TOO COLD! It felt like spring and winter were playing hide and seek today. Although it stayed cold, it was sunny one minute and snowing-blowing the next minute. I worked both Pinnacle stores and was glad to get safely and warmly home at noon.

After lunch (I’m still eating tuna salad from Saturday!) I started a load of laundry, then made a big pot of potato soup. Just seemed like a day to have hot soup.

Diane dropped off her Netflix DVD copy for me to watch – LOVE AND MERCY. It’s the story about Brian Wilson who founded the Beach Boys. If I hadn’t known that he’s still alive and doing shows I don’t think I could have watched it all the way through. It was so sad. I cried at the end. But part of that was because the last scene was shown to ‘Wouldn’t it be Nice’! That’s my all-time favorite. I can recommend the movie – it deals with mental illness and the treatment and mistreatment of it. But the end redeemed the movie!

Diane also brought me two houses for my house shelf. She has been helping a friend clean out a house for an estate sale and came across them. She remembered our plans to go to Newport this summer and thought they would be appropriate. I like the INN one the best!!!

I just got the mail and there was a letter from Mom’s neighbor Helen in Albion. Her neighbor wants to buy a book (Letters to Mary). She sent me her contact information so we’ll see if we can make this work!

March 28 – Tell about an experience at the doctor’s or dentist’s. “When very young I had swollen glands. Dad took me to see Dr. Smith in Plumville. Dr. Smith said they were at the place where they either got better or he would lance them. He said I was on the fence and could go either way. I came home and told everyone I was going to fall off the fence. :)”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Tuscany and the photo posted was a Tuscan countryside villa in wine country. Here are other pictures:

Calendar inspiration – When life gets messy, remember that better days will soon appear.

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TOMORROW March 29 is:

• National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day
• National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
• National Nevada Day
• National Vietnam War Veterans Day

I’m certain that something interesting is going on tomorrow in Nevada but I don’t have time to go see. Have a happy (and hopefully warmer!) Tuesday God bless…

Is it really spring? It was unseasonably cold today, with several bouts of blizzard-like squalls. On the way to church there were firetrucks and police cars blocking off certain ramps to Route 30, and we were forced off in a few spots. The Walworth bridge was a sheet of ice. I couldn’t tell if there was an accident at the other end, but I detoured through town to get to the church. I was sitting in the service and someone opened the door to the welcome center, and I couldn’t even see across the parking lot. But everything was salted and clear when I left to go home.

I went straight to Hunker to pick up Christina. She needed clothes for school. In the past year or so she has lost 26 pounds, being involved in sports and activities and just being busy. We went to Gabe’s first, and she got two pair of leggings, black jeans, a pair of shorts, a Champion sweatshirt, and a pair of SpongeBob boxer shorts to sleep in. She informed me that it was the newest thing to sleep in men’s boxers. I didn’t tell her I’ve been sleeping in boxers since about the 1990’s, so it’s not a new thing!

Chrissy also tried on a dress, although once she had it on she absolutely didn’t like it at all. I will admit that it wasn’t her style.

We had lunch at Panera Bread, and we both had cheddar broccoli soup. It was very good! I also grabbed two chocolate chip bagels for breakfast a few mornings next week. When we cut through Youngwood on the way home, we swung into the parking lot at the Corner Market and bought two boxes of Girls Scout cookies. I got Thin Mints and she got a new kind, a soft brownie with caramel, chocolate drizzle and sea salt. It was still snowing when I dropped her off.

Now I plan to write out a few notes, catch up on some paperwork, and maybe have a hot tea. As marvelous as the soup was, it did not agree with me. So I’ll make cautious choices for the rest of the evening.

I’m still basking in the delight of yesterday’s Skunk Hollow event. It was so fun. And I forgot to share the mysterious voicemail message left on my phone by an anonymous person (absolutely NOT my sister’s husband!!!) :

March 27 -Tell of a childhood illness. “Mumps bothered me the worst. The Chicken Pox were just an annoyance. Whooping Cough was a long illness but I wasn’t too bad. I hardly knew I had measles.” She went through them all!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was vacations for seniors as depicted by the photo posted. Numerous reasons were listed but it really didn’t convince me! But there’s probably no place that you could go that you wouldn’t enjoy! Here are their top suggestions:

Calendar inspiration today is from Snoopy:

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TOMORROW March 28 is:

• National Black Forest Cake Day
• National Something on a Stick Day
• National Triglycerides Day
• National Weed Appreciation Day

Oh my! I guess I could appreciate weeds. It gives me an eternal spring/summer/fall focus. An unending project! Have a great new week! It’s the last week of March. God bless…

March 26, 2022 – a fantastically fun day! It started out early with a snow squall that looked like a blizzard. I half expected phone calls that some wouldn’t make it – but SUCCESS!! Everyone came. And everyone brought yummy, wonderful food! We ate about 1:30pm – everyone was starving and couldn’t wait for Gwen at 3pm.

Karen V could not attend, as she was heading to the Eagles concert in Pittsburgh. Can you believe she threw us over for a couple of BIRDS? And Bonnie already had plans. But the rest of us made it and had a wonderful day. (We missed them!)

We were looking through the crate of Crooks family pictures and letters and post cards and documents and old books when Gwen got here. So then everyone decided we needed to keep her company eating and grabbed snacks and desserts. Except for Holly – she had a rule about waiting until 5pm. So at 10 after 5 she got food, and we all decided it was time for supper! So basically, we ate all day. We had egg salad, tuna salad, chicken salad, 3 kinds of rolls, chips and salsa, chips and crackers, macaroni salad, taco salad, cheese/cracker/meat tray, M&M’s, chocolate mocha cake, strawberry Jello pretzel salad, three kinds of gobs… That MAY be it – plus tea and soda and water.

Since we are all of common family connections, we really had a great time looking at our ancestry. Connie got ahold of an old reunion yearbook from Davis School (where my mom attended all her school years) and spent almost the whole time looking through that. Everyone found something that they connected with. Gwen agreed to take some of the items to the little Smicksburg Heritage Museum. Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford had already donated items there when they first opened so it made sense. It was rewarding to see our family so excited about their little treasures.

So — some of the topics of conversations were Holly’s two close brushes with death, Beth’s New Hampshire vacation, behind-the-scenes info of Gwen’s daughter’s shower and wedding. We talked about the last years and deaths of our parents and family, our grandchildren, my water issues and their amazing resolution, future outing suggestions for the group, ALWAYS have one or two discussions of faith-related issues, food (again, always!), things that make you go, ‘hmmmm.’ It was after 7:30pm when everyone left, and it was just starting to snow again. Praying that everyone traveled carefully and arrived home safe.

Holly regaled us with her ‘near death’ experiences and I had my traditional story to share. Lots of memories and laughter and fun.

I love these girls like sisters (well, Kathy IS my sister!) and cherish all the time we can spend together. So thankful for one of the biggest blessings that feeds my soul! God bless you, each and every one!

March 26 – Do you have any other good stories about being injured? “When I was 6 or 7 years old, I was ‘helping’ brother Jim make lead hearts & other things to make into a necklace. Some melted, hot lead spilled onto my foot. It burned so deep I couldn’t wear a shoe for 6 weeks. I still have the burn mark on my foot.” And I have the necklace that Uncle Jim made that day!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was a series of places – Lighthouses of New England. Yesterday’s post was New London Ledge Light, Groton, Connecticut. A few other lighthouses (not all, of course!) are:

Calendar Inspiration – Our workday starts early – resolve to make it a good day!

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TOMORROW March 27 is:

• International Medical Science Liaison Day
• National Joe Day
• National Scribble Day
• National Spanish Paella Day

SO, Joe gets his own day. Hmmm. I have to say my handwriting is so bad I can easily celebrate National Scribble Day – but whatever, enjoy! God bless…

The beautiful sunny day turned into clouds and rain and got colder as the day went on. I was glad to get my groceries done in the morning and be home before it got uncomfortable. I was able to go down to the shed and get the folding table and check the mail between showers. At 7:30pm it’s 42* and no trace of the earlier sunshine. Tomorrow won’t be any better; I believe the weekend will be cold!

Once I got home I started mixing up the salads: Egg salad, Chicken salad, Tuna salad. Then I sampled each on a small piece of bread as a taste test. But after having all three in a row I lost my perspective and didn’t even have a favorite! I’m sure they will be fine.

Since I was already in the kitchen I mixed up some chocolate chip M&M cookies for Easter. They are tucked in the freezer so I don’t eat them.

So I did laundry, ironing, swept the floors (again), cooked, and paid bills. I guess that’s enough for today!

Today is the anniversary of my Dad’s death in 1985. He was 56 when he died. That was a long, long time ago, but there’s a lot I remember just like it were yesterday! I still miss him!

March 25 – Did you ever need stitches? “I should have had my lower lip stitched when I fell from the hayloft & hit the barn floor on my face. My lower teeth cut clear through my lip. Stitches, back then, were for ‘serious injuries.’ “

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Finland, and the picture posted was Suomenlinna – a perfect spot for picnics. A few other photos of Finland:

Calendar Inspiration – When things grow dim, guiding lights shine brighter.

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TOMORROW March 26 is:

• Epilepsy Awareness Day – Purple Day
• National Nougat Day
• National Spinach Day

Purple day! And I can assure you that no spinach was used in the planning of our Skunk Hollow event that will take place here tomorrow afternoon. A whole nine months until Christmas Day! God bless…

We had a good day and everything worked out just right. I worked both stores, then came home and picked up Kathy for our 3rd Fireside Chat at Compass Inn – Histories and Mysteries of Language. Emily Barth is so passionate and knowledgeable about the origin and evolution of words and language, and makes learning about it very fun. The two hours just fly by.

Before the lecture, though, Kathy and I met Carol, Sue, and Claudia at The Getaway Café, across from the old Ligonier Valley Beach right before Laughlintown. It was a lovely hour and a half of good conversation, good food, and good friends. I had a fish sandwich, and ate half. This is what was left! A huge thanks to Aunt Cordelia for treating me for lunch. It was twice as delicious. Love you!

The Café used to to be a type of hardware store, I think, and was a very cool place, with stone walls (inside), metal signs on the wall, and a heart shaped hula-hoop by the entrance. The waitresses were all very nice, as well.

After I got home I changed clothes and went for a walk. I haven’t been around the neighborhood for a while and it was good to be outside. I snapped a few photos of evidence of Spring!

And just a note – today is the anniversary of my friend Gen’s husband Zane’s passing. He is still loved and missed by his family and friends! Thinking of you, Gen, and your family. Love you!

March 24 – What bones have you broken and how? “I never have broken a bone.” Neither have I!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Greenland, and the photo posted was the Blue River. It looks so desolate! Here are more photos.

Calendar inspiration – A dependable partner doubles the enjoyment of work and lessens the load.  Thank your coworkers!  (Well, maybe….)

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TOMORROW March 25 is:

• National Lobster Newburg Day
• National Medal of Honor Day
• National Tolkien Reading Day

Tomorrow is also nine months until Christmas Day! I will spend tomorrow getting organized and making my food for Saturday. That will be enough to keep me busy. Have a great day! God bless…

I am watching HOME TOWN and listening to the wind – and Mom’s windchimes. There is a possibility of nasty weather this evening and tonight. I am praying for the safety of those around me and those I love!

Last night I made a Pillsbury recipe I found on facebook. The directions were not complete so I found it on YouTube. I generally don’t experiment with new recipes – even old ones!!! – but I’ve been hungry for tacos. It actually turned out ok but next time I would make a few adjustments. I will heat up some for supper when I’m done with this post.

Today was a typical cleaning day but got done in good time – mostly because I only took a few short reading breaks and no TV breaks! And for lunch I heated up a small bowl of mashed potatoes so that didn’t take any time at all. Now the house is mostly clean and I will only have to do light sprucing up for the weekend. Tomorrow is our third ‘Fireside Chat’ at Compass Inn so that’s fun to look forward to.

Here are a few more random pictures of the decorations.

March 23 – Which chore did you dislike the most? “I pretended I hated washing the dishes but I really didn’t. I didn’t like to gather the eggs as sometimes a mean hen or rooster would chase me & peck my bare feet & legs.” When Mom’s dementia progressed, doing dishes was the thing she liked best! We always had her do them when we could. So it was an ‘old love’ coming out naturally!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was actually a list of the best places to take a spring vacation. The picture posted was Durango Colorado. There are other suggestions:

Calendar Inspiration – Be open to new ideas; think outside the box!

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TOMORROW March 24 is:

• National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
• National Cheesesteak Day
• National Cocktail Day

I love chocolate covered raisins – haven’t had any since I left Smail’s. They used to have a big container in the conference room. Tomorrow is also 9 months until Christmas Eve – Right, Bud? Have a great day – God bless…

I decided the best approach to the week was to spread the chores out and get a few things done every day. I worked both Pinnacle stores but no one called for extra title work – YEA! I stopped at Aldi’s and then at Ollies to get a deck umbrella. Long over-do. I’ll still try to fix the old one but not having much luck. Then I buzzed down to L&L Fleatique just to browse. Found a few interesting items – two things that I have kept since grade school and they had them there for sale. Nice to know they are of some value.

Refreshed the dryer load and folded clothes. A few things to iron which I will do after this. Also scrubbed the inside of the garage door and it looks much better!

Since I’m done decorating I took a few random photos of some of the little displays. I can enjoy them for several weeks.

March 22 – Describe some outside chores. “MOWING the YARD. PAINTED our FENCE that went all around the garden & yard. I think we (Hazel, Jim & myself) had more paint on us than the fence did. Milked a COW. Fed the CHICKENS & gathered the EGGS. Helped weed the GAREDN.” Kids today don’t even know what ‘chores’ really are!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Bar Harbor Maine and the picture posted was Air Tours.

Calendar inspiration – Spring breezes bring lovely surprises – the call of returning birds and rich scents.  Keep looking for good things blowing your way!

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TOMORROW March 23 is:

• National Chia Day
• National Chip and Dip Day
• National Near Miss Day
• National Melba Toast Day
• National Puppy Day 
• National Tamale Day

I can’t wrap my head around celebrating Melba Toast… Puppies, maybe! Chips and dip for sure! Enjoy. God bless…

Last night as I was getting ready for bed I noticed that the hill looked like it was on fire! I stood and watched for a few minutes and realized it was the moon rising. I was huge and orange! I took photos but only two really came out – one with flash and one without – once the moon had cleared the hilltop. I was just fascinated with watching it! Once it was up it changed to white.

I want to wish a beautiful birthday to my friend April – my ‘other daughter’! I miss seeing her and working with her. Sending you sweet wishes for a wonderful celebration and a great year! Love you!

Today was another run-around day – but all good (well, mostly good!). Worked in Jeannette and was heading to Mike P’s to drop off a deal when Nate txt me. Christina was not feeling well and needed a ride home. So I went straight to the school, picked up Chrissy (she got her hair cut and it looks wonderful!) then took her home. THEN went to Greensburg store, finished up there and stopped to give Mike G paperwork, then the bank. By then I was pretty hungry so I came home and ate lunch.

It was such a beautiful day that it was great being outside. I set up my outside projector (I use the Halloween one because it’s purple and orange dots, and looks ok for Easter, too). Then I put all the eggs around the yard, pulled weeds for about an hour or so, dug out a tree stump (it was rotted so no biggie), then filled the Easter Baskets with plastic eggs. I still have to do the window Stickees but wanted to get this done. Tonight is the last Gilded Age episode of season one but Kath is having issues with her TV stations so we may have to wait! Yikes!!!

While I was doing the eggs, I noticed that one of my purple hyacinths is almost full bloom! Most of them are up about 33 inches or so. No daffodils blooming yet. Then on the side of the house I noticed that an animal is digging through the mulch to the bare ground. It’s about a two foot circle. I’m hoping it’s not a skunk….

When I was done pulling weeds I filled all the baskets with plastic eggs and set them around the house. I saved out a few eggs for the kids to look for on Easter Sunday.

March 21 – Describe some household chores you had as a child. “As soon as I could reach the sink by standing on a stool I washed dishes. Hazel liked to dry better than wash. Set the table. Dad taught me how to sweep with the broom & get all the fuzz. We made our bed & sometimes the other 4 beds. I learned how to bake & cook when I was 8 or 10 years old.” I’ve been baking the homemade brownies since at least that age! A favorite!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Phi Phi Islands and the picture posted was of stunning scenery, which is what they are basically famous for.

Calendar inspiration – In this world of continual distractions, create a quiet personal space to relax and dream.

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TOMORROW March 22 is:

• National Bavarian Crepes Day
• National Goof Off Day
• National West Virginia Day
• National American Diabetes Association Alert Day
• National Ag Day
• National 3-D Day

If someone takes me to Bavaria I will have a crepe. Otherwise, I’m going to goof off tomorrow. I could do that without much effort! Have a great day! God bless…

It’s the first official day of spring. Mr. Winter was having trouble letting go, because it was cold and windy and rainy this morning – then sunny – then cloudy again; It’s 48* right now at 7:45pm. So Ms. Spring forgot to set her alarm and slept in. Maybe better tomorrow!

We had six kids in Sunday School, and I think they all fed off each other’s energy. They were all over the place! But they did do their craft and listened very well to the story. We talked about the Lame Man that Peter and John healed at the temple gate. I explained how he couldn’t walk, or work, and had to beg for money. Max said that wouldn’t be hard. All you had to do was say please! Oh, if only! We talked about it not being quite as easy as that…

I spent the entire rest of the day – until now – working on Easter decorations. It always feels overwhelming when I get the boxes out – I have five – and try to decide where things look the best. Sometimes I move things five or six times. I’m probably still not done moving them.

Tomorrow I will put up the outside stuff – bunnies and eggs, mostly – and put up the window stickees. I will also count out enough plastic eggs so I can put treats in them for the grandkids, then put the rest of the eggs in my baskets. I have every size from tiny to large. I also have plenty of eggs! I just need to get something to eat after this so I won’t get anything else done.

I’m still basking in the pleasure from yesterday’s beautiful bridal shower, and spending time with the Skunk Hollow girls. It will get me through a busy week!

A big happy birthday to my step-sister (in-law) Bobbie! She celebrated today by baking herself her favorite pie. I think that’s terrific. Have a great day, Bobbie, and a wonderful year!!!

March 20 – What do you remember as your favorite time of year? Why? “Summertime – because we could be outside. Even if we did have extra yard & garden work it was always a fun time. Also, we went to visit our grandparents & aunts & uncles in the nice weather.” I’m with you, Mom! I love summer best! Although in later years she loved fall best, I think.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was – Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, and the lake was the photo posted. Here are a few other things to see and do in Deep Creek.

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TOMORROW March 21 is:

• National California Strawberry Day
• National Common Courtesy Day
• National Countdown Day
• National Fragrance Day
• National French Bread Day
• National Single Parent Day
• World Down Syndrome Day

What are we counting down tomorrow? I’ll find something, I’m sure. And I plan to finish up with Easter decorating. Enjoy spring and a brand new week, with no mistakes in it! God bless…

It was warmer this morning than it is now. The sun was out for a few brief moments but there has been a drizzle of rain now and again. Typical ‘spring’ day! Kath picked me up about 10:15am and we went to a bridal shower in Delmont at Station House 7. The building was old and quaint and inside was a hidden jewel! I never knew it was there.

The shower was for our Skunk Hollow cousin Gwen’s daughter Tara, who is marrying Jacob in May. She looked stunning in her long white dress and dark hair! The beautiful wooden tables were dressed in elegant table runners and place settings. Even the name cards were sparkly. There was a coffee bar, a donut station, and a wine and punch bar that had sparkle drink bombs to drop into your glass to turn the drink a shimmery gold. Digestible glitter! We had fruit, yogurt, bacon, sausage, mini-pancakes, and bagels with choices of spread. Everything was a delight to the eyes and the stomach!

After brunch we went upstairs to round tables covered in white cloths and tall vases of wispy flowers. There was a photo ‘booth’ with balloons and fronds. The back corner was the dessert table, with a neon light, huge cake, and an assortment of cookies. We won’t have to eat for a week! The favors were little burlap bags with coffee bean soap inside. We played a few games (I am horrible at that and didn’t even try!), then Tara and Jake opened gifts.

Sitting at the table with the Skunk Hollow girls was an added bonus – as always – and we had a wonderful time.

March 19 – If you ever hitch-hiked, explain. “Never did – my brother hitch-hiked to see his girl friend. (Whom he married.)”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Longwood Gardens and the picture posted was the water lilies. Here are a few gardens that you can stroll through:

Calendar inspiration – Enjoy the quiet time between rest and action.

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TOMORROW March 20 is:

• National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
• National Proposal Day
• National Ravioli Day
• World Flour Day
• Spring Begins 

So excited to see spring coming. It will be a little at a time, but it WILL come! Have a great day! God bless…