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…

It was cold but sunny today. I woke up on my own just as the sunrise was cresting. I saw that my friend Tom posted the sunrise at his place on facebook the same time I was snapping the picture of mine!

I did laundry after breakfast, then started the cookies. They turned out better than the last few times I made them. I had one with lunch (which was a salad).

I worked on some projects in the afternoon, including re-arranging my blanket display. I like to keep them looking fresh!

I gave it another try to find a dressy blouse for the Christmas program. I think the red one I got will be perfect, as it matches several of my Christmas leggings, plus a few other things.

December 16 was Grama Crooks’ birthday – I still miss her – we all do! She certainly left an impact on SO MANY people. What a wonderful legacy. It’s also Beethoven’s birthday – but I never met him. You’ll have to check with Schroeder!

December 16 – Tell about the neatest present you remember giving to your mom. “Dad took Hazel, Jim & I to a nice lady’s store in Indiana. We 3 had to pick out a dress for our mother. It took a lot of deciding between us before we finally chose the one Dad bought. I can still see my mother wearing that dress in my memory of those long ago times. We called it her ‘fancy’ dress.”

Prayer requests: Skunk Hollow cousin CONNIE’s husband Wayne is having serious health issues – being transferred from Indiana hospital to Shadyside. The family is struggling so please be in prayer for Connie, Wayne, and the family. Also, Nate’s skin cancer behind his ear has resurfaced, so he’ll have to have surgery again in February. It’s a long, tedious procedure so we would appreciate prayers for that as well. Thank you all.

Calendar inspiration – A positive attitude will brighten every step.

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TOMORROW December 17th is:

• National Maple Syrup Day
• Wright Brothers Day
• National Wreaths Across America Day

The maple sap isn’t running yet – wonder why today? Not sure what I’ll accomplish tomorrow, other than play practice. Have a great Saturday. God bless…

I felt like I was sleeping in a wind tunnel last night. I could hear the wind whistling, the wind chimes clanging, and the flags flapping — all night. It also poured rain. Ice and snow threatened but did not happen – thankful for that! I worked in Jeannette but not Greensburg. From there I popped into Big Lots (didn’t buy anything; just browsing!), but I locked eyes with a cute little puppy riding shotgun in the car across from me in the parking lot. This dog looked very much like Nate’s dog Ranger!

I met Kath at Lakeview Lounge at 11:30am. Their HOA was having the annual Christmas Party, and since Paul had to work I went to keep her company. Everyone is very nice that lives there, and the food was very good. The Christmas attire for the place was elegantly done!

Kath and I walked through Gabe’s before going our separate ways, then I popped in to help Mike with a few things. It had quit raining but was still windy and cold. I am glad to be home and tucked inside where it’s warm and cozy!

December 15 – Did your Grandpa or Grandma ever make gifts for you? What? “Both Grandma Crooks & Grandmam Eakman made pillow cases & embroidered a nice picture of flowers on them. Grandmam made us each a quilt when we got married.”

Calendar inspiration – Treasured traditions are our link to past generations and our gift to future family.

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TOMORROW December 16th is:

• National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day
• Barbie and Barney Backlash Day
• National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
• Underdog Day

Ugly sweater — I’m looking for a dressy one. No luck yet. But Chocolate-covered anything is ok with me! I have often felt like the underdog, and just as a note, I loved both the cartoon when I was very young and the movie that came out in the theaters years ago! God bless…

TODAY is Jen’s birthday! I stopped over with a gift and card, and Hershey’s chocolate! It was fun for a few minutes to watch Ranger (dog) play with his favorite toy ball, and Piggy Smalls plopped down on the floor for Nate to rub his belly. Funny pets! The cats hid… Chrissy was mostly in her room playing Forte Night. But Happy birthday Jen. Many more! Love you!

As it was Wednesday I did clean the house. I decided to put the treadmill ‘at rest’ during the remainder of the holiday to give me more room. I’ll move it back in January until I can find a new home for it!

I also did some research for what we hope to be an upcoming trip to Williamsburg VA in the spring – Tulip Time! I’d love to stay in a Colonial House this time – on Duke of Gloucester Street! It’s my goal….

Kath sent me a picture of her and Paul and their very long-time friends Faith and Scott from Sunday. They went to a play in Pittsburgh and then had dinner after. They had a wonderful time – which was much needed!

Also here is a few pictures of the Hempfield church decorations. I also listened to a Christmas message from Todd that I missed a few weeks ago.

Again I had a few errands to handle = but it only took me about an hour. Traffic was pretty thick…

December 14 – Did you hang a Christmas stocking? “Yes. We put our name on a piece of paper & pinned it on the stocking. We hung them on the clock shelf in the kitchen. If Douds store had gotten oranges to sell we each got one in our stocking. Uncle Edd made fudge & we each had some in our stocking on Christmas morning. Mom made popcorn balls. Plastic wrap wasn’t invented so things were wrapped in wax paper. Nothing can ever taste as good as our Christmas stocking treats.”

Calendar inspiration – Surprise someone with a card!

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TOMORROW December 15th is:

• National Cupcake Day
• Bill of Rights Day
• Cat Herders Day
• National Wear Your Pearls Day

Well, Jen herds cats for sure, and there were lots of left-over cupcakes on their kitchen counter. I doubt if she even owns pearls. But we’ll celebrate Jen! Happy birthday! God bless…

It stayed pretty cold all day. I was glad I didn’t have outside work to do, although it was sunny. Again, I had a few errands after work. I’m glad I can accomplish things on my way home from work and don’t have to make multiple trips out. And before I forget, here is a picture of the glasses and cocoa that Diane gave me yesterday. I used one of the glasses this afternoon.

I had a sewing project that I was working on – I don’t want to disclose what it is in case the gift-ee happens to read this. I’m not exactly a perfectionist these days with anything that needs steady hands and detail work, but I managed. Made with love! I also found some really cool purple star material. Not sure what I’ll use that for, but it was the last piece on the bolt so it was really on sale!

After that project I had to run over to help Mike and his business partners with some notary work. I wasn’t gone very long but they were important documents so I didn’t want to put it off. I also wrote out a few thank you notes and put together a nice booklet with the script for Sunday’s HCC Christmas program. It’s at 6:30 at the church so if you are in the area stop by. And as you probably figured out, I am NOT the star — Jesus was and is the star of Christmas!

December 13 – How did you decorate your trees? “We didn’t have electric so we just put strings of popcorn, paper chains, and cardboard stars we cut out of the back cardboard from writing tablets. We did have some very special ornaments that Grandma had bought. When we had the house wired for electric Dad & Mom sent to Sear & Roebuck and got a string of lights. We loved to turn off all the other lights & just look at the beautiful tree. When it was time to take the tree down we packed away the decorations very carefully. I have some of them now. Memories.” I have some, as well. They ARE precious memories!

Calendar inspiration – Keep in touch with cheery greetings with family and friends, near and far.

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TOMORROW December 14th is:

• National Bouillabaisse Day
• National Alabama Day
• Monkey Day

MONKEY day? Where are all these strange and whacky days coming from? Oh, well. I’ve never been to Alabama. So I’ll celebrate Pennsylvania. God bless!

Gen txt me this morning, and Chris and Lauren (and Jackson) had their baby – a little boy! Lauren chose to have the baby at home (it was planned) and all is well. No name yet; they are still deciding. Congrats to to family!

I had a medical test this morning, then worked at both stores and stopped to help Mike.

Handled two Christmas chores, one of which was finding a Christmas yard flag.

I was home about 12:30, had lunch, did laundry, ironed, and made chocolate covered pretzels (they were in the shapes of bells, trees, and snowflakes!)

This evening I handled two more Christmas related projects to check off my list. But to catch you up on the rest of my weekend activities – – Saturday morning after breakfast I went down to L&L Fleatique’s Christmas open house. They had so many lovely displays and items for sale.

I purchased a little star ‘garland’ and a ‘Calm and Bright’ metal sign. They had cookies and give-a-ways (I didn’t win anything – no surprise there!) and it was a nice morning.

Sunday morning I finally remembered to take pictures of the Sunday School classroom with the Christmas decorations. It was also Max’s birthday, so we had a cake and sang to him. He had a great time!

Mary, Teresa, Mary’s friend Colleen, and Mary’s mom Nancy came over for snacks and to just hang out in the afternoon. We had a really great evening, and everyone brought yummy food!

December 12 – When did you put up your Christmas tree? Where did you get them? “We usually put up the tree a few days before Christmas. We cut limbs from the big white pine tree that grew in our front yard. It was not easy to trim & it lost its long needles quick, as we didn’t have it in a tree holder with water, just nailed to a board. “

Calendar inspiration – Togetherness matters – physical or long distance. Maintain your connections!

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Random Photo – Mom’s older sister Hazel and Uncle Gene

TOMORROW December 13th is:

• National Cocoa Day
• National Violin Day
• National Day of the Horse
• Pick a Pathologist Pal Day
• National Guard Birthday

Diane stopped today and brought me two Christmas Snoopy glasses and Snoopy hot cocoa mix! What a lovely friend! Have a great week. God bless…