was ready to pull out at the last minute.

Nate txt me updates on their day — Jen and Chrissy were decorating cookies. They look pretty fancy, and really yummy. Sugar cookies are something I don’t do well. Looks like they were having fun being creative!

I watched WHY THE NATIVITY by David Jeremiah on Lifetime channel earlier, but otherwise I’ve had Y108 radio playing all day. They have their Country Christmas celebration on, and the variety of songs and artists and interviews are fun and interesting. Oh, and by the way, I really did enjoy WHY THE NATIVITY. Worth the watch.

I was very wary of driving tonight, but the roads were ok. I’m pretty sure there were icy spots, though… Church was very nice. We sang a few carols led by Jim and Dianne. Then Wayne had all the kids up on stage and read the Christmas story from Luke 2. Todd had a good message about seeing the nativity as it was, and not idealizing it. We lit candles and stood in a big circle and sang Silent Night. It was a very lovely service and did focus on the Reason for the Season.

Most likely I will post my Christmas Eve email on here later tonight before I go to bed. So maybe check back. But I will say Merry Christmas to each of you – and have a wonderful, holy celebration — focus on God’s best gift, and give thanks! Love to each of you!

December 24 – Tell about the most memorable gifts you have given me. “When you were 3 years old we ordered a rocking horse (on springs) from Sears Roebuck. Your dad kept calling the catalog department every day. Finally on Christmas Eve it was unloaded from their truck. We picked it up at the side door & went home to a couple hours of putting it together. It was named Trigger & made to look like Roy Rogers’ Horse.” I vaguely remember that horse. I think we had it quite a while!!

Calendar inspiration – Leave holiday stress outside. A calm, peaceful spirit is a wonderful gift!

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TOMORROW December 25th is:

Christmas Day; A’phabet Day (No ‘L’!), National pumpkin pie day.

No pumpkin pie here, but we will joyously celebrate the Reason for the Season, and No ‘L’!!! Have a wonderful Christmas weekend – find something to be joyous and celebrate! God bless…

It’s -6* out there – wind chill is -29* and the wind is ferocious! I don’t mind saying that this weather freaks me out. Hoping the power stays on, everyone is safe and warm, and homes and people stay protected. I have left the water drip in my tub, left the sink doors open to let more heat near the pipes, pulled the blinds down and closed the kitchen curtain. Hoping to keep the house as protected as possible.

Earlier I was boiling potatoes and eggs for the weekend meals, and every window upstairs was steamed over. I walked through the house, listening to Christmas CD’s, and felt like I was in another time zone, because I couldn’t see anything outside!

I mixed up my bread dough and then had lunch, then psyched myself up to get bundled and clear off the driveway. There was almost no snow, but a layer of bumpy ice underneath. I didn’t think it would do any good to throw salt down. It would either blow away or get covered under the next layer of snow. But I felt better that I had at least made an attempt.

Now I am waiting for the bread loaves to rise so I can bake them. I should have mixed it first thing this morning, but got caught up in other chores. So now it will be a later night than I planned – but that’s fine. I can sleep in tomorrow morning!

December 23 – Did your family go to a special church service at Christmas? Tell about it. “When I was 5 years old our church closed & we didn’t go until a few years later to the neighbor’s church. We had Christmas plays & exchanged gifts. When the war started there wasn’t enough gasoline to drive that far & we walked to the Old Mahoning Baptist Church. God was present in all the churches & I always liked to go to worship Him. I still do.”

Calendar inspiration – You can add glow to the season by shining bright with courtesy and kindness.

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TOMORROW December 24th is:

National Eggnog Day, Christmas Eve.

No eggnog for me, but will celebrate Christmas Eve. Hopefully by attending church. I guess I’ll see what the weather is like. Whatever you do, take time to worship the Christ Child! God bless…

What a yucky day – cold, windy, cloudy, raining. I did two titles in Jeannette, processed a deal and a little filing in Greensburg, then stopped at Gabes to see if they had any St. Patrick’s Day blankets – none yet. But, … 🙂

As the temperature was well above freezing and safe to travel, I zipped carefully down to Miller’s Crossing Fleatique in Irwin and just walked around. They had lots of new and fun merchandise. I bought a little silver bell – it sort of reminded me of Mom because she loved and collected bells.

I happened to catch a glimpse of Snoopy tucked in his little tin bucket with Santa. I think he winked at me…

Got an email notice that my PENNDOT certification needs renewed in January. I think there are four of us who need to take the seminar. Thankfully it’s after the holidays. It’ll be on line – so yea for that.

I have to write out some cards and then trim my finger nails – they feel too long when I type. Then I can get supper and watch a movie. I think I’ll stick in a DVD as there’s nothing exciting on TV.

New temporary use for treadmill – until after the holidays…

Prayer request for today – SH cousin BETH had surgery today. Please pray for her comfort and healing and quick recovery! Love you, Beth!

December 22 – Tell about Holiday celebrations at a relative’s house during your childhood. “At Aunt Effie’s and Uncle Bill’s house we were treated as if we were very special. They had a beautiful tree and very special decorations. They bought us a gift (usually gloves or a scarf) and that was wonderful. They lived in Dayton, PA, which was about 8 miles from home.” Mom always really liked Aunt Effie, even though she was a bit eccentric!!

Calendar inspiration – Whenever the opportunity comes, be read to shine!

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Random Photo – Talk about nasty weather!!!

TOMORROW December 23rd is:

International Human Light Day, National Pfeffernusse Day (German cookie), National Roots Day, Festivas, National Christmas Movie Marathon Day.

I can probably manage a movie marathon, but no German cookies. It will be stay-in day if we get the predicted nasty weather. Be safe and be warm and happy. God bless…

Here we are – the shortest day (daylight) of the year. But the good news is that from today on, our times of daylight with increase every day until June! I just took my trash up to the road, and it felt like midnight. But longer days are comin’!!!

This morning I caught up on my journal. I haven’t really been writing in it, because the Word Garden documents my days and events. But I like to write down the major happenings in my journal, so I can find the information if I need it. For instance, I can always go to BEEF DAY in the journal and see who went, how big the cow was, how much it cost per pound… None of us remember from year to year so that is very helpful. And I can keep records of important and significant events. I won’t write every day – just when there is something to make note of.

I putzied around and took my time cleaning, upstairs and downstairs. I listened to Christmas music upstairs, and when I came down I put the Hallmark channel on. I’ve watched parts of THREE WISE MEN AND A BABY several times and the more I see, the funnier it is! I hope it’s available for purchase soon!

Mid afternoon I needed a little pick-me-up, so I dug around in the fridge and found the last little piece of fudge. Yum. When I am finished with this I will have a bowl of soup or a slider.

Tomorrow’s weather looks threatening, so I’m hoping it’s safe. I plan on going to work in the morning – but not too early. It will be the last work day before Christmas!

Please add to your prayer list: My step-daughter Theresa’s widower Mel, children/grandchildren, mother, and sister, as they are facing this first Christmas without Theresa. They will be feeling the loss for sure. And my friend (both from decades at HCC – our daughters grew up as close friends – and from Smail, as he worked for Smail Auto for decades, as well!) Dave Baughman. He had a heart attack Monday and had a triple bypass this morning. It will be a long, frightening recovery for him and his family. Thank you!!

December 21 – Do you remember a ‘best’ Christmas of childhood? “When we all got to go to Grandmam & Grandpap Eakman’s & be with all our cousins, which were many.” We love our cousins, too! And it IS the best!

Calendar inspiration – Brighten someone’s day with a warm greeting – always a welcome gift! I sent a card to Dave’s family and will send a card to Mel as well.

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TOMORROW December 22nd is:

National Date Nut Bread Day, Forefather’s Day, Re-gifting Day.

Celebrate the joys of this Holy time of year – and the Gift that is for all of us! It’s a gift that keeps re-giving every single day. Thank you, God, for your Son. God bless us, every one.

Not much going on anywhere today – even the Mall was not busy. I had time to check both Pinnacles, notarize something for Mike G, and run my errands. I was home before noon. But it was nice to stand on the upper level at the Mall and take pictures of Santa’s village. St. Nick was not there yet – I think he likes to sleep in on Tuesdays!

Nate, Chrissy and Jen worked last night to get their tree up. Because of the pig, a crazy dog (Ranger) and several resident cats, a traditional tree would never last the day. So they strung lights on the wall and decorated with garland and ornaments. I’m sure Chrissy was glad to have a little ‘festive’ for the holiday!

Remember yesterday I said about Walmart hosting ‘Shop with a Cop’? There was a nice article in the Trib today about that. It was sort of neat to be there – because I’ve never actually seen it in action.

Quote from the Trib: “This is something that’s so different from our everyday schedules at work,” Shipley said. “That’s why we’re all so excited to be here.” The Shop with a Cop nonprofit, started by Trooper Steve Limani more than 10 years ago, helps local children who were involved in a crime or other unfortunate circumstance throughout the year with a holiday shopping experience. Children can be picked to participate by police officers, counselors, teachers or community members.

Kelly sent me a txt today with a startling observation. Logan looks a lot like me. I was glad to see that, because now I actually have proof that someone in my family is actually related to me!

My writer friend Liz posted today that is was a featured, best selling author for USA Today! I’m so excited for her, and happy for her success. She deserves all the accolades she gets! She has written seven Christmas novels and I’ve read them all!

December 20 – Tell about your experiences with Santa Claus. “Our Uncle Edd lived with us. He always dressed up like Santa Claus. He would ring sleigh bells & then come in the front door. I was around 6 or 7 before I knew ‘Santa’ was Uncle Edd.” Dad was ‘Santa’ for Kathy and I several years when we were young. He’s knock on the window and shake his finger at us to put our slippers on. Of course he dressed the part.

Calendar inspiration – When you can’t be there in person, be there in spirit. A loving heart can travel anywhere!

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The site changed the format for the ‘national’ day – so once I get through December I won’t post unless I find another site!! But TOMORROW is:

• National Maine Day
• Humbug Day
• Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day
• National Flashlight Day
• Winter Solstice
• National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day
• Anne & Samantha Day
• National French Friend Shrimp Day
• Crossword Puzzle Day

Lots to celebrate – so pick one! I am going for the shrimp and the flashlight! Have a great day – God Bless…

The extra cold temps made me just want to snuggle under the covers and stay inside all day. But — I actually got up a little early to enjoy a hot shower. Not a lot to do at either store, and I was home and doing laundry by noon. I did stop in at Walmart to exchange the broken spray paint. Here is the project – both in the beginning and when it was finished.

It was apparently ‘shop with a cop’ day – there was no less than a dozen police officers in the store that I saw with young shoppers, and it was very interesting and intimidating to see all of them interacting with their shopping lists – and very visible fire arms!

On the way home from the store I passed a house with the biggest moose I ever saw! It was almost as tall as the house!

Yesterday afternoon my friend Patty did have her piano concert, and her grandson Jonathan and his fiancée Natalie joined her. Jonathan played guitar and Natalie sang, and of course Patty played piano.

Even though the snow was pretty, and the lights glowed on the deck, I was glad the roads were clear and safe for going out.

Last night’s Christmas program went very well. First we had dinner, catering arranged by Brandon and Annie Yeager – yum. And guess WHAT? They had M&Ms!!! The centerpieces and decorations were lovely.

After the chaotic rehearsal on Saturday we were all on edge, but every last person pulled it together! The skits – including Crazy Eddie/Larry and the Christmas Tree upstaged by the nativity scene – went off without hitches. The solos were sweet and clear, the readings (which Wayne and I did) went smoothly, and the children’s bell choir was cute and perfect. All this was despite the fact that the director was ill and could not attend. Several people (assisting Shelagh) pitched in and we can honestly say the evening was a success. Here are a few pictures. I was on stage and didn’t have a front view, but did have a Mary taking pictures for me from the audience!

December 19 – Tell about the worst Christmas present you ever received as a child. “I don’t think I ever had a bad Christmas present when I was a child. We didn’t get things very often & we felt very happy with whatever we got.”

Calendar inspiration – Wherever you go, bring good cheer and a smile – make a big impression!

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TOMORROW December 20th is:

• Go Caroling Day
• National Sangria Day
• Mudd Day

It may be too cold to go caroling; it’s to be below average temps all week. I’ll probably grab a few groceries on the way home tomorrow and stay inside the rest of the day. God bless!

My friend Patty was to have a facebook live concert today at 2pm – can’t find it! Hopefully it will show up and I can watch it later on. This is a picture of the reminder and of them practicing. Sure hoping to see it!

The sermons this month have been WHO NEEDS CHRISTMAS? The first week it was: GOD (He missed being close to his creation and needed to draw us all back together). Next: The WORLD (– who really needs a savior!) Today: Neighbors (whoever is not close to God but is close to us). We’ll see who it may be next week. (I’m guessing it will be US!!!)

We learned about the Wise Men (kings) coming to see Jesus in Sunday School. Max assured me that he knew ALL ABOUT this story! And he knew quite a bit, to be honest. Mary had us make ornaments with a tea light inside, which Max decided would be easier to handle if it had a remote…. but the stencils on the ornament was a very close match to the message monitor for the church service!

Max and JJ got each Mary and I a beautiful fringed blanket – and they had no idea I had a ‘thing’ for blankets. It’s very soft and warm and will be a great addition to my collection. I plan to use it tonight once I’m home from the dinner and the program at church. I’ll post pictures and details about that tomorrow.

December 18 – Tell about the best Christmas present you ever received as a child. “When I was a child we all wore ‘long legged underwear.’ They kept us warm when the winters came with the very cold temperatures. We had long ‘ugly’ stockings we wore over our long underwear. One Christmas Grandma Crooks bought Hazel & I ankle socks with lace on them. It was a warm Christmas & we begged our parents to let us take off our long underwear & stockings so we could wear our new socks for a couple hours. Dad said we would catch pneumonia, but we didn’t even get a cold. Such a special time.”

Calendar inspiration from Peanuts:

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TOMORROW December 19 is:

• National Hard Candy Day
• National Oatmeal Muffin Day

I think I finally have a day that is just routine – work in the morning, laundry in the afternoon. No gifts to purchase, no presents to wrap. I’ll have a slow start to the week, then several events right in a row to keep the rest of the week busy and fun. Enjoy your week of Christmas adventures. God bless…

I finished Elizabeth Bromke’s second Christmas story set in the quaint little town of Prairie Creek. I always do reviews for her, so here is this one. I highly recommend the book – a great read that is hard to put down!

Prairie Creek Christmas –

Seems like Prairie Creek has gone to the dogs.  Or at least that’s what Erika is hoping. She’s desperately trying to get her new business off the ground, but the town is focused on the Christmas Snow Ball to the exclusion of almost everything else.  Erika is offering a discount on shampoo and cut – but Miles doesn’t quite get that the shop is a pet salon and requests her services. Miles – full of over-confidence and a tad of arrogance – rushes headlong unprepared into the Snow Ball pageant.  As he scrambles through the day, dragging Erika with him, he sees himself and the Prairie Creek Christmas event through different eyes.  They both step out of their comfort zone to make sure the day is a success for both of them, as well as for Prairie Creek.  It’s amazing that Elizabeth Bromke can take this traditional community competition, two ‘lost’ people, and makes a success of the entire process in less than 24 hours.  As Elizabeth sketches the characters out page by page, we are completely convinced that every choice and emotion is natural and logical.  Miles and Erika don’t give up – on their goals or on each other.  And what better setting than a Christmas festival, and when better to read it than the last hectic days before the holiday?  Wonderful, cute, perfect read!   

I had the strangest dream last night – that I was putting sheets in the washer and it tried to pull me into the washing machine. I always change and wash my bed sheets on Saturday mornings so it must have been on my mind. What a weird thought.

It was cold and snowy, and I probably would have stayed in all day but for the HCC play practice at 3pm. As it was, my hair dryer quit this morning so I left early and stopped to get a new one. I was disappointed that it wasn’t purple, but the turquoise is nice. And I like Conair products so I was content.

Also picked up a black beaded garland. If you recall, last week I bought a star garland and hung it on the kitchen door. It was made with white and gold yarn. So I am going to put the stars onto the black garland – when I work up the confidence!

My nephew Jesse txt me a picture of where he hung Grama Crooks’ phone. That phone was in the front room right inside the door at Grama’s house all the years I was growing up. Kath took the phone from the farm when it was sold, and gave it to Jesse. I’m so glad he’s giving it a good home and a place of honor. He’s currently remodeling his kitchen so it was a good time to incorporate the phone into the plans.

My friend Joe Potts wrote a Christmas Story and recorded it on YouTube. If you get a chance and have half an hour, log onto YouTube and look for THE FORGOTTEN by Joe Potts. It’s a very nice little story and he did very well with the audio recording, too. Give it a try!

Today is my cousin Perry’s birthday! He and Anita were our hosts and tour guide when Kathy and I went to Philadelphia in 2018. They travel a lot and post beautiful pictures of their travels. Happy birthday, Perry – enjoy many more!!

December 17 – Tell about the neatest present you remember giving to your Dad. “Aunt Hazel & I made Dad a night shirt for winter nights. He wore it for years.”

Calendar Inspiration – With no destination you can end up someplace else – make goals and work toward them.

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TOMORROW December 18th is:

• National Twin Day
• National Roast Suckling Pig Day
• Answer the Telephone Like Buddy the Elf Day
• Chanukah Begins

I always wanted to be a twin! Of course I couldn’t be! Tomorrow is our last Sunday School class until 2023, and it’s also my friend Patty’s piano concert online at 2pm and our church Christmas dinner and program. If you’re local, come on out at 6:30! We’d love to have you there! God bless…