The sky was very dramatic last night before I went to bed. I think the refection is from a night light inside – but doesn’t it look like a slight rainbow on the left? It made you stop and think – Could Jesus return on the celebration of His resurrection?

It was great to see a full church this morning! And I appreciated the white cloth on the cross, replacing Friday night’s purple one. He is risen! JJ & Max (my Sunday School boys) were dressed alike in their sports coats – and it helped that there were flecks of purple! I usually have two or three but today I had five, and the two visitors were JJ & Max’s cousins. Josie wasn’t quite three, and I had forgotten how much that year and a half difference makes. We had to make adjustments to our ‘program’, but they were all so cute! When I told about Mary crying because she thought they took Jesus away, Josie dramatically began to cry, rubbing her eyes… But no real tears. She is certainly not shy!

First order of business was to put the ham in the oven. Slow cooking it makes it juicy and tender. I just did one task at a time until everyone showed up, about 2:15 or so. All the food was wonderful. A bonus was Jen’s veggie pizza and also her ‘famous’ ranch dip with Wavy chips. Yum. I’m really not supposed to be eating crunchy foods but I was very careful to eat on the left side and chew completely! After lunch the kids opened their treats; Jen and Chrissy were coloring on the floor (Chrissy got a nice art book for Easter from her Mom), Chase & Logan were playing video games (big surprise there!), and the rest were sitting around talking and watching TV. My cup of blessings is running over. Autmn’s boyfriend Shawn is very nice and I enjoyed having him here. As usual, I forgot to take pictures! But here are two. Autmn’s friend Alex’s grandmother sent over a HUGE tray of cookies, so we didn’t scrimp on dessert, for sure!

Just a side note: I heard a local DJ say on the radio yesterday that it was National Bean Counter Day – and she said to thank your local barista! I don’t THINK so! Do YOU know what a bean counter is????

OR….

April 17 – When you played make-believe, what did you pretend? “I always wanted to be a dancer, on stage, to entertain people. I saw a dancer, named Liz-Tiz, at the Dayton Fair & tried to dance like she did. This was 1939 or 1940.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was the current day Switzerland. The picture was an alpine village in the winter. Here are more enticing pictures of Switzerland.

The inspiration today is not on a calendar page. It’s the love of the Father, to give His Son, and the love of the Son, to give His life, and our love in accepting that great sacrifice. Happy Easter!

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TOMORROW April 18th:

• National Animal Crackers Day
• National Columnists’ Day
• National Lineman Appreciation Day

” Animal crackers in my soup
Monkeys and rabbits loop the loop
Gosh oh gee but I have fun
Swallowing animals one by one.” Another favorite Shirley Temple movie!!!

Have a great week – Hope your Easter was Egg-stra special! God bless.

The second txt I got this morning was from Bear. (The first, of course, being the song of the day from Di about waiting for Sunday!) For as long as I’ve know him, Bear has stepped into the roll of Easter Bunny for his church’s ‘Breakfast with the Easter Bunny’. I wanted to share his picture, and to pay honor to his dedication and selfless giving to others, all the time! Happy Easter, Bear!

I spent most of the day getting ready for tomorrow; getting the roaster out and washed, putting the corn to defrost. Pealing the potatoes to go around the ham and putting them in cold water. Making potato salad, egg salad, deviled eggs. Since Kelly, Logan and Chase are staying until mid-week, I needed to mix up extra frosting for the scones. Then I put the treats together for the kids and hid the ones for the grands. So after this is finished I will get something to eat and chill.

I used the eggs that Nate’s family dyed, and these are my favorites. It was disconcerting to pick up an egg and have it LOOKING at you! But they were all put to good use.

One of April’s friends had their office go together and they purchased a star for Griffin. That is so cool. He will be shining in Ursa Major. What a wonderful idea, and such a sense of peace and comfort.

Wishing a very happy birthday to the only Sir Regis that I know! Have the greatest day ever! Blessings to you and your family for Easter, as well!

Last night’s Good Friday service was very touching. The focus was The Road to the Cross. It was easy to feel the emotions and follow the pathways of that last week.

April 16 – Did you ever have a recurring dream as a child? “Being chased by a vampire.” I also know that Mom was afraid of an Indian attack and often had dreams about that, as well. I’m fairly certain that neither vampires nor Indians ever attacked….

Yesterday’s vacation destination was actually the Shirley Temple version of the movie Heidi. HEIDI has been one of my favorite books since elementary school. I have always dreamed of going to Switzerland to meet The Grandfather, ‘Goat’ Peter, and the Grandmother. And going to church in Dörfli . The picture posted was Aunt DeeDee taking Heidi to her Grandfather in the Alps. Sigh….

Here are a few more scenes from the movie:

Did you know there are two additional books about Heidi? Heidi Grows Up and Heidi’s Children. I still have them….

Calendar inspiration – Make new discoveries every day and share them.

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TOMORROW April 17th is:

• International Bat Appreciation Day
• National Cheeseball Day
• National Crawfish Day
• National Ellis Island Family History Day
• National Haiku Poetry Day
• Easter

I know there are people that do (and that bats are helpful) but I don’t think I could ever really, truly appreciate a bat… or a crawfish. Let’s stick with celebrating the risen Lord tomorrow – He is risen, Indeed!!! God bless…

I was glad to see the sunshine this morning, and it’s stayed out most of the day. However it was far too windy to risk being out; I don’t want to get an infection in my dental stitches. I’ll just stay inside, except hopefully to church tonight. I’ll wear a scarf.

The obituary was online today for April’s grandson, Griffin. It’s just too sad to think about. I am praying for all of them. I can’t imagine….

After a soft breakfast of oatmeal I boiled potatoes to make potato salad tomorrow. Nate has the eggs so he’ll get them to me later tonight. While the potatoes were cooking, I mixed up a cinnamon streusel quick bread. It’s basically soft with almost no chewing so I can eat that. I had a slice of that and a soft potato for lunch.

Di went on her annual Good Friday hike – today it was to Roaring Run in Apollo. She sent me pictures. But she also said it was very chilly and terribly windy out there.

On this date in 1974 Stoney and I were married. It actually was far colder than this, and even snowed. And there wasn’t a trace of sun. Do you think that was foreshadowing?

April 15 – Tell about any other Easter traditions. “We made Easter bunnies to give away to our younger cousins. We had a reunion every Easter.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was the Cotswold’s. Kelly spent a semester in Cheltenham England when she was in collage and visited some when she had time. Picture posted was of quaint villages. Here are others sites:

Calendar inspiration – Listen to the magical music of spring; the birds bring sweet songs

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TOMORROW April 16th is:

• National Bean Counter Day
• National Eggs Benedict Day
• National Healthcare Decisions Day
• National Orchid Day
• National Wear Your Pajamas to Work  Day
• National Auctioneers Day 

I refuse to count beans. Since I’m not working tomorrow I guess I COULD stay in PJ’s all day, but I won’t. Have a wonderful Saturday! God bless…

The weather today was crazy. At one point it was blowing so hard that the rain was coming down sideways and looked like a cloud across the road. The doors at work kept opening and closing by themselves. By lunch time it was sunny and bright. Not sure what it wants to do but I’m glad I’m inside, and that I don’t have to work until sometime next week.

This will be short. I got the implant post in my bottom right tooth, and had the 2 teeth next to it pulled. I didn’t even know when they pulled my teeth. I DID know when they drilled through my ‘gum’ to put the screw in! It didn’t hurt, exactly, but I knew what was happening!

I have a prescription for infection and have to take Tylenol in a pretty high dose for a few days. It knocked me out. I keep falling asleep. So nothing other than that to write about.

April 14 – Tell about an Easter Egg hunt. “We colored eggs & then on Easter Mom would hide them so we could see how many we could find. We didn’t have plastic eggs. We did have jelly beans.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Monticello, in honor of Thomas Jefferson’s birthday. The picture posted was the Monticello Trail. Other sites at Monticello are:

Calendar inspiration – today show the world what makes you special!

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TOMORROW April 15th is:

• National Glazed Spiral Ham Day
• National Rubber Eraser Day
• National Take a Wild Guess Day
• National Tax Day
• National Titanic Remembrance Day
• Purple Up! Day
• Good Friday
• National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day

Lots to celebrate tomorrow – but keep the events of Good Friday first in your mind. Jesus died for us; for you and for me. God bless…

It was such a beautiful day! It inspired me to keep on a good pace to get the house cleaned so I could go outside. I spent about 2 1/2 hours outside and it felt so good! Clean fresh air. I got another section of the hill done. One more to go but it may not be this week.

When I woke up in the middle of the night I noticed shadows on the wall! I really do like to see the shadows. They are cheerful and inspiring!

Last evening it seemed to me that the Easter tree was not as bright but I didn’t really check it out. This morning I noticed that the bottom of the tree was not lit. It’s a pre-lit tree and only has a few more days until I take it down. So I got out a battery operated set of butterfly lights and wove it among the bottom branches. It looks just fine for now. I’ll decide that to do with it after Easter. It’s not the right time of year to buy lights!

I saw a post on facebook that my friend April’s family is going through a tragedy. I don’t know any details or for sure what happened, but her two year old grandson has passed away. I cannot imagine what they are going through; he was not ill. I haven’t talked to her; her son posted on behalf of his sister Morgen, who is Griffin’s mom. This is an unthinkable loss – please pray for the family.

April 13 – Share a memory about a church social activity. “I went to a Halloween party when I was a teenager. It was held in a big barn & was fixed up to make it spooky.” Our youth group had a harvest costume party in my teen years, and mom helped me make a dress with antique velvet ribbon and lace. It was blue, and full length – I went as Maid Marian from Robin Hood! I still have the dress.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Ledbury UK. I know! I never heard of it. The picture posted was Coddington Vineyard. Other points of interest in Ledbury are:

Calendar inspiration – The thrill of success comes after a long uphill climb; enjoy your success!

Quote – today’s quote is from a movie I was watching: “Don’t eat your feelings!” I think we often do!

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TOMORROW April 14th is:

• International Laverbread Day *
• Look Up at the Sky Day
• National Dolphin Day
• National Ex-Spouse Day
• National Gardening Day 
• National Pan American Day
• National Pecan Day
• National Reach as High as You Can Day

I’ll buy into the gardening day, and maybe I will look up at some point. Otherwise, I’ll stick with my Thursday schedule. Work in the morning; dentist at 1:30. Not a fan of dental procedures but this is long overdue! Have a great day – God bless….

I really enjoyed being outside in the sun and warmer air today. After working at both stores, I picked up Autmn and her friend Alex. Autmn had an interview, so Alex and I sat in the car and chatted while Autmn was inside. I enjoyed talking with Alex – we are both writers! So the half hour passed pleasantly. Autmn seemed to think the interview went well, and thinks she would enjoy the job if she is hired. Fingers (and prayers!) crossed!

After a quick lunch of toast (homemade bread!) I changed and went outside to pull weeds on the hill. I was half-way done when I remembered to take a picture, but I took a close-up of the right side. Then an ‘after’ picture of the same area, and a picture of the whole right side. Job well done! I have the left side to do, but it’s not nearly as much.

One of the sections that I was working on was over-run with earth worms! Every time I pulled a weed there was a worm lurking underneath. Freaked me out. Do worms live in colonies? Or nests? Do they have a whole city under the weeds? I could probably look it up but I’ll just count on not seeing any more of them….

Early this morning, just after I got up, I looked outside to see none other than the Easter Bunny and EB-in-training! Little bunnies are so cute! They live under my deck. It’s getting close to the big day so I hope he’s a fast learner. Or she? Is the Easter Bunny a male or female??? Just so he brings M&M’s, I don’t care.

April 12 – Share a memory of going to church as you were growing up. “I remember when I was very small we went as a family. They closed the church & after that I went with the neighbors to their church. When the second world war started, and gas was rationed, Aunt Hazel & I walked to our church about 2 mile from us.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, and the picture posted was the butterfly tree sculpture. It was beautiful. Other things you might see at the Pittsburgh Zoo are:

Calendar inspiration – Spring is a feeling as much as a season – what cheers you most about springtime?

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TOMORROW April 13th is:

• National Borinqueneers Day
• National Make Lunch Count Day
• National Peach Cobbler Day
• National Scrabble Day
• National Thomas Jefferson Day

I’m not a fan of peaches so if I make lunch count it won’t be that! Have a happy day and enjoy what you celebrate. It’s Springtime! God bless…

Woke up this morning to the sunshine and the first of Di’s ‘song of the day’ for Holy Week. She’s very creative and unique with her choices. Today was THE GOSPEL ROAD by Johnny Cash.

Work was light, so I stopped at the bank and then came home and cut the grass. It looks amazing already just a week after the lawn treatment. It got cloudy quickly, and I barely started to pull some weeds when it began to drizzle. I’ll try again another day.

When I was weeding the hill, I found the first tulip bulb. Hoping it will be in bloom for Easter. The primrose are also starting to bloom – I love how it grows in a circle!

Yesterday I was able to replace a tattered deck flag and one of the three door mats. Since they only had two, and I need three, I only bought one! Does that make sense???

I forgot to post Chrissy’s strawberry heart. Yesterday when she was slicing strawberries one came out at as heart-shaped. She was very excited and took it home for a school project or something.

I’m helping my neighbor with title work, and her boyfriend works near the Oakmont bakery. He brought this over for me – Real cream filling, chunky strawberries in a think glaze filling, donut with powdered sugar frost sprinkled on the top. I took a quick bite, but I’m saving it for supper. Or many HALF of it for supper!

April 11 – Did your Mom or Dad ever find something you had hidden? “Not that I knew about. Your (meaning my) Aunt Joan was always trying to find my diary. She did sometimes and would read it.” That’s pretty common with younger sisters, I think!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was the Charles M Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa California and the picture posted was the Snoopy Maze. We went within a few miles of Santa Rosa when we were in San Francisco but as our entire trip was planned down to the minute, we didn’t have time to stop. Of course I couldn’t borrow the bus to take a side trip on my own!

Calendar inspiration – Focus on what you do best; work with others toward a common goal.

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TOMORROW April 12th is:

• National Big Wind Day
• National Colorado Day
• National for Twelves Day
• National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day
• National Licorice Day
• National Only Child Day
• National Education and Sharing Day 

Tomorrow I am giving Autmn a ride to a job interview. Please pray that she does her best and is comfortable with the outcome! Have a terrific Tuesday! God bless…

We finally found a date that all three of us were available, and today was the day! Nate dropped the girls off, and we all pitched in to make it happen. They were so amazing – they checked the menu items, chose a chore, and started working. I didn’t have to tell them anything. They were pleasant, and excited, and capable. I took on the job of setting the table and assigning serving dishes, and the girls handled all the food.

That was quite a change from ten years ago, when Autmn informed me that Chrissy was not allowed to handle glassware, and Chrissy informed me that Autmn wasn’t allowed to use knives! They were knee-deep in both this afternoon! Now they are curled up with blankets watching a Disney movie while I write this post.

Chrissy took charge of the fried potatoes and cleaning the strawberries. Autmn cut the cheese in small serving sizes, bemoaning the fact that we didn’t have ‘cabin’ cheese for the occasion. Autmn and Chrissy worked together on the pizza rolls and bites, while Autmn handled the Snoopy cookies. I set out small bowls of sugar for the strawberries, and of course I spilled a bunch all over the table, which they cleaned up!

After the tea, the girls jumped in and washed all the dishes and cleaned up the sink. All I had to do was put the good china away in the cupboard. Times, they are a-changing — but one thing that hasn’t changed is how much we all enjoy our Annual Crocus Tea! When I dropped the girls at home, they both thanked me and said they had a wonderful day! Here’s to the Tenth Annual Crocus Tea! Love you girls!

Mary was feeling better this week and was in Sunday School. She brought in a cookie kit that came with icing markers. The kids had a great time decorating and eating their egg cookies. The lesson was about Jesus’s arrest through being placed in the tomb, and we all agreed that it was a sad way to leave the story. Next week we hear the rest of the story!

April 10 – Relate a favorite spring memory. “Down where Uncle Jim lives had daffodils all over the field. An old house had once stood there. In the spring Ruth, Hazel, & I would pick big bouquets & take them to the neighbors. We were always glad when the narcissus started to bloom. They smelled so good.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was the Biltmore Estate in Ashville NC – and the picture posted was gardens and trails. Other highlights of this estate:

Calendar inspiration is from Peanuts:

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TOMORROW April 11th is:

• National Barber Shop Quartet Day
• National Cheese Fondue Day
• National Eight Track Tape Day
• National Pet Day
• National Submarine Day

If you do have a pet (or pets) tomorrow is the day to shower them with extra love, attention and snacks! Here’s an extra hug to Tazz – still miss that pup! God bless…

Today was the community Easter Egg Hunt at Hempfield Church. The setup committee was busy all week and things were in place for the most part when I got there at 9am. Several dozen of us started on the food, setting up the games, and putting out supplies. Many hands make light work! I was able to stay until 11am, at which time I went to pick up Chrissy to take her to her football game (she plays flag football).

When I got back, the event was in full swing. The kids were having a great time, playing games and climbing around and going through their eggs. When they registered they received an egg carton with a dozen filled eggs, then could hunt for more in the auditorium. There was cotton candy, cookies, hotdogs, chips, drinks, veggies/dip, fruit and snacks. It was close to 1pm before people started leaving and we could get cleaned up. It was after 3pm when I got home. It was so much fun, even for the adults, and always good to spend time with the young and older alike.

My rice bag sprung a leak last night, so I stitched that up first thing. I still have ironing to do and a few other small things. I had a hot dog for lunch at church so supper will be light.

April 9 – Make up a limerick about me. “Marge was a girl what loved to write; she would keep at it day & night. She wrote many stories & even a poem – that told people about her home.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Topsail (NC), where Rege and his family were for vacation. The picture posted was beach rentals. Here are some additional photos:

Calendar inspiration is – satisfying work always makes a happy heart.

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TOMORROW April 10th is:

• Encourage a Young Writer Day
• National Cinnamon Crescent Day
• National Farm Animals Day
• National Siblings Day

I can celebrate all of those, since Peyton is knee deep in farm animals, not to mention Piggy Smalls. I love encouraging young writers and I love my sibling! So there we go. Have a wonderful Sunday and God Bless…

( * There were 673 jelly beans in the jar…)

I got up early to mix up the bread dough. Then I baked the scones, and Diane came for breakfast. She just needed to talk through a few things, and it worked out because we could both just talk though things. She stayed until noon and I think we again attempted to solve the world’s problems. It remains to be seen if we solved ANYTHING!

It was very foggy last night. When I got up in the night, the houses behind me looked haunted and eerie. You couldn’t even see the lights on the next street over. But this morning the fog lifted as the sun broke through.

I was just getting ready to drive over to the Five Star Trail and walk, but took a minute to fold laundry. When I came out of the laundry room it was pouring rain! So I was glad I hadn’t gone. I took a long walk through the neighborhood when the sun came out, and found a cluster of grape hyacinths blooming at the bottom of the driveway.

Then my tax lady called with news of my finished return, and I met her at the mall to sign documents and get my copies — and of course to pay her! Then I got my bath soap at Barbara Ann’s, and then discovered that Bath & Body Works had their hand soup on sale for $3.50 each. I replaced some near-empty ones in my downstairs bathroom and laundry room, and still have a spare. Super great price, and I seldom purchase those so I was excited.

When I was coming home I snapped a picture coming down Swede Hill Road. It’s a great view.

Now the bread is baking, and once this is finished I will possibly iron and then balance the checking account. That will be it for the day.

April 8 – Make up a limerick about yourself. “There once was a girl named Dot – Who sighed when it got too hot. She would wade in the ‘run’, and have lots of fun, until called home by her mum.” And you wonder where I get my writing creativity!!!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was San Francisco. I went there on a work convention once, and rode on a cable car as pictured yesterday. Other points of interest are:

Calendar Inspiration – Try to find a quiet corner for your creative hobby or craft.

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TOMORROW April 9th is:

• National Cherish an Antique Day
• National Chinese Almond Cookie Day
• National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day
• National Name Yourself Day
• National Unicorn Day
• National Winston Churchill Day

Oh, I have so many antiques that I do cherish. They mean a lot to me, mostly because they are family pieces. Diane’s daughter Shannon LOVES unicorns – she has several hundred! Tomorrow is the community Easter Egg Hunt at Hempfield Church – I plan to help in the morning. It will probably be inside, because it’s supposed to SNOW!!! And stay COLD! But the kids will have fun as always. God Bless…