Beef day! Not in the traditional sense, though. Kath and I did order and share a quarter beef – different people took the rest of the cow. That also meant that we were not responsible for the entire process, start to finish. We discussed processing, but then paid for the meat, and picked it up from Jason. The sunrise greeted us – promising a blessed day. And it was!

Sunrise

7:20am

That being said, we left a few minutes early and made a few stops on the way. First, we stopped at Donna’s store and got cheese. Kathy and I bought Christmas tea towels that fell right into place with the sermons on AI that Greg has been teaching these past few weeks.

Yes – it’s true!

Second, we went into the bulk food store and got our melting chocolate for candy, etc. We also stopped at the ‘Shop at Smicksburg’ and each bought something there. Kathy got note cards and I got a little wooden bunny. When we left the house at 9am it was 9*; when we got to Smicksburg it was 1*. By the time we got home it was 11*. It has definitely been a COLD day. When we stopped at the ‘Shop’ there was a birdhouse sitting on a milk can – covered in thick ice! So was the PARKING lot!

Icy Birdhouse

3 inch bunny – it almost looks like chocolate!

Jason and his crew ( son Ethan and mother- father- in law) were just finishing up with the last of the beef when we got there. Ours was already done and frozen.

Jason and his father in law

Left overs!

The good stuff.

We chatted with Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford for about half an hour. It’s always wonderful to be able to spend time with them. Uncle Clifford was full of fun, interesting stories and Aunt Joan was adding little snippets as she remembered them.

Aunt Joan and Kathy

Uncle Clifford and me

Uncle Clifford explained his little garden to us. It pumps water up on a regular basis. Those little lettuce plants were started from seeds from his summer crop. It also has a light on a timer so they get the right amount. It only took about 2 weeks to get this far!

We headed home about 1pm. Once we got to Kathy’s we divided the meat (and some corn from Uncle Clifford!) It was so cold our face was freezing before we got it done. I was able to get it packed into the freezer, all except one package of ground beef that will be for supper tonight and lunch tomorrow.

A representation: Steaks, roasts, corn and ground beef!

TODAY I am thankful for a loving sharing family!

Uncle Clifford and Aunt Joan (from my photo file)

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 25th is:

A Room of Ones Own Day; National Fish Taco Day; National Florida Day; National Fluoride Day; National Irish Coffee Day; National IV Nurse Day; National Opposite Day; National Bible Sunday; Observe the Weather Day.

I have my own room – in fact I have my own house! Tomorrow is a good day for a Bible study. And a great day to study the weather, considering. I’d add ‘National Stay Home and be Safe’ day! God bless…

Amazing Photo:

What are YOU laughing at??

This day in History 1848 James Marshall finds gold in Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California 

Well, here we are on the cusp of a questionable weekend. There is nothing I can do to change or predict any of this so I guess we just make the best decisions we can and keep going!

Look out!

Today was a work day – there were several issues to deal with in Jeannette, and I did have outside title work to do. It was kind of nice to have a strong focus for a few hours. I stopped to help Mike P with a deal, then went to the bank. Lunch was scrambled eggs, because….

Last night I was eating a mint – tiny bites to make it last – and broke loose part of the bonding on the back of my front tooth. Over two years since I’ve had dental issues. Bummer. But I have an appointment Tuesday to have that looked at, so in the meantime I eat soft foods that I don’t have to bite off with my front teeth! No pain, really, but awkward and uncomfortable.

I’m listening to ‘Love Strikes Twice’ on Hallmark. It’s a fun comedy that I can watch over and over. That will be it for the day, except that I did laundry this morning and need to catch up on my ironing.

Today I am thankful for the promise of a dental appointment!

Modern Dental Associates

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 24th is:

National Peanut Butter day; National Compliment Day, Change a Pet’s Life Day; Global Belly Laugh Day; International Mobile Phone Recycling Day; Macintosh Computer Day; National Just Do It Day; Quilt Shop Day.

It’s also Beef Day – but not in the traditional sense. We’ll have to make a quick trip to Smicksburg and get home early in the day! And I think I am taking a mini Reese’s PB Christmas tree snack – bite size! God bless…

Amazing Photo:

Frozen!

This day in history in 1943 Temperature rises 49°F (9°C) in 2 minutes in Spearfish, South Dakota – the reason this caught my eye is that one of my favorite HGTV/Magnolia Network shows (Building outside the Lines) is filmed in Spearfish.

Today I committed to helping in the shop at Hanna’s Town. It was inventory time, and I signed up. Something I’ve never done but found I really liked it. And the ladies that shared in the day were of course very nice and fun to work with. Lauren (director) purchased lunch for the volunteers and staff from Panera Bread and that was yummy, too. Oh – and here’s a fun picture of the table centerpiece in the conference room.

I came home and had a few emails to do, and then post this. So by the time I finish all that it will be time to eat. Oh – and Autmn sent me a picture of Cameron and his little friend. They had a playdate yesterday!

I have no idea what Cameron has stuffed in his shirt!

Tomorrow is work, laundry, and getting organized for the weekend. Will we get this winter snow storm on Saturday? Hopefully not until evening — I have things to do!

And hopefully not this much!

Today I am thankful for Hanna’s Town friends!

Gift shop is through the double green doors.

QUOTE of the DAY:

AMEN!!!

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 23rd is:

National Security Technician Day; National Handwriting Day; National Pie Day; National Sticky Toffee Pudding Day; Mental Health Awareness Day; National Measure your Feet Day; National Rhubarb Pie Day; National Activity Professionals Day.

I prefer apple pie – warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! The last time my feet were measured was probably when I was five in a shoe store in downtown Greensburg! God bless…

Amazing photo:

THAT is deep snow!

On this day in History in 1964 World’s largest cheese (15,723 kg) is produced in Wisconsin for the New York World’s Fair.

Today is Autmn’s 23rd birthday. Where did the years go? Gee, I remember when she was born! It’s good to see her happy, and being a mom to our Cameron! Happy birthday Autmn. Have a great year – you have so much joy ahead of you!

Autmn – six weeks.

Just looking through her life – wow. She’s been a busy girl. Here’s to many more happy times.

Helping daddy wash the car.

First Christmas

She found a friend shopping in Ligonier

Helping at Hanna’s Town

With Sally in the snow.

Hanging at Mimi’s book signing.

The ruins at Linn Run

At Grama Dot’s

Autmn’s graduation party.

Ready for the Renaissance Fair.

Four generations — Puppers (Nate), Autmn, Cameron, Mimi

I spent the day cleaning and doing towels and taking up the trash. Then I had an annual medical test in Norwin – that went quickly and I was home at 4:30pm. I found a baby cow to sit with his mommy on my chair! And that will be my day.

Baby calf and mommie cow.

Today I am thankful for my first-born granddaughter!

Me and Autmn Rose

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 22nd is:

National Polka Dot Day; National Sanctity of Human Life Day; National Blonde Brownie Day; Answer your Cat’s Questions Day; Clashing Clothes Day; NASA’s Day of Remembrance.

Like, an Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini??? Thankful I don’t have a cat! God bless…

Amazing Photo

This day in History in 1961 The animated film One Hundred and One Dalmatians was released in the United States, and it became a Disney classic, especially noted for the villainous character Cruella De Vil.

I did work this morning – it was super cold out! My tire PSI went down just while I was inside! But it was still safe. I stopped and got my prescription refill on the way home, then did the editing corrections to my Tazz story. I sent the story out to get another opinion. I’m excited to see if it’s ‘worthy’!

of COURSE not! Just a little less PSI!

After a fruit salad I spent a bit of time working on the family tree thing and making notes of what we need. After I post this I’m going to listen to Greg’s sermon from Sunday. I’m still keeping an eye on the water dripping and the pipes, hoping for safety and no crazy issues.

Greg in non-preacher garb.

Other than that my day was pretty boring – but I’m good. Hope to start another project this weekend.

Today I am thankful for safe pipes!

Pillow tucked in with the pipes to keep them comfy!

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 21st is:

National Granola Bar Day; Squirrel Appreciation Day; National Hugging Day; International Playdate Day; International Sweatpants Day; National Bakers Crafters Makers Day; National Cheesy Socks Day; Museum Selfie Day.

I’ve never really stopped to appreciate squirrels. I could do with a hug, I think. Playdates are fun, especially with Cameron. I’m not a fan of cheesy socks! God bless…

Amazing photo:

Another great sunset picture by my friend Tom.

On this date in history in 1945 U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated for an unprecedented fourth term in office.

This morning started much better than yesterday. I felt pretty good most of the day. Thankful to be on the mend. I finished book three leisurely snuggled in my bed before getting up for my shower and breakfast (oats again). But I started book four of the History Detective Club series. After this one I will have to wait, because the last two are not released yet!

This one takes place at Christmas.

I started my laundry load, then picked up where I left off yesterday with my new Tazz story. I finished it just now! I printed it so I could proof read it effectively and will do that later. I also answered some emails and some txt messages.

Detective Tazz

My cousin and I are going to work on updating the Steiner Family Tree. I was looking over what we have, and I think we stopped adding info back in 2004! This will take some work.

Since all I did today was laundry and write that’s about it. The next week is to be very cold and windy. Don’t forget to bundle up and to let your water drip to keep the pipes from freezing. Oh, and I have a picture from Autmn and Noah’s visit last night!

First of all, he’s a ham for the camera, and second, he sure loves his cows!

Today I am thankful for creativity!

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 20th is:

National Cheese Lovers Day; National DJ Day; National Buttercrunch Day; International Day of Acceptance; National Camcorder Day; National Coffee Break Day; National Penguin Day; Take a Walk Outside Day.

Autmn and Kelly both are cheese-heads! My cousin Perry and his wife Anita are in Antartica and are surrounded by penguins! Perfect day to be there! It will be too cold to walk outside. God bless!

Amazing photo:

My friend Tom took this.

On this date in history: TODAY!!

Governor of TN declared January 19th (Dolly’s birthday) an official holiday – Dolly Parton Day!

The day didn’t totally start as I expected. We were schedule to have a luncheon after church to kick off our new class options for the winter and spring. I woke up with stomach issues — nothing awful but something I needed to stay close to home for. So I missed the luncheon. By about 11am I was able to get my shower and have some oats for breakfast. I think that helped.

As much as I didn’t want to, I bundled up and cleared a section of the driveway so if we get rain or more snow it wouldn’t freeze into ice. It only took me about 20 minutes and was no trouble at all. I came in, had a flax ball (more oats!) and started working on my newest Tazz story. He’s going to Biltmore! Hoping it turns out the way I’m planning. Sometimes the characters take their own direction and you can’t redirect them.

Driveway clean – deck it not!

Autmn and Noah and Cameron are supposed to pop in to pick up a few things – one of which is her birthday card. She will be 23 on Wednesday — how did that even happen!

Autmn’s ‘birth’ day!

Since I didn’t manage church this morning and could not sit through the live stream, I plan to watch either Greg or Todd later this evening.

Greg

So now – we are facing a new week, and I’ll see how I get through the whole thing. Lots of good things to look forward to, and just one medical test. We shall see!

Today I am thankful for Baby Hugs from Cameron!

Hugs with Aunt JoJo

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 19th is:

National Imagination Day; National Martin Luther King Day; National Popcorn Day; National Tin Can Day; World Quark Day; Blue Monday; Elementary School Teacher Day.

Use your imagination whenever possible! I like popcorn – with butter! God bless…

Amazing photo:

Gen, Jackson and Declan – what a view!

On this day in history: 1993 Martin Luther King Jr. holiday observed in all 50 states of the USA for 1st time (although this year it’s celebrated tomorrow).

The day did start out cold, windy and overcast. But now, at 4:15pm, it’s sunny but still cold. The sky has been dramatic and changing all day.

Dark above the hills; gets white as it moves up, and then blue sky.

Kathy and I took a little jaunt to a few thrift shops this morning — To Cross Your Paws out near our church to start with. It was nicely laid out and there was a lot of dishes and household items. Also, there were two little dogs and a big black cat. All friendly! There were a few interesting things but nothing I could convince myself I should bring home (including the pets!).

I did like this corner cupboard but didn’t have the space or the use for it.

We stopped at Goodwill on the way back to Kathy’s. We fussed over several interesting items but in the long run we weren’t compelled to purchase. When we got back to Kathy’s we sat in the car for almost 45 minutes and just talked! All in all is was a good morning.

Kathy shared a piece of ham with me – I came home and made a salad and garlic toast, and added some ham. Yum. My next chore was to make macaroni Salad for the lunch at Church tomorrow.

For lunch tomorrow.

Today I am thankful for my sister – and conversations.

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 18th is:

National Michigan Day; National Thesaurus Day; National Peking Duck Day; National Winnie the Pooh Day; National Gourmet Coffee Day; World Snow Day.

If I could pick, I would pick NO snow. Or coffee. Winnie the Pooh is OK. God bless!

Amazing photo:

We spent a lot of time in trees in my neighborhood.

On This day in History – January 17, 1706 — Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born.

Friday! It’s usually my favorite day of the week. It just felt so cold and dreary today. It’s a good thing I had obligations and plans or I would have probably spent the whole day snuggled in front of the space heater, drinking hot tea and reading about the American Revolution!

BUT — I had a chiropractor appointment at 10am. My day actually started when Autmn called me to fill me in on her day. She was hoping to stop in today, but their landlord was stopping to fix a broken commode in their only bathroom, and then her mom’s car wouldn’t start, and Autmn and Cameron had to pick up JoJo and get back to Monaca to pick up Noah at work (Autmn’s sisters were going down there for a girls weekend!).

Kip (chiropractor) and I were talking about books and reading and history and of course the subject went to Letters to Mary. He wants to buy one, and so does his receptionist. So that will be fun, sharing the book with them. I’ll take them down on my next visit.

I stopped in at Shop and Save, as they had a sale on Diet Coke. While I was there I walked past a TY display and – low and behold! – they had a skunk! A little different than some of the ones I have, but it was the last one. So, YEA!

Isn’t he(she?) cute???

From Shop and Save I went to Walmart for the rest of my groceries. I was happy that my little skunk did not drink all of the Diet Coke while I was in Walmart. I bought a lot of fruit and veggies and have big plans for the week.

Yes, they were Christmas. Probably why they were on sale!

So when I got home I spent the afternoon cutting and cleaning my plunder. Autmn called again to say she would plan to stop and see me on Sunday — and Cameron was calling ‘Hi, Mimi!’ the whole time from the back seat. It was hard to hear his sweet little voice and not be able to hug him. But Autmn sent me a few pictures to hold me over.

Cameron with curls on his forehead and chocolate on his lip!

Cuddled up and watching a movie

Dangling dinosaur train.

Happy B-B-B-Boy!

No clue what this is but they are happy about it.

I did laundry and now I have to iron. Read a few chapters in my current book and cleaned out a few more items in the downstairs freezer — then stocked the purple fridge. So – that’s it!

Today I am thankful for SKUNKS!!! (Stuffed, of course…)

Quintuplets

QUOTE of the DAY:

I agree – !!!!

PEANUTS?

Karen Walker!!!!!

TOMORROW January 17th is:

Popeye the Sailor Man Day; National Classy Day; National Use your Gift Card Day; National Hot Buttered Rum Day; Cable Car Day; National No Phones at Home Day; National Kid Inventors Day; National Tulip Day; Benjamin Franklin Day; Soup Swap Day.

I couldn’t do the ‘No Phones at Home’ day. I love tulips – especially at Williamsburg or Biltmore! God bless…

Amazing photo:

I don’t authenticate these – I just copy them!

Work this morning was a series of small jobs to get done. I did ask about the trunk issue — it’s scheduled to be check out next week.

No, not this kind of trunk!

I dropped Girl Scout cookie money off to Diane and picked up a few things from her. Although the driveway was covered when I left, by mid-afternoon the sun had melted all but a small patch that doesn’t get direct sunlight.

Clear driveway but snow still on the deck and yard.

The day was crazy weather-wise. The sun would be bright, then the snow would swirl so that it was almost impossible to see across the street.

Can you see the snow?

I have History Traveler on in the background, and have been listening to information about Altoona and the Baker Mansion. Very interesting. Something worth visiting, I think. Next we went to Gettysburg. I could set here all afternoon!

Baker Mansion in Altoona PA

Gettysburg – with Ken Burns

And also there was a video about Southern Mansions, and THE MYRTLES was featured. Ironically it was the home in Louisiana that David Bradford escaped to when he was accused of tax ‘fraud’. If you may recall, we toured Bradford House in Washington PA last summer. Bradford was eventually pardoned. So this was interesting.

As you can see on the photo – it’s haunted!

Since I finally found a glass sealable container for my honey, I made little labels for the jar. I’ll see if it holds up.

My friend Bernie (previous neighbor) called me and we set up lunch for later this month at the Boulevard. So now something to look forward to!

Today I am thankful for discounts (my AAA account!)

Quote of the Day:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 16th is:

National Without a Scalpel Day; National Fig Newton Day; National Religious Freedom Day; National Nothing Day; Appreciate a Dragon Day; Book Publishers Day; International Fetish Day; International Spicy Food Day; National Boston Day.

I love Boston so I’ll celebrate that any time! I’m thankful for religious freedom, and possibly Dragons, although I’ve never met one. And of course, Book publishers! God bless…

Amazing Photo:

Image of the Compton Oak in Williamsburg VA (87 years old)

On this day in History: in 1777 Vermont declared independence from the colony of New York.