We had a really nice day yesterday, even though with 16 people in this little house it bordered on chaos most of the time!

I was up at 5am stuffing the turkey, and at 7am put the ham in. I worked steadily all morning getting everything ready. The family was all here by noon, except for Peyton and his girlfriend Isabella. They went to her house first and then got here about 2:30pm. He walked in the door and asked for cinnamon rolls!

Cameron provided the entertainment. He had a great time getting into everything and we had fun chasing him around. We have a kids’ Tupperware tea set and he was playing with the spork – mostly he was combing his hair with it!

As is typical for me, I didn’t think about taking pictures when I needed to. So I didn’t get Christina and her roommate Grace. Bummer. Grace was very nice and fit right in with our crazy bunch. I meant to ask Christina to take pictures for me but forgot. And I never got Peyton and Isabella, either. Chase stayed mostly in the spare room playing video games, and Logan had a headache and took a nap. The guys hung downstairs and watched football the whole time. The rest of us were up and down the steps all day. Isabella was super fun and got along with everyone – I really enjoyed meeting both of the ‘new girls’ here yesterday.

I was so tired by the time I sat down, about 7pm, I could barely get back up. But it was a good tired, with great memories and wonderful people.

Today I took all the fall and Thanksgiving decorations down. I emptied all the bins, cleaned them out, and packed things up one at a time. It was a total mess in here but it’s all done and the bins are back on the shelves in the garage.

Tomorrow I’ll start on the Christmas decorations!

For lunch I had a small bowl of leftover mashed potatoes with turkey mixed in and it was very good. Haven’t decided on supper yet.

My blessing today was taking my time and being very organized!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 30th is:

National Computer Security day; National Mason Jar Day; National Mississippi Day; National Mousse Day; National Sticker Day; National Personal Space Day; Small Business Saturday; Stay Home Because You’re Well Day.

Wednesday’s fake day was National Clippers Day. TOMORROW: I like Mason jars. If you go shopping shop small businesses. Have a happy weekend! God bless…

I was wide awake at 10 til 5 this morning and couldn’t fall back to sleep. I guess I was rehearsing all my chores in my mind so I wouldn’t forget anything. Now watch – when I HAVE to get up at 4:30 to stuff the turkey I will have to throw myself out of bed!

Things went well today as far as prepping. After breakfast I started by putting the turkey in cold water to finish thawing. Then I put the eggs on to boil for deviled eggs. Once that was done, I mixed up the brownies. While they were baking I cleaned up the kitchen and moved a few packages of frozen corn from the freezer to the fridge.

I made a pitcher of iced tea, because Sherree likes tea with the meal. Also kept checking on the ham to be sure it was defrosting ok in the fridge.

I still have to take the turkey roaster upstairs so it’s ready for the morning, and get the crock pot ready for the ham. In the morning I will peel the potatoes and put them in cold water until it’s time to cook them.

Kelly txt me that she found someone who will take my old Christmas tree. So I wiped off the lid of the storage bin and Peyton will take it home tomorrow. I have to look for a sturdy container to store the new tree in. It’s more compact than the old one but the sections are taller so it won’t fit in the old bin.

And that’s all I have to say about today. Don’t be concerned if I don’t post tomorrow. Not sure how late everyone will stay, or how long I will stay awake after they all leave. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

My blessing for today was getting everything done.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 28th is:

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; National Day of Mourning; National Clippers Day; National Dog Show Broadcast; National French Toast Day; Red Planet Day; Thanksgiving.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Voice Day. Tomorrow: Thanksgiving, of course! And maybe catch a bit of the parade. God bless – be thankful!

I went to work this morning but not much there. I talked to Rege a bit – he lost his voice! I told him we had to quit playing copy-cat! He’s going to Deep Creek with his entire family for the Thanksgiving weekend so I certainly hope he feels better!

I made one stop on the way home, and then handled some personal business. Talked to Kelly for a while on the phone. We were figuring out the food and schedule for Thursday.

After lunch (last of the roasted veggies) I cleaned the house and did some laundry. I tweaked a Christmas essay for the Skunk Hollow Christmas in December.

Skunk Hollow Christmas

I was flipping through channels and apps on my Roku and found a few favorite movies that I can watch. I also spent about 20 minutes online watching video interviews and reading articles about Paul Campbell. He’s my favorite Hallmark actor! I confirmed that Window Wonderland was his first movie. Makes me determined to try and purchase it!

Since today is Charles Schulz’s birthday there were also a lot of articles and information about him and the PEANUTS comic strip. I took a little quiz and of course got all the questions right! Here’s to SNOOPY and the whole PEANUTS gang – and may they live on for decades to come!

I put a string of lights on one side of the fence – it needed brightening up down there! I’m very pleased with the way it looks.

Just got a txt from Kathy and it seems that Paul’s medical issues can be monitored and controlled fairly easily. He’ll get more information when he speaks with his doctor tomorrow. Good news for him!

Autmn cooked Thanksgiving dinner for Noah’s family today. She called me several times for directions and advise, but she said everything worked out perfectly! She was very excited and pleased, and I’m so proud of her. She did a wonderful job. The only thing that she didn’t personally make was the homemade bread, which I made and shared with her. Way to go, Autmn Rose!

And Cameron was all spiffed up and handsome for the occasion!

My blessing today was Autmn’s delight!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 27th is:

Drinksgiving; National Bavarian Cream Pie Day; National Craft Jerky Day; National Voice Day; National Jukebox Day; Pins and Needles Day; Turtle Adoption Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Pom-Pom Day. Tomorrow: Not planning to adopt a turtle any time soon. So I’ll just make my own celebration, which is ‘prep food for Thanksgiving’ day! God bless…

Today is one month until Christmas. I’m not ready! I’m determined to take things low-key and easy this Holiday season. I want to be driven by joy and the delight of each day – who I’m with, what I do, where I go; even what I eat. I don’t want to rush! This year I am retiring my 42 year old artificial tree and putting up a small, easier, new one. We’ll see how that turns out next week!

My day was busy and full of errands but not much to post. I worked a while, got gas in the car, picked up my prescription, and then got stamps at the post office. As usual, I parked under ‘Dad’ and took a picture. Hi, Dad!

After a lunch of home made bread toasted, I did a load of laundry. I spent a while on the phone setting up follow appointments with my doctors. I can’t wait to get back to ONE doctor again! I took some time to run over to the Dollar Tree – I needed some gift bags and thank you notes. Then I stopped at Gabe’s – still trying to get Christmas ideas. Di had left a bag on her porch for me, so I drove past her place on the way home. And that was my day! Maybe things will be a little more interesting tomorrow!

I heard from Mary – her mom is still in the hospital. She has to have a few more tests to determine what is causing her issues. Kathy called and Paul was able to get up and take a few steps and sit in the chair. They have a few more tests to do on him but, as in Mary’s mom Nancy’s case, they have to wait until all the medication is out of their systems to get an accurate reading.

My blessing for today was just having a ‘today’!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 26th is:

Good Grief Day; National Pom-pom Day; International Cake Day; National Law Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Tape Day. TOMORROW: Good Grief, Charlie Brown! I like cake, so I’ll take that. God bless…

(Named after the iconic Charlie Brown catchphrase, Good Grief Day celebrates the life and work of the immovable Charles M. Schulz. Schulz was born on November 26, 1922, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.)

Here we are, the last Sunday in November. Next week Mary and I are back to teaching. Her mother isn’t feeling well so hoping she is recovered and able to enjoy December – both Mary and Nancy!

I talked to Kathy at noon. Paul had several tests and is waiting for results. I haven’t heard anything so it will probably be a few days until they can do tests, get results, and determine treatment. Please keep Paul and Family in your prayers, as well as Mary and her mom Nancy.

Todd (minister) is still sick – same scenario: Several strange symptoms, numerous tests, and still no diagnosis. In the meantime, Garrett Crawford from Norwin church had the message. He described how we all loved hide and seek. His 4 year old son LOVES the game, but he hollers out clues so everyone knows where he is – he wants to be found! We don’t have to wait for God to find us – He knows where we are and what we need.

I dropped off cookies and a loaf of bread at Kathy’s after church, and she had left me a little gift! It was Bath and Body Works Sugar Plum and Rose hand soup – purple! So fun for the holidays! I’m supposed to be helping her and she buys ME a gift! What a delightful sister. I’m grateful for you, too, MFS!!!

Back in September I ordered an energy gift pack from my electric company, West Penn Power. I thought they forgot about me, but it was delivered today. I haven’t taken the time to go through everything, but I know there are light bulbs, sensor night lights, and outlet covers. I’ll have to check it thoroughly later.

I’m still drinking my lemonade from the other day. It tastes pretty good right now. I spent all afternoon doing chores. I started inside by cleaning my bedroom light fan blades. They were very dusty.

Next I took the dirty dropped ceiling light covers off – they were full of dead bugs, spider webs and dust. All clean!

From there I went outside and spent hours out there. I took advantage of the best weather day that I’m free over the next week. I took most of the outside fall decorations down and put the Christmas ones up. That is a bugger to do in the wind, rain, and cold so I appreciated the milder day. I bundled up and did fine. I got the lights on the front deck, and the sled put out. Also, the little snowmen and pine trees along the front walk.

Next I put the reindeer in the bottom yard. That takes some doing – getting the floodlight positioned just right and then the reindeer fastened tight so they don’t blow over. Also the big plastic lighted Snoopy.

Also changed the lights on the back deck. I was glad to get that all done.

My blessing today was to ENJOY putting out the decorations!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 25th is:

Blasé Day; National Brand Day; National Parfait Day; National Tape Day; National Play Day with Dad; Shopping Reminder Day; White Ribbon Day; National Book Week.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Puddle Day. Tomorrow – One month until Christmas Day! I’ll celebrate books! God bless…

I was busy all day but nothing major to post. Normal morning chores – change sheets and wash them, shower, breakfast. Before I started anything else I buzzed over to Five Below. They had Peanuts portable phone chargers and I have been wanting to have a spare. It’s just the right size for my purse, car, or suitcase. Do I sound like a TV commercial??

When I got back I mixed up Orange Drop Cookies. I made the full recipe and I had cookies all over the place! It’s a recipe I got several years ago from my cousin Gail and it’s very good. I should have counted the number of cookies. I took a picture but it’s only a little less than half. I will take some to my cousin Deb at church, some to Mary, and some to my sister when I drop of her loaf of bread after church.

I usually sweep the kitchen floor several times a day – it really shows the crumbs and dust. So when I make anything with non-perils, like the chocolate covered pretzels I did on Thursday, I find non-perils every time I sweep for days and days. I’m still finding them and they roll away when I try to get them in the dust pan!

Speaking of my sister, she txt me earlier that she took Paul to the ER. They admitted him so they could find out what is making him sick so he is currently in the hospital. That will be Kath’s story to share but please be praying for Paul and the family.

Since I made about 2 million cookies (well, maybe not quite!), by the time I got them all put away and then cleaned up the kitchen it was a little before 5pm. Now I’m working on this post. I never did get the ironing done so that will be later for me.

My blessing today was – again – being inside, warm and safe.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 24th is:

Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day; National Puddle Day; National Sardines Day; Sir Up Sunday.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Magnet Day. Tomorrow: If I find my unique talent, I’ll celebrate it! God bless…

Today marks the 61st anniversary of JFK’s assassination. Everyone always reflects back on where they were when they heard the news. I was in 7th grade study hall at Youngwood Junior High. The principal came on the intercom speaker to announce that ‘the President and the Governor of Texas has been shot.’ We were confused because we didn’t know that Texas had a president. No one really though JFK had been involved. What a sad day, and it was very sad and dramatic watching the recount on TV – and sad for Jackie and John-John and Caroline.

So as far as my day here at home. The first thing I did after I made my bed was to mix up the bread dough and set it to rising. It’s an all day process.

Then I got a shower and dressed warmly – it was cold, rainy and snowy all day with a bit of wind thrown in. I did a load of laundry, then mixed up pie dough cinnamon rolls. They are messy and take a long time from start to finish.

After they were baked and on the cooling racks, I determined that the roads were clear and safe enough to go out. I stopped at work to do a few small things so they wouldn’t have to wait until Monday. This memory popped up on my facebook feed:

Next I went to L&L Fleatique as I was looking for a vintage, fancy Christmas cookie plate, which I found. Stopped at Giant Eagle to get a small single-serving bottle of orange juice, so in the morning I can make orange drop cookies. In the meantime I finally got the bread into loaves and they are waiting to be baked. The cinnamon rolls are iced and waiting to be tucked into containers for the freezer. It will be tricky to keep finding room for all of this until the turkey and ham come out!

I am watching Once Upon a Holiday (with Paul Campbell), a movie that I particularly like!

My blessing today was just being safe and warm.

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW November 23rd is:

Eat a Cranberry Day; Family Volunteer Day; Labor Appreciation Day; National Adoption Day; National Magnet Day; National Cashew Day; National Espresso Day; Thankful for my Dog Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Purple day. Tomorrow: If I had a dog, I know I would be thankful for it! No cranberry’s for me. Cashews are ok. Have a great day – stay warm and safe! God bless…

The day started out very cold, and my computer right now has a memo at the bottom corner that says ‘Temps to drop’. Ugh. Winter has arrived, exactly one month ahead of schedule! My friend posted a picture of his yard. It was snowing here about an hour ago.

When I got to work I found a little grouping of random items ‘left behind’ for me – probably had something to do with Ken… I never had a carpenter’s pencil before…

After work I went to Aldi and to Walmart for groceries. I got everything on my list except for little alphabet noodles, like for in soups. So I guess I’ll check Shop ‘n’ Save later as I don’t need them right now.

After a piece of toast for lunch I made chocolate covered pretzels. I used my newly purchased Holiday pretzel shapes.

I have missed seeing my family (small and large!) so I had Autmn send me a picture. They were playing peek with the bucket. The other one, he climbed into the little box and couldn’t get back out! Such a fun baby!

Since I was at the store anyway, I bought a small bag of carrots. I’m going to make roasted veggies for supper tonight.

My blessing for today was the pictures of Cameron!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 22nd is:

Flossing Day; Go for a Ride Day; National Purple Day; Housing Day; Humane Society Anniversary Day; Love your Freckles Day; National Cranberry Relish Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Puzzle Day. Tomorrow: I’ll go for a ride to L&L Fleatique if the weather behaves! I don’t have freckles and I’m not a fan of cranberries…. God bless…

I was up a little earlier than usual for a Wednesday. I made Oats for breakfast then had a few phone calls to make. Had to set up a yearly routine medical checkup, which fell into January. I asked the scheduler if I would get in trouble if the appointment tumbled into next year. She said no, so I’m set.

The next call was longer and more frustrating. I got a bill from Excela Health for a balance from a COVID test they did in October. This should have been a covered procedure. I called Aetna and they said the authorization was done incorrectly so wouldn’t be covered – but it could be resubmitted. They also said my provider – Tammy, the helpful really nice one! – was out of network. The crazy thing is she just left Excela on November 4th. So in October she WOULD have been in network. So I called my Doctor’s office to have an authorization resubmitted but they haven’t called back yet.

My phone said that our area had a high wind warning and a tornado watch until 6:15pm. So that will expire in about 10 minutes. Then I’ll take the trash to the road. I didn’t want it to blow away.

I spent the rest of the day cleaning and scrubbing and dusting and doing laundry. I’ll take the garbage up, get something to eat, and that’s it for the day.

Oh, and BETH: I watched the two movies you suggested. I can see why you like the one in Ireland. The scenery was spectacular and the culture was so interesting! And Santa Tell Me was very funny. I knew that guy’s name had to be Nick!!!

My blessing today was being safe from the winds and rain.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 21 is:

False Confession Day; Great American Smokeout; National Gingerbread Cookie Day; National Puzzle Day; National Rural Health Day; National Stuffing Day; Red Mitten Day; Use Less Stuff Day; World Hello Day; World Television Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Unicorn Day. Tomorrow: I don’t have any red mittens. Not sure I could cut too much of my stuff, but I’d say hello, and I’m sure I’ll be watching Television! And I do like stuffing… God bless…

Thankfully it wasn’t raining when I got up, and didn’t start until after I had left work. My plan was to do some Christmas gift scouting. I needed ideas and figured browsing was the best plan. I was at Big Lots, Five Below, Walmart, Target, and Ross’s. I had five gifts to find and I bought two gifts! I did get some ideas but then couldn’t find the items!

I have been looking for pine scented bath soap to no avail. Ross’s had it and for half the price of what I paid last year. So that was a win.

When I got home I had a cinnamon bagel for lunch, then worked on December’s Sunday School lessons. It will be our last month to teach. I’m excited about that but in another way I’m sad – stepping away after almost 50 years. But teaching December is wonderful – who doesn’t like Christmas lessons??

I zipped over to Kathy’s to drop off some strawberries, etc, for Sarah and some beets for Kath. Then I took stuff over to Mary before heading to Pinnacle to meet a customer to do paperwork for them.

I decided to switch TV gears and am watching the Christmas Cookie Baking challenge on the Food Network. I could never attempt some of the cookies they did but they got good reviews, even the losing cookies!

My blessing for today was seeing my sweet family, including Millie and Wyatt! Such cuties!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW November 20th is:

Future Teachers Of America Day; National Unicorn Day; International Hug a Runner Day; Name Your PC Day; National Child’s Day; National Pay Back your Parents Day; National Peanut Butter Fudge Day; National Absurdity Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Cracker Day. Tomorrow: I’d hug a runner if I saw one, and I’d hug my child/grandchild. Too late to pay back my parents but I can remember them and thank them in my heart! God bless…