My lovely daughter is celebrating a birthday today! Since the day she was born, she has known her mind, followed her heart, and threw herself wholeheartedly into any project that was worth her time and passion. She loves and follows the Lord in all she does. She gives endlessly, to the point of sacrifice and exhaustion, and asks for little in return. Well, she’d really like to have a HOUSE~!!!~~~ Happy birthday, sweet daughter! Love you and am so proud of you!

January 27 – Did you ever have an imaginary friend? “Yes. I had a friend I called Elmer. It was long before Elmer Fudd became famous.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Lake Tahoe. Picture posted was the M.S. Dixie II paddling its way past all the big attractions like Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, and Vikingsholm Castle. Other things to do at Lake Tahoe – Parasailing, cross country skiing, Watch the Salmon spawn at Taylor Creek, Ski through Sierra at Tahoe’s old forest, History on Emerald Bay, Heavenly Ridge Rider mountain coaster, Autumn in Hope Valley, Wild flower walkabout, snowmobile, paddleboard yoga, golf, hiking, beaches and boating, fishing, hot air balloon rides, Mt. Tallac.

Calendar inspiration – You are always in the driver’s seat regarding your daily actions and reactions.  With kindness as a goal, your path will be well lit. 

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Tomorrow January 28 is:

• National Gift of the Ladybug Day *
• National Blueberry Pancake Day
• Data Privacy Day
• National Have Fun At Work Day
• National Kazoo Day
• National Big Wig Day

I don’t work tomorrow – except to help Nate & Jen move. Ladybug day sound fun! Maybe that! I don’t have a Kazoo. I’ll just go with the flow. And again, a wonderful, blessed, healthy, happy, precious year ahead for my Kelly! God bless!

I could not fall asleep last night. It was like every crazy question I ever had about life kept running through my head. It was close to 2am the last time I looked at the clock (I know, Deb – I shouldn’t be looking at the clock!). Needless to say I wasn’t a fan of getting up this morning. But it’s a little after 9am and the plumbers are already working on the pipe, so good thing I got up early.

I dived into cleaning once the project was done. Everything is all fixed. We left the water turned off to the outside spigot until spring. I was halfway through cleaning and ready to grab lunch when Jen called that they were going to take a few loads from the trailer to the house. So I bundled up and went over – stuffed all 3 vehicles as full as we safely could and drove them to the house. Then came home and finished cleaning. But the two rooms are coming along at the house – First three photos are the progression of the room for the cats, and the other one is the beginning of framing out a space for Sherree. It’s coming along!

January 26 – Did you ever see a President or Vice-President in person? “NO” Then she drew a frowny face!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Florence Italy! I was never there, but friends Bill Smail & Rick Kozar were there once and brought me back a Snoopy in a gondola.

Things to do in Florence and surrounding areas could be: Wine tasting and vineyards, art and history museums, landscapes, hiking, wine and cheese tours, city walking tours, Hidden secret tours, renaissance tours, horseback riding through wine country, monuments, day trips to Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli,  day trip to Venice, biking, hot air balloon over Tuscany, shopping and fashion. Cabaret shows, river cruise.

Calendar inspiration for today is: The world offers many highs and lows –But Home is where we can even out after a hectic day. 

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TOMORROW January 27 is:

• National Chocolate Cake Day

Not much inspiration there! Create your own special day! And have fun while you’re at it! God bless…

I didn’t need the treadmill this morning because I spent over an hour cleaning the driveway. The snow was frozen and heavy, and I had trouble getting it up in some places. It was all melted off by the time I got home, which is good since we will be living in the Tundra for the next few days! It’s still clear as I type.

The mattresses were here when I got home from the dentist. (Implant is scheduled for March 29th – first available appointment!) I was very concerned when I first saw them, because they were rolled up in a box.

By the time I opened them up, it was like an inflatable raft (although no inflation was involved in the unleashing of the mattresses!). It took me a very long time to put the beds together, putting the extra foam toppers on, the mattress covers (one zipped and one hooked – they are ones I had), putting sheets and blankets on. I stuck the pillows in a wicker basket, and stuck the new body pillow I bought beside them.

Then I put the quilt on, and the shams, and extra blankets. I can’t do anything else in the room until Friday when the double bed’s mattress and box springs get picked up. Then I’ll arrange the extra furniture and see how it all fits together. Different views of the bed(s).

I made a big salad for lunch, but it was about 2:30pm when I ate. After I post this I will be done for the day. The plumber is supposed to come first thing in the morning so I need to be ready. No lazing around in bed reading!

January 25th – At what age did you first vote and for whom did you cast your first Presidential vote? “I voted for the first time in 1952 when I was 22 years old. I have voted every presidential election since, as far as I can remember. I voted for Dwight D Eisenhower. He was a good President and had a second term.”

Calendar inspiration is that Winter is a wonderful time to dream about your future plans.  Then work hard to turn those dreams into reality.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Orlando, Florida. And the ironic thing is that today is National Florida Day! I didn’t know that until after I had picked the destination, saved some info, and then looked at the ‘National Day’ site! A few other things to do in/around Orlando: Museum of Military History, Sea Life Orlando, Universal Studios, Beaches, Horse Farm, Pirate Cruise, Crayola Experience, Seaworld/Gaterland, Walt Disneyworld, Discovery Cove, Sky trail, Zoo and Gardens, Helicopter tours (day and night) and much more!  Just enjoy!

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TOMORROW January 26 is:

• National Green Juice Day
• National Peanut Brittle Day
• National Spouses Day
• Library Shelfie Day

I didn’t know Libraries could take selfies… Tomorrow for me is (of course) CLEANING – and getting the pipe replaced. The floors are much dryer already, although it will be a while before it’s completely dry. Then I have to figure out what to do about the floors. I hope they can be cleaned and I don’t have to replace the flooring! One thing at a time – I’m SO thankful for where I am NOW!!! God bless…

I started my day at 7am, cleaning and salting the driveway. The specific instructions from the auto txt from the plumbing company was to make sure driveways and sidewalks were clear of snow and ice, and salted. So I did that. Hoping we don’t get any more snow tonight but it looks like a possibility. *** Well, just looked out the door…

The plumber came a little after 9am. He wasn’t even here 5 minutes and he discovered the problem. I was prepared to have my front yard dug up, the driveway ripped apart, the basement floor torn open…. Turns out that it was a leaking pipe – leaking pretty hard – and running down the cement block wall. You couldn’t see it because of the dropped ceiling and the paneling and drywall. He removed a few ceiling tiles and found a mess. He shut the water off to that pipe (outside spigot) and is coming Wednesday to put in new pipes, etc. It should take about a week for the floor to dry out if I run the dehumidifier constantly. So that’s the plan!

I was expecting tens of thousands of dollars in repair. Turns out it will we less than $300 unless he runs into another issue. I am in shock! I was prepared for and expecting the worst, but God had better things in mind for me! As Nathan said, that is an example of answered prayer if I ever heard one! Blessings abound!

Two problems at work got cleared up this morning, plus two friends that were sick are on the mend. So today is full of sunshine despite the snow! I am one thankful ‘puppy’! And that’s the bottom line for today.

January 24 – Who was the President when you were born? “Herbert Clark Hoover was the 31st president. He was president from 1929 to 1933.” Herbert Hoover was blamed for the Great Depression, because the stock market fell right after he took office.

Calendar inspiration – Savor the little things that make you feel cozy.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Ecuador and the picture posted was Bartolome Island. Other places to do and things to see are Snorkeling, beaches, hiking, mountain climbing, history, farms, sunsets, museums, parks. I have never even remotely considered going to Ecuador but it looks beautiful.

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TOMORROW January 25 is:

• National Florida Day
• National Irish Coffee Day
• National Opposite Day
• Plan for Vacation Day 

This is very ironic – I’ll tell you why tomorrow unless you already know. As for vacations, Kath and I are hoping to spend some time together this evening sketching out some plans! So we’re a day early. And one month ago today was Christmas Eve! I was at Kathy’s then, too! Have a happy Tuesday. God bless…

Another cold night, but no snow yet. It’s only noon – so I’ll update this later. JJ & Max were back in Sunday School, and they looked so dapper in their blue corduroy pants and red sweaters! Like college prep! We were making a treasure box, and we put a little cologne on a cotton ball. Max was amazed and said “Thank you SO MUCH! I have always wanted perfume. I love it!” JJ liked the rock…

Later in the day yesterday my daybed WAS delivered. I intended to slide it inside the house from the front porch. I couldn’t get it up over the threshold. So I imposed on my cousin Paul – and he and Nicholas (8) came up and helped get it inside. He also took the other bed apart, which is now in my living room (ended up moving it to the garage)! Then he put the new day/trundle bed together, at least the pasts that needed a screwdriver (I’m not good at that – remember???). I put the slats in, the braces on, and the safety tabs. I ordered the mattresses because it’s sad to say that local stores charge high delivery fees, but Wayfair and Amazon, etc, deliver free if over a certain amount. So the mattresses were on sale, plus no delivery fee, and come right to my door! What more could I want? They will be here Tuesday – how can you even beat that….

After church I changed into multi-layered clothing and met Teresa and her friend Janice – Teresa drove and we went to the Ice Fest in Ligonier. It was cold, but we all stayed warm enough. We walked around looking at the sculptures, then took time to go in a few stores. My favorite is always the vintage or antique stores. We grabbed a hot drink along the way just to keep warm. Saw a few people I knew there, too, which is always fun. Here are some of my favorite sculptures:

And pictures of us and around town.

Also found a ‘Smile’ Rock by a lamppost at the gazebo. I posted pics on their facebook page and will re-hide it next time I’m somewhere different! This is the second pass-along rock that I’ve found and I think it’s fun!

January 23 – Tell about the naughtiest thing you ever did. If you got caught, describe the consequences. “Hazel & I were painting the big kitchen. Uncle Edd kept telling us we were doing it wrong (we probably were). I was up on the step ladder and when he came close & pointed and said I had missed a spot I reached over & painted his bald head. I don’t remember what punishment I got but I was very ashamed I had done such a thing!” I think I posted this last summer, but it’s worth repeating! It IS funny!

Calendar inspiration is from Snoopy:

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Montana – specifically vacation ranches. The picture posted was an all-inclusive vacation ranch. Some of the offerings they may provide are Historic sites and battlefields, Indian Country, Ghost towns, dinosaur museums, Lewis & Clark Trail.  Ranches offer golf, photo safari, hospitality, beauty, scenic views, dog sledding, snow biking, spas, skiing, yoga, hatchet throwing, pool, fishing, archery, white water rafting, scenic river float, cattle drives, snowmobiling, backpacking.  And more!

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TOMORROW January 24 is:

• Beer Can Appreciation Day
• National Compliment Day
• National Peanut Butter Day

I have never actually appreciated a beer can. Sorry. I think all of us can pay a compliment. Have a good week and stay safe and warm! God bless…

It was very cold here last night – and I’m excited that it’s up to 23* here already just after 2pm. I was snug and warm last night, and no issues that are obvious. I may, however, step out of my norm for the morning and have a second cup of tea! I’d really like to clean off the steps and the walkway down to the shed, but it’s ice and snow- covered and don’t want to risk it.

Just got a notice that my daybed has shipped. Estimated delivery is today, but with the weather there is a ‘delay possible’ contingency on the notice. I can’t get it in the house by myself anyway so I’ll see what happens next!

Since yesterday’s post was all about Autmn Rose (thanks to all who sent birthday wishes and greetings – it was a total blessing for both of us!), I’ll recap yesterday. My sister called it my LOVE day! I (of course!) stopped at L&L Fleatique late morning, and found another snowflake. I’ve got to quit doing this. It was less than $2, so it’s not the money aspect. I’m running out of cute spaces! But I do love my snowflakes!

Every morning at exactly 7:30am Diane sends a music video, and each week is a different theme. This week is FRIENDS and she has been a friend since the first day of 10th grade in homeroom. Yesterday’s song was ‘You can’t Make Old Friends’ by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. What a profound truth! (Listen to the video/song – they had a chemistry!) Copy & Paste:

I stopped at Kath’s to drop something off to her, and of course we share a strong sister-love all the time. I am blessed!

I was coming out of Dollar Tree and saw an old friend from about 25 years ago. He was happy to see me, and told me how he didn’t understand ‘God’ and ‘church’ all those years ago when I tried to share with him – but he understands better now, and considers me an important mentor. Not often someone shares that with you. Then Autmn and I got into a txt session, in which she told me several, several times ‘I love you, Mimi!!!’. Warms my heart, because I love that ‘little’ girl!

I was on my way home when my friend Bear (Barry) called me – he’s the friend who had a heart attack last week. He’s home and doing well; no pain, but on restrictions until next checkup. When we hung up, he, too, said “Love you, Marge!” Old friends are dear friends.

I was barely home when Kelly called me, and shortly afterwards Nate called me. We always end our conversations with them saying, “I love you, Mom!” And later in the evening my friend Gen from New York called to tell me a story about sharing. I had given her a ‘comfort’ gift a few years ago, and she shared it with an elderly church friend. She called to thank me both for that long-ago gift and for the privilege of comforting another. We ended our conversation with ‘love you’ as well. So I felt refreshed, blessed, and a deep thankfulness for all of these people in my life who didn’t hesitate to validate my place in their lives! God is good, all the time!

To finish off the evening, I had a potato and watched the Hallmark movie North to Home. It was exceptionally good, and unique in view of traditional Hallmark movies. Surprises, humor, drama; great cast and story line. So glad I watched it. I’ve been skimming a lot of the movies as they usually stick to a given, predictable pattern. I believe this was is worth the watch, maybe even worth buying the DVD!

Not sure what the rest of my day will be – depends on if the bed arrives!

January 22 – When you needed punishment as a child, which parent corrected you, and how? “My father spanked us with his big hand. My mother used a little ‘switch’ – we sometimes had to get it from a bush for her to use it on our ‘back side’.”

Calendar inspiration – A journey without a map or destination can be difficult.  Keep your goals fixed in your mind.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Israel – the picture posted was the Sea of Galilee. No need to go into too much detail about what is interesting there to see and do! Start with the ‘In the Footsteps of Jesus’ tour, and the Biblical tour. Then there is Sunset camel safari, Caesarea, Jordan, Tel Aviv, Jericho, Holy Sepulcher, and the Ramon Crater. And much, much more! Just to be there!

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TOMORROW January 23 is:

• National Handwriting Day
• National Pie Day 

I have horrid handwriting so I won’t celebrate THAT. And next Saturday (Beef day) Kath is bringing pie – so I’ll wait. But today, in honor of yesterday, I want to let everyone know who reads this – occasionally or faithfully! – how much you all mean to me, and how blessed I am that each of you are in my life! God bless…

Today is dedicated to Miss Autmn! That girl has a piece of my heart, and I carry her around in mine all the time! I have been so blessed to be there from the minute she was born (3:58pm), and share in all the steps of her life. She has often fought against the odds to move forward, and has had disappointments (as we all have!), and both great exciting times and hard and sad times. One thing is for certain: She has a family that loves her – and even as she steps closer to adulthood and independence, we will always be there to celebrate life with her! Love you, Autmn Rose!

Happy, happy birthday, Autmn! I’m here to say that you will always be a shining star in my heavens – and that I love you always!

January 21 – Relate an experience or memory of a cousin. “Hazel crooks, daughter of Uncle Charlie, was very special to us kids. She was several years older than me. When I married your dad & moved from the country to a more city type setting she helped me adjust to all the new things. We nick-named her ‘which’ Hazel because of my sister having the same name. She became by best friend and second mother.”

Calendar inspiration – Playfulness is an attitude, not an activity.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was a Cruise Ship! The picture posted was the inside main stairways to the decks. Cruise ships offer destinations all over the world.  There are holiday cruises, celebrity cruises (such as the Beach Boys one in March!), topical, island, European,  – and dozens of cruise lines.  Everything you could possibly want to do on a vacation is available on a cruise ship.  My mom’s cousin just spent 10 days on a cruise for her birthday with her kids.  Just remember this little tip from Rick Steves – travelers usually gain a pound a day on a cruise – at LEAST!  So stay active!

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TOMORROW January  22 is:

• National Blonde Brownie Day
• Celebration of Life Day
• National Sanctity of Life Day
• National Fruitcake Toss Day

I don’t think I would have waited 21 days to toss my fruitcake. I was never a fan… But Happy Birthday sweet Autmn! Snoopy is celebrating with you! Place of honor!

Today was catch-up day, getting the things done that I had planned for earlier in the week. Bank, food, both Pinnacles, Mike P, Post Office, Gabes. I didn’t get home until after 2pm, but everything is back on track. After I ate, I cleaned the strawberries and then boiled potatoes and eggs. I decided that I need to pick a plan and stick to it, and eat better and be more organized. We’ll see how I do!

I also want to write to Colonial Williamsburg and see if I can get an additional ornament from this year. I have my Williamsburg Christmas tree with all my collectable Williamsburg ornaments – but I really like this one on the wall by my lanterns. Possibly I could get a second one. They’re pretty good about that, especially if I request it when I am sending in my donation!

My high school friend Diane sent me this picture that our classmate Kendra (with whom Diane still keeps in close touch) took at the Gateway National Park in New Jersey. Amazing! Thanks to both girls for sharing.

I don’t have a specific plan for tomorrow. I’ll see what appeals to me when I get up, after the treadmill. Tomorrow is a brand new day, with no mistakes in it! (Quote from Anne Shirley – Anne of Green Gables.)

January 20 – Did any relatives ever live with you? “My dad’s mother, Grandma Crooks, lived with us and so did my dad’s brother, Uncle Edd Crooks. They were a big part of our family. We loved them very much.” We found evidence of that when we were going through Mom’s trunk. Uncle Edd carved a lot of special gifts for Mom!

Calendar inspiration for today – Even Nature takes a break to focus on serenity.  Slow down!

Yesterday’s vacation destination was actually in our ‘own back yard’ – Historic Hanna’s Town, which I have posted LOTS about! The posted photo was the LeFevre House, directly across the street from the Education Center and the Tavern. The house was donated to the historic society, taken apart, and rebuilt one log at a time. Events at Hanna’s town are:  Spring and fall teas at the Steele house, exhibits in the education center (currently Penn’s Woods), Research library, gift shop, Independence Day celebration, Proctor’s Militia encampments, Court Days, Civil War Weekend (every other year), Fall Family Day, Three Centuries of Christmas, Holiday Family Day, and many special seminars and workshops.  It’s right in your OWN BACK YARD – so check it out!  www.westmorelandhistory.org. As you can see, I get pretty passionate about the site!

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TOMORROW January 21 is:

• National Hyaluronic Acid Day *
• National Granola Bar Day
• National Hugging Day
• Squirrel Appreciation Day

Tomorrow is also Autmn Rose’s 19th birthday. And if I get to see her I’ll definitely HUG her! And so will any squirrel that I see. Have a happy start-to-the-weekend. God bless…

Today was a warmer day with a bit of sunshine in the afternoon. Even though I was inside, the sun coming through the windows seemed to brighten up the day. I took my time getting the cleaning done, listening to CD’s for a while, then turning on the tv downstairs for background noise. I listened to an old Christmas TV special with Kacey Musgrave. It was a little off in left field, but she has a really unique and impressive singing voice.

Scrubbed the basement floor again – never ending! – but I have a person coming on Monday to give me another diagnosis. Still waiting on info from the first guy. Two of the people I contacted promised to set something up – before Christmas. Still waiting. We’ll see what happens on Monday.

I also turned a movie on, which I think I saw many years ago, but it was also unique. Crazy for Christmas. It was fun to see something different.

Other than taking the trash up and getting the mail I didn’t go outside except to shake the rugs. So now I’m going to finish this then make a salad.

January 19th – Tell about a favorite Uncle. “My favorite uncle (besides Uncle Edd) was Uncle Charlie Crooks on my dad’s side & Uncle Fred on my mother’s side. They taught me many things. Uncle Charlie told us stories & took us places. Uncle Fred was just fun & he took us places also. I was Uncle Fred & Aunt Betty’s maid of honor at their wedding.”

Calendar inspiration: Many of your happiest childhood memories were in your own backyard.  You still don’t have to go far to have fun.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Chicago. Kath guessed correctly. The photo posted was the skyline, the Willis Tower. Things to do in Chicago might be (but not limited to!) River & Sunset Cruises, Gangster & Ghost tours, River Architecture Helicopter skyline tour, underground donut tour, Lincoln Park indoor skydiving and Lincoln Park zoo, trickery magic show, biking, Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House, Medieval torture museum, scavenger hunt, tall ships cruise, fireworks.

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TOMORROW January 20th is:

• National Buttercrunch Day
• National Cheese Lover’s Day
• National Disc Jockey Day
• Get to Know Your Customers Day 

Tomorrow being Thursday I will hopefully go to work – need to get a few things done! Have a great day and God Bless…

Lather rinse repeat! I bundled up this morning and cleaned off the new snow in the driveway (that didn’t take long) and also finished the parking space at the top. A little sun during the day helped make it clear and dry. ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever’ — or until it snows again!

I invented a little shortcut for spreading salt – I put the very heavy bag of salt in my garden bucket. It has wheels and I can pull it up the driveway as I need it. Sure beats making a bunch of trips or lugging a heavy bag.

Also, I just discovered a Hallmark ‘Paul Campbell’ movie that I’ve never seen. I will try to watch it later, because he is my favorite!

After lunch I checked in with Nate, who – with Chrissy’s help – was shoveling the driveway at the new house while the furnace guy was working on the new space in the basement. Moving right along! Then I popped over to the store to pick up about 6 items, since I didn’t have to work today and couldn’t stop ‘on my way home.’ The Pinnacle guys were still working on clearing the lots, and they were ‘dicey’, as they put it! So I scrubbed the basement floor, did the ironing, and navigated a new program on my computer. I’m not good at that!

January 18, 2022 – Tell about a favorite Aunt – (Aunt Effie Burns and Aunt Blanch Hillberry). “Aunt Effie Burns was my favorite aunt on my dad’s side. Aunt Blanch was my favorite aunt on my mother’s side. I would stay at Aunt Effie’s and she taught me how to do things the ‘fancy’ way. Mom & Dad often called me ‘little Effie.’ Aunt Blanch was just a lot of fun & was generous with anything she had. I got nice things when a child because of her kindness.” I don’t remember Aunt Blanch but I do remember Aunt Effie a bit. She was eccentric, if I recall!

Calendar inspiration for today is: Plan ahead and be prepared for things to glide smoothly.

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Austria – and the photo posted was Vienna. Some things to do in Austria are: Winter sports, Bohemian forest, Christmas markets, concerts at Anne’s Church, Ice Caves & Waterfalls. You can also tour Salzburg and visit the sites where ‘The Sound of Music’ was filmed. But don’t hold your breath; I don’t think you will actually meet Maria!

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TOMORROW January 19 is:

• World Quark Day
• National Popcorn Day

I could do popcorn. Maybe I will. But being Wednesday, tomorrow will be cleaning day! Also, it will be somewhat warmer, so any precipitation should be rain! Have a safe and happy day – God Bless…