Rain, RAIN, rain, RaiN!!! Treadmill morning – worked both stores and they were both a little busy. After a lunch of apple sauce, carrots and a reduced fat cookie I got the Easter decorations out and got started. I only have a few boxes, but there’s a bunch of little stuff. The first box I unpacked filled a table with little bunnies! Then I had a blanket full of stuffed rabbits and Snoopys. Spent several hours going through everything.

Got a call from Mom/John’s neighbor in Albion. She wanted to get a book for the Girard library and didn’t know where to order it. So we talked for over 20 minutes and solved several issues! Nice to know there is still an interest in Letters to Mary!

I filled the M&M bowl with my absolutely FAVORITE kind of M&M’s: M&M Eggs! Plain milk chocolate but they are shaped like eggs. They are very yummy and of course you can only get them at Easter! If there are any left on clearance prices after Easter I will probably buy a bag or two and tuck them away somewhere for emergencies!

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt – This ain’t no duct tape. WORDS – In the beginning was the word. Jesus is the word, light & life. Words are the vehicle to get info: God’s to us and prayers from us to him. Words from Jesus aren’t just words. He IS the word. Prophesies – God says it & it happens. We’re so busy we’re stupid. Feed your soul! Don’t neglect your spiritual hunger. Word became flesh: Jesus brought us grace & truth; he is our hope. Our mission is to share Jesus. Of all that’s going on in the world, we get it: The world comes to to find peace. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.”

On this day in 1662 the first public bus service was established in Paris, and in 1881 Barnum & Bailey circus debuted and would last 146 years. In 1959 President Eisenhower signed the Hawaii statehood bill, and in 1965 Cosmonaut Alexey Leonov was the first person to walk in space (for 12 minutes). In 1967 Beatles song PENNY LANE went #1. Chuck Berry died at age 90 in 2017, and Grover Cleveland (22nd & 24th president) was born in 1837. My nephew Jesse and his wife Tonia are celebrating a wedding anniversary today – Wishing you many more healthy, happy, loving years! And my sweet friend Bear (Barry Shirey) is celebrating a birthday today. I have been to dozens and dozens of plays that he has acted in – since the 1980’s! – and also helped usher for numerous productions. Have a wonderful birthday, my friend – sending hugs and wishes for many, many more!

TOMORROW March 19 is:

• National Backyard Day *
• National Certified Nurses Day
• National Chocolate Caramel Day
• National Let’s Laugh Day
• National Poultry Day

I think I am going to like tomorrow! I will play outside in my back yard, eat chocolate (caramel or not!), and make it a point to laugh, maybe at a CHICKEN! Have a great day and I wish you laughter! God bless….

St. Patrick’s Day! There was still frost on the pumpkin (well, maybe the porch roof…) when I got up, so I did the treadmill. It was so beautiful today I really wanted to go outside and play later, but had a full day. I was only out for about half an hour. We’ll see what happens the rest of the week.

Kath and I had a window visit with Mom. She wore her derby and I had a headband. I didn’t get a picture of me with mom but took a selfie so you could see how wild and crazy I was today… There was a place that we could wear shoulder length gloves and reach through and hold mom’s hand. She seemed to respond to this, and smiled a lot, made a few comments (we couldn’t really decipher them well), and seemed more engaged than normal. The good news (GREAT NEWS!) is that starting Friday we can actually go inside the building, go to her room, and take her down the hall to the common area and visit in person! We are so excited! We dropped her off a box in the lobby of treats and a pretty spring blanket and sweater. Next week we can TAKE things to her if we want!! God is good!

After the visit to see Mom, I went to Kathy’s and we watched Steel Magnolias. I never saw it and didn’t know what to expect. I never hated and loved a movie to such extremes in my life! It took me a while to get into it but I was very impressed. Very much worth the watch! For dinner Kath made scalloped potatoes, broccoli/cheese, and mock steak. I never (well, seldom) cook and it was heaven! Yum!

I will share Steve’s message tonight – Grace & Merit. We like receiving grace but we resent seeing people receive it that we feel don’t deserve it! Merit is like standing at the door to enter – then taking an entrance exam. We pass, then are trained, then take the final exam. If we pass, we get to enter, but we have to meet or exceed the standards set. Grace is having Jesus at the door. We are accepted from the beginning, here and now, not after a test or training period or trail period. We already have acceptance; He’s already received us; He loves us even when he might not like us. He doesn’t love us on merit, but on who HE is. God is love. We can’t earn it; He gives it! Grace!

On this day in 432 Saint Patrick, aged about 16, is captured by Irish pirates from his home in Great Britain and taken as a slave to Ireland. In 1762 the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in NYC, and in 1845 the rubber band was patented. In 1901 At a show in Paris 71 Vincent van Gogh paintings caused a sensation, 11 years after his death. Gottlieb Daimler (designed first motorcycle) was born in 1834, Nat King Cole in 1919, and Kurt Russell in 1951 – he married Season Hubly on his birthday in 1979. Helen Hayes, actress, died in 1993 at age 92, and in 1905 Eleanor married Franklin D Roosevelt (32nd President); she was given away by her uncle Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president.

TOMORROW March 18 is:

• National Awkward Moments Day
• National Biodiesel Day
• National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day

• National Sloppy Joe Day
• National Supreme Sacrifice Day
• National Farm Rescuer Day –

Wow – there’s a lot to celebrate tomorrow. I think I will go with the first. I certainly have more than my share of awkward moments! God bless…

Treadmill this morning; not weather-friendly outside. I worked both stores then came home to a lunch of chicken salad on toast. I noticed that there was a sign on Peaches N Cream ice cream place on Route 30 that they will open April 2nd. That is like Punxsutawney Phil and his shadow; you know spring in on the way!

After a few hours of chores I did get a two mile walk outside. It was overcast but warmer and the walk was comfortable. When I crested the hill on Fosterville I could see St. John’s Church across the hills, and the sun shining on it made it gleam.

One of the houses on Wren had an Easter tree on the porch. I have a little tree like that and decided that I was going to put some strings on my plastic eggs and decorate it. I’ll leave it inside, though! I might start on that tonight!

I will share Scott’s first official message as pastor at First Baptist: Who can turn down such a salvation? The greatest illness is spiritual; it’s sin. Sin is terminal and separates us from God – He provided a cure, and the only way is Jesus. Why would anyone turn it down? Jesus is our high priest, the perfect son of God – That’s why it works. God became sin for us. We have to be willing to receive it; Jesus can only forgive if we are willing. We have a choice: Will we believe and accept it? If we deny Christ, we are turning down His help and our salvation. He will welcome us home!

On this day in 1850 Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Scarlet Letter was published, and in 1968 Robert F Kennedy announced his presidential campaign. In 1991 seven members of Reba McEntire’s band were killed in a plane crash, and in 2020 France ordered a national lockdown because of COVID-19. Arthur Godfrey died at age 79 in 1983. James Madison – 4th president – was born in 1751, Harrison Ford in 1884, and Jerry Lewis (comedian) in 1926. My cousin Brian (one who helped with the Saturday light adventure!) has a birthday today, and Autmn’s other half-sister Summer James Griffin is celebrating today. A huge happy birthday to both of these special people!

TOMORROW March 17 is:

• National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day (ugh, no!)
• St. Patrick’s Day
• National SBDC Day – (Small Business Development)

However you celebrate St. Patty’s Day, enjoy! I will clean the house than go visit mom. I bought a head band and a derby for Kath and I to wear, hoping she’ll smile! God bless —

The Ides of March! It was cold and windy so I walked the treadmill early morning. But after work in the afternoon I stopped at Kath’s, and we did a 2 mile loop around her side of Ft. Allen. And again, it was very cold!

I did title work for Jen this afternoon, and Chrissy was with her. I took a picture of her blister from burning her hand on the pizza pan on Saturday. She said it looks like a slug! It will take a while to heal.

My niece Sarah had sent me a txt to check out Marshall’s – they had an entire end cap of Snoopy items! So I stopped in today (accidentally, of course! Never on purpose!) to check them out. I could have spent a ton of money, but I restricted myself to a cute Snoopy and Woodstock drink pitcher. Can’t wait to use it! I will keep ice tea or lemonade in it. The pitcher is very sturdy which is good – Sometimes things at my house take a beating!

Today I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning – Is that your final answer? He was speaking about the fiery furnace with Shadrach Meshach and Abednego. It was such a stressful situation – if they did not bow to the king’s idol they would be thrown into the furnace. They had to decide what they believed and why – and be willing to accept how God would handle the situation. They knew God could save them, but they knew that if He didn’t they would be with him! They would NOT bow – and the king asked them if they were SURE. ‘Is that your final answer?’ They declared WE WILL SERVE OUR GOD! Allow God to be God – will we trust Him or ourselves? Satan wants us to doubt and to question everything. How do we gain confidence to override fear? 1) Knowledge – read/hear His word. Listen to his voice/spirit. 2) FAITH Forsaking All I Trust Him. God will keep his word, he’ll keep us through, and do great things. 3) Commitment – there is no 2nd hand faith. It’s our choice. Enjoy your life with Christ. A) Be sure you can take loss B) Endure persecution C) Give God credit. Blessed be the Lord!

On this day in 44 BC Julius Caesar is stabbed by Brutus & Cassius (he was 55). In 1913 first US presidential press conference (Woodrow Wilson), and in 1954 CBS Morning Show premiered. The movie The Godfather premiered in 1972, and Three’s Company in 1977. St. Nicholas (the bishop who became the model for Santa Claus) was born in 270 AD, Andrew Jackson (7th president) was born in 1767, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 1933. Jimmy Swaggart in 1935, Mike Love from the Beach Boys (Fun, Fun, Fun, and Wouldn’t it be Nice) was born in 1941, and Sly Stone (Sly and the Family Stone) in 1945. Dr. Benjamin Spock (pediatrician) died at age 94 in 1998, and Nate Dogg (American rapper) died at age 41 in 2011. In 1964 Elizabeth Taylor married for the 5th time to Richard Burton.

TOMORROW March 16th is:

• National Curl Crush Day *
• National Artichoke Hearts Day
• Everything You Do Is Right Day
• National Freedom of Information Day
• National Panda Day
• World Social Work Day –

I’m excited that I can do no wrong tomorrow. Let’s see how THAT turns out! Try it! Have a blessed day…

I expected to be tired getting up early – but felt pretty refreshed! I only missed changing one clock – the little one in the bathroom. And I figured out how to fix the clock in my car, as well. Went to early church again, which was balm for the soul.

But I did not take an early walk. I waited until I got home and ate lunch. It was much colder than it looked – I went back in and changed coats and grabbed a scarf. I have a tendency towards (as Mom used to call them) stiff necks, especially on windy days.

On my walk I noticed that the little hillside patch of crocus buds had bloomed! I hurried home to walk my yard, and did find a purple one and a white one. I never had a whole patch of them, but I was excited to see those. Also found two nice patches of daffodils that were up several inches. Won’t be long!

Mike’s message from HCC was Jesus in the garden. We often forget that even thought he was GOD, God’s SON, he had human characteristics as we do. 1) Jesus agonized in the garden – he was about to face total separation from His father – never happened before. God would turn His face on the sin that Jesus bore for us. 2) Jesus was NOT at peace! He fell on his face and prayed “Let this pass from me if it is Your will.” 3) Disciples were asleep, including Peter. Peter fell asleep 3 times, and denied Jesus 3 times. Don’t fall into the weakness of the flesh; keep your spiritual eyes open. Jesus prayed also for his disciples. There are lots of things in life we can’t handle without prayer. Our inner emotions fight for our souls; keep your eyes on Jesus. We should pray continually about the same things if they are important – God cares! God prepares us for what will come in our life. It’s time to rise up and do what must be done. Jesus was prepared. How do WE deal with hardships, fear, etc? Dependent prayer, intense prayer, honest prayer, submissive prayer, intimate prayer, and surrendering prayer. God may not deliver us FROM something, but he WILL deliver us THROUGH! God will carry us!

On this day in 1644 England granted a patent for Providence Plantations (later Rhode Island), and in 1794 Eli Whitney patented the cotton gin. Ferdinand von Zeppelin patented a navigable balloon in 1899, and in 1913 John D Rockefeller gave $100 million to the Rockefeller Foundation; President Warren G Harding was the first president to pay taxes in 1923. Albert Einstein was born in 1879, S Truett Cathy (founder of Chick-Fil-A and so glad he did that!) was born in 1921, and Jerry Greenfield (co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream!) in 1951. Karl Marx died at age 64 in 1883 and George Eastman (Kodak camera and Eastman Kodak Company) died in 1932 at age 77. And I found this very interesting: In 2014 Actress Jamie Lynn Spears married businessman Jamie Watson! Jamie married Jamie! THAT would get confusing!

TOMORROW March 15 is:

• National Everything You Think is Wrong Day
• National Kansas Day
• National Pears Helene Day
• National Shoe the World Day
• National Napping Day – 

We’ll need a nap after losing an hour’s sleep! The rest of those are a bit strange but go for it! God bless…

Even though it was 27* this morning, it was bright and sunny so I walked outside. It was a brisk walk to keep warm! One yard I passed had a little patch of crocuses poking out of the hill – when they bloom they will look amazing!

So the new ‘drain’ guy came and cleared out the sewage pipes. He said it was full of roots, and the last guy just kind of ‘drilled’ a whole through the roots to open it up, but they grew shut again right away. It was more expensive but they assured me it would be fine now – and I will call them to put root-killing chemicals in the system in a few months. So I spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon washing rugs and towels and rags. All done!

Nate came over in the afternoon to install the new bathroom light. There was a bit of frustration with the installation, but thanks to the Steiner boys (Paul, Brian and Mark) it’s up and perfect! A huge thank you to all four guys for solving my dilemma. Chris and her two friends came over, too, and of course they were hungry! We made a few pizzas, but while Chris was helping me get them out of the oven, she grabbed the hot pan and burnt her palm. Ugh. I felt so horrid for her! I know she’ll have a blister and it will hurt for a while. Nate had a plan of treatment and was going to take good care of her. My poor Chrissy!

I got a lovely thank you card from Kath for our fun Williamsburg ‘virtual’ visit on Wednesday. And of course it’s a Williamsburg card – so perfect! But it’s been a challenging day so I’m glad to see it winding down. I skipped lunch so as soon as I finish this post I’m going to make a salad and chill out the rest of the evening!

I will share Rob’s message from Martin’s Ferry – Elijah is frustrated! He was a powerful man of God, and he was successful and ‘on top’ – then it all came tumbling down when Jezebel (wicked queen) entered the picture. He ran for his life. What led up to this? Ahab – King – fell apart under pressure, so Jezebel – Queen (stronger than Ahab!) took over and threatened Elijah. He was no ordinary man – he was a hero in the scriptures, a man of God – BUT he was afraid and ran. He said, ‘I’ve had enough!’ What made him want to quit? 1) listened to the world – we should keep our eyes on God 2) left his friends behind – he went off by himself to hide. 3) Was on top, then fell to the lowest depth, exhausted & spent 4) got lost in self-pity, pathetic. Believed he was no good, done. We don’t have to measure up to anybody – just be the best child of God we can be. GOD ministered to Elijah and cared for him, food and encouragement. God always shows up when we’ve reached that point. God is not in the wind, earthquake, or fire; he’s in a gentle whisper. Look inside yourself, you’re not done yet! You’re not alone, so don’t quit now. God blesses Elijah with an amazing friend; Elisha leaves everything to follow Elijah. God can do anything for us, and will!

On this day in 1950 General Motors Corp announced record net earnings of $656,434,232. Bob Iger was named CEO of Walt Disney International in 2005, and in 2020 President Trump declared a national state of emergency and allotted $150 billion to fight COVID 19. Also in 2020 Bill Gates stepped down from the company’s board to focus on philanthropic activities. Our 23rd president Benjamin Harrison died in 1901 at age 67, Susan B Anthony in 1906 at age 86, and J P Morgan Jr in 1943 at age 75. And today Autmn’s half sister Penny (Penelope Lane Stairs) is celebrating her 15th birthday. Penny loves drawing and Japanese cartoons and art work, and is very good. Happy birthday to Miss Penny Lane! Have a great day and a fun year!

TOMORROW March  14 is:

• National Children’s Craft Day
• National Learn About Butterflies Day
• National Pi Day
• National Potato Chip Day
• National Write Down Your Story Day
• Daylight Saving Time – 

Ooooooo! Potato Chips! 🙂 And stories! I love stories! I WILL work on one of my stories tomorrow! Not good at crafts, though. Ask anyone… DON’T FORGET TO SPRING YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD!!! God bless.

Another outside morning walk, then shower and breakfast. I threw a load of clothes in the washer — and when I came downstairs to put them in the dryer there was an inch of water in the laundry room. Ugh. This just happened in November, and shouldn’t be an issue again. I was dressed to run errands, but instead I pulled old beach towels off the shelf and began cleanup. I found a new guy (recommended by my sewage authority) and they are coming in the morning. Thankfully the toilets work without re-flooding; can’t shower or do laundry, though. So I have to choose activities that won’t get me filthy. So I chose washing windows. Sparkling clean!

I got a letter in the mail from T-Mobile (they bought out Sprint). They have a senior promotion going on – unlimited everything for about $35 less a month! So I stopped over there and got that handled, then came back and walked around the yard. I found several little clusters of Hyacinths popping out from under the mulch and leaves. Soon! But since today was ‘Plant a Flower’ day, I bought two new Hyacinths. I didn’t actually plant them – they are already planted! But once they are done blooming I will plant them both outside in the gardens to come up every spring. I also saw several dozen peanut shells under the maple tree. I guess there must be a family of squirrels living in the tree, although I didn’t see a nest. Interesting day.

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt: 2021 and still…. Our God is a God of systems, order & precision, NOT chaos, randomness, or duct-tape fixes. We still need not to twist God’s word; PAY ATTENTION; beware of false prophets. We have become acclimated to the darkness, and it’s not cool to speak the truth anymore. We must seek and follow the truth. The kingdom to come: There will be no more gloom; he will bestow honor. God takes your burdens. When everything seems so wrong, and hard, and dark, and unfair — we read this: Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. HOPE! There’s HOPE! For God so loved the world… It’s 2021 and we STILL need the proposed Messiah.

On this day in 1894 Coca-Cola first sold in bottles, and in 1912 Juliette Gordon Low formed Girl Guides (Girl Scouts). 1933 was the first fireside chat by FDR, and the Hunger Games premiered in 2012. 2019 was the US college admission scandal (Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman plus dozens more). President Trump banned travel in 26 countries due to COVID-19 in 2020. Anne Frank died at age 15 from typhus in 1945, and in 1992 Annette Bening and Warren Beatty were married. Liza Minnelli was born in 1946, and my cousin Allen’s daughter Erin has a birthday today Happy birthday to this hard-working, lovely lady/mom! Enjoy your day!

TOMORROW March 13 is:

• National Good Samaritan Day
• National Coconut Torte Day
• National Earmuff Day
• National Jewel Day
• National K9 Veterans Day
• National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day

I don’t intent to test the ‘bad luck’ theory of opening the umbrella in the house. And it’s a bit late in the season to need earmuffs, at least here in Greensburg! But K9 Veterans are definitely worth celebrating! Enjoy your day – God bless . . .

Walked outside – beautiful! But, followed by rain… Not too much work today, so I was home early. Stuck the roast in early this morning. Autmn and Eric are watching TV until it’s time to start the rest of dinner. She’s cooking for Eric – it’s their 6 month anniversary. Nate, Jen and Chrissy are coming over later.

Dinner was very tasty! We had a roast, and Autmn made mashed potatoes, broccoli cheese rice, green beans, noodles and gravy. And homemade bread. Oreo Ice Cream for dessert. Now we are all too full to move! They are still watching movies… I’m excited that I have three days ahead of me – maybe I’ll find a sunny hour or two to wash windows.

Today I will share Steve’s message from Maplewood: It’s not what you thought; follow me anyway. ‘Preaching is foolishness to the perishing but to us, the power of God unto salvation!’ Sometimes we don’t buy into or understand the teachings of God, but we have to go with God. We can’t think like the world thinks – they think it’s foolishness. Think on Jesus Christ and him crucified. There is power in the way God does things – and God does things differently. His death destroys our death. He brought life to all who receive him. We meet Christ at the table – it’s not insignificant. Follow Jesus to his cross. He makes all things new.

On this day in 1862 and 1865 a lot of Civil War things happened. Check it out! In 1918, US Army mess cook Private Albert Gitchell was the first documented case of the Spanish flu; created a world wide pandemic killing 50-100 millions. In 1997 Paul McCartney was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and in 2020 COVID 19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. And so it began… And according to Shakespeare, this was Romeo & Juliet’s wedding day. My friend Dave Baughman is having a birthday today. Dave worked at Smail’s a lot of the years I was there, and our daughters were very good friends in HCC youth group. I understand he’s going through some rough health issues – Birthday and get well wishes both to you, my friend! Thinking of you and praying for your improved health!

TOMORROW is March 12 is:

• National Working Moms Day *
• National Baked Scallops Day
• National Girl Scout Day
• National Plant a Flower Day

I will definitely go out and find a flower to plant! I can do that! And I am a working mom – even at this stage of life! God bless all your hard-working moms out there! GOD BLESS!!!

I walked outside again – sunny and much warmer! Had little chores to attend to in the morning, then I set about cleaning the house. I was finished about 3pm, when I started getting the food ready for our FAFF night. Tonight was a Williamsburg revisited night! I put in my Fife and Drum CD to play before the movie and at dinner. We had ham biscuits, steak fries, ginger cookies, and kettle chips — plus root beer! I printed out a label from Chowning’s Tavern and taped it on the bottle. It was a very festive night.

I also set out several Williamsburg coffee table books and my photo albums from all the trips. There was a little quiz about our numerous visits and we had fun figuring out the answers and discussing our favorite houses and trips. And we did watch ‘The Story of a Patriot’ DVD. All in all a very fun night!

On my walk this morning, I stopped and listened to the little stream down the road from my house. I was sort of taken by surprise when I went around the one corner and saw a house with the yard covered with pink flamingos! It was a startling sight – and I wonder what the people who lived there thought about that!

I will share Micah’s message NOT LIKE THE OTHER. You are not like the rest! Be different. God sets the standard, but we must love one another. The holy spirit guides and convicts us. We have a direct connection to God’s throne through prayer. 1) Build up your faith; pray without doubt a) have knowledge of His word b) keep within the love of God (obey!) c) recognize the power of the Holy Spirit. Joy comes when we obey. We couldn’t pick who God made us to be, but we can choose how we use our talents. 2) Look for our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus will present us a faultless before God – Jesus paid the price. We are not like the others if we are a child of God.

On this day in1849 Abraham Lincoln applied for a patent (only US President to do so) for a device to lift a boat over shoals and obstructions. The first telephone call was in 1876; Alexander Graham Bell says “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you” to his assistant Thomas Watson. In 1969 James Earl Ray pled guilty to the murder of Martin Luther King JR (It was his birthday – born in 1928). In 1978 The Incredible Hulk premiered. Osama bin Laden was born in 1957, Prince Edward in 1964, and Carrie Underwood in 1983. Harriet Tubman died at age 91 in 1913, and Vince Gill married Amy Grand in 2000. And happy birthday to Tracy Smouse Pfoutz – we’ve known each other for years, and she worked with me at Smail’s for a bit. Enjoy!

TOMORROW March 11 is:

• National 311 Day
• National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day 
• National Johnny Appleseed Day
• National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day
• National Promposal Day
• National Worship of Tools Day
• World Kidney Day 

That’s a lot of days to cover. I will give a big shout out to my long-time friend Jim Fritzinger, who is indeed a funeral director in Allentown. As for tool-worship – I barely know one end of a screwdriver from the other! God bless, you all!

I should have walked outside this morning but chose instead to do the treadmill. I didn’t realize how warm it was. Beautiful day! I worked until about 12:30, then came home and caught up on my daily journal. Obviously if I had been doing it DAILY I wouldn’t have to catch up! I got behind a few days. Feels like I track most of my days on the Word Garden and it’s like I’m doing it twice. I do not – mostly – share my FEELINGS on the Word Garden – which I do in my journal.

I picked up Autmn after lunch, and since everyone was out and about we brought her little sister Josie with us, too. We all three worked together to make Oreo Ice Cream dessert for Autmn’s dinner on Thursday. Josie licked the bowl, of course! Then Chris and her friend Hope skate-boarded over to visit for a bit. So I had all four girls here for a little while. Autmn made Josie mac/cheese and they are watching a movie on Netflix. I’ll take them home when it’s over.

I will share Paul’s message from River Hill today. The new series will lead up to Easter. This week, A FEARLESS SAVIOR. Jesus didn’t NEED righteousness; he WAS righteousness. When we was baptized, it symbolized that a sacrifice could not be offered until it was washed. We was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus would be the sacrifice for all mankind. Then, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted and tested – He was DRIVEN there; he didn’t just WANDER there. He prayed and fasted and resisted Satan and the wild beasts (which were NOT lions and tigers…). The angels ministered to and comforted him. Jesus did not cower; he was fearless. Satan tired to: 1) destroy the savior. God would determine Christ’s destiny, not Satan. 2) destroy our faith. FEAR is not part of our ‘God Image’ – fear is a product of our sin. God uses fear to build his kingdom. Put your trust in Jesus always.

On this day in 1864 Ulysses S Grant was appointed commander of the Union army, and in 1964 the first Ford Mustang was produced. In 2020 Italy locked down the whole country due to COVID-19 outbreak. Amerigo Vespucci was born in 1454. I never really understand how our country was named after him…. Bobby Fisher – world champion chess player – was born in 1943, George Burns died in 1996 at age 100, and in 1796 Napoleon Bonaparte married Josephine. And my friend Tom is having a birthday today – Tom is a fellow writer and a retired nurse. He likes to portray Colonel Sanders and does a great job! So happy birthday Colonel Tom Beck. Have a great day!

TOMORROW March 10 is:

• National Blueberry Popover Day
• National Mario Day
• National Pack Your Lunch Day
• National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
• National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day 

As I don’t have to go anywhere tomorrow, I won’t be packing my lunch. I’ll just think of something fun to have for lunch right in my own kitchen! It will be cleaning day for me – oh, fun! But I like to clean, so no problem! God bless…