What a terrible wind last night – and today. I woke up to what sounded like people talking in my basement. I checked it out – but realized it was the rumbling and moaning of the wind around the trees and creaking of the house. I was sure I wouldn’t be able to fall back asleep, but ended up sleeping right through to the ‘song of the day’ – which was ‘It takes Two’.

Was I in OZ??

My original plan was to drive down to L&L Fleatique but I didn’t feel like tramping around in the wind, so I just got my groceries and came back home.

After lunch I made potato salad, did a load of laundry, and replaced some batteries in my small light strings.

Potato salad

I realized that the batteries I bought at Gabe’s were not quality and the devices did not work with those batteries. So I got better quality and the tapestry looks great!

I stopped at Pinnacle, though, on my way home to pick up a few forms that I needed to have here. We got to talking about Santa and Wheelbarrows. THAT is a story for another day!

The Muppets in my wheelbarrow

Yesterday when I stopped at Diane’s she gave me a Snoopy Bingo game! Looks like the kids might enjoy it – Cameron will need another year until he can handle it, I think!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

I love this place!!!

TOMORROW December 20th is:

Go Caroling Day; National Sangria Day; Candlelight Lancaster; Mudd Day; Dot your i’s Day; Festival of Winter Walks; Games Day; Sacagawea Day.

Very few people go caroling anymore. It needs to warm up and calm down before tomorrow will deserve a walk. God bless!

I worked a bit this morning but it was a slow day. Stopped at Walmart to get 3 non-grocery items and discovered my sister in the Vitamin aisle! As expected we stopped and chatted for a bit before going our way. I still have food items to get before Sunday’s Christmas with the kids, but not much. I dropped those 3 items at home, then went to my chiropractor appointment in Youngwood (then got a frozen Coke at Burger King!). Two more errands and them home. I made the rest of the soup (about half a cup!) for lunch, then melted down the last of the dark chocolate and covered the rest of the Mint Oreos. By the time I cleaned up and made my list for the next week it was time to answer emails and post this.

So even though I was busy all day there’s not much to report. I did get a picture of this morning’s sunrise – which was beautiful!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 19th is:

National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day; National Oatmeal Muffin Day; National Hard Candy Day; National Underdog Day; Look for a Evergreen Day.

I have a ton of Christmas tops and leggings. Not much of a fan of hard candy except for Jolly Ranchers. I have my tree so I don’t need an evergreen. Have a lovely Friday. God bless…

Happy birthday today to my cousin Perry. Hope your day was delightful and fun. I have no idea what part of the country you are in right now, so wherever you are, enjoy!

Guaranteed I wouldn’t be doing THAT!!! Happy birthday!

Short post tonight. I started the day by making phone calls. For a society that demands extraordinary customer service, I have to say that pushing buttons, talking to recordings, and being forced to ask questions and conduct business almost entirely online is not my idea of customer service. I hate to say that I was on the verge of tears after 2 hours of being hung up on, put on hold, and being told ‘that has to be done on our app.’ I fluctuated between anger and frustration till about mid-afternoon. Then I made up my mind that I was not going to be beaten by electronics. So I picked up my scrub brush, Windex, Pledge and Hoover and cleaned the house! All good now.

It’s a process.

And other than a load of clothes, that was it for the day. So maybe tomorrow will be a little more interesting!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 18th is:

Bake Cookies Day; Flake Appreciation Day; Wear a Plunger on your Head Day; National Twin Day; National Roast Suckling Pig Day; National Regifting Day; Answer the Phone like Buddy the Elf Day.

No more cookie baking this season. I have a limited appreciation of snow flakes. I have never worn – and never will wear – a plunger on my head. We will NOT be roasting Piggy Smalls! I should answer the phone that way – if I remember. God bless…

We’ll protect you!

TODAY would have been Grama Crooks’ birthday! She was such an example and mentor to me in so many ways – and I just plain loved her! So I’m thinking of her on her birthday.

Grama on far left holding Perry; Danny, Aunt Hazel, Susan, Aunt Dolly, Me, Kathy. Just a few of her grandkids!

It was very nice to pull out of my driveway this morning free of ice and snow. I am thankful! There were only a few things to do at work, so afterwards I stopped at the bank and the Dollar Tree. I came home, had a small bite of lunch, then went to the funeral home to see my friend’s husband who passed away on Friday.

Kathy met me back at my house to return an item that she borrowed, and we were able to chat for about half an hour. Always so good to catch up in person! Her appointment went well and she got some answers that she needed. She still has two follow-up appointments in December and then will know if she has anything else to do in the meantime.

I had a pulmonologist appointment in Latrobe, which went very well. Dr. Shuman was pleased with my test results, and that I was comfortable without some of the medications we had weened off of. So my next appointment is in a year, rather than 4 months. So I’m happy about that. Now for some supper.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 17th is:

National Say it Now Day; National Maple Syrup Day; Wright Brothers Day.

Wonder what I’m supposed to say…. I just bought maple syrup last week! God bless —

I’m sitting here looking out my bottom door, and although there is no sunshine, the driveway is totally clear from bottom to top! A huge thanks to Noah and his 9* efforts yesterday!

I did sleep very well last night — woke up at 5:45 with my book still open beside me in my bed! So I slept soundly. I think it was all that shoveling and cold air.

This morning my first chore was to do my Monday laundry. Then I had a laundry project for Autmn and Noah – they had a washer malfunction that did some weird things to some of their laundry. So I spent a few hours rewashing and scrubbing, and sewing and ironing. Most of them turned out fine – a few still a little less than stellar but I did my best! And I needed to stitch up Elmo’s back – it had a stuffing issue.

I need to sew a seam.

For lunch I had meatloaf, and also put my ice cream in little individual one-serving snack containers. There were a few bites left – so I got to have dessert!

My favorite ice cream (or anything!) bowl.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 15th is:

National Chocolate Covered Anything Day; Barbie & Barney Backlash Day (?); Stupid Toy Day.

No contest – I’ll take the Chocolate! I have seen some stupid toys in my day. God bless!!!

Well, the day didn’t go exactly as expected but it was perfectly fine. Another night of not falling asleep – I finally did at 5:30am and woke up with the alarm at 7am. I’m sleepy now but I’ll hold off until actual bedtime.

Happy birthday to Jen! Her and Nate had plans, I think, so I didn’t get to drop off her card. I couldn’t have gotten out of the driveway anyway until just a few minutes ago. Bu Jen – hope your year is amazing and your dreams come true! Love you!

Cameron with Gigi Jen.

There was a LOT of snow (probably 8 inches at least) and the temps were very cold. Right now it’s 9*. I was supposed to have help with the driveway but that fell through at the last minute. I bundled up and went out about 5 or 6 separate times (short intervals) to clear and shovel.

Front walk

Front of the house

Bottom of the driveway

Side of driveway

Lilac hedge

Back deck.

Autmn called at 2:30pm and said Noah was going to finish the drive for me, which was a relief. He cleaned the rest of it and spread salt, so for now it’s clear. He also game me a number of someone who will be available when it snows so that will really help. While Noah worked outside, Cameron and I played with everything! He’s such a little man! It’s hard for me to believe he’s only two! We did a nativity sticker page, and sang and danced to ‘Up on the House Top’, and read a book about Santa Cow.

Eating chocolate and playing with a vintage Santa!

Cameron playing with Fozzie – and holding the mailbox!

I will have to catch Hempfield live stream later tonight or tomorrow. I may have to work tomorrow but I’ll call first — sometimes when they are plowing the lot they prefer that extra cars aren’t in the way. So we’ll see.

Hempfield’s welcome center

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 15th is:

Cat Herders Day; National wear your Pearls Day; National Cupcake Day; Bill of Rights Day; International Tea Day.

No pearls here! And I’ll pass on the cupcake. Maybe Nate and Jen will herd their cats! I’ll have a cup of tea. God bless…

Typical start to Saturday – change and wash sheets, get organized for the weekend and the week ahead. It was overcast but no snow at 8am. Just waiting to see when this whole thing would start. I had several morning chores in addition to laundry – and did title work for my cousin. Had some Christmas projects to do, and cleaned out the freezer downstairs, and am defrosting a container of Stuffed Pepper Soup, which sounds good for this cold weather. About 2pm the first flakes started to fall.

I had ironing to do, and finished organized the kids’ Christmas. I took a break mid-afternoon and found a very old VCR tape, and watched ‘Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg.’ I BOUGHT it years ago, but it was made years before that. I venture to guess that if that same concept were recorded today it would be very different. But it was fun, anyway – a half hour of Colonial celebrations.

Colonial Governor Lord Botetourt

It’s 7pm and there is a bit of snow now. I’m not going out tonight at all – so we’ll see if I can get the driveway cleared in the morning. No one around to lend a hand, and I’m not the person I was 3 years ago, so it will be a challenge to get it clear. I’m thinking I won’t get out of the driveway in time to make church.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 14th is:

National Bouillabaisse Day; National Wreaths Across America Day; Monkey Day; Choral Day; Free Shipping Day; Hanukkah; Roast Chestnuts Day; Worldwide Candle Lighting Day.

It’s also Jen’s birthday tomorrow! I’ll celebrate that, and if I think about it I will light one of my Christmas candles. Have a safe, wonderful day! God bless…

I decided first thing that I would get my groceries before we had to worry about the weather. I got everything I needed and was home by lunch time. I had toast for lunch then started on my primary project. I did chocolate drizzled popcorn first.

Two bowls of these.

Next I did the pretzels – holiday shapes.

And then I did the Holiday Oreos in milk chocolate. I did as many mint Oreos as I could with the dark chocolate, and I just taste-tested one. Yum.

Dark ones on the left are mint; Milk chocolate on the right are holiday.

Very good.

Leftover holiday Oreos

I have all the family candy piled on the couch, and plan on wrapping it once I’m done here. I only have a few little token gifts to wrap so I should be able to get them done, as well.

Last night with the snow on the lights was beautiful! So I snapped some photos.

Front porch

Front yard

Lantern and Snoopy in the back

View out my back door.

Then today the neighbor turned on his big reindeer during the day – it gives you an idea about how big it is.

Also, my next door neighbor is moving! There was a for sale sign in the yard last week, and I saw them today. Matt got a new job, and they are moving back home — to the Indiana/Marion Center area. They seem very excited about moving back. I told them about my ‘Home’ connection!

And Dottie, who used to live in that house, posted a picture of her horses in the snow. She said they love playing and being outside, even in the snow!

Isn’t this a great photo?

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW December 13th is:

National Unity Day; National Guard Birthday; National Violin Day; National Cocoa Day; National Day of the Horse; National Ice Cream Day.

I haven’t had hot cocoa in a very long time. But I DO have ice cream very often! God bless…

TODAY is my niece Hannah’s birthday! Many more, and enjoy this brand new year of your life! Love you!

And it’s also my cousin Mark’s birthday – have a great day and a wonderful year! Sending love!

(Hannah is a hiker and a runner; Mark is a biker)

I was out almost all day. Got home (finally) at 6pm and it was snowing. I guess there is a winter storm watch until Sunday. I was planning on going for groceries tomorrow but we’ll see what the weather does. Nothing urgent — yet!

A little snow…

Had just a bit to do at work this morning – then picked up Kathy and we did some shopping. I use the term lightly because I don’t think either one of us bought anything. We ended up at Burger King for lunch and sat talking for a long time. It was nice not to have to rush through anything.

Once I dropped Kathy off I was working on my to-do list for the weekend. I decided not to combine my two lists – one is to get the candy choices that my family want for Christmas. The other is groceries! So I went out to search for their favorite candies. I was almost successful – but still didn’t find Autmn’s choice. I even looked online! So I may have to get a second choice from her.

Everyplace says ‘sold out’ or unavailable!

Tomorrow I plan to wrap the few presents I have here, and then do chocolate covered pretzels, Oreos (mint flavor), and popcorn. That should keep me busy! And I have a whole list in addition to that!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

(This is one of my key verses)

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW December 12th is:

National Salesperson Day; National Ding-a-ling Day; National Ambrosia Day; National Poinsettia Day; Gingerbread House Day; Lost and Found Day.

My dad and my ex were both salespeople by occupation. I couldn’t sell an ice cube to a man in the desert! I haven’t done a gingerbread house since the grands were tiny. I do my share of losing and finding, for sure. God bless…

I did sleep better last night – slept from about 10pm until 6:30am – only got up once. Got started right away on cleaning and laundry. The big thing today was the Wasseling party at my friend Don’s house. I met Don the first day that I worked at Smail’s – June 17th 1967! So we go way back. He always has a lovely party – good food, beautiful home, lovely people. Here are pictures from the evening!

Food table, plus white chili and salad. (And chips and candy on the coffee table.)

Cute Christmas charcuterie board.

‘Black Forest’ (??) cake

More food

Sunroom Snowman (Oxymoron???)

Sharon collects nativities

Beautiful pictures

House pillow

Mantle is beautiful

Tree in the foyer

Entryway welcome

Don’s friend from high school (Glenda) and her husband

Dan Robertson on the right – we worked together at Smail’s

Don’s wife Sharon (right) and her friend Sue)

Don (right) and his friend, the ‘judge’.

We had a lovely time visiting and eating and laughing! I’m always thankful for the invitation. They are very sharing, kind people.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW December 11th is:

National Stretching Day; National app Day; National Noodle Ring Day; Christmas Jumper Day; International Mountain Day.

I like noodles, and I like Christmas. And after being in Biltmore, I love the mountain views. God bless…