Well, the first Sunday in 2026! We had a nice discussion in Sunday School about our favorite scriptures. My two were I Corinthians 2:9 and II Chronicles 7:14. Todd’s Message was ‘Chutes and Ladders’. Life is like the game. Sometimes we climb, sometimes we slide backwards. But no one sets out to say ‘Today I’m going to ruin my life.’ Often we settle for GOOD when God has the BEST waiting for us. Remember that one day in the outside courts of God’s kingdom is better than 1000 days somewhere else. Be aware of God’s presence – climb the ladders. 1) Be in constant communication with God. 2) Have instant obedience to God. 3) Be desperate DAILY for God. Get up each morning and start again!

After church we were standing in the Welcome center talking, and my cousins were planning lunch. So they included me in the invitation and we went to Gianelli’s on Route 30. There was Mark, Paul – Laura – Nick, Deb, Mike – Talya, me. Since today is National Spaghetti Day, I ordered spaghetti with a meatball and a side salad. Yum! I was just saying how I hadn’t had spaghetti in SO LONG. I brought a little home and I can have it for lunch tomorrow. The restaurant was still decorated for Christmas and the tree was elegant.

Perfect day for Spaghetti – and thanks Deb for the reminder!

Long overdue for me.

I had a few things for Jen, and Nate wasn’t feeling well, so I stopped at Pet Smart and gave the items to Sherree. We had a nice chat, and she was so glad to see me! We decided we had to spend time together keeping each other busy! We had similar holiday experiences and it was nice to share a hug. There were two cats who were snuggling together. They were all beautiful cats. The dogs were really loud but clean and happy.

They are buddies for sure!

I finally figured out how to order through the online store for Highmark. I stocked up on a few things and they should be here this week.

Also, yesterday I saw online that the Washington Monument is being light with highlights celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. I copied a picture of one but there were several. So we are already starting the celebration!

Just one of the images

TODAY I am thankful for Sherree and our time to share together. Have a great week, Sherree!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 5th is:

National Keto Day; National Screenwriters Day; National Thank God it’s Monday Day; National Whipped Cream Day; National Bird day; National Day of Dialogue.

I think writing movies or screenplays would confuse me. I wonder who really is thankful for Monday? God bless…

An Amazing photo:

Tonight is to be the Wolf Moon – a super moon! I found this list on facebook and decided to keep it. I did peek out but I think it’s too cloudy right now. No moon at this point!

I had a lot of little chores to accomplish today, and did pretty good. It was not, however, without it distresses. I started the dishwasher after breakfast and I couldn’t hear the water. I went down to make sure the washer had finished, and when I got back upstairs everything was fine. I’m getting pyrenoid these days – expecting everything to mis-behave! But the sheets and the dishes are all clean – separately but perfectly. Dishes are dried and put away, and sheets are folded and tucked into the linen closet.

My most unpleasant chore for today was to clean the oven. I put on an old sweatshirt because I always get my clothes dirty leaning into the oven to reach the corners. I think it looks a lot better and I’m glad that’s done.

Dirty oven

Clean oven.

Around 2pm I took a drive over to L&L Fleatique. I’m on the hunt for more skunks! And cows for Cameron if I come across any. No skunks or cows but I did find a tiny cow for my castle. I previously decided that this Christmas gift from my kids when they were VERY young (I think my mom took them shopping) could stay out all year, all the time. Nothing Christmas-y about it. I put the yellow lights around it, and thought it needed a bit of character. So I added a few little items – a cow being one of them. It’s so tiny, and so cute!

Baby cow in the center near bottom.

I stopped on my way home at this little shop on Route 30 – Route 30 Retro. It’s not what I expected! It’s all retro (maybe 70’s, etc??) furniture and décor and clothing. Not really an ‘antique’ or ‘fleatique’ place.

I figured since I was already in boots and warm clothes I’d finally change the yard flags. Three big ones and three little ones. I did put the New Years’ Flag out – it’s still a new year! My fingers were froze when I got inside.

Can you guess what year I bought this??

About half way through the afternoon I realized how much exercise I have been getting. All I get done doing is bending over and picking things up off the floor. For some reason, everything I reach for or pick up goes sliding, flying, bouncing, rolling, tumbling, flopping, jumping or slipping off counters or out of my hands. I get really tired of that! I guess I must need the extra exercise.

Latest example – these 2 M&M’s jumped off my desk and rolled across the floor….

In my mail today I got a letter advising me that my home warranty is about to expire. No company name, no address, no account number – just an URGENT warning. Out of curiosity I googled the key phrase and it popped up THIS IS A SCAM! They are trying to get you to purchase overpriced home warranties that don’t exist. Beware!

I was on a roll – so I pulled out a panel of little Peanuts Characters (material) that you cut out, stitch together, and stuff. I had a plan for Snoopy, but once I finished him I changed my mind. So right now he’s sitting on the bench with Desiree just chillin’. I may finish the other 4 later. I think there is Lucy, Charlie Brown, Linus, and Sally.

Isn’t he cute? And I only stitched myself to the material twice!

About an hour ago I had a phone call from a friend I knew through Ron – Mary Lou was his boss in the Jewelry Department at Sears years ago. She heard about Nate’s surgery. She’s a B&B Window customer, too. So we chatted for about 45 minutes – a lot of ‘remember when?’ and laughing and just feeling amazing at how much life has changed and is continuing to change. It was so great to talk to her!

Sears, of course, is closed now.

The last item on today’s list was to make Flax Cookie Balls. Ran into a few snags here but they turned out fine. My peanut butter was low sugar and you could tell. But I accidently added a bit too much honey, so it was too sticky, so I threw in a pinch extra oats. They taste like they are supposed to – I’ll have one for dessert later. Fruit salad on the list for supper later. And that’s about it for my day!

Not sure but I think they were rolling around in the fridge….

TODAY I’m thankful for long-time friends and phone conversations!

QUOTE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 4th is:

National Missouri Day; National Trivia Day; National Spaghetti Day; Free Flower Basket Day; National Can-Do Day; Pop Music Chart Day; Tom Thumb Day; Weigh-in Day; World Braille Day.

I haven’t had Spaghetti in — almost forever! I’d enjoy a flower basket. I weigh in every morning. Can be a scary thing! God bless…

UNIQUE PHOTO:

I had a list and several things to catch up on from last week. First I worked for almost an hour. Rege came in but he is very sick (cough, cold). He was leaving for a doctor’s appointment just after I left. Here’s to a quick return to good health! I finally managed to get to Miller’s Crossing for my honey. I took a very quick look around and found another TY skunk! I’m so excited! I have 6 now that match, and four other ones (plus little plastic ones). We do have Mr. Fresh, but I don’t know who has him or where he is. That would round us out if he turns up.

Big skunk, little skunk

One skunk

Two more skunks…

Five skunks!

Monday when Kathy and I were at RAVE I saw a small wooden cow. It’s one that is totally safe for Cameron to play with (he loves playing with things that are NOT toys!) so I stopped and got it today. Then I had a chiropractor appointment. It was nice to catch up with Kip; he DID end up getting engaged over the holidays – so congrats to him and Jackie!

Next I grabbed a few items at Walmart, then came home and made a hot dog for lunch. Kip was talking about having hot dogs and it made me hungry for them. I had 2 loads of laundry that I still have to iron.

Laundry

I went through my bin of battery operated lights and sorted them. I have way too many so I hope to share or weed them out as the occasion arises. Then I had the bright idea to make a few coasters with winter pictures. I couldn’t fine backsplash tiles at Lowe’s, so I used two of the ones I already had to experiment. I made one of the farm at Mom and John’s, and one of the covered bridge at Kelly and Matt’s. I’d love to make more, if I could find tiles.

My battery lights

I’m going to probably change up my add-ons for the Word Garden. Instead of scripture I will post something I’m thankful for. Just to clarify, these will be small, ordinary everyday things. I’m not going to mention the obvious, most important things – like my faith, salvation, God’s love, my home and family. These will just be little things that make my day special. Like, yesterday I was thankful for my Driveway Angels!

TODAY I’m thankful for my two new little homemade coasters. I didn’t think I could do it!

My coasters – Mom and John’s barn and the covered bridge at Kelly’s.

QUOTE for the Day:

(Thank goodness!)

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW January 3rd is:

National Fruitcake Toss Day; National Play Outside Day; National Drinking Straw Day; National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day; Festival of Sleep Day; JRR Tolkien Day; Women Rock! Day.

My mom used to LOVE chocolate covered cherries – We bought them for her every year for Christmas! I think it will be too cold to play outside. I’ll celebrate sleep. God bless!

And here is an amazing photo of Lake Erie!

Well, I kept my plans for the day and spent the whole day organizing and cleaning. I started by sorting all my Christmas leggings, sweaters, tee shirts, socks, PJ’s – and packed them away. I have two under-the-bed storage bins that fit perfectly and are also easily accessible in case I need a ‘Christmas in July’ outfit (or May or October or February!). That took longer than you would think – because I had to re-organize my non-Christmas clothes and sort them into the right drawers. I also put up the 2026 calendars and changed the wooden Snoopy calendar to January.

Last night I saw a quote by Brad Paisley. Actually I saw the same quote by someone else, too, but whoever said it, I love it!

Byron – who lives down the road from Mom and John’s farm – posted a picture of Crouch Road. Such an inspiring photo! I have a few taken in the same spot – all seasons. I do love the snowy one, though. I actually set it as my computer wallpaper.

I cleaned all day – got in corners and wiped down cupboards and changed lightbulbs as needed. Washed a load of towels. While I was sweeping the steps, low and behold the Driveway Angels came and shoveled my driveway! Noah had told me his step dad would clean it for me when I needed it done. I looked outside and there was Scott and a friend, cleaning it off! I offered to pay them – they declined – so I’ll put money in his grandson (Cameron’s) savings account!

Today’s Scripture:

Quote of the Day: (Same as above)

Snoopy?

TOMORROW January 2nd is:

National Cream Puff day; National Buffet Day; National Science Fiction Day; 55 MPH Speed Limit Day; Ancestry Day; Happy Mew Year for Cats Day; Swiss Cheese day.

I am just going to be happy! Celebrate your favorite! God Bless…..

Again today I jumped right in after breakfast and started getting the house to rights. I got all the light sets taken down and tucked away. Those are what I miss the most. I still have plenty of unique lights and night lights in my house – but at Christmas I take it to a ridiculous level! But it’s back to Pre-Christmas now and I’ll adjust.

I upgraded the light string on the stairs to LED, and it leaves interesting shapes on the ceiling!

After the lights, I took down the tree. Then I took the tree apart and put it in the new storage bag I finally bought. It was very inexpensive but it works perfectly. In fact, the main tree fits in, and so does the little 4 foot tree I bought a few years ago. Perfect!

No, it’s not a body bag. There are trees in there!

Fits perfectly on the shelf.

Things seem so minimal and simple once all the decorations are down. Once I adjust to the trauma of putting away Christmas, I like having the house back to rights.

Kitchen

Family room (complete with treadmill!

Living room

After a salad for lunch I bundled up (had to talk myself into it!) and went out to clear the driveway. I was able to get the decorations down and the big Snoopy and the reindeer put in the shed. The only thing I didn’t get done was to change the garden flags. Some of them were frozen so I just let them go. This is the first time in 26 years I have not put my New Year’s flag out!

You can see where the car was. I let it run for about 15 minutes then put it in the garage. But it’s snowing again!

Snoopy and the reindeer are hibernating until November!

I came in and threw all my snow clothes in the dryer, then made a cup of tea. I had my Holiday Ritz crackers and a few bites of cheese. I put the Christmas blankets away and got the winter ones out, and changed the coasters (I won’t tell you how many I have…).

Autmn sent me pictures of Cameron’s first haircut! He looks like a little man! How handsome he his! Love this little guy!

It doesn’t look like he was traumatized by the experience!

My handsome little guy!

Tomorrow, New Year’s Day, I plan to clean the whole house. It’s said that whatever you are doing on New Year’s you will be doing all year. No surprise there! Tonight I intend to have something fun for supper (no clue what would be fun), watch Hallmark movies and probably fall asleep well before midnight. Have a wonderful New Years – and a beautiful, healthy, successful and peaceful 2026. May it be filled with love and joy!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

NEW YEARS:

TOMORROW, January 1st 2026, is:

World Day of Peace; Z Day (pretty interesting – check it out!); National Bloody Mary Day; National Hangover Day; New Year’s Day; Apple Gifting Day; Ellis Island Day; Copyright Law Day; Polar Bear Plunge Day; Ring a Bell Day; Rose Bowl Game; Tournament of Roses Parade.

Can you get a hangover from Klondike bars? I knew a guy that did the Polar Bear Plunge – not sure if he still does. I hope I remember to catch a few minutes of the parade. God bless, and Happy New Year!

I’m not posting tonight – I’m up to my eyebrows in boxes and bins and Christmas decorations. And I’m hungry! So I’ll catch up either tomorrow or Thursday. Have a lovely, safe, and fun New Year’s Eve!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

NEW YEARS :

TOMORROW December 31st is:

National Champagne Day; No Interruptions Day; New Year’s Eve; Make up your Mind Day; Leap Second Time Adjustment Day; Unlucky Day.

I’m hoping I don’t get interrupted finishing up these decorations. I doubt if I’ll make it to Midnight! Happy New Year! God bless…

Today is my best and favorite sister’s birthday! We had a nice afternoon together. First I took Suzie Squirrel over to live with her for six months. Suzie decided to adopt a horse, so she’s decked out in a cowgirl hat, brown fringed vest, and her arm around her horse. I think the next six months will be fun for both of them! I did not take any pictures today – so I guess use your imagination! After Suzie got comfortable in her new stall, Kathy and I went to Parkwood for lunch, and it was very good. We both had fish and fries. Then we went to RAVE (antiques) and walked around for almost an hour. It was nice to spend the time together!

Kath with Santa

Kathy with Charles Dickens

Kath with Mae

Kath with Li’l One (her horse in Middle School – SHE’s in middle school; not the horse…)

I came home and started putting the decorations away. It will take a while. I did the hardest part first: I took the window clings off the windows and put them away. I also washed a load of towels, dishcloths, leggings, shirts, etc, so I can tuck them away tomorrow. I have to wrestle the bins off the shelves first!

All clean and ready to pack away — watched over by my reindeer blanket!

I’m going to grab supper – I’ll heat the rest of my fish that I saved from lunch. Stay warm – this cold and WIND is brutal!

No, my fish didn’t look like this….

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Happy birthday, Kathy!!

PEANUTS?

NEW YEARS:

TOMORROW December 30th is:

Falling Needles Family Fest Day; Bacon Day; National Resolution Planning day.

I don’t do resolutions. They don’t work for me. I have a ‘fake’ tree so no falling needles here. But BACON! That would be fun! God bless…

Happy birthday to my niece Sarah! Hoping you have a wonderful day, and a lovely and love-filled year ahead… and many more! Enjoy your precious family and all the Blessings God can send. Love you!

Sarah with her family: Millie, Kyle holding Lucas, and Wyatt

It was nice for a change to have a slow start to a Sunday morning. Though I DO really miss our Sunday school class and will be happy to have it back. Since Todd is still away with family, Wayne preached this morning. It was a very good message – I took a lot of notes but to condense it, we have been given three gifts: Forgiveness, peace and eternal life. We all need a savior – He can take care of anything. You can’t resent and rejoice at the same time – Give it to God!

Since I planned for a low-key day, I stopped on the way home to grab two items at the dollar store. The crazy thing was that half the store was Valentine’s day items and the other half was Easter! I had a salad and garlic toast for lunch, then read a little in my current book. I spent some time going through a few things in my bedroom closet, and went searching for a small bin to stick under the bathroom sink.

I came downstairs to post this, and decided I had enough of Hallmark for the day. First I pulled out An Avonlea Christmas – but after a few minutes it was too dramatic for my mood, so I switched out the DVD.

I’ll try this one again another day.

So I pulled out Holiday Inn. I really haven’t watched it in years. I watch White Christmas at least once a year, but this is totally different. It’s also a pretty long movie – 1 hour and 47 minutes with no commercials. It struck me at the beginning that it was obvious how long ago this movie was written and presented. They celebrate all the holidays in the year, and they had Lincoln’s birthday and Washington’s birthday celebrated separately, with Valentine’s day between. This is a crazy, fun film with Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby. Lots of good music and a lot of fancy dancing!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

NEW YEARS:

TOMORROW December 29th is:

National Pepper Pot day; Tick Tock Day; Still Need to Do Day.

Tomorrow is also my dear sister’s birthday! I’m hoping we can go to lunch. That’s more than reason to celebrate that! God bless…

It’s 5:30pm, and I’m just about done with my major projects for the day – except for baking the homemade bread. I mixed it up – of course – earlier this morning, and it’s been rising all day. I have GODWINK CHRISTMAS playing in the background while I type, and the space heater under my desk keeping me warm.

As per typical Saturday, I filled my pill dispenser first. Then I changed and washed my bed sheets. Since my next project was to mix the bread dough, I decided to do that before my shower. I do make a mess when I mix the dough, and it just made more sense. So while the dough was rising, I got a shower and made breakfast. By then it was almost 11:30am so I guess it was brunch. I made a piece of French toast.

Sort of looked like this…. Only not three pieces.

I cleaned out a few more dresser drawers, and went through my Christmas socks. I used to wear Christmas socks almost every day during the holidays and seldom do these days. So I kept about 4 or 5 pair, a few of which I could wear all year. Like my ‘Hallmark movie watching socks’. And ones with snowflakes that can be worn all winter. I took two little Snoopy charms off a pair of old ones and transformed them into earrings!

After the dough was punched down and set to its second rise, I went over to get a few groceries. I think there were 6 things on my list. Shop n Save was having a sale of soft drinks so I bought two cases. I was actually surprised because you could mix and match 2 cases of either Coke or Pepsi products to get the sale prices. Usually those two don’t mix! I got a Diet Pepsi and a Diet Coke so I’m set for a while. At lease until next year. Hahaha.

I found a little ‘candy cane’ tree to add to my mini display. All the Christmas items were 50% off so I didn’t feel too bad getting that.

Since I was right next door I stopped at Burger King and got a frozen Coke. I was a little frustrated with that – I first started getting those because they were $1.00 each. Then they did away with the ‘special’ and they were $1.59 each. Today when I stopped I found out that they ‘discontinued’ the small size. So if you want a frozen coke you get a medium or large. Sigh. I got a medium ($2) and drank a little. Came home and put it in the freezer and just now finished it. But I probably won’t do that too often. EVERYTHING is going up, and not in proportion with income!

My frozen Frozen coke.

Oh, and while I was at Shop and Save I got 1/4 pound of Sweet Lebanon Bologna. I only buy it once or twice a year because it’s expensive.

Looks sort of like this.

Last night was another ‘I couldn’t fall asleep’ nights. I feel like I could fall asleep at my desk in the middle of a sentence — but then I wouldn’t sleep tonight, either. So I’ll fight to stay awake. In the meantime, as promised from yesterday, I DID make a paper snowflake!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

Not actually a scripture but inspirational….

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS/NEW YEARS:

TOMORROW December 28th is:

National Short Film day; National Card Playing Day; National Chocolate Candy Day; Pledge of Allegiance Day; Holy Innocents day; National Call a Friend Day; National Download Day.

Tomorrow is also my niece Sarah’s birthday – so we will celebrate her tomorrow! As mentioned in a previous post, I’m not good at competitive games so playing cards wouldn’t interest me. And I’m not good at calling friends. I normally wait for them to catch up with me! Have a lovely Sunday. God bless…

It is dreary and wet but thankfully here there is no ice – at least not yet. I planned on staying in since we have had ice storm warnings for 3 days about today. I can’t say that I was super busy but I did have things going on all day. I cleaned out a few dresser drawers, got my paperwork organized to switch files from 2025 to 2026 next week. Had a few shrimp for lunch, and a few nachos with cheese.

Mid-afternoon snack.

So let’s zip back to last night. I went over to Nate’s about 5:30 pm – everyone was already there. The kids were working on Gingerbread houses – and Cameron made a barn and a car.

Working on a gingerbread house.

You can see he was into the icing!

Taking a drink break

Jen and Nate were finishing up the meal. Jen had the most tender roast I think I have ever eaten. Plus, she had a ham roast with potatoes and carrots. Mashed potatoes, gravy, noodles, corn, croissants, King’s Hawaiian rolls, cookies, candy, and brownies. So much food! Very good.

Nate and Jen finishing up cooking.

Nate’s tree – wall version!

I did get to meet Anthony – Christina’s boyfriend. He is very nice – they seem good together. He’s comfortable and polite and down to earth. I like him! After we ate Jen and Nate pulled the gifts out of the bedroom – there were so many! Everyone had piles to open! Cameron opened two or three then sat in the box and played with his little cow and pig! He had apparently had enough Christmas!

Anthony and Christina

Cameron in his box.

After gifts the kids played a game that projects on the TV and their phone interacts. I didn’t follow it but there was a lot of laughing and competition. Jen and Nate’s friends were there with their four daughters and they were all playing. Cameron took turns climbing over piles of presents and sticking his feet in the dog’s water bowl! When I left at 8:30 everyone was still playing and chasing Cameron! The cat just climbed on the cat tree and pretended he was alone!

Jen and Nate watching Cameron climb on the table!

Nate, Jackie (in her new unicorn robe), Sherree and Noah

Who’s winning????

Calm cat.

I was very thankful to be included in supper and spend time with Nate’s family and friends. It was a good way to end Christmas day 2025!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

CHRISTMAS:

TOMORROW December 27th is:

National Fruitcake Day; National Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day; Visit the Zoo Day.

I remember back when Bitsy was still alive, their family (Bitsy, Tim, Paul, Todd, Emily and Mary) would always go to the zoo on holidays. It wasn’t crowded and they could really enjoy it as a family. I may try to make a snowflake tomorrow!