It was very cold and overcast at 5:45am when I got up. I was seriously questioning my choice of a hike in less than 20* temps and overcast skies. But, who wouldn’t want to go on a George Washington History hike? So I left my house a little before 7:30am and headed to Diane’s, where Shannon caught up with us and we headed towards Butler. The hike was to be at the Jennings Environmental Center in Slippery Rock, and we got there about 9:15am. After a quick freshen up and a few sips of hot drink (Di had tea, I had cider), we walked around the classroom to view the displays. I felt comfortable with the surroundings, seeing that a distant cousin of Mr. Fresh was there, and I also took a picture of Skunk cabbage – the actual reason we are the Skunk Hollow girls!

Next we went outside to stand around the fire pit. It wasn’t as cold as I thought it might be, and I was really bundled up. I was wearing footed tights, then socks. Also thick leggings and lined nylon joggers. On top, a turtle neck and a heavy fleece pullover, plus my winter coat. Two pair of gloves, a knitted headband, and a warm scarf, double wrapped. I was ready! We saw a woodpecker on the tree, and there was a snowy bridge walking trail, where you could see the semi-frozen creek.

The guide took us on a loop by the creek, and we learned about George Washington’s assignment in 1773 to deliver a letter to the French commander. We also learned about his guide, Indian trader Christopher Gist, and how the two of them encountered an Indian, who walked them them a ways and then turned on them! They were able to over-power the Indian, and despite the lateness of the house, they escaped into the dark night toward what would be Ft. Duquesne. It was very interesting, and I learned several new pieces of information, which I always love to do!

After the hike, we had our piece of Cherry Pie, then went across the road to tour the Old Stone House. It was a stage coach stop, and was so interesting to see the artifacts and structure of the building. I loved it!

By now, we needed real food, and Diane wanted to stop at The Hot Dog Shoppe in Butler. The bonus there was that they had French Fries made from real, fresh potatoes! Yum!

I got home about 3pm, and promptly prepared the scones for baking. There is no way to bake fresh scones without having one warm out of the oven, so I waited until after 6pm, baked the scones, and that was supper! So what a healthy food day I had: a hot dog and greasy (yummy) French Fries for lunch, and hot scones for supper!

January 26 – Tell about a favorite ‘hang out’ place for you and your friends in Jr. or Sr. High. “Never had a ‘hang out’.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Mr. Grinch’s Mt. Crumpet Cave  just outside of Bolder Utah. The multi-level 5,700 square foot cave has been outfitted with a stocked kitchen, master bedroom, guest bedroom, study and a music room that features the Grinch’s organ and Max’s drum set. Additionally, the unique space includes the Grinch’s gadgets, like his furry green armoire, large eccentric machine, a full body brush and more. Here are more photos:

Calendar Inspiration is – Sometimes change is messy. Whenever life is unsettled, be patient – thing will improve!

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TOMORROW February 27 is:

• Anosmia Awareness Day
• National Kahlua Day
• National Retro Day
• National Strawberry Day
• National Polar Bear Day

It’s not a good season for fresh strawberries. I think you should just eat …. Chocolate. Have a great day and God bless.

After breakfast I paid some bills and sent some emails. Then I mixed up the scones to bake tomorrow afternoon. By 1pm the weather – although still very cold and windy – was dry and clear. I wrote out my grocery list and headed to Aldi and Walmart. I was – again – able to get what I needed. I also did find one little thing I didn’t need. A string of battery Bunny (Peeps!) lights! The Smail girlfriends call themselves the peeps so it struck a nostalgic cord for me. I can’t wait until I can include this with my Easter decorations, which will go up after St. Patrick’s day. Life is short – grab all the smiles that you can!

Tomorrow Diane and I are heading near Slippery Rock somewhere for a Cherry Pie Hike. I believe there is a reenactment as well. It will be cold, but I intend to have several layers, including tights, leggings and nylon pants, 2 pair of socks and gloves, etc. And of course we get a piece of pie at the end! I’ll fill you in tomorrow about that adventure.

February 25 – Tell of a place that you discovered or built as a haven for your gang. “We didn’t have many close neighbors so ‘no gang’ could be formed. When we did have a chance to get together we liked to go to the Raraigh house. It was called the haunted house & we liked to go & look for ghosts.” Grama used to tell us ghost stories about the neighborhood and we loved to be scared by them!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Disney World, and the picture was the Be Our Guest restaurant. Other things associated with Disney (but not limited to) are:

Calendar inspiration is We all have mundane activities to do each day, but we can always add humor and generosity into whatever we do. Which is a reinforcement to what I said above about smiling!

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TOMORROW February  26 is:

• National Set a Good Example Day *
• National Pistachio Day
• National Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Fairy Tales are so fun. Take some time to tell one or read one or even watch one before tomorrow is over. That will set a good example! God bless…

Today is a cold weather day. I really didn’t hear the birds this morning. They were probably still cuddled in bed when I got up!

Kathy and I went to a Fireside Chat at Historic Compass Inn in Laughlintown this afternoon. Dr. Emily Barth talked about the origins of words, their root language, how the meaning and pronunciation morphed over the years, and different ways that the words changed. We learned things like: Is a crayfish a fish? Where’s the ‘ham’ in hamburger? What does humble pie taste like? It was very fun and interesting, and some of the answers were surprising! There are four chats, total, counting today, and I immediately came home and ordered tickets for us for the next three! The program was in the main room of the Inn, with the fire blazing (appropriate), and the offering of tea/coffee, fruit, shortbread, and mixed nuts. It was a very nice afternoon.

We actually stopped at The Pie Shoppe across the street before the program. We had a famous cinnamon roll (sort of lunch for us) and I bought Snails (sort of pie dough type treats) and Kath got cookies. No one makes Snails like The Pie Shoppe!

So now I’m going to finish then, make a toasted cheese sandwich (after all, it IS national toast day!), and watch an episode or two of HOME TOWN!

February 24 – Describe a place you liked to go to be alone. “When I was old enough to go by myself I liked to go & set under the big walnut tree (by the cabin) in the cow pasture. That is why Dad gave me the ground where we built the cabin in the 60’s.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Seven Springs general area, and the picture posted was the Seven Springs Mountain Resort – summer, obviously. Here are a few other things to see and do in the area:

Calendar Inspiration is Winter brings extra work but special rewards – What makes winter special for you?

Today is my step-daughter Nancy Burke’s birthday! Happy birthday, Nancy – hope your day is full of fun and family and all the things you hold dear! Love you!

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TOMORROW February  25 is:

• National Chocolate Covered Nut Day
• National Clam Chowder Day
• Skip the Straw Day

I love chocolate covered nuts. Especially from Donna’s store in Smicksburg. But tomorrow it will be 10 months until Christmas day! Don’t start your shopping yet…. God bless.

I was wakened from a nasty dream this morning at about 6:30am by a plethora of birds singing in my yard. It was a dream I was glad to leave behind. I know it’s not spring yet, but if the birds are holding choir practice it’s coming close. I was able to fall back asleep for a little bit, but that 6:30am birdsong chorus was the first of the year.

Wednesday is cleaning day, and I was able to get started early. At Noon I took a break, did some notary work for Mike P, and then got my haircut. I always feel blessed when I come away from Dianne’s, as we have such interesting, fun, and varied conversations! Two services for the price of one. My hair was long overdue for being cut so I’m very excited about it! The photo is after spending the rest of the day cleaning, so it’s not at it’s best. But it feels very good.

I decided I missed having a little space to set boxes or bins when I was looking for something on the garage shelves, so I trekked down to the shed and brought up a small corner table. It fits snuggly in the corner and will be perfect. Takes up very little room, and it will be even better when the photo boxes are sorted out and distributed. Soon!

And that’s the excitement for today.

February 23 – What is the biggest problem you remember having in Sr. High School? “Getting mixed up in the new school. Plumville school had closed and we were bused to Marion Center High School. I didn’t finish school.” Poor Mom. She really loved school, too.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Pittsburgh, and the picture posted was the Frick Historical Center. Other places to see and visit are:

Calendar Inspiration is Sometimes waiting is necessary before you begin a project. Timing and patience are everything.

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TOMORROW February 24 is:

• National Tortilla Chip Day
• National Toast Day
• National Chili Day

I am pretty sure my sister will celebration Toast Day. I should do that too – I love toast. Tomorrow Kath & I are going to a program at Compass Inn in the afternoon. Sounds like a really fun day! Enjoy whatever you do. God bless…

TWO’s Day. Mostly seemed like an ordinary day to me. Didn’t really notice much of a difference, but I did stop at 2:22pm.

When I got to Jeannette, Rege said they were going to take me out of the Mazda, which I have had since early fall or maybe even summer. So they put me into a Chevrolet sedan, which I knew would be too big to fit in my garage. But it’s only for a short time, so it is what it is. I moved all my belongings out of the Mazda and into the Chevy, – – – and I couldn’t get it to start! I felt really stupid, because the lot attendant had just parked it beside the Mazda so it had to start. Both Rege and Barry came out, but no one could get it to start. And the only door that would open was the driver’s door – and my things were in the trunk! Barry saved the day and got the trunk open but I had to sort of shimmy between the seats to get a few things from the back seat. So I was in a Nissan Sentra (also a sedan!), and I got almost to Greensburg and the ‘crash warning’ light came on and wouldn’t go off. We figured that out. But then the low battery light came on for the key fob. Thankfully Bernie at Greensburg knew how to replace that! Several times on the way home the ‘crash warning’ light came on, but it went off when you shut off the car. The Nissan fits nicely in the garage with room to spare! But of course, yesterday I put a full tank of gas in the Mazda and it was freshly washed. But the benefits of having the car far outweighs the little bumps in the road. The Nissan really handles nice and I suspect it will get pretty good gas mileage! Another adventure!

I finished my star project. I do have a disclaimer: Every cute project I work on falls far below my expectations! I am just not creative. But nothing was a waste, because I can repaint/reuse the stars any time I get tired of the current garland.

I noticed last night that the light set on the stair ledge had gone out. I leave them on all the time so that’s to be expected. But other than knocking several houses off the shelf and displacing several other items, it all went back together just fine. Again, I am not good an these things!

After lunch I made muffins – a few days after National Muffin Day – but now I have a quick breakfast choice in the freezer for several days! I finished going through the picture albums and threw the old ones away, and did the ironing. I still have to clean the oven but I’ll save that for Friday.

February 22 – What is the biggest problem you remember having in Jr. High School? “We didn’t have a separate school for the Jr. High. I don’t remember any problems IN school. It was just the problem of needing to walk so far.” Kids these days usually get the bus very near their homes. Very few even walk to and from!

Yesterday’s Vacation Destination was the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and sites in Springfield, IL. The picture posted was from the museum’s website and is the wax museum pre-presidential years. Other photos from Lincoln’s museums:

Calendar inspiration is – Look forward to something special this year – plan a trip or a project.

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TOMORROW February 23 is:

• National Banana Bread Day
• National Dog Biscuit Day
• National Tile Day

NO MORE BAKING! And… no dog biscuits. I will stick with cleaning the house and possibly getting a haircut. Have a wonderful Wednesday! God bless…

I got up early this morning but got caught up in several little projects. So I still wasn’t early for work! But I got everything done in both stores, and then stopped to do title work for Mike G. I said I was going home to enjoy the nice day, and would wash my car. He took my keys and had it washed off, the dash wiped, and the mats cleaned! It looks so nice. A huge thank you to Mike and his team.

I didn’t have any extra time after work. I came home and changed, had lunch, made 2 phone calls, and then picked Chrissy up at the old bus stop. She got her new bus number, pick up and drop off times, and locations. So she should be good. She’s excited because she knows some people who live close by. After I dropped Chrissy off at home, I drove over to the walking trail behind WCCC. Took a 2 mile walk – parked in the middle and walked to Armbrust, then walked back to the ball fields behind the college and back to the car. Very nice day for a walk!

Diane txt me photos from her earlier walk. She went to Beaver Run. There was still ice in some spots.

I’m going over to Kath’s at 8pm to watch the next episode of The Gilded Age. We are totally hooked on this series!

February 21 – What is the biggest problem you remember having in Grade School? “When the boys would keep us from going to the outhouse. Our teacher said to wait & go when everyone was back in the schoolhouse after recess. We couldn’t go together. We each took our turn. We had the ‘bullies’ in our day the same as today.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Mt. Vernon, and the photo posted was of the Christmas camel, Aladdin. George Washington had the camel there almost every Christmas since about 1787! Other things to see at Mt. Vernon are: (These are photos we took when we visited.)

Photos from the website:

Calendar Inspiration – Be ready to learn whatever your day will teach you – keep learning & growing!

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TOMORROW February 22 is:

• National Supermarket Employee Day *
• National California Day
• National Cook a Sweet Potato Day
• National Margarita Day
• World Spay Day 

Tomorrow, Tuesday February 22, 2022, is being known as Two’s Day. So at 2:22 (am or pm?) it will be 2:22 on Tuesday 2-22-22. So whatever you do, stop and acknowledge the significance. Several are suggesting that we stop and pray — for our nation, for our friends, for each other! Happy Two’s Day and God bless…

Very cold – but sunny. It’s almost 6pm and I’m just sitting down for the day (except, of course, for in church). Lots of little things to do.

I came straight home after church and grabbed my tax documents. The plan was to meet Valetta (my tax lady) uptown near the post office. So we had this clandestine meeting in the parking lot to hand off the documents. The funny thing was that while I was waiting for her, a young guy in a dress coat with an 18 inch submarine sandwich walked across the lot and started throwing pebbles at an upstairs window – just like in the movies! Someone must have looked out (I couldn’t see) and he waved the sub around to gesture behind the house – then took off. It was very strange. Hoping they enjoyed their sub!

After lunch I bundled up and went outside with a can of spray paint and my stars. I bought a new can of glitter spray but it didn’t work. Guess I have to return that tomorrow. So I have a project in mind for my stars and I’ll see if I can make it happen tomorrow.

While I was outside painting I picked up the twigs and branches in the yard. One big limb came down from the neighbor’s tree and went about 4 inches into the ground. I had to tug is pretty hard to get it out.

Kathy called and asked me to put a delivered package inside their house (they are gone for overnight) so I drove over there and handled that. Came home to a cup of hot tea and Chex Mix to hold me over til supper later. I should clean the oven but I feel uninspired right now…

February 20 – What do you remember as your least favorite school subject? “I just couldn’t remember my geography. I love learning about places all over the United States and have a world globe I look places up that they tell about on television and in the newspaper. The subject that was called ‘English’ was my least favorite subject. I still have trouble writing my sentence so it conveys my thoughts.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was St. Lucia and the photo posted was Tet Paul Nature Trail. Things to do:

Calendar inspiration today is classic Peanuts:

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TOMORROW February  21 is:

• National Grain-Free Day
• National Sticky Bun Day
• Presidents Day 

Oh no – I was just getting ready to make muffins for National Muffin Day. But tomorrow is Sticky Bun Day. I don’t think I’ll do either one! If you have tomorrow off, enjoy! God bless…

Another cold and windy night. I was having my morning tea in the living room when it came up almost a blizzard! Snow was swirling so thick you could barely see the house across the street. Two hours later, the sun was shining and bright! It was still in the 20’s and windy but sunny and clear.

I took advantage of the clear weather and popped into Miller’s Crossing – another fleatique. I don’t go there quite as often. I spent a few dollars and got two larger stars to match the tiny ones that I already had. The whole set of 5 – over months of time – was less than $5! I’m a star fanatic, I guess.

This morning I changed bedsheets and did laundry, then finished up the ironing. Last night I got the photos sorted and the shredding cleaned up. I only have a small bag now that will need destroyed. That’s all the plans for the day.

A very happy birthday to Skunk Hollow cousin Holly! I believe she is the youngest! Hope your day was delightful and the year(s) ahead of you are blessed and happy! Love you tons!

February 19 – What do you remember as your favorite subject in school? “I think history was my favorite subject all through school. Television has many stories about the past. The past helps put things, in our future, in prospective as we look forward. It helps us understand how our country was and how it has become the #1 country in the world.” Mom lived through 91 years of history. She had a lot to enjoy!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Boston, and the picture posted was an outside bookstore in a closed off ally-way. All the pictures below (except first one) are ones from our vacation there. I’d love to go back, but there are so many other wonderful places to see I doubt that we will. My advise would be to just DO IT!

Calendar Inspiration – Seek advice and guidance whenever you need it.

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TOMORROW February 20 is:

• National Leadership Day *
• National Comfy Day
• National Cherry Pie Day
• National Love Your Pet Day
• National Muffin Day

Oooh. Looks like I should make muffins tomorrow and get comfy with a cup of tea. No cherry pie. Next weekend Diane and I are going on a Cherry Pie Hike so we’ll save it ’til then! Have a good day in the house of the Lord. God bless…

When I went to bed last night it was 60*. This morning there was snow on the deck. In between, it was so windy I was sure when I woke I would find that I wasn’t in Kansas anymore! But then, except in the poppy fields, there was no snow in Oz.

The floor inspector was here at 10:30am and stayed for over an hour. He did every test in the book on the floor, plus some I had no clue what he was doing. But he is independent of the manufacturer or the seller/installer, and will report back to their representative. He did give me a small hint about cleaning the floor, and that was to try white vinegar. So maybe tomorrow I will try that on a small space.

After lunch I organized my tax documents, made a spreadsheet, sent a txt to my tax lady to catch up with her in the next week, and then wrote out a grocery list. For the first time in probably 2 months I got everything I needed at Walmart! Most of it was non-food items, but what I needed. I couldn’t get my card to work, so when I came home and called and found there was suspected fraud on the card! Ironically it was because of a $3.00 charge for a tip on a meal at a local restaurant. As strange as that seems, I appreciate the bank being cautious. They corrected the record, reactivated my card, and I’m good to go! It’s a strange feeling, though…

My afternoon projects – and into evening – will be to finish the ironing, sort through some photos, and go through the bag of documents I want to shred. If you pay per pound, there is no sense including the envelopes and folders and generic paperwork. I’m thinking I could cut the documents that need shred to about half of what I senselessly tossed in the box! That will be it, other than supper.

February 18 – Tell about family reunions in your childhood. “Since Grandma Crooks lived with us, we always had her children & their families come for big picnics. I loved all the people coming. It was lots of work but it was worth it. Grandmam & Grandpap had reunions at their farm. Hundreds would come & bring food. We had so much fun with all our many cousins!” I understand the family fun. My cousins are some of the most treasured people in my life!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was India – and the photo posted was the Palace of Wind. Some things to do are: VGP Snow Kingdom amusement park, Film City, Victoria Memorial Museum, scenic drives, Marine Drive, Observatories and planetariums, shopping malls, Himalayan mountains, festival of lights, train tours, ports, temples, boating, tea plantations, beaches, sacred forests, parks and wildlife. I was never interested that much in India but it does have beautiful sites!

Calendar Inspiration is Take a moment to watch as twilight turns into night.

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TOMORROW February 19 is:

• National Arabian Horse Day
• National Red Sock Day
• National Chocolate Mint Day
• National Lash Day
• National Vet Girls RISE Day

I love chocolate mint! I have chocolate fudge covered Oreos in my fridge right now. I buy them every year at Christmas and ration them out to myself. Have a super Saturday, my friends! God bless…

Rainy Thursday – and it did rain very hard a few times. I scrapped the idea of running any errands and came home after work. I started in Jeannette and did the deals there. I was really proud of them, because they did an out of state deal all by themselves. I don’t think there is a title clerk in the state of PA (or maybe ANY state) that likes the paperwork process for vehicles sold to out of state customers. But they handled the entire transaction correctly and didn’t even have to call me! Good job!

I stopped at Mike P’s as he had 2 deals for me, then went to Greensburg. They just had a few stragglers that I finished up, then stopped to see Mike G. He works at Smail Mercedes, and when I was there I saw Karl. He told me they were talking about me last week (he’s married to one of the owners’ daughters) and that there was a hole left when I retired that could never be filled. That was so nice of him to say. I appreciated hearing that.

But Mike said his dad is doing much better, and getting lots of rehab for standing and sitting and walking. I’m glad to hear he is improving.

When I got home I decided a rainy day was a good day to put a roast in the oven – the house really has a wonderful aroma! And I’m sure it will taste wonderful, too, once it’s cooked.

I also decided to make chocolate chip cookies, and Gen, I agree with you that using butter instead of oleo to bake with does make a difference. But the cookies were still good – just not as tasty as last time when I used butter. They are now tucked neatly away in the freezer.

I had just started making the cookies when Nate txt me to pick up Chrissy at the bus stop as they were tied up at work. I rushed out the door, leaving my phone at the house. I was only going 5 minutes away so I wasn’t concerned. But by the time I got back I had missed several txts, one of which was to pick up some items that my friend had for me. This had been pre-arranged with an uncertain exact time – but as soon as Nate picked up Chrissy, I jumped back in the car and drove into Greensburg and picked up designated items! So it was sort of a busy afternoon. I’m glad to be done with everything except supper. That will come after this.

Chrissy and Autmn and their little group had a great time at the concert last night. After the show they were in the lobby and Yungblud (I don’t know his music but the girls were ecstatic!) came out and got some pictures taken with the fans. He is on the right, with Chrissy and then Autmn going left. Then I think Chrissy’s friend. Chrissy said it was the best night ever! I’m so glad that they had a good time. Can’t imagine being so close to the star!

February 17 – Tell about your first favorite TV shows. “I was married when we bought our first TV. It was a big piece of furniture but only had a 7 1/2 inch screen. Ed Sullivan & Toast of the Town was the best show back then in 1949. “I Love Lucy” was a show I tried to never miss. The picture was so dim you couldn’t view it during the day. Not much on back then in the daytime hours.”

Kelly’s vacation destination suggestion was Wales, and the picture posted was Hey on Wye. Just a few of the things to do in Wales: National botanical gardens, Dylan Thomas (literary ‘son’) birthplace, Tintern Abbey monastic ruins, Mumbles seafront, Lovespoon Gallery (traditional spoon carving), Cardigan Bay, Barfundle Bay, coal Museum, Lake Vyrnwy, Gower Peninsula, Bodnant Hall, South Stark Lighthouse, coasteering, food, snorkeling, castles, coastlines, fishing, boating, traditional food.

Calendar Inspiration – We all need something special to look forward to; with faith and confidence aim for your chosen goal.

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TOMORROW February 18 is:

• National Battery Day
• National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day
• National Drink Wine Day
• No One Eats Alone Day
• National Caregivers Day 

Lots to celebrate tomorrow – but I can assure you that I do often eat alone. I don’t even think about it! So go find a food buddy and have a great day! God bless…