Once again, I breezed through Liz’s newest release, The Country Cottage. So honored to be an ARC reader for her. This is the first in a new series (Prairie Creek) , and I’m excited to see what’s next in The Thimble Shoppe! I’ll be a Beta reader for this one.

Elizabeth Bromke’s The Country Cottage makes me want to read it just by the title.  Actually, I’d really like to GO there!  With the cultural trends around us suggesting to always update and replace and modernize, being comfortable in the past is the place to be.  As Kelly and Logan each struggle with their personal choices and dilemmas, it seems that indeed, two are better than one.  Their chemistry brings them together in a way that leads them each to where they need to be, comfortable with their past.  As is usual for Elizabeth’s books, once I begin to read, MY life falls off the back side and I get caught up in THEIR lives. I seem to leave housework and chores behind as I step into the very believable, relatable, and inviting world she creates. Pieces of the puzzle are revealed one at a time, chapter by chapter, until we realize that they both have drama and distress that change the direction of their lives, and the Country Cottage project begins their forward journey and gives them confidence to move forward.  So much ahead; can’t wait to see where Kelly and Logan take us next!  Great characters, wonderful story line, compelling motivations, and delightful solutions!

After lunch yesterday I spent some more time working on the basement floor, then made a casserole for Nate. It’s one he particularly likes so every now and then I make it for him. Today he picked it up after church and brought over the mower that I’m keeping here. I plan to sort out some of the items in the trunk for the SHWF cousins to review next month, then spend another hour working on the floor. That is my exciting Sunday!

Church was particularly good this morning. Joe did the communion devotion, and JJ, (who is seven and in my Sunday school class), helped by quoting John 3:16. He stepped up to the mic and spoke loudly and clearly and with total commitment. In addition, my nephew Jesse’s son Isaac was on the drums for the praise band. So exciting to see these young boys participating. Wayne’s message was very good about allowing God to lead – delivered with conviction and a dash of humor and heart-felt insight. Encouragement for the week!

January 6 – Who was the most famous person you ever met as a child? “I think meeting Jimmy Stewart’s father would be the closest to a person of any fame. He owned a hardware store in Indiana, PA.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Big Sur in California, and the photo posted was the Calla Lily Valley. Other things to do and see at Big Sur are Andrew Molera State Park (hiking, meadows, beaches, bluffs, hilltops, camping, ranches), Sea Otter Game Refuge, Carmel River State Beach (lagoon, bird watching, scuba diving) Garropata State Park –( 2 mile beach, hiking, climbing, even nude swimming and sun bathing – redwoods). Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – 80 foot waterfall, overlook trail, fantastic views.  Los Pardres National Forest (mountains, forests, streams, beaches, rivers). Historic Mission San Carlos; Old Coast Road with beautiful landscapes, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Point Labos National Reserve and ranch, butterfly sanctuary.

Calendar inspiration today is from Peanuts.

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TOMORROW February 7 is:

• National Fettuccine Alfredo Day
• National Periodic Table Day
• National Send a Card to a Friend Day

We can all send a card to someone we care about! If you are reading this, I care about YOU! Have a great week. God bless…

Yesterday I finished out the day with a few chores. It stopped snowing so I went out and cleaned the walks and the driveway. There was ice underneath in a few places but I was careful and had my spikes on my boots. You can see the difference in the two places.

I also took the Americana comforter apart and finished off the edges to make it fit on both of the beds in the Flag room. It fits so nice now, and the trundle pulls out easily and looks great with comforters on both beds that match. Coming along nicely!

Also ordered tickets for a program at Compass Inn at the end of the month. They are Fireside Chats about Histories and Mysteries of Language. That will be fun!

I took a little time to work on a small area of the downstairs floor. It was an improvement but if you look REALLY CLOSELY you’ll see that there are still shadows of white along some of the seams. Not sure if it’s a stain on the flooring or if the color bled off.

This morning I went out first thing (well, second thing. I changed my bed sheets first!) to clean off the driveway again. We got a lot of fresh snow overnight. It actually looked like Ivory Flakes – remember those? Laundry detergent? It was light and sparkly and fluffy. The temperature was 15* so I didn’t dally. You can see how much snow by the back deck.

Kathy came over and we looked through the rest of the items in the trunk. We found the deed to the Shady Lane property (long sold), our polio vaccine certificates (See? We’re safe!), Temperance petitions, old family photos, sympathy cards, birth and baptismal certificates. So much history! But who to pass them on to? Not much interest in that for the next generations…

February 5 – What were you doing to first smash a finger? “I never smashed a finger. I was doing some ironing when I was about 6 years old. I dropped the heavy iron on my big tow & smashed it. The toenail came off & never grew back on like it should be. I had to wear a covering over my toe for a very long time that summer.” Ouch!!!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Minnesota, which is the land of 10,000 lakes! Picture posted was the Sculpture Garden. Other things to do and see are parks, lakes, resorts, flea markets, drive-in theaters, historical sites, museums,  golfing, tent and RV camping, canoeing, hunting, rock climbing, dogsledding,   Minneapolis Museum of Art, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Quarry Hill Nature Center, Marine Museum, Leif Erickson Park & Rose garden. National Eagle center, vineyards, historic Mill City museum, North American Bear Center,  History center, cruises – plus more!

Calendar inspiration – After a long day of work, you can head home with the satisfaction of a job well done.  Your commitment is important.

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TOMORROW February  6 is:

• National Frozen Yogurt Day
• National Lame Duck Day
• National Chopsticks Day

I did buy some yogurt but it’s not frozen. I guess I could just sit it outside! Stay warm and safe and have a great day. God bless.

I made French Toast for breakfast, then started laundry. I knew I had Valentine napkins in my bin in the garage, but it was behind the freezer. I tugged and pushed and yanked and dug and finally got the package out, but not without boo boos on my hand! Another week or two and the excess in my garage will clear out, and I’ll be able to have better access. Hopefully before time to decorate for Easter!

As we got rain, then ice, and now snow – and I am nearly out of salt (couldn’t find it yesterday) – I will be staying at home today! My goal is to get the driveway cleared off this afternoon and then throw the rest of the salt. By then maybe I can get more salt on Saturday.

I did manage to remember to wear red today – even though it’s the wrong holiday. I’m very warm and that’s important for today.

Here are some pictures from yesterday’s attempt at making the house Valentine-y. Is that even a word?

February 4 – Do you have any knowledge of the origins of your family name? “When I was growing up we were teased & told our ancestors were horse thieves so we were named Crooks. Later I was told, by my doctor, that our ancestors were shepherds and used the crooks to work with the sheep. I like that origin the best.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was St. Augustine, Florida. This choice was inspired by Teresa, who has a trip planned with her travel group ‘Women Traveling Together’; they are going to St. Augustine and Savanah later in the spring. Photo posted yesterday was Flagler College. The city is rich in history; first Spanish settlement – 1565 – and oldest continuously occupied US settlement.  Other things to do and see are Corks & Forks strolling tour, Scenic boat rides, haunted trolley tours, afterlife tours, distilleries, breweries, and wineries, St. George Street – Spanish settlement and Colonial Florida;  Beaches galore, Pirate & Treasure museum, Scavenger hunts, Lightner Museum, Wild Life reserve, Old Jail, Old City, Old House tours, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Anastasia State Park, Farmer’s market at the pier, Oldest Store Museum, Golf Hall of Fame, Ft. Matanzas Monument, Fountain of Youth, Colonial Quarter, numerous walking history tours and hop on – hop off trolley tours.

Calendar inspiration – Tonight, listen for the magical moment when the natural world settles down into silence for the night. Peace!

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TOMORROW February 5 is:

• National Shower with  a Friend Day
• National Weatherperson’s Day
• World Nutella Day
• Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
• National Play Outside Day

No showering with a friend, tomorrow or any other day! Ice Cream for breakfast is on my radar, and I have a feeling I’ll be ‘playing’ outside today & tomorrow to clear the driveway and walks! Whatever you do, enjoy. OH! And I did make soup yesterday so I will be eating homemade soup in my red outfit! God bless…

There were so many little things to do first thing Wednesday morning. Felt like I was all over the house from one chore to the next. I didn’t even start cleaning until almost 1pm! But before I move past yesterday, here are two photos I didn’t include in our Groundhog Day tribute. One is my little collection that resides on the ladder all the time. The second is one that Diane sent me last thing – long after I had posted.

There’s not too much exciting about cleaning the house, so I’ll just share some things from the last few days. Chrissy finally sent me a picture of her bed with her new comforter set. She’s very excited. She also sent a pic of her salt rock lamp (Elephant) which is her ‘favorite thing’ in her room! It’s her little haven.

I was talking to Teresa on the phone, and she sent me pics of paper heart garlands that she made for her grandkids. I love them. So bright and festive!

When I finally took the trash up to the road and then got the mail (which went directly into the trash!!!), it was past dark. As I walked back down, I could see Torilyn’s tree glowing through the window in their bedroom (she is my 14 year old neighbor). It looked so pretty and cheerful glowing in the dark night! A little festive in a dirty-snow winter.

Today, Thursday, work was light. The weather wasn’t! It was foggy and rainy and miserable. Thankfully it stayed warm enough so no ice or snow yet. We will see what tomorrow brings. But after lunch I made a huge pot of stuffed pepper soup. It was a good day to do that as it made the house smell warm and inviting all day. I picked Chris up from the old bus stop and drove her home, and when we passed the trailer we saw a ring neck walking around in the yard! I couldn’t believe that neither Chris nor her friend Hope even knew what a ring neck was!

I didn’t go inside when I dropped her off, but Nate sent me photos. They were installing a security door so that the cats and dog would not accidently slip out the door. It’s a new house and a new neighborhood. They got a lot done today.

February 3 – Share a memory about a weather-related school cancellation. “School was never cancelled because we all walked to school. It was impossible to get word to the students as very few had telephones or radios. We were dismissed early on bad snow days so we could get home before it got any worse. The COLD was the biggest concern.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Palm Springs, and the picture posted was a bike trail overlooking the city. Things to do and see are San Andreas Fault bike tours, Indian Canyons, Joshua Tree National Park, Tennis, Golf, Spas, Escape rooms (there are several!), windmill tours, French cooking class, Mountain sunrise hikes, scavenger hikes, rock climbing, Earthquake canyon, shopping, desert Oasis.

Calendar inspiration – Fun is not any particular activity but rather a joyful attitude that transforms everything you do in your day. 

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Scripture – The reason I chose this scripture today was by Max’s influence in Sunday School. Our lesson was of Jesus teaching us to humble ourselves and be kind. Immediately Max chirped up and quoted this entire passage by heart, complete with scripture reference. That may not seem overly impressive; but Max is either 4 or 5 years old. Puts us to shame!!!

Vacation Destination –

TOMORROW February 4 is:

• National Create a Vacuum day
• National Hemp Day
• National Homemade Soup Day
• National Thank a Mail Carrier Day
• National Wear Red Day 
• Bubble Gum Day

I believe Friday will be the kind of day that I CAN wear red and eat homemade soup. As we live in HEMPfield Township that’s an easy celebration. No bubble gum for THESE teeth! Have a happy day, and God Bless…

I thought it might be fun to celebrate Groundhog day by finding some unusual facts about the day. The first official Groundhog Day was celebrated in 1887 (some say 1886) at Gobbler’s Knob, 2 miles outside of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The name Punxsutawney comes from the Delaware Tribe whose members settled the area in 1723 and their word “ponksad-uteney,” which means “town of the sandflies”.

First, Happy Birthday to Shannon Meyers – turning 50! – and celebrating with Phil on Gobbler’s Knob. Happy birthday, Shannon. Here are some photos from her early morning adventure!

And also Happy Birthday to my cousin Dan Cornman – turning 70! – Hope you have a wonderful day and a healthy, blessed year.

Groundhog Day falls on the 2^nd of February for a reason. It’s what’s known as a “cross-quarter” day, meaning it falls at the midpoint between one season and another. In the case of February 2^nd, it’s the cross-quarter day that falls between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, making it the ideal time to consider whether or not spring will arrive early.

When he’s not predicting the weather on Groundhog Day, Phil lives in the town library in Punxsutawney with his groundhog “wife,” Phyllis.

Punxsutawney Phil has only predicted an early spring 16 times.

After the 1993 movie Groundhog Day became popular, attendance at the Gobbler’s Knob celebration skyrocketed. The movie caused numbers to jump to 35,000 plus. (At the time of the release, the population of Punxsutawney itself was less than 7,000.)

Other weather forecasting groundhogs include Staten Island Chuck from New York City, Sir Walter Wally from Raleigh, North Carolina, General Beauregard Lee from Atlanta, Georgia, and Jimmy the Groundhog from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. An armadillo, named Bee Cave Bob, makes his weather prediction at the West Pole in Bee Cave, Texas.

Also known as woodchucks, groundhogs belong to a group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. They grow up to 25 inches long and can live for 10 years in captivity. (According to legend, Punxsutawney Phil is more than 125 years old thanks to the magical punch he imbibes every summer.)

Tradition goes that if the groundhog pops his head out of his hole and sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, then we are in luck for an early spring. Even though this is a fun tradition, science says that the groundhogs actually come out during this time of the year to search for a mate!

January 2 – Do you have any ice skating memories to share? “We didn’t have ice skates but went to the swamp & pretended we did & skated around on the ice. We wore our worn out, smooth soled shoes so we could slide better. None of our friends had regular skates either so we had lots of fun on cold, clear nights.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was voted the best small town in Pennsylvania in 2019 – Volant! Obviously, they haven’t been to Smicksburg or Donna’s store… Anyway, there are great things to see and do, and it is a very quaint and friendly town, easily navigated. Some things to do in Volant are: Miss Scarlett’s gift parlor, Ivy Creek Creations, Teena’s Quilt shop, Amish farms, Water falls, farms, Special-Teas, etc, Bakeries, candy shops, antiques, B&B’s, Amish furniture, Alpaca LOL (handmade gifts), wineries, lots of gifts and specialty shops.

Calendar inspiration – Mid-winter is a tough time for everybody. Spread good cheer & kindness throughout your day. Be generous to all!

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TOMORROW February 3 is:

• National Carrot Cake Day
• National Day the Music Died Day
• National Missing Persons Day
• National Women Physicians Day
• Optimist Day

Ooooh. Love carrot cake. It was our go-to dessert every time we took a trip to Mom’s! I wish I could say I was an optimist, but…. Have a happy day! God bless…

Another busy day, but productive. I got up early and still didn’t get to work early. Sigh… There wasn’t much to do, so I was home by 11am – even with stopping at my favorite L&L Fleatique. I was looking for a small narrow table or bench for the Flag room. What I found was a darling little pie safe, which I cleaned up when I got home. Also saw a dressmaker Christmas -type tree, and some directional advice…

I grabbed some pretzels and cheese for lunch, then changed into warm layers and went outside to clean the car. First I swept out the filthy trunk. I was very happy that it came so clean. It’s hard to see with the shadow but big improvement.

I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to actually wash the car, but with making so many trips to help Nate in the freezing weather, the outside was covered in dirt and salt. Then there was the trip to Smicksburg for Beef Day and added more grime. So I did wash it to get the worst off. The thing was, I went over to help clean the trailer and while I was parked there a bird pooped on my back window. Ugh. But the rest is as clean as it could be after driving on the salty roads again!

Once I got home, I took my little pie safe and put it in the kitchen. Then I took the shelves that were in the kitchen and put them in the Crooks room. That seemed only fitting, because it was made by Mom’s sister (Hazel Crooks)’s husband! Finally I took the little bench in the Crooks room and put it in the Flag room. Now there is something to set the gaming monitor on that is sturdy and eye level. Productive day for sure.

Changed all the calendar pages, and also the Snoopy calendar. Ready for February!

February 1 – What extras did you use for your snowman’s face, buttons, arms, hat, etc? “Coal was used for eyes, nose & buttons. If we made a mouth we used kernels of corn or tiny pebbles. We stuck small branches in & covered them with snow for arms. We put old gloves on for hands & put an old hat on its head.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Prince Edward Island (You’ve been there, right Beth?). The picture posted was an unnamed light house on a picturesque coast. Just a very few of the fun things to do and see on PEI: Make your own wind chime, visit Charlottetown (scavenger hunt to find hidden bronze mice),  shopping, musicals, Island Hill Farm (Baby animals), Cavendish beach/sunsets, Ceiledh social gatherings (singing, music, dancing), sailing, festivals, golfing, glass bottle houses, light houses, Kayaking, Sandcastle competitions.  Potato Museum, beaches and lighthouses and red clay roads and fields. History, hiking, road trips. Historic house tours – much more!

Calendar inspiration – Nature reminds us that everything is best in balance.  Rest and renewal are as important as work and activity.

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TOMORROW February 2 is:

• National Heavenly Hash Day
• National Tater Tot Day
• National Groundhog Day
• National Girls and Women in Sports Day 

My friend Diane and her daughter Shannon went to Punxy today – and plan to attend some of the festivities and to be at Gobbler’s Knob about 6am! It’s Shannon’s 50th birthday and that was all she wanted! I hope they have a wonderful time and get to meet Phil in the process. I guess we’ll see in the morning if he sees his shadow. God bless…

Back on track this morning – treadmill, work, laundry. I went over after lunch and helped Jen clean the trailer. Chrissy did her room; the bathroom is done; I did the master bedroom. I haven’t wiped down walls in a very long time and I feel it in my neck and shoulders! After I post this I plan to take a hot shower…

When I came back (after taking a load down to the house), I went to work rearranging the Flag room. Not sure this is the final arrangement but it’s good for now. I have to leave ample room for the trundle to pull out. So really can’t put anything too much on the long wall. I like it for now. Just have to wait for the final test – how the boys do with their game systems! (Pictures below)

I am going over to Kathy’s to watch the second in the series of The Gilded Age. We really liked the first one. I’m excited! And that’s enough excitement for one day!

Actually – I did have other excitement! I got an email for my author friend Liz, and she was ‘impressed’ (I guess) with the comments I sent her about The Abbey House. So instead of being an ARC reader (Advanced Reader Copy), I will be a Beta reader. I will get a copy BEFORE it is published and read for content, coherence, grammar, spelling, etc. I’m very excited! I am finally using a skill associated with the Masters program from Seton Hill! The next book will be ready the end of February.

January 31 – What did you use to go sledding down a hill in the snow? “We had a regular ‘bought’ sled called the “American Flyer.” We also had a wooden bobsled that was jointed. Sometimes we all rode down on a large piece of sheet iron. We had lots of wrecks & spills but no serious accidents.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was South Korea! Picture posted was a rock mountain – not sure if it has a name. Some things to do in South Korea are Palaces, Seongsan Sunrise Peak, National History Museum, Jagalchi Fish Market and local markets, Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, Lotte World & Magic Island, Bukchon Hanok Village, Exotic food, Yeosu Hikes, Water scenes, Island Getaways, Beaches.

Calendar inspiration is – everything we do lingers in the minds and memories of others. if you do your best every day, your good efforts will continue on.

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TOMORROW February 1 is:

• National Baked Alaska Day
• National Dark Chocolate Day
• National Freedom Day (Freedom From Slavery)
• National Get Up Day
• National Serpent Day
• National Texas Day
• February International Days

Ooooh. Dark Chocolate. I’m all for that! And I do plan to get up in the morning. Whatever you choose, enjoy! 🙂 God bless…

It’s still cold but an improvement from past days. My car is a total mess – ice and dirt. It’s still too cold to wash it but I think better days are coming!

The plan is that the people who want the bed are coming after lunch, and then I’m going to run trips to the new house with Nate and Jen. I’m itching to get started and to wait an hour is difficult!!! I need to learn patience – but I want to do it quickly!

I’ll recap yesterday’s beef day. We stopped and got Peyton breakfast on the way, and snapped a picture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I love Pennsylvania! Once we hit Smicksburg, the rolling fields were covered with snow and the vistas were beautiful, as always. Kelly was snapping photos of Amish farms and buggies. We even got into an Amish traffic jam! But it untangled fairly quickly.

Between Kelly & I we got a bunch of photos. It was so fun all of us working together, and having Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford sitting there on their chairs, observing and once in a while slipping in to help. Jason knew that Nate and Dave had it under control, and pretty much left them handle the whole operation. Peyton was an ‘intern’, watching and learning the entire process, seeing what his steer Fluffy will end up as after the fair. The experience was great for him and once he writes this up for his 4-H project he’ll be set! Between his help and interest in the beef process and helping at Jen’s Ninth Life Rescue for 8 hours on Friday evening, he’s got a lot of community service credits under his belt! And he worked hard and did a great job. What a fine young man my grandson is growing into. Thanks, Peyton!

Here are beef pictures:

January 30 – Tell about the worst winter storm that you can remember as a child. “I don’t remember the year or month but the snow got so deep no cars or trucks could travel the back roads. My dad walked over the hill to Beyer and got enough sugar & tobacco to last until the snow melted enough so the horse could travel with the wooden farm sled. It was slow going but Dad could get flour on it. We had everything else we needed.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Ireland. Sarah and Lynn Pelc, Lisa Carter Siders, and Ed Kelemen have all made at least one trip to Ireland and brought back beautiful pictures and lots of wonderful memories. There is so much to see in this beautiful country, not limited to Haunted castles, Riverdance, water falls, rope bridges, mysterious beaches, Newgrange (Winter Solstice), Guinness storehouse, cemeteries, festivals, Spike Island prison, Dingle peninsula, Ring of Kerry scenic drive, hiking, boat trips, fishing. Yesterday’s photo was Cliffs of Moher. 

Calendar inspiration is Woodstock.

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TOMORROW January 31 is:

• National Backward Day
• National Hot Chocolate Day
• National Inspire Your Heart With Art Day
• National Bubble Wrap Day

Bubble Wrap – funny how something so entirely ‘silly’ can be useful and fun at the same time. I never wake up in the morning thinking, ‘Oh, it’s bubble wrap day!’ Choose you joy! God bless…

Today was the long-anticipated beef day! Kelly, Peyton, Kathy and I headed to Smicksburg about 8:30am. Jonathan & Olivia Pelc and Sarah Pelc arrived (they live in Philly) right after we did; next Greg & Lynn (Scottdale), and then Nate, Dave and Autmn. Jason and Trent brought the first quarter of beef over and we jumped right in. I will post pictures and stories tomorrow. It’s late and I want to get a good night’s sleep. Just made myself the freshest hamburger that could possibly be made! Ground into ground meat at about 5:30pm; at 9pm in a skillet on my stove! Yum! So grateful for the day – not only for freezers full of beef for seven families, but for the friendships and family and fun.

January 29 – What was the dumbest stunt ever pulled by you and a brother or sister? “My sister & my brother & myself decided to play in the barn because it was raining. Hazel & I were to pretend we were groundhogs. When my bother Jim whistled we were to stick our heads up out of the hay & Jim would click his BB Gun and say “I got you.” A BB was stuck in his gun & when he pulled the trigger he hit Hazel on her forehead just above her eye. We never played that game again.” I hope not!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Erie, PA! In the years that we have gone up there – several even before Mom & John married, we have had amazing adventures and shared lots of fun. It’s great for a weekend or even a day trip – but you’d never do all the cool things in a day trip! Picture posted was Ashbury Woods outdoor playground.  Here’s a list:  Fishing charters, Presque Isle State Park – Beach 11!  Bike and skating and walking trail.  Waldameer & Water World, Erie Zoo (Nate loved the white tigers!), Mini golf, Maritime Museum – especially when the Flagship Niagra was in dock.  Scallywags Pirate Adventure, Splash Lagoon, Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Specialty and gift shops, Port Erie Tower, Millcreek Mall and West Erie Plaza (shopping), Children’s Museum, Perry Monument, Trail riding (horses), Downtown Erie, Candlelight Ghost Walks and Vampire Tours, Breweries, Speedway, Library, North Pier Light, Sailing, Art Museum, Arboretum, Firefighters Historical Museum, Hagen History Center & Museum, Library Park, Escape Game, Food tours (chocolate!), Biking.  Every few years there is the Tall Ships Erie event when all the ships come into Erie’s ports (Teresa and Mom & I went one time – It’s worth the weekend!).

Calendar Inspiration is: Friendships thrive on steady effort and nurturing.  Today, send a note to an old friend just to say hello.  Both of you will benefit.

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TOMORROW January 30 is:

• National Croissant Day

Well, time to be done for the day – tomorrow is another day! Have a wonderful day – God Bless!

Thursday was very cold but sunny and bright. Even though it was below zero, lots of snow piles and icy patches melted off. I did do the treadmill (still sub-zero outside!), then went to Jeannette store. There was lots to do, and they put me through the paces. Several strange twists and some confusing paperwork. But nothing is always easy so we worked through all the issues. It was a longer morning than I’ve had in a quite a while, and by the time I picked up pretzels and bananas at Walmart it was almost 1:30pm until I got home and could eat lunch.

I decided to make a cover for the body pillow instead of just putting a throw blanket over it. I also had a piece of material stashed away for years and years, and decided to share my huge cuddle pillow and covered it, too. That way when the boys are playing their video games or someone is just watching TV in the ‘new’ flag room, they will have comfy pillows to snuggle up with. I also put a few white vinyl star stickers on the bed frame. That is, after all, part of the theme of the room!

The dentist office called me and if I wait until April 1st or later my insurance will kick in, and I’ll save about 60% on my out-of-pocket. So that’s great news! Bad news is the appointment is the day before Good Friday. It will be in the middle of a busy week, but that’s ok. Get ‘er done!

Hallmark movies are in the background, and the dehumidifier is humming beside me. I have a little microwave bunny rice bag type comfort on my chair to keep me warm. It gets kind of cold downstairs.

I heard from the vendor where I bought my flooring. They are going to open a claim about a professional cleaning (if that’s an option) or maybe replacing the flooring. I really don’t want to do that. It will be an incredible amount of work clearing out this room! Their representative was very nice. The floor is dry now, with no more water seepage. And regardless of how it looks, it’s clean. One step at a time!!

So now it’s Friday. I got up and shoveled the driveway and the walks, but my friend Robin had to rearrange the pickup day again for the bed. Between work and ice and snow and school cancellations, they couldn’t make it. Nate changed moving day to Sunday afternoon – almost everything but the furniture is out, and they don’t have much that they are taking. I’m learning patience, waiting on these guys!

So after breakfast I started laundry and then mixed up the brownies for tomorrow’s Beef Day. Now I plan to make a few rice bags, just in case someone needs extra help staying warm through these chilly days. Right now it’s 30* which is a huge improvement from below zero! Beach Boys Christmas is playing in the background (I never get tired of my Beach Boys, regardless of the season!).

Peyton’s practice got cancelled so they are on their way – about 5 hours ahead of original schedule. That is perfect because Peyton is going to help Nathan finish up some drywall at the house. Kelly and I will finish up prepping for tomorrow. So I’ll close this for today, and pick up on Saturday night. This post is long enough already, anyway!

January 28 – What did you and your brothers or sisters fight about the most? “Whose turn it was to take the milk and butter to the springhouse. We had no electric so we used the drain in the springhouse to keep our food cold. 3 times a day we had to make 2 trips, over to get the food and then take it back.” Don’t we take a lot for granted?

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Amish country – Berlin Ohio. The picture posted was Amish & Mennonite Heritage center. Some things to do in Berlin are Amish Country Theatre, Antique Mall, Trading Post – LOTS of antique shops.  Amish Country Store, Christmas store, Heritage Village Shops, Fudge & Popcorn Company, Fabric Outlet, Quilt Shop, Catalpa Trading Co, Escape Room, Walnut Creek Cheese, Soap shop, Gospel Book Store, Country Craft Cupboard, General Store, Thrift Store, Primitive Porch.  So much to see and do! Sol’s is one of our favorite places, and there is a huge Amish buffet about 8 miles out of town, right before getting back on the interstate, that is perfect for dinner before heading home.

Calendar inspiration is : Make your home a welcome refuge from the cold – then snuggle in and enjoy!

Quote –

Scripture –

I just found out that Beth is not feeling well – praying for you, Beth. For your comfort and healing and quick recovery. If you need anything let me know – I’ll be praying!

Vacation Destination –

TOMORROW January 29 is:

• National Corn Chip Day
• National Puzzle Day
• National Seed Swap Day 

Saturday for us is BEEF DAY! Heading to Smicksburg to cut up, grind, and wrap an entire cow! There will be 15 of us, I think. Many hands make light work! God bless …