Well, lots going on today, but no exciting photos! Kelly’s boys had appointments in Claysville this morning so they left about 9am. The boys were NOT happy. Neither was I. I could have used a few more days with them all. Next time!

After they left I took the boxes of treasures upstairs that we had salvaged from Mom’s items. I was able to fit them all in the tray of Grandad’s trunk. Then I had a box of memories from my own childhood stored in a bin under the steps, so I put all of that in the bottom of the trunk. Still room for more once the Skunk Hollow cousins go through ‘Jess and Erma’s’ things.

Greg and Lynn needed a document notarized, and it was nice to visit with them for a bit. I always love spending time with them, even if it’s just a short time.

So I had procrastinated enough and set about cleaning the house and doing laundry. I finished about 4pm, then got a shower and changed. I met Mary at Giannilli’s (Carbon) at 5pm and we had a nice dinner. We both had angel hair pasta. I really never eat pasta so it’s a special treat for me – very good, both the food and the conversation!

So now I am working on the Word Garden, and that will complete my evening. Work tomorrow!

February 16 – tell about your first kiss. “Frank Redinger was in my class at Davis School. His sister Vera & my brother Jim would take us with them when they went out riding in the evening. They kept teasing us one night about kissing. I guess we thought that was what they wanted us to do so we kissed. Nothing very exciting but we pretended it was something great. We liked each other for a long time. He is a nice person today.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Laurel, Mississippi, and the picture posted was of the General Store that Napier’s own. I have been binge-watching HOME TOWN (staring Ben and Erin Napier) and thought I’d see what there was to do. It really is a small town! Lots of antique and gift shops. Other things to do – Bowling, lake site cabins, specialty and gift shops, paint and pottery studios, resale shops, Art Galleries, Laurel Mercantile  (another Napier shop), Parks, fountains, historic buildings, bed & breakfasts, fishing and boating, playgrounds, peaceful walks.

Calendar inspiration is: When times are tough, it’s a blessing to have a soul mate to share everything with.  A special relationship matters!  (Let me add here that a ‘bosom buddy’ can be your best friend – can be of either sex!)

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Vacation Destination – suggested by Kelly!

TOMORROW February 17 is:

• National Random Acts of Kindness Day
• National Cabbage Day

I hope your random act of kindness is NOT giving someone cabbage! Have a Terrific Thursday and be kind. God bless…

Kelly, Logan and Chase got here a little before 10am. We settled the boys in their new ‘boy cave’, made them breakfast. They love their new space!

We then headed antique shopping at L&L Fleatique. Kelly found exactly what she wanted after casing the whole place at least once. The pieces should be perfect for the designated spaces. We stopped and picked up two storage boxes for incidentals that will fit in the white stand for the girls’ restroom. I was so happy to be part of the process. I love going to L&L Fleatique.

Please don’t tell anyone. I bought a blanket at Gabe’s. It was on clearance since it was a Valentine’s one! 🙂

February 15 – Tell about your first date. “I was 15 years old & was allowed to go with our neighbor, George Lendyok, to Indiana. He was home from camp on furlough. We went to Indiana to see a movie and then had ice cream at a soda shop in town. George put money in the Juke Box & played ‘People will say we’re in love.’ It was a very special night.” Oh, be still my little heart!!!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Aruba! A LOVEly place to go, for couples and family. The photo posted was a popular beach. Things to do – Arikok National Park:  Natural wonders, wildlife, beaches, snorkelers, swimming.  Theaters, bowling, night life, jeep tours to landmarks, Sky diving, sailing, Natural Bridge, boat tours, picnics, lighthouses, Donkey Sanctuary, fishing charters, Eagle Beach, Pirate cruises, party bus ‘parties’, horseback riding.

Calendar Inspiration is – Look for beauty in your day and you will surely find it!

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TOMORROW February 16 is:

National Almond Day
National Do A Grouch a Favor Day

I’m just gonna take tomorrow as it comes! I’m doing a favor tomorrow but it’s for one of my favorite guys – not a grouch! Have a happy day! God bless…

The day started out very weirdly – I noticed that I had warm water but not HOT water. I had been putzying around in the laundry room all weekend and sent things flying off the shelves and cupboards numerous time, always feeling frustrated that things seemed to take on a life of their own. When I checked out the hot water tank, the setting was on ‘vacation’. I called my long-time, home-town favorite – Brown’s Plumbing-Heating-AC – and explained the issue. I was at the dentist, but they came and checked it out- all they had to do was turn the knob. The pilot didn’t even need re-lit. No Charge! I love these guys. I do have to say that God has been truly watching over my fumbles and failures these last few months. Which brings me to Valentine’s day, and LOVE – God loves us, in all ways!

And that brings me to God’s Valentines to us. We can’t out-love God!

And ours to God —

…and to each other —

Peanuts has a few words for us as well.

February 14 – Tell about a special valentine you once received. “It was when my boyfriend was in the air force & sent me one.” See? Mom DID have an eye for the guys!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Scotland – the photo posted was Castle Rock – Edinburgh. There is almost an unending list of things to do and see.  I have read so many novels set on the Isle of Skye – that alone would tempt me!  But there is the Heritage Trail, Aberdeenshire Castle Trail, Western Highlands, Eilean Donan Castle, Historic sites, fireworks, festivals, Osprey sanctuary, wildlife, hiking, climbing, boating, mountains, beaches, castles and moats, fishing, lighthouses, gardens, kayaking, art, wineries and distilleries, Abbeys, scenic views, biking, and the Rothiemurchus forest.  Underground walking tour, Hogwarts Express Tour, Afternoon Tea Experience, Underground Ghost Tour,  Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends; Chocolate tour experience, Folklore tours, Vaults and graveyards tour, Fright Night tour, Comedy walk, Alnwick Castle as Featured in Harry Potter.

Calendar Inspiration – Love and thoughtfulness transform everyday activities into romantic moments.  Make someone’s day special.

Quotes and scriptures about love are already posted, so here is the vacation destination:

TOMORROW February 15th is:

• National Gumdrop Day
• Singles Awareness Day
• National Wisconsin Day

I’m hopeful that Kelly will come up tomorrow and we can go antiquing for her project! I’m always up for antiques! Have a great day — God bless. He has certainly blessed ME!!!

Last night I ushered again for Bear – he did not attend, which I knew ahead of time. Did see a friend from school – we went through all twelve grades together! She was helping to usher. We started talking about our 55th class reunion (next year; 2023!) and I offered to help. So once they start focusing on the plans she’ll call or email me. Gwen and I were even in the same Brownie and Girl Scout troops. It was fun to see her. I snapped a picture of the cast rehearsing before they opened the doors.

The courthouse was blue last night – not sure what it represents but it was beautiful in the clear evening darkness!

Arrived at church this morning to no power. Apparently a pole was knocked crooked and they didn’t expect power to resume until after 11am. Everyone pitched in and set up chairs in the Welcome Center so we could have Sunday School and church service. JUST got everything organized and the power came on! Happy problem! But our classroom, which is downstairs, was very cold. We brought our three students up into the youth section and had class there.

We had a special guest speaker this morning – Rob Grandi. He is such a good singer and preacher. His message was ‘God of Second Chances’. He had SO MANY great points. If you want to hear a good message and his gift of a song go to Hempfield Church of Christ facebook page. One of the things I liked was his reference to A Christmas Carol – Scrooge definitely got a second chance. And these are the three questions he asked; we should ask them, as well. God forgets our past if we ask him to; And if you say you are sorry for doing something again, he’ll say he never knew you even did it before! We should be celebrating our freedom of forgiveness.

When I went to my car after church, there was a surprise treat from Deb! A little Valentine: Homemade soup, two muffins, and iced sugar cookies. I had half the soup for lunch, and a cookie for dessert. The muffins will be tomorrow’s breakfast after the dentist. Thanks so much, Deb!! Everyone need a ‘Deb’ in their life. My sweet ‘Violet’ cousin!

My plastic pink butterfly shower curtain over the closet in the garage was ripped and coming down. I stopped on the way home and found an unexpected treasure for almost no cost! And it has STARS on it! Big change for almost no investment, time or money!

On the way home there was a white bathroom cabinet sitting beside the road. Almost new! I brought it home, and I think Jen is going to use it for supplies at the rescue. I love saving things!

Kelly wanted me to check out L&L Fleatique for small pieces of furniture for their Church’s new gym bathrooms – storage and supplies, etc. So I snapped about 20 photos and kept sending her descriptions and costs. I think she’s coming up Tuesday to go down and check them out. I doubt they will be sold as they were closing when I left, and aren’t open Mondays.

February 13 – Tell about a special valentine you once gave. “I gave a Valentine to my favorite teacher when I was in 5th grade. I had a crush on him.” Seems like Mom had an eye for the guys!!!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was New Mexico, and the photo posted was the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Just a few things in New Mexico are Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument, artist colonies, Rio Grande Gorge, mountains, rafting, hiking, camping, ballooning, fishing, rock-climbing, skiing, snow-boarding, tubing, Aztec ruins, International UFO Museum, Historic districts, lakes, waterfalls.

Snoopy has the calendar inspiration for today. And just for the record, today is the anniversary of Charles Schulz’s death. He has been missed!

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TOMORROW February 14 is:

• National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day
• National Ferris Wheel Day
• National Organ Donor Day
• Valentine’s Day
• National Football Hangover Day 
• National Clean Out Your Computer Day

Hope you took a second, ladies, to appreciate your female friends! Tomorrow, celebrate love! GOD is love!!! God bless YOU!!!

After breakfast I did laundry and finished the ironing. Then I mixed up scones to be refrigerated overnight for tomorrow. I txt Chrissy to see if she wanted to go to ‘Scotland’ – and she said, “Where is Scotland?” Autmn ALWAYS called Scottdale ‘Scotland’ her whole life. So I picked up Chrissy at noon and we headed down. We did some shopping at Walmart, Aldi, Goodwill, Dollar Tree, the Dollar General. We also had lunch at the Dairy Queen and it was pretty good! We accomplished most of what we went for, and a little more (of course!).

Last night I ushered at the theater, and I was happy to see Bear there! He had a little ‘spell’ on Wednesday and I didn’t expect to see him. His brother Bruce drove him and it was good to see him, too. So we got to catch up a little. Always great to see my Bear!

I moved a few shower curtains around and was able to match the ones behind the freezer. So it looks even better in the laundry room. Also used my basket from Connie (Christmas in July) to keep my extra little pillows in. Why didn’t I think of it before! Also got a little more done in the garage.

February 12 – Tell about the Valentine Day festivities of your school. “Everyone made a box with a slot in it. We planned for weeks how we would decorate the box. In the afternoon we would all exchange our valentines and then eat sugar cookies with pick & red icing on them. Our teacher would bring a treat for each child. The mothers made the cookies.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was the Laurel Highlands – our own back yard. The picture posted was Ohiopyle. Things to do around the Laurel Highlands are Escape rooms, Powder Mill Nature Reserve, Abigail’s Coffee House, Arnold Palmer Regional Airport/Airshow, Bedford Fall Festival, Ligonier Ice Fest, Vineyards, Big Mac Museum restaurant, Bushy Run Battlefield, Ohiopyle’s hiking, camping, biking, whitewater rafting, canoe and kayaking.  Twin Lakes, Golfing, Cedar Creek Park, Flight 93 National Memorial, Ft. Necessity, Friendship Hill Historic Site, Great Allegheny Passage, Hanna’s Town, Johnson Flood Memorial, Keystone State Park, Kooser State Park, Linn Run, Mammoth Park, Farmers Markets and more!  Come join us in the Laurel Highlands!

Calendar Inspiration is Planning ahead always pays off – you & everyone will benefit!

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TOMORROW February 13 is:

• Galentine’s Day
• National Cheddar Day
• National Tortellini Day
• National Pork Rind Day

I had to look up Galentine’s day. I heard it mentioned on the radio a few times and thought it was just a station give-away tag. But here’s what I found out: Galentine’s Day brings women together to celebrate each other every year the day before Valentine’s day. I have plans for the 16th – so I’ll be celebrating a few days late! Have a happy day whatever you celebrate. God bless…

I had a lot of chores to work on today – including laundry, scrubbing the closet floor, restacking boxes, emptying out both freezers, and making a trip to Nate’s with the food. I picked up Chrissy from the bus stop and took her over with me.

After getting rid of so much stuff the closet really looks neat and organized. I’m very pleased.

I had to move the recliner so the old freezer would fit out the door, and found it not a bit surprising that there was a goldfish under it…

The new freezer looks great in the laundry room and I’m so pleased. It really opens it up nicely.

There was a contest today at the school, and Chrissy and her friend Hope won second place – Twin day or something? They dressed as Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly. Chrissy is on the right. How fun is that??

I promised Bear I would usher for him tonight – the play is RENT – which I’ve never heard of. I don’t mind ushering…

While I was going through boxes last night I found an old newspaper with a picture of my friend Diane’s daughter Lori, who distinguished herself (back in 1989) in the Air Force. I remember the day Diane called me about that! She was very proud and excited!

February 11 – Who was your first boyfriend? “Billy Wilson – in 2nd grade at Davis School.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Australia – photo posted was the great barrier reef. Some of the other things to do and see are Outdoor Markets, architecture, theaters, beaches, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beaches, Harbour Bridge, Museums and galleries, Waterfronts, Cage of Death crocodile enclosure.  Piers, Wildlife dome, rainforests, hiking, Lagoons, Bungy-jumping, shopping, desert landscapes, kangaroo sanctuary, Skyrail Cableway, Fraser Island.  Also visit Keith Urban while you are there – and his wife, Nicole Kidman! 

Calendar inspirations is that a favorite activity can’t always be shared. Enjoy doing whatever you love best.

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TOMORROW February 12 is:

• National Plum Pudding Day
• Global Movie Day

TOMORROW — is a brand new day with no mistakes in it! That’s a quote from Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables). I’m hoping to keep it that way! God bless…

Treadmill, work, a few stops on the way home. After lunch I started pulling bins out of the storage cupboard under the steps. I was concerned that the floor had been wet under there and I want to air it out. I decided to go through the boxes and I’m glad I did. I found 2 boxes that are Nate’s, two that Mom gave me to keep when she married John and moved, and TONS of things that I don’t need to keep. Going through Mom’s house last summer helped me to focus on what is to be cherished and what I don’t need to keep. Whatever Nate does with his ‘stuff’ is up to him. I won’t mind at all if he tosses most of it! (Report cards, notes, toys, etc). Kath & I will have to go through the stuff from Mom – I don’t think there is a lot we need to keep.

Autmn needed a ride home this afternoon, so I took a break and drove her to West Newton. I told her I could do that as long as it was in the daylight! Route 136 is crazy-twisty! On the way back I saw a house with a purple metal roof. THAT will be my choice if I every have to replace the roof!

In one of the boxes I found some things that were Dad’s – and we had saved for Nate. Peyton had asked for string ties last fall, so when I found a few I offered one to him. I’m glad we found some to share!

And speaking of memories – February 10 – What was your favorite meal as a child? “Fried ham, potatoes and gravy. My mom always made me apple maple dumplings for my birthday every year.” Ham was always (and still is!) a favorite of mine! That’s cool that it was Mom’s, too!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and the picture posted was the Grand Teton National Park. Things to do in or near Jackson Hole are activities at Grand Teton National Park : wildlife, scenic overlooks, hiking and back-packing. Jenny Lake and Hidden Falls.  Fishing, camping, mountain biking, safari tours, shooting experience, children’s museum, Laurence Rockefeller preserve, Museum of Wildlife Art, Skiing, Aerial tram, Hot air balloon rides, golf, rafting, Snake River, Historical society & Museum, dog sledding, snow tubing, paragliding, snowmobiles, Granite Hot Springs, Raptor Center, Horseback riding and Rodeo, Music fest and fairs.  And more!

Calendar inspiration is Sometimes you can feel the quiet in nature- Find that calm in every season.

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TOMORROW February 11 is:

• National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day
• National Inventors’ Day
• National Make a Friend Day
• National Peppermint Patty Day
• National Shut-In Visitation Day
• National White Shirt Day

Tomorrow – I HOPE – we are moving the big freezer to Nate’s, and putting my small one in the laundry room. I’m afraid to get excited until it actually happens! Lots of options to celebrate tomorrow. Pick several! God bless…

Treadmill, breakfast, then spent some time figuring out our vacation plans. Kath took the B&B and made our reservations there, and I took the half-way motel on the way up. So we are set to get started. We’ll figure out the rest when we decide if we want to do something else when we leave Newport.

Nate and Dave were able to grab the cedar chest out of the garage today, so I have a bit more room. Right now I still have a few boxes of pictures sitting there but they will soon be gone from there.

I had my caricature sketch that Kelly’s friend drew for me for Christmas, but there was so much white space in the frame that you sort of missed the sketch. So I trimmed it down, put her signature on a glitter heart, and put it in a smaller, unique frame. It looks much better on the shelf and as a focal piece. Nice improvement.

I got the house cleaned and the chores done, so after I post this I will get something to eat. I’ve been listening to and watching some episodes of Home Town with Ben and Erin. It’s a show about home purchases and renovations and I like a lot of what they do. They like to keep older character in the homes so I enjoy that. I still have to take the garbage up before my day is done…

February 9 – Tell of a nickname given to you by friends or classmates. How did you get it? “I was always called Dot. That was a common nickname for my name, Dorothy.” Except her dad called her DeeDee sometimes…

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Iowa – the picture posted was Sculpture Park. Other things to do in Iowa (beside visit Kyle and Janet Drown!) are Pottawattamie Squirrel Cage Jail, Maquoketa Caves State Park, Elwood – world’s tallest concrete gnome; star gazing, Hobo Museum, Matchstick Marvels Museum, Lovers Leap Swinging Bridge, Iowa 80 Truck Stop, American Gothic house and barn, Zombie burgers, Art Museum, history, River Museum and aquarium, fairgrounds, Czech & Slovak museum and library, Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, Biking, Amana Colonies, Pools, waterparks, wineries, zoo, science center, Museum of National History, sunflower fields, State parks, beaches, riverboat rides, Mount Hosmer, Waterfalls, boating, hiking, Snake Alley (World most crooked street), Grotto of Redemption, Reiman Gardens, Berry Patch Farm (pick your own fruit).  And there’s tons more! Iowa is a big space.

Calendar Inspiration is Whatever we’re doing, we still look forward to whatever is next.  Slow down and savor the pleasures of the moment. 

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TOMORROW February 10 is:

• National Cream Cheese Brownie Day
• National Home Warranty Day
• National Umbrella Day
• National Giving Hearts Day 

I work tomorrow morning – then the weekend is mine! Have a happy Thursday! God bless…

At least I managed the treadmill this morning. Finally. I worked at both stores, then stopped at the bank. Did title work extra so I was later getting home. I told Chrissy I would stop at the driver’s center and get her a Driver’s Manual so she could study for her permit. They don’t have paper ones any more – you have to scan the bar code and download the manual. So I did that and forwarded the link to her and now she’s all set – but when I finished there I went next door to the new Dollar Tree. It’s spacious and open and very nice. I didn’t need anything but I never mind taking a leisurely peek at a new store.

My plan for this evening (after ironing and balancing the checkbook) is to go through a small box of old, black and white photos. I want to sort ones that the Skunk Hollow Cousins would enjoy looking through. And I thought I should share Grandpa Fresh’s new den. He needed someplace that he could tuck into and still be able to see what was happening around him. I think this works.

February 8 – Tell about someone who had a big influence over your life. “When I was young my Grandma Crooks taught me about loving everyone. When I was a young woman our minister, Pastor Cook, taught us how to always read and study the Bible. I still love to read & learn from God’s word. I learn the meaning of Bible ‘truths’ every time I pick it up to read and study.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Key West, Florida, and the photo posted was Fort Jefferson. Other things to do in Key West are dinner cruises (daytime and sunset), Shark & Wildlife adventures, snorkel tour, jet skis, Conch tour, dolphin watch, glass bottom boat, parasailing, cocktail crawl, cultural walking tour, coral reefs, cycling, historic homes and island history walking tour, Hemmingway tour, Jimmy Buffett tour, Key West historic tour, Ghost & Mystery tour, Florida Keys private tours, Dark Side of Key West tour, Beaches, Aquariums, shopping, cultural, scavenger and treasure hunts, paddle boarding, nature tours, Haunted history & civil war tours, Old Town literary tour, live music tour, Maritime museum, Keys audio driving tour.

Calendar inspiration is The more you share an experience, the more you will remember it. Make strong memories by sharing them!

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TOMORROW February 9 is:

• National Cut the Cord Day
• National Bagel and Lox Day
• National Pizza Day
• National Toothache Day

Pizza. I’m in! And we WON’T talk about a toothache! Tomorrow is stay-home-and-clean day. Have a happy Wednesday! God bless…

It was a crazy start to the morning. I got up, took my vitamins, then came down and put my walking shoes on for the treadmill. But then I noticed that the glass panes in the door were horribly smeared, so I took a few minutes to clean them. I also noticed that I did not take the box of garbage outside last night, so I did that next. Then I realized that I hadn’t finished writing out my ‘friend’ card to mail today so I did that. Then my phone binged with an incoming email. By the time I responded it was time to get a shower. So I took off my walking shoes and got on with my day. I made up for not walking by scrubbing the basement floor for an hour and a half! It isn’t entirely stain-free but it is CLEAN!

I went to work in Jeannette and had a nice chat with the guys before I left. Went to Walmart in North Huntingdon since ours didn’t have what I needed (after 3 consecutive trips). I popped into Gabes and found an Easter blanket. Photos to follow, closer the holiday! I brought up the last boxes of photos from the shed since the path down was clear and dry. Something else to keep me busy while watching HGTV and Hallmark in the evening.

Tonight is the third episode of The Gilded Age. I’m going to Kathy’s to watch it – we are having Carrol Cake for dessert!

January 7 – Tell about a big fib you told. “When Ruth Sink & I told our teacher we were to go home from school at noon so we could go to Indiana with our parents. Ruth & I were running away from home. We walked for a few hours through woods & thicket. We decided to come back home & got home before dark. We were sorry we worried our parents that day.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Santorini, Greece and Kathy guessed correctly. The picture posted was Santorini along the coast. Things to do are Ancient archeological sights, ATV tours, never ending views, whitewashed terraces and homes, winding lanes, blue domed churches, hikes and cable cars and scenic trails, ferries and docks and cruises and shopping and beaches and mountains and sunsets; boutiques, great dining and quaint travel accommodations.

Calendar inspiration is: There are so many nice ways to keep in touch and spread cheer. Surprise someone with kindness today.

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TOMORROW February 8 is:

• National Boy Scouts Day
• National Kite Flying Day
• National Iowa Day
• Safer Internet Day U.S. 

So, go fly a kite! In Iowa! Especially if you are a boy scout. In the meantime, choose some activities that you enjoy, and appreciate doing them! God bless…