It was beautiful all day! Took an early morning walk and didn’t really need a jacket. I saw a patch of daffodils with an orange center – don’t remember seeing them before.

I broke the National no housework day edict, and did clean the house from top to bottom, did some laundry, worked a tiny bit outside (wish I could have been outside ALL DAY!). My hyacinths in the front were all in bloom – white, pink and purple – with a small cluster of grape hyacinths in the background if you can see them.

Kath picked me up at 3:30 and we went to see mom. The inside of the lobby was still decorated for Easter and it was very festive! I was glad to see fun things! Since mom has had her shot, we were allowed to touch her and hug her and sit beside her. She wasn’t too sure about the hugs, but she seemed very happy to see us. We asked her what she had for dinner and she said Irene made her worms! She seemed very happy about that. I’m fairly certain they didn’t serve worms….

I grabbed a few last minute groceries, then picked Autmn up at her friend’s house and took her home. Took the trash up to the road, made veggie soup, swept the garage, and ate a left-over grilled cheese sandwich (not as bad as it sounds – on homemade bread!). Still have some ironing to finish then I’ll call it a night. Busy day tomorrow… ** This just in – Chrissy called and her sweatpants are here and she needs them tomorrow! So I guess I’ll finish this and make a quick dash the mile and a half and drop them off for her!!!

I will share Steve’s message from Maplewood. Frightening news, but good news! The women at the tomb wouldn’t tell anyone it was empty because they were afraid. But we know, of course, that they did. The Bible is a record of historical accuracy. We live by stories, and yearn to know them. Everything changes with the truth of the resurrection. Our faith sustains us. From the women’s reaction, you wouldn’t think there was hope – it was frightening – but there WAS. And there is – GOOD NEWS. The tree of life will be restored; the cross can also be called the tree of life; it changed everything. Frightening news but GOOD news! He is risen!

On this day in 1788 the first settlement in Ohio was founded – in Marietta. P T Barnum, circus showman, died in 1891 at age 90. Henry Ford died in 1947 at age 83, and Mike Wallace (Journalist & Media personality) died in 2012 at age 93. In 1977 Donald Trump married his first wife Ivana. Birthdays: William Wordsworth – poet – was born in 1770 (What an appropriate last name for a writer!); Billie Holiday (Jazz singer) in 1915, and Russell Crowe (Actor) in 1964. My cousin Judy Steiner’s granddaughter Alexis Miller is 15 years old today – have a great day, Lexi, and a wonderful year! And a fellow writer and the best editor I know – Judith Gallagher – is celebrating today. Happy birthday to both ladies!

TOMORROW April 8th is:

• National All is Ours Day
• National Empanada Day
• National Zoo Lovers Day
• National Alcohol Screening Day 

Tomorrow is also ‘Welcome Ron back to PA for a weekend visit’ Day! Over two years he’s been gone. Wishing him a fun and delightful visit! Enjoy your day, whatever you do – Maybe go to the zoo! I know more than enough people that seem to ‘work’ in one! Ha! God bless….

The only side effect I seemed to have from my 2nd shot was achy muscles, and I didn’t sleep well. I was up every hour, and really just lazed in bed an extra hour – thus didn’t have time to walk. I worked both stores, though, and did fine; Joe and Bernie shared their Smiley Cookie with me! Then after lunch I got the mower out for the first cutting. I felt that in my muscles, I can say! Then I got the little lawn ornaments out and placed them around the yard. It always feels like officially spring when I do that! I also have quite a number of grape hyacinths blooming – more than I can remember having in recent years!

Today I will share Paul’s message from River Hill – Jesus the Resurrected King; Jesus is ALIVE! Jesus’ resurrection is a historical fact. He left His heavenly home to be born and die. You were made to be loved by God – that’s the reason for your life. While we were still sinners Christ died for us. Come to God as you are, messes and all. He’s not asking us to make a promise we can’t keep; He has made a promise to US. Jesus rose; he’s ALIVE. 1) There is LOVE in the resurrection – God sent His son for us. 2) Life in the resurrection – We will live with Him; the old is gone, the new is here! 3) Hope in the resurrection – because He lives, we have hope. New birth, living hope. 4) Power in the resurrection – by His power God raised Jesus and He will raise us also. Jesus lives inside of us – that’s Power!

On this day in 1722 Peter the Great (Tsar of Russia) ended the tax on men with beards. In 1808 John Jacob Astor incorporated the American Fur Company. In 1925 the first film was shown on an airplane (British Air). 1973 – Roberto Clemente Day – the Pirates retired his number. Merle Haggard was born in 1937. Tammy Wynette died at age 55 in 1998, Merle Haggard in 2016 at age 79. In 1868 Brigham Young married his 27th and final wife, and in 1896 the 23rd President Benjamin Harrison married Mary Scott.

TOMORROW April 7th is:

• National Beer Day
• National Coffee Cake Day
• National Girl Me Too Day
• National No Housework Day
• National Bookmobile Day
• National Walking Day
• Childhelp National Day of Hope 

Uh oh. I’m in trouble. Tomorrow is no housework day, and I always clean on Wednesday! I’ll just have to ‘break the rules’. But I can and will go for a walk!! Have a great day whatever you do! God bless…

This will be short! I had my 2nd shot today, and although I feel fine and was able to spend about 4 hours putting all the Easter decorations away and take Chrissy and her friend to the store, I’m SLEEPY! I bought Tylenol PM and it was stronger than I suspected and I’m ready for bed. I did go outside to get something from the shed, and found this tiny little flower growing up through the patio stones — and a spot of sunlight was shining just on that very spot! I was sort of taken with the whole thing!

I’ll take a minute to say that Nate went through his skin cancer surgery just fine, and although he’s a little uncomfortable he’s fine. He will have to take it easy for a few days be he knew that. He had a spot taken off above his eyebrow, and the stitches went into his eyelid just a bit. And the spot on his ear was in the crease and quite a bit bigger. He has a huge bandage there, but the scans show that all is clear – so praise be to God!

I did manage to listen to Micah from Old Mahoning tonight, but fell asleep at the end (No offense to Michal!!!) and had to back it up and listen again! It was entitled ‘ The Day that everything Changed. Do you believe Jesus is the resurrection and the life? The empty tomb: It was a place of confusion – what happened to Jesus? Mary was weeping when Jesus found her. JESUS went to where MARY was, and He comes to us where we are. He finds us when we don’t deserve His grace or salvation. He has a solution to the problem – which Mary had to recognize – then Jesus fixed it. We are Christians because of who HE is, not because of who WE are. He goes with us and will never leave us! He speaks to you and you will KNOW. We recognize our need and accept Him. We have access to Him 24/7 and we all in this together. When you ask Him for forgiveness, you get it! Do you remember the day that everything in YOUR life changed?

On this day in1862 – the siege of Yorktown. In 1887 Anne Sullivan taught ‘water’ to Helen Keller and changed her life. In 1976 Howard Hughes (millionaire) died at age 72. Sam Walton died at age 74 in 1992, and Charlton Heston in 2008. In 1614 Pocahontas married John Rolfe. Birthdays: Booker T Washington in 1856, Spencer Tracy in 1900, Bette Davis in 1908, Gregory Peck in 1916, Gale Storm (played My Little Margie – I loved that show – I thought they named it after me!!) was born in 1922, and Colin Powell in 1937. My friend from Hempfield Church Bill Beer is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday Bill! Many more!

TOMORROW April 6th is:

• National Caramel Popcorn Day
• New Beer’s Eve
• National Sorry Charlie Day
• National Student-Athlete Day
• National Tartan Day
• National Teflon Day
• SAAM Day of Action –
• National Library Workers Day –
• National Employee Benefits Day 

Isn’t it ironic that today is Bill BEER’s birthday and tomorrow is New BEER’s EVE???? Ha. Have a grand day tomorrow – God Bless!

It was a beautiful day! Started out with church at 11am – and my sweet friend April joined me for the service. It was wonderful to have her there and share something so special to me with her! So glad she came!

Nate’s family and Kelly’s family all came for dinner about 2pm. Autmn and Peyton both looked so grown up, I could scarcely believe it! It was fun to see Chrissy happy and laughing, and of course Logan and Chase immediately jumped on their gaming systems and I’ve barely seen them all day. Kelly, Logan and Chase are staying overnight to avoid driving home in the dark on Route 70. I’ll leave in the morning at 8am and they will probably leave about 9am.

We had a lovely dinner – tons of food! – and it was nice enough that several ate outside on the deck and enjoyed the sunshine. Ruth Ann made PEEPS fruit-kabobs and they were so cute – plus yummy! Jen’s mom Sherree helped Kelly and I clean up the dishes and food. Matt & Peyton and Ruth Ann left about 5pm, and Nate and Jen left at about 6:30pm.

Ron called me tonight and told me about his rookie trip in his Kayak (Katy) with his adventure buddy. Looks like a beautiful spot to take it out!

I will share Mike’s message from Hempfield – How much do we really believe Jesus? How important is it to trust Him with everything? Believing 1) starts with hearing – they didn’t understand. But we know when He speaks our name. 2) seeing – Jesus appeared through locked doors, and they SAW him. Locked doors don’t give you peace, or keep the Savior out! Jesus breathes on us with his Holy Spirit. 3) proving – Test it! Even if you can’t see it, you’ll know. The greater blessing comes from NOT seeing and yet believing. Without faith it is impossible to please God. 4) Trust. Be near to the heart of God. Trust doesn’t change circumstances – it changes us to meet the circumstances. We are SURE of our faith because of Him – we are created for heights; we rise above!

On this day in 1841 Vice-president John Tyler took the oath of president after the death of William Henry Harrison. In 1975 Microsoft was founded. William Henry Harrison died in 1841 – the first president to die in office. Martin Luther King Jr died at age 39 in 1968 (assassinated). Roger Ebert – film critic – died at age 80 in 2013. Dorothea Dix was born in 1802, Anthony Perkins in 1932, and Grumpy Cat in 2012! George Mason married Ann Eilbeck in 1750.

TOMORROW April 5th is:

• First Contact Day
• Gold Star Spouses Day
• National Caramel Day
• National Deep Dish Pizza Day
• National Flash Drive Day
• National Go For Broke Day
• National Nebraska Day
• National Raisin and Spice Bar Day
• National Read a Road Map Day 

For me it’s national ‘second COVID shot’ day! Here’s hoping for little or no side effects! Hope your Easter day was happy and peaceful and that you took time to give thanks for such a great blessing from a Great God! God bless—

It’s no surprise that we actually needed to run out this morning for something! Chrissy rode with Kelly and I out to Michael’s to get more yarn for the blanket Kelly’s making – we came back and pealed the potatoes, washed the roaster, and set the corn and bread to thaw. Kelly made pita pizzas for lunch. Chrissy and Chase were not interested so I gave the leftovers to Nate! 🙂

In the meantime, my cowbunny pillow kept Kelly & I company while we sat in the living room… Not much else exciting today – tomorrow will be the day!

I am sharing Rod’s Palm Sunday message today from Martin’s Ferry. It’s all gonna be OK! There is HOPE! Through the rough times, scary times, God is with us. Prayer gets us through. We have a two-fold relationship connection. Horizontal – friend to friend, person to person. Vertical – person to God. Both are vitally important. Our fragile relationships were restored on Calvary. Within the family of God, expect to meet new people, make new friends, call new people ‘family’ – there are GOOD people out there. We have HOPE: Let the Holy Spirit turn the lights on. We don’t have to guess; we KNOW! We EXPECT heaven and eternal life, and have that blessed assurance. We are part of His inheritance – we belong to Him. God walks with us – It’s gonna be OK! He ended his message by sharing the story of Peyton climbing on their roof and spelling out a word in Christmas lights – after a long year of frustration and worry about his Mom and his Aunt Kim and their cancers and surgeries. And the neighbor that left a note in their mailbox, thanking them for their message of — HOPE. I admit I cried! But it’s gonna be OK!

On this day in 1953 the first issue of TV Guide was published – with Lucy and Desi’s baby Arnaz on the cover. According to astronomer Humphrey & Waddington, on this day in 33AD Christ was crucified. Jesse James died at age 34 in 1882. In 1951 Doris Day married Martin Melcher on her birthday. Birthdays: 1783 – Washington Irving, 1823 was Boss Tweed, 1922 was Doris Day, Marlon Brando in 1924, and Tony Orlando in 1944. And today my cousin Deb’s husband Jim Gregg is celebrating a birthday – happy birthday, Jim! And also, Autmn’s little sister Josie (who just attended our Crocus Tea last week!) turned 8 years old today! Happy birthday Josie – enjoy your day, enjoy growing up into a beautiful young lady! And have fun!

TOMORROW April 4th is:

• National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day
• National Hug a Newsperson Day
• Jeep 4×4 Day 
• National School Librarian Day
• National Vitamin C Day
• National Walk Around Things Day
• Easter
• Geologists Day

Lots of things to consider celebrating tomorrow – but the best will be the He is Risen! Is there any better reason to celebrate? Wishing everyone and blessed and happy Easter day tomorrow! God bless…

If you just look at what we did today it would be boring. It was basically who we did it with that made it special! Kelly and I started out first thing making the scones, and having them warm right out of the oven. We had just finished cleaning all that up when a gentleman from a local nursery came to give me an estimate on cleaning up the back flower beds – they have turned into a tangled mess. I’ll be really interested in seeing the estimate! Kelly & I popped over to Walmart for the last minute things we need for Sunday’s dinner, then got to work on food. Potato salad, deviled eggs, egg salad, and potato casserole for tonight’s supper. I had to run to work at 2pm for about 45 minutes, but then we made the requested chocolate chip cookies cake for Easter dessert. Now Kelly is working on a blanket for our friend’s son – the boys are still playing their eternal XBox games, and I’m going to post this before we stop for supper. I think we plan to commandeer the TV for the 8pm Hallmark Christmas movie!

Today is Good Friday, the day when the corrupt and angry crowds demanded that Jesus be crucified – after a rushed, illegal trial and false accusations. We can be thankful that Jesus did indeed keep quiet – sealing our salvation and eternal life! THAT, my friends, makes it good. Think on these things.

I will share Paul’s Palm Sunday message (Sorrowful Savior) from River Hill. Jesus rode into the city quietly – but the crowds were shouting; the people didn’t understand. They wanted to see the healer, wanted a king. That was not the plan, and Jesus wept for Jerusalem The celebrating was for deliverance from sin and death – but they missed the opportunity for seeing that. Will we recognize the opportunity? 1) Jesus arranged for the young donkey 2) The people waved palms and put cloaks on the road. WE will be the crowd some day. 3) Hosanna! Part of the worship was giving praise = WE need to praise. The crowds were looking for a conqueror, not a savior. Jesus saw himself as a suffering savior, a sacrifice. 4) Why did Jesus cry? They did not recognize Jesus as Lord and King, sacrificial lamb, and were disappointed at what they saw happen. We will ALL recognize Jesus – and bow down!

On this day in 1877 the first Easter Egg Roll on the White House Lawn took place. In 1912 the Titanic underwent sea trials. In 1917 President Woodrow Wilson asked congress to declare war against Germany… and in 1921 Albert Einstein lectured in NY on the Theory of Relativity. This day has a lot of notable birthdays: Casanova born in 1725, Hans Christian Anderson in 1805, Walter Chrysler (Chrysler Corporation founder) in 1875, Buddy Ebsen (Jed Clampett) in 1908, and Marvin Gaye in 1939. Samuel Morse (Morse Code) died at age 80 in 1872, and in 1836 Charles Dickens married Catherine Thomson Hogarth.

TOMORROW April 3rd is:

• National Chocolate Mousse Day
• National Film Score Day
• National Find a Rainbow Day
• National Tweed Day
• World Party Day
• National Love Our Children Day
• National Handmade Day

I am going to look for rainbows all day tomorrow – even if it’s on the internet or in books. And I will never, ever, pass up a chance to love my children! God bless…

It’s only 8:00pm but I have not been subjected to any April Fool’s jokes… That’s probably very good – I always have the wrong reaction to those things! Work(s) went well, and I was able to help Auntie D (Ron’s Aunt) with two issues for her truck. That’s always a good thing. I came home, ate lunch, and boiled 5 dozen eggs. Why so many? First and foremost Logan will eat as many hard-boiled eggs and you allow him to. Second, I will be making potato salad, deviled eggs, egg salad, and have a few left to throw in a salad (which I love to do). Then the boys dyed about 4 dozen and will want to take their favorite ones home. So that’s my story!

It did snow some this afternoon, off and on. At one point it was pretty intense, and was covering the ground and the deck. The purple flower planter is silk flowers, so they won’t ‘freeze’!

Logan is playing X-Box on the tv he brought from home. Chase is cuddling with his Mom (taking a break from X-Box). And Peyton (who stayed home because he had to work) was excited because he lettered in basketball — at a school that he doesn’t attend! Because he home-schools he is accepted to play on local school teams. (East Richland Christian School) Way to go, Peyton!

I’m sharing Greg’s message today from Vanderbilt. Decent and in Order. God loves systems and Order. Jesus told his disciples EXACTLY what to expect, what would be said, and how to answer. Then Jesus went to the temple, but then went out, because it was late. He had a plan, and returned the next day. Are you trusting in the systems of God? Trust God for YOUR next step, God has your future. God doesn’t just walk WITH us; he walks AHEAD of us! God is at work before you get there. Worship God with all you have – your soul, mind, heart, strength. They worshipped with cloaks, branches and voices. You can use the many things at your disposal. Be fishers of men!

On this day in 1891 Wrigley Company was founded. In 1954 WQED TV – Channel 13 – began broadcasting. I bet I was one of their first customers – And one of the first to watch The Children’s Corner, with Josie Carey and Fred Rogers – Daniel Striped Tiger, Henrietta Pussycat, X the Owl, King Friday – that eventually was Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. Great memories! In 1970 President Richard Nixon signed a bill limiting cigarette ads (I remember that!). Marvin Gaye died at age 44 in 1984 (shot by his father!). Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker were married in 1961. Birthdays today: Debbie Reynolds in 1932, and Hillary Scott (from Lady A) in 1986. My friends Nancy Miller (from Hempfield Church), Dena Cummins (from Smail Auto) and Danielle Thompson (from Smail Auto) are all having birthdays today. Happy birthday ladies! Hope you had a wonderful day!

TOMORROW April 2nd is:

• National Ferret Day
• National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
• National Reconciliation Day
• World Autism Awareness Day 
• Good Friday

So feed a PB&J sandwich to your Ferret and take time out to consider the sacrifice that was made for you – and me – on that Good Friday all those years ago. Truly – God bless…

I’m not sure if March went out as a lion or a lamb. It was cold and rainy, but sort of mild. I spent the day – as is typical for a Wednesday – cleaning the house. Didn’t spend any time outside today. Tomorrow it is supposed to snow. It it the onion snow? My sister sent me the definition:
“Onion snow” is a term particular to the state of Pennsylvania originated by the Pennsylvania Dutch culture and language, and refers to a snowfall that occurs after the spring onions have been planted, and comes right as they are sprouting. Others say that this late spring snow is an indicator for when it’s a good time to start planting onions. Either way, the snowfall is defined as light and melts quickly, and is usually the final snowfall before the end of the spring season. So there you have it!

We had a nice long window visit with Mom. She really wasn’t as engaged as she usually is – just sat quietly. We did get one or two smiles, but she really didn’t seem interested in what we had to say (who can blame here THERE???) and didn’t want to hold our hand. But we always hope we can leave a little bit of love with her when we leave.

Today I will share Scott’s message from First Baptist: Save us, but do it OUR way! The people praising Jesus (Palm Sunday) had a set of expectations and were celebrating, but it didn’t match Jesus’ plans. They wanted a royal image; it was prophesied! But His kingdom was not what they expected. They thought he would display kingly authority. And He did, but differently. He commandeered a donkey, but returned it. Kings could do that, but probably won’t return it! Jesus was patient, showing the people He was giving them a chance to acknowledge Him – but they rejected him. He sent out a message to His enemies: He wasn’t afraid of their power or their hatred. He had a mission and He would accomplish it. – just not what the people expected. They wanted to be promoted to importance; He came to SAVE them. Went from HOSANNA to CRUCIFY HIM! We need to humble ourselves before God – we can’t save ourselves; only through Jesus can we be saved. We can’t do good things to be saved; there’s no score card. We need the blood of Jesus.

On this day in 1889 the Eiffel Tower officially opened in Paris, and in 1918 the first Daylight Savings Time in US went into effect. Liz Claiborne was born in 1929. Isaac Newton died in 1727 at age 84, Charlotte Bronte (wrote Jane Eyre) died in 1855 at age 38, and J P Morgan in 1913.

TOMORROW April 1st is:

• April Fool’s Day
• National One Cent Day
• National Sourdough Bread Day
• National Burrito Day
• Take Down Tobacco Day of Action 

Don’t be a fool – beware!! If you know Rick Kozar, he’s a pro at April Fool’s Day pranks, so be warned! 🙂 Stay out of the snow – God Bless!

It was sunny this morning but cold and windy – opted for the treadmill. By the time I got home, it had warmed up a few degrees but still cold. However, I was determined to spend SOME time outside! I pulled weeds in the stones under the upper deck, then in the herb garden. Went better than I thought. Then I went around and took pictures of the hyacinths – there are still almost a dozen that aren’t totally up yet. Every year right before Easter I buy potted hyacinths and keep them indoors until they are done blooming. Then I plant them in the flower beds. I’ve accumulated quite a collection, and a variety of colors.

Yesterday Chrissy took a few pictures in the rain. I’ll share hers too!

Today I will share Kyle’s message (Palm Sunday) from Hempfield. Do we often ask ourselves: Where is God and when will he FIX this? Jesus’ friends and disciples must have wondered that – the trial was wrong and sinful; the accusers knew the outcome before the trial even began. The whole thing was in violation of Jewish laws, an open rebellion against God. How could the wicked prosper going against God’s people? Why didn’t God come & punish the wicked and let righteousness reign? Jesus is perfect, holy & righteous, but is on trial. The wicked are judging God, but GOD is supposed to judge the wicked? Jesus is silent; he knew the plan, and it wasn’t to destroy the wicked. It was to triumph over the wickedness and die for us. He took all wickedness and sin as his own, and died one death for all humanity. THAT is grace. It had to happen this way. THANK YOU GOD! When we deal with those who are against us, err on the side of grace; let them see God is you!

On this day in 1795 Beethoven has his debut performance as a pianist (Wonder if Schroeder was there??), and in 1798 the Republic of Switzerland was formed – I always wanted to go there and meet Heidi and the Grandfather and Goat Peter and the grandmother and walk up the Alps… In 1948 Niagara Falls stopped flowing for 30 hours due to an ice jam, and in 1951 Julius & Ethel Rosenberg were convicted and sentenced to death for espionage. The last airing of the Carol Burnett Show was in 1978. John Tyler was born in 1790 (10th president) and Sam Walton (founder of Walmart & Sam’s Club) in 1918. John Jacob Aster (US’s first multi-millionaire) died at age 84 in 1948, and in 1939 Clark Gable married Carole Lombard – My mom REALLY liked Clark Gable!!!

TOMORROW March 30 is:

• National Take a Walk in the Park Day
• National Doctors Day
• National I Am in Control Day
• National Pencil Day
• National Turkey Neck Soup Day
• National Virtual Vacation Day

I can get into all of those except for the turkey neck. And as far as being in control, a girl can dream, RIGHT??? So now I’m off to pack for my virtual vacation! God bless… (why not come with me???)

Today I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning. Talking about tears cried. Tears of 1) acceptance and joy. Are your eyes open to the fact that Jesus died for you? 2) Agony – Jesus cried tears of agony asking if there was another way – and while he suffered, his friends slept. Are we sleeping while Jesus agonizes? Give the reins to God, he’ll take charge. Jesus erases our sin; He takes failure and we learn from it, takes junk and makes beauty. 3) Anger – Failures are events, not people. God uses people who fail, so give it to God. 4) Accomplishment – It is finished! Redemption – the price has been paid. Trust in your redeemer; don’t believe Satan. You are a child of God. What do YOU do with Jesus? Accept him!