TODAY is my dear friend Bear (Barry Shirey)’s birthday! We’ve known each other since in the 80’s and I’m so glad to call him a friend. So happy birthday, Bear; I hope your day was wonderful! Wishing you years of blessings and health and love!!!

Tonight is the full moon, so I thought I’d post a photo. The interesting thing is that I took one with the flash on, and one with it off! And the stream from the jet was not visible when I looked at the sky. Also note the advancement of the jet! And what is that bluish-green spot in the clouds right above the tree line? UFO? Hmmm. Someone’s WATCHING us. ???

It took me all day to get through my chores list. I changed the flags from St. Patrick’s Day to Easter, switched my napkins to spring, cleaned the house and did laundry, and also dressed Miss Dottie in her spring outfit. She looks happy with her bouquet of daisies!

When I finally took a break and went for the mail, I found a large envelope from Dottie and Steve (my step-sister). I was so excited when I opened it up! She had taken all the information that Mom and John put together from records they already had and some research they did, as well as some sleuthing on her own, and put together the Graves Genealogy. It starts back in the 1100’s, and moves to present day. I was especially interested once I hit the section about Mary Cole (Crouch) and her family, and from there down to Charlie, who built the house John and Mom lived in. A huge thank you for everyone who invested time and effort, and for including our little branch of the family on the tree!

March 18 – Do you have any other memories of St. Patrick’s Day as a youth? “Our one room school had poems for us to read. We sang Irish songs.” It’s so cool to celebrate our heritage! And to help others celebrate theirs, as well.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Gros Morne, Canada, and the picture posted was Ten Mile Pond. I’ve never even heard of it, but the views are stunning! Here is more information:

Calendar Inspiration (note the full moon!) – Sometimes nature will surprise you with unexpected delight.  Look for it!

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TOMORROW March 19 is:

• National Backyard Day
• National Certified Nurses Day
• National Chocolate Caramel Day
• National Let’s Laugh Day
• National Poultry Day
• National Corn Dog Day
• National Quilting Day

A lot of nice things to celebrate tomorrow. We are celebrating Tara with a bridal shower and are excited to all get together! Have a wonderful Saturday, whatever you celebrate. God bless.

Well, it’s quiet here now. After all the fun and family of the last few days, it feels empty here. I love having the kids here. Kelly & I went to Gabe’s (No, I didn’t buy another blanket, but came close!!!) and then to Walmart for some of the boys’ favorites. We made cookies, and worked outside, and read books, brainstormed ideas, and even proofread my essay. Matt & Peyton came up for the trailer late Wednesday night and we ordered pizza. Matt, Peyton and Logan were outside working on the trailer’s faulty turn-signals until midnight (UGH!) and they were – at one point – having a disco-dance party to the blinking of the red lights in the middle of the road! Memories…

Today was very busy. I had 5 phone calls, three for title work and two miscellaneous. I went to work two different times! Made ANOTHER trip to Walmart to pick up a few things (about 5!) that we ran out of this week. I am taking a quiet evening (it’s already 8pm!) and then will start with cleaning in the morning and finish up the chores. I may have to go to work again…

Today being St. Patrick’s Day, I wore my one and only appropriate outfit. It will last forever if I only wear it once a year. Just fun to do that. But I’m not planning anything else for the day but answering one email and getting something light to eat.

March 17 -Did people wear green on St. Patrick’s Day? “Yes. We would plan weeks ahead on what we could wear that was green.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Rehoboth Beach DE and the picture posted was Penny Lane Mall. Just a little of what’s in Rehoboth:

Calendar Inspiration – Transformation occurs so gradually, we seldom notice it.

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TOMORROW March 18 is:

• National Awkward Moments Day
• National Biodiesel Day
• National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day
• National Sloppy Joe Day
• National Supreme Sacrifice Day

I will make the supreme sacrifice of taking the day off! 🙂 Have a wonderful Friday! God bless…

Another beautiful sunny day, and I did get some sleep last night. Felt much more refreshed this morning. Kelly and I had breakfast together, mixed up a batch of cookie dough, then I went to my meeting at Hanna’s Town. I am on the committee for the Spring Tea. We got a lot covered and everyone has their assignments. I offered to iron the tablecloths and everyone was amazed. Almost no one irons any more! I will wait until the last moment (last week in April) so they look fresh. The tea was sold out two days after the notice went out. It’s very popular. The daffodils outside the Steele House were in bloom and looked bright in the beautiful morning sunlight.

After lunch Kelly and I finished the cookies. We used the candy cane recipe but made them into St. Patrick’s day snakes! They taste wonderful no matter what you call or make them.

I asked the kids to help me bring the lawn furniture up to the deck. If I do it myself it takes me so many trips. The four of us on the job made the task very easy. Thanks to my family for lugging it up the hill!

A big thanks as well to Hannah for helping me select the appropriate YETI for my needs. It came today and I’m excited to use it. 20 oz, Bimini Pink. It looks red in the picture but it truly is pink.

Matt & Peyton are coming up tonight to complete the landscape trailer transaction. We’ll order pizza and have a houseful overnight, for sure!

March 16 – Tell your major and how you chose it. – Again, Mom did not go to college. I think she would have had a career in medicine if she could have. She was always interested and always had a ‘treatment’ for whatever was ailing us – or at least a diagnosis!

Vacation destination for yesterday was Baja California, and the photo posted was a glass bottom boat tour. Other points of interest (but not limited to!) are:

Calendar Inspiration –  Day by day we work to make things better – Stay strong; everyone benefits!

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TOMORROW March 17 is:

• National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day
• St. Patrick’s Day
• National Farm Rescuer Day
• Absolutely Incredible Kid Day 

My daughter loves St. Patrick’s Day. Have a great day, Kelly – ENJOY! And I know a lot of incredible kids so that’s an easy one. God bless…

The Ides of March! Beware! Well, I don’t think there’s anything to really be concerned about. (PS – happy birthday Michael Gregg!!!)

Kelly & I had breakfast, got showers, did laundry, worked on projects, fed the kids, fed the kids, fed the kids, — you get the picture! We also worked on little baskets for my Easter Sunday School lesson. It required some creativity and that’s not my strong suit, so she was here and I took advantage of her help. Now we will just add a little treat right before Easter and that’s done.

I could not fall asleep last night, and right about now I could fall over and sleep on my computer desk! It’s 8:30pm so it won’t be long until I can go to bed.

Matt called and asked Kelly to drive down to Irwin and look at a landscape trailer (to haul equipment). We took a drive down, and the house right across from the trailer was all decked out for St. Patrick’s Day. Kelly loved the whole yard thing so I thought I would share!

March 15 – If you went to college, tell which college you chose and why. – Mom did not go to college. She got hands-on education through her day-to-day life experiences!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Wetumpka AL – and I chose that because I have still been watching Ben & Erin on HOME TOWN and they did a series of shows about renovating the town of Wetumpka. So here are some interesting things to do and see there. The picture posted was of the Coosa River.

Calendar Inspiration – Get an early start on your day’s work.

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TOMORROW March 16 is:

• Everything You Do Is Right Day
• National Artichoke Hearts Day
• National Curl Crush Day
• National Freedom of Information Day
• National Panda Day
• National SBDC Day

My calendar says tomorrow is the start of Purim – Purim is a Jewish holiday which commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman, an official of the Achaemenid Empire who was planning to have all of Persia’s Jewish subjects killed, as recounted in the Book of Esther.  We studied this in our Sunday School class last fall, and determined that Esther was a brave and Godly woman. Something to celebrate indeed! God bless…

Today is Pi Day. I hope whichever pie/pi you are interested in, it worked for you! I actually did neither. I had soup!

Nate and Dave came over before work and fixed the dryer vent. It was loose on the outside, so they straightened that up, too. So it’s all fixed now – and it is not only efficient but looks a whole lot better!

I did the work that was in Jeannette, then went through town to get stamps at the post office. I had heard that their new Mountain Flora stamps came out today and I needed stamps. I got a few birthday cards, stopped at the bank, and then went to Greensburg. Stopped at Mike P’s to pick up work there. I still got home in time to take a long walk before I ate lunch. Did laundry and looking forward to not only the next to the last episode (sadly – for season one!) of The Gilded Age, but also to Kelly, Logan and Chase later tonight! A full, fun week!

The snow is melting quickly as the sun hits it. I very much enjoyed my walk in the bright sun! When I’m done with this, I will write out the birthday cards, do some ironing, and maybe check into a little Sunday School craft project I’m thinking of for Easter.

March 14 – Do you remember your first pizza? “It was sometime close to when you (Marge) was born. We would stop in Indiana & get a couple pieces at 10 cents a piece. It had lots of cheese & a very tough crust. I always have liked pizza.” Dad did, too – he’d order it for half the neighborhood at the drop of a hat. We loved that!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Savannah GA, and the picture posted was the city market. We shopped and had lunch there after our bus tour. It was very hot but it was a great city! Here are way too many but not nearly all of the fun and interesting sites in Savannah:

Calendar inspiration – The only way to find something is to look for it.  Be prepared to find something new today and you surely will.

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TOMORROW March 15 is:

• National Everything You Think Is Wrong Day
• National Kansas Day
• National Pears Helene Day
• National Shoe the World Day
• World Social Work Day
• National Equal Pay Day

There’s nothing on the list that makes me want to celebrate – but YOU do YOU! Have a happy Tuesday! God bless…

Well, JJ announced to the Sunday School class this morning that his brother Max asked Grace to marry him last week, and she said yes! We told them we were very excited for them, and there were two conditions. One was that we were invited to the wedding (they are 5 & 6 years old, currently…). Two was that Max had to have a good job first, so he could buy Grace a house and food. Max said not to worry – he had lots and lots of real coins! JJ thinks it’s about $71… Grace and Max are very happy, and think they may actually get married at the beach. Oh, young love! They are just too cute!

After church and lunch I mixed up some icing for the batch of scones that are in the freezer, then set about making cream of potato soup for Nate and Chrissy. I did a little taste test and it seems to pass the test!

As I was checking facebook after church I came across a post from Old Mahoning Baptist Church. This is the church my mom and her family went to for many, many years, and a lot of my family still go there. This morning Uncle Clifford was recognized for his 63 years of faithful service as a deacon in the church, and Aunt Joan for her countless contributions (not in the least of which is that she is a very accomplished pianist!). Congrats to both of them. Love you both – to the MOON and back!!!

I have some desk work to do this afternoon so I’m cutting this short. It’s still very cold I’m glad to be inside today.

March 13 – Tell about your first smoke. “I guess when I was in high school. I never smoked as none of us had money we wanted to spend on something we really didn’t enjoy.” Smart thinking!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was one of twelve beautiful destinations – and the one posted was Provence, France. Other destinations suggested are:

Calendar Inspiration –

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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
• National Napping Day

Everyone should write their stories! Put it down in a diary or journal. It’s a treasure. God bless…

I could not BELIEVE how cold and windy it was when I just now went up for the mail! Temps say 18* but the RealFeel is 7*. I’m not sure how I managed to be outside cleaning up the snow this morning for over an hour!

Shoveling was NOT on my priority list, so I changed my bed sheets, threw them in the washer, got a shower, made breakfast, and was contemplating my next move when I hear a noise out my window. My neighbor across the street was snow-blowing the longest part of my driveway. I was so grateful for that, because the snow was wet and very heavy, and it took all my energy to finish the bottom of the driveway, the sidewalks and the decks. So even though I did send him a thank you, again: Thank you, Allan, for sharing your time and talent!

The next chore on the list was to scrub the basement floor. Every time I do that, a tiny bit more of the white stain comes off. There are a few places I don’t think will come clean. I’m still waiting to hear back from the insurance inspector about what they plan to do. I was listening to Holmes Rescues Families while I was scrubbing, and the program was about an undetected water leak. When I saw what they went through it sent shivers down my spine, thinking what could have happened. I literally thank God every single day for the wonderful, focused, talented plumber who found the issue and corrected it right away. He was a gift from God!

I noticed when I was doing laundry that the laundry room seemed very stuffy and humid. After a bit of detective work I discovered the that dryer vent came apart at one of the seams, and the hot dryer air was being thrown back into the room. I couldn’t get it to fit back together, but I was able to use about half a roll of duct tape and patch it temporarily. Nate and Dave are coming over next week to fix it right.

Sarah sent me a picture of Wyatt cuddling with the Snoopy that I bought him. He looks so cute – and I’m glad he enjoys Snoopy. Who wouldn’t??

I believe there is something a little off-center in my priority focus. Yesterday I spent hours washing windows, and today I spent hours scrubbing the floor on my hands and knees – both using vinegar water. And I am thoroughly excited and pleased to see these places sparkling and clean. It’s sort of like balm for the soul! What is WRONG with me? When cleaning is the most exciting thing…. Yikes!

March 12 – Tell of a difficult school essay or term paper assignment. “None I remember.” That makes sense because Mom didn’t attend her Junior or Senior year.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Compass Inn in Laughlintown, where we have been going to the Language classes. I thought I would post some of the programs they offer. Yesterday’s photo was the Blacksmithing Class. These programs are on the schedule so check out the website for information:

These events were from 2021, and dates have not yet been announced for 2022. Keep checking the website. (Remember – dates listed are inaccurate, and programs may change yearly.)

Calendar inspiration – Drama & beauty can be found anywhere at any time.  Keep your eyes and heart open every day!

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TOMORROW March 13 is:

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

Don’t forget to change your clocks for tomorrow – Spring Ahead. That means – unfortunately – we will lose an hour’s sleep. It will take me a week to get used to the new schedule but it will be nice to have more daylight in the evenings. Enjoy, and God Bless…

I woke up this morning to pretty shadows on the wall and on the blind. I just cuddled in and enjoyed it for a bit, then got started on my day. Had scones for breakfast then organized my grocery list. I was determined to stick to it, which I did admirably.

After lunch – which, ridiculously, was the lady lock from the Pie Shoppe yesterday! – I attacked the window-washing project. I moved into this house in March of 1991, and once I was settled one of the first things I did was wash windows. So it’s tradition to me to wash windows in mid-March to clean off the winter grime. I do them several times a year but March is the first one of the ‘new year’.

I have been thinking about moving some furniture around in the living room, just for something different. So after I finished with the windows I tried a few different things – but the way I wanted didn’t work – the couch covered up both air vents which wouldn’t be a good plan. I did move a few things around just to give the room a different feel, but it was easy and quick!

There is a very funny movie on tonight (Hallmark’s Friday night Christmas movie – An Unexpected Christmas) which makes me laugh out loud. My goal is to finish up here, get something to eat (something healthy, this time!), then settle in with a warm blanket (I believe I have quite a number to choose from!) and watch the movie. I don’t plan on going anywhere tomorrow with the predicted snowfall. So be safe!

March 11 – Did kids ever tease you? About what? “Mostly because I was such a little kid they never wanted me to play on their ‘team.’ ” I bet they were sorry afterwards!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Cape May NJ, and the picture posted was JERSEY SHORE ALPACAS. Other points of interest are:

Calendar Inspiration – When good things come into our lives, we think they’ll be there forever.  But not always!  Cherish what you love most. 

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TOMORROW March 12 is:

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

I think that with 3 or more inches of snow we won’t be planting a flower. I’ll be watching the local store parking lots for Girl Scouts selling cookies! Be safe tomorrow and have a happy day! God bless — (Thin Mint!!!)

What a perfect, sunny day! It was so nice to wake up to the sun shining and the temperatures warm enough for a light jacket. I got my work done this morning, then picked Kathy up at 11:15 and we headed to Laughlintown. We were there early enough to park in the paved lot, therefore avoiding the muddy field. We walked across to the Antique Mall, which was filled with tastefully displayed antiques, but mostly with old, wooden cabinets, trunks, and cupboards. I love those things! When we left, we walked across a yard that had tiny crocuses poking up through the grass. (Is it time for the crocus tea??)

After we walked around there, we went back down to the Pie Shoppe and got lunch and cookies. We both had pizza, which tasted all the better for being able to sit outside on the little bistro tables in the sunshine to eat. There was a little shop next door filled with ‘Smicksburg-type’ items, which again we thoroughly enjoyed.

By then it was time for the program so we headed to the Inn. The fire was again lit, and the common room was full to overflowing. Emily shared the transformation of language from Old English to Middle English to Modern English (which, by the way, transitioned right before Shakespeare’s time!).

Things like loosing word endings, doubling vowels or consonants, two different countries naming the same item something different (i.e., Cu/Oxa for animal (cow) and boef for the meat). She also read a passage from the poem Beowulf. It almost (??) made sense when she read it, but trying to decipher it ourselves was not happening! Can you figure out familiar words in the scripture passage from Matthew?

March 10 – What was your favorite movie as a youth? Why? “Anything with Gene Autry playing in the western. Gone with the Wind became my all time favorite when I finally went to see it sometime in the early 1940’s. I fell in love with Clark Gable.” Gone with the Wind is very high on my list, too. Do you know it took Margaret Mitchell 10 years to write the book, and it’s the only book she had published? In 2014 it was the second favorite book of American readers, second only to the Bible.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was the little town of Jim Thorpe PA – called the Little Switzerland of Pennsylvania. The photo posted was the Muggles Mug Coffee Shoppe, a Harry Potter themed coffee shop. Jim Thorpe seems to be a very popular destination spot for a long weekend getaway. Other points of interest:

Calendar Inspiration — The unexpected can surprise us. Do or say something kind every day.

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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

I need to do some household projects (No tools will be worshiped in the carrying out of these projects), as well as grab a few groceries for the weekend and next week. The snow isn’t supposed to start until later so I expect to do my errands first! Have a safe and happy day. God bless…

This morning was my day to laze in bed for an extra half hour and read. All I had planned for today was to clean so I could spare the time. The sky convinced me that the day would hold some strange weather.

And – it was right. By the time I was eating breakfast it was snowing pretty hard. But they were big, fat floating flakes and actually were beautiful to watch. The snowfall didn’t last long, and was melted by lunch. I felt comfortable enough to run a short errand. Shhh….

Last night while I was watching TV I was going through my two books of post cards. Mom started the first book for me Christmas 1999, and it mostly contained post cards to and from her family: Her dad and mom, grandparents, aunts and uncles – even before she was born. I have been adding to the collection since, and even send myself a postcard from every place unusual I visit or each vacation destination. Feel free to send me a postcard any time you go somewhere interesting. I’d love it! But one of the things in the book was a birth announcement for me. I found it very unusual that my parents introduced me as a ‘pet’! Should I feel insulted?? These days it would probably be an insult to the animal world!

March 9 – What was your favorite radio program? “Probably Fibber Magee and Molly. Without electric we had a radio run on a big battery. We were glad when Dad got an electric radio after the electric was put in the neighborhood. Grandma & Uncle Edd helped pay to have the house wired. We could listen to more programs then.” It’s amazing to think of how life was back then – without electricity. We take it SO for granted!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Astoria, Oregon, and the picture posted was Fort Astoria. If you recall, yesterday was National Oregon Day, so it felt fitting. Other points of interest in Astoria are:

Calendar Inspiration – Appreciate the special pleasure in old friends –those who know you better than you know yourself!

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TOMORROW March 10 is:

• National Blueberry Popover Day
• National Mario Day
• National Pack Your Lunch Day
• National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
• World Kidney Day

Tomorrow is our second installment at Compass Inn for Fireside Chats – Histories and Mysteries of Language. I’m excited to go. Have a Terrific Thursday! God bless…